Africa

I shall shortly be leaving on a cruise around Africa on board Saga Ruby, my preferred mode of transport in January. That being so I am testing to check that I have remembered how to blog.

Short hol August

2-8-08. I have booked a four day holiday on board Saga Rose to France and Guernsey. This is so that I can have a good look around as I am thinking of going on the Round The World cruise on Saga Rose in January 2010. Also I feel like being pampered if only for four days. Roll on the end of August.

At home.

I am begining to feel that it is time to get back to sea. I have a trip around Africa booked but it is not until next January so I must be patient.

44° 59.333 N 12° 15.673 W 4pm Wed 26th

Wed 26-3 .Nearly home .It has been raining ,the skies are grey ,the sea is slightly angry and I can not get all my things in my cases . A good thing ,I can walk around or stagger without my walking stick so I guess that I have got my sea legs .It will have been very good for me as I was a bit unsteady even on dry land before I came onboard . My two scrapbooks weigh a ton but I am very pleased with them . I shall enjoy looking through them from time to time and it will be much easier than finding p.cs and leaflets as I have to do re. other hols. Tonight is a Formal Dinner preceded by a Captains Farewell Cocktail Party so it will be 'Bottoms up ' . Well dear readers , this is the final blog of my wonderful holiday ,I hope that it has interested you , told you a few facts about far away places that you have not yourselves visited and at times made you smile .I will leave you with a little passage from D.H. Lawrence . To tell the truth there is something in the long , slow , lift of the ship and her long slow slide forward which makes my heart beat with joy . It is the motion of freedom . To feel her come up-- then slide forward , with the sound of the smashing of waters , is like the magic gallop of the sky , the magic gallop of elemental space . That long slow waveringly rythmic rise and fall of the ship , oh God , what a joy it is to the wild innermost soul . One is free at last -- and lilting in a slow flight of the elements , winging outwards . XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

37° 44.175 N 25° 39.547 W BHM 1pm.

Monday , my last port of call before Southampton .Azores , Ponta Delgada is the port .It is quite a nice island a bit chilly at the moment but apparently the humidity in July and Aug can reach 100% .That is frightening ,for me anyway . We went to see two lakes in a volcanic crater one supposed to be blue and one green .They were both blue so I do not know if the other one ever looks green , The guide said that they are trying to encourage tourism as they do not have anything to export . Apparently they are in the European Union and have received a huge ammount from Brussels to develop townships etc. We went to see a pineapple plantation which went out of business because it was not profitable .The guide said that it is kept going purely for tourist purposes which makes me wonder about the ' green ' lake .He said that the up and coming ' business ' for the island is tourism . Any way it was quite pleasant to drive around the island . 3 days at sea now so no ports to tell you about , the Bay of Biscay coming up . Bye for now , love Mum ,XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sat 22 ,' 30° 17.896 N 36° 48.358 W 5pm.

Will do Steve but you must have it as you did this once before . Well here I am in the midst of nowhere . The weather is about 68° and sunny but that is not brill after so long in the mid to hi 70's and the 80's .I can tell that I am going to feel it badly after next Friday .' Toff ' could you please put my heating up to just over 20° on Thursday night please .We had some dancers and a band come on board the other night - very good they were .At the end they got some passengers up to do a 'shimmy ', it was hilarious . They did a sort of 'belly dance ', well what a performance . We 'coffin dodgers ' are not at all like you children and grandchildren think when we shake off the shackles and leave you all behind . I would not say that we are 'rowdy ' but others would . At the end Jo our Entertainments Exec . said ' Lets have a big hand for the SAGA RUBY Formation Dance Team ,otherwise known as The Slipped Disc Company . No I did not get up 'I still remember Kos .I have read that you are experiencing bad weather ,snow , high winds etc. I shall have to go on another cruise to warmer countries next year .I have been to the gym today , to weigh . Joan told me to bring some ' fat clothes ' as she had heard about people on long cruises putting on a lot of weight so I did .It seems that I come on a long cruise to lose weight .My 2 big cotton skirts are now hipsters and everything that was tight fits perfectly . The scales were wobbling too much so I will go up again in port .Seeing so much food ' puts me off '.I ask for small portions of main course and have sorbet instead of soup and no mixed salad with meats as 2nd course .I am surprised that some people can eat 5 courses at every dinner time .So you see Stevie , you told me not to put weight on about a month ago , I laughed as I was losing weight . Can not remember whether I have mentioned Barbados or not . It is another island that I visited last year ,I stayed in an hotel for 2 days before the Fred Olsen cruise and went on a tour of the island . This year I chose a different tour .It is a lovely place ,we went around Bridgetown and to a beautiful beach where we were given a Rum Punch .It tasted like fruit juice until one got half way down then it had the kick of a mule .I wouldn't mind but I had told someone that it was 'only like fruit juice ' . I kept out of her way after that . It brought to mind the Pisco in Chile .Wow .I got a mag with Rhianna on the cover ,she is from Barbados and has just won an award in America . We have a Formal night tonight ,Black and White . Can not decide which to be . love to all XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

Thursday ?-3-08. 9am. 20° 11.893 N , 50° 46. 774 W

Stevie , will you please cancel all those repeats of the last blog I did . Why ? I do not think that I clicked on 'publish ' more than once ?????. We are at sea today with quite a swell on .Yesterday aft. the crew had games on the deck . Egg and spoon , Wheelbarrows , 3 legged race and Tug of War . Well it was hilarious to say the least . There was a swell even then ,so there were some tumbles , some pushings and cheatings but all good fun .Whilst waiting , the pool started throwing water over its sides , which is always a warning of sorts . After the Captain walked the deck he ordered the pool to be drained which is another warning of sorts .In his talk later he said that the movement of the ship would not be too bad then went on to say that the swell would reach 5mtrs .Oh yeah ! We long timers who have been through the bay of Biscay and especially Drake's Passage know when to grab the salt cellar so we all took a motion sickness pill last night .Quite a few ' newbies ' are conspicuous by their absence today ,I think that it is a pre- requisite for a Captain to be able to ' flannel ' with regards to sea moods .The last time our Captain told us that it' would improve a great deal by 8 pm ', a force 9 gale blew up at approx 10pm .Today ,I see white bags tucked into handrails , unobtrusively of course .I believe that I have got my ' sea legs ' or partially by now, fingers crossed .Our last port in the Caribbean was Barbados ,lovely place .I of course went on a tour , a different one to last year and enjoyed it very much .I bought a Moonstone necklace to keep my pearls company . Specs in case you want Steve 13° 06.154 N , 59° 37.738 W .We shall be at sea now for 3 more days then our final stop before Southampton . It is still warm on deck but very windy which is causing the swell .

Two Ports

Sunday16-3 , 10° 51.940 N , 64° 03.793 W Venezuela again , Isla Margarita this time .I toured the town last year so I thought I would do something diferent this year . This is wearing me out , a diferent port every day , up at 7am ,meeting in the ballroom where we have to go until our tour is called . Then a fast pace down 3 decks to the gangway and a fast 300 yds walk to the coach . I go quickly to get a window seat for videoing .The Captain has been at the bottom of the gangway each time to say cheerio , very good that . Back to my tour , we went out to a little 'pueblo ' which is laid out for tourists with many artifacts collected from all over Venezuela . It is like a minature town and very picturesque . We then visited a so called farm with all the fruit and veg from hereabouts laid out on tables .We were given pieces of melon , pineapple , coconut and some sugar cane . We watched two of the men work the sugar cane press and were all given some liquid to drink in a calabash .We all drunk it as well .Now there is a thing , we all use the sterilising fluid before going into the dining room and there we were drinking out of gourds , clean ? who knows .Anyway it was very pleasant .Monday 17-3 , 12° 03. 109 N , 61° 45.438 W St. George's Grenada . Another day ,another tour .Today of course , being the spice island we went to a Spice Estate . Our guide was really good and told us all about the trees ,nutmeg , mango , avocado , calabash orange etc . They can grow every thing here .Hurricane Ivan really made a mess of estates , ruined the nutmeg crop and in general blew away with everybodys roof . It also ruined the rain forest in many areas . They will take years to recover the guide said .It is sad when you see devastation so many yrs after .Anyway I had a super time .We shall soon be off to cooler climes , worse luck . The news of storms , high winds and 'colds' does not make me want to return , it should have been a 5 month cruise .Hope all the 'colds' are abating and you are all feeling fitter . Love to all XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx

10° 36.037 N , 66° 56.617 W

Sat 15th March. We are berthed at La Guaira , Venezuela and today I went on a tour in the capital ,Caracas . Now there is one wierd city . It is surrounded by hills which are covered in huts , where the poorer people live , much in the fashion of the 'Favelas ' in Rio , but , there are also many many sky scrapers with thousands of flats also for the less well endowed .One has the feeling of being surrounded by invisible people .The roads are very modern and neatly laid out and the two tunnels we went through excellent .Well firstly we went to a square to see a statue of Simon Bolivar , that is about the fourth statue I have seen which is understandable as he is the liberator of many S. American countries from the Spanish yoke .What a man he was , spending mucho dinero on freeing the poor .Bolivia is named after him .If you did not want a history lesson on an S.A hero , Tuff . Afterwards we went to Mount Avilar ,the highest mountain hereabout .I knew that we were going to the top of said mount and that we were going on the ' teleferico ' but mistakenly assumed that we would drive part of the way and then go up in the cable car , wrong .We were going 7, 358 feet ,all by teleferico .I have been on the teleferique in France , up Sugar Loaf mountain in Rio in one but this one is the daddy of them all . I sat with my back to the station and took a bit of video a couple of times by turning around but after 10 mins I dare not look around my stomach was doing the samba .I could not believe it when we crested a hill and many more cars were revealed going onwards and upwards . It frightened me almost to death .I hated every minute of it. Flipping Venezuelans and their flipping teleferico . I only stayed 15mins then came back down , with my back to the horrible slope . I think I must suffer from vertigo or blue funk or something .We have heard that the ' casevac ' lady is sitting up in bed in hospital and feeling a little better . Our dear Alan took a dive yesterday in Curacao .He was taken to hospital and checked out , treated and is back on board .He has high blood pressure and the tablets he takes depleted his level of potassium making his BP very low and he passed out . What a thing !! He is now eating 4 bananas a day .This brought up a discussion on our dinner table about who is taking what .It is amazing , both Barbara and Hazel take 3 drugs per day Rita 2 and Mau 1 ,I feel so lucky ,I did not know things like that were the norm .I had to admit to taking paracetamol now and again and was laughed under the table . Well , what else can I say ! Bed time now , love to all ,XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

12° 06.526 N , 68° 56.035 W

Thursday I had a lazy day at sea starting of course with Bridge and a new thing to learn . Steve , do you know anything about Acol ? 1 nt means 12 to 14 pts ? I am trying to learn the different meanings to bids .In the aft. I stuck a few more things into my scrapbook . I am really into it and what a good reminder of my hols it will be .You will like to look through it Julie but I am not sure if anyone else will , I do not mind as it is for me .Sadly we had a ' casevac ' tonight , the message for the stretcher bearers came over the tannoy whilst I was playing Bridge this am. The Captain told us tonight that we should be anchoring off a town whose name escapes me so that the lady and her husband could be taken off , apparently there is a hospital there . We have a small hospital well equiped on board but I believe that the problem was the ladies heart and that needs specialist treatment . A motor boat came out for her and we waited until the Saga person who went to the hospital with them came back aboard .All our thoughts are with them .Friday 14-3 . Today we are at Curacao in the Dutch Antilles .I have not been on a tour because I did one with Fred Olsen last year and saw the Aquarium and I did the Dolphin Experience . Standing in the water and stroking the dolphins .Strangely there is no opportunity for that on Saga . Perhaps the powers that be thinks that we should frighten them. I am so so happy that I swam with the dolphins as well as standing stroking them last year or I should have missed out altogether . Barbara and I went walkabout ashore ,first we took the little ferry across the harbour and wandered around and then we walked back across the floating bridge .It is quite something , we waited while a bit of it opened to let a boat through and then came back down to let us walk to the other side .Lots of stalls for us to look at but then it was getting too hot , we still had to walk back to Ruby . Willemstad is a lovely area and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean .Maureen and I were invited to the Captains Lunch for passengers who are doing the whole cruise .Barbara and Rita went on a different day .Champagne to start with and then a lovely lunch , I had lobster which was out of this world . I finished with Profiteroles but instead of chocolate poured over the top it was caramel and was lovely and crispy , yummy . The Captain sat with us for quite a while , chatting about this n' that .I have sent an e. mail to Joan and Mike re . Barnsley .Chris I hope that you and Jan are feeling better ,it was lovely to talk to you and Steve today . Chris I had to laugh about you watching that storm , glad it wasn't real .Hope all is well with all of you . Friday 28 th I am due home ,probably mid or late afternoon . Love to all ,XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

10° 24.245 N , 75° 31.944 W. Cartagena, Colombia

I went ashore on a city tour around Cartagena, it seemed strange walking around in Columbia . I have heard so much about it in a drug related way also the national gem----emerald .We went to a hilltop monastery and there was a man nursing a Sloth charging $1 for a photo .What a qute little thing he was ,I paid up and took some video .His face was so sweet ,I felt really sorry for him but he seemed to be in excellent condition .Afterwards we visited a huge fort on top of a hill --built after Sir Francis Drake sacked the town ,a new concept to ' locking the stable door when the horse has gone '. There are solid high walls around the town , our guide said that they nearly ended up as a British colony instead of Spanish . Well , a shame for the Colombians , had they been British they would not have been subjected to the Spanish Inquisition .That was thanks to Queen Isabella and King Frederick of Spain . We were taken to the Inquisition Palace which was quite grim , instruments of torture etc . Walking around in 95° heat was enough torture for me . I asked the guide if I could go back to the coach 'air conditioned ', he rabbited on and on which I took to mean ,No you can't , Tuff . He could talk for all of South America .We were late back to the ship but it would not sail without us .We did go to some shops selling emeralds but the prices were ridiculous ,had anyone bought anything the guide would have recd .a cut . By that time though he had worn us all out so we all got back on the coach and thought Tuff .I am behind with things so I must 'blog ' again tomorrow . I found out today that I only have 2 weeks left before I must brave the cold at home . I do not know where the time has gone to, I wondered how I would cope with 3months away in the begining and am amazed that it is nearly over . Woe is me , love XXXXXXXXXXXXX.

Tues 11-3 6pm. 9° 28.491 N , 78° 56.248 W.

Hello again. Yesterday we were in Costa Rica at Puerto Limon . 7.30 pm, just left P L .9° 58.851 N ,82° 59.666 W . We went on a tour on a train and a boat looking for Sloths and Monkeys. First of all we went to a banana plantation seeing things from start to finish . The banana trees are amazing , there are three of them a grandma , a mother and a baby . The mother is the one producing the bananas , the grandmother produced last seasons fruit and has been chopped down to half size and the baby is growing up to produce next seasons fruit .Not many people know that ! Next we went on the river which was a lovely trip with the cool breeze . We saw 3 Sloths laying up in a tree . They were partially hidden by leaves and of course would not come down to let us see their faces . There were a lot of birds thst one does not see in England but no Monkeys . We were given fruit and cold drinks and treated to some Caribbean music , after wards , because of course we are now in the Caribbean sea ---------- oh , I'm going to Barbados ! On our train journey we did see some monkeys but they are fast movers and I have probably got some empty trees on video .Our Guide took a photo of me in the train and went wild over my Sony Cybershot . He knew that it is the latest model and loved the 10 pixel screen . He has a former model .No Steve I have not forgotten your e. mail add. mail@stephenwood.co.uk That is correct n'est pas ,same with Julie's which was never returned to me as was yours????? I hope that you are better Julie , it wears you out doesn't it . Yes I know about Barnsley beating Chelsea in the FA cup . I could hardly believe my eyes when I read our little newspaper . Yes the Hills will be over the moon .What is going on in England since I left ???? An earthquake , Storms, terrible, terrible weather Now Chelsea taking a nose dive . What is next one wonders .Hope things go to plan on the 25th March Jules .Fingers crossed , give my love to Gale and to all XXXXX.

