The Adventures of #NORMASFANFOLLOW in South America Part Deux

The weather is still balmy and I am lounging on my balcony!  It is difficult to believe that we have only covered two days of my 15 day odyssey around South America,   Our next stop will be Montevideo, Uruguay.  I am looking forward to a tour of the city and a winery. 

 However, I began to notice an elderly creep in the people on the ship.   I expected a mixture of people of varied ages because of the extensive outdoor activities in very cold weather.  I did not expect walkers, Hurry Canes, Canes with built in seats,  questions about where the nearest bathroom is and a lot of slow walking.   These were lined up outside the dining room.

Now Norma D is no spring chicken, but she can walk at a rapid pace and is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (oh no that’s Superman).

Norma D: Oh Superman, I wish you could teach me how to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Superman: Yea, but you can leap on me in a single bound, and I’m pretty tall.

I thought I was back at work!   However, these older folks were ready for anything and were very active participants in all of the ship activities including the “Dancing with the Stars Final” and the zip line.  Amazingly, only a few landed on the floor! 

BEFORE

AFTER

I shook my head and looked forward to my winery tours (I always get my money’s worth on these tours)!

Montevideo reflects in its architecture and attitude,  the varied culture of its early settlers, who came from Spain, Portugal and Italy. We took a relaxing panoramic drive showing us the highlights of the city, including some of its historical landmarks like the Palacio Legislativo. The latter boasts a place among the three most beautiful Parliament buildings in the world.

 

We continue our  journey into the countryside, where we visited a traditional winery, Bouza Winery Boutique.  I like the name of this place (Bouza, aka booze, aka Norma’s Nectar of the Gods and Boutique aka Turban Store)!

It is located at the source of the Melilla Stream, is surrounded by native woods. The Bouza family has always believed that working on a small scale produces better wines, and they take great pride in attention to detail.  It is a lovely and welcoming place to visit.

Bouza Winery Boutique

I tried to lay down under the spigot, but they said I might choke if they turned it on! Everyone is so afraid of lawsuits!

 

Returned to the ship and needed assistance up the boarding ramp  (Too much wine)!  Since he had 2, I borrowed my new old friend’s cane.  HeHeHeHe!

I have to start an hour ahead of time so the ship will not take off without me!!

Then we had two days at sea!    When I woke, I thought I had a horrible hangover because the room was moving.  Then I remembered I was on board a ship.  I looked out over the balcony and saw ocean spray hitting the glass on my balcony and the temperature had dropped at least 25 degrees!   We experienced 17 to 30 foot waves over the next few days.

Please notice the two large waves coming toward the ship. I hope the Captain saw them.  Help!

They’re really coming…OMG OMG OMG! Where’s my Dramamine? And my life jacket!

Waves hitting up on the sixth level of the ship. Captain, my balcony furniture is wet! (Hint, hint)

I’ll just grab my important family pictures in case we have to abandon ship! 

Wait it looks like all my Fritters(twitter) friends are coming to save me!    Even Goofy is here to help!!

I’m saved!

 

Our next stop will be the Falkland Islands and I was looking forward to making friends with a few penguins who don’t play hockey because I do not cheer for the Pittsburg Penguins because I am a Tampa Bay Lightning Fan!

But for now, my public is demanding a show!

Careful where you put your hands, boys! Its very nipply out here!