Jules' Latin Splendours Diary
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Day 1 - Friday 28th November 2003 Santiago/Valparaiso (Chile) We finally arrived in Santiago at 8.30am after a 17hour flight. The flight wasn’t too bad, with a good choice of films and TV programs, they also kept us well fed and watered. David and Louise behaved themselves quite well, although Louise was bored after just 2 hours. Stephen and Barbara were not sitting with us, which I think was a bit of a relief for them not to have David bothering them for 17 hrs. The plane put down in Barbados for re-fuelling and we were allowed to get off for an hour. This was very welcome as we could have a walk about before getting back on the plane for the final leg of the flight. Most people slept the rest of the way until they were woken up to be given breakfast before finally landing. Anyway back to Santiago, we were all loaded on to buses for the journey to the port, about one and half hours away. As you are whisked through the Chilean countryside it’s hard to imagine that you are on the other side of the world, looking out of the window it looks just like Spain, and a lot greener than I expected it to be. We arrived at the port just before lunchtime and were very quickly checked in and taken to the ship. We went straight to our cabin (mini-suite no less) to be greeted with champagne, chocolates and flowers - very nice. After relocating Stephen and Barbara, who we mislaid at the airport, we decided to go to the restaurant for lunch, 2 bottles of wine later we all went back to our cabins and slept. When we woke a couple of hours later I realized that we were still missing a suitcase but Stephen soon turned up with it, he had found it in a corridor on C deck with luggage labels missing, so panic over. Then it was time to set sail, so off to prom deck for a glass of champagne, but what’s this no streamers, no band, just lots of locals to wave us off on our way. After pre-dinner drinks in the Crows Nest and dinner at table 7 (as usual) in the Oriental restaurant, we decided on an early night as we had an early start the next day. Day 2 - Saturday 29th November 2003 Coquimbo (Chile) Marissa, our cabin stewardess, woke us with our breakfast at 7.30am as we were off on our first tour today. Tour D - Petroglyphs and vineyards. I think it finally sunk in today that we were in South America when our tour guide, Miguel, announced that we would take the Pan American Highway to our first stop at Valle del Encanto (the enchanted valley). When we arrived we left the bus and walked to some nearby rocks to look at the Petroglyphs. These are drawings carved onto the rocks 2000BC. We walked on further before clambering up some more rocks to look at the views. Of course Thomas had to climb even further up and hang over the edge to take more photos, as he does. Then it was back to the bus for the short journey to the Vina Francisco de Aguirre where we were to visit the winery. On arrival Miguel asked us if we had ever been to a winery before, and when most people said yes, he replied that we would just have a quick look before moving on to the wine tasting. The wine tasting took place in an underground cellar carved into the hillside. We were then invited to purchase some wine and as it would be rude not to we set about buying just about every bottle in the shop, for David’s birthday of course. Then it was off to lunch. We pulled up outside a very unpromising looking building, but once inside you could see why we were there as the views were stunning. Hence the name, Panoramic restaurant I guess. You could go out onto a balcony and look right down the valley over the foothills of the Andes and vineyards below. For lunch we were given river prawns and some sort of sea snail to start with, Miguel said that the snails where endangered but the bloke that owned the restaurant knew a man! The main course was just lots of meat with more meat and for desert papaya and ice cream. All washed down with pisco sours and more wine. Then it was back to the bus for a very good-humoured journey back to the ship. This was a wonderful day. We saw plenty of Chilean countryside, drank lots of Chilean wine and returned to the ship happy and exited for the rest of the holiday. Day 3 - Sunday 30th November 2003 At sea Finally we had a nice leisurely day at sea. Went down to breakfast in the restaurant with S & B as David was still in bed, he didn’t get in until 3am in a bit of a state. We decided to be fit and go for a walk round prom deck and bumped into T & L on the way, but this was to be a dangerous decision for Louise. As she was walking around prom deck, a jogger launched himself at her and she caught her arm on a knob causing a very large bruise to appear, so off we went to Tiffany’s for an ice pack