Sea Day

Today we are again at sea.  We woke up and headed to the pool.  Bob left the cabin first and he takes the exercise gear in the duffle.  When I left the cabin, I saw Bob in the elevator.  He was stuck between deck 10 and 11.  I asked him if he called for help and he did.  It took about 10 minutes for someone to come to his aid.   But he was released and we headed to the pool.  The front elevators are glass so you can see what is going on in them.  Good thing.

Bob's elevator

At any rate, we exercised for one hour along with Bonnie and David.  The water was rough and it makes it more difficult to keep your balance.  I started to feel funny, so I quit after the hour but Bob was going to stay until 7 am.

Dressed for breakfast on the aft deck.  Still feeling not quite right so just had a light breakfast with tea.  While Ronalyn was cleaning the cabin, we headed for the Coffee Connection where I worked on the blog. I skipped the needlepoint gathering and took a long nap instead.  I also missed Terry's talk on the Olympics coming to Brazil in 2016.  Will catch that later on the tv.

Coffee Connection

After my nap I did feel somewhat better.  Sat on the balcony to read.  Now reading "Shock Wave" by John Sandford.  I like his books.  I think I have read most of them.  This one is new.  Had lunch in Compass Rose and now catching up on blog.  I feel better but not 100% yet.

Did some reading and then headed to Coffee Connection where we sat with Terry.  Terry is the speaker on South America and Alaska.  Then I headed to needlepoint, tea and trivia.  We did better today but still did not win.  But we have lots of fun.

Tonight was the block party so we gathered in the hall way and then wine is poured and Ray, the Captain, Franck and the Chief Engineer come around and shake your hand.  A nice way to meet your neighbors.  We had dressed for dinner so we headed to the Mariners Lounge for a cocktail and then dinner in Compass Rose.  Bob and I both had a pasta dish.  All very good.

Mariner's Lounge

Compass Rose

After dinner we headed up to the Observation Lounge for an after diner drink with Bonnie and David.  Bonnie and Bob are both reading books by the same author and were comparing notes.

Observation Lounge

We then headed back to the cabin.  Tried to watch a movie but the system was not working so read some of my book and then lights out.  Tomorrow is another sea day as we do not dock until 7pm.

Salvador, Brazil

  Monday we are going to be in Salvador, Brazil.  We do not arrive here until 1pm so the morning is basically a sea day.  We got up and headed to the pool.  Bob thought it might be too rocky but it turned out to be just fine.  Some motion but not bad.  Bonnie and David were also there.  We did one hour in the pool and then cleaned up for breakfast on the aft deck.

I went up to needlepoint and two new ladies joined us.  Since we are in port in the afternoon, no late needlepoint today.  I then went to the lecture.  This time it was by Lt. Col. Bill Rothschild.  He spoke on the early years of the space program.  He has 43 years of experience in project management, systems engineering and rocket propulsion in the aerospace industry.  His talk was very good.  Then we went to lunch and sat with Joan and John from Canada.

We took a tour after lunch called "Highlights of Salvador - Walking Tour.  We started out by bus through the lower city and past the yacht club.  At the entrance of the bay is the fortress of San Antonio which was built on the spot where Amerigo Vespucci supposedly landed in 1501.  The fort was erected to protect the Portuguese colonists from Dutch invaders.

Fort San Antoinio

We continued on the Praca Municipal in the historic center. Here there are building one the colonial architecture here in Brazil.  We left the bus and started our walking tour.  We visited the Cathedral, formerly the chapel of the largest Jesuit seminary outside of Rome.

Cathedral

Inside Cathedral

Altar

We continued to the Church of Sao Francisco.  The opulent interior features cedar woodcarvings, covered in gold leaf that took 28 years to complete.

Church of Sao Francisco

Gold leaf ceiling

We then walked downhill to one of the oldest city square.  Formerly the site of the slave market and the spot where the slaves were once publicly punished.  Salvador was founded in 1549 and was the first capital of Brazil.  At least 70% of the population are classified as Afro-Brazilian.  The city still has the African influence in its music and dress.