9° 28.603 N , 80° 11.591 W at 6,30pm sunday

I have just read your comment Steve. I sent you an e.mail telling you to look on the web for us in the Canal but it was returned.I also sent one to Julie and to Chris who I asked to phone you and make sure you knew . Idon't know about Julie but I know Chris recd. his as he sent me an e.mail telling me that he was watching and I should put something bright on and go and wave at the webcam. This I duly did , waving like a mad thing. Do you mean that you were not watching ? My arms ache I can tell you .It was quite something seeing the locks and going up and down .The country side was very surprising , I was expecting it to be all jungle, probably because of the french book that I read about two families who went out to Chile and the men ended up being involved in the excavating of the Canal. I have been on deck a lot today, filming and waving like a nutter. It was the Captain who said that we should wave for a long time as the webcam only changed every 15 mins , it was very hot out there I can tell you .In the aft. there was an Ice Cream Bar with many flavours and sorbet as well so we were well looked after . Ruby is going like mad at the moment , the Captain says that there will be a tug boat strike on at Puerto Limon from tomorrow 6am so he wants to get there before it starts . Off to bed, I am ready for a good sleep. TTFN.XXXXXXXXX

5° 53.141 N , 79° 52.240 W

Yes Stevie, it was Guayaquil, as you say , up a river again .Poor Julie ,I had a bad cough after I came on here . I told you I had antibiotics did I not. I hope that she is feeling better today. She must have finished work by now, yes? No I did not know about gold but it can not be bad .Pleased about Landrover as I know that you enjoy being there . How is your diet going? I hope OK .Hope that you have recd. my e.mail re. Panama Canal , is there some way that you can save it for me to see ?Off to bed now so byeeeeeeeeeee XXXX

Sat 4° 54.777 N , 79° 58.794 W

Lo thereWell, I am back to my blog. I struggled with e.mail £5 .25 worth to let you know about the Panama Canal . http://www.pancanal.com/ because I thought you would not be looking at my blog and I want you to watch Ruby going through. Me as well of course. Yesterday, Friday ,we were in Manta ,Equador. The day before at Guayaquil in Equador. What an experience. The authorities would not clear the ship so no body could go ashore.Computers so they said. It meant that the tours could not leave until the afternoon. We 3 went on the shuttle bus and walked along the prom which was really nice. There was a nice park with little pools and many Koi Carp in them. We also saw a lizard sunning himself, I have forgotten his name. Last night we had trouble leaving. The customs people did not turn up to 'sign us off 'therefore the sail away party did not take place but I got eaten by a mosquito very badly on my back---- rotten little floaters. We eventually left and were too late to get over the sand bank down river so had to anchor up until 3am and the water to rise. Today has been O.K. we have been processed quickly , went into town and wandered around .We could not have the barbeque on the Lido deck for dinner because of ' many unwelcome flying insects ' That was enough to make me run and hide . Our newspaper says that there is trouble between Equador and Peru, they don't like each other. Trouble also between Columbia and Venezuela they don't like each other either .Don't know why they can't be more like me, I like all of them .Pray to the Lord that they don't start ' spatting ' or I shall not be able to wander off in Columbia and that will be devastating. GTG luv XXX.

Somewhere West of S.A.

Steve, sorry about lat longs but I did not know that you were taking any notice. You have never said that you were interested in them, mind you , you haven't said much at all . Here you are,Thurs 6th, 2°. 16'.806 S ,79° .54'.608 W. How about that then! You thought that I had forgotten ° did you not, because I had forgotten where I had put it the last time I did the specs . I liked it best when I could send it by text and say ,Where am I' . Still no coverage in ports.It was far better down the east coast, until we got to B.A that is.I have seen 2 pods of dolphins, so exciting . The first was when I was in a bridge class , we all rushed to the window to see them leaping out of the water as they shot past us going the opposite way. l of course did not have a camera. After bridge I went to pick it up with scant hope of seeing more but some more appeared further away this time but I filmed what I could. Ilove to see animals, birds , fish in the wild as they should be. Also we have been giving a lift to 2 Cormorants on and off all day. one in particular was walking around the deck close to me and the way he looked at me was incredible. It was intelligent , he looked as though he was going to say something . After he had tried to jump up onto the rail and failed, somebody picked him up and threw him towards the sea . He came back after a while and sat drying his wings and was on and off all day. Lovely to see. Right Steve ,where am I ? you have the specs. TTFN XXXXXXXXXXX

Peru

We berthed at Callao Peru to visit Lima the capital. Lima is about 8miles inland and is surrounded bythe Peruvian coastal desert, and is a short distance west of the Andes Mountains. I, as always went on the city tour and enjoyed it very much. We went to the pre-Inca ceremonial site which is a World Heritage site .It has been excavated over a long period and is much older than Machu Picchu .It was midday and diabolically hot because we were surrounded by high brick walls. Well worth seeing tho'. We were shown the Presidential Palace and wondered at the large police presence .There were also 2 armoured cars and Police in riot gear with' plastic ' shields in front of them. One of us noticed the cameras etc. and there was the President making a speach. Nobody bothered about us taking videos so I asked a Policeman if I could photograph him. Yes I could so that was O.K. then he asked my name I did not know what he was saying but he said 'me lamo Miguel'probably one of the only things I remembered. As soon as I heard Miguel it was easy to guess so I introduced myself. He wanted to know where I come from , clue 'Amerique', so I told him no , Angletera then I hot footed out smiling and waving, my Spanish is limited. very limited. I must go back to lessons if I am thinking of going anywhere in S. America again .I can not bear not knowing the language .It is typical of me to drop Spanish, become reasonably fluent in French then go gadding around all the Spanish speaking countries. We left the square a little behind the guide and passed in front of 5 men in riot gear with plastic shields. I thought it would make an interesting picture so I did my , 'can I video you routine' again . They can only say 'No' or something similar but the boss man said 'with pleasure, fill your boots '-- or something similar, so we did .We are now the envy of anyone wanting a photo of said Police ,Army or whatever they were who had walked past eyes averted. Good here is it not . I like Peru very much . On return to the Ruby we found a market with all sorts of goodies at cheap prices I bought 3T.shirts and a poncho made of Llama wool .Back in the sun for a while now. It is very hot today hardly any wind. Ttfn and thanks again boys for my M. D. messages.XXXXXXXX

Quick note

Dear Chris and Steve , Thank you for messages re. Mothers Day. I did look in right place Steve but did not see any .Don't worry Chris ,it will cost you. Steve ,Alan Helped me to get my e. mail so we deleted a few and I will go on manana and do some more . will also tell you about Peru but I must go and get 'done up 'I have to attend a cocktail party for our new Captain. Byeeeeeeeeeeee.XXXXXX.

Quick note

Dear Chris and Steve , Thank you for messages re. Mothers Day. I did look in right place Steve but did not see any .Don't worry Chris ,it will cost you. Steve ,Alan Helped me to get my e. mail so we deleted a few and I will go on manana and do some more . will also tell you about Peru but I must go and get 'done up 'I have to attend a cocktail party for our new Captain. Byeeeeeeeeeeee.XXXXXX.

