Nov. 18, Rio

Gosh, we love Rio!! Slept til 8:30!! Day was on our own. Took a cab to a shopping center in copacabana. 6 or stories, but didn't see anything. Then walked to beach and walked along the famous walk. Tried to walk to the water, but burned my little feet, even with sandals on! The hotels wet a walkway in the sand to prevent burned feet. Walked along the beach on another perfect day. Then took a cab home which made an 8 hr day. J and E went on the optional tour so we didn't meet up until happy hour in the lobby bar before our farewell dinner. Oh, when R and I got back to hotel we put our footies in the Atlantic.

We had our farewell dinner in the hotel with another mojito-like drink. All delicious. I think even my neck has gained weight!! I don't remember my necklace being so tight.

Anyway, it's been a great trip with some great folks. We four are brand new to GCT. Many have been many times to exotic places. One lAdy has been on 17 trips. One guy goes on a trip every other month!! Must be nice to have that much money!!
Most go at least 2x a yr. and have their next trip planned and paid for.

I'll reflect tomorrow, but our program director has been the best!! We're trying to figure out how to stuff her in our suitcase!!

Nov. 16, 17, Iguassu to Rio

Spent the 16th mostly hanging out at hotel waiting to get our 2hr. Flight to Rio. Rio is home to about 16 mil. On bus to hotel, passed by favelas or shanty towns that are depressing, but evidently they have established their own communities. An optional tour is offered to visit one. I think we'll pass.

Arrived in the rain The Sheraton is on the water and we have as great view of Ipanema beach. Spent the evening having dinner at the hotel.

The city tour started early at sugar loaf passing many city spots and beaches. Sugar loaf is the highest of 2mnts and you have to take a tram to the first on and then another one between the 2 to the top of sugar loaf! Spectacular views frm top. You'll have to wait for pix. The next stop was another mtn. Where Christ the Redeemer is. For this you need to take a small train straight up the mtn. The trip took 1/2 hr each way and went through a rain forest.

The view from the top is another one of those times where words can't do justice. We could see The Redeemer had been rained on from Sugar Loaf, but the weather got better and better until it turned into a gloriously sunny day, hot, boy with a tropical breeze blowing.

Back on the bus to the national cathedral which is cone shaped and looks nothing like a church. The best part was the included lunch in Copacabana at a churascuria, where they bring all kinds of BBQ meat to the table andshave it off for you after the huge soup and salad bar. Very fun.

The next stop was the gem store where they showed us a museum, and explained how and where the gems were mined. Then we were given another mojito-like drink while we were ambushed by sales people and pressured to buy. There may have been good deals, but 10k was out of price range. I'll stick to jewelry tv.

After escaping, the four of us walked along Ipanema beach until we found a cab. Elaine caught Rodger's cold and felt crummy, so we had a dinner picnic in the room.

Tomorrow rodg and I will do some shopping and walking along the beach. No probs with stealing or anything----so far, although there is a strong police presence everywhere, ESP. along the beach walks.

More to coMe, but not much more.

Btw, the beaches are pristine and very inviting.

Happy bd. Katie!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 15, Iguassu Falls, Brasil

The breakfast buffet was incredible. There was even an omlet chef, which was a welcome change from runny scrambled eggs!

Then a short bus ride to the park entrance. One of our gals opted for a helicopter ride so we waited for her before entering the park. Again no waiting in long lines and our own bus. The guide told us the walk wouldn't be as long and thankfully is was cloudy and not so hot!!! And he said we would be up close and personal or under where we were yesterday. There were tons of people everywhere and all of them in my way.

It was a downhill walk with several breathtaking stops along the way. Words cannot adequately describe nor can pix record the sound of the scenes before us.

We continued to almost the bottom of the falls and took another catwalk to overlook part of the falls. The mist was so thick--you got soaked!! It was worth the cost of the trip. Thankfully an elevator took you back up to the top where we had lunch. The 4 of us signed up for an optional trip on a jeep through part of the forest and a zodiac under the falls. So here we are in a rain forest and it has the nerve to rain---and rain hard--so we couldn't go. Darn.

So back to resort to listen to thunder whilst we napped. We are all going to a dinner show tonight that promises to be colorfully cultural.

It was a great day. Tomorrow, back to airport for Rio!!

