Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Buenos Aires
We knew it wouldn't be safe to openly carry a camera and photograph in the city so we only have a few snaps. Infact, when we were on the ship we were told that someone had their bag stolen and two people had watches torn from their arms in the city centre. Desperate people.
This was the view from our hotel roof where we had a swimming pool. There wasn't a single space left, wherever you looked there were buildings, very high and very close.
As we sailed out of Buenos Aires to begin our voyage, we sailed past the nature reserve. It was lovely to have so much green space within a hustle bustle city centre.
Costanera Sur Nature Reserve, Buenos Aires
Our first morning in Buenos Aires and we were out heading to the nature reserve, Costanera Sur, a 20 minute walk from our hotel. The reserve didn't open until 9am but we were able to view the ponds from the walkway and our list began ! Two weed cutters were both working away but the birds didn't seem to be bothered, infact looking at the choking weed, it must be an ongoing task. The ranger in the centre was a good English speaker and made us very welcome indeed. We were soon on our way, heading down the tracks with birds (and mosquitoes!) coming thick and fast. The reserve is almost in the city centre and is used by 100's of runners constantly yet the reserve looks very well managed for wildlife and was litter and dog free. Our first day gave us a good 50 species and we returned the following day to try and get some of the more difficult species. We did see a snake that we were later told was venomous. A couple of excellent days in here to kick start the holiday before we boarded our ship.
The city centre sky scrapers in the distance.
No matter whereabouts in the world you are, there are always dogs like these two snoozing in the afternoon sun.
Steak in Buenos Aires
Our first night in Buenos Aires meant we just had to walk into the city centre and eat steak! We went to a meat eaters delight of a restaurant called La Estancia that boasted the best Argentinian meat. A massive fire was the window display with various animals steaked out roasting. We were certainly not disappointed that's for sure. Karen had T-bone and Simon a sirloin. Well we could have fed a family of 4 with each steak, both being plate sized and at least 2" thick. Served with chips and bread. The only problem was that although we had asked for well done, they were still mooing ! Very tasty if you didn't look at the blood! Served with the best bottle of Malbec we have ever had, blooming lovely and all for under £40.
Holland America's Zaandam
We have just returned from the trip of a lifetime onboard ms Zaandam, one of the Holland America fleet. It surpassed all expectations......the scenery, glaciers, birds, whales, places. It was without doubt, the best trip we have ever done and we would seriously recommend it. We were away for 3 weeks, the longest we have ever been away from home and the farthest we have ever been. The trip was just fantastic and we hope you enjoy looking at all our photos.
Karen hasn't yet completed her bird list but we saw well over 200 species with about 160 new ones. The highlight of the trip being a pod of killer whales !
We had excellent weather the whole time with just one half day of rough sea. Our Captain said in his whole sailing career he had never known such calm sea as we sailed around Cape Horn, it was flat calm. We made a day's sailing time up with the calm seas so we were treated to a detour to see a glacier that is probably the best thing we have ever seen, breath-taking !
Our home for a few weeks
Posh dining !
The back top deck where we did all our watching.
Here just watching the sun go down after a hard day !
Didn't really understand the meaning of the cows but they looked nice !
The outdoor, unheated pool which was absolutely freezing cold. One man used to do a few lengths each day then quickly run back into the heated pool at the front of the ship. We had one rough day (force 9) as we approached the Falklands, but luckily we sailed through it so we could dock and tender into Post Stanley. The pool had just about emptied itself as it swilled over the sides !
We met a good crowd of whale and bird watchers and there was always raucous laughter (especially when Mr Blobby was about!)
A world traveller !
'Team Whale' enjoying a relaxing afternoon with calm seas and blue sky somewhere off the coast of Chile.
Sailing through Glacier Alley. The scenery was just breathtaking. We have plenty of pics for you to see of the Chilean Fjords and Glaciers. It was a tight squeeze. A day we will never forget !
Good night x
Chris and Ian with Simon on 'whale watch'. We saw 100's !!
Sailing through the Chilean Fjords, calm seas but as you can see, very cold indeed !
Flat calm, perfect !
Our home (we were tendered ashore, they don't expect you to swim !)
Happy !
Definitely the trip of a lifetime. How will we beat this one ?
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