Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Today it was time for something completely different.
This morning we arrived at the Falkland Islands and entered the calm waters of Port Williams. Just before breakfast the National Geographic Endeavour docked alongside the pier within the inner harbor of Port Stanley. As we made our final approach we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow, which framed the picturesque and colorful city of Stanley. Yes, since there is the southernmost cathedral in the world here, this small settlement is by definition a city.
Once cleared by the officials, our local guides were eager to show us the sites around town. We made a visit to the local peat bog that still is mined, one shovelful at a time, to fuel the stoves in many of the homes nearby. We also had a great view of a shipwreck in the middle of the harbor, the Lady Elizabeth. Reportedly, this 19th century iron barque was damaged in a storm rounding Cape Horn in 1912. But for many, the highlight of the town visit was the Falkland Islands Museum, which outlined interesting aspects of the local history, including details of the 1982 conflict with Argentina.
We spent the afternoon exploring town on our own. We discovered treasures in the local shops, ate fish and chips and downed a couple pints at the local pub, and walked along the waterfront.
After all the wildlife and wild nature we have experienced during this voyage, meeting and interacting with the people that make their homes here in this wind-swept outpost, this was indeed something completely different.
Today it was time for something completely different.
This morning we arrived at the Falkland Islands and entered the calm waters of Port Williams. Just before breakfast the National Geographic Endeavour docked alongside the pier within the inner harbor of Port Stanley. As we made our final approach we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow, which framed the picturesque and colorful city of Stanley. Yes, since there is the southernmost cathedral in the world here, this small settlement is by definition a city.
Once cleared by the officials, our local guides were eager to show us the sites around town. We made a visit to the local peat bog that still is mined, one shovelful at a time, to fuel the stoves in many of the homes nearby. We also had a great view of a shipwreck in the middle of the harbor, the Lady Elizabeth. Reportedly, this 19th century iron barque was damaged in a storm rounding Cape Horn in 1912. But for many, the highlight of the town visit was the Falkland Islands Museum, which outlined interesting aspects of the local history, including details of the 1982 conflict with Argentina.
We spent the afternoon exploring town on our own. We discovered treasures in the local shops, ate fish and chips and downed a couple pints at the local pub, and walked along the waterfront.
After all the wildlife and wild nature we have experienced during this voyage, meeting and interacting with the people that make their homes here in this wind-swept outpost, this was indeed something completely different.