Costumed Women

Selling coconut water

We got back on the bus and returned to the ship.  It was time to dress for dinner.  When we got on the elevator, Stan, Bonnie and David were in there so we all sat together and had a very nice dinner.  After dinner we headed up to Observation Lounge for after dinner drinks.  We sat with Red, Annie, Bonnie and David.  We did not get back to the cabin until 10 pm.  That is the latest we have been out since we started this trip.  Lights out and sleep

Sea Day

Last night we gained one hour so we were up early to the pool.  David was already there and Bonnie joined us later after she did her laundry.  We did one hour of water exercises.  The water was kind of rough.  This was a surprise to us as the ship did not seem to be rocking and rolling.  Then, since it is Sunday, a champagne and caviar breakfast.  I skipped the caviar but did enjoy a small glass of the bubbly.

I am adding a picture from yesterday that I thought was interesting.  At each port, a pilot comes on board to guide you into and out of the port.  Yesterday, we were able to watch the pilot get off the ship.

Pilot getting off our ship

I went up to needlepoint in the Observation Lounge and several new ladies joined us this time.  I stayed there until it was time for Terry's talk on Brazil Music and Dance.  She also spoke a little about Carnival.  Then collected Bob and went to La Veranda for lunch.  Back for Bob's nap and I read on the balcony.  We went to Coffee Connection for our afternoon treat and then I went to needlepoint, tea and trivia.  We lost again but at least we knew some of the answers today.  While we were sailing along, this bird flew right next to our balcony.  Terry told me it was a booby (can't remember which one).  But the fly right next to the ship and then dive into the water.  The ship must stir up the fish so it makes catching them easy.

Booby Bird

We went back up to the pool for an additional half hour of exercise and then a dip in the hot tub.  We elected not to go to the Captain's gathering.  And we skipped the show before dinner.  We had already seen it.  We met Richard and Mickey for cocktails.  We had been told there would not be any formal nights on this cruise so we left all our formal wear at home.  So we dressed like we do every night.  Richard had been told the same thing.  Oh well.  Bob and I had the lobster which was served with no butter so lower in calories.  Hah.

Tonight was Oscar night but we did not stay up.  Did see some of the red carpet show.  Lights out and to bed.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Day 2

This morning Bob got up real early and did the wash.  The training has paid off.  We then went up to swim for one hour.   Bonnie and David were there too.  Today is turn around day so most of the passengers are getting off and a whole bunch of new ones get on.  We had a light breakfast in La Veranda and sat with Brooks and John.  They are doing the entire trip too.  From California.  She used to raise horses and train show dogs.

We took a tour this morning.  It was highlights of Rio.  We got on a bus and there were only 13 of us.  Really could spread out.  We drove through downtown to the Cosme Velho district.  He we got on the cog railway that takes you up to Corcovado.  The railway was opened in 1884 by Emperor Dom Pedro II.  At that time, it was operated with steam engines which were replaced with electric trains in 1910.  It is a 2.5 mile ride up the mountain.

Train up to statue

To reach the bottom of the 120-foot statue, you need to take an elevator and two escalators.

Escalator up

It is difficult to see the entire statue because you are really too close.  I went up but came down pretty quickly.  Today it was misty and the view was not as good as the view yesterday.  That really is a shame.  But what can you do?

Christ Statue

Another view

View from the top

We then took the train back to the ground and we driven around the same areas we did yesterday.  The beaches are really crowded today.

Beach on Saturday

My new bathing suit!!!

And tonight is the winners parade.  So glad we will not be here for that.
When we got back to the ship we saw that there were four other ships here.  The Costa Magica, Oceania Insignia, Azamara Journey, RCCL Vision of the Seas.  Lots of congestion.

Other ships in port

We went up on deck for the sail away.  Two of our neighbors from Plantation are on this leg.  We looked for them but did not find them yet.  We were the first ship to leave the port.  The view was wonderful.  We then returned to the cabin and tried to face time with Katie and the kids.  We did get to see them but the signal was weak so we kept losing them.  But it was wonderful to see them if only for a few minutes.  Boy, is technology great.

Dressed for dinner in Compass Rose.  I had the lamb chops and Bob had the rib eye.  All very good.  Back to the cabin where I tried to watch a movie but the system was not working.  So we watched a little BBC and then lights out.  We gain one hour tonight so did not want to turn in too early.  Sunday is a sea day.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Today we are day one of two we are spending here in Rio.  We got up early and headed to the pool to do one hour of water exercises.   Bonnie and David were already in the pool.  At 6:20 am, Terry started her talk on our sail into Rio.  It is a very nice entrance to the port.  You see the majestic statue of Christ with the lights on it, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and of course, all of the buildings.  After our swim, we had a quick breakfast in La Veranda and then gathered our things for our tour.

