Bill and I outside on Promonade Deck looking for Penquins

View from our stateroom/veranda

Found the Penquins right outside our veranda

Wish I had a bigger zoom

not a bad view our your veranda

Today was a great day we went got up early and we up in Palm Court before 7:30 had a continental breakfast and waited.  Finally everyone was seeing Penquins in the water we decided to go down to Promonade deck and yes there they were.  Unfortunately the pictures are hard to see but it was so much fun watching the babies swimming in the ocean.  After lunch we went to a lecture and then decided to come back to the room. Bill needed to rest he still has the headache.  I was playing games on my IPAD and looked outside and the view was so spectacular I woke up Bill by yelling "Oh my God how beautiful.  Then we passed all kinds of icebergs and there were schools of Penquins swimming really need a higher zoom lens before the world cruise.  So I was standing outside in wool socks no shoes and no jacket.  No time to get dressed came back in and sat down to download and there was a wonderful iceberg with all the penquins. I was so excited outside Bill and I went and I must say no long johns, no jacket, no hat, no gloves and no shoes and it wasn't that bad I beleive it was about 36 today.  

Tonight we are going to the show to see Rourte 66 great show with Rock and Roll we did not go last leg so we really want to see it tonight.  

We had a flood in the bathroom last night.  I was brushing my teeth and washing my face and all of a sudden there was all this water on the floor coming up out of the drain.  They came his am and fixed whatever it was.  They wanted to send someone last night but I told them to wait till this morning.  The show last night was fabulous.  A Comedian who we have seen on here before and he is really funny and then a Uraguian Harpist.  I had never heard Mama Mia played on a harp it was great.

Well I am going to go take a shower I have hat hair from this am

Saturday January 29,2011 Cruising Palmer Station Antarctica

Today we cruised around Palmer Station.  About a dozen scientists came aboard and described what they do there.  Also is a 4th grade science teacher who was picked to to and study and sent video feeds back to the school.  It was quite an interesting talk.  They thanked us said it was like going to the "Big City".  Also thanked us for the fresh fruit and vegetables we gave them along with some fresh meats.  Apparently everything they have is frozen.  It was just spectacular to see this and tomorrow promises to be even better.  

We got through the Drake Passage with no problem just like a lake but  we hear the weather has really kicked up there and we are glad we are ahead of it.

Tomorrow we will be cruising Antarctica Island so hopefully we will be able to see some Penquins and Seals and whales.  Check out the website and just so you know it was 37 degrees here today.  I bet that was warmer than Minnesota~

having a blast this is definetely a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful we are able to be here.  This am they had a coffee, tea and hot chocolate bar set up just inside so you could come in from the cold and get something warm.  Lots of people went o the Palm Court after the lecture and they set up soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts so you didn't have to leave to go to the buffet or dining room.  We actually sat up there all afternoon before you knew it it was tea time.  More food~  Now it is time for dinner.

We had an early dinner last night we went to the Italian Restaurant Prego and had wonderful Veal Parmgaina.  After dinner we went to the show and it was the mind reader who was on in November.  Bill did not want to sit in the front again because in November he called him on stage so we sat half way back they came around and gave out cards and gave one to Bill.  He filled in the questions he asked and then he got to ask a question.  Now Marc (mind reader) takes british pounds and puts them in his eyes then he puts duct tape all over so he can't see then a women from the audience puts a mask on him.  Now the other women puts the cards into a basket and they have been folded.  He picked and did a couple then he picked Bill's  it was amazing.  He knew the question Bill asked although he said he couldn't answer it (Who will be the Republican nominee for President) then he recited our phone number leaving off the last two digits for security reasons.  It was outrageous.  This am when the bellhop brought me the scooter he asked Mr. Gilbert was that really you phone number and we had to say yes.  Don't know how he does it but he is really good and we really enjoyed his performance once again.  We saw him today and I told him what Bill said next time he was staying in the lobby he laughed and said I willl probably sitll pick you.  He also asked the audience to concentrate we was thinking of a 2 digit number under 40 and both are odd numbers and diffeeent so 11 wasnt it.  He said picture a blank movie screen between me and you and now think about the number.  For some reason 37 popped into my head.  He said the number and it was 37 about 1/10 of the audience maybe less got it,  He is good!

