Random Thoughts

 

This was a cruise we had looked forward to for a long time.  Antarctica was on our “Bucket List” and this was the last Big Ship cruise that will be allowed in Antarctica.  Certainly we were disappointed that we could not get any farther than Elephant Island but we understood that it wasn’t safe to continue.

We had a great day in the Falklands and were very happy that we made it this time.  The Patrick Watts tour was exceptional.  Don’t know if I want to go off road again any time soon.

We enjoyed our tour to Hammer Island from Ushuaia and seeing the penguins.  Ushuaia is a beautiful little town and we enjoy just walking around.

Our tour in Puerto Madryn was a very pleasant surprise.  We all felt that if we could choose just one place to see the penguins it would be here.

Iguazu was amazing.  I am really very glad that we decided to add this.  I’ve seen Niagara Falls and there really isn’t any comparison.  Eleanor Roosevelt is reported to have said when she saw Iguazu Falls…”Poor Niagara”….I agree!!!!!

We definitely enjoyed being back on Celebrity.  We like Princess but would rather sail with Celebrity.  It just seems a little more upscale.  Unfortunately, Celebrity itineraries are just not as interesting to us as Princess itineraries.

We really enjoyed cruising again with Alexandra, Wilhelm and Ursula and hope it isn’t another 5 years before we see them again.  Of course, we continue to enjoy cruising with our friends, Rich and Delia.

The only real disappointment with this cruise was Esteban.  He did come through with everything.  the transfers, tours, hotel, etc. but he did not communicate with us.  We had stress at every point as to whether there would be some one waiting for us or were we on our own. 

Now it’s back to the real world………

Heading Home

Tuesday, March 1st

Up early this morning for Charlie to drag all the suitcases down to the office for our 8:30AM pick up.  This morning we have a short excursion booked to the precious and semi-precious stone Cia Minera Wanda (Mines of Wanda).  We had booked this just to kill some time before our flight but it really was quite interesting.

Our guide, Joe, spoke good English and explained the history of the mines and that all the mining is done by hand.  We were able to walk in to the mine and see the men at work.  This is not a job I would like!!!!!

    

Of course, there was a shop selling beautiful jewelry and since this IS my favorite stone…I just had to buy a few pieces of amethyst…thank you, Charlie!!!!

Then it was on to the airport for our flight back to Buenos Aires.  Our flight was one hour late leaving Iguazu but there was a driver waiting for us in Buenos Aires to take us to the International airport.

Guess that is about all…it’s been a wonderful trip but I will be happy to get home and see the “girls”….Itsy and Murphy here we come!!!!

Iguazu Falls

Monday, February 28th

We started our day with pick up at 9AM.  Daniel was our guide. We visited the Iguazu National Park (Argentina) which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.  Alexandra and her parents will tour the Brazilian side tomorrow.  As German citizens, they do not need visas to enter Brazil…as US citizens we would have needed a visa, therefore we passed on that.

 

We boarded the Rainforest Ecological train for a ride toward our first stop…….the Paseo Garganta del Diablo walkway that brought us directly over the falls of the Devil’s Throat.

     

As our guide said “Diablo was angry today”……The Falls were magnificent.  Apparently, because of heavy rains in Brazil, there is approximately 25% more water coming over the falls. 

          

Our next stop was at the Upper Falls…again words can not describe the beauty….       

Along the way we saw some wildlife.  The Coati Mundi is a strange little animal that has no fear of humans and likes to beg/steal food…

  

Delia was in search of butterflies……

We also saw some Plush Crested Jays…..

    

By this time, we were getting a little hungry, so it was time for a lunch break.  Then it was on to La Gran Adventura boat ride along the lower Iguazu River rapids right up to the base of the waterfalls. I knew before we went that we would get wet but I had no idea that we would look like drowned rats!!!!  I’m glad I did it but I do think once is enough!!!

I’m glad we did this last on the day…I can’t imagine walking around soaking wet….and we sure were soaking wet!!!!

Then it was back to LaCantera for dinner and early to bed after a very long, tiring, wonderful day!!!!

Disembarking Infinity/Flight to Iguazu/LaCantera

Sunday, February27th

Disembarking from the Infinity went smoothly.  Still had not heard from Esteban but some one was at the port to pick us up.  We dropped our German friends luggage at the Hilton and proceeded to the domestic airport where we planned to store our luggage until we returned to Buenos Aires.  Unfortunately, the storage facility had closed!!!!  This presented a SERIOUS problem as we would have had to take out a loan to pay for over weight luggage!!!!  The LAN staff was very understanding and did not charge us anything to take all our luggage with us.

The flight to Iguazu was uneventful and our driver was waiting for us to transfer to our hotel.

 

LaCantena is located in the jungle.  It is in a very beautiful setting

   

The rooms were very nice…..except our room had one VERY BIG problem….there was no door on the bathroom.  Now, I understand, togetherness is wonderful but a little privacy would be nice.

We decided to just relax and enjoy the pool.

We had dinner at 7:30M.  Charlie didn’t make it thru the first course…he went to bed!!!  We were all tired.  The dinner was OK (included in the rate) but service was very slow.

Tomorrow will be a big day with a full day excursion to Iguazu Falls.