I love being retired!! : )


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 14, Iguassu Falls, Brasil

Breakfast at 6:45 and on the bus at 7:30!! Sure like the airport experiences with lots of help.

1 1/2 hr. Flight. Got off plane and into the muggy rain forest area to the I. Falls national park on the Arg. side. We met our new local guide who took us into the park. We never have to wait in line for tickets or anything. It's easy to get spoiled. It was sooo hot I had to wear a wet paper towel around my neck. We took a small park train to the catwalks of Devil's Throat area of falls. Covered with100 percent deet, I saw not one mosquito, but thousands of kinds of butterflies. You literally had to shoo them away from your face.

Then we walked 1 1/4 miles on catwalks over the Iguassu river in the midday sweltering heat to a magnificent view of the falls. As frigid cold as Bariloche was, this place is frigging HOT!! about 99 pcent humidity. You really feel you are in jungle like surroundings. Anyway, the falls were breathtaking!! They have had about 3x more rain than usual, so there is lots of iron oxide sediment in the water so it all looks muddy. The guide says the falls are super full and loud. The falls are the widest in the world- over a mile wide. We gawked for as long as we could stand it and then hiked another mile and some back. Myclothes were absolutely soaked. We were sure a sorry looking bunch.

Back on air conditioned bus to cross the border into Brasil. Another smooth crossing to our hotel which is a very nice resort. We were given the Br welcome drink which reminded us of mojitos sin mint.

There was time for a nap before another included dinner at the resort, complete with entertainment. Evidently, B. Is known for buffets. It was wonderful.

Then back to our room for happy hour with E and J and one our $8 malbecs we toted across the border.

Let's see if the falls pic below gets sent.

Love u





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 13, Buenos Aires

Today we went by bus to the delta region of B.A. full of little isolated islands that are inhabited. Parts of it had been developed for the wealthy in the early 1900s. Now it's full of rowing clubs. We took a river boat along into the islands and visited a school that GCT sponsors. $10 from each person from each trip goes to a GCT foundation that supports schools in primitive areas. GCT has added a wing on stilts because of flooding and equipped it with classroom furniture. There are about 300 kids attending up to the 8th grade. After that there is no opportunity for further education unless they can live off the island. The kids had a little program for us and then we each were escorted around the school by a student. Ladonna, my escort, was 7 and very bright. She was fascinated with my camera and figured out how to view all my pics. She took some pics and was thrilled. The area was very hot and depressing.

We went back to hotel for a free aft (shopping at a very cool mall) and then the farewell dinner for the 12 folks going home. Dinner was at A restaurant in the ver cool port area. 11 of us are going on the post trip to Brasil. We had a delicious malbec which was $8 so we bought 3 to take with us to Brasil! No probs crossing the borders with liquids.

Early start tomorrow for plane to Iguassu Falls on the Argentine side.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 12 Buenos Aires

In Argentina, they say Buen Dia intead of the typical because they only look at one day at a time. They never know about tomorrow because of instability.
They also pronounce "ll" as "sh" instead of a "y. " So it's como te shama- not Yama.

Our city tour was very interesting and full of beautiful buildings. The people here look very European and find the men are very attractive as a whole

Our first stop on the city tour was the cemetary. It's huge and very ornate--about 7 x fancier than New Orleans. In some you could see and almost touch the caskets. This ia also where Eva Perrone is buried. Our guide told us her history and what the peopllw thought of her. She was quite controversial and now has become what our guide described as a myth.

Then to a leather factory where they shoes us different kinds of hides used. Then we only had 1/2 hr to shop. Rodg and I didn't buy anything , but I almost did--a pink leather jacket for $140. Already have leather jackets so did't buy it.

Then we saw the "pink house" where the Pres. Conducts business and Evita made her last speech, as well as other gov. Buildings. It's a popular place for demonstrations which there were many and the riot police present.

Our next stop was an Italian area where they had handicrafts which were way overpriced. Then back for aft.on our own. Had lunch nearby at an outdoor cafe then nap until our tango lesson which was at the hotel. What a stitch. Rodger and I are getting good at the leg kicks and swivels, but have not perfected throwing me overhead and around his body like a baton, but we have high hopes. : )
:
Then we enjoyed an optional dinner and tango show in a beautiful building. The show was amazing and so was dinner, but it made for a late nite--1 a.m. And an early day tomorrow. A fun day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 11 Buenos Aires

Flew two hours this a.m to B. A. home to 13 mil people. Our hotel is close to most everything, but no ice machines or wash cloths sadly. We have been warned repeatedly about crime. When we took a guided walk around our hotel, some raggedy street children tried to steal a pocket watch from one of us. Rodg calls them varmints and really reminds you of slum dog mil.