and coffee. Surprisingly enough this didn’t stop Louise spending the next half hour going up and down the stairs to the shops - funny that. The rest of the day was the usual day at sea, game of cards, lunch in Alfresco (David still in bed), reading & generally lazing about. It was the Captain’s welcome reception tonight (David still in bed). The captain was Hamish Reid and he gave quite a good speech. We got down to dinner to be greeted with balloons at the table, one week early, so we took them back to the cabin for David and stuck them over his bed. I told him he had better be fit for tomorrow as we were off on our big trip to Machu Picchu. Day 4 - Monday 1st December 2003 Arica (Chile)/Cusco (Peru) Breakfast in the cabin again this morning before saying goodbye to Oriana for 2 nights and embarking on our big trip to Machu Picchu. Tour G - Cusco and the lost city of the Inca’s We were transferred to the airport by coach and then the scenery changed again, from the very fertile and green surroundings of central Chile to miles of the Atacama desert, the driest desert in the world. We drove past small colourful houses that seemed to be made from anything that they could use, but they still had Christmas decorations on the outside. The flight from Arica took about an hour, and before you knew it we were looking out at the mountains surrounding Cusco and were in Peru. We were transferred from the airport to the 5star Hotel Monasterio which used to be a monastery and is now run by Orient Express Hotels. We were greeted at the hotel with a cup of coca tea and local folk singers. The coca tea is supposed to be good for altitude sickness, Cusco is over 3000mtrs high. After lunch in the hotel, which was very nice if not very typical Peruvian, we had some free time to explore the surrounding area. We ventured out with new chums Sue and Jane to have a look for some bits to take back, David insisted on buying some pan pipes, we tried to stop him but without much luck. We then returned to the hotel for an afternoon tour of Cusco. We visited The Cathedral first, it was huge and filled with gold, silver and priceless paintings. The painting that caught most peoples eye was the one of the last supper depicting Jesus and the Disciples sitting down to roast guinea pig! After the cathedral it was on to Santo Domingo Monastery which was built on the Incas Temple of the Sun, then more churches, and finally a walk back down to the hotel. In the evening we were taken to a local restaurant for a folklore show although it wasn’t to bad we were crammed in like sardines and most people were to tired to enjoy it much. We were in bed by 9.30pm as we had to be up at 5.00am the following morning. Day 5 - Tuesday 2nd December 2003 Cusco/Machu Picchu (Peru) After a very early start at 5.00am we were taken to the train station for a 4 & a half hour journey on the backpacker train. The train was very rickety and ran on a single track with 4 trains going up in the morning and then coming back in the evening. Travelling through the Peruvian countryside we saw a different way of life to that in the city of Cusco, there were lots of cultivated crops and animals in the fields. Our guides travelled with us and pointed out all the places of interest, this was good as it made the train journey seem shorter. We followed the Urubamba River along the valley before we entered the denser undergrowth of the rainforest. We were shown where the tented village for the start of the Inca trail was, we didn’t think we will be doing that though as you have to cross a mountain range at a height of over 4000mtrs After 4 & a half hrs on the train we finally pulled into the station at Aguas Calientes which looked like it had just sprung up to service the tourists that are going to Machu Picchu. We were then all piled into buses for the final leg of the journey up the mountain. As we wound our way up a very narrow and windy road I was looking for the first signs of Machu Picchu, this also took my mind off the steep drops at the side of the road. Once at the top we were taken for lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel before dividing us back into our groups for touring the site. We were soon taken through the entrance and round the last corner. The first thing that we saw were the terraces that the Inca’s used to farm, but this was nothing compared to the sight that we saw on rounding the next corner and start to see the full site. We followed the guide around the site for the next 2 hrs, he was very good and seemed to know when people needed to rest, due mainly to the altitude. He was soon leading the way to the top house to see what he termed “the postcard view” of Machu Picchu and when we got to the top the view took your breath away. Everyone was now taking photos so I