Yesterday, I spent in bed recovering from a cold I got as I waited in the rain for 40 minutes for a Tender to return to the ship.
We have just docked at Puerto Madryn.
There is an eight hour sightseeing tour to Peninsula Valdes (more whales, penguins, sea birds and elephant seals) but we declined as it involved six hours of driving! I might also add that Celebrity tours are ridiculously expensive and most passengers try to organise their own!
Today is Valentine’s Day! Every restaurant had a display
Tonight, couples may renew their marital vows at the ‘Sweethearts at Sea’ party on the open seas under the stewardship of our Greek Captain Leo and get a certificate to booth! It is claimed that it will be the largest vow renewal at sea!! In addition, we’re promised a very special dinner and the shops are pushing their wares!!
Today the majority of passengers will walk from the port to the old town (10 minutes) and explore its elegant boulevards, stately buildings and sandy beachfront according to my guide. Puerto Madryn is one of the fastest growing cities in Patagonia. The Irishman is again recognised - Admiralte Brown Boulevard, one of the playa (beach) promenades bear his name. Nowhere however, is there a reference to his birthplace.
We spent two hours in Puerto Madryn located on the very beautiful Golfo Nuevo with it extensive Rambla.
At the pier there was a couple spontaneously dancing the Tango!
The elegant boulevards and stately buildings failed to materialise!! It reminded me of a North America city with little to recommend itself in terms of architecture!
The outstanding building in the Puerto was the railway station The line closed in 1961 and the building now sports a railway museum. A very informative lady gave us the history of the town and its railway. Puerto Madryn was a settlement set up by a group of Welsh people in 1865.
They arrived to find no drinking water and would not have survived but for the friendliness of the natives, who provided for them. Initially, they lived in caves but later built the settlement. What brave people they were to take on such an arduous journey not knowing what awaited them!!
We returned to the ship and having had a drink on the lawn at the Sunset Bar,
we spent the remainder of the afternoon at the pool.
The weather has warmed considerably c.35 today.
Tonight we were entertained to Broadway hits. Captain Leo presided over the renewal of vows
and all ladies were presented with roses - with cakes available to all!
Lobster for dinner. After dinner, there was a party in the Sunset Lounge but we didn’t attend. Too tired - it’s hard work cruising!
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