Good day mate,
What a great day we had today!!!! Everyday gets better than the last!! We toured Melbourne on our own today and had a great lunch at a place called TimeOut. As we sat outside we watched the USA play Canada in the Olympics in hockey on a big screen TV that was outside. That was cool but what was cooler is USA won..you knew that!! Melbourne is the home to some of the biggest sports events including:the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival (including the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup), the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the Australian Tennis Open and the AFL grand Final. Melbourne hosted the first Olympic Games in the Southern Hemisphere in 1956. Melbourne has twice shared top position in a survey by the Economics of the World's Most Livable Cities on the basis of its cultural attributes, climate, cost of living, and social conditions such as crime rates and health care, once in 2002 and again in 2004.
During lunch we also observed a group of college students with quirky sayings on their shirts...I decided to get closer to read the shirts and was asked to jump rope with them. Come to find out, it was actually an initiation and they would get points for each person they could get to jumprope...trying to be a kind American I agreed to help out. Next thing I knew the girls were taking off their bras, made a jumprope out of them tied together and I was jumping the "bra" rope. The first try I fell right on my butt...only because I still has my back pack on. I was not to be defeated in front of those college kids so I took my backpack off (no, I kept my bra on) and was able to jump a few more times and added some points to the contest!!! Unfortunately, Ken was back at the table paying the bill and missed all the fun!!!
After that joy, Ken went shopping and visited St.Paul's Cathedral and I went to the Royal Botanical Gardens,of course!!! Since it was a Monday, it wasn't very busy so it was peaceful and quite a nice walk. As I was wandering back to meet the bus I came across the Shrine of Remembrance. I had no idea what it was all about and little did I know how it would affect me...how emotional!!! It is a Melbourne landmark and the shrine is modeled after the Athens' Parthenon It is dedicated to the brave men and women who served and died in WW1. It was awe inspiring. The Gallery of medals displayed 4000 service medals, each one representing 100 Victorians (from the Australian state of Victoria) who have served in the war. There are glass cases with books opened to pages of their names inscribed in calligraphy. As I walked through the Crypt, I came across a regimental memorial, the "Father and Son" sculpture representing the two generations of Victorians who served in the World Wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45. The sanctuary which impressed me the most is the heart of the Shrine where thousands pay respect to service men and women each year. Unfortunately I was not there for the half hour Remembrance Ceremony, which incorporates a simulation of a gravestone for those Victorian service men and women buried overseas in unmarked graves. Made of marble, it is sunk below the floor where no hands may touch it and visitors must bow their heads to read the Biblical inscription: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN. It took 144 pages of mathematics to figure out how the sun would shine at a certain hour...it was truly amazing and I came away feeling for all of our soldiers and what do we do for them in the USA???
Back to the ship for what turned out to be the most extravagant affair I have ever attended. We were invite by Peter Shanks, President and Managing Director of Cunard Line together with the Master and Senior Officers of Queen Victoria to the World Voyage Dinner at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. It was a black tie affair and what a event!!! We, along with 500 world cruise passengers were shuttled downtown Melbourne where we were by greeted by Mr. Shanks, Captain Wright (he remember having his picture taken with Burton the bear!!!) and the Australian Boys Choir. We felt like royalty as we walked along the red carpet and waved and shook hands with everyone!!! The room was covered with white tablecloths, white roses and beautiful table settings...more utensils than I ever have used, but I did remember from Emily Post...start from the outside and work in!!!! We had a fabulous dinner with the main course beef wellington..actually described as "Sliced Australian Fillet of Beef, Quenelle of Potato Puree, with Fresh French Green Beans, Trussed Tomato, Topped with Zucchini Ribbons, Parmesan Cheese and Shiraz Jus" I just thought I'd throw that in because I surely didn't understand half of it...but it was delicious especially with the red wine they served. We ended the dinner with a trio of desserts...I'll spare you with the description...it will only make you drool. That was followed with a champagne toast to the Captain who was going on "holiday". As the night ended we danced our way out of the gallery and back to our "cabin sweet cabin" and turned back into pumpkins! What a fairy tale!!!
I'll leave you at that for now...next stop Adelaide!!!
janet and ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Australia... mate
Still sailing....and life is good!!! We had two days at sea before Australia...it works out great as it gives time to renew and re-energize although I have been keeping so busy aboard. This ship is amazing and having a grand ole' time at UoQV!!! Some of the latest classes have been Pearl 101, Opal 101, Contemporary Art, Architecture, backstage design, and for P.E. advanced country line dancing, and cha-cha!!! Did I tell you how talented the entertainment has been? We were able to take a backstage tour and unbelievable the teeny tiny room the singers and actors have to change into their gorgeous wardrobes. I'm finally finding my way around without looking at the ship's diagrams and I am using the steps...15 up a floor!! We are located portside aft...how do you like that lingo? We are right above the dining room and a few decks below the pool or lido deck. That deck also has the buffet food which is pretty good. I'm loving the pizza and found the macadamia nut cookies...ouch!!
