Where Are the Blog Posts?

 Many of you are wondering where are those blog posts from Antarctica, showing the amazing scenery and animals? 

I have been a little busy spending time at the local medical facility. Here's the long story because it is so much better than a short one!

On Friday morning, February 27th we were entering the Buenos Aires (EZE) airport for the Atlas Cruise Line charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina to board the yacht for our 9 day Antarctic cruise. A wheel on my suitcase got caught in the metal floor grid and stopped moving. I did not stop moving and began to face plant on that metal grid. Since my right hand was pulling the suitcase, my left arm was free to break my fall and prevent facial grid lines. Three airport personnel rushed to assist me and offer medical services. Since I could walk, move my left arm and fingers, I declined the offer and continued through check-in for our flight. Besides, I did not want to delay the departure of the other 150 guests waiting for a trip of a lifetime. 

I was able to ice my sore elbow on the 3 hour flight and once on board the yacht, I saw the doctor who determined nothing was broken, just sore, swollen and in need of rest. I was given a sling to use for several days and some strong ibuprofen. He suggested I ice and rest the arm, for the next few days, which I did. The pain only appeared when I tried to twist my wrist or move my hand/arm beyond its comfort level. I took two Zodiac trips later in the cruise and was careful not to overextend my left arm. 

We arrived home about 4:00 PM Monday, March 9th.

I had decided I would check into some Physical Therapy once we got home because my left hand does not reach my face. I went to Orthopedic Urgent Care on Tuesday morning. I had X-rays and a CT scan. By mid-afternoon I had an appointment with a Hand, Wrist and Elbow surgeon for Wednesday morning. Surgery is scheduled for Friday morning, March 13th. The pre-op visit took place Wednesday afternoon.

I am having surgery for: Fracture of radial head, left, closed

Encounter type: initial encounter Fracture alignment: displaced 

Displaced fracture of head of left radius, initial encounter for closed fracture

The head of the radius bone (at the elbow) in my left arm is broken and, in fact has a couple of missing bone pieces, hanging around in the area preventing some of the movement I used to have before the mishap. The surgeon will give me a metal radial head, remove the bone fragments, and repair any tissue or ligament damage. I will be home by noon on Friday for a two-week recovery wearing a sling & cast. It could be worse!

Blog posts from Antarctica coming!

Cemetery of Recoleta

 The Cemetery of Recoleta - the first public cemetery in Buenos Aires - was built in 1822 by French engineer Prospero Catelin. It is located in the Recoleta neighborhood and owes its name to the convent of “Recoleta” monks. The Nuestra Senora del Pillar church belonged to this congregation and was in the old orchard of the Basilica that the cemetery was built. 

Majestic pantheons and mausoleums belonging to many of the most important characters in Argentine history are throughout the five hectares.  

Built in marble and decorated with sculptures, the work of outstanding architects and artists is on display. More than 90 pantheons have been declared a National Historical Monument. 

We had two reasons to visit this cemetery while in Buenos Aires: visit the tomb of Evita Peron and geocache. 

Here are some of the photos I took while wandering through the cemetery. 

the cemetery side of the entrance

the street side was a nondescript brick wall

very narrow mausoleum 

some had stained glass windows 

a variety of shapes

this was a husband (important person)

and his wife who loved to spend his money

narrow alleys lined with mausoleums 

a rare open tomb with a stained glass dome

some were in need of repairing

others like this one, looked brand new

we could see the burial vault behind this window 

decorated door

at this one, you could look down and see the marble shelves to hold all the vaults of the family members, which were empty

Evita Peron’s mausoleum

looking for the tomb for the Adventure Lab

comparing answers for the bonus geocache

Mission Accomplished!

While many sources cite 4,691 main vaults/mausoleums, some estimates go higher, noting up to 6,400 tombs, statues, and crypts.

The cemetery acts as a "city of the dead" with streets, housing the remains of notable figures like Eva Perón.

Iguazu Falls in Argentina

 Our guide told us 70% of the Iguazu Falls are in Argentina and only 30% in Brazil. I am so glad we got to see the Falls from the Brazil side and from a perspective from the bottom as our first tour. Today our tour was a perspective of looking from the top down and thus not seeing nearly as much of the 2 miles of cascading water. We walked on bridge that traversed about a miles to the biggy, the Devil’s Throat. Some photos from that walk and another to Two Sisters. 

Calm and shallow

Devil’s Throat

A dervish swirling waterfall from the top

A shower of rain and mist at the bottom 

Two Sisters

The Rain Forest

Today was more about the animals

I am posting this from the Iguazu airport before we fly back to Buenos Aires tonight. Our charter flight to Ushuaia is at 5:00 AM, so another short night, since we will get to the hotel around midnight. Another adventure tomorrow. Life is good!

Iguazu Falls - the Brazil Side

 Just some of the photos from our tour of Iguazu Falls on the Brazil side of the Iguazu River.

We have had two nights of very little sleep because of various reasons so I am only posting photos with no comments. The photos speak for themselves. 

A truly magnificent natural wonder. Tomorrow is supposed to be even better, but it will be another very early, hot, busy day.