thought it was time to bring Paddington out of my bag and show him darkest Peru. He was a big hit, with everyone wanting a photo of him. It was now time to make our way back down to the town for the train journey back. David and I avoided all the locals trying to sell the usual Machu Picchu tourist tat, and settled on a beer and chips before returning to the train. The journey back was over 5 hrs and seemed endless as is was dark most of the way, but we finally got back to the hotel at 9.30pm. We were all exhausted but still managed dinner before bed. It was a wonderful day but very hard work. We will all be pleased to see Oriana tomorrow. Day 6 - Wednesday 3rd December 2003 Cusco/Lima (Peru) We had another early start, having been woken at 5.00am again that morning. We were then transferred to the airport, for another scenic flight over the Andes to Lima. Once in Lima we were taken on a whistle stop tour of the city centre. A once beautiful Spanish colonial city that had in recent times fallen into disrepair, with the old buildings deserted and decaying. We were taken to the Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by the Cathedral and Palaces, before being shown one of the only surviving colonial houses. By now we were all ready to get back to the ship and have a rest. So next stop Oriana. After lunch in Alfresco 24/7 (and a couple of bottles of wine), we went ashore again to have a look at the stalls on the quayside and spend some more money. We said goodbye to Peru sitting at the Terrace Bar, as you do. It was the Indian buffet that night, which must still be very popular as it was fully booked after just 2 nights on board and we only just managed to get a table. We went for a nightcap in Andersons but as Thomas was falling asleep we decided to have another early night. It was good to know that we could have a lie in the following morning and maybe actually stay awake the next night. One of the reasons that we wanted to go on this cruise was for the trip to Machu Picchu and it really lived up to expectations. However it is quite tiring and expensive, and we felt that you were only given information on timings when they felt like telling you. But on the whole it was a wonderful experience that we will never forget. Day 7 - Thursday 4th December 2003 At Sea Very lazy day at sea, with not much to report. When I finally got up I found the others had got a nice quiet spot on the top deck. We decided to go and do the quiz that night, not a big success though, so we went down to Harlequins to drown our sorrows and finally managed to stay up past 2.00am. Day 8 - Friday 5th December 2003 At Sea - Crossing the Equator Another lazy day at sea with a bit of sunbathing in the morning. The sun seemed very strong though and as I didn’t want to look like all the other lobsters I decided to go and commandeer a table down by the Riviera Bar. We had thought that if we got a table down by the bar then we would have a good view for the crossing the line ceremony. So here we were at our “good” table for lunch, salad & pizza washed down by some of our Chilean wine. Then as we sat there everyone started to pull chairs from god knows where and put them in front of us, oh well best plans and all that. The ceremony actually turned out to be a greasy pole competition between Neptune’s team and a P & O team so we didn’t miss much. Thomas and David climbed up on to a bin or something to video, so we can just watch that. Anyway we actually crossed the line at 7.00am that morning according to the noon announcement. After dinner that night most of us decided to go to see The Italian Job at Chaplin’s Cinema, with David going to see the comedian, John Martin. Day 9 - Saturday 6th December 2003 At Sea/Panama City (Panama) Spent the morning watching us sail into Balboa the port for Panama. The city of Panama seemed to rise from the mist and looked like it was straight out of a Si Fi movie. The scenery was very green and it was like sailing into the Lake District, with small islands dotted about the sea. We sailed under The Bridge of The Americas at lunchtime and pulled into a very industrial port. The wildlife, especially the birds, were wonderful at all the ports and here was no exception with pelicans diving into the sea right by the ship. After lunch we had the first signs that we were in the rainforest as it started to rain and looked like it wasn’t going to stop, it was very warm though and this made it very humid. This played havoc with the video cameras and we had to leave them out on the balcony’s to get them to work. As we couldn’t get on the only trip into Panama we decided to stay on the ship, it didn’t look like we missed much though. We decided to eat in Le Jardin Bistro that night as it was a casual night and it didn’t look like we would miss