Antafagasta

Sunday 2nd . It is Mothering Sunday,I have come to look for your messages boys but so far nothing, nix, nada, rien. Well Saga gave me a free glass of 'bubbly' at lunch time . Thanks re. light Chris, yes I knew about the earthquake. We have a small news letter every day and it was reported on there. Whatever next, there I was in Chile earthquake land and you got the 'quake. I hope we did not suffer any damage, chimneys and such. Steve , I can not get to my e. mail . I have just tried and it will not connect. I only asked you because you have broadband , I pay 30p a minute for internet and can not read e. mail off the net. We have now left Chile, our last port was Antofagasta and of course I did a tour of the town. The Americans are building a Casino which will bring in a lot of money and most likely a lot of gangsters. The coastline is as always lovely. We saw a lot of pelicans just sitting around on a rock. There are no natural beaches along the coast so the powers that be are importing loads of sand from Brazil and making beaches. It seems to be a great success and certainly looks good, the latest one is near the town. It will certainly be good for tourism which will bring in the money. There is a policy in Chile that nobody is allowed to take any food or fruit ashore. They do not want any foreign 'bugs ' and who can blame them . At Valpariso there was a 'sniffer ' dog and we had to put our bags under the bar for him to sniff. He went 'bananas ' at one bag which was promptly 'lifted 'while we 'goodies ' ignored everything around us. In the event we found out it was some sort of sun cream containing coconut .WE crossed the tropic of Capricorn yesterday so we are truly in the tropics. Steve ,I found a sky chart near Reception , it says that the Southern Cross is in the east from the stern so I shall try to find it . There was a planet to the east in the morning coming in to Valpar and I thought it must be Venus but this chart says that Saturn is in the east so there we are. Must have a look tonight. Bye for now XXXXXXXX

Valper, so say the locals.

Another Stop off. Valpariso ,one can go to Santiago from here but it is a 9 hr trip. I prefered to go around Santiago and I enjoyed it very much. We saw a statue of the national hero, Admiral Prat, no relation to Cliff. His ship was the Esmerelda and his forces won the Pacific War ,I think it was with Peru but the Pisco Sour intruded and made me forget. We were taken to a gorgeous marina with yachts to die for and into the Yacht Club. We were treated to some small pasties and a large glass of ambrosia aka Pisco Sour. As this was only 11am, we were all quite' squiffy ' afterwards . Result, I want to move to Chile, buy a yacht, join the same Yacht Club, oh and buy somewhere to live. There were many sea front properties for sale and had we been there another day, I should have been 'off ' pricing up. I really like Chile and the people , we have stopped off four times already and have one more stop to make before Peru. After the Yacht Club we drove along the coast which is marvelous. Rocks slightly off shore, the waves break over them and look really picturesque . We stopped to photo some sea lions on a rock then some birds and then went to a Wine store. We bought them out of Pisco Sour and had a good ' go at ' their wines too. I had a good laugh at our coach, we were not supposed to park in front of the shop so after 5 mins or so he had to drive around the block. He did it four times. The first time we all thought he was leaving us, it did not deter us though. We knew that the ship could not leave without so many of us even if the Captain was muttering to all and sundry. It is a formal night tonight so away I go to 'fancy ' up. TTFN .XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

please check

Chris and Steve, I keep forgetting to ask these things. Chris, have you remembered to leave my dining room light on to charge the fire alarm ? every now and again that is , not permanently. Steve, are you deleting rubbish e.mail from my site please? also have you found anything about Travelscope on the net? Keep looking please. Thank you both.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

Concepcion City

Tuesday, I think. We are berthed at Talcahuano for Concepcion. I have been there on a tour this morning, it is more or less a university town and the uni' is huge and modern. We also went to a museum re. the struggle for independence which was very interesting also an art museum on modern art . Now that was something else altogether. Is there anyone out there? I have not had a word from anybody for ages and ages, makes me wonder if I am real or not. byeeeee XXXXX.

Ushuaia

Well it seems that all my blogs have turned up together and made a mess of things. What is that saying about 'it takes a
computer to really mess things up'. We have been to Ushuaia in Argentina. I did not know that Tierra del Fuego belonged in part to Argentina and in part to
Chile.A bit more geographic knowledge for me. I went on a catamaran trip around the Beagle Passage, we saw lots of birds and
an island with penguins and two sea lions. Later we went to another island with many sea lions, the babies were playing and
the old bulls were facing up to each other and roaring. One of them had a really large head and was attacking a smaller one and
roaring so loudly, it was fearsome. We went up quite close in the boat to take photos so we could see them clearly. It was
amazing to see wild creatures in their own habitat doing their own thing. In the aft. I went with Maureen and Rita on 'The
Train To The End Of The World' so called because it goes to the end of the Pan American Highway which starts in Ankara ,
Alaska. I suspect this will be of more interest to Americans .I received an invitation to the Captains cocktail party and afterwards to dine at the Captains table. Twas great, I only had one
cocktail as with white and red wine to follow, one can not be too careful can one Jules.The steak cut like butter it was
wonderful, sadly I had to order a small portion. I can not eat three courses normal size never mind five. I slept well afterwards.
We now have two chilean pilots who know the ins and outs of the Chilean Fjords so we have some special things to come. Bye

This is the 3rd time I have tried to post this.

Cruising the Antarctic, Chris, 65Dg 03'.54.00 S , 63Dg 56' 27.23 W , howzat? We should land , my party at 2.20 but the weather has become unsafe so the Captain and Ice Pilot are searching for an alternative. Later in the day. We are at anchor ready for landings but we have decided to wait until tomorrow to land as this place does not look very preposessing. SO, I am lounging on deck with a coffee and Benedictine and cogitating. What a super occupation, Alison , m special Lieut Comm joined me for a noggin . Of course in true tradition hers was laced with Rum. There is no feeling on earth like lolling on deck while Ruby ,at anchor gently swings around changing the scenery, it is hypnotic. Of course an 'old sea dog' like me can not really truly explain the feeling to you poor old 'land lubbers'.

Jougla Point

Cruising the Antarctic, Chris, 65Dg 03'.54.00 S , 63Dg 56' 27.23 W , howzat? We should land , my party at 2.20 but the weather has become unsafe so the Captain and Ice Pilot are searching for an alternative. Later in the day. We are at anchor ready for landings but we have decided to wait until tomorrow to land as this place does not look very preposessing. SO, I am lounging on deck with a coffee and Benedictine and cogitating. What a super occupation, Alison , m special Lieut Comm joined me for a noggin . Of course in true tradition hers was laced with Rum. There is no feeling on earth like lolling on deck while Ruby ,at anchor gently swings around changing the scenery, it is hypnotic. Of course an 'old sea dog' like me can not really truly explain the feeling to you poor old 'land lubbers'. The penguins are leaping about , did not realise that they did the same sort of thing as dolfins Jougla Point. We went ashore earlier today and 'cavorted' with the penguins Our last landing in Antarctica, sadly the last few passengers and the entertainers could not land because the weather turned 'bitchy'. Can't blame Ruby. Apparently the crew had trouble getting the last Polar Circle back on deck. Now I want to know why I have been told that it is P.Circal boat or even Cirkal ????? Never mind, they are brilliant anyway and the drivers excellent even when they break down. Many raised eyebrows from us but not a word spoken, in true british style. Five minutes fiddling and away we went. At least 'He' did not say he was out of fuel. BUT , he gave it 'some wellie' and threw us alll to the back of the seats. I am convinced that 'They' have a laugh at the ' coffin dodgers' expense and bounce us around whilst smiling under their balaklavas. Love, Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee .

Jougla Pt and Drake Passage

I have just looked at my blog and there is one missing. The internet is intermitent and Alan says it may have got lost . Lost indeed give me back my blog wherever it is. Fingers crossed, it will turn up. Jougla Point, we arrived here during the night , our landing time was 10am.Weather was fine which is great as one can never tell around here ,it changes so quickly. Of all things ,we broke down in our Polar Circle boat half way to shore. Our driver got things working again so we were able to walk with the penguins one last time. The babies are moulting so not very smooth but still cute. I had a coffee and noggin on deck, Alison joined me, she had been marshalling on shore. The last group to be going ashore could not go as the weather turned 'rough'. There was trouble getting the last boat back on board but the crew managed it. The Captain said last night that there would be high winds plus a swell of 5 to 6 mtrs today .If we are a little unsteady we should stay in the cabin with Room Service and take our pills. That was enough for me, I followed instructions and Ryan brought me a menu for lunch, great.At 6pm the Captain said that it was calming and would be much smoother by 8pm so I cancelled the dinner I had ordered from Room Service and got ready to stagger off. Ryan held me up to the dining room then the head waiter seeing this got hold of me and took over. Well, I defy anybody to stagger while he is supporting one .He is as solid as a rock, amazing. I asked one of the staff to find Alan for me, he came over and I asked where he had put my message on the puter. He held me up and brought me down here. As he is 6ft 2ins he did not have a problem , he is a darling because he was off duty. He helped me then took me back to my cabin, good here. Bearing in mind that it was going to be calmer after 8pm and it was 9.30pm I was begining to be suspicious . Ruby lurched and my clock jumped onto the floor and my glass of water jumped onto my knees .Brilliant !Wet trews , wet shoes, wet carpet, xzwtxzw sailors! I gave up and got into bed to read, next thing all my papers from my bedside table shot onto the floor followed by my books. I gave in , got up and put everything else on the floor. What is this ' calmer after 8pm' lark? Had a good nights sleep and woke up in Ushuaia. Captain said a force 9 gale suddenly blew up last night, I thought it was out of the ordinary but then we were in the Drake Passage and it is evil. What I want to know is , how does the yacht that we saw at Port Lockroy get up to Sth America or down if it came from there. I know that it was an ocean going yacht but even so. I asked our boat driver what he thought and he said quite categorically 'they are mad'and I second that. Love to all .

Jougla Pt and Drake Passage

I have just looked at my blog and there is one missing. The internet is intermitent and Alan says it may have got lost . Lost indeed give me back my blog wherever it is. Fingers crossed, it will turn up. Jougla Point, we arrived here during the night , our landing time was 10am.Weather was fine which is great as one can never tell around here ,it changes so quickly. Of all things ,we broke down in our Polar Circle boat half way to shore. Our driver got things working again so we were able to walk with the penguins one last time. The babies are moulting so not very smooth but still cute. I had a coffee and noggin on deck, Alison joined me, she had been marshalling on shore. The last group to be going ashore could not go as the weather turned 'rough'. There was trouble getting the last boat back on board but the crew managed it. The Captain said last night that there would be high winds plus a swell of 5 to 6 mtrs today .If we are a little unsteady we should stay in the cabin with Room Service and take our pills. That was enough for me, I followed instructions and Ryan brought me a menu for lunch, great.At 6pm the Captain said that it was calming and would be much smoother by 8pm so I cancelled the dinner I had ordered from Room Service and got ready to stagger off. Ryan held me up to the dining room then the head waiter seeing this got hold of me and took over. Well, I defy anybody to stagger while he is supporting one .He is as solid as a rock, amazing. I asked one of the staff to find Alan for me, he came over and I asked where he had put my message on the puter. He held me up and brought me down here. As he is 6ft 2ins he did not have a problem , he is a darling because he was off duty. He helped me then took me back to my cabin, good here. Bearing in mind that it was going to be calmer after 8pm and it was 9.30pm I was begining to be suspicious . Ruby lurched and my clock jumped onto the floor and my glass of water jumped onto my knees .Brilliant !Wet trews , wet shoes, wet carpet, xzwtxzw sailors! I gave up and got into bed to read, next thing all my papers from my bedside table shot onto the floor followed by my books. I gave in , got up and put everything else on the floor. What is this ' calmer after 8pm' lark? Had a good nights sleep and woke up in Ushuaia. Captain said a force 9 gale suddenly blew up last night, I thought it was out of the ordinary but then we were in the Drake Passage and it is evil. What I want to know is , how does the yacht that we saw at Port Lockroy get up to Sth America or down if it came from there. I know that it was an ocean going yacht but even so. I asked our boat driver what he thought and he said quite categorically 'they are mad'and I second that. Love to all .

Forgotten, it has taken me so long to get on the net

Cruising the Antarctic, Chris, 65Dg 03'.54.00 S , 63Dg 56' 27.23 W , howzat? We should land , my party at 2.20 but the weather has become unsafe so the Captain and Ice Pilot are searching for an alternative. Later in the day. We are at anchor ready for landings but we have decided to wait until tomorrow to land as this place does not look very preposessing. SO, I am lounging on deck with a coffee and Benedictine and cogitating. What a super occupation, Alison , m special Lieut Comm joined me for a noggin . Of course in true tradition hers was laced with Rum. There is no feeling on earth like lolling on deck while Ruby ,at anchor gently swings around changing the scenery, it is hypnotic. Of course an 'old sea dog' like me can not really truly explain the feeling to you poor old 'land lubbers'. The penguins are leaping about , did not realise that they did the same sort of thing as dolfins Jougla Point. We went ashore earlier today and 'cavorted' with the penguins Our last landing in Antarctica, sadly the last few passengers and the entertainers could not land because the weather turned 'bitchy'. Can't blame Ruby. Apparently the crew had trouble getting the last Polar Circle back on deck. Now I want to know why I have been told that it is P.Circal boat or even Cirkal ????? Never mind, they are brilliant anyway and the drivers excellent even when they break down. Many raised eyebrows from us but not a word spoken, in true british style. Five minutes fiddling and away we went. At least 'He' did not say he was out of fuel. BUT , he gave it 'some wellie' and threw us alll to the back of the seats. I am convinced that 'They' have a laugh at the ' coffin dodgers' expense and bounce us around whilst smiling under their balaklavas. Love, Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee .

Waterboat Point

° I did it Stevie yippee.Alright, where was I ? Sat 65°, 03'.54.00 S, 63°, 56'.27.23 W. Chris , I have asked Alan re. upload of pictures and he says not poss with these 'puters', shame.I could really bshow you something from the last couple of days especially . Thank you all three for your comments,yes I will keep it up, I have really got into it now. I have not been able to 'phone since Rio Steve and esp now. Later should be OK .Jules,you are correct, I AM having the time of my life, the change of climate has been great. Re. Antonio and his ilk, there was a ' to die for' at the Tango evening, he was playing one of those instruments similar to an accordian, 1 c 2 c's no spell check. He was lovely and saw the flash when I snapped him, he put his hand under his chin and posed for me.Yes a lot of them are on the 'pretty' side.Happy that your floor is down at last, can,t imagine why you were suffering. Fingers crossed re. your new venture. Steve, well done re. diet. Not many stars to be seen but at moment it is too light, long days. Well now, where was I, yes Waterboat Point. I actually landed on the mainland of Antarctica and walked amongst the penguins. I was amazed by them. They are smaller than I expected but jaw droppingly cute. There were hundreds of them just walking around and looking at us, Gentoo penguins. We went ashore in groups of 8, the Polar Cirkel boats are something special, they can really move.We have 4 special boat drivers who came on board at B.A. they are specialists in adverse sea conditions. Back to W.P. ,the penguins have right of way and one should never go closer than15 feet to one. Trouble is, nobody has told the penguins. Twice one walked up and stood right in front of me, I was behind my group re. videoing and did not know what to do. I stood there and he stood there ,staring each other out. what to do? I had to call,( quietly ) one of the marshalls who walked a bit closer and eventually the penguin moved off the path and let me through.There is a Chilean station there so I bought a couple of things and wrote in their Visitors book. Miguel hails from Autofagasta so I promised to say Hello for him.The temp was about 4° so not too cold. Would you believe it, another penguin stood in front of me on my way back to the boat. What is it with these little creatures? If they want me to stay there, no chance. I had to get somebody to move him on again, I bet the marshalls were glad when I left. I had a Benedictine coffee on deck on my return which went down very well.Saga have put a bar on deck for us whilst in Antarctica, ready for anything are they not! Forgot to tell you, at the Valentine Ball some poems were read out , written by passengers. The one I liked best said ' Rubies are red, Roses are pink, My earnest wish darling, Just don't bl---y sink. It was by 'Anonymous' and Jo our Cruise Director said 'who sent that , the Captain '. Ttfn love to all, keep it up Stevie. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee XXXXXXXXXX

