%%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 31, This is going to be a long day so please be sure to have your luggage packed because it is being shipped to the airport by courier. We're off for our tour at 8:00am Most of you know my addiction is coffee. I couldn't go to South America without checking out a coffee plantation. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294074-d11451920-Colombian_... Savor the world-famous coffee of Colombia, and learn about how it’s grown and made, on this 6-hour day trip to an authentic coffee plantation outside Bogotá. Head to the town of Fusagasugá, site of the Hacienda Coloma Coffee Plantation, with your guide, where you’ll get a first-hand look at the coffee-making process, sample the latest roasts and learn about the history of coffee. Your coffee tour also includes roundtrip transportation from your Bogotá hotel, lunch and all entrance fees. Juan Valdez, eat your heart out. Caffeine lovers everywhere are sure to enjoy this insider visit to an authentic Colombian coffee plantation, offering the perfect opportunity to sample the local brews while learning about the drink’s origins and creation. Start your tour with pickup at your Bogotá at 8am, heading out for the 1.5-hour drive to the small town of Fusagasugá just southwest of the capital. Soon you arrive at the Hacienda, situated in a picturesque location among the verdant hills of the Colombian countryside. Take a tour of the Hacienda with your guide, who will provide details of the coffee-making process and the origins of this remarkable drink. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the coffee trees up close and sample of few varieties of the plantation’s own crop. At the end of your visit to the plantation, continue on to a nearby market square for lunch, where you can sample a number of exotic fruits, before returning to Bogotá for drop-off at your hotel. Juan Valdez, eat your heart out. Caffeine lovers everywhere are sure to enjoy this insider visit to an authentic Colombian coffee plantation, offering the perfect opportunity to sample the local brews while learning about the drink’s origins and creation. One final group tour in South America, and we spent it at a coffee plantation in Fusagasuga, Colombia. Yes, today, we explored the Hacienda Coloma Coffee Plantation . I like and drink this aromatic beverage, so this was a learning experience. I remember thinking my hubby would like to see the WWII -era Willy's jeeps used as everyday drivers by the "cafeteros". My first impression was that this property had lovely, lush gardens. After today's tour I have a new found respect for these farmers. Growing, harvesting, and packaging coffee is a hands-on business that requires craftsmanship and patience. It's a finite process from start to finish. Our guide explained that it takes about 1700 coffee cherries to create a one-pound, or 453 gram package of coffee. Whew! I picked some of those coffee "cherries", maybe a handful. I cannot fathom collecting 1700 of them. The post harvest process, or "beneficio" involves drying, roasting, and packing. Each step is precise. Years ago, Colombian coffee plantation owners banded together to maximize production of their product. They exercise strict quality control standards. There are differing stories as to coffee's origin in Colombia. Some believe it was brought to the area by a Jesuit priest in 1730. No matter who first cultivated it, coffee has become quite the export. My sample cup of fresh brew was divine. I gave high praise to the beneficent coffee gods. SIGH..... We all flew back to Miami 'cause our trip was at its end. My head is still swirling with so many memories. Apondia  , BlueMoon  , and Lyn's a Witchy Woman  thanks for the incomparable company! Despite all the dire travel advisories, we all survived unscathed. Until next August, I bid you adieu. |
| We'll be here today and the 31st. We have flights late on the 31st back to Miami https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294074-d301960-Reviews-Four_Seasons_Ho... We're going out in style this month. The Four Seasons Bogota is an outstanding hotel! Excellent staff that is very helpful, pleasant, and professional. The hotel rooms are luxurious with extremely comfortable beds and furniture. The food was delicious. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294074-d11451914-Bogota_Cit... We have the 8 hour option today. Discover the best of Bogotá’s tourist attractions, covering its most famous neighborhoods, museums and sights on this tour with optional 5-hour or 8-hour itineraries. Explore the cobblestoned streets of the La Candelaria neighborhood, see the city’s historic district and La Catedral Primera (Prime Cathedra), view gold artifacts at the famed Museo de Oro and take a cable car to the famous Mount Monserrate. Your trip also includes a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees and lunch. et a taste for the best the Colombian capital has to offer on this city tour that’s chock-full of history, culture and stunning sights. Whether you’re interested in colonial architecture, history, art or simply looking for great views, this tour is sure to delight. Your day begins with pickup at 8:30am from your Bogotá hotel and heads first to the atmospheric neighborhood of La Candelaria. This historic neighborhood, bursting with colorful facades, ornate ironwork and interesting buildings, is perfect for photographers and architecture-lovers. From there, proceed with your guide to the Plaza de Bolívar (Bolívar Plaza) to take in some of the city’s most famous historic structures surrounding the square, including La Catedral Primera and the Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol). Then head over to the Museo de Botero, where you’ll see 100+ pieces of artwork by Colombian artist Francisco Botero, along with paintings from numerous other artists from around the world. Depending on whether you’ve selected the 5-hour or 8-hour tour option, your day will also include the following: 5-hour tour:In addition to all of the sights mentioned above, this tour will make a stop at Bogotá’s incredible Museo de Oro, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Pre-Columbian gold objects. Finish your tour with a visit by cable car to the sky-high environs of Mount Monserrate, a peaceful religious pilgrimage site set in the mountains above Bogotá. Take in breathtaking views and grab a few photos before heading down the mountain for a drop-off back at your hotel. Dinner and dancing at the hotel. There are 2 restaurants on site and a fun bar with music. Let's practice our latin dancing. 8-hour tour:Experience the best of Bogotá’s attractions on this 8-hour sightseeing trip, which includes all of the visits in the 5-hour option above plus an authentic Colombian lunch, a look at Quinta de Bolívar (home of the famous Simon Bolívar) and stops in additional city neighborhoods. Proceed the northern edge of the city to see the capital’s financial district, along with the Parque 93 area and its slick International Center. Finish your Bogotá exploration with a stop in the neighborhood of Usaqén, another colonial gem that is now populated by countless bars and restaurants. Conclude your tour with drop-off back at your Bogotá hotel. Today, we flew into Bogota, Colombia. During our flight, I brushed up on all things Bogota. It is the capital and largest city of this country. Colonized by the Spanish, this city is the third highest in South America at 8, 660 feet above sea level. Back in 2007, UNESCO named Bogota a World Book capital in recognition of its efforts to promote books and reading. This is the first Latin American nation to receive this honour. This and the city of Montreal, the other city with a similar title, appeal to me. I am an avid reader. We quickly checked into our accommodation, Four Seasons Hotel. It was just a quick glance, but I sensed it was a chic hotel with contemporary flair. I anticipate some fun there later this evening. We set out with a guide to explore this city of contrasts, the old and the new . The old city maintains a cobblestone street. Throngs of people crowd absolutely everywhere. We visited the Candelaria neighbourhood. At the Plaza de Bolivar, the pigeons are friendly, and plentiful. La Cathedral Primera is immense and castle-like. It apparently took about sixteen years to complete. The Museo Botero houses wonderful artwork. According to our informative guide, a Colombian artist, Fernanado Botero, donated the exhibits. One of his sculptures, a giant hand, greets visitors at the entrance. There was a great deal that glittered at the Museo del Oro. Gold gleamed and sparkled. Interestingly, the pre-Colombians often used a metal alloy known as "tumbaga" for their precious, mostly religious objects. This alloy is a combination of gold and copper. What a highlight it was to jump in a glass-walled cable car and ascend Mount Monserrate The scenery was spectacular.. Ah, the hotel restaurant, Nemo was a perfect sequel to a glorious day. I sipped and savoured some excellent Colombian coffee. I nattered with other enthusiastic tourists. I endeavoured to dance a wee bit. Latin music cannot be ignored. |
| Two countries left, do you have it in you? August 29 Rise and shine ladies we have an early flight to Quito, Ecuador https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294308-d2512354-Reviews-La_Casona_de_l... Guess what ladies and gents, we’re going on a tour and then to a cooking school together. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294308-d11450811-Quito_Culi... How about some nightlife, time to shake those booties again. