%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |    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 17, 2017 Rise and Shine… we’re going by 4 wheel drive to our day’s excursion. We’ll be dining back at the house. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=5640P50&d=203794... Delight in the playful antics of King Penguins during a half-day tour to Volunteer Point from Stanley in the Falkland Islands. With a professional guide, get acquainted with a variety of penguin species and listen to illuminating commentary as you see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Scour the sandy beach for lurking sea lions; ride in a powerful 4x4 jeep; and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of this small-group tour, limited to four people. The tour usually runs for 6 to 6.5-hours. This time includes two hours of travel in each direction.Plenty of time for yakking! The first hour of your journey travels from the pier where you came ashore to the privately owned Johnson’s Harbour farm of which Volunteer Point is a part of on gravel roads. All of our 4x4 Land Rovers drivers, who will be your guides during the journey, are extremely experienced at off-road driving. During the journey, your driver will answer any questions that you may have and tell you about sites and features on the way. Upon arriving at Volunteer Point, your driver will advise you of any areas you can't walk in. He will tell you your departure time and provide you with your packed lunch. You are then free to wander and photograph the amazing wildlife this location has to offer. You are asked to remain 6 meters away from all wildlife at all times to avoid causing disturbances. There are wardens in high visibility clothing positioned around the sand beach that can answer any questions that you may have at the time. The penguins can be particularly curious by nature and will often approach you if you sit quietly observing them. The area of Volunteer Point itself is fairly flat and easy to walk. The car park is very close to the penguins too. Upon our return to Stanley, your driver will, if time permits, give you a short tour of the town by pointing out the highlights before dropping you off at the pier where we met you in the morning, or alternatively at a location you have chosen. Museums, gift shops, and pubs are all very close and within easy walking distance of the pier. My weary bones were well rested before I embarked upon today's excursion. They felt as if they were being painfully wrenched from my protesting body as I perched precariously in a 4x4 Jeep that bounced and struck every conceivable obstacle. Yep, we went off-roading. That rickety piece of metal took us cross country on some rough terrain. As I was jostled and jarred, I attempted to carry on a conversation with my fellow travellers. They had to listen to a great deal of moaning, gasping, and unfortunate, spontaneous expletives.... sorry. Some of this emanated from the cheerful driver. That kamikaze pilot kept up a non-stop patter. Did he even take time to breathe? He apologized for the lack of maintained roads as he pointed out local sights. When my eye lids weren't being involuntarily squeezed shut, I did admire the breathtaking scenery. Finally, our chariot bucked to a stop at our destination, The Volunteer Point. I scrambled out to partake of a quick orientation, and I was off on my wobbly legs to explore. My eyes marvelled at penguins galore. I maintained enough composure to resist touching them, I respected their privacy. I suspect they have tourists ogling them all the time. I did snap some pics though. The sea lions I observed lolling and basking in the sun seemed to ignore my nearby presence. They must conserve their energy and move only if it is absolutely necessary. I had to laugh at the name of a native plant, scurvy grass. A beautiful flower with white petals and a purple stripe is known as the Pale Maiden. Birds are everywhere, landing, taking off, squabbling. The albatross swooped and soared. Another bird , the Southern Giant Petrel , was known as the stinker. This was an enjoyable day and it ended with a scrumptious meal back at Darwin House. |