Early Friday morning we sailed into Sydney Harbor,which is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world...I agree...the sight as the sun rose and the city lights still in the background was surely a Kodak moment. Sydney is known in Australia as the "Harbor City" and the harbor itself as well as structures on its shores such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are globally recognized icons of the city. Sydney is a major domestic and international tourist destination, notable for its climate, famous beaches, culture, renowned landmarks and modern architecture. It is Australia's main financial centre and the skyscrapers of its financial district cluster around Circular Quay, making the city's skyline one of the most distinctive in the world. The ship docked right in the middle of the harbor and our view from our balcony was the Sydney Opera House. More about that later. We disembarked which was quite painless and then walked around the city a bit, looking for internet, convenience store and transportation options. For lunch we took a ferry over to Manly Island which is on the Tasman Sea...we had a great lunch as we watched the surfers. When we returned we took a tour of the Sydney Opera House. WOW!! What can I say? With its distinctive white "sails" and commanding harbor location, the Opera House is urban Australia's most recognized landmarks. The entertainment complex has a wide range of performances and activities including: dance, drama, film, opera, jazz, five restaurants, and six bars (to keep it lively).
How fortunate we were to be able to enjoy the opera "Tosca" by Puccini that evening. Luckily there were subtitles so we knew what was going on and from our seats they were easy to read..yes, we were pretty high up!!! What was too cool though...as we walked out and looked across the harbor to our "home" it was bathed in pink!!! The Queen V. had a private charity function for breast cancer and had the ship lit up with pink lights!! Another Kodak moment!!
Since we stayed in Sydney overnight we were able to take a trip around the city to see the sights. We boarded a open top hop on hop off bus that took us around this sprawling city. Almost one in four Australians (4,000,000 people) lives in the metropolis and the urban mass covers more than 4,000 square miles. After the tour I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art and I have new understanding of Aboriginal Art. One other landmark I would like to mention is the Harbour Bridge...we did NOT do this but you can walk across it or join a 3 hour expedition "Bridge Climb" (After Ken's experience on the Sky Tower in Auckland there was no way he'd do it...he cringed looking up at the people walking up there). It's an enormous engineering feat, and the 1932 structure is still the world's widest bridge!
This takes us to sailing away in the Tasman Sea and onward to five more Australian cities. We had quite a change of passengers as 1100 left and the same embarked. We have three new dinner mates, all from Australia so we have lots to learn. Did I say how beautiful the weather has been? Hopefully its warming up where you are...I am liking bypassing winter...as you know it's summer in Australia!!
My bad news, very briefly, last night one of my back teeth fell out. They do have an onboard dentist so I visited her and she put in a temporary until I get home. Yep, that was the $$$ I had allocated for a massage...not the dentist!!! Anyway, her office view is the ocean so that was nice...if anything about going to the dentist is nice...no offense to my wonderful dentist friends!!! They make our smiles!! Needless to say when I get back I'll have to have it replaced so if you ask what I brought you back from my trip, you'll understand my smile...that's it!!!
That's all for now...again, it's such a joy to have those e-mails left in our cabin...thank you kindly..the e-mail is qv@cunard.co.uk and put my name on the subject line.
"One's destination is never a place. but rather a new way of looking at things" Henry Miller
With joy,
Ken and janet
Early Friday morning we sailed into Sydney Harbor,which is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful harbors in the world...I agree...the sight as the sun rose and the city lights still in the background was surely a Kodak moment. Sydney is known in Australia as the "Harbor City" and the harbor itself as well as structures on its shores such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge are globally recognized icons of the city. Sydney is a major domestic and international tourist destination, notable for its climate, famous beaches, culture, renowned landmarks and modern architecture. It is Australia's main financial centre and the skyscrapers of its financial district cluster around Circular Quay, making the city's skyline one of the most distinctive in the world. The ship docked right in the middle of the harbor and our view from our balcony was the Sydney Opera House. More about that later. We disembarked which was quite painless and then walked around the city a bit, looking for internet, convenience store and transportation options. For lunch we took a ferry over to Manly Island which is on the Tasman Sea...we had a great lunch as we watched the surfers. When we returned we took a tour of the Sydney Opera House. WOW!! What can I say? With its distinctive white "sails" and commanding harbor location, the Opera House is urban Australia's most recognized landmarks. The entertainment complex has a wide range of performances and activities including: dance, drama, film, opera, jazz, five restaurants, and six bars (to keep it lively).