Antarctic Sound , Iceberg Alley

Yesterday was St Valentines Day and Saga 'went to town on events'. We had a special souvenir menu card, very swish, all the dishes had' romantic' names, did not taste any different though.In the ballroom afterwards I was given a huge red rose without thorns, I have never seen such large roses.Today we should have gone ashore, our first step onto Antarctica but the wind was too strong for us to use the zodiacs so we did not go to Half Moon Island but the Captainsorted out another treat for us. He took us thro' the Antarctic Sound aka, Iceberg Alley and what a sight. There were huge Tabular icebergs which we would not otherwise have seen. Just like a massive flat table rearing up to our side. Lots of them, not many like the ones I saw near Greenland last July.It was very very cold on deck, The bar was serving alcoholic coffee, which I resisted for a while and then I thought of you Julie and I had a Grand Marnier coffee.The bar was out on deck so it was very handy for poor chilly souls like me.It was a strange night, quite foggy and the ship slowed down quite a lot. The second Staff Captain was called to the Bridge as another look out and apparently the Ice Pilot never leaves the Bridge whilst we are moving, the Captain was up there as well so there were plenty of them to look out for icebergs. Even so I went to bed in my 'green bits'.One never knows does one?Tonight we have had a naval officer at our table.A real one, she is a Lieutenant Commander and very interesting to talk to.She said that HMS Nottingham , yesterday came to pay us a courtesy call because Ruby is registered in the UK and it is the done thing for the Royal Navy. Isn't that nice! Not true what the Captain said re. wasting fuel, she is a Destroyer by the way. Tommorow we should land at Waterboat Point ABW.Nearly forgot, saw Deception Island just before dinner, was a volcano,saw Neptunes Window in the side of the rocks and Neptunes Funnel. A way into the volcano, did not go in ,no time .Bed now so bee byeeeeeeeeeeee. XXXXXXXX

Further South and moving towards Penguin land

Hello boys ! Chris 57deg 51'.259 S. 57deg 53'.704 W. Went to the Falklands yesterday, we were anchored out in the bay and so had the joy of going ashore by tender. 'Joy' is tongue in cheek by the way. I was most interested to go on the tour of Stanley--not we were told Port Stanley. Anybody know that they are twinned with Whitby? Fancy that! The monument to the forces who liberated them is really moving. I videoed it for you Steve.Next to it is Thatcher road, excellent! She is of course revered in the Falklands. I saw Mount Tumbledown and the other mountains and had a minutes silence and a few sniffles.Was shown the Govenors house where all our Princes have visited. Maggie has visited twice I believe. Our guide moved there 24yrs ago with family and loves it as do her family. It is a wee bitty cold for me though.I thought that the phrase- been there, seen that bought the T.shirt, was just a joke. Apparently not! Chris, forgot to tell you, approaching Montevideo at about 6am through my window I saw a yacht, spinaker billowing like a cumulous and going full pelt in the opposite direction. Was consumed with curiosity to know where. These yachting boys certainly get up early, thought of you Chris.In a similar vein, we had a visit after leaving the Falklands. Not an actual shakee handee visit but HMS NOTTINGHAM came to have a look at us, lovely.She nosed around us ,put on speed then 'said goodbye and we said goodbye to her' I love the roar of that, she then peeled of and went back to the Falklands. So said the Captain, he also said that she had decided not to waste any more tax payers money in fuel speeding up to cavort around us. Its my money isn't it? I liked it!Thank you for your message Chris, Ok Ok I read you . Hello Rob, if you are there.Chris, you did not ever ever tell me that you had been locked up in Buenos Aires, bad people. Tell you what, they have still not forgiven us for the Malvinas.It is the only place that I have not been able to text our position from and a phone call? forget it. It is another case of the French and Waterloo,---- Perfidious Albion and all that.We are now in Drakes Passage, pitch, roll, toss and Ruby's little skitter,the floor comes up to meet you as you are going down to meet it, fascinating , or something. I shall now crawl back to my cabin- only joking. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. XXXXXXX

Somewhere South

Somewhere dahn saaf. 46 deg 44'.509 S, 56 deg 48'.275 W. Why does a comp not have a sign for degrees? If it does where is it? Chris, I tried to get the reading under an overhang on deck but of course, as Mat says in Little Britain''computer says Noooooo''. It is flipping freezing outside, a fellow passenger who thought he was being helpful said 'you won't get a reading because you are underneath'. Tell me about it dear passenger. As you see, I suffered and all the errant satellites came to see me. It is quite amazing how they all pop up, being inquisitive I want to know where they all are??????To business,this morning we had a surprise drill= passengers and crew to go to our lifeboat stations, warm jackets, shoes etc.The Master gave a lecture with slides yesterday about the scenery in Antarctica and procedure for going ashore. He talked about going thro' Drakes passage and said that the weather could be frightful. Now why does that make me think of taking to my bed with Room Service for company? Because Captain Philip is well known to me for his use of adjectives and if he says 'frightful' it probably means that Ruby is going to try to stand me on my head again, forget about 'could be'. The speach was very good, made us laugh. Also Beau, our leader if the Antarctic team ,10 of them, talked about explorers. I must say that it was great to hear people who could pronounce Antarctic. Every body I have met calls it Antartic-- only one C.?????? Drives me 'nuts'.Our lifeboatshave to be tested 1 a month. Ours are done every week and after the Falklands, every day until after the Antarctic. Apparently the Explorer which sank around here recently gave a report by a seafaring man. Most passengers did not know where their emergency station was, they did not have correct clothing on and some went back to cabins for toilet. They complained about lack of leadership. The Captain said that on small ships ( only 100 ) men have 2 or 3 jobs. There will be none of that on Captain Philip's ship. We have many many staff and we all know where our muster stations are. Lunch now, I wonder if anybody has sent me a message. I shall stop blogging if you can't be bothered to talk to me.

Uruguay

Uruguay, Montevideo. We are nearly out of the River Plate and I went on a tour of the city this morning. I knew nothing at all about Uruguay, surprise, surprise so it was very interesting. It is a really neat city, I was amazed to find that there are beaches and the climate is more amenable to me. The sun was out but it was not really hot. Had it been as expected in Rio I would not have been able to gallop around as I did. Strangely enough there were not many people around but the guide told us that there are no indigenous people left. The diseases brought by the Spaniards, Portugese el al killed them off many many years ago.Charming!!! It is going to start getting colder now as we head for the Falklands. That will not go down too well, we are used to sitting on deck in skimpies. 49 people left the ship in B.A. and 170 joined. Fancy missing Rio. They must be only interested in the Antarctic as a lot are leaving on the west coast. Our Antarctic team have joined-- at B.A. actually and soon they will be giving lectures re. our landings etc.Am looking forward to that.I have won a photograph of Saga Ruby signed by the Master. It is quite swish really good quality. I did not do anything to win it really, just filled in a questionaire. I would like to say it was my superior intelect but I must not start telling lies. At sea tomorrow so hasta luego. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.P S had a lifeboat drill with crew and all. Captain had got lifeboats lowered so we could see into them, what a brill idea, none of us have seen inside before. I shall be OK in the unhappy event of needing to use them, I have the Cap'ns wife in mine. La La La.

