Before I begin the events of the post, I would like to thank you for all the comments that you send. I read every one of them, however do not have time to answer all of them, much as I would like to. It makes it all the more satisfying to know that somewhere in the world there are readers who are enjoying our travels, reading of our exploits over a cup of coffee in the comfort of their homes.
Writing is the easy part; taking the photographs enjoyable, it is the gathering of them, reducing them so that they are not of too large a size to transfer them to a web page which is a laborious task, albeit worthwhile.
Now all this is completed for our call to Callao (pronounced “Ky-Ow” by the Peruvians). We have stayed here 2 days and 1 night and will be departing later this afternoon for Arica, Chile. We are here to await the return of many of our guests who have ventured further afield, land tours to Cusco and thence to the fabled ‘lost city’ of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
High in the Andes, Machu Picchu. This taken from a poster near the Indian market in Callao, the nearest I’m going to get to it, ha ha!
😯
Callao lies on Peru’s west coast and lays claim to be the largest port on that coast. The capital of Peru, Lima, is 1 hour away by road. Judging by the number of ships here, they are not wrong; the harbour piers are full and the ‘waiting’ anchorage outside the port has numerous vessels awaiting a berth.
The harbour plan and our dock, (at the end of the ‘dotted’ track
The approach to Callao
The route from Salverry to Callao
Anchored vessels outside and the Container berths
Bulk-carriers discharging at the piers
Containers stacked high
The inevitable Market stalls
Callao in the distance
It takes me back to my early years on cargo ships; anchoring and waiting for a berth was quite common, my longest period being 21/2 months off Lobito, Angola. We spent Christmas there and, as often occurs, the boredom was passed with foolish matters. In this case, by rigging a lifeboat with out-riggers and lowering the ship’s piano into it. Nobody could play it very well, however that didn’t stop us from cruising to the numerous anchored ships and subjecting their crews to some awful carol singing and even worse piano playing. This didn’t deter them, inevitably we would be invited on board for a Christmas ‘tipple’ before proceeding on to the next victim. Needless the say, courses steered after several days of this became quite erratic.
Karen and I spent some time ashore yesterday; a shuttle bus into the city and then took a taxi for a photo session. First the lovely seaside resort of Miraflores, a far cry from the noise and odd buildings of Callao, it is a ‘rich’ area and popular for its restaurants and holiday, (vacation), spots.
The pier and below in the lovely ‘sets’ of waves, surfers enjoying the rollers
Flowers everywhere
‘Lovers park’ overlooks the sea from a high cliff
Part of the Indian market
You-know-who browsing
On our way back to the ship, our driver, Erick, took us past what remains of a large Inca complex, Huaca (pronounced “Waca”) Pucllana. It was a ceremonial and administrative complex of 18 acres, however, due to Lima’s expansion, only 6 acres remain, the other 12 being destroyed.
During the evening, we went on a tour with other guests, “Lima by night”. What should have been a 25-minute journey took 2 hours; the traffic was chaotic. Peruvians don’t take notice of traffic lights, or whom should give way to who, the end result being total chaos and grid-locked roads, mayhem would best describe it. We did a tour of various ‘squares’ before going to a park where fountains were numerous and a splendid light show using water. Having taking a video, the file was massive (720MB), however, after compressing and compressing I still can’t get it small enough to post, unfortunately.
Finally, during our World voyage we invite renown Chefs from parts of the World where we cruise. This week we had a Peruvian chef preparing a wonderful dinner and Sommelier for guests, in our Pinnacle Grill restaurant. I could hardly carry a wacking-great camera in such surroundings. so I slipped my phone in my uniform pocket and (surreptitiously) took some photos of the occasion.
Peruvian Chef Palmero Ocampo and Cellar Master Jacques
I miss the World, and the stunning crew of the Amsterdam. It was nice to see Jacques’ smiling face. Say hello to Henk and Crystal, Paul and Shiv, and Dolly. One of these days, I’ll be back. I lost Elvon last year, an indirect casualty of the Tubbs fire in California.
Thanks so much for taking us along on your grand voyage. I loved the Christmas caroling story. Two and a half months anchored offshore … certainly not priceless!
Captain it is once again a pleasure to cruise under your guidance on the Amsterdam albeit from my home computer. I traveled with you in 2016 and 2018. I have friends aboard this year again and another set is on the Prinsendam. The photos of the antarctic were stunning but I appreciate your keen eye in all the ports. I hope I am able to sail with you again before you and K hang up your gloves for good…..all the best
Wow! Great writing and awesome pics!
Last time we stopped in Callao a few years ago we had such a thick fog that we could not dock until 1 pm! All tours were cancelled, so we never visited this town. We had to wait for folks coming from Machu Pichu snd to refuel.
It was great visit Callao via your blog!