How fortunate we were to be able to enjoy the opera "Tosca" by Puccini that evening. Luckily there were subtitles so we knew what was going on and from our seats they were easy to read..yes, we were pretty high up!!! What was too cool though...as we walked out and looked across the harbor to our "home" it was bathed in pink!!! The Queen V. had a private charity function for breast cancer and had the ship lit up with pink lights!! Another Kodak moment!!
Since we stayed in Sydney overnight we were able to take a trip around the city to see the sights. We boarded a open top hop on hop off bus that took us around this sprawling city. Almost one in four Australians (4,000,000 people) lives in the metropolis and the urban mass covers more than 4,000 square miles. After the tour I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art and I have new understanding of Aboriginal Art. One other landmark I would like to mention is the Harbour Bridge...we did NOT do this but you can walk across it or join a 3 hour expedition "Bridge Climb" (After Ken's experience on the Sky Tower in Auckland there was no way he'd do it...he cringed looking up at the people walking up there). It's an enormous engineering feat, and the 1932 structure is still the world's widest bridge!
This takes us to sailing away in the Tasman Sea and onward to five more Australian cities. We had quite a change of passengers as 1100 left and the same embarked. We have three new dinner mates, all from Australia so we have lots to learn. Did I say how beautiful the weather has been? Hopefully its warming up where you are...I am liking bypassing winter...as you know it's summer in Australia!!
My bad news, very briefly, last night one of my back teeth fell out. They do have an onboard dentist so I visited her and she put in a temporary until I get home. Yep, that was the $$$ I had allocated for a massage...not the dentist!!! Anyway, her office view is the ocean so that was nice...if anything about going to the dentist is nice...no offense to my wonderful dentist friends!!! They make our smiles!! Needless to say when I get back I'll have to have it replaced so if you ask what I brought you back from my trip, you'll understand my smile...that's it!!!
That's all for now...again, it's such a joy to have those e-mails left in our cabin...thank you kindly..the e-mail is qv@cunard.co.uk and put my name on the subject line.
"One's destination is never a place. but rather a new way of looking at things" Henry Miller
With joy,
Ken and janet
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I did it!!!
Hello mate...I think I figured out how to get pics on the blog...working on it. Anyway this is from my fencing class..boy that's a work out...I'll send better ones once I really get the jist of it...enjoy!!! I sure do miss y'all!!!! ...but not ready to return to reality!!
love to all!!!
love to all!!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Hello from aussieland!!!
Good day from Down Under,
We are crossing the Tasman Sea as we leave New Zealand on our way to Australia. I'll give a recap of our New Zealand's journey.
Auckland was our first stop. It is the largest city in New Zealand and is typically the point of entry or departure for international visitors. Known as the "City of Sails" it was capital until 1865 when Wellington was chosen as the approximate physical center of the island nation. Greater Auckland is in the North Island and the largest urban area. The "sails" nickname is named so because there are some 70,000 sailing craft and private powerboats in the greater Auckland region-this means one boat for every four households! Like most New Zealanders, Aucklanders like to be outdoors and are leaders in the world ecology movement.
Sweeping beauty surrounds Auckland and we were able to experience it from 722 feet above the city on the Sky Deck of the Sky Tower. The Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand with views of up to 52 miles in every direction. Just think...being in Destin and almost seeing all the way to Panama city, Crestview and Pensacola!! There are 1029 steps to the Main Observation Deck (which is 623 feet). Needless to say we took the "lift" which travels at 18kph...40 seconds!!! I learned something new about Ken up there...he is deathly afraid of heights...what a big chicken he was as he clung to the inside rails. There was glass you could stand on and look down on the city but do you think he would come close to it...nope...I had to take my own picture on it and of course I did a little dance just to freak him out a bit more!!! I was getting him back for him making me go places I didn't want to go!!! We than visited the Antarctica Experience...it is a 100-foot Plexiglas tube beneath the harbor. Explorer Kelly Tarlton had a vision to bring the undersea to the people and turned a sewer into an underground aquarium....the penguins were adorable!!!
Next we traveled to Christchurch, which is the South Island's largest city. Retaining the nation's traditional character, the Garden City is known as one of New Zealand's most handsome cities. Filled with public parks and privet gardens, the town center is reserved for pedestrians. Old gothic style buildings dominate the skyline. A planned community established by British upper classes, in places, the city is reminiscent of Oxford. The town center is Cathedral Square and its namesake Anglican Church. Arriving at the historic Antigua Boatsheds we boarded an English-style punt. Our puntsman took us on a boat ride through the scenic Botanical Gardens, enjoying the sights and sounds of the garden paradise right in the heart of the city. Then we took a short walk to the Curator's House where we had tea and desserts. Our tour included a ttam ticket so we were able to explore other city sites.
Our last stop was Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. After a frustrating time trying to get my computer online (technology yuck) we boarded the Kelburn Cable Car and rode it to the top of Wellington to the Botanical Gardens. It is the only cable car in the Southern Hemisphere!!! The gardens were beautiful as you strolled along the walkway. It led us to the most magnificent rose garden where there were over 1200 varieties of roses. As we were leaving we watched a rugby touch match that was quite interesting. Since we have a gentleman that dines with us nightly we were educated on the rules of the game. Not quite as rough as the regular rugby matches. By the way the World Cup Rugby Match will be in Wellington in 2011. The local team name is ALL BLACK!!
We feel we walked many miles in New Zealand, at least 6-7 miles a day and our feet are talking to us, along with the hips, back and legs!!! That is a good thing...we are getting alot of exercise. I'm still trying to get Ken to join in dance classes and he seems to enjoy the country line dances the most...maybe one of these days he will succumb to the rumba...
Also, I know I told you the launderettes are a challenge...one other thing are the dryers are malfunctioning...they are shrinking all of our clothes!!!
With that I will end another few days in the life of a passenger..."It isn't that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better".
Good day and good bye for now,
janet and ken
We are crossing the Tasman Sea as we leave New Zealand on our way to Australia. I'll give a recap of our New Zealand's journey.
Auckland was our first stop. It is the largest city in New Zealand and is typically the point of entry or departure for international visitors. Known as the "City of Sails" it was capital until 1865 when Wellington was chosen as the approximate physical center of the island nation. Greater Auckland is in the North Island and the largest urban area. The "sails" nickname is named so because there are some 70,000 sailing craft and private powerboats in the greater Auckland region-this means one boat for every four households! Like most New Zealanders, Aucklanders like to be outdoors and are leaders in the world ecology movement.
Sweeping beauty surrounds Auckland and we were able to experience it from 722 feet above the city on the Sky Deck of the Sky Tower. The Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand with views of up to 52 miles in every direction. Just think...being in Destin and almost seeing all the way to Panama city, Crestview and Pensacola!! There are 1029 steps to the Main Observation Deck (which is 623 feet). Needless to say we took the "lift" which travels at 18kph...40 seconds!!! I learned something new about Ken up there...he is deathly afraid of heights...what a big chicken he was as he clung to the inside rails. There was glass you could stand on and look down on the city but do you think he would come close to it...nope...I had to take my own picture on it and of course I did a little dance just to freak him out a bit more!!! I was getting him back for him making me go places I didn't want to go!!! We than visited the Antarctica Experience...it is a 100-foot Plexiglas tube beneath the harbor. Explorer Kelly Tarlton had a vision to bring the undersea to the people and turned a sewer into an underground aquarium....the penguins were adorable!!!
Next we traveled to Christchurch, which is the South Island's largest city. Retaining the nation's traditional character, the Garden City is known as one of New Zealand's most handsome cities. Filled with public parks and privet gardens, the town center is reserved for pedestrians. Old gothic style buildings dominate the skyline. A planned community established by British upper classes, in places, the city is reminiscent of Oxford. The town center is Cathedral Square and its namesake Anglican Church. Arriving at the historic Antigua Boatsheds we boarded an English-style punt. Our puntsman took us on a boat ride through the scenic Botanical Gardens, enjoying the sights and sounds of the garden paradise right in the heart of the city. Then we took a short walk to the Curator's House where we had tea and desserts. Our tour included a ttam ticket so we were able to explore other city sites.
Our last stop was Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. After a frustrating time trying to get my computer online (technology yuck) we boarded the Kelburn Cable Car and rode it to the top of Wellington to the Botanical Gardens. It is the only cable car in the Southern Hemisphere!!! The gardens were beautiful as you strolled along the walkway. It led us to the most magnificent rose garden where there were over 1200 varieties of roses. As we were leaving we watched a rugby touch match that was quite interesting. Since we have a gentleman that dines with us nightly we were educated on the rules of the game. Not quite as rough as the regular rugby matches. By the way the World Cup Rugby Match will be in Wellington in 2011. The local team name is ALL BLACK!!
We feel we walked many miles in New Zealand, at least 6-7 miles a day and our feet are talking to us, along with the hips, back and legs!!! That is a good thing...we are getting alot of exercise. I'm still trying to get Ken to join in dance classes and he seems to enjoy the country line dances the most...maybe one of these days he will succumb to the rumba...
Also, I know I told you the launderettes are a challenge...one other thing are the dryers are malfunctioning...they are shrinking all of our clothes!!!