Buenos Aires

I never knew that Buenos Aires was up a river, so to speak. I am totally amazed to find that I am so ignorant re. the geography of this planet. I knew that we were up the River Plate when I went into the bathroom and saw that the dirty river water had seeped into the toilet during my slumbers. The first time that happened I thought I had got the dreaded lurgy. Anyway, I digress. We berthed at lunchtime and I went on a city tour. Saw the monument to Eva Peron, it is a lovely figure of her running forwards which is how she attacked everything in her life according to our guide. She is still very well thought of here because she championed the poorer classes and especially women. We went to the Casa Rosada as mentioned in the song and saw the balcony from where Evita made speaches, looked for Antonio Julie but no luck. After that we went to the cemetery and saw the Duarte tomb, all the family are there but not Peron.He was deposed and went to Italy where Eva died. only about 32ish and was buried in Milan. Years later Peron became Pres ident again and brought Evita back to her homeland. Not to be put in a Peron tomb though. I did not know he had remarried so I guess the second Mrs Peron laid the law down re. that matter. We did see the rest of the town , it is very modern, lovely buildings. We went to the old town where there are some very old buildings and Tango 'haunts'.In the evening I went with Maureen and Rita to a dinner and tango evening-- along with about 130 other Saga guests. The dinner was far too much for me. Pasties as a starter then a huge steak with chips. It looked like a sirloin but had strips of fat in it and totally overfaced me.The Tango show afterwards was marvellous. I have never seen anything like it, eat your heart out 'Strictly Come Dancing'. It is a wonder that the dancers do not break their legs. Inever realised that Argentinian Tango could be like that but if one can't get an extraordinary tango in Argentina where can one.The two groups of musicians were wonderful also and there were three bandoneon players which is the instrument played here in tango. Similar to an acordeon but smaller with more keys. The pianist and the no1 Violinist were concert standard and all in all it was an extraordinary evening. Pity we had to leave or I would have gone again.Thanks for news Julie, lady of leisure yet? Pleased about Matthew, should do well. Chris I told you on the phone in Rio that GPS would not pick up enough satelites. Anyway Alan== Mr Fixit did. Picks up plenty now. satellite ,satelite? probably two ls.Love xxxxxxxxxx.

Corcovado ,yippee

Oh woe is me, I have had to come on board and leave Rio. I love it there,but I did not want to be dragged on board so I gave in with bad grace. Saga Ruby didn't want to leave Rio either. As soon as we got out of the massive harbour she started skittering, could not make her mind up whether to pitch or roll so she skittered and got the odd toss in there as well.Rocked me to sleep nicely.Anyway,yesterday no rain but a bit of cloud which was to our advantage as there were no queues for the train up Corcovado. It goes up thro' the rain forest for about 20 mins- very interesting. At the top of course, plenty of room to walki around and take pictures.The statue weighs 1,150 ish tons, how did the get it up there? Must research that or Steve or Jules? It was sculpted by Paul Landovinski and has a really lovely face. We had some fun with photos it is not easy getting your photo taken with Christo Redentor when He is so tall and we are so small. Managed it with ingenuity tho' and even got one of the Brazilians doing it, he thought it was wonderful as did his girl friend. Not only the English are crazy you see. I wish I could put a photo on here. I rekon 'they ' are up there still, passing the idea from one to another.We were then taken to Copacabana so that we can say we have walked on Copacabana beach. Exhuberance, I forgot that I had 'glooped' myself up with 50% Deet re. rain forest. Sticky 'gloop', so I had sand sticking to myfeet and legs--- marvelous. Got back to ship at 12.45pm after walking nearly half a mile from c oach and had to leave at 1pm for my next trip, no time to eat. The Cruise Director Jo fetched a sandwich for me whilst I got my ticket then held the trip up 10 mins while I ate it. 1.10 off again all way back to coach park. A cruise on a Schooner around Guanabara Bay. So pleased I did not miss it, the Rio-Niteroi bridge is amazing , took 5yrs to build and is over 8 miles long. Saw the 3 forts protecting this massive safe harbour bay, so many ships in it in the distance that I could not count them. Saw also the Museum of Contemporary Art designed by Oscar Niemeyer, poised on a cliff ,just looks like a flying saucer ready for take off. Guide said it was used in shots for Star Wars or Star Trek can not remember which. I had a Pins Colada, wow they really know how to make them.By the time I had again walked to the shuttle, I was nearly on my knees. 3 excursions in 3---half days.I was helped by the weather as it was 20% cooler than the norm. I did not know that it should have been nearly 100%. It was the visit of a lifetime, I am still amaz ed by what I have experienced. I have always had a soft spot for S.A. and esp Rio but it has surpassed all my expectations.

Rolled down toRio

It was lovely to talk to you both this morning, how strange that it is the first place I have been able to connect. Brasil or Rio must have an arrangement with Vodaphone. Well now you pair of wazacks, I am the Mummy you know. Talking about your comments this AM. When I told you I was not going to do my excursion to city and Sugar Loaf Mountain because it was pelting with rain. Steve it is not the done thing to drag one's Mater up a mountain, after your comments Chris I realised that I should never live it down if I visited Rio without going up,especially as you have done it. So of course I togged up and went.Bullying little whatsits.However I must now say that I had a wonderful time so thank you both . Because of the rain we did not have to queue for the cable car which was totally unexpected. We had been warned of queues, when we got to the top the rain stopped!!!! The clouds cleared a bit and we could see down below to take photos. Saw Copacabana Beach. All of a sudden the clouds overthe top of Corcovado cleared and there 'HE' was, Christ The Redeemer coming through the mist, I was just about turned to stone.I couldnt get my cameras out for 'sniffling'. I was in good company though with the Brasilians. That really was an experience I shall never forget and tomorrow----- Corcovado. Do you think I am becoming a' God Botherer'? Got to go and prepare for dinner have only had a peach for lunch. XXXXXXXXX.

answers

Just read your comments boys.Capn's message said we are rolling down to Rio in good time no stabilisers out.Steve, the reading was correct, we were 'up the creek' so to speak. Up a tributary of the Amazon and we were at Macapa,rain rain nearly all day.Took a while to get out of Amazon in eve.Yes King Neptune re. crossing the equator only for sea trips,the brute,I shall keep alert.Yes Chris, I thought perhaps I had already crossed but flying doesnt count.Can't remember what else I was going to say. Corcovado here I come, I am so excited Chris ,when you went,did you walk up all the steps?Thank goodness there is now a lift and an escalator,I could not walk up nearly 150steps or is it 250? Love X X X.

Somewhere in Sth Atlantic

Here I am,back in the land of the living.I have had the Saga Ruby cough which in me attacked my weak spot and laid me low for 3days.Antibiotics I hate but I was determined to pick up for Rio and the 3 excursions that I have booked, you know how it is Chris, don't want to miss anything.I would tell you about Maceio but I languished in my cabin supported by hot lemon and honey and a club sandwich big enough to fill a very hungry man, courtesy of 'Room Service'.I want to take them home with me. Albert, my dinner time waiter has been very worried about 'Madam Hemsley'because I have not been able to eat and have made a hasty exit from dinner a couple of times.I realised that it was time to get one's finger out when he started bringing me tepid water with dinner instead of iced because 'iced water is bad for Madam Hemsley'.*z*z*z. Yesterday in Salvador.I went for a stroll with Mo and Rita,we all bought a T shirt which I dont normally do.Am not particularly into logo T's.It seems to be a very nice modern city.Carnival was starting last night but our'sail away' party was 5.30 so we did not see any.Sunday today,had bridge,I missed 1 and feel at a loss.Have you 'done'Stayman Steve?Steve why do you not get my texts? Chris gets every one. Is your phone playing up? Today 11am 18deg,19'.26 min S, 38d,21'.62 W.How about that! Off to sit in sun for 10 mins before lunch.Chris n'Jan, that E.mail you sent me at home re. living on a cruise ship is right is it not. I found that out earlier this week.