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g6589668-d10792134-Reviews-El_Tast... It's Day 29 of our whirlwind South American tour. We jetted into Quito, Ecuador. This is yet another country colonized by the Spanish. Ecuador is Spanish for equator, and this hints at this nation's proximity to the middle of the earth. Yep, Quito is the closest capital city to the equator as well. My handy guide book claims that Ecuador is known for its textiles, metals, and agriculture. Coffee, sugar, cocao, rice, bananas and palm oil are exported.. Enroute to our hotel, La Casena de la Ronda, I noticed huge peaks that were revealed to be snow-capped volcanoes. We are still high in the Andes. Our afternoon tour was a most interesting and hands-on one. Our guide accompanied us on a culinary and gourmet walking tour of the city. Translated this means that we sauntered and sampled food. We met chefs and artisan bakers busy in their respective environments. Everything sure smelled tantalizing! We even tried our hands at creating empanadas at a chef's home. Yes, we got our hands dirty in the best way possible. This evening, we hung out at a local bar, El Tasting Room. Mainly, we tasted beer, or as the locals say, cerveza.. We toasted our fantastic travels. |
DAY 28 August 28th August 28. We’re taking a bus to Lima. I hope you enjoy the scenery it’s supposed to be beautiful. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294316-d304504-Reviews-Sheraton_Lima_H... We’re taking in a museum this afternoon. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294316-d311651-Reviews-Museo_Larc... The restaurant seems to have mixed reviews, I hope we don’t have issues. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294316-d2314184-Reviews-Maras_Res... . What a pleasure to put me feet up, and just relax as someone else did the driving today. I am temporarily hiked out. Travelling by bus permitted me to chat, and swoon at the spectacular scenery at the same time. Although it might have been somewhat more authentic to travel via llama, I did not argue. Clutching the scrawny neck of a temperamental llama, and bumping along probably would not have been comfortable. The bus rumbled and back-fired occasionally, but this was preferable to an animal that expresses itself by spitting. Lyn's a Witchy Woman has quite the knack for choosing wonderful hotels. We are staying in Lima, Peru at the Sheraton Lima, a 4.5 star establishment. Our tour de jour, occurred at the Museo Larco. The garden welcomed us with its bountiful colours. Never have I seen such differently shaped cacti .Each one was like a unique sculpture. Wow, the interior of this museum housed a plethora of Incan artifacts. Pottery was displayed everywhere. Some of it was definitely erotic, and portrayed a fascination with sexuality. Many pieces depicted lifelike faces. Other pottery seemed to be whimsical. It featured different animals. Displays of gold gleamed. As in many cultures, it seemed to be used for jewellery, or adornment. There were many large, stone sculptures Tonight's meal was served at Mara's.Restaurante. I chose to sample the ten-course tasting menu, and I was pleasantly sated. After supper, I returned to our hotel for a leisurely swim. I could learn to really appreciate this luxury. |
| August 27, We’re spending more time exploring ruins, we’re definitely getting out exercise before leaving Cusco. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294314-d6825394-Reviews-Peru_Inka... dinner is at our hotel, You can join everyone in the restaurant or have room service. We are most definitely getting our exercise. I imagine the ancient Incas had incredibly toned, muscular legs. How could they not? Living and thriving on a mountainside, they obviously had to climb and hike. Today, we explored Cusco another Incan site. This one is considered the Historical Capital of Peru and designated a World Heritage Site. Historians also believe that Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire. It's situated in a strategic spot atop a mountain. Nowadays, it appears to be verdant. Each stone-walled level built into the side of the slope seems to have once been a garden plot. What a clever way to be agrarian. The granite blocks are immense and precisely fitted together. This is a testimonial to the original builders. The Inca were an ambitious people not afraid of manual labour. I huffed and puffed as I explored. Pausing to catch my breath, I soaked up the amazing scenery. There is something mystical about an endless blue sky, majestic mountains standing as sentinels, and all-encompassing mist. The ever-present llamas provided comic relief. They mingled amongst us awe-struck tourists, and actually posed for photos. Their toothy grins proved they are not in the least camera-shy. |
