February 23, 2025

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - Day 2

Today decided to do the Hop On Hop Off bus to cover a larger area of this Capital City. The bus does 2 routes - first the City highlights and the 2nd along the beach / shore line taking in more of the plush suburban areas. I did with mother daughter Whitney & Alionia and ran into several other ship people along the way. Below are from the City loop.

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Below is Shore Line loop.

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Pittamiglio Castle has a fascinating story. This building, now an Architectural College, supposedly hid the Holy Grail ( chalice Jesus used at last supper) from the Nazi's during the War - from 1944 to 1948. Pope Pius the 12th , supposedly had it removed from the Vatican for safety and had his childhood friend, take it here, for safe keeping. The building used to stand alone on the beach, but has since been penned in by the neighboring buildings. Pope John Paul was sent to Montevideo to bring the chalice back to Vatican in Rome.

More port fun, this time with Alionia and this young lady drinking macha tea, the national drink of Uruguay and Argentina. See them drinking and carrying everywhere they go!

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - Drone Shots

By Patricia Patrick • January 14, 2026
Since Janette Emerich is generous enough to share her drone photos with all of us on board the Ship, I have to share them with you all. This beauty is why I said we felt like we were in a screen saver the whole day in Rangiroa! I love the height perspective in the photos it really captures so much more. Blue Lagoon below:

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - More Drift Snorkeling

By Patricia Patrick • January 13, 2026
The water in Rangiroa is so spectacular, I wanted to spend more time drift snorkeling and checking out the area called " The Aquarium ". So today I went back out for a 3 hour session to do 3 drift passes in Tiputa pass and then spent an hour in an area with wonderful healthy corals and tons of fish, earning it the nickname " The Aquarium ".

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

By Patricia Patrick • January 13, 2026
Today felt like we were inside a Computer Screen Saver! You know how everybody has one of those amazing beach shots on their home screens ? I am guessing we were in the place where most of them are filmed! Rangiroa is the 2nd largest atoll in the world, and its lagoon feels like its own ocean, it's huge! It is famous worldwide for "drift" diving and snorkeling, due to its fast moving current, crystal clear water and excellent visibility. We joined a group of 44 Residents in an all day adventure.