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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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 Blogging Challenge - Day 13 - Argentina August 13th Lyn's a sly fox   had us up early this morning. We were off to a full day tour to Mundo Marino - a theme park. There is little time to grab much breakfast, but I manage a small bit and a coffee. I even managed to get a coffee to go. Some of the group managed to snooze on the way and I will admit I do nod off for a little while. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g312741-d12577381-Full_Day_T... Mundo Marino is one of the most important entertainment complexes in Argentina, It is the first Theme Park installed in the country and it is also the largest Oceanarium in South America. It is located in San Clemente del Tuyú, Partido de la Costa. It hosts wonders of nature and skills performed by dolphins, sea lions and orca, as much as penguins, birds and fishes, all located in areas that recreate their natural habitat. With my coffee in hand we manage to meet up with your guide in downtown area of Buenos Aires. The trip is three and a half hours. The scenery is magnificent. There was so much to see. Our guide took us inside the park and we were able to explore the sea world, where many attractions are available: - Sea Refuge : An Orca and Dolphins performance where caregivers will show us the world of cetaceans and the work of the Mundo Marino Foundation. - The Sea Lions Island : A performance of Sea lions along with sea elephants, trying to save the island from an evil business woman who wants to build a hotel complex in their habitat. - Penguins shelter: A breeding Penguin Colony inside a recreation of their natural habitat. - Sea lions bay: In this representation of natural their environment, between rocks and waterfalls, we can feed and watch sea lions. - Submarine encounter: Enjoy a cetaceans watching through a panoramic window of a sink of a diameter of 30 meters. This pool hosts dolphin pups born each year in Mundo Marino. - Terrestrial Safari: guided expedition into the wild natural world to discover how animals, plants and the environment are related to conform a rustic habitat. - Paradise Lake: magical lake and waterfall hosting colorful birds, flamingos, fish and flowers. There were also different kinds of food available within the park. There were even places to shop. After hours of fun and animal discovery, we met up again with your guide to get on the bus and return to Buenos Aires by the same route. It was early evening when we arrived back at our same starting point. Lyn left the evening as yours to rest up and get ourselves organized before heading off in the morning to Uruguay and the capital city of Montevideo. Apparently it revolves around Plaza Independencia - which was once home to a Spanish citadel. It leads to Ciudad Vieja (Old City), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and Mercado del Puerto, an old port market with many steakhouses. La Rambla, a waterfront promenade, passes fish stalls, piers, and parks. In real time, I am off to Scotland tonight so I don't know if I will be able to keep up with the virtual trip. Have fun everyone! |
Blogging Challenge - Day 12 - Argentina August 12th https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g312741-d11446059-Small_Grou... Hit the showers because we’re off to see a Tango Show. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g312741-d11452421-La_Ventana... Journal: Lyn had organized a day on an authentic estancia (ranch) and see Argentina’s legendary gauchos (cowboys) demonstrate their unique horsemanship and wrangling skills. I was not as interested, and besides the group was supposed to keep to only 15 people. I decided instead to take on the free walking tours of Buenos Aires. This allowed me to meander through the beauty of the city and still feel like I got a sense of the place. I knew the group would have interesting stories to tell, but so would I. And besides I would see them tonight at the dinner and show. I actually took two tours - a morning one - from 10:30 until 2 and another in the afternoon - from 3 until 5 pm. I saw great architecture and lovely parks. I sampled various food from various cafes.... and made sure to have plenty of superb coffee. Both guides had a real passion for their city and were both very knowledgeable. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g312741-d4541686-Reviews-Buenos_Air... I had plenty of time to get ready for our 7:30 pm dinner. All the walking I had done all day made me hungry for the delights of the evening. Lyn's a sly fox had planned a memorable night out in Buenos Aires. We were to experience the passion of the Argentine tango at an evening La Ventana tango show. There were live tango and folk bands, a gaucho demonstration and a moving tribute to Eva Perón. The evening started off with a delicious 3-course dinner.We got picked up at our hotel and whisked off to the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, the birthplace of tango and the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. We arrived at a conventillo, a historic tenement restored and now used as a restaurant-theater, where La Ventana takes place. We strolled through the theater’s preserved architectural interior, and in a sense got to travel back in time to the tango grandeur of the early 1900s. Dinner featured a wide array of Argentine and international dishes, accompanied by Argentine wines. We even got to enjoy more wine with the performance. The show ended around 11 and we made our way back to the hotel. A few members of our group opted to take in a bit more of the Argentina nightlife and I decided to join them. We found a nice quaint bar close to the hotel that served lovely drinks and even had a dance floor to let us explore some of the dance moves we had observed. It was all rather hilarious, but fun just the same. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 11 - Asuncion, Paraguay to Buenos Aires, Argentina Aug 11th breakfast at the hotel .. We’re taking a mid-day flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312741-d877688-Reviews-Urban_Suites_Re... Breakfast is included and I’m told the coffee is amazing but not today. Change into casual clothes because we’re going horse back riding https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g312741-d11455406-Polo_Lesso... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312741-d4170372-Reviews-The_Burge... Very good price , good atmosphere , and most importantly flavorful burgers . We decided to get the combo which included a draft beer , burger and fries . Very fair price for a good meal in Palermo SOHO district . And we’re off to a bit of nightlife https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312741-d1427242-Reviews-JA_Lo_de_... Journal: After yesterday's walking tours, I am only too happy to sleep in a little bit. {user: elusive4lyn} has everyone meeting up at the hotel's restaurant for breakfast. I was up early enough to check out the pool and get in a few lazy laps before getting my shower, then heading down for coffee and some breakfast. I am glad I did the swim because our next hotel is pool- less.  Buenos Aires is the capital and most populous city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the South American continent's southeastern coast. . It has a population of around 17 million. We fly into Buenos Aires during the mid-day and Lyn had us scheduled to learn to play polo. I am not a fan. I like horses just fine, but I am apparently allergic to them so I have decided to beg off. Since there was no pool around I decided to follow my nose. Since Buenos Aires is supposed to be the bookshop capital of the world I thought, why not. Apparently books are exempt from the 21% sales tax! Walrus Books would do just nicely.I found it tucked away among the old school cafes and cobblestone streets of San Telmo.An English language book store - owned by expatriate - Geoffrey and Josefina Hickman. . Although it was small, this tiny gem was full of new and used quality novels, non-fiction, and children’s books. The atmosphere was just what I was looking for - a neighborhood used bookstore with dim lighting, red accents, fresh plants and rich wood bookshelves full of new literary journeys to take. There were a few comfy chairs to take a seat while I read through my book choices. This shop also allows you to bring in a book you have just finished to receive a discount on your next purchase - too bad I didn't have one to give up. The shop also offers literature and writing courses. A little bit of heaven. http://www.argentinaindependent.com/the-arts/literature-culture/walrus-books-eng... Since the shop is among old school cafes, you know I had to partake... and get a little writing done. San Telmo remains a focal point of the city’s tango and art scenes. It is Buenos Aires’ most historic neighborhood has narrow cobblestone streets lined with resplendent, often crumbling buildings, family-owned bakeries, antiquated hardware stores, and an eclectic mix of bars, cafes and restaurants. Fearless kids play soccer on the streets between traffic, cumbia and tango music waft onto the sidewalks, young couples kiss in doorways and cats lounge in windowsills. If there’s a game on, the screams can be heard every time the neighborhood’s favorite soccer team, La Boca scores a goal. I just loved the atmosphere of the place. I made it back to the hotel with enough time to get ready to join the group for the burger joint. Very good price , good atmosphere , and most importantly flavorful burgers. We decided to get the combo which included a draft beer , burger and fries . Very fair price for a good meal in Palermo SOHO district. Then we take in the nightlife. Buenos Aires is a late night city. Even the shops are open until midnight and dinner is often not eaten until 11 pm. Lyn had us going to a wine tasting. It was nice to savour the various wines and hear about the antics of the polo playing. I got to share my own adventures. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 10 - Paraguay Aug 10th Flight to Paraguay is at 6:00am We’re staying at La Mision Hotel Boutique https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294080-d1156903-Reviews-La_Mision_Hote... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294080-d12472540-Private_Se... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g294080-d12472555-Private_To... Journal: Since we are leaving on a 6 am flight, I am so glad I went to bed on the earlier side last night. We are now in Paraguay.... in Asuncion - the capital. Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a landlocked country in central South America, bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the country from north to south. Due to its central location in South America, it is sometimes referred to as Corazón de Sudamérica. Paraguay is one of the two landlocked countries outside Afro-Eurasia, and is the smallest landlocked country in the Americas. We just get our stuff stashed at the hotel and we are off on a tour... a tour of museums. Most of these are for the arts so there are plenty of people in our group that are only too happy to brows and wander. Because it is a private tour we can take our time. Our first stop is La Casa de la Independencia, where we got at least an hour to take in the sights. Next was the Memory Museum of the City in the Viola House. This was a group of houses of the time. We were able to see some of the objects of colonial times and other relics. The next destination was the the Andrés Barbero Ethnographic Museum, which is owned by the Foundation "La Piedad" Entity Civil Relief and Culture, administrator of Barbero heritage, and continuer of his family's philanthropic purposes. We did not spend as long at this museum. Then we headed to the Music Museum. It has been completely renovated and has several rooms where the artists who took their music internationally are honored. Valuable objects are kept inside, such as the guitar that belonged to Agustín Barrios Mangore, harps and other wind instruments. Interesting stuff. The next museum was the Museum of Fine Arts. We got to see art of the seventeenth century and early twentieth century, as well as Paraguayan Art from the nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries. We gravelled a little farther outside the city, to our last museum - the Visual Arts Center Museo del Barro,. We spent the longest time here, probably around 2 hours. There were exhibits of contemporary art {Museum des Arts Contempo Contemporanea) There were also exhibits of Indian art (Museum of Indian Art), and the Museo del Barro with 4000 pieces. Our tour was scheduled to end around 2pm, but I am sure we took much longer. I was all museumed out by the time we were done. We were given the option of returning to the city center or staying in the area of the Museo del Barro. I decided to hang out for a time and see about finding a café of sorts. I needed coffee and sustenance. But Lyn's a sly fox was on a roll and she did not want us to get too comfy. She had more plans for us - a 6-hour evening package designed for people with little time during your stay in Asuncion. I was glad it did not start until around 7 pm. That gave us time to recoup and rest up. It also gave us time to check into our hotel room. We were to tour the capital of Paraguay at night and then be whisked away to a typical restaurant where got to enjoy dinner accompanied by a live show. The city tour kept us hoping. My feet were starting to hurt. Luckily we were able to fortify ourselves at the various pubs along the way. We got to see the spectacular lights of the Government Palace, the promenade that is a popular the meeting point for hiking, leisure, and recreation. Then, cross the main avenues of the capital, visiting New Asuncion, where the night comes to life with the shopping center, casinos, pubs, and bars. We dinner was delectable. There was beef, alongside various other meats which are cooked on a grill, called "parrilla" in Spanish, or an open fire. The Asado were accompanied by salads and manioc or yuca, similar to the potato. I tried a little of everything. I was nice to just sit for awhile. It was midnight before we headed back to the hotel. I was almost asleep on my feet. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 9 - Rio De Janeiro Aug 9th our final day in Rio de Janeiro Angra dos Reis Day Trip and Schooner Cruise https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d11447456-Angra_dos_... Dinner is at the hotel this evening because we depart early in the am. RISTORANTE ALLORO Traditional Italian recipes with the healthy and light flavors of the Mediterranean. An extensive cellar with worldwide selection will delight wine lovers. HOURS Dinner: 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm (daily) Journal: Today is a five hour cruise with stops to swim and snorkel. Now that is my kind of day. I am up and ready to go for our 7 am pickup. Though the cruise is 5 hours, the day is full with all the stops. We are not due home until 9 pm. My kind of day. Natural and swimming... now that, is heaven. I will most definitely need my sunscreen, sunglasses and hat today. The weather was perfect. Our tour guide, TT aka Tina Turner was very entertaining. The bus ride to Angra Dos Reis was about 3 hours and she made the ride fun and entertaining by providing historical information and showing off her singing skills. Many of us joined in. She speaks good English and since our group was all English she did not have to incorporate any of her other languages. We took turns teaching her some new phrases and she taught us some of hers as well. Lyn had assured us there would be a hot and cold buffet lunch on board the boat and I am grateful because I did not grab much for breakfast. The buffet we enjoyed had steak, fish, chicken, rice and beans... all onboard our schooner. The views were amazing. It felt like we were in another whole world. I think the best part was being able to plunge into turquoise waters around Angra dos Reis for a relaxing swim. After yesterdays walking and dancing, this was a blessing. The scenery was amazing. Did I say that already. Our guide told us that there were around 300 scattered islands that make up this area. That is just... too wonderful. We got to stop at the Ilha Cataguases (Cataguases Island), a gorgeous spot with white sand beaches and clear, blue-green water perfect for water activities. Water polo anyone?! After that we continued sailing to Lagoa Azul (the Blue Lagoon), Praia de Freguesia de Santana (Freguesia de Santana Beach) on Ilha Grande and the pier on Piedade Island. So beautiful. So peaceful. When we returned from our cruise we were returned to our hotel. After such a sun filled day everyone seemed quiet and happy. Dinner was at one of the hotels restaurants - the RISTORANTE ALLORO - which served traditional Italian food and some amazing wines. I sipped and savoured; only to happy to sit back and enjoy the company, before I toddled back up to my room and wrapped myself in my cosy bed for the night. tomorrow is supposed to be an early start.... and possibly a new country. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 8 - Rio De Janeiro Aug 8th- Breakfast THE VIEW RESTAURANT Rio de Janeiro Half-Day Walking Tour---After pickup from your Rio hotel at 1:00pm , follow your local guide on this engrossing tour of Old Rio. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d11447460-Rio_de_Jan... Ginga Tropical Show in Rio de Janeiro 5:30 pm https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d12346770-Ginga_Trop... I’ve made arrangements for dance lessons after the show back at our hotel in one of the conference rooms. Journal: Lyn's a sly fox has got a reservation for breakfast at THE VIEW RESTAURANT. It is on the 4th floor of our hotel and it overlooks the ocean. I can see Copacabana beach where I spend yesterday afternoon. It is quiet this morning. The sun is just dancing on the gentle waves. If we did not have plans for the day I would escape out there again today. Our breakfast is a buffet restaurant which serves Brazilian and international cuisine. I started with a mimosa - champagne and orange juice (usually reserved for Christmas morning, but hey, we are on holiday) and I coffee (of course) - just keep it coming. I also ate my fill of the wonderful rolls that got brought to our table and other buffet delights - eggs, ham... We had the morning to rest up for the rest of the day, so I chose to head down to the beach for a quick dip before going back to my room for a shower. Our Rio de Janeiro Half-Day Walking Tour was to start at 1 pm. Our very knowledgeable guide was Jean Baptiste and he was fabulous! It turned out to be our very own private tour. Our guide was flexible and adapted the program to avoid the places we had already visited yesterday. We got to see Rio's most impressive church, Nossa Senhora de Cadelária, as well as the ornate São Bento Monastery to view its paintings and gilt carvings. We stopped by Praça XV do Novembro, where Brazil's emperors were crowned in the 1800s and many other important historical events took place. We got to see the Portuguese-style Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace), built for Brazil's rulers as a home and workplace in the 1700s. We took a stroll down Uruguaiana Street, which takes you to the Metropolitan Cathedral and Carioca Square. We got a ride back to your hotel when the trip concluded. There is only time for a quick clothing change and we’re off again. This time to the Ginga Tropical Show. We left at 5:30 pm so we could get to the Brazilian Barbecue Dinner. It was another delicious buffet dinner that included a variety of barbecued meats, local specialties, seafood, and salads. The show started around 7:30 pm. There was dancing and music and we were able to learn about Brazil's vibrant history and culture through its traditional music and dance. It was a 90-minute performance that allowed us to see very talented performers dance the lambada, samba and bossa nova dressed in outrageous Carnival costumes. We also got her hear the folklore from this diverse country. There was also live drumming and the Brazilian martial art: capoeira. It was all extremely exciting. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d12346770-Ginga_Trop... Afterward we headed back to our hotel and Lyn had organized a dance lesson for us to learn some of the moves we had seen tonight. It was a hilarious experience. I love to dance, but I am not good at learning to follow certain steps... my brain kicks in... and it was a little murky with all the cocktails we had imbibed. I didn't care, we all tried and laughed at our attempts. To sober us I took another fine swim before heading up to bed. A few of the group went along with me and a few decided to go put their new dance moves into practice. I knew they would have a grand time. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 7 - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil August 7th - Grab a nap on the plane because when our feet hit we’re off to the races. We’re staying at Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22010-000, Brazil 011 55 21 3501-8000 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303506-d301412-Reviews-Hilton_Rio_de_J... It’s got mixed reviews but the pluses are safe ocean access and pool both. The luggage will be transported and we’ll sort it out later. Skip the Line: Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket Bypass long lines for Rio's most popular attraction with this time-saving ticket Take the first available train to the summit of Corcovado https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d12152822-Skip_the_L... Afternoon adventure is Rio Walking Tour with More Than 15 Attractions Visit Rio's highlights and landmarks on foot during a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide. Starting from Cinelandia Station, follow your 'carioca' (Rio native) guide on a walk that includes Rio's most important historical and cultural sites. Visit National Museum of Fine Arts, Theatro Municipal, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio, Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência and several other important landmarks. All entrance fees are included on this small-group tour. You will be taken by subway to downtown, emerging at Cinelândia Station, Cinelândia of Rio´s 1900s, with its relics of the French architectural influence such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, Theatro Municipal – the city´s Opera House, the National Library, Pedro Ernesto Palace (City Hall), the Cultural Center of the Federal Court. On the way to Carioca square we see the Naval Club, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio and the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência, a true cultural richness of the Brazilian colonial architecture (1622). A visit at the Confeitaria Colombo, built in 1894 in Art- Nuveaux, Tiradentes Palace (State Hall ), Praça XV including the Imperial Palace (the first residence of the Portuguese Royal Family), the statue of General Osório, Mestre Valentim´s Fountain and through the Teles Arch, reach the cobble-stoned Travessa do Comercio and the former residence of Carmen Miranda, the Church of Our Lady of the Merchants, the Post Office Cultural Center, France-Brazil House, Bank of Brasil Cultural Center and Candelaria Church. Back to the hotels by sub-way. Visits or stops: Cinelândia, Largo da Candelaria, Confeitaria Colombo, the Church of Our Lady of the Merchants, France-Brazil House when open, Bank of Brasil Cultural Center and Candelaria Church when open. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g303506-d11455442-Rio_Walkin... Are you tired yet? We’re back to the hotel you have 2 hours to check your stuff into your room and shower before we hit our late night dinner destination for tapas and wine. El Born --- the main courses are really tasty in itself, we only realized that the main virtue of this restaurant is the diversity in tapas which we were offered while waiting for our main courses. Each tapa costs only 9 BRL, and you can have as many as you desire; the staff comes around with a new plate of tapas every 10 minutes or so. Well worth a visit! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303506-d3815693-Reviews-El_Born-R... Journal: Rio De Janeiro. Wow. Lyn had us hitting the road and running. We made our way to the first train up to the summit to see the Christ the Redeemer way at the top of Corcovado. It really is quite the sight to see and the view from up there is amazing. It was 8ma. It is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Given that we had a 9 am start for our 3-hour walking tour with a local guide, we had to head out almost too soon, but I got enough pictures of the huge stature. Our walking tour started from Cinelandia Station. We even got to take the subway downtown - that was exciting for a Monday morning! We followed our 'carioca' - which is a Rio native that guided us. We got to see Rio's most important historical and cultural sites: the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Theatro Municipal - which s the city's opera house, the National Library, Pedro Ernesto Palace - which was the city hall, the Cultural Center fo the Federal Court, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio, the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência and several other important landmarks. The National Museum of Fine Arts, Theatro Municipal, the National Library, Pedro Ernesto Palace, the Cultural Center of the Federal Court are considered relics of the French architectural influence - early 1900s. On our way to Carioca square we saw the Naval Club, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio and the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência, a true cultural richness of the Brazilian colonial architecture (1622). A visit at the Confeitaria Colombo, built in 1894 in Art- Nuveaux, Tiradentes Palace (State Hall ), Praça XV including the Imperial Palace (the first residence of the Portuguese Royal Family), the statue of General Osório, Mestre Valentim´s Fountain and through the Teles Arch, reach the cobble-stoned Travessa do Comercio and the former residence of Carmen Miranda, the Church of Our Lady of the Merchants, the Post Office Cultural Center, France-Brazil House, Bank of Brasil Cultural Center and Candelaria Church. We went back to the hotel by subway. On our way back to the hotel, I manage to find a place with great Brazilian coffee and good eats for lunch. We all need a pick me up by his point. My head was buzzing and it was only lunch time. It was also amazingly hot. Lyn has promised tapas and wine for dinner and I am all for it, but I am glad for the break. I hurry and check into my room, grab on my swimsuit and towel and head for the beach. It is just too beautiful to ignore and with the heat, I am best in the water. By the time we head out for dinner I am ready. The beach was just what I needed and I even managed to get a lovely bit of a tan. The tapas and wine and the company were exquisite. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 6 - Paramaribo, Suriname August 6th A direct flight from Georgetown to Paramaribo would get us across the border in an hour’s time. So to maximize our time there we’re leaving at 9am no snoozing ladies and gents on this adventure. We’re ditching our stuff at the hotel and we’re off. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294082-d1218711-Reviews-Courtyard_Para... And we’re off for a day of walking, so dress comfortably. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294082-d2233127-Reviews-Saint_Pet... This is a real breathtaking place, this Roman Catholic (Cathedral until 2014) now Basilique of Paramaribo, known as the 'biggest and tallest wooden structure of South America. Look for the dress code and the openings hours. A tour guide will meet us here https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=20632P1&d=447474... Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, featuring numerous wooden buildings of unique architecture and a variety of hospitable ethnic groups, living together in harmony. First the guide will take you on a bus ride along the most prominent historic locations in the city center and then he will take you to visit other hot spots in different suburbs. What to Expect: Our guide will pick you up by bus and our tour will past the most important monumental buildings and streets of the city. You will see the Presidential Palace, the Museum Fort Zeelandia and the Corner House. We’ll have time to watch the dolphins play on this lovely river cruise before have a late night dinner. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294082-d4740690-Reviews-Commewijn... We were on Suriname river for a while and then moved toward the Commewijne River where we saw quite a lot of dolphins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294082-d2213863-Reviews-Garden_of... Its Asian cuisine with lots of vegetarian options for those who prefer veggies. Sweet dreams, we’re off to our next country in the morning. Everything I read about reaching French Guiana from Suriname involves a lot hassle from taxi rides with passes to the border, then a boat ride to Cayenne and more passes required. This tour guide isn’t going to fuss with all this, so we’re moving on to Brazil. Sorry, only 12 countries. Journal: A 9 am flight takes us directly to Paramaribo, Suriname. It has Dutch roots and seems cleaner than the other two countries we have visited so far. We drop