| August 26, Yup I’m spending my 61st birthday withyou in an airport waiting for the weather to clear so we can fly. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294318-d309716-Reviews-Belmond_Sanctua... Yes, we’re going to a Sanctuary Yes, it is very expensive but early in the morning we get to go directly to the Citadel. Plus the hotel treats you really well. They arranged the bus back down for us and made sure our suitcase was taken care of on both sides of the trip. It's a once in a lifetime experience so why not splurge if you can. Also, the meals and grounds (gardens) were wonderful and the pisco lesson was an excellent time. One other bonus -- we were able to hike Huayana Picchu (the 7am entrance) come back, shower and breakfast. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294318-d668949-Reviews-Machu_Picc... dinner is at our hotel, You can join everyone in the restaurant or have room service. Me, I'm going to have a piece of cake and a cup of coffee. Another flight, but this time we flew to Peru. We met a crowd of waiting fellow tourists from several countries such as Germany, Hungary, and the States. We were all queued to catch a bus to Machu Picchu. Time passed agreeably as we chatted and shared travel tales. Oh, wow, the long wait for the packed bus was worth it. Machu Picchu was beyond breathtaking as it appeared before me in the morning mist. It was magical. The beautiful sunrise illuminated the carved stones/rocks. It appears to be an entire community created from stone and erected onto a mountaintop One set of peaks seemed to be embracing, or sheltering this ancient village. The remnants of buildings clung to the hillside in tiers, or steps. This is believed to be a former Inca settlement. They lived at one time perched high on a mountain, looking down onto a valley and river. Defensively, it was a perfect site. No one could sneak up on them and surprise them. I hiked and climbed, filling my eyes with one of a kind vistas. Llamas wandered amongst us tourists, and they seemed to pose for photos quite willingly. We regrouped at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge our new hotel with luxuriant gardens. I for one was famished and more than ready for a hearty meal. I opted to dine in the restaurant where I could enjoy the efforts of musicians. I requested that they play 'Happy Birthday' for Lyn's a Witchy Woman . There's nothing like a roomful of well wishers toasting your continued good health. We did manage to find some cake to consume, too. We shared some laughs as we attempted to create the local cocktail, the pisco sour. Huh, I now know there is a liquor with the name pisco. I liked the addition of lime to it, but what was with the egg whites? There is no accounting for taste! |
size:4}August 25 Rise and Shine Buttercups, we’re going to the Andes dress comfortably https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294072-d11764741-Tiwanaku_F... August 25 Rise and Shine Buttercups, we’re going to the Andes dress comfortably and bring warm clothes. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294072-d11764741-Tiwanaku_F... Tiwanaku is a ceremonial center constructed about 1,000 years ago. Not much is known about the pre-inca civilization but Tiwanaku is the greatest archeological pre- inca site in all South America and if you want to learn more about this culture, this is definitely the place to go. See the treasures in the museums in form of gold, ceramic and silver pieces and experience the mystic of the monoliths and volcanic stone- structures in the architectural site. The duration of this is approximately 8-hour starting at 8:30am with a pick up from your hotel and returning you back at 4pm. Once we pick you up, we'll drive for 2-hour approx. Our first stop will be a visit tot he Museums, then the Temple of Kalasasaya, the Gateway of the Sun and finally Akapana Pyramids and Monoliths. Please note that the weather in La Paz is very unpredictable, therefore we recommend you to prepare for a sunny day as well as a cold one. Bring sunscreen and warm clothes. • U.S and Canadian Citizens: Must bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (U.S birth certificate or naturalization certificate) or a passport for re-entry to the United States. Children, ages 18 and under only require a birth certificate. Non-U.S. Citizens: Either a Passport, I-94, Multiple Entry Visa or Resident Alien Card is required for re-entry to the United States • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund Another early morning jaunt/drive. This time, we explored Bolivia's National Treasure, its ceremonial center, Tiwanaku. This is a pre-Inca site of volcanic-stone structures. To see such large man-made monoliths is awe inspiring. How were these erected? How were the rocks and stone cut, carried, and fitted together? I strolled and wondered. Perhaps I shivered a bit, too. It was a wee bit chilly despite my exertion of hiking. The temple of Kalasasaya is an immense courtyard built in the open. It's known as Stopped Stones. "Kala" means stone, and "saya" means standing up. This is a direct description. The Gateway to the Sun is also here. Somehow, its heavy stones are still balanced. The Akapana is a manmade earthen mound with a staircase of sculptures. It's faced with large and small stone blocks. Again, there are impressive gateways. I am no architect, or stone mason, but these ruins were incredible. I never imagined I'd be walking on such a site. The Andes are breathtaking and magical. REPLY TO THIS EMAIL |
