Shanghai

A sunny day in Shanghai as we enjoy the last leg of our trip.  Shanghai is the largest city in China and one of the world's important ports.  Population 24 million and a global financial center.  Shanghai has the 3rd tallest building in the world.

In old Shanghai we strolled the narrow lanes  to the splendid Yuyuan Garden- dating to the Ming Dynasty-five acres contain delicate pavilions, winding paths and a Grand Rockery of caves and grottoes.

Then we went shopping in Old Town for silk scarves, pearls, and stopped by an embroidery workshop to witness the ancient craft.  We enjoyed a delicious dim sum lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch a walk on the famous Bund, the city's inviting promenade along the Huangpu River.  A delicious  buffet dinner at the Four Seasons hotel and a birthday celebration for Joan Alexander.  After dinner we were treated to an Acrobat Show.

Sweet and Sour Fish

Street Dancing in Old Shanghai

Tai Chi in the Park

Old Shanghai

On the Bund-Chinese posing

On the Bund with skyline

Posing with the Chinese

Posing like the Chinese

Happy Birthday Joan

Acrobat Show

School Visit

We woke up again today with gray skies and rain.  Temperature was a cool 50 degrees.  After a leisurely breakfast, we boarded our motorcoach and traveled for about an hour to visit a local school. Our group visited a first grade class of 65 with one teacher in a relatively small room.  The children performed for us and we were able to interact with them.  As you might expect, the students were very loud as they were excited to see us.  Also they were typical first graders in picking at one another and one little boy was seeing how far he could put a pencil up his nose.  Everyone in Tennessee should be very proud of the schools that our children attend.

Our delicious lunch today consisted of some Chinese delicacies-Pig ears,  Pig tails, chicken feet, lotus root and dried tofu. Yum,Yum!

Chinese First Grade

Chicken Feet

Pig Tails

The Little Emperor

Three Gorges Dam

We left our boat this morning in intermittent rain for a tour of the Dam. High 55 degrees

Opened in 2008, the Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest artificial generator of electric power from a renewable source. Costing $28 billion, it is the most expensive hydroelectric project in history.

We had an afternoon sail through the Xiling Gorge.  At nearly 50 miles long, the Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three gorges. Pearl presentation later. There are many shops onboard and are able to make custom made clothing.

Saturday Morning Tour

This morning we departed our boat for smaller boats to The Goddess Stream-the true highlight of the region, offering spectacular views that cannot be seen anywhere else in China.  We really enjoyed this cruise and the rain has stopped and the high is mid-fifties.  After lunch a scenic afternoon cruise. Tonight at 9:15 pm we will have a passage through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks.

The Goddess Stream

This is Me Dancing the night away

Cruising Along the Yangtze

Today we spent the morning cruising on the Yangtze River-the world's third longest river (15 miles longer than the Mississippi).  It was raining and in the afternoon some of us went to see the extraordinary Shibaozhai Pagoda-an exquisite example of ancient Chinese architecture in the form of the Precious Stone Fortress. Some of the hearty of the group climbed the 99 steps to the temple.  In the evening we had a very good Chinese dinner onboard.  The sweet and sour fish was our favorite.

We arose early to see spectacular scenery as we sailed through the Qutang Gorge. Enjoyed  a delicious buffet breakfast then we were treated to more scenic sailing through Wu Gorge.

Captain's Cocktail Party

Chongqing

Today was a travel day. We arrived this evening in Chongqing-a city of 33 million inhabitants.  A fantastic light show awaited us from the many high rise buildings in this city.  Mile after mile of 50 plus story buildings.  Las Vegas lights times ten. Most of us agreed that we have never seen anything like this before.  A wonderful evening meal aboard the Viking Emerald.  Sailing out at 9:30 pm

Lights of Chongqing

More Iguazu and Return to BA

Monday, 2/4

82 degrees.

After breakfast in Iguazu Falls, we ventured again to take a train ride to the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) one of the Wonders of the Natural World where the Iguazu River crashes down almost 80 meters forming many rainbows. Then we hiked the Lower Circuit where we saw a different view of the magnificent Falls. In the afternoon we flew back to Buenos Aires and checked into a boutique hotel- the Melia Recoleta. Our hotel was the former home of Eva Peron and had been a brothel at one time. Every room exuded the personality of the previous inhabitants including swooning couches and plush beds. We had a lovely dinner at a local cafe with much wine and conversation. We were happy to have Carolyn Vick along to interpret for us.

Pictured below-

-Devel's Throat of the falls

-The group on the lower circuit

-Our hotel in Buenos Aires, The Melia Recoleta

-At days end, a fine dinner

Iguazu Falls

Sunday, 2/3.

Parting is such sweet sorrow. After saying goodby to our ship friends, we were off to a new adventure. 10 persons went on a Tigre River Cruise and then lunch at a local restaurant followed by what else-more shopping.

Many of the group departed for Iguazu Falls some 830 miles north of Buenos Aires (you have to fly there). We walked into the Sheraton and were immediately struck by the Falls from every window. Upon seeing Iguazu for the first time Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed "Poor Niagara!". While Iguazu, at 269 ft, has the longest drop of any falls in the world, it ranks second to Niagara in terms of total water flow. The Iguazu River forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil.

We were served a very nice lunch before we hiked on the Upper Circuit. In the afternnoon we visited the magnificent Falls on the Argentine side from the catwalks and observatories; Rosetti, Dos Hermanas, and San Martin. Later a wonderful buffet serenaded by a Harpist.

Pictured below-

-Iguazu Falls

-Relaxing at the Sheraton at Iguazu Falls

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Saturday, 2/2

Buenos Aires (Pictured at top). Temperature 85.

Buenos Aires ("Fair Winds"), a city roughly the size of Chicago, has 12 million residents in its metro area making it the 3rd largest in Latin America (behind Mexico City and São Paulo). Strong influence from Europe has given it a distinct flavor affecting its culture and cityscape and earning its nickname "The Paris of South America".

Our day began with a tour highlighting the city's major neighborhoods and attractions-Main Square "Plaza de Mayo", surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Pink House)- the Presidential headquarters where Evita did not sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" according to our guide, the old Colonial Town Hall, and the Cathedral. Next a stop at Recoleta Cemetery, beautiful mausoleums and statues and Eva Peron (Evita) resting place. Then to La Boca with its colorful houses and its main street, "Caminito" made famous by a Tango that shares the same name. The ladies immediately jumped off the bus anxious to purchase the stone of Argentina-the Inca Rose. Finally a drive through Palermo to see its magnificent mansions and parks. Shopping at Calle Florida before returning to the ship. This evening we attend a Tango Show with Tango dancers and singers as well as a tango orchestra to "feel" this particular Buenos Aires music.

Pictured below-

-Plaza de Mayo with Casa Rosada in background

-Colonial Town Hall

-Resting place of Eva Peron in Recoleta Cemetary

-Colorful houses in La Boca neighborhood

-Park view in Palermo area

-Shopping on Florida Street (Calle Florida)

Montevideo, Uruguay

Friday, 2/1.

Montevideo, Uruguay. 92 and sunny- a summer feeling for sure.

Montevideo, founded in 1724, is both an old and modern city and the seat of Uruguay's government. Not merely the "D.C." of Uruguay, it is also the cultural, financial, and commercial center of the country. And with 1.3 million residents- it's largest city as well.

This day was a real highlight. The day began with a city orientation tour visiting the main points of Montevideo with stops to photograph important monuments, but we found time for shopping. Then a drive past beautiful expensive real estate and beaches- homes of the rich and famous?? We then drove 30 km northeast off Montevideo to visit the truly outstanding Juanico Winery. Our trip was nice except for our driver who thought it was the Indy 500. We were greeted by a cute young man who explained all we thought we wanted to know about the winery and their wines. It was even better when we tasted the wines! The tasting was followed with culinary delights of assorted meats, breads and olive oils. Next came a meal that was enough to feed an army-veggies, grilled meats, more wine and a dessert to delight both the palate and the eyes. Needless to say we were very happy campers. To culminate a perfect time, the hosts surprised us with Tango dancers. Then some of our very own then entertained us (what happens in Uruguay...). Another shopping trip in town and we were off to Buenos Aires!

Pictured below

-Palacio Salvo in the Old City

-World Trade Center Montevideo

-Parliament Building

-Covered Wagon Monument

-Juanico Winery

-Tango dancing at the Juanico Winery

-More Tango from Joe Melnyk (or is that Pacino)

-Leaving Montevideo and bound for Buenos Aires

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Thursday, 1/31.

Temperature. 89. A nice sunny day. Punta del Este, Uruguay.

We tendered ashore and began with a sightseeing promenade through this upscale resort town. A pass through the residential areas of Cantegril, San Rafael, Parque Golf and La Barra, known for its unique hanging bridges. Then a stop at Ralli Museum of Contemporary Art with its fine collection of paintings and sculptures by noted Latin American artists and several pieces by Salvador Dali on display. The attractive modern building is located in the Beverly Hills district surrounded by beautiful mansions. Next we passed by some of Punta's natural wonders - notably its beaches. We ended our tour at Casapueblo, the home and atelier of internationally renowned artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro. Carlos Vilaro signed some prints for us. His home is a dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. We returned to the port along the picturesque coastal road. In the evening some of us enjoyed fine dining on the ship at the restaurant-The SS United States. Lydia Kingsborough celebrated her birthday.

Pictured below

-Casapueblo in Punta del Este

-Courtyard at the Ralli Museum in Punta del Este

-Happy Birthday Lydia!

-Hand statue in Punta del Este

-Artist Carlos Paez Vilaro at Casapueblo