Where has time gone?

It's September and I've just looked at my last blog..am so slack.  It has been hectic since I got back from my cruise and soccer & school have been all consuming.  Soccer finished, well almost, and Spring Fair @ school on 16th should see a slowing of pace.

I have very much enjoyed Miss J's blog and following their journey in Canada & holidays.  Cody looks so grown up and both look very happy.  A bit jealous I think.

253 days until my next cruise & counting.  Just back from a long weekend in Cairns at a reunion where name tags were essential.  After 30 years most people have changed...a lot...me included. I'm going to try using word to put photos on to save time.

Take care everyone

Home from the Sea

Well I've had a week to assimilate to real life & to get photos organised.  This very long weekend we've had has been a bit of a blessing as there is a list a mile long of things to get back into once the rest of the world opens up.  By my next trip I hope I will have worked out how to put photos on my blog with out using up my precious 35c/minute time on the ship.  So here goes with some photos.

Brunei

Kota Kinabalu

Sailing into Hong Kong Harbour early in the morning, almost there & fog lifted.

Approaching the berth at Kowloon

Shanghai skline is amazing.  The city is divided into the Old & New town by the river. This is from the Old to the New.

The bridge is relatively new and the road system to get to it is a spiral with about 5 rotations.

 The MagLev train travels between Shanghai & the airport 38 miles away, top speed 430mph. No wheels or tracks all done by magnets and levitation.

Washing day

From the 88th floor of the Crystal Building (looks like a Vase) in the New town to the Old.
From below>>>>>>>.

Guess where!  Beijing.

Forbidden City

Busan, South Korea had some of the most interesting modern sculpture we saw all trip.  Lots of Hyundais.

And Cherry Blossom.

Saipan with it's very interesting war history.

Bonzai Cliffs, Saipan

Apart from the shops, this was the highlight of Guam, U.S. Coastgaurd with a machine gun pointed at us mostly.

 Rabaul with it's Volcano constantly smoking.

Doesn't do it justice it was a deep yellow and beautiful.

Rabual

After a few days at sea it was interesting to visit PNG, Rabual in particular.  The volcano was smoking but the smell wasn't too bad, it was very dusty but not that you could see.  It was most noticeable when you took your clothes off and got in the shower.  The children were delightful and the locals very friendly.  The general feeling was that the $40 we paid in a visa tax should be spent in Rabaul.

We have had another 2 days at sea and are getting closer to Australia with mixed feelings all around about packing, and all the things we will have to think about doing ourselves when we get home.  Won't be able to stick a plastic sign in the door saying "make up room now" or line up for dinner at 5:45 or 7:45 & then choose from a menu.  Drinks will be cheaper, washing machines easier to get, pillows will be firmer & showers bigger.

Won't be playing bowls every afternoon, or golf in the morning or trivia twice a day & winning occasionally but thats a good thing. Cruising is fun and you meet lots of people but there really isn't anything as good as your own home, family and bed.

Saipan & Guam

Saipan was an interesting place to visit with so much history from the War in The Pacific.  The Museum was closed so we went to the Memorial Park where they had an interesting video and artifacts from the battle which saw the lives of thousands lost, many through suicide.  The scenery was similar to other Pacific Islands, with tropical jungle being the main feature.  We hired a Taxi, 5 of us, for 2 hours and our driver took us to significant sites.

Guam was a shopper’s heaven with the elusive shoes being found and bought.  It’s a bit like Hawaii on a much smaller scale.  Big hotels/resorts on a beach, headland at one end shops at other end.  Traditional yellow school buses and red trolley buses to move people around.  $10 for a day ticket cheap when you see the hills and feel the humidity. Lots of history but also an active military base with visible uniforms all over.  Very friendly people with possibly the exception being the Coast Guard who patrolled the water in a dinghy style boat with a machine gun on the front.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Busan South Korea

I was astounded at the development of this intersting city.  I also felt at home as every 2nd car was the same as mine.  I predict that given the opportunity this city will be like Hong Kong in a few years.  Harbour right in the old town, very busy, bustling port.  Friendly people shoppers paradise (if you take smaller than a 8 in a shoe and no bigger than a 14 in clothes for ladies & 42 collar for men & 10 in a shoe)  I bought some socks to help the economy.

Weather was amazing & we were peeling of layers as the day went on.  News of the ship we are all to be given a free flu vaccine as there is a flu bug going around and at least 2 people have died from complications combined with age.  1 was 95 the other a severe asthmatic & in her late 60's they are the confirmed rumour has it up to 7.  I am incredibly healthy must  be the early nights and early rising or just avoiding any sneezing, coughing or option 3 WINE is a good preventative!!!!!

Some Photos

Mosque in Brunei

Ashore n Kota Kinabalu

Beijing

Beijing, busy, bustling, & what we saw beautiful.  We went to Tianamen Square which is enormous & busy, busy.  Most of the tourists were chinese from rural areas in Beijing for the 1st time & haven't seen europeans before.  It was funny being regarded as a tourist sight in the middle of Tianamen Square by elderly Chinese.  Delightful being spoken to by a 4 year old who was also mesmerised & so polite. so many buildings & history our guide was informative easy to listen to and had a great sense of humour, just as well with 34 Aussies.