| August 16th We’re taking a flight from Buenos Aires to Rio Gallegos and having a brief layover before we hop onto our next flight to the Falkland Islands. Lunch at the airport sucks I know but given the scheduling, it couldn’t be avoided. At 6:00 pm we arrive at the Falkland Islands Darwin House Darwin, East Falkland F1QQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294271-d795400-Reviews-Darwin_House-Ea... The good news is we’re the only guests, we have the house to ourselves other than the staff. Enjoy your evening, catch up on some rest. Laundry etc. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. Whoo, I feel like a jet-setter, hopping on and off planes to travel far and wide. Packing and lugging a suitcase is becoming second nature. Now, I breeze through airport security with a seasoned flair. I have places to go, and things to see. Huh, today was atypical. There was no hurrying and scurrying to meet and attend a tour of some sort. We flew into the Falkland Islands, and then were whisked away to our accommodations. Darwin House. What a lovely lodge set against the glorious back drop of water. Hmm, we were the only guests.... The friendly staff welcomed us with a fortifying cuppa of tea. I didn't realize I missed my daily tea, and it went down so comfortingly. The few cookies I managed to scarf also reminded me of home. I spent a lazy, languid day in this haven. It was a most relaxing respite. I strolled a bit. I read a little. I composed letters and post cards. I chatted with my travelling companions. Wow! I was fortunate to witness a spectacular sunset. The entire night sky was aflame with pinks, oranges, and reds. This is the life. |
| August 15th Good Morning https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294323-d11452291-Montevideo... Get an introduction to Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, on a 3-hour city sightseeing tour — perfect for those short on time. Travel by coach with your knowledgeable guide, and step off the bus to view prominent landmarks around Independence Plaza and other city hot spots. See Parliament Palace; venture into the residential barrios of Carrasco, Punta Gorda and Pocitos; and stroll along the coastal avenue, Rambla of Montevideo. Round-trip hotel transport included. Get acquainted with Montevideo’s architectural landmarks, neighborhoods and coastal views on this insightful 3-hour guided tour of the capital. Board your coach upon hotel pickup for the drive to Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia), which divides Montevideo’s Old Town and downtown. Your guide points out the monument to José Artigas, Uruguay's great military leader and national hero, and leads you on a walk around the plaza. Admire the Italian Gothic–style architecture of the Palacio Salvo (Palacio Legislativo), whose 26 stories once made it South America tallest building. View Puerta de la Ciudadela, one of the few remaining parts of the city wall that once surrounded colonial Montevideo. Back aboard the bus, head to the barrio of El Prado, home to three soccer stadiums and Prado Park. Listen to your guide’s commentary as your city tour continues to elegant Carrasco, Punta Gorda and Pocitos, traveling along La Rambla de Montevideo. Get out to stroll a section of this beachside promenade where you can browse local shops and enjoy lovely coastal views from Punta Gorda before the return drive to your hotel. A quiet afternoon at the hotel before our late night https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294323-d11452294-Montevideo... Highlights Uruguayan dinner and tango show in Montevideo Watch some of South America's best tango dancers perform on stage Try traditional Uruguayan food, such as barbequed meat, during dinner See dancers perform milonga and candombe – both traditional Uruguayan dances Enjoy a night of extraordinary entertainment in Montevideo at a traditional tango dinner show. After making your way to the tango hall, you're greeted by professional waitstaff who lead you to your table, located near the stage for optimal viewing while you dine. During the performance, see exceptional dancers and live musicians perform tango and other types of folkloric dances of Uruguay. Be mesmerized by the milonga, a style of dance related to tango, and marvel at candombe — a complex dance descended from African slaves in South America. You’re served a variety of authentic Uruguayan dishes for dinner, including barbecued meat, accompanied by wine, soda or juice. Top off you meal and evening entertainment with delicious flan and dulce de leche (creamy caramel)! I thoroughly enjoyed touring bustling Montevideo with such a justifiably proud guide. She made her city come alive. All five of my senses were treated to the fantastic spectacle at the Montevideo Dinner and Tango show this evening. We were seated next to the action stage-side. The dancers are so vital and talented. Their dancing is smooth and sensual. How do the young women manage to step and twirl in their high heels? Their balance and grace is herculean. They all move with such confidence. I envy them. Though seated, my toes tapped and my hips swayed to the enticing musica. It is seductive and irresistible. I have always believed the tango to be dramatic. The milonga and candombe showed their African influences with more free-flowing movements. My eyes and ears feasted on this dance spectacle. Oh, the meal appealed to my taste buds and palate. Dessert of dulce de leche satisfied my sweet tooth without fortifying my hips. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
Happy June! May was so fun!