much on the dinner menu. After dinner we went to Crows Nest for a drink but like many of the bars on the ship this holiday it was very quiet. David & Thomas wandered ashore to a little duty free shed but came back empty handed. Although they were offered a ride into Panama city by a taxi driver to “visit some nice ladies”. The girls pretended to go to bed at 12.00am but really went to decorate our cabin for David’s Birthday the next day, luckily Stephen and Thomas had already blown up the balloons. When David came to bed some time later he was surprised to find the cabin filled with balloons and banners. Day 10 - Sunday 7th December 2003 Panama Canal (David’s 40th Birthday) As we had been told that we would start to transit the canal at 8.00am we decided to get up at 7.30am so that we wouldn’t miss anything. We were told that some people were sitting on observation deck at 5.00am - there is always someone mad enough. As we intended to celebrate David’s birthday all day, we all met up in our cabin for a champagne breakfast and to watch David open his presents and cards. As we popped the cork on the first bottle we stood on the balcony and saw an alligator floating past, although it could have been a log! It was about 8.30am before we approached the first locks, the Miraflores locks. The ships throw ropes down to small mule trains which then pull them into the lock. The locks take two ships at a time and at the first lock the other ship is on the other side to us, so after we have finished breakfast the lads go off to video everything, or in Stephens case the trains. By the time we approached the second lock, the Pedro Miguel lock, we have swapped sides with the other ship so that wherever you are standing you get to see everything, I bet those people that sat in the rain for 3 hours were now wondering why as it seems better to just wander around to get the best views. David decided that the best way to beat the rain would be just to put on his swim shorts and go and sit in the Jacuzzi on D deck. After the two locks you travel through a canal and into the Gatun Lake where the scenery is very pretty, but the weather was still wet and humid. When you reach the lake you start to pass the ships going in the other direction and this time we really do see some alligators on the banks of the lake. We reached the Gatun locks at about 2.30pm but as these locks are in three sections it took us nearly 2 hrs to pass though them and in to the Atlantic. After afternoon tea in the Scott’s cabin we went to get ready for David’s birthday night. We kicked off the night with a small party in the cabin, yes its time for the loaf of bread filled with sausages washed down with more fizz and Chilean wine. When we got down to dinner we find that David’s Mum & Dad have sent wine to the table to help celebrate, as have Jane & Sue - very nice. The waiters sung happy birday and brought a chocolate birthday cake. It was the 60s & 70s party night tonight so we all headed for that, wasn’t it good of P&O to put on a party especially for David’s birthday. The highlight of the night was David playing a game where he had to hit the Ents officers on the head with an inflatable hammer, well maybe you had to be there but it was very funny. We all tried to stay up but even David only managed 1.30am, I think it must have been all that booze. Day 11 - Monday 8th December 2003 At Sea Woke up in time for bacon pannini in Alfresco 24/7, it was starting to become quite a habit. P&O had a “great” idea to put the clocks forward at 12.00am so all of a sudden it was lunchtime. After lunch in in the Peninsular Restaurant I had a massage which was very good and I soon found myself nodding off. As it was chocoholics that afternoon, Stephen and Thomas turned up with plates of cake for afternoon tea (and we still haven’t eaten David’s cake). All we seemed to do was eat and drink, so we must have been on a cruise. Stephen, Barbara and David tried their luck in the casino that night with Stephen winning £50. Day 12 - Tuesday 9th December 2003 Bonaire Tour J - Bonaire Beach Break Up early again to go to the beach snorkelling. As we stood on the balcony looking out at Bonaire you can see all these pretty little house in different colours and its just like you imagine a Caribbean island to be. We were taken by mini bus about 10mins down the road to the Plaza Resort Bonaire, to use the beach and facilities there. Once on the beach we got sun beds under the palm trees and were given fruit punch, but its not long before we were getting snorkelling equipment and heading for the sea. The water was so clear and we couldn’t wait to get in, as I hadn’t snorkelled before I found it quite difficult to remember to breath as first but I soon got the hang of it and was away. The sea was so full of fish that