With that I will end another few days in the life of a passenger..."It isn't that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better".
Good day and good bye for now,
janet and ken
Saturday, February 13, 2010
And tall tale from the Pacific!!!!
Talofe,
That's the greeting in Pago Pago... the islanders are very happy people!!!
First, we'll take you back to Superbowl Sunday...Yeah Saints!!! What a great game...they had it playing in the "Golden Lion Pub" for the Americans with an American menu...sliders, hooter wings and hot dogs...(it's usually fish and chips, mash and bangers and shepherds pie) with good ole Bud beer!!! I took a tour of Pago Pago and Ken did his own tour. He walked all over town and attended a church service, communion and all. Sundays are very religious holidays in Pago Pago and they take it very seriously. The children are not even allowed to play on Sunday. Everyone dresses in white and it is sunbleached white...they lay out their clothes and the sun bleaches them. I always wondered how they got their clothes so clean!! They prefer washing their clothes by hand as they don't trust the Laundromats to get them clean.
My tour was great. We left in buses that were quite primitive...since they are old have no a/c in them they decorate them inside and out with flowers etc. We took a drive with our guide, Ariel to her village where they had great demos of how the people eat, wash clothes, cook and what was so surprising is all they get out of coconut trees. They are very resourceful people and let nothing go to waste. Ariel explained that the average age to get married is 21 and when they do get married the man moves in with the woman's family...ouch!!! Their main sport is cricket and the school system is quite similar to the US. Their alphabet contains 5 vowels but only 12 constants. Their main industry is tuna cannery, although they really depend on tourism. The tsunami that happened last Sept. devastated part of the island. Our part of the tour didn't take us by that area but Ken did see some of it on his walk and said the initial wave was over 30 feet and 39 people died.
On Monday we crossed the international date line so we lost that day...weird ...I can't even explain that one, but I think I'm a day younger...or would it be older? Oh well, so we went from Sunday to Tuesday!!!
Wednesday was a "bula bula" day for me! That means "everything is wonderful" in Fijian!!! I had the best day yet on a awesome tour (Ken opted out and so sorry he did). We woke up to a marching police band greeting us from the dock on a hot and sunny day. Again, I went on the bus but this time is was a very modern one and comfy. Our guide explained the pine is a very popular industry as is sugar cane. They export alot of timber to the US, China, and New Zealand. We drove past a school and asked if we could stop. The bus driver obliged and we were even able to go into the classroom and see the students as they were doing their work. It was very neat as they all were so friendly dressed in uniform...they all wear uniforms. Education is very important and it is mandatory for the students to all learn English along with their own language, Fijian. There are two universities on Fiji.
We then drove to a village and partook in a Cava ceremony. Cava is made from a peppermint tree that takes 6 years to grow. It is a very sacred ceremony they have when the high chiefs visit. So, I guess they felt we were high chiefs??? anyway, we entered into a hut....no shoes or hats and silence, there was a prayer and then the men were served first ...the process was to clap once, say "Bula bula" with a smile and drink the whole bowl (just about 1/2 cup) of Cava juice and then clap 3 more times. If you didn't finish it and tried passing it on to someone you'd have to drink 7 more bowls. They said the Cava makes you happy and very relaxed....kind of sleepy. It was said that you don't need tablets to go to sleep if you had the cava!!! Once the ceremony ended we took a 2 mile walk up through the rainforest over creeks among all kind of neat plants to a waterfall! It was the coolest thing and by this time we were pretty hot so we swam under the waterfall...that was unlike anything I've ever done...it was out in the middle of nowhere...just like you see in the movies!! Back down the mountain to our last adventure where the bus took us to a mud bath!!! Oh boy, I can't even believe I did that, but I have photos to prove it!!! As the bus arrived at our destination..."MUDBATHVILLE" there were the village people with their guitars, leis and singing to greet us. The few of us that wanted the experience were led to a big dug out hole that was filled with water and mud. We got in and were covered with mud....the glad game is one spends big bucks at the spa for the service and this didn't cost anything extra!!! After being covered with the mud we stood in the sun to let the mud dry off and then swam in another spring pond. From there we went to a natural hot spring that felt like a hot tub. It was so unbelievable to see the joy in the village people sharing their customs with us and of course just watching all the little children as they joined their parents in singing to us as we boarded the buses saying our good-byes. One little boy and I kept throwing kisses back and forth from the bus window...he would mimic my actions...too cute!! I know I've gone on and on with this experience but it was ...as my good friend Donna says...a number 10 day by 3pm!!!
We're on our way to Auckland, New Zealand after two days at sea...I love our sea days and not bored a bit. We're trying to use the internet ashore and I'll work on putting pics on..there are so many it will be difficult to pick but I do want to share.
