On January 22, 2008 we left for South America to see the southern part of our world. We boarded the Insignia from Oceania Cruises and sailed from Buenos Aires around Cape Horn to Valparaiso.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Tango is one of the most important activities in the city. It boasts the widest street in the world and is a beautiful, very European big city. Better not wear a Rolex in the more prosperous areas of the city though.

Colonia & Montevideo, Uruaguay
We took the Boquebus from BA to Colonia, a charming town founded by the Portuguese. The boat bus was an experience in itself.

We were disappointed in Montevideo. What we expected to be an international city turned out to be a city almost in ruins due to the current political climate.

Puerto Madryn & Gaiman, Argentina
Both towns received many Welch settlers long after the Spanish came to the area. There are many of their descendents still living there. We got to hear a choir sing to us in the Welch language.

Stanley, Falkland Islands
We couln't imagine why anyone would chose to live there. When you get out of the city there is very little vegitation but LOTS of rocks. The houses are all imported in kits from other countries. There is a flight to Santiago once a week - pray you don't miss it due to weather. If the supply ship doesn't come in, they are out of what you need until the next ship comes.

Usuhuaia, Argentina
This is the "Lighthouse at the End of the World". They also have a "Train at the End of the World" that was built by prisoners. It's a great town and the houses were much nicer than the Falklands. We saw lots of wildlife here as well as ships leaving and returning from Antartica. It's the Southermost town in the world.

Puenta Arenas, Chile
This is the Southernmost city in the world. Getting to see the penguins up close and personal was one of the highlights of the trip. This was the most wind I have ever tried to walk in. I almost couldn't stand up. Our guide here, Gonzalo, had been a Rotary Exchange Student and knew English well.

Chilean Fjords
We saw many glaciers in this area and it was magical to go through the fjord on both sides of the ship. Our cabin was in the center aft so we could see both sides well. The bar and entertainment area at the fore area was so filled with people as we went through this area that I am surprised the ship didn't tip forward.

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
This was a very beautiful, almost alpine, rural area.

Puerto Montt, Chile
The fires that burn almost constantly in this city affects the air quality for both breathing and seeing. However, it is the major city on the path to an absolutely beautiful part of Chile, the Lake District. Be sure to contact Alexis at www.chileinsideout.com to be your guide for all the Lake District. He's great.

Puerto Varas, Chile
What a breathtaking part of the world this area is — volcanoes, lakes, fly fishing, national parks, animals. We really loved this area and would love to go back again.

Frutillar, Chile
This charming little village on a lake is more peaceful and not quite as many tourists as Puerto Varas. It was settled by Germans and still has much of the German character.

Valparaiso/Vina del Mar, Chile
Think Miami Beach. Many many condos and resort homes in the very crowed and touristy area of Vina del Mar. Valparaiso has more character and is more interesting — built on very steep hills.

Santiago, Chile
Very charming and delightful big city that is the capital of Chile. Overall we were very impressed with Chile — the people and the country.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
Awe inspiring is the only way to describe seeing the falls up close. Be sure to go over to the Brazilian side where you can take an elevator down and get to the bottom of the falls. I can't say enough good things about this experience. Please don't miss this if you are anywhere in the area. Be sure to stay in the Sheraton that is in the park. Much too expensive for what it is but it's the only hotel in the park and still worth it for the convenience.