 We then went to the Forbidden City which is even bigger than the Square (126 acres) Massive, ornate exteriors, lots of steps & eventually interesting garden.  It was a 2 1/2 hour drive both ways but worth it & the sun shone for us temp about 22.

Will post photos when I download them.

On board life gets interesting.  4:30 start this morning with a freezing shower, get back on board 4:45pm no water at all should be fixed by 6pm!!!!  I've now had flood, freeze & drought.  Got chocolates in apology for flood wonder what I'll get for the other 2???

Beijing

We are at the port where the chinese have built a brand new International Cruise Terminal it is 2 & half hours by coach from Beijing but is very big, not finished and local taxi drivers don't know how to get there.  A shuttle is available to the closest town which is half hour away.  I have spent the day on board catching up on washing, sleep & drinking lots of tea.  It's quite cold but apperently it was to reach 20 today, possibly in a sheltered position in the sun ie Horizon Court (Buffet area inside).  Tomorrow Tianamen Square, The Forbidden City & Temple.  So will get to take lots of photos.  Will be wearing my new leggings from Shanghai under fleecy track pants.Many layers on top.

Shanghai

What an interesting city Shanghai is.  A mixture of old and new.  Very modern and pockets of old.  Some of the old is only 50 years.  Sewerage system reminds of Greece even in tallest building but when in need...Did open top bus on day 1 and saw so much getting on/off at random wonderful.  A bit chilly 10 degrees @ 4pm.  Yestrday we did the MAGLEV train.  7 minutes to go 38klm @ 430klm/hr Magnetic levetating train no wheels super fast. We were docked a fair way out of the city as their water level in the river has dropped 9mtrs so no good for ships like us.  Has to be the busiest harbour I have or will ever see.

Sales on in the shops and I bought the warmest leggins I could find.  Mostly wool and possibly silk.  Had trouble converting to Yuen so I think they cost a fortune but by god they are warm.  "You wanna buy a watch" the most common phrase spoken in english.  A very friendly city.

Hong Kong and more

Sydney Harbour is beautiful but to arrive in Hong Kong in the fog early in the morning and then see it appear as the fog lifts is spectacular.  You are right in the heart of the city, berthed at Kowloon and a short Star Ferry ride, free if a snr cit, to HK Island.  WOW.  Busy, bustling and buildings but so lively.  We walked to Nathan Rd on the 1st morning back to the ship then back to Nathan Rd.  Shopping unbelievable.  Only problem are tailors wanting to sell you suit/shirt very cheap on every corner. Or fake watches & bags on every other corner. Day 1 was very hot and humid so everyone set off on day 2 in shorts & t-shirts only to find temp got to 18 all day.  Bloody freezing & damp. I had foresight to keep waterproof acket in my bag. The bigest seller yesterday were warm pashminas & rain coats.  Bob & I took the ferry and a double decker bus to Stanley on the other side of the island & spent hours at the Stanley Markets just looking and buying a few little bits & pieces he bought Greg Norman shirts for Aus$8 each.

Watched the light show on the harbour on 1st night, the warm 1, and it is spectacular. Last night we left as it was on but it was quite windy and my dinner time so missed it.  Overnight the seas have picked up and winds blowing at about 80mph. Just done a load of washing and it's hanging in my bathroom blowing around with the movement of the ship.  Should dry soon.

Next highlight will be super fast train in Shanghai and tallest building.  Possibly also seeing how many layers of clothes I can put on to keep warm.  Snow in Bejing.

Kota Kinabalu & beyond.

Only went ashore onto the wharf at KK as it was hot & humid and I was wrung out from my trek from previous day.  Slept for 3 hours in the afternoon.  Possibly also late night @ St Patricks Day dance party.  Reports were mixed re KK with most saying a bit dirty.  Brunei spoilt us I think.

Seas were a little bumpy yesterday but nothing too disturbing and didn't stop the bowling, the golf or the trivia. (thanks for watching Simpsons etc.)  Formal last night & although I haven't seen the photos yet I think I looked a bit smick.  Woke at 5 this morning to a noise outside cabin to discover burst pipe & water inside cabin & bathroom so was having breakfast at 5:30am, saw moon coming up last nigh & going down this morning not a usual thing for me.

Hong Kong tomorrow.  Yahoo (answer to another trivia ?) God Craig I'll be like you.

Brunei

What a rich Sultanate is Brunei.  Everyone spoke so highly of what is available to them, fina.  It is very clean, financially and materially.  Very clean, good road systems, beautiful, modern buildings as well as the older traditional buildings.  We didn't go into a mosque but saw a couple, quite spectaclar with the gold shining off them. It was incredibly humid and after 3 hours in a mall we headed back to the ship.  I then slept for 2 hours.  Shoes $5-$20 &  didn't buy any.  Drama for the day was losing my cruise card (again) ashore. Realised within 5 minutes of losing it and retraced my steps to discover the people who were behind us had handed it to the security at the gangway.  I don't know why they didn't just sing out & I wouldn't have had to trail back in the heat  400mtrs at least.