Have tried to upload a picture of the rafts witht he scientists from Palmer Station tried twice and it won't work so if you want to see it check out FB

Thats all for now will try to check in tomorow if we have internet

Tonight there is a comedian we have seen on other cruises he was on the night I had the accident Bill went to the show but I of course didn't so I am looking forward to that.

good night all

at sea tomorrow Antarctica

Antarctica sunset dessert last night

It is not letting me post pictures today at all.  Must be where we are .  We are in the Drake Passage and this is known as either the Drake Shake or the Drake Lake I am happy to report we are the Drake Lake.  It has been very calm.  For those of you who I sent my pictures of my bruises from my scooter accident you can see why I am happy it is calm.  I feel like I have bubble wrap around my bones (my fat) and I was extremely lucky not to break anything.  I am finding more bruises and I am so stiff and sore but it could have been so much worse.  We will be in Antarctica, Sat, Sun and mon so I will try to post sometimes it lets me post but no pictures.  Anyway if you want to check it out go to crystalcruises.com

and clic on live views we are on the Symphony

Thursday January 27th Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina

City at the Bottom of the World

Southern most City. Located on the Island of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) located at 55 degrees South latitude!

1) first picture is a picture of the snow covered Ande Mts,

1. Our home away from home
2. Ushuaia City with Ande Mts in background
3. Bill and I in front of Prison
4. Inside Prison
5. Our Lamb
6. Hidden Lake
7. Hidden Lake

This city 25 years ago only had 2000 inhabitants today there are 80,000.  It is a tax free port and there are factories and lots of jobs.  The beauty is really breathtaking.  Our guide told us they have 4 seasons of weather and it happens all in one day and we saw what he meant.  When we left the ship this am it was cool (47) Sunny,  As we traveled more south through the Andes it got cold and started to rain.  When we reached Lake Escondido the hidden lake which is nestled inbetween the Ande mountains it was rainy, cold and foggy!  On the way back when we stopped for lunch at a ski lodge it was sunny and cool not really cold like before so it was different.  The other day we were in Patagonia in Chile and it was barren and dry.  Today we were in Patagonia in Agrentina and it was lush and green now they did say if you go one hour away it will become barren and dry.  Can’t wait to see what Patagonia in Uraguay will be like.

Our tour started with the old prison built in 1902 and ran till 1947 some of the countries worse criminals were sent here and they developed the railroads, houses, electricity.  It was there job to build the town.  It is a pretty town walking distance to the ship.  we then went on a ride along the Andes Mts to get to the hidden lake and it was very scenic.  We stopped for lunch a true Patagonian BBQ lunch at a ski lodge.  Small hibachis were placed on the tables filled with lamb.  Now I have to say I am very fussy when it comes to my lamb I only like American lamb.  Had lamb in Australia and New Zealand and I felt that they were stronger tasting and gamey.  This was by far the best lamb I have ever had.  There was a salad bar, french fries and WINE .  Good wine.  The dessert was an ice cream made with a local berry similar to our blueberries.  It was really good.  All too soon it was time to come back to the ship.  After two glasses of wine I need a nap.  That plus I am still really sore from the fall.  We will be cruising tonight and this could get rough we will be cruising in the Drake passage tomorrow from 8am -5pm and it is either the Drake Lake or the Drake Shake!

Jan 29-31 we will be cruising Antarctica, Palmer Station, The Antarctic Peninsula and elephant Island.  You might want to go to the web site and watch  on the live views it should be spectacular!

So hope you are enjoying this blog.  Haven’t heard from most of you to know if you are reading it or not! This picture is Paul Allen Bill Gate's partner in Microsoft.  It is his yacht and it was docked right across from us

Wed January 26th after rounding Cape Horn

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Me in Front of Cape Horn Memorial 

Cape Horn Memorial can hardly see it

My T bone steak for dinner

my trio of chocolte mousse

Okay all the hulabaloo about 65 ft waves and how bad we rounded Cape Horn and it was as smooth as glass.  Hopefully tomorrow nigh i will stay this way.  We will be in Ushuaia, Agentina tomorrow it is know as the City at the Bottom of the World.