On a sad note, my father-in-law, the most patient man I know went to the heavenly skies...God Bless him. I am sure his son, Tom will be there waiting for him with open arms. Since we came on the trip we have had both sun and rain but not a rainbow....yesterday there was a full rainbow, partly double. I know that was a sign from above that he is finally at peace. In his honor we threw the lei from Fiji overboard. My prayers are with Shirley and family. I am so sorry I am not there to be with them yet very proud of Jenny for filling in for me.
One last note...we want to thank everyone for the letters that you have written. We are opening them one by one every few days....and then I'm posting them on the wall. We really are decorating the room!! As they say in Fijian....ViNaKa!!!!
Also, thanx for the e-mails you are sending to the ship...we love walking back to our room and having them waiting for us....
More from down under later...hopefully, this will go out from Auckland tomorrow...whatever day that is???
Bula...bula,
janet and Ken
That's the greeting in Pago Pago... the islanders are very happy people!!!
First, we'll take you back to Superbowl Sunday...Yeah Saints!!! What a great game...they had it playing in the "Golden Lion Pub" for the Americans with an American menu...sliders, hooter wings and hot dogs...(it's usually fish and chips, mash and bangers and shepherds pie) with good ole Bud beer!!! I took a tour of Pago Pago and Ken did his own tour. He walked all over town and attended a church service, communion and all. Sundays are very religious holidays in Pago Pago and they take it very seriously. The children are not even allowed to play on Sunday. Everyone dresses in white and it is sunbleached white...they lay out their clothes and the sun bleaches them. I always wondered how they got their clothes so clean!! They prefer washing their clothes by hand as they don't trust the Laundromats to get them clean.
My tour was great. We left in buses that were quite primitive...since they are old have no a/c in them they decorate them inside and out with flowers etc. We took a drive with our guide, Ariel to her village where they had great demos of how the people eat, wash clothes, cook and what was so surprising is all they get out of coconut trees. They are very resourceful people and let nothing go to waste. Ariel explained that the average age to get married is 21 and when they do get married the man moves in with the woman's family...ouch!!! Their main sport is cricket and the school system is quite similar to the US. Their alphabet contains 5 vowels but only 12 constants. Their main industry is tuna cannery, although they really depend on tourism. The tsunami that happened last Sept. devastated part of the island. Our part of the tour didn't take us by that area but Ken did see some of it on his walk and said the initial wave was over 30 feet and 39 people died.
On Monday we crossed the international date line so we lost that day...weird ...I can't even explain that one, but I think I'm a day younger...or would it be older? Oh well, so we went from Sunday to Tuesday!!!
Wednesday was a "bula bula" day for me! That means "everything is wonderful" in Fijian!!! I had the best day yet on a awesome tour (Ken opted out and so sorry he did). We woke up to a marching police band greeting us from the dock on a hot and sunny day. Again, I went on the bus but this time is was a very modern one and comfy. Our guide explained the pine is a very popular industry as is sugar cane. They export alot of timber to the US, China, and New Zealand. We drove past a school and asked if we could stop. The bus driver obliged and we were even able to go into the classroom and see the students as they were doing their work. It was very neat as they all were so friendly dressed in uniform...they all wear uniforms. Education is very important and it is mandatory for the students to all learn English along with their own language, Fijian. There are two universities on Fiji.
We then drove to a village and partook in a Cava ceremony. Cava is made from a peppermint tree that takes 6 years to grow. It is a very sacred ceremony they have when the high chiefs visit. So, I guess they felt we were high chiefs??? anyway, we entered into a hut....no shoes or hats and silence, there was a prayer and then the men were served first ...the process was to clap once, say "Bula bula" with a smile and drink the whole bowl (just about 1/2 cup) of Cava juice and then clap 3 more times. If you didn't finish it and tried passing it on to someone you'd have to drink 7 more bowls. They said the Cava makes you happy and very relaxed....kind of sleepy. It was said that you don't need tablets to go to sleep if you had the cava!!! Once the ceremony ended we took a 2 mile walk up through the rainforest over creeks among all kind of neat plants to a waterfall! It was the coolest thing and by this time we were pretty hot so we swam under the waterfall...that was unlike anything I've ever done...it was out in the middle of nowhere...just like you see in the movies!! Back down the mountain to our last adventure where the bus took us to a mud bath!!! Oh boy, I can't even believe I did that, but I have photos to prove it!!! As the bus arrived at our destination..."MUDBATHVILLE" there were the village people with their guitars, leis and singing to greet us. The few of us that wanted the experience were led to a big dug out hole that was filled with water and mud. We got in and were covered with mud....the glad game is one spends big bucks at the spa for the service and this didn't cost anything extra!!! After being covered with the mud we stood in the sun to let the mud dry off and then swam in another spring pond. From there we went to a natural hot spring that felt like a hot tub. It was so unbelievable to see the joy in the village people sharing their customs with us and of course just watching all the little children as they joined their parents in singing to us as we boarded the buses saying our good-byes. One little boy and I kept throwing kisses back and forth from the bus window...he would mimic my actions...too cute!! I know I've gone on and on with this experience but it was ...as my good friend Donna says...a number 10 day by 3pm!!!