0deg 03.64m N 51deg 06.3 W. Fri 25th

Friday 25. We are anchored at Santana on a tributary of the Amazon. Macapa is about 45mins away by shuttle-- on a good day that is. Yesterday at sea there was the' crossing the equator ceremony' for polywogs ie passengers who have not crossed the line before. King Neptune with his' court' came aboard, the chef had a 2ft gutted salmon and polywogs like me had to' kiss the fish' and then the chef put the dirty great beast on their head . Well anyone who claims to know me will realise that I had to hasten to the ladies at that point. On my sneaky return I saw my friends covered in horrid bits of fish, on their hair, face, even down Maureen's tee shirt. It was sick making. I'll tell you --no salmon for me for at least 2weeks. I recd a really nice certificate to say that I am no longer a polywog. Really thick vellum. I mentioned this at dinner and Keith the Dance Host who sits at our table said , 'no matter, we will get you on on the way back up'. Me and my big mouth. I did not know there was a south and a north ceremony.Bearing in mind that Neptunes minions rubbed thick white goo over staff and threw them into the pool, I might be in trouble. They would not do that to a passenger, would they! I think my dinner companions might. We had to wait for ages this morning to get into the card room, the Federal Police took it over to check every passport and Yellow Fever certificate. Strange, I thought that one was more liable to catch Y. F. here than to bring it in. It is Burns night tonight so more juvenile hilarity, hope we have a real piper. Am not having haggis or tattie and neeps. Once in a lifetime is enough.Tea time on deck now. I am quite used to Room Service bringing me a pot of tea at 7am but have cut out the biscuits. I have not looked if I have any messages, if so, will answer next time. Byeeeeeeeeeeee.XXXXX.

Tobago

Steve, provider is same as before. I have tried to add money as I normally do but can not get thro' to Vodaphone. I am at a complete loss, I can not even send a text. Perhaps at a different port. Today I am in Tobago and have been on a tour around the island. It is a lovely place. We went to a show in Scarborough, the capital. A steel band and dancing girls-- really out of the ordinary. The man playing the steel drum was absolutely brilliant. It was the best excursion yet. I love Tobago, a holiday pad here would be most acceptable. It was 78 deg at 8am so I guess it was somewhat warmer during the afternoon. Even so I walked on to the tourist office for some leaflets, the breeze makes it bearable. At 6pm we shall 'sail away' towards our next port. It's a hard life, all this travelling and Ruby decided to be a bit fractious last night,not her fault really, the Caribbean was 'bitchy' but is angelic today. Am only joking,I am having the time of my life,I might just stay out here. Love to all. Captain just said that when we leave here we might notice ' a bit of sea swell '', Yes Cap'n I know what that means!!! XXXXX.

Dominica and St Lucia

Woe is me. I typed in my slow way yesterday the news re. Dominica our port of the day and answers to Julie and forgot to save it before going on the net .It did an abracadabra and left me gnashing my teeth. So-- here we go again. Madeira is very hilly Julie also the guide told us that there is not a lot of rain, the lush greenery is caused by mist condensing to dew on the plants and anything else that happens to be stationary presumably. She said that there are not a lot of blue skies re. the mist and cloud. Something to do with heat rushing out to sea at night, cooling and drifting back in as damp air, or something like that, Stevie will know. Did you buy that van? Handbags now! If you keep this up we shall not be able to buy you any presents. Steve how come? What you tol me about Rio. At Dominica I went into Portsmouth by shuttle for a walk around. There was going to be a small carnival later on but some of the locals had already started with loud music Bob Marley type. I did a bit of the Marley shuffle with them it was good. I had a talk with Fred and Albert who has lived in the north of England, cant remember where but on westcoast. Today we are in St Lucia. Last night I said '' Please Lord keep my feet on the straight and narrow, do not let me wander into the emporium of gorgeous green stones as I did last year.'' Wonder of wonders today all the shops are closed, the plastic has remained pristine. I had lunch on deck watching the small yachts, thought about you Chris.Saw a ginormouse one yesterday, I photographed it for you. Try again to post this, if anything goes wrong, bang head on benchand scream.XXXXX.

Wed 16-01-2008

Wed 16-1-08. First of all, thank you for your messages, clever boy Ken, Julie you asked me about Bay of Biscay.The Captain told us that it might be a 'little rough' and advised us to take the motion sickness pills, free at reception if we felt a little unwell and not wait until we were really ill. That was enough for me,I got some asap. I was trying to unpack but every time I bent down Saga Ruby tried to stand me on my head which did not do much for my 'joie de vivre'. I gave up took 2 pills and they put me to sleep for the aft. Went to dinner, 4 of the 6 on my table were absent as were 75% of other passengers. I got my folding stick out to try to balance as the Atlantic was being really bitchy but the dinning room staff were very handy with an arm for support. Lovely meal, was helped back to my cabin, took another icky pill watched T.V. a while and slept all night.See, its easy if one takes the pills soon enough. At sea today. Tues was mostly cloudy but today is very hot and sunny. Bridge is driving me crazy, Acol system Steve, very involved, I go every morning that we are at sea but I can not see any improvement. Chris, yes, of course I got your order, now would I forget you!!! Do you think anybody that I do not know is reading my blog? I would like to think so and if so, Please make a comment . Going to sit in the sun with a cup of tea now .When I go on the net to post this I will read any comments that there are--- hopefully.

Cape Verde

Today 14-01 we are berthed in Cape Verde Islands. I have not been ashore , today is a lay about day. Reading sunbathing and gazing around. Saw a gorgeous yacht, very large, would like to have seen its spinaker, correct spelling Chris? It just unfurled a little pointy sail at the front when it sailed off into the wide blue yonder.Just before I left home I booked for Corcovado ,must see the Christ the Redeemer statue, also for a trip around the harbour and beaches in some sort of ship, 5th Feb. Today have decided to do the excursion including Sugar Loaf Mountain 4th Feb. 6th Feb I expect to be worn out. I shall now try to post this.

Cape Verde

Today 14-01 we are berthed in Cape Verde Islands. I have not been ashore , today is a lay about day. Reading sunbathing and gazing around. Saw a gorgeous yacht, very large, would like to have seen its spinaker, correct spelling Chris? It just unfurled a little pointy sail at the front when it sailed off into the wide blue yonder.Just before I left home I booked for Corcovado ,must see the Christ the Redeemer statue, also for a trip around the harbour and beaches in some sort of ship, 5th Feb. Today have decided to do the excursion including Sugar Loaf Mountain 4th Feb. 6th Feb I expect to be worn out. I shall now try to post this.

Dakar

Alan has got my blog working so I can post a message. Yesterday -Saturday we moored at Dakar in Senegal, Iwent on a city tour which I enjoyed very much. We visited an exhibition on Senegalese customs, the models were very realistic. Saw the Presidents palace, could take snaps but not videos?? Hotels are being built and I feel that everything will vastly improve when tourist money pours in. I did my bit ny buying a Sand Picture. We saw them being made, I want to make some having watched. Went to a Craft market which was full of carvings, some 4ft or 5ft high.did not buy, been there done that years ago.Last night after dinner there was a show by local dancers and musicians. Wow, it was brill,very noisy, extremely energetic, just like tribal dancing with a Witch Doctor. I kept my eye on him.Had a lie-in this am after early rising yesterday . Now for the nitty gritty- post it.

no1 from Saga Ruby

I am actually at sea, should be at Madeira tomorrow. What wonderful food I am being served. It was the Captains cocktail party last night, very nice indeed. Today Saga Rose appeared and played 'tag' with us, she has now gone ahead and we will see her at Madeira. I have had some trou ble getting onto this as the instructions were in a foreign language. I shall probably drive Alan our instructor crazy in the next few weeks and do not say that you sympathise my sons. So bye for now , thanks Julie.