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.