Just wanted to let everyone know how smooth it was.  Nothing like the other day when the ship lurched and so did I!  Anyway could get rough will keep you infomed.  I am so full I ate 1/3 of the steak and all three of the chocolate mousse!!!!!!!!!

Wed. January 26, 2011 Cruising the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn

Today we are cruising the Beagle Channel which is off of the Straight of Magellan that we have been in.  Tonight we will be cruising around Cape Horn and it might get rough and we will probably lose internet so I am hoping to download some pictures of the Glaciers we saw today.

Cape Horn to say the least is usually "choppy" because it marks the exact point at which two oceans join  But there is a third force at work.  The water surrounding Antarctica, sometimes referred to as the Southern Ocean has it own current.  At this latitude there is no land to block the ocean  current as it swirls around the polar region.

Cape Horn lies where the continental shelf rises fom 13,120 foot deep Pacific bed and where the strong force of the winds that blow around around Antarctica often create gales with waves that are frequently more than 65 feet high.  The weather forcast of the area announces an average of 200 days of gale and 13 days of cloudy sky and for the rest of he yea the wind is strong and the sea is rough~.

These pictures were all taken from our veranda!

Punta Arenas Chile, January 25, 2011 Ottaway Penquin Colony

Punta Arenas Chile, January 25, 2011 Ottaway Penquin Colony

Before I start on the Penquins just wanted you all to know that I had to go back to the doctor today he needed o make sure nothing is broken.  I have a huge cross shape bruise on my upper arm.  Last night A Get Well card was delivered to my stateroom from the Hotel Director and today Jane and Crystal Society hostess called me to ask if there was anything she could do for me to make me feel better.  Now that is nice unlike all of you who are LYAO!!!!!!!!!!!! Doctor agreed it is a good thing I have some meat (fat) on me or the way I hit I definetley would have broken something!






I can honestly say I have never been to the end of the earth until today.  this is such a barren windy place and yet it is home to 100,000 people,  We are in the heart of their summer and today was considered hot.  It was 50 degrees but the wind was ferosious.  It seemed like it was about 20 degrees out maybe even colder.  I had decided that since it was 50 I wouldn’t need the snow pants I bought so I didn’t put them on.  Went down for our tour early and it was so cold by the door I went back up and put them on. Smartest Move I have ever made. The ski jacket I bought and the boots with the snow pants and gloves I didn’t even need the hat or scarf and I was toasty.  And we all know how much I hate to be cold!!!!!!!! The walk into the Penquin Colony and back was 1 mile they said I could use the scooter but with the accident yesterday and it was all gravel the machine did not want to go and I did’t want a repeat of yesterday since I am all black and blue and really sore! And I didn’t want to fall over onto one of the penquins so I walked.  It was something with the wind howling at you it took awhile.  But it was so worth it.  We had been warned not to touch them it is okay if they come up to you and touch you but if you touch one the parents will reject it and they will die so we did what we were told. We were also told that the males come here every year and make he nest.  Then the females arrive and if they don‘t like the nest the go to another male with a better nest.  The babies are born covered with down feathers.  I do have picture of one baby and when the feathers are all gone the parents teach it how to swim.  We were told sometimes the babies dont want to go into the water (who could blame them it is about 38 degrees.  Both mother and father feed the babies and they return every year to the same Colony not necessarily the same mate.  When the babies migrate they don‘t come back for 3 years then they come back and are shown how to make a nest and fish to feed the young and then mate!  My God they walk just like me I even have a video of them all walking and there in the back is grammy pulling up the rear!  I have always been fascinated by Penquins as far back as I can remember and I just loved their “waddle” long before I “waddled”  now I really feel a connection.  We learned so much about the Magellan Penquins and hope to see other kinds as we head to Antartica.  As I type this we have no internet and haven’t had any since yesterday afternoon so when it comes up I have two updates to publish and I will definetly publish pictures of the penquins.  I am extremely disappointed that I can not go to see the King Penquins and others in the Falkland island but i am so happy and appreciative that I was able to walk and see these today.  I really think my falling yesterday was a grace of God since I had a shot of cortisone and it helped me walk.  I am totally black and blue and sore but a lot less than if I didn’t have the shot.  So this another thing I can cross off my bucket list!

