Sunset at Sea

We had a number of great sunsets... this one was on April 29th, between La Serena, Chile and Lima, Peru.













And for your viewing pleasure... a video preview of what we saw in Lima...

La Serena, Chile - Recap 2

First a quick answer to a question - All my panorama shots were taken with my Olympus Stylus 1050 SW digital camera. I bought it for the underwater capabilities, but discovered it also has an awesome feature that allows you to put together panoramic shots with a handy screen guide.

Larger versions and additional photos can be found HERE

First the ubiquitous muster drill photo!



After a overnight sail, we arrived in Coquimbo/La Serena, Chile. We had booked an excursion up to the big telescope in the area, but it was canceled... which made me super sad because I love astronomy.

So, we took advantage of the free shuttle to downtown La Serena.

Our boat!


Scenes from La Serena




We stumbled upon a parade!


Then I bought this beautiful hand crocheted sweater...


Next was lunch at the market...




Entertainment for lunch was provided by watching people come and go from the market.


A video to break up these photos, of the first part of our morning...


Then we took a walk around...



And found a long park with the best sculptures EVER!!!

Why yes... I do work out!


Why... hello there!



I think he may be auditioning for a deodorant commerical...


After the ladies...


Oh did I mention Matt was on the trip too?


A panorama of the park




After our long walk, I was exhausted, so we caught the shuttle back to the boat. While in La Serena, we found some pictures of some murals that Matt really liked but I was too nervous to ask a local where to find them... well guess what we spotted from the ship.


Some other views from our ship in port and departing...








And last, our towel animal of the day!

And Off We Go - Recap 1

Here goes... A trip in review, spread out over several posts...

April 25th, 3 AM, Eugene Airport.

The Luggage is Ready to Go! A large checked bag for both Matt and I, two small carry-ons, my vest bag (also carry on) and my big purse of entertainment.




However, I am not impressed by 3 am. I am even less impressed because I had not slept all night/day.


So you want an idea what the Eugene airport looks like at 3am? Empty. No one in the one baggage claim, no one at the desk... no one at security...




Then we were on layovers... I knitted... Matt read. My knitting was really a bag to carry IV balls in, but I figured it could be a hat too!





After our flight to Atlanta, then a 10 hour flight to Chile, we ARRIVED! The customs area at Santiago was very crazy, with very little signage to tell us where to go... but we made it through. I had a small panic attack when the drug sniffing dog decided he needed to sniff... right where my marinol bottle was. Apparently synthetic THC was interesting to sniff for like 5 minutes... but not enough to trigger him to signal his handler... PHEW!

A few views from our bus trip to the ship, which took about 2 hours on a bus that could not climb hills... which was an issue! We did however get to see great valley vistas, wine country... and a lot of little roadside eateries.





Arriving in Valparaiso, Chile...





Finally off the bus... we got to sit in the terminal at the ship... and wait to board. Then go through line. Then finally ON THE SHIP!!!! Where we got to wait in the buffet for our room to be ready. Matt took the opportunity to nap, while I wandered around, met people, went to a talk about La Serena, Chile from the most crotchity old woman ever who was so unberable a number of us left early!

And lastly the views of the port from our room!