Adventures in South America
June 2013
The
“wild and crazy” Ward brothers have an adventure! Tho pretty well-traveled,
neither Doug nor I has been to South America. I’ve arranged several trips thru
Gate1, and their “10 Day Classic South America” hits excellent highlights. Wives
were asked to join us, but Marjorie and Ann seemed happy to bid us bon voyage. It seems odd to travel w/o
Marjorie (tho I did the choir Italy tour w/o her), but this balances her Rhine
Christmas markets cruise last December w/ sister Mary. I’m sure Doug will be a
fine companion; we’ve generally played well together. There are extra tasks
& expenses: CDC-recommended shots for hepatitis (a series of 3, the last
after we return) and yellow fever; no shots for dengue fever or malaria, just
be careful with clothing and repellent to fend off mosquitos. Tourist visas
required for Brazil seemed a bit complicated to acquire, so I used services of GEN
VISA recommended by Gate1, and needed a tasa
de reciprocidad (“reciprocity fee”) to enter Argentina. Doug has had
cataract surgery & new glasses; hope he won’t be bumping into things. Plus
complexities of 2 languages (Portuguese & Spanish ̶ I brush
up from past trips) and 2 currencies (real,
1 BRL= $.49; peso 1 ARS= $.19). Also cautions
about being careful about when and where we’re out and about on the streets,
especially in Rio. It’s winter there; expected temps in the 70s in Rio, 50s in
Buenos Aires; it’s gotten to the 90s here
̶ imagine, going to South America
to cool off!
Marjorie
has taken advantage of my upcoming absence to visit Mary in KC. I don’t feel
too abandoned, as she’s left some food and prepared a package of
pharmaceuticals to address potential needs during my trip. She’s also more
train-savvy and advised on traveling to and from NYC.
Down to NYC 5/28 to visit
w/ our Queens family (plus it’s nice to see “Grandad” Brian, daughter-in-law Anthea’s
father, who arrives for a stay), we attend son Matt’s Talujon percussion
concert, and I drop off Marjorie at LaGuardia next AM for her flight to KC
(she’ll return 6/11).
Then go figure: she goes off to the land of tornados and
a ferocious storm hits Albany! 3 tornados in the area, lots of tree damage
around us, no power for 25 hours. But I do have company until Sunday: frequent
Albany Symphony guest Grace.
Down to NYC 5/28 to visit
w/ our Queens family (plus it’s nice to see “Grandad” Brian, daughter-in-law Anthea’s
father, who arrives for a stay), we attend son Matt’s Talujon percussion
concert, and I drop off Marjorie at LaGuardia next AM for her flight to KC
(she’ll return 6/11). 
Then go figure: she goes off to the land of tornados and
a ferocious storm hits Albany! 3 tornados in the area, lots of tree damage
around us, no power for 25 hours. But I do have company until Sunday: frequent
Albany Symphony guest Grace.