I spend some time with my “Soul Sisters” the Magellan Penquins.

I've fallen and I can't get up Again.

I’ve Fallen and I can’t get up again.

Okay today was a lovely day through the Fjords but around 11:30 we came out into the rough seas.  We were sitting in the Palm Court at the top and front of the ship till almost 1 pm it got a little rough up there so I had to go see the excursion desk and Bill was going to the gym to work out.  I decided to go for lunch in the Main Dining room.  Remi saw me pull up on my scooter and ran out and escorted me to a table.  He said please don’t leave until one of us helps you back.  I was pondering the menu when Bill came in.  The gym was closed because it was too rough.  Anyway we were watching the waves and commenting that the waves in the Tasmanian Sea in Australia were worse when this huge wave came and crashed over the whole window it was awesome.  After lunch we headed back to the cabin to drop off our books and we were on our way to the movies when I started to pull into the elevator the ship lurched and the scooter and I went over.   I hit my side on the fire wall (doors) and a couple of people heard the crash and came running.  Our stewardess ran and called the emergency. So did another guest and i was told not to move.  So here I lie on the floor right outside the elevator.  Bill and another Man lifted the scooter and pushed it out of the way.  One lady got off the elevator looked at me lying there with all the people around and was visibly perturbed that she had to walk around.  It was quite funny if my arm, shoulder and knee didn’t hurt so much  I would have laughed.  Meanwhile here come two nurses and the bell hop and a wheel chair.  they made me move my arms and legs then had me sit up.  One two three they lifted me and sat me in the wheelchair.  Then they pushed the button for the elevator it stopped a lady got off and just stood right in front of the doors so that we could not get it and the doors closed.  I swear these idiots walk amongst us and they don’t even know HOW STUPID THEY ARE!  They wheel me into the medical center leave me in the wheelchair and say they will be right back just then we hit another big wave and the wheelchair starts rolling Bill and the nurse had to catch it.  Now she leaves Bill holding the wheelchair with my cane~~~~  Doctor comes in moves everything and decides he doesn’t think I broke anything just badly bruised.  I could have told him that in fact I did tell them that.  Anyway they gave me a shot of anti-inflammatories which I think is cortisone and at 10pm I can either take 4 advil or my vicoden.  I have the penquins in the am so advil it is.  I rested the rest of the afternoon and decided to get dressed and go down to dinner there outside my door where they put all the mail is an envelop addressed to me and there inside is a get well quick card from the Hotel director.  I ventured outside the cabin and there was our little stewardess wondering how I am.  When we came back after dinner since I really started to hurt and decided I couldn’t go to the show were 2 chocolates on my pillow and 2 and Bills.  She said we needed some more sweets after our experience.  so I am taking my advil and then I will have a cookie that Zolton our waiter packaged up for me.  We were going to just have a cookie for dessert and he told the headwaiter Albert that we didn’t like the dessert menu and he made crepes suzette with vanilla ice cream for us.   Well I am starting to feel pain so I am going to copy this and try to download some more pictures.  The rainbow was from our balcony and it went all the way around.  i stood out there taking the picture and singing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”  Good night.

My thought for the day today is “Thank God I’m fat if I was skinny I probably would have broken my elbow, collar bone or knee or maybe all three!!!!!!!

Chilean Fjords Monday January 24, 2011

Good Morning.  The Internet is working so I wanted to publish a few pictures of the Chilean Fjords.  They are breath taking not quite as good as Milford SOund and Dusky Sound New Zealand but maybe because they were the first time we had seen them.  We will be in here until about 5:30pm (2 hrs ahead of NY Time) then we go back into the rough seas and it will be rough just when we have a cocktail party tonight for Cruise Critic.  captain says it will be rough till about 10:30pm and then we will start to head into the Straight of Magellan.  Tomorrow we will be in Punta Arenas and we have our Penquin tour and I can't wait.  This is so relaxing but tomorrow even though they made arrangements for my scooter will be exhausting but in a great way.  Luke, Chris, Logan sorry about the Jets but at least they came back and tried!    The humidity here is so much my hair looks like an AFRO~  Everyone is complaining.  Me I am keeping it natural during the day.  Melissa I wish I had your curls it is just big!  Not sure when I will e able to post again.  It let me post pictures immediately yesterday and my friend Keith showed me how to  do the pictures so they are smaller and download easier.  Tried that the other day would not work but it worked this am so I am a happy camper.  We are off to breakfast want to enjoy this beautiful scenery and the water is calm like a lake!

Sunday January 23, 2011 @ sea enroute to Punta Areanas

Tonight it let me download immediately.  The first two are from Puerto Montt the lake district where we went to a German settlement and the other one is me the other night on a formal night.

We enjoyed our day today we started this morning with our massages and then had our coffee and tea and before we knew it was time for the Jazz Brunch.  This is a very nice brunch with breakfast items as well as lunch and lots of seafood!  I had some penne with Alfredo sauce and piece of Prime Rib Bill went for the omeletes and waffles.  After that we came back to our room our poor stewardess, she is new just go on recently and  today was a little rougher and she was so seasick she looked green.  We are fine.  Remi the maitre'd of he ship who went to watch the last Jet/Patriots game with Bill and rooted for the Patriots well we have not let him forget it so everytime he sees us he yells GO JETS.  I aksed him last nigh if he would deliver dinner to the theater and he said just come to the early seating and we will take care of you which is exactly what we did.  I had chicken and Potato Latkas (Pancakes) and I thought of you LUKE.  They were good but Dad said mine are better.

Tomorrow we will be going through the Fjords so if you want to see it go tohttp://www.crystalcruises.com/  live views and we are on the symphony.  we will probably lose our internet tomorrow so I will post pictures when I  have a chance.

love to all

Saturday Jan. 22, 2011 Puerto Montt, Chile

Finally able to upload 2 pictures from Santiago.  The  first one is the President;s  house and the second the race track took me almost an hour of computer time so no more for a while.

Today we were in Puerto Montt, Chile this is the lake district and you can see that as you head out of town to the lake districts the houses get bigger and the people have more.  They told us that the Chilean government gives everyone $14,000. to put towards a house after you saved up $2,000.  The poor people can buy a small house for $16,000.  Of course these houses if the people have the money beforehand is only $8.000 and they don’t have any heat.  they said you wake up in the morning and put on your jacket and only take it off when you get in bed at night.  One of the lake towns we went to is Very German.  They had lots of Germans migrate here many years ago and there are bakeries all over.  We went on a lovely tour and then stopped at an open air museum of what the houses and shops looked like in the 19th century.  Bill and I opted not to go and went to a few artisan shops and the bakery instead.  One of the women on our bus fell and we are not sure if she broke her ankle or not.  We all had to wait for the ambulance to take her to the hospital.  The ship was late leaving.  We were suppose to leave at 5pm but we didn’t get back to the ship until almost 5pm.  Anyway the poor women was not making the ship and will hopefully catch up to us in Puerta Arenas.  We have two sea days and the Puerta Arenas were we are going to see the penquins.  I think  I wrote yesterday that  will not be able to do a tour to see the penquins in Falkland Islands but Bill will do it.  ANyway today was a great day except for the poor lady.  I was so thankful that it was not me who fell and broke something.

Tomorrow we will be going through the Chilean Fjords don’t know what to expect except we might lose satelight reception.  

Big problem tomorrow we have dinner at 8:30 and that is when the NY Jet game is so we asked our Matre” D  if he would deliver to the Theater.  He is the one who was routing for New England because Tom Brady’s parents have cruised here a few times. And before we gave him his tip last time we asked who he was routing for and he quickly said NY Jets.  he learns fast@  Anyway he told us to come to the early dinner tomorrow and he will find us a table so that is solved now pray we have reception or Bill is going to be one unhappy camper.  

We are having a marvelous trip and I am not even writing about the food!  Tomorrow at 9:15 I have my hot stone massage and Bill has a deep tissue one.  Ah this relaxing is exhausting.  After that there will be a Jazz Brunch with Mimomas