Port of Rio

We got on our bus and went to the back, where the bus is not full so we can spread out.  I took my knitting as I figured it was be mostly bus ride.  Our first and only stop was to Sugar Loaf Mountain.  The Sugar Loaf, or Pao de Acucar, raises as a massive granite cone at the entrance to Guanabara Bay.  We boarded a cable car for a short climb of 650 ft. to the top of Urca Hill.  The second phase of the journey involved a breathtaking ride to the 1200 ft. summit of Sugar Loaf.  From up there you see all around the city.  It really was worth all my fears.

View from first cable stop

Yes, I really did go up

Cable car

We then rode around the city, first to the Copacabana area and beach but we did not stop.  We also drove by Ipanema before heading back to the ship.

Copacabana beach

Copacabana beach

We also drove around the slums of Rio.  Our guide tells us that those people who live in the slums are working people.  Her maid lives there.  And that the police are taking care of the drug issue.

Slum area

Lunch in La Veranda and then reading and nap before we do our afternoon stuff.  I went to needlepoint and tea but only Joan was there.  So we played trivia but I did not do so well.  Joan is from Korea and now lives in Canada, she was not much help.  Oh well.

Dressed for dinner in Compass Rose.  There is a Samba show that lots of the passengers are going to so this ship is pretty empty now.  I started watching "The Ides Of March" but fell asleep so turned it off and will try again tomorrow.  Tomorrow is turn around day and we are going up to the Christ statue.

From Sugar Loaf

Today was misty and we did not get a clear view of the city.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Buzios, Brazil

Today we are again at anchor off the coast of Brazil.  This town is about 2 hours outside of Rio.  It was a little fishing village until the 1960's when Brigitte Bardot holidayed here to escape the paparazzi.  Beaches are the draw in Buzios.  They have lots of beaches and lots of fishing.

We got up early to swim for an hour and then a light breakfast in La Veranda.  We decided to cancel our shore excursion as it was the same thing as we did yesterday.  And since we are at anchor, the tender ride is rather rough.  They tried three different areas to anchor and finally the Captain decided to pull up the anchor and just drift.  This made moving the ship to protect the tender area easier.

Beach by town

We decided to wait and go into the town later.  So I went up to the needlepoint gathering and watched the tenders get bounced around.  We went into the town at about 11 am.  There were lots of nice shops along the streets.

Main street in Buzios

Another street view

We then walked the beach side area and came across the famous statue of Bardot.  It is said that Buzios was the one place where she was able to relax.

Bob and Brigitte

Homes 

This is a pretty nice area of the country.  We took the tender back and it was a rough ride.  Glad it was not any longer than it was.  Had a quick lunch and then I read on the balcony.  Needlepoint, tea, and trivia again.  We did not do as well today.  But it still is fun to try.  After Bob and I went swimming once more for about 45 minutes.

Fishermen Statue

This is a statue in the middle of the harbor.  Interesting.

We dressed for dinner and had our cocktail in the Mariners Lounge.  We were joined by a man from California.  His wife is a travel agent and this is their first Regent cruise.  We talked about their experience on the ship.  She hates Holland America and will not put her clients on those ships unless they demand to and I told her she had picky clients.  I was glad they had reservations at Signatures as I do not like to be around negative people.  Sure, there is good and bad on all ships.  Keep it to yourself.  

Dinner was good in Compass Rose.  Both Bob and I had the lobster.  It was served in a different manner and was quite good.   I have given up desserts for Lent, and so tonight they served Grand Marnier Souffle. Sorry for the misspelling.  Anyway, I passed and just had a cup of tea.  Oh well.  Back to the cabin where I finished watching "The Bucket List".  Then bed.  Tomorrow we are day one in Rio.

Parati, Brazil

Again we are at anchor here in Brazil.  There are lots of island off the coast of Brazil.  Paraty is a preserved Portuguese colonial town with a population of about 36,000.  It is located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) which is a green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro.  It has become a popular tourist area in recent years.

View from cabin

We got up early and headed to the pool for one hour.  Then dressed for breakfast in La Veranda.  We sat on the aft deck and looked at the beautiful vista.  This is a beautiful part of the world.  Our tour gathered at 8:30 am.  We took the Parati Islands by Schooner.  There was a bit of wait as the boat had to change sides of our ship.  And you cannot call it a schooner.  No sails.  Really a long motor boat.  But anyway,  we got on our boat and sailed out to one of the islands to swim.  They made two stops.  The first stop was just swimming and the second stop you could go to the beach if you wanted.  You could swim there or take the dingy.  Bob and I just swam for the entire time.  Good exercise.

