9th Jan 2019 - at sea

Last night we watched the princess dancers and singers Motown show at 18:00 onto dinner at 19:30 and then the Man of many voices Show. A gentleman Thant is able to impersonate more than 200 famous people. A really good laugh. The night was a continuous roller coaster with some heavy lows where gravity seems to be pulling you down to suddenly as the boat lifts again, feeling as light as a feather. The high winds and weather should be behind us around 15:00 with everything back to normal. Open decks and swimming pools. It is getting colder as we move south with temperatures of 7 to 10 degree Celsius.

06 and 08 Jan 2019 - Days at Sea

We have just been told they there is a bad weather system over Stanley island in the Falklands so we are heading straight for Cape Horn. We are getting the tail end of the system and the deck on which we usually run/ walk around are all locked down. I guess Princess does not want people falling overboard, 50 knot winds and tottering aged with canes and walkers do not go well. So 2 days at sea, plus 1 day scenic cruising and then onto Ushuaia, the next port that we will be allowed onshore. The gym is open and empty early in the morning so after 45minutes on the step machine, laundry, Internet consultation as I lost 120minutes by not logging off properly...... Evidence on the server supported my claim so I got the precious minutes back. First Zumba class today. My favourite part of a sea day. We have seen the most amazing shows. The Princess singers and dancers are very similar to the dance shows in Sun City. Last night was a really good magician. Each night after a really good meal we head to the theater to be dazzled by high quality entertainment.

07 Jan 2019 - Puerto Madryn, Argentina

A coastal town with lots of water sports and many bars on the beach. Warm weather and a Welsh Settlement. In the 1800’s when the British were forcing the Welshman to speak English, a group of Welsh settlers moved to Puerto Madryn in Argentina. In the Museum there is a young Latino that only speaks Spanish and Welsh. These settlers struggled as there was no fresh water in the region as well as raids from the tribes inhabiting the Falklands. They lived in Caves which they carved into the cliffs on the sea side. We walked to and visited the museum and the caves returning to loud South American music and ice cold beer on the beach.

5th Jan 2019 - Montevideo, Uruguay

Funny show last night - a comedian ventriloquist. This morning started at 7:30 with a stretch class instigated by Michael then a great breakfast. Trying to lose 3 kilos, not going to happen, then again with all the working and gym maybe. We got off the shop and went into Montevideo town. Walked the markets and had a beer in the plaza. Bought Mate tea and am going to make some just now. Not much to see here. Everything seems closed possibly because it is Saturday or maybe for economic reasons. We are told that the currency of Argentina and Uruguay are both unstable and no one trusts banks or deposits money due to the devaluation. 70% interest given by the banks, does not cover the devaluation amounts.

2 references to Nelson Mandela in Montevideo 

4th Jan 2019 - Buenos Aires Cycle - Day 3

Taxi to the cruise terminal and then overnight on the Star Princess. So easy to find everything, it is as if we never left. Breakfast with smoked salmon. So very good! Taxi negotiations mmmm 600 pesos after 150 the previous day seemed rather high so we started walking and 700m later found another that had the cost based on time. Arrived at the cycling tour start and paid 200 which included a really good tip. What a great way to see Buenos Aires. We stopped for Mate tea and cakes which is served in one cup and shared around the group from the left. I liked it lots of caffeine and the actual tea is called erva as in grass or weeds. Manufactured and grown in Brazil but the preferred drink of most South Americans. The history of Argentina is harsh with genocide of the people opposing the current regime. A memorial wall of more than 30000 people that died at the hands of their own people. Continued cycling and stopped for a drink and choripao short for chorizo and pap (toasted bread) with loads of chili, eggplant, tomatoes that you add on for taste. Very very good eaten on the side of the road next to the river. Cycled back to the start and walked back to the shop.

03 Jan 2019 - Buenos Aires - Cape Horn Cruise

Breakfast around the corner after which we explored the city. Trying to find reading glasses for Michael. None available. So weird, maybe it is the Mate drink that keeps their eyes sharp, very few people seem to wear glasses. We will take a taxi to the peer and check in to the Star Princess our cruise ship. We stay in Buenos Aires on the boat tonight docked and have a full day tomorrow here only setting off  at 18:00 after a cycle around Buenos Aires. 

2nd Jan 2019 - Buenos Aires - Day 1 - Cape Horn Cruise

Arrived in Buenos Aires via São Paulo using SAA and Qatar airways. Well SAA is backward when compared to the other airlines, customer satisfaction definitely not a priority. Sad really as some of the air hostesses tried others did the bare minimum and clearly hated their job. Qatar like Emirates and Cathay Pacific are in a different league. Inflight entertainment and customer service far superior. I sound like a spoiled brat but if SAA has to compete at this level they are currently being left far behind. It took 1/2 hour to reboot the archaic entertainment system and they ran out of meals. Weirdly another hostess found some a while later. Caught a taxi and checked into the Airbnb. We then having slept on the plane, went for a long walk around the city.