| August 24 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294072-d10623167-Reviews-Atix_Hotel-La... Lunch at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294072-d11924875-Reviews-Berlusca... and then we’re going to an art museum, we haven’t been to one in a while remember no wandering off, it’s dangerous. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294072-d318835-Reviews-National_M... Bar life is limited but I did find a Hard Rock Café https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294072-d4079348-Reviews-Hard_Rock... Day 24 finds us in La Paz, Bolivia. This capital city was once known as Nuestra Senora de la Paz in Spanish, or Our Lady of Peace. Apparently, it is the highest capital city in the world with an elevation of about 11,975 feet above sea level. Overlooking this area is Illimani, the guardian of La Paz, a towering, snow-capped, triple peak. This is also home to both the longest and highest urban cable car network. Lyn's a Witchy Woman has booked us into another fantastic hotel, she does have a knack. This one is the Alix Hotel with a 4.5 star rating. I only have time to notice lovely artwork and framed photos on the walls before we are whisked away to lunch. This is my favourite kind of meal and I cannot object. Berlusca specializes in Italian food, and I order the soup, pasta, and dessert meal. Any type, will be delicious. I like all soups and pastas. We relax in the courtyard and sip wine. Sated and needing some exercise to burn calories, we perused the Museo Nacional de Arte. This edifice features carved stone columns and an alabaster fountain. There certainly was plenty of cultural, historical, and religious artwork to view. Out and about I noticed a rather odd and unique thing. I swear I saw zebras at busy intersections! The "cebritas' are young people dressed in zebra costumes who are paid to educate pedestrians and drivers, plus assist school children, the elderly, and the disabled to cross the bustling streets of La Paz. It's a very popular incentive. It was created to deal with the nonstop vehicular traffic. Even turistas can apply to be a zebra for a day and experience this public works initiative. They have no policing authority, but they are highly visible. In 2016, this zebra idea won the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation. If I was A la Paz driver, I think I would pay attention to a black and white striped creature directing traffic. Supper was spent at the Hard Rock Café. It appears to be a tourist hangout. I couldn't wait to return to the Alix for a swim in the magnificent rooftop pool with its 360-degree views of the Andes mountains through its floor to ceiling glass walls.I was floating on top of the world surrounded by breathtaking scenery. |
| Aug. 23---We have a very early day in the morning we’re flying to Santiago, Chile It’s a six-hour flight so when we arrive at the hotel. Yup I got a sweet deal at a 5 star hotel. You can have room service or in the restaurant, it’s up to you but the view is amazing. http://www.sancristobaltowersantiago.com/?EM=M8_TRIP_BL_WEBSITE_LC_206_LAD_ENG&a... Breakfast needs to be done by 9am we leave at 9:30 prompt-- Grab your sneakers and comfy clothes we’re going bike riding https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294305-d11472608-Santiago_B... we’re going out for dinner, it’s supposed to be the place to go in the old city https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294305-d3843350-Reviews-Peumayen_... Sweet dreams we have early flight to La Paz This virtual travel is amazing, no jet lag despite a six-hour flight. Today, we landed in Santiago the dramatic capital city of Chile. Oh my, Lyn's a Witchy Woman booked us at a fantastic 5-star hotel, The Cristobal Tower. It is so modern, bright, and airy. Again, I am awed by the one-of-a-kind views of the snow-capped Andes. The luxuries offered here are unbelievable; a butler, a massage, indoor and outdoor pools. Why, yes, if I wanted to further the decadence, I could've ordered room service, but I prefer to people watch during my meals. During breakfast, I was not disappointed. Lingering was not an option this glorious morning. Our group was slated to join a guided bike tour of this metropolis. I made sure to tie my sneakers good and tight. I have unpleasant memories of laces entangling themselves in bicycle wheels and pedals. My aerobic exercise would be expelled in balancing, steering, and pedalling. I listened to the guide's practised patter with one ear as I concentrated on wrangling my wheeled conveyance. It would be more than accurate to describe my bike style as wobbly. Wow! Santiago is a beautiful bustling urban center. The different parks we visited are gorgeous. I especially enjoyed Bicentennial Park. It is designed with everyone in mind. Yes, it does have the expected paths, groomed gardens, lush trees, and benches. It's uniqueness lies