Capt. Your night shots were amazing–You certainly
are getting to know the capabilities of the camera…..I especially enjoyed the menu and presentation of the special meal with wine pairings….one of the reasons to sail with HAL
and, yes, I concur with the other blogger response about the fun of the time lapse into port when you have time to rig that up. Safe sailing and try to top that piano story this voyage!
Yes, Captain. Thank you.
Really enjoy your pictures and descriptions. My wife and I are on the Viking Sun at Punta Arenas right now. Later this week to Valparaiso. Eventually to arrive at London in May.
Wow Captain, you are so innovative with the shots you post. We returned from Melanedia on the Noordsm where I shot this video using 3 cameras… the new DJI Osmo Pocket 3 axis gimbal, the iPhone XR & GoPro for underwater footage.
https://youtu.be/9InwcX1SoaU
I know you probably cannot see it with your bandwidth & busy lifestyle, but you never know.
When you retire you can both visit The Andies and come us on the coast at Torquay here in Victoria!
Keep safe & well
OMG Noel, no problem viewing it, quite remarkable , marvellous, methinks I need some lessons ! 😂
I copied your fantastic time lapse in your entry/ exit of ports to walk thru the vessel and added some SFX…. hope you did not think I was fishing off the rear deck lol
So great to hear from you!
Noel, that really was a unique and professional video!!! I’m wondering how long it took you to put that together? I liked a lot of your transitions too. Do you use a particular editing program? I have never been to the areas you traveled to other than Sydney but you have piqued my interested!! Great job. Thanks for including it.
Hi Beth,
Many thanks. It took 3 days to edit using Apple Final Cut X.
A certain Captain inspired me!
Would love to film Captain J working.
Regards
I was wondering what programme you used, Noel. GoPro studio is no longer supported and I can’t find a replacement for my time lapses, hence no video for the time being. iMovie is too complicated
Hi Jonathan,
I checked the replacement program and it’s called Quik- GoPro video editor. It is available on the Apple App Store for free with no annoying ‘pop ups’I just downloaded it to see if it works)
If you download allow access to your photos/video file but ‘no thanks’ to the other two as you may get continuous info.
Here is what I found out re other replacements should you have windows;
Top Alternatives to GoPro Studio for Windows
Adobe Premiere Elements 13. buy Download
Windows Mac. …
Windows Movie Maker 2012 16.4.3528.331. free Download Windows. …
Lightworks 12.5.0. free Download Windows Mac. …
Vegas Movie Studio 15. buy Download Windows. …
Synfig Studio 0.63.00. free Download Windows. …
Wirecast 10.
I wish you were calling into Melbourne as I could so easily set up iMovie for you.
My email is bellair3947 at yahoo dot com
Contact me anytime if I can help but I do see each of your posts.
Hope this helps
Kindest regards
PS: I use Apples Final Cut X
It is the broadcast industry standard
iMovie is the free cut down version and could easily handle all your GoPro files.
I don’t think it is available for windows though.
Regards
Thank you so much for these posts. I look forward to each January just to read them. My daughter, a sommelier , and I have had the pleasure of attending a HAL Sommelier’s dinner and really loved seeing this one. Thank you!
I’m so happy to still be receiving your blog. It makes for such an interesting read and a giggle here and there :). I loved the “piano “ story bring a bit of a player myself. It brought back a cute story of a trumpet player who comes up by cruise ships coming up and down from Alaska as the are near Victoria. Maybe you have experienced him as he ventures out to serenade folks in a small motor boat!! I thought what a clever idea and how fun it was listening to him! Anyway I have never been on a World Cruise and doubt I will make it but I’m living vicariously through you. I never knew about the guest chefs but what a wonderful thing to have for your passengers to enjoy! Thanks for your stories, photos and time. Keep me coming!!
I love reading your stories and your photos. You were our captain on our very first World Cruise in 2018 and hope you are going to be the captain on our next World Cruise in 2020.
I still enJoy reading your posts and viewing the photos. As I mentioned to you on the 2016 World Voyage (albeit for me it was half a World, ending at Hong Kong), I have a great respect for the way you got personally involved with tendering at Cook’s Island. That event reminded me of when my Nuclear Plant Manager got personally involved in matters that involved the health and safety of the public. As Captain, it is clear to me that your passengers’ safety is of utmost importance. Hopefully soon I can complete a World’s Voyage with you at the helm. Until then, happy sailings!
Thoroughly enjoyed these photos. Thanks for taking your precious time to do this!
Thank you for taking us along, Captain Mercer. We don’t board until Barca, so you are keeping us current.
Jonathan and Karen we are travelling along with you by way of your blog, wishing we were aboard. We remember our own off ship excursion to Machu Picchu and nearly missing the ship down the coast of Peru. Much love to you both. Jane and Barry.
Awesome pics Captain! Fair winds and following seas on your journey south, west and elsewhere! 🙂