March 12, 2025

RIO DE JANEIRO - Day 4 - Friday 3/7/25

We had signed up for city tours back in December when we thought we would only have 2 days in this port. So today, we were part of a  group of 60, spread over 3 buses,with separate guides. Our guide was Lucas and our first destination was the train station to go up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue. We had express tickets which allowed us quicker pathways through the crowds to board the train and take the 20 minute ride up the mountain. The view from the top is amazing! You're in the clouds which swish in and out constantly.

Below is detailed history of how the statue came to be. It is covered in a mosaic tiles, therefore making it the largest art deco installation in the world. It was built in 5 years 1926 to 1931, therefore dominating the skyline for 90+ years. It was made from reinforced concrete and has a hollow core which you can go up inside and see his Heart. 

By Patricia Patrick October 13, 2025
Ternate, Indonesia, which is both the name of the city and island, and is part of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is a port that sees maybe 3 Cruise ships a year. However, they really made an effort to show us the best of what they can offer. It's mainly a Muslim country, and we knew we had to dress discretely, but we knew little else. We didn't have our typical port talk prior, due to a technical issue with the AV equipment. Ben a fellow resident, organized an island tour, with about 8 stops, for 90 of us residents.
By Patricia Patrick October 10, 2025
Cebu greeted our Ship with a big warm welcome, despite having just been rocked by a major Earthquake, days before our arrival. The Minister of Tourism arrived with a motorcade and she proceeded to chat with the residents and thank us, for all our support.
By Patricia Patrick October 2, 2025
Today we were Cave explorers! We went to the one of UNESCO newly classified 7 NEW WONDERS OF NATURE - The Puerto Princesa Underground River.