Brazil, Days 47 through 57

Sunrise over Santos

The Coffee Museum in Santos

Day one of our eleven days in Brazil was spent in Santos, Sao Paulo. I chose to avoid the most populous city in the Americas for its smaller next door neighbor, Santos. The explanation of the excursion stated that we would visit two museums and a botanical garden and that is exactly what we did. Since the city shares one of the names of the first man in flight, I assumed that one of the museums would be about him. That's right, you all know what happens when one assumes. I can fault no one else besides myself for having a less than fantastic time. Our guide, Domonique, spoke far better English than I do Spanish, Portuguese or Italian (all of which he does) but none the less, his command of the language was inadequate to really be a good guide. He attempted to compensate for this by not talking a great deal and/or speaking softly so as not to be heard, I suppose. Still my day with him and that tour was a "glass is half full day", not a "the glass is overflowing day." First we traveled to the Coffee Museum. Least y'all fail to remember, this was also toured in 2020. The building was constructed in 1922 and served as the headquarters for the buying and selling of all Brazilian coffee until sometime in the 1950s when The New York Stock Exchange took over coffee futures. Since coffee was extremely big business in the 1920s some very old, very expense artwork adorns the walls representing the growth of Brazil and the coffee industry. The museum has a small coffee shop selling the local product even though it is not still traded there. In 2020 I had given up coffee, so did not partake. Domonique would not allow us to partake this visit due to time restraints so I still have not tasted real Brazilian coffee in Brazil. Ten days to go so there is hope.

That's 1091 goals for Pele

Our next stop was the Soccer Museum, stadium and gift shop. Sorry, Ella, but I still do not fully understand soccer. I did spy this one case in the museum dedicated to "Futebol Feminino" so I snapped a picture of it. Then I figured some of the guys in the family would think that I was daft if I failed to take pics of Pele's posters, etc. so here they are. Next we were shown the field where Pele accomplished many of his feats. This is to be remodeled in the very near future as it only holds 10,000 now so they will increase it to 30,000. Then it was off to the gift shop where we loitered for some 20 to 25 minutes. No purchases were made by me or my shipmates, but it would have been ample time to have enjoyed a cup of coffee. Once back in my cabin, I found a movie of the life of Pele. Too bad I did not see the movie before going to the soccer stadium. Of course I knew he was one of the best if not the best soccer player ever but had no appreciation for the hurdles he had to overcome in the process. Assuming the movie was factual.

Photo from our 2020 visit.

Next stop, the botanical gardens, also a repeat of 2020. I was totally enthralled with these gardens in 2020. One of my favorite pictures from that trip was taken there so I was eager to visit that spot. Despite Domonique's continual warnings about the group staying together, I hurried off to find the magnificent waterfowl from 2020. Alas, when I arrived at his former habitat, it was void of any type of creature. Big Disappointment!!! It seems the people of Brazil were not the only ones who suffered from COVID. Apparently without the tourist, there was little or no money to properly maintain the gardens and its inhabitants. Sad, so very, very sad!

Today is Rio. Beautiful harbor complete with lighthouse for Donia. Even caught a plane taking off. Funny, in 2020 I was in such a state that I didn't even notice the airport is positioned much like New York and Logan, end of the runway at water's edge. I am now eternally grateful that our trip was aborted when it was and for the determination of that ticket agent who would not give up until we were actually seated on that plane - something like the last stage out of Dodge. I am also ever so thankful that I have this opportunity to make this entire trip. Everything from here on out to Alaska is virgin territory. What wonders await?

When last in Rio, we were able to see some of the sights such as a drive by the beautiful beaches and a wonderful trip to the Christ The Redeemer Statue via a cog railway. So, this trip I decided to do something different as that is what this trip is all about: seeing and experiencing as many of God's Wonders as I can possibly manage. Therefore, I selected Sights & Sounds of Rio. Got my ticket, arrived in the Insignia Lounge at the appropriate time, received my bus assignment, passed the temperature scan to go ashore, exited the gangway, showed my bus ticket to a non-English speaking person who pointed me in what I assumed (there's that word again) to be the direction in which I was to find the bus, I then proceeded in that direction for at least half a mile. Alas, no bus in sight. There were a few fellow passengers whom I recognized so I asked them if they were on a tour You guessed it, nope just going in to town on their own. Well I then spent another half an hour trying to find my way back thru the port terminals to The Insignia. NO, it was not possible to retrace my steps, one cannot enter thru the exit! Eventually I found yet another non-English speaking policeman who pointed to an entrance several yards beyond the barricade he was protecting. Some minutes later he realized that before I could take that entrance, he must first move the barricade. Success. Oh did I mention that this was transpiring at high noon and that I was perspiring heavily? No worries, inside, once I arrived there, I was able to do some shopping. Yay! Interestingly enough, there is no language barrier with sales clerks. Seems they all know how to use the translator ap on their cell phone! Why didn't I think of that? Once back on board, I related my story to the Destinations Desk clerk who has magically arranged for me to take the Sights & Sounds of Rio tour tomorrow. This one is at 8:15. Now I call that a win/win. I spent the afternoon knitting and watching Breakfast at Tiffany's and then Pretty Woman. So maybe I should correct that, it was a win/win/win day.

I've been asked about my diet (by "diet" I mean food intake) on board. The food is really, really, really good. A typical day is a plate of fruit and berries, sometimes with walnuts added, eggs, bacon, and either a sticky bun or croissant, orange juice and coffee for breakfast. Lunch today was three small slices of pizza, iced tea & water, lots of water. Dinner tonight was more iced tea, Caesar salad, two bread sticks, a loaded baked potato, veal picatta with Marsalla sauce and creme bruelee (sp) for dessert. Like I said, the food is really good.

Today Is Someday! Live It!