This morning we sailed into Stanley Harbor and dropped anchor. The ship lowered 3 tenders to shuttle us to shore in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. It was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, who was Secretary of State for War and the Colonies when Stanley was founded in 1845.
The weather started out cold and rainy with 16 mph winds. Once in port, we hopped a bus to Gypsy Cove Reserve. Luckily we were prepared with rain gear and adequate layers. Others on the tour did not fare as well as they got soaked and had to terminate their tour. We walked to a beautiful overlook and saw more Magellanic penguins, geese and many birds. We saw microferns tasted leaves from the Scurvy plant. It has white flowers and is blooming as it is spring here. The plant is rich in vitamin C and helps keep islanders from getting scurvy. About half way through the hike the sun came out and the wind died down.
We returned to Stanley and walked the main street in town. Christ Church had a wonderful display of small Christmas trees. Each one was decorated by a different group from Stanley. Next to the church was the Whalebone Arch constructed with real whale bones. Farther down the street was a memorial to the military. I asked our guide about the 1982 war. She said there are still bad feelings between the Argentines and the British. The Falkland Islands is a democratic self run colony but is still claimed by both Argentina and England.
On board we attended a special dinner called the Chef's Dinner. It is a five course meal with a different wine paired to each course. Tonight Mexican food was the theme. It was a nice experience.
Post dinner we retired to the lounge where piano music is played for a few hours every evening. It was then on to a magic show in the Star Theatre. Rounding Cape Horn is next on our itinerary. We were told to expect rough seas as we sail through where the Atlantic meets the Pacific.
2 comments:
Oh my...wrote and then lost it. Falkland Islands delivered and y'all were ready with all weather gear. The church construction is a Wow. The acoustic must be good with the ceiling even tho brick walls. I have to ask the engineer. Fantastic to see the little black & whites again. Yellow flowers always signified a good travel day for me. Interesting to see Xmas 🎄 interpretations. What a meal!!! What a trip! And piano afterwards. Lovely day. Exciting...very exciting to be rounding The Cape tomorrow!!! May it be unusually calm. Sweet dreams🎂💤
What was the energy like at the Whale Bone Arch?
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