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 |    My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
| August 14th We have a 5:30 am flight and our first tour is at 8:15am https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294323-d571816-Reviews-Four_Points_By_... This hotel is very basic nothing special to write home about and the coffee I hear sucks but the location is perfect for our daily adventures. Got your walking shoes on… https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294323-d11452292-Day_Trip_t... Escape bustling Montevideo for the colonial charm and tranquility of Colonia del Sacramento, situated on the banks of the RÃo de la Plata. On this day trip a knowledgeable guide accompanies you along the cobblestone streets of the Barrio Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll meander on foot past historical landmarks like the lighthouse and former bullfighting arena — Real de San Carlos — as well as Colonia’s downtown, port and Fernando's Beach. Discover the colonial beauty of the coastal city of Colonia del Sacramento, located across from Buenos Aires along the RÃo de La Plata. Following hotel pickup, meet your guide aboard the coach and relax during the approximate 2.5-hour drive west from Montevideo. Upon arrival, follow your guide on foot through Colonia’s narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the city's well-preserved colonial architecture — a mix of Portuguese and Spanish influences. Learn about this UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic district — Barrio Histórico — founded by the Portuguese in the late 17th century. Later disputed over by the Spanish, it was incorporated into Brazil in the early 1800s before becoming part of Uruguay. Visit the former bullfighting arena, Real de San Carlos, which once held up to 10,000 spectators, and view the 19th-century Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, built atop the ruins of the San Francisco Covenant. Your guide accompanies you to downtown Colonia and the Uruguay port. Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) in this shopping and dining district before finishing tour Colonia tour at Fernando's Beach, which boasts splendid water views. Complete your day trip with the return drive to Montevideo and drop-off at your hotel. Enjoy some quiet time around the pool or curl up with a book. Dinner is at the hotel whenever you’re hungry. Day 14 already? Where has the time gone? This whirlwind wandering is a constant wonderment! Whew, we were up and jetting through the sky at an extremely early hour this morning. No one is capable of ignoring 'Taps' blaring up and down the hotel corridors. It is loud, and effective Lyn's a Witchy Woman  ! No, I didn't quite feel like saluting, but I hustled. My suitcase barely bounced on my bed before I was whisked away on another walking tour. Actually, my legs appreciated the ramble through the narrow cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Once again, I noticed the influence of the Portuguese and the Spanish in the architecture. This area has an old world charm, and I understand it's a UNESCO World heritage site. We viewed the Real de San Carlos, a former bullfighting arena. I could almost hear the jubilant cries of "ole". The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse is difficult to ignore. We finished our guided tour at Fernando's Beach where I scrunched my toes in the warm sand. Supper back at the hotel was superb. I didn't linger too long. I was eager to explore Montevideo, this capital city of Uruguay... The waterside roadway, The Rambla is beautiful at night with thousands of sparkling lights reflecting on the water. The sunset was breathtaking. I sauntered slowly soaking up the carefree ambiance. I couldn't resist sampling a decadent dessert at a sidewalk café. Dulce de leche is a creamy caramel, and delicious. |
| August 13th Rise and shine we’ve got a road trip, you can snooze on the way if you need after last night. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g312741-d12577381-Full_Day_T... Overview Book a Full Day Tour to Mundo Marino and discover one of the most important entertainment complexes in Argentina, First Theme Park installed in the country and also the largest Oceanarium in South America. Located in San Clemente del Tuyú, Partido de la Costa, Mundo Marino hosts wonders of nature and skills performed by dolphins, sea lions and orca, as much as penguins, birds and fishes, all located in areas that recreate their natural habitat. Read More What to Expect Early in the morning, meet up with your guide in downtown Buenos Aires, and hop on a comfortable coach to head towards Mundo Marino. Travel through provincial routes and finally, around 03:30 hours later, arrive to Mundo Marino. There, let your guide will take you inside the park for you to explore the sea world, where many attractions are available: - Sea Refuge : An Orca and Dolphins performance where caregivers will show us the world of cetaceans and the work of the Mundo Marino Foundation. - The Sea Lions Island : A performance of Sea lions along with sea elephants, trying to save the island from an evil business woman who wants to build a hotel complex in their habitat. - Penguins shelter: A breeding Penguin Colony inside a recreation of their natural habitat. - Sea lions bay: In this representation of natural their environment, between rocks and waterfalls, we can feed and watch sea lions. - Submarine encounter: Enjoy a cetaceans watching through a panoramic window of a sink of a diameter of 30 meters. This pool hosts dolphin pups born each year in Mundo Marino. - Terrestrial Safari: guided expedition into the wild natural world to discover how animals, plants and the environment are related to conform a rustic habitat. - Paradise Lake: magical lake and waterfall hosting colorful birds, flamingos, fish and flowers. Different kind of food service are available within the park, as long as a photography and video service and shopping center, After hours of fun and animal discovery, meet again with your guide to get on the bus and return to Buenos Aires by the same route. We will arrive in the early evening at the same starting point. The evening is yours to rest up, reorganize your gear because we’re off again in the morning to Uruguay. The capital, Montevideo, revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. It leads to Ciudad Vieja (Old City), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and Mercado del Puerto, an old port market with many steakhouses. La Rambla, a waterfront promenade, passes fish stalls, piers, and parks. Lingering in Argentina...Yeehaw! today, we experienced a different kind of tour. We spent the entire time either travelling to our destination, or exploring the destination. How inventive of the Argentinians to create an entertainment complex based upon an oceanarium, a sea world. Mundo Marino is impressive. My eyes were afraid to blink and miss something. At the Refugio del Mar, I was in awe of the playful dolphins, and the intense orca. I laughed at the antics of the sea lions and elephant seals at Sea Lions' Island. I marvelled at the pinguinos, or penguins as they waddled/toddled along. Lago Paraiso also known as Paradise Lake was a magical. exotic place with a waterfall, birds, and flowers. It was a splash of vibrant colours. My camera feasted well on this safari. Back at our hotel, we compared photos. Digital cameras are wonderful. No more waiting to develop pictures after we return home. |
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Happy June! May was so fun!