Enjoying the water

Our schooner

Shoreside

They also stopped just for a bit to see if the local monkeys would make an appearance.  They did not.  There are only about five monkeys left in the area.

Back to the ship where we changed and then up to La Veranda for lunch.  Now is nap time.

Afternoon same as always.  Needlepoint, tea and trivia.  We don't do that well but we have lots of fun.

Dressed for dinner and went to the show before dinner.  Tonight was the opera singer from Poland that gave us the private show a few days ago.  Tonight was just the singer.  She announced her son would play the violin for us and when he came on stage, the music started and he either forgot his note or hit a wrong note, but he left the stage and could be heard crying.  It was a shame.  At any rate, she came back and finished her set but you could tell she was upset.  She has a wonderful voice.  And sang two of my favorite songs ending with "Time to Say Goodbye".

Dinner in Compass Rose and saw Artie Johnson at a nearby table.  Most of you readers will probably not remember Artie Johnson but he starred in Laugh In.  Then to the cabin and bed.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

It is Tuesday and we are at anchor here in Ilha Grande, Brazil.  This is an island off the coast of Rio.  There were no shore excursions to take.  We got up and swam for one hour and then off to breakfast in La Veranda.  We decided to take the tender and go in later in the morning.

On our walk

Beach

Needlepoint with my friends and then returned to the cabin to collect Bob.  We took the tender into the town and decided to walk through the park.  This was supposed to be an easy walk by the beach.  Well it started out that way.  We passed lots of beaches, and then saw the ruins of the prison.  Next we continued up to the ruins of the Aqueduct.

Aqueduct remains

Trail

That is me going up the trail.  What a hike.!!!  We kept walking and the trail got steeper and steeper.  We kept at it and asked those coming down, how much further.  No one spoke English so we kept going.  Finally, we found a couple who spoke enough English that they told us we would come out on the other side of the island and would have to take a water taxi back to the side we started on.  At that point, I said "let's turn around" and we did and walked back down the mountain.  To say I was pooped was an understatement.  At any rate, we walked for about two hours in this heat.  We were thankful that it was an overcast day.  Thank God for small favors.

The island has no cars on it.  Everything is done by boat or feet.  The police use a golf cart like machine.  Really cute.

Police Car!

This island started out as a stopping point for those coming from Europe so they would not spread disease to others.  Then it became a leper colony.  And finally, it was a prison for the harden prisoners.  Most of the prison is destroyed but a bit remains.

Prison

We tendered back to the ship and had a quick lunch in La Veranda and then a well deserved nap.  I then went to needlepoint, tea, and trivia.  Trivia is such fun.

They had a special gathering for the passengers who are doing the entire trip.  We met up front on deck 7 where they served cocktails and had a BBQ going.  They had a tall ice sculpture of Jesus (like the one in Rio) and mid way through the party, it crashed.  Made a mess but the staff was quick to clean it all up and no one got hurt.

Dressed for dinner and ate in Compass Rose.  Nice table by the window.  We do not need to go far to next stop so we are just about moving.  Back to cabin for more of a movie I started watching last night.  Then lights out.

Santos, Brazil

Today we are docked in Santos, Brazil.  We did a load of laundry before we headed up to the pool for our hour of exercise.  Then breakfast as usual in La Veranda.  I went up to the Observation Lounge to meet with my needlepoint friends.

Port of Santos

View of Santos from ship

Bob and I decided not to take the tour.  This city is the port city for Sao Paulo.  But that is an 8 hour tour and really do not get to see much of the city.  And the tour of Santos was another bus ride.  We are kind of tired of being on the bus so we were going to take the shuttle until we learned it took you to a shopping mall.  So we stayed on board.

I did lots of reading, needlepoint, etc and Bob worked on his pictures.  I went to trivia and after, Bob and I went swimming again for another hour.  Sat in the hot tub for a few minutes and then back to dress for dinner.

Compass Rose where we sat at a table for 2 toward the back of the dining room.  We were surprised to see a man sit at a table wearing jeans.  Spoke to head waiter about it but he did nothing.

After dinner we came back to the cabin and bed.  Will post pictures tomorrow.