Rio for Carnival!

The first day of travel is always hard, but the destinations are always worth it, so here we go again!

We left Atlanta on a LATAM night flight to Lima, Peru which was only a layover on our way to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ubered to our hotel in Palermo district. Asked for recommendations of Argentinian fare and were not disappointed. Good wine, mounds of meat, a little salad, short walk back to the hotel and much needed shuteye concluded day one.

Day two started with a three+ hour hop on/hop off tour of Buenos Aires. We are not novices to travel but sometimes we do stupid. We did not eat breakfast nor take snacks/drinks. Our goal was to get a feel for the city so we could pick out what we wanted to revisit upon our return…which we accomplished. It would’ve been nice to not be hangry along the way.

Personal observations: BA is a huge city; 30 million people feels crowded. It is rough around the edges—read lots of graffiti. Was impressed with the amount of green space, but not by the chocolate water it borders. Many motor bikes/scooters. Loved all the balconies, murals, and cupolas. We did the loop, made some notes, grabbed some gelato, picked up our bags & headed to our Azamara cruise bound for Rio de Janeiro for carnival! 

Settled into our rooms. Satisfied our growling tummies and geared down for ‘sailing’ time…which resembles ‘island’ time. Enjoyed a sunset on deck then turned in. 

We are traveling with good friends, Debye & Jody. Have seen a lot of this beautiful planet together. Play well, give each other space, similar sense of awe & adventure. 

First stop Montevideo, Uruguay. Debye & I chose a tour of the town plus a visit to a vineyard for a cooking class. Not sure what I was expecting—maybe a big industrial kitchen—but was delighted with the tour of the Spinoglio vineyard on first day of harvest. We were then ushered to an outdoor area with brick oven/grill where we learned how to make empanadas/condiments and the wine varieties flowed. What a fun experience. Greg and Jody explored Montevideo on foot. After dinner we were treated to an Uruguayan carnival extravaganza in the Teatro Solis, an iconic theater venue providing entertainment opportunities since 1856.

Am planning to only check in through internet a couple of times on the trip. It is very different to not be “connected”. I’m actually enjoying being removed from the constant barrage of information. Plenty of good food and sunshine. Am taking a watercolor class that is challenging my brain & dexterity—which I love! Pics here.