Trips of a Lifetime

Montevideo, Uruguay

nannanomad — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 06:21:00 GMT

Arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay on the 22nd January, for a two day stay, leaving at 9.30pm on 23rd January.

Uruguay is a country of grassy prairies interupted only by scattered patches of scrubby woodland. The breadbasket of South America the region is denseley populated, what land is not under cultivation supports large herds of livestock.

Montevideo is a city of about 1,800.000 residents, almost entirley of European extraction mainly Spanish and Italian. It is the largest city in the country and home to half of the country's population.

On the tour of the city we visited the Plaza Zabala which is a combination park and monument which is dedicated to the Buenos Aires govenor who founded Montevideo in 1726. in the centre is the El Gaucho Monument. This famous statue represents a typical gaucho on his horse.

We passed all the inportant buildings which included Government house, Opera House and also the Legislative Palace. I did not climb the steps to enter the Legislative Palace however apparentley the floors, walls,stairs and columns are made of a variety of Unuguayan marble.

In the evening we travelled back into the city to attend a Folklore Dance together with a Tango Show.

The next day we travelled out of town to a typical Ranch. We were treated to a BBQ Lunch which included wine and a demonstration of Sheep shearing, milking of a cow and Horsemanship. A wonderful day was had by all.

Rio de Janeiro

nannanomad — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 04:37:00 GMT

We arrived in Rio de Janeiro on the 19th January and is the second largesr city in he Federal republic of Brazil after Sao Paulo.

It has a lovely harbour and is backed by mountains, includes two worlds greatest landmarks Sugar loaf mountain and Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Rio is also well known focor its spectacular carnival in FebruayMarch.

We saw the beaches ofpacabana and Impania passed the Maracana Sadium the worlds largest football stadium which was built for the 1950 World Cup.

We also saw the area and seating that is where the carnival is held.

In the evening I attended a Folklore and Samba Show which was ery enjoyable.

We sailed from Rio a 10.30pm

Salvador

nannanomad — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 04:28:00 GMT

We arrived in the port of Salvador on the 17th January.

As i was unable to go on an organised tour and I realised that it was not sae to go it alone I stayed on the Ship.

I was informed by fellow travelers who did go ashore that there as a Carnival on celebrating a religous event so the streets were crowded with the local community.

The visitors enjoyed theparade.

Recife

nannanomad — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 03:57:00 GMT

We arrived in Recife on the 15th January,2013 situated on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Brazil. I travelled on an organised tour and the guide was very informative. Tenerife is the capitol of the state of Pernambucco.

We travelled to the former capitol of Pernambucco until 1827 Olinda. Firstly we hd to trnsfer to small mini vans as the coach was to large.

Olinda is onlt 5 miles north of Recif. It is renowned for its cathedral, many 16th and 17th century churches and beautiful 16th and 17th century houses covered in tiles.

We visited one of the many churches. The views from this area were lovely. Olinda was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982.

After transferring back to the coach we travelled around Recife itself and saw the slum areas as well as the well to do areas.

My overall view was that I found it a dirty place and not on my list to revisit,

Tenerife

nannanomad — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:56:00 GMT

Our firs port of call was Tenerife on 9th January 2013. I left on a coach tour of the Northern Pnorama of this the largest of the Canary islands off the West Coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.

Almost half of the islands population lives in aend around an Cristobul de la Lguna and Santa cruz deTenerife the past and present capitol cities.

First we visited the waterfront to see a beach of golden Saharan sand fringed by palms.

We then travelled up a steep winding narrow road and looking down into the valleys could see the greenery and vineyards etc.

Reaching the summit we had a photo stop which was really picturesque. Descending down we came tod ours an the coastline which had big outcrops of rocks.

We then travelled to a prperty where we were served with the local wine and goat cheese with fresh bread rolls. Very good.

The tour was for 4 hours and well worth the time.

Setting Off

nannanomad — Sat, 8 Dec 2012 22:03:00 GMT

Nanna Nomad here,

Just letting you all know that tomorrow I start my adventure with 4 weeks in London beofre boarding the Arcadia in Southampton for a cruise of a lifetime.

My first post will be once I board the ship so until then Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!