This eve we were divided into 3 groups and were taken by bus to homes (apartments) of local residents for dinner. This is a hallmark of GCT- our tour company. Our hosts-a single mom and her mother, who spoke 5 languages, spoke very good Eng. We talked of politics, economy, and raising children. The older woman was from Croatia and so is one of our travelmates, so it was even more interesting. It was very fun.

Tomorrow ia a city tour for 4 hrs. and then time on our own. Then Tango lessons in the evening followed by a tango show and dinner. Will take lots of pics.

Thanks for reading and commenting. Love ya

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 10, Bariloche, Argentina

We got to sleep in today!!!! Rodger and I walked to a laundry place and for 10 US dollars they wash and deliver the laundry to the hotel. Keep your fingers croseed they arrive and still fit.

Then we boarded the bus for learning about life on the steppes. We saw some fantastic landscapes where the river runs through. Much of it reminds us of the high desert around Mammoth or Montana, etc. Anyway, it was green and mountainous and gorgeous.

Then we visited a sheep ranch founded by an English family and I fell in love with the son who told the cutest stories in his English accent. I took lots of pics for my neice nurse. The whole family does more than ranch sheep, the cutie is a documentary filmmaker, the parents are geologists. The sheep are ones that give Morino wool which they shear and pack in bales and ship to a broker in Italy who makes custom suits with their wool. OMG He was cute!!!!

They fixed us empanadas, and then had a barbeque or sausage, lamb, and beef,salad, potatoes, and dessert. All with wine, juice and water. It was all delicious. We learned about the national drink of Agentina,Mate tea (boring!) Anyway, it's quite a social thing, kind of like passing around a bong, but it's non alcoholic and is quite strong. So I had to taste that too.

Sadly we had to say Adios, then we went shopping and chocolate tasting. And the winds continue to blow! We didn´t stay too long. Tomorrow we fly to Buenos Aries and MUCH warmer weather--around 70 degrees. Looking forward to complaining about the heat!

Time for happy hour in our room overlooking snow covered mnmts on the lake!

Love you all.
Phi and Rodg

Nov. 9, BarIloche, Argentina

Yay: Today Sunnie had a SUCCESSFUL surgery on a very bad hip!!! I sent special prayers alot Campanario Hill by a cross atop the hill which is in the ski area. We took a chairlift to the top of the mountain where the views were absolutely breathtaking. Snow covered mtns. everywhere amidst many many lakes. It was frigidly cold up there but the hot chocolate with cognac really hit the spot.

Then we visited a family brewery and the family fixed us empanadas, lamb stew and ice cream and beer, of course. It was so Cold, I couldn´t even go shopping on our free afternoon nor could chocolate even entice me out, so you know it HAS to be cold.

We had dinner on our own right across the stree at an Italian place. Nobody wanted to go very far. I guess this is really Not the expectecd weather this time of year. Our local guide is quite charming and gives us a vast history, geography lessons which lend to the charm of the place. We are liking this so far. : )

Thanks for the comments. I love reading them.

Rodger has been not well with a bad cold so he can´t even appreciate the taste of the wine. (Means more for us!) He's much better today.

Love ya

Nov. 8th, Bariloche, Argentina

WOW, what a gorgeous place this is!!!! We crossed the Andes this a.m. at 4,000 feet in the snow!!! It is breathtaking. Now we are here in the argentine side of the lake district. Our luxurious hotel is right on the lake with beautiful snow covered mtns. surrounding it. What we call high desert is called Steppes here, but very similar. It reminds us of Mammoth. This is the winter and summer playground for Argentina, lots of skiing and summer sports. It is VERY cold right now, with a really cold wind.

Bariloche is known for it´s chocolate---how perfect is that? And Argentina is known for their Malbecs, which a VERY nice one might cost a whole $8.00 US. We are having such a good time. Our group is very cute.