it seemed like you where swimming in a giant aquarium. We had all bought underwater cameras and were trying to take pictures of the fish which was quite funny. Of course Louise shopaholic Scott had to have her own snorkelling gear, nothing new there then. Soon it was time to get out of the sea and grab a quick beer before heading back to the ship for a 1.00pm sailing. First South America and then the Caribbean this was a really wonderful holiday and more to come. Day 13 - Wednesday 10th December 2003 Grenada As the Scott’s and ourselves were not on tour until the afternoon we decided to go ashore mid morning, using the tender privilege disembarkation tickets that were delivered to our cabin yesterday. We were taken by tender into the harbour of St George’s which was built on a crater made by an extinct volcano. When we got off the tender and started to walk around the harbour we were soon getting unwanted attention of what seemed like every taxi driver in Grenada, we carried on trying to ignore them and walked to the town centre. In contrast to the pretty harbour area the town centre was scruffy and unwelcoming, so David and myself decided to head back to the harbour and find somewhere for lunch - no change there then. The Nutmeg Restaurant overlooking the harbour quickly drew our attention and so we grabbed the best seat by the window and waited for Thomas & Louise. David & Thomas had the local delicacy of spicy crab back followed by lambie (conch). After lunch we were booked onto the Rhum Runner II Tour D - Rhum Runner II The Rhum Runner II tour was basically a boat trip, rum punch, steel band & swimming. We got on the boat (1st of course) and the crew were soon handing out rum punch and fruit. The boat then went along the coast before stopping at a beach, a ramp was lowered into the sea to allow people to go ashore and into the sea. David and Thomas were soon tempted onto the banana boat and it wasn’t long before they fell back off again but it was very funny to watch. The crew were still giving rum punch out even in the sea and very soon everyone was in a party mood. Back on the boat and the crew organised a limbo competition which I felt compelled to join in, well there was a bottle of rum punch at stake. Anyway I managed to win, the punch must have made me more flexible. They got us back to the harbour just in time for the last tender back to the ship. Another good trip (David would say the best). Day 14 - Thursday 11th December 2003 Barbados Another day, another island, another boat trip but this time in Barbados. Tour D - Cat Caribe & Turtles The catamaran came into the same harbour as Oriana but P & O still insisted on putting us on a bus to go 100yards. Once on the boat the crew were really helpful and friendly and once again kept trying to ply everyone with rum punch. As we sail down the coast we are issued with snorkelling gear and are told that if you want to get into the water you must wear a lifejacket, this is a good idea as we are well off shore. So we get to the place where we are supposed to see the turtles and soon everyone was jumping into the sea, but not surprisingly all the turtles had gone for a lunch break. The water wasn’t as clear as in Bonaire and you probably wouldn’t have seen much even if there had been anything to see. However as soon as we all got back on the boat the turtles were popping their heads out of the water and sticking two flippers up at us! As we made our way back along the coast we were given lunch of flying fish, macaroni and Caribbean chicken with various salads, all washed down with all sorts of drinks. Then we were taken to see some shipwrecks, as the sea was clearer there you could see quite a lot of fish as well as the wrecks. We were then taken on to the beach for a swim. The sea was so blue and warm no one wanted to get out and we ended up being late back to the ship, but no one cared. As we were going home the next day we thought we had better pack when we got back, well it had to be done. A quick walk ashore before dinner and then bed, all good things come to an end I suppose. Day 15 - Friday 12th December Barbados /Manchester Got up to have breakfast in the restaurant, just to fill in some time before going to the airport. All the hand luggage was being held in the pacific lounge so that you didn’t have to trail it around with you, some people are not going to the airport until 5.00pm. So we left our bags and went for a walk but soon came back as it was to hot to hang around in going home clothes. Luckily we didn’t have to hang around very long as we are the first group off. Then there’s nothing left except to go home after a wonderful and exiting holiday. I think this had given us a kick to do something other than keep sailing round the Med in future, but then again? Jules xxx