Won another hat @ Trivia last night, getting embarrassing. Bought some slimming tea in Brunei having some with a Danish for morning tea.

In Kota Kinabalu today & very humid.  Bob & I went ashore to get a necklace & take photos then came back to do our washing. Port days gr8 for laundry.  Still not sure what is happening with Tokyo stop but it's Hong Kong in 2 days for 2 days.

Why did I mention Bowls?

Still @ sea and I arrived at bowls for my coffee to be told my name was down for mixed pairs.  Well I didn't disgrace myself & did get to the 2nd round but I think my partner, Bob, really does bowl & doesn't want to show off.  There are some very serious players.  Try bowling as the ship gently rolls.

The sea has been so calm, much to everyones surprise, even the Captain, long may it last.  Tomorrow is Brunei where it will be hot & humid and we are just going for a look around.  Must remember the camera & some money for taxi or bus. Day after is Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia again only going ashore for a look.

We won again at trivia so gave a hat away to person who marked our paper.  Overlooked some dodgy spelling.  Having a restful time.  Had 2 nanna naps yesterday 1 before lunch & 1 after lunch.  Time changes everynight by half hour or hour so not sure where I am.  Breakfast has been about 6:15 evry morning.

Somewhere near the Equator

Another sea day & actually have internet access today.  You can imagine the horror we are all feeling at the terrible tragedy in Japan.  We get daily updates and are still heading that way.  We are not due in Tokyo for 2 weeks and the ship is in constant contact with authorities.

Life goes on for us.  Getting better @ Trivia & we have actually won, a hat no less, and if we stopped changing our answers would probably win more.  Taken a interest in carpet bowls, only watching of course and seen a couple of good comedians.  Movies are fairly current, black Swan being the most discussed.

Brunie in a day or so & looking forward to that.  We won't be able to go into any mosques but can photo from outside.  Crossing the equator today with a special event happening on deck.  Been 47 years since I was at my last equator event.  I won't be challenging Neptune.

Relaxation 2 the Max

Not quite sure where yesterday went. through the Torres Strait and across the top of the Gulf very calm & smooth.  Balmy nights and warmer days.

Managing 6 hours sleep, not during the day, only an hour after lunch.  This means breakfast is between 6am & 6:30.  Sun wasn't even up this morning but meant less crowded & eggs just cooked.  Darwin tomorrow going to be hot & humid.

A Typical day @Sea

Slept in, late 4 breakfast. Watched the coastline go by and round the op at Cape York.  A bit difficult to see as we went through a few squalls keeping most off the deck.  2 lots of trivia, scores getting better, I even contributed and cheered on the carpet bowlers as well.  Lots of talking and sitting around.

Airlie Beach

Three wondeful days @ sea.  Into a routine already, coffee, breakfast, shower, coffee, trivia, lunch, nap, jigsaw, coffee, trivia, dress up, drinks, dinner, show, bed.

Today was a port day & we walked into Airlie Beach, after getting off the tender, looked at shops, had coffee then a swim in the beautiful lagoon.  Back on board for lunch & then routine exceptuing internet cafe before drinkies.  Last night was our 1st formal night so had my hair done, sat next to the Captain while he had his hair cut I don't think he had to pay.  Still having problems downloading photos but will get there.

Still @ Sea

Dinner table sorted now we are 8.  Much better than sitting on your own with someone who spends 80% of their life cruising & telling you all the pitfalls but they still cruise.  Weather is warming up today we are passing Fraser Island, our view for breakfast, and yesterday we had a great view of Ballina and Byron Bay.

Tonight is our 1st Formal night & I am going to a show after dinner, been invited!!!!!  Oh for those that know how unlucky I can be at Casinos had a small win yesterday so look out Hong Kong shopping could be dangerous.

On my way

Arrived in Sydney an hour late thanks to rain in Brissie.  Had a fantastic dinner with Craig, who paid!!!! I'll probably have to buy the next one.  What a weekend to come to Sydney, Mardi Gras onn & i had morning tea in Myer watchingn 3 young men get btheir make-up done.  It looked fantastic very dramatic.  Tried to take a photo but ended up with a photo of my cake.

Got on board Ship no fuss and luggage actually made cabin @ same time a 1st for me.  Legs killing me as used stairs all day, lifts very busy as people find their way around. My worst nightmare happened.  I am at a table for 10, on my own.  Well not quite but the lady who joined me will be moving on after tonight if noone else turns up. I will too.  Food fantastic as expected so went for a walk this morning.

We were late leaving Sydney due to refuelling issues, hope we have enough to get to Airlie and it was quite spectacular sailing out with all the harbour lights.  For those just following I met up with my friend between 1st & 2nd dinner and we met at breakfast this morning.  Going to trivia at 11:15am.  I went to a show last night and then the boat rocked me to sleep very gently.

Will post photos as soon as I take some.

The Bag

I was going to take a photo of the VERY full suitcase but can't find the camera. Think it might be in the bottom of said case.  Got an offer from Qantas to upgrade to Business so have taken it up as it gives me 30kgs.  Getting very excited.