our stuff off at the hotel - another lovely place. You can see the ocean from it, just like in Georgetown, but it seems to call to me. I may just have to venture out there at some point. We are only here for this one day. Lyn's a sly fox told us we would only be here a day and then off to Brazil, apparently the connections to French Guiana are horrific so we will be skipping that country. That is fine - 12 countries has a less superstitious ring to it than 13. Just saying. I got my walking shoes on and my comfortable gear and I am ready to go. We head for another church - Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral. It is another gorgeous wooden structure... even more beautiful than the one in Georgetown, but then again, it is not under renovations. Being that it is Sunday, several of us sit in on a service. I may not understand a word, but the reverence is there and that is what counts. Our tour guide, Bernie, meets us there and we set off to see the sights. The wooden buildings of unique architecture are numerous and I am happy to be surrounded by a variety of hospitable ethnic groups, living together in harmony. That is what I like. Friendly smiles and helpfulness all around. We went to the prominent historic locations in the city center first. He told us much of the history of the area. He also took us to a bunch of other hot spots in the area. I was quite impressed. We did manage to stop off for a bite to eat at the Tasty Sandwich and Coffee Bar. I was in need of some serious coffee and I am sure Lyn was as well. Although the place had a timeless vintage look that I loved, we took our lunches to go as we had much to see in such a short visit to this city. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g294082-d11759589-Reviews-Sandwich_... Then it was on to a river cruise where dolphins could be seen frolicking in the muddy waters. It was lush and quiet, really nice after the bustling city tour. This is a lovely way to spend a Sunday. There were two rivers - the Suriname river and the Commewijne River. Dinner was to be later at a thai restaurant and I get a little nervous with my peanut allergy and Thai food, so I opted to take a more South American route and went to the Mighty Racks for some delectable ribs and fabulous cassava fries. The food was amazing. I managed to convince a few of the heartier meat lovers to come along with me so I was in good company. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g294082-d9710818-Reviews-Mighty_Rac... I ate so much that I was glad for the walk back to the hotel. I convinced the group to venture down the beach for awhile before we headed in for the pool. The rest of the group were still out at the Garden of Eden, but I was happy here. Tomorrow we take off for Brazil. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 5 - Guyana Aug. 5th We’ll be leaving at 6:00 am and flying to Guyana. Our lodging looks really nice but a bit on the pricey side. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294078-d7143305-Reviews-Guyana_Marriot... We will be seeing a multiple of things, but please be aware of the danger of being by one’s self. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294078-d315738-Reviews-St_George_... This 43-meter high Gothic cathedral was built in 1842. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294078-d3210784-Reviews-Promenade... This garden is well kept and is a good place to visit in Georgetown. Guyana. There is no entrance fee. It has a beautiful statue of Mahatma Gandhi. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294078-d3317948-Reviews-Georgetow... We’ll be grabbing food along the way, snacks and drinks because dinner is going to be so worth the calories. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294078-d4784038-Reviews-Aagman_Re... Are you having fun? Most definitely!!! Today was a seriously early start. A 6 am flight to Guyana. Lyn's a sly fox had booked us into a more pricey hotel and I wavered on staying or catching up with Kåre Enga in Udon Thani  who decided to opt for a hostel or a guest house. The beauty of the place kept me where I was but I also hoped Kåre Enga in Udon Thani would be okay on her own. Since Guyana had remained a British colony until it finally gained its independence in 1966 and it remains South America's only English-speaking country, I figured she would be okay. The views from the hotel were breathtaking particularly when looking out toward the ocean. I was itching to walk along the sandy shore, but I restrained myself.... for the time being as Lyn had us going full speed ahead for the day. Our first stop was to the Georgetown St. George's Cathedral. Oh my! It is a 43-meter high Gothic cathedral that was built in 1842. The architecture was stunning - despite the renovations. It has been described by the Architects' Journal (10 July, 1985) as "the largest wooden church building in the world". I had to keep reminding myself to close my mouth and breathe. I took plenty of photographs, but I also took some time to just sit and soak up the atmosphere - reverent awe. Imagine the acoustics in a place like this. I couldn't help letting out a few notes just to test it. Divine. From there we headed to the Promenade Gardens. Another little piece of heaven. The Buttress Roots were a sight to see, though at night I am sure they could come alive and swallow a man! A few of us managed to crawl up into them and perch for photos. Talk about hugging a tree. Someone was even crazy enough to put a pair of glasses on Gandhi! He looked pretty good.  