Lirio

On Silver Spirit, last August, no tote in Veranda suite.

Someone is sailing away from Montevideo........the picture is not very good, but a cruise ship has just passed-by in front of my window

From Wikipedia: "The Pittamiglio Castle. The façade facing the promenade exhibits a replica of the Victory of Samothrace, representing "the victory of life", made by the Italian-Uruguayan sculptor Pedro Piccioli, which makes the building emblematic of the Montevideo coast. It was the residence of the architect Humberto Pittamiglio from 1910 to 1966, who kept it under permanent construction from the time he bought the land in 1910 until the day of his death, with the premise that its construction would never end, as a metaphor that life is a boat trip." I just passed in front of it. Didnt stop. Maybe next time.

Today we biked alongside Rambla, followed by a parilla lunch (very good) and the rest of the day by the hotel pool.

@Montevideo – Uruguai. A short direct flight from Rio (3 hours). This is not our first time here, so we came for relaxing and working (the good thing about home office: you can work from anywhere). Good food, good wine, good weather, reasonable prices. What more could we ask for? The view from our hotel room balcony......

I have a place in my heart for Dunedin. When my daughter first went to NZ, when she was 15 in a high school exchange program, she lived for 7 months in Dunedin. After that, I went there to meet her, and we came back to Brazil together. I redeemed a miles ticket from Brazil to Dunedin through LAX and Auckland. 2 days travelling, but it was funny at that time, first time in first class and Kiri Te Kanawa was just by my side from LAX to Auckland. When I arrived at Dunedin airport (small at that time) I passed by my daughter without recognizing her and she got really sad. On my excuse: she had gained 10 kgs, dyed her hair blonde and got a piecing and a tattoo. It is a lovely city.

I hope you enjoy my city (Rio). Be smart and safe.

Air New Zealand has a direct flight. I didnt know about Qantas. I will check for next trips to AKL.

Coquetel de Camarões (in portiguese) was a very fancy appetizer in Brazil in in 1970´s. My mon loved to prepare it for guests served over ice more or less like this picture. Very fresh for summer time. Thank you. Your post brought back great memories! We still have these glasses, althought I never use it.

Are you flying Air New Zealand new direct flight? Please let me know everything about it! We are going to AKL next April in the tradicional way (Rio - Santiago - AKL) but I would like to try this new route w/ a couple of days in NY next time.

I booked directly. Cruise only.

Today we visit 2 out of 3 caves from the Cave Route. It was almost 10 years from last visit. An I always love it. These caves have organized tracks and one can only visit in guided tours, no one is allowed to go inside the cave independently. Before you go the cave there is an exhibition of replicas of cave painting from several caves alongside the route in Minas Gerais state. 1st cave – Rei do Mato (King of the forest). Narrow entrance leads to wide halls. 2nd – Lapinha – Wide entrance leads to narrow path but very high (number 10) 20231230_165147.mp4 20231230_164642.mp4

@Host Jazzbeau I will keep posting about Brazilian historical churches and houses and you can see that they are quite like Portuguese ones (for obvious reason). They are similar in architecture and decoration style. Should you ever come to Brazil, the best places to see historical churches and houses are Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Paraty which are ports of call (Paraty only to small cruise ships). Should you choose for a land trip, Minas Gerais has the best alternatives, and the main area is Ouro Preto that I will visit soon (I hope) and post pictures. In any of these places you can see the Portuguese influence in every detail. Most of tourists in Rio de Janeiro goes for carnival, samba, beaches and night life, but historical places are my favorite.

Great and detailed review. Thank you.

On the road again back to Minas Gerais (Rio de Janeiro to Belo Horizonte). This time I stopped at Congonhas, one of cities from the gold area. Early this year I posted Sabara on the same route. The most important spot in Congonhas is Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos (Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos) a 18th-century basilica that is noted for its grand outdoor stairway with statues of Old Testament prophets (12 prophets). It has seven side chapels which illustrate the Stations of the Cross; each has a polychrome sculpture made by Aleijadinho. They are considered masterpieces of an original, moving, and expressive form of Baroque art. The basilica is designated at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the help from Wikipedia.

Summer Solstice for us. And summer is here!

Very bad behaviour......

A question to the Australian Coolers: what about great barrier of reef in May? Where to stay? any recommendation?

I was brownsing Siversea website and just noted that Silver Nova will be in Rio de Janeiro for few days next February. I will pass by the port area to see her and take some pictures, I wish I could board it!!!

Have a great trip!

Cartagena is HOT, very hot. But It is also gorgeous. I liked it very much.

good question.

Last year ee did Iceland (land trip) and Greenland cruise with Silversea. We arranged our own flights from Brasil to LHR to Reykjavik (KEF). From LHR to KEF we flew Icelandair business class (Saga) and was very good.

We are considering a cruise in Tahiti on Star Breeze. Any recent experience, any recomendation for cabin?

Thank you. It turns out that our daughter, who lives in NZ, is demanding a beach vacation. So, she said no to the Kimberley and no to long flights. I am now looking for options near NZ for beaches itinerary in May. I am considering Paul Gaugin or Star Breeze in Tahiti or Seabourn Pursuit options. So far, I am not convinced yet. I looked at the Indian Train from Sydney to Perth and from there a road trip in beaches near-by, but Platinum cabins are sold out the entire month. I am also considering the Great Barrier of Reef.