in its sculptures. They are everywhere, and feature a variety of subjects. One striking piece of art is a metal archway supporting a sequence of bicycle riders holding what seems to be telescopes. Another represents two dancers. The male is holding his female partner aloft overhead. One is simply a crude pair of legs. A splash pad for kids features manmade "rocks" of varying dimensions that squirt water. Many of the pay structures for children are pleasing to the eye. There were even two artificial lagoons, home to birds such as swans. It was a great place to be a "turista'. meandering to Parque Balmaceda, we discovered more healthy green trees, bike paths, fountains and street performers. How do people wrap/cocoon themselves in long swaths of drapery-like material and then create acts of strength and beauty? Throughout vibrant Santiago, I noticed street art and building murals. All are so colourful. This is not graffiti with someone's name. Huh, the Costanera Center is very much like a shopping mall anywhere in Canada. I recognized many of the business names. Whew, yes, Sky Costanera is a tall building. There is a similar one in Toronto known as the CN Tower. The mountain scenery is special though. Supper was served at Peumayen Ancestral Food, a restaurant that specializes in traditional Chilean food. Uh, er, I passed on sampling horse meat although it was served with a flair, sizzling on a hot skillet. I still can picture the steeds I recently rode. Um, I also said no to the lamb tongue. I don't like the taste of lamb/mutton. I have tried cow's tongue, and it's delicious. The bread basket heaped with nine types of Chilean breads was tasty. Even here in Santiago, people find so many ways to cook the humble potato. Back at the luxury hotel, I soaked and splashed in the heated indoor pool. It was heavenly! |
| Dress for work we're going to get dirty. I volunteered our services to help with the branding. Aug. 21 ---Day 2: Puerto Natales -- Balmaceda and Serrano -- Puerto Natales (B, L)After breakfast at your hotel, a full-day trip starts with an early morning cruise from Puerto Natales to Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The three-hour cruise takes you through stunning Patagonian scenery to the 1,000-year-old Balmaceda glacier, home to cormorants and sea lions. At the head of the fjord, disembark to take a short 80-minute walk through a forest to the foot of the Serrano Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and walls of ice. Stop for a late lunch at Estancia Perales, a traditional cattle ranch, on the return trip to Puerto Natales, where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your own. Accommodation: your same hotel I felt somewhat like an exploring Viking this morning as I boarded our ship the Agunsa Orca bundled in warm clothing. Huh, it's summertime back home, and I'd be wearing shorts and flip flops not a toque, mitts, and warm woollies. Yeah, yeah there was no fur just the wonderful, bright Chilean ponchos. Apondia , BlueMoon , and I unashamedly flaunted our new tourist gear. Our theory was that we couldn't possibly be lost with all our hiking if we wore colours that would jibe with the white of a glacier. We cruised from Puerto Natales to Ultima Esperanza Fjord. To the Spanish, this is Last Hope Sound, or Inlet of Last Hope.Oh, the scenery and the temperatures were breathtaking. This inlet is a tidal basin in which waters drain. We saw streams that cut a swath through green forest and tumble over cliffs in fine cascades. The water of this sound is a lovely shade of green. All around us was intense blue sky, towering rock, and blue/green water. The Balmaceda Glacier is an immense spire of snow and ice. Every surface seems to be covered with cormorants and sea lions. We huffed and puffed our way through a forest to the serrano Glacier. It's a hanging glacier. Despite the sun, it was cold and brisk. people were actually brave enough to venture forth in kayaks. Pieces of floating ice reminded me of a giant slushie. We wondered at ice caves. After our hike, we returned to the boat where the staff offered us bracing glasses of whiskey served over ice originating from the glaciers. Our leisurely cruise ended at Estancia Perales. What was Lyn's a Witchy Woman thinking volunteering us as ranch hands? Branding animals? I don't even have a tattoo. All I could think of was the Billy Crystal movie, 'City Slickers.' We were world travellers bumbling around a working ranch. We were at best, guests of a dude ranch. The cattle seemed to recognize my hesitation. More than once, my toes were trampled. Unlike, Billy's character, I did not adopt a calf and name it Norman. Yes, we ended up filthy, and I for one have a new-found respect for these cow hands. I was pleasantly exhausted after today's adventures. I mustered enough energy to limp to a café for some much-needed coffee, and people-watching. |
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Happy June! May was so fun!