This was a lovely place for a picnic. I found a cafe, The Coffee Bean, which was not too far from the Gardens and many of us grabbed a bit of food and took it back to sit among the trees. I was in need of caffeine and I am sure a few of us were as well. It was hard to believe we were in the city when we sat down and had our little picnic.With new vigour, we were able to continue back to the Lighthouse... and yes, I made the climb to the top. I so wanted to see the views and wave to my fellow travellers who were not able to make the climb... a whomping 138 stairs. My legs were feeling it by the time I reached the top! Dinner was to be at an Indian Restaurant, the Aagman. since we weren't going until later I decided to take a stroll out by the ocean. I managed to convince some of my fellow travelers to come with me and we all splashed around and had a blast playing along the water's edge. It was not the cleanest beach I had ever seen and decided I would prefer to swim in the pool later. The restaurant was very colourful in decor. I was not too sure what to expect and I was grateful when someone suggested we all try a little of everything. That I was willing to do. I did not want to buy a single entree and find I did not care for it. Some of it was very good. Having been a long day, I decided to take a dip in the pool and head to bed before it got too late. I slept well. |
Blogging Challenge - Day 4 - Venezuela Aug 4th - El Ávila National Park Half-Day Jeep Tour I’ve made special arrangements and we’re doing the whole day, spending longer time spans at the locales along the way. Dress comfortably because we will be walking too. El Ávila National Park, in north-central Venezuela, occupies a 200,000-acre mountain region that ranges in height from 120 meters to just over 2 meters. After 9am pickup from your Caracas hotel, you'll be driven to the highest point in the park, where you'll be able to walk and take in gorgeous views that contrast with the hustle and bustle of the capital. From atop El Ávila, you'll be able to see Caracas on one side and the Caribbean. Don’t forget your camera. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g316066-d12465496-El_Avila_N... Dining enjoyment for the evening is El Alazan, it’s on the pricey side but highly reviewed and rated. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g316066-d792792-Reviews-El_Alazan-... Even though it is basically famous for its varieties of meat you can also find an excellent quality of fish plates or pasta plates. The ambiance is very chic with lots of wood in the decoration. Besides all of that, the quality of the service is superb. You always feel pandered and like a preferred guest. Oh, this is one tour I had looked into and considered, so I am excellently happy to take part. So excited about this adventure,in fact, that I was up early. Early enough to have time to swim before going down for breakfast. I chose the continental option. A few of our group were there. Lyn's a sly fox was sipping away at her coffee. I swear she was smiling as she sat there with her eyes closed. That woman loves her coffee and this is the place for it. I grabbed myself a cup and stocked up on many of the yummy treats before joining her at her table. We gave each other a little 'cheers' as we lifted up our cups. No words were needed. I had to laugh. I am really glad she made special arrangements to make this day a full day instead of a a half day. It allowed us to take our time and really get a sense of the countryside. I loved being out beyond the city limits. It was a little cooler up here and definitely fresher. Despite the elevation, I was able to breathe really well. The lushness was divine and the views... oh, my.... I took so many pictures I thought my camera would explode. I was almost sad to return to the heart of the city, but with all the walking and the fresh air, I was famished and my feet could use a rest. Tonight's restaurant was a bit pricy, but it was worth it. I enjoyed a fish dish. I was hoping to keep things on the healthier side.... but the cocktails I had with it were not so 'healthy', but they went down smooth and fine... and they made me forget about my sore tootsies. I made sure to take another dip in the pool before heading back to my room for a good, long shower and my comfy bed. |
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