Please let us know in your comments that all is well at home with you all, too, OK? This one way stuff sort of sucks. We love hearing from you. I can also receive Email through my gmail accout....so feel free to use that. We are here for 3 nights so I have access to a computer. My stupid phone is driving me nuts. I can´t call, and I already posted something today and it didn´`t get posted!!!! ARRRRRRG

PS, The men are quite handsome! Haven´t checked out the ladies, but men for those interested----YES! Tall, dark and handsome.


Love you all,
phi

Patagonia. Nov.7,2009

It rains about 6ft a year in this region. ANd it rained today and was very cold.

Left early by bus to go to the first national park in chile, stopping at a huge rushing river with roaring rapids that could easily be rated a ten! We could walk across many of them, very cool.

Then on into the park for a 2 hr. catamaran ride which is the only mode of transportation. Ended in a tiny village with only 2 hotels where we lunched in front of
The lakes surrounded by beautiful mountain glaciers. It is quite spetactuular-- even with the cloud cover.

Now back to our hotel arriving about 8 pm. E and j and R and I have happy hour in our room
nightly.

Tomorrow we cross the Andes to Argentina to another lake not far from where we are now! It will be a ten hour day!! Have to stock up on wine :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nov. 6, 2009

I LOVE not having to schlep bags! We just put our bags out and then magically they get taken on and off the bus, plane, etc. and are waiting in our hotel room!

We made our way to Patagonia today where it is COLD! We saw 2 glacier covered volcanoes in the few minutes it wasn´t overcast. We are very close to Antartica, which is mind boggling to me.

This is where the Germans settled in the 1800´s and where the Nazi creeps came to escape trial. So there´s lots of German influence. (There is only one computer here, so I have to hurry.) The best part of the day was the horse breeding ranch where they breed horsed to step sideways to steer cattle and perform that stunt in the rodeo, the national pastime. We had a demonstration of the rodeo which is only one event. I thought of Buns the whole time. We got to pet the horses and feed them, which was very cool. Then the ranch served us pisco sours while we watched and then fed us a delicious dinner. We get treated to some wonderful adventures. Then to the hotel which is somewhat limited but right on the lake. We had to go shopping to get hats and scarves, cuz it is REALLY cold. We feel like we are in the mountains.

Anyway, more to come. Thanks for the comments. Keep em coming!

Love ya
phi

Nov. 5th, 2009

The keyboard is a challenge. Hope you can read this. yesterday was another educational day. We took a bus to Valpariso, an oceanfront town. it was quaint and colorful. There certainly is alot of history here. We walked ALOT and took trolleys and lifts up hills. The lifts date back to the early 1900´s. pretty scary. The government workers are on strike so there are lots of demonstrations everywhere we go--especially in Santiago and Valpariso, the main government offices. The workers are asking for an 8% raise and the gov. is offering 2%. Teachers are part of the strikers. We are kept pretty busy, but the pace is slow. Rodger now thinks i walk pretty fast! There are 24 of us from all over the country. It{s pretty fun. There has been NO time to shop even. I DID buy a lapis necklace and matching earrings, so Lins will be proud I followed her advice. There are street dogs everywhere. They seem to be well cared for. They just follow folks around, or sleep in the sunshine. They aren{t mangy or mean at all. It was another picture perfect day today. In fact, the guides say they have never seen Valpariso so beautiful.

Tomorrow we are off to Patagonia where we will visit a horse ranch. I am really looking forward to seeing more countryside. I am ready for rain and cooler climate.

Love you guys
Phi

Nov. 4, 2009-I think

We have received Pisco Sours now everywhere we went. They are actually pretty good. We had one here as a hotel welcome, then one at dinner and one today at the Lapiz store....

We had a fish dinner last night, fish was good and best of all, didn{t come with the head attached. Early night and slept well. This a.m. was a city tour by hired bus where we saw the newest and oldest part of the city. We have a program director who will be with us the entire trip and we have a local guide in each location. It's pretty nice. We got the history of the government from his perspective under the dictatorship and now the lady president. It{s quite interesting.

This p.m. we went to a small family operated winery and the owner-winemaker showed us how a small vitner in Chile operates. We tasted his wine with home made empanadas in a picnic area which were delicious,
and then his wife fixed us casuela, a chicken soup for everyone.

Santiago is a very large city, but you look up at the snow covered Andes. This was a picture perfect day--warm weather, blue skies---perfect.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone