RIO

The time seems to have flown by since our last note.  Salvador di Bahia was hot and steamy and once we left the dock and realized that we had actually been there before, we wandered around the market for a while and then returned to the comfort of our ship. We were entertained by some friends who had just come back from a four day trip up the Amazon River from Belem.  To say they were less than impressed by their very expensive excursion would be an understatment.  But they had us howling with laughter recounting the primitive conditions at their hotel complete with spiders in their rooms and the fact that the electricity went off at 10:00 p.m. leaving them with no visible route to the bathroom or any air conditioning!  They were extremely happy to be back on the ship with hot water and cool drinks waiting for them. 

 

 

The next few days were "at sea", which we thoroughly enjoy, as we headed to Rio, one of our favourite cities. The entrance to the harbour is one of the most spectacular we know of and although this was our third visit, we never tire of cruising past Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beautiful beaches.  As you can see from the photo, the ships sail quite close but unlike the tragedy off the coast of Italy, it's very safe! 

 

 

Carnival in Brazil is not until next month so Silversea arranged a mini version for us on our first night in town.  Everyone enjoyed watching the show and many (like our friend James) enthusiastically joined the scantily dressed women in their finale. I think I've included a shot of some of the butlers watching from the upper deck. As you can imagine, a good time was had by all. 

 

 

On the morning of our second day in Rio, we joined Niels and Molise for a bit of sightseeing in a private car.  Our guide turned out to be a Canadian who was born in Montreal, lived in Vancouver and moved to Brazil two years ago to take advantage of the economic surge going on.  This was a first visit for our friends and they were impressed with the sights.  Since our last trip to Rio in 2010, the city has undergone many changes in preparation for the Olympics in 2014.  From the plans described by our guide, an already spectacular place will be enhanced dramatically.  The Port area is being revitalized and will accommodate over 3 million visitors expected to arrive by sea.

 

 

As I write this, we are crossing the Atlantic on our way to Africa.  We have been blessed with relatively calm seas and sunshine.  It's a very long trip (5 days) so we hope those conditions will continue.  Several old friends boarded in Rio and it's been great to see them.  Some are only travelling as far as Cape Town but others are staying aboard much longer.  Our social calendar is filling up quickly!  Tonight we'll dine with Fritz and Marilyn, a lovely couple from Chicago that we first met on our World Cruise in 2007.  On the 27th, we have been invited by Captain Corsaro to join him in the Officers' Mess for dinner.  That will be a unique experience and one we're looking forward to.  Apparently not many passengers are ever allowed down to the Crew Quarters on Deck 3 so we feel quite honoured. 

 

And now it's time to head to the pool deck for some refreshments and reading.  Life is good aboard the Silver Whisper!  Hope you are all well and will keep in touch.  

 

D & K