We're on our way to Auckland, New Zealand after two days at sea...I love our sea days and not bored a bit. We're trying to use the internet ashore and I'll work on putting pics on..there are so many it will be difficult to pick but I do want to share.
On a sad note, my father-in-law, the most patient man I know went to the heavenly skies...God Bless him. I am sure his son, Tom will be there waiting for him with open arms. Since we came on the trip we have had both sun and rain but not a rainbow....yesterday there was a full rainbow, partly double. I know that was a sign from above that he is finally at peace. In his honor we threw the lei from Fiji overboard. My prayers are with Shirley and family. I am so sorry I am not there to be with them yet very proud of Jenny for filling in for me.
One last note...we want to thank everyone for the letters that you have written. We are opening them one by one every few days....and then I'm posting them on the wall. We really are decorating the room!! As they say in Fijian....ViNaKa!!!!
Also, thanx for the e-mails you are sending to the ship...we love walking back to our room and having them waiting for us....
More from down under later...hopefully, this will go out from Auckland tomorrow...whatever day that is???
Bula...bula,
janet and Ken
Friday, February 12, 2010
I travel alot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine!!!
Hello from Auckland...just wanted to let you know I'm still working on sending out the blogs the cheapest way we can...it's .45/min on the ship. I wrote a lonnnnngggg blog last night about Pago Pago and Fiji....I had such a fantastic time but it was not sent???? So back to the drawing board...anyone you should get it in the next couple of days...it is long (again) mand I did write it at about 1 am so just bear with me on my writing skills!!! We are on our way bafck to the ship after a great time in this cool city of sails and I'll give you all the info later...read about Fiji first...it has been my fav stop so far....over two weeks and Ken and I are still speaking to one another!!!!
Take care...I miss y'alll!!!
xoxo j
Take care...I miss y'alll!!!
xoxo j
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
It's official...we're shellbacks and humiliated!!!!
February 6, 2010
Well, lo and behold…I went through the mess and humiliation. Yep, I got picked!!! Out of 1861 people onboard they picked 8 of us to tell our heinous crimes, stand before the ship’s jury and be judged!!! Needless to say, I ended up a mess and in the pool. I won’t even write what my “heinous crime” was!! I really believe Ken paid someone off to have me selected. He captured it on his movie camera so instead of going through the sordid details and have to relive it, we’ll save it for the “infamous” home movie night he’s planning when we return…don’t fret..you may pass!!!
So, we crossed the equator and are official shellbacks!!! We went from the North Hemisphere to the South Hemisphere and the best thing, from winter to summer!!!
The weather has been wonderful up to today…it is raining but there still is so much to do onboard that one can’t get bored. Today I had my fencing class which I am enjoying and getting a great workout. I met a man that was on a championship fencing team. He is 81 and although he isn’t going through all the fencing moves, he is helping me with my techniques. And wow! one sure does work up a sweat in that uniform…it’s like being in a sauna. Speaking of sauna, they have one in the work out room that is glass on one side where you can look out into the ocean!!!
Ken joined me today for quick step dancing class. The fun never ends!! And the days seem to go by so fast. I can’t believe we have been aboard for 10 days and not on each others nerves yet…although last night we “took the night off” from each other and went our own ways. We decided we shall do that once a week to give one another space which we both cherish. I ended up at the pizza bar where they make your pizza to order. The other day I was there, I noticed the pizza maker’s name was Noel and found out his birthday was on Christmas, I shared with him that my sis-in-law birthday was Carol and her birthday was also on Christmas. Tonight when I ordered he remembered “Carol whose birthday was on Christmas”!! I asked him if you had to have a great memory to work on the ship. It seems anywhere you go and order, the next day they remember what you ordered!!! I can’t even remember what I ordered!!!
Today I attended a Bible study which I was glad to see they have on board. There are about a dozen folks in it and it’s interesting to have the discussions with the English and Australians. They also have Catholic services a few times a week and an interdenominational service on Sunday which the Captain leads.
Laundry has been quite a feat as there is only one laundry room with three washers and dryers per floor and at the other end of the ship. It has turned out to be the chat (rumor) room on the ship. It is free and they do supply soap so that is a good thing. I’ve heard (rumors?) that fights and affairs start there and marriages end!!! One lady told me that on the Queen Mary two couples got kicked off the ship from trouble in the laundry room!!! Haha..
I’ll close now as not to bore y’all too much in one day…more about Pago Pago and Fiji on my next blog….we’re going to try to find an internet café so we don’t have to be paying .45/min for time online.
By the way…thanx for the e-mails to the ship…it really is cool because they print them out and deliver them to our room…that’s real service!! The address once again is
qv@cunard.co.uk …in the subject line put #4152 or our names.
Ni sa moce (that’s goodbye in Figian)
Janet and Ken
Well, lo and behold…I went through the mess and humiliation. Yep, I got picked!!! Out of 1861 people onboard they picked 8 of us to tell our heinous crimes, stand before the ship’s jury and be judged!!! Needless to say, I ended up a mess and in the pool. I won’t even write what my “heinous crime” was!! I really believe Ken paid someone off to have me selected. He captured it on his movie camera so instead of going through the sordid details and have to relive it, we’ll save it for the “infamous” home movie night he’s planning when we return…don’t fret..you may pass!!!
So, we crossed the equator and are official shellbacks!!! We went from the North Hemisphere to the South Hemisphere and the best thing, from winter to summer!!!
The weather has been wonderful up to today…it is raining but there still is so much to do onboard that one can’t get bored. Today I had my fencing class which I am enjoying and getting a great workout. I met a man that was on a championship fencing team. He is 81 and although he isn’t going through all the fencing moves, he is helping me with my techniques. And wow! one sure does work up a sweat in that uniform…it’s like being in a sauna. Speaking of sauna, they have one in the work out room that is glass on one side where you can look out into the ocean!!!
Ken joined me today for quick step dancing class. The fun never ends!! And the days seem to go by so fast. I can’t believe we have been aboard for 10 days and not on each others nerves yet…although last night we “took the night off” from each other and went our own ways. We decided we shall do that once a week to give one another space which we both cherish. I ended up at the pizza bar where they make your pizza to order. The other day I was there, I noticed the pizza maker’s name was Noel and found out his birthday was on Christmas, I shared with him that my sis-in-law birthday was Carol and her birthday was also on Christmas. Tonight when I ordered he remembered “Carol whose birthday was on Christmas”!! I asked him if you had to have a great memory to work on the ship. It seems anywhere you go and order, the next day they remember what you ordered!!! I can’t even remember what I ordered!!!
Today I attended a Bible study which I was glad to see they have on board. There are about a dozen folks in it and it’s interesting to have the discussions with the English and Australians. They also have Catholic services a few times a week and an interdenominational service on Sunday which the Captain leads.
Laundry has been quite a feat as there is only one laundry room with three washers and dryers per floor and at the other end of the ship. It has turned out to be the chat (rumor) room on the ship. It is free and they do supply soap so that is a good thing. I’ve heard (rumors?) that fights and affairs start there and marriages end!!! One lady told me that on the Queen Mary two couples got kicked off the ship from trouble in the laundry room!!! Haha..
I’ll close now as not to bore y’all too much in one day…more about Pago Pago and Fiji on my next blog….we’re going to try to find an internet café so we don’t have to be paying .45/min for time online.
By the way…thanx for the e-mails to the ship…it really is cool because they print them out and deliver them to our room…that’s real service!! The address once again is
qv@cunard.co.uk …in the subject line put #4152 or our names.
Ni sa moce (that’s goodbye in Figian)
Janet and Ken
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Pollywog today...shellback tomorrow???
February 4, 2010
Hello from the Pacific Ocean,
Calling All Pollywogs!!!! (From our daily bulletin).. all guests who have never crossed the Equator and are interested in participating in the “Crossing of the Line” ceremony tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 5 may sign up today!!!
So who knows what this is about but when we went to sign up you could go to three different sign in lines….one where you don’t want to get too messy, one slightly messy and one very messy, humiliating and you end up in the pool!!!! Ken “made” me get in the very messy line…not sure what I am getting myself into but they said to wear old clothes as they may get stained…oh boy oh boy!! You also have to tell a story ( something bad you did…truth or lie) and they will be picking 8-10 people out of the “messy” people to participate!!! I really would rather watch but oh well…no one knows me so how humiliating can it be??? So, since he made me do that…he is also signed up….I made him take Jive dance classes with me today. That was clearly his work out for the week!!! We’ll let you know if we’re one of the “lucky” ones that got picked for the crossing. Once you go through the ceremony you are officially a “shellback” opposed to a “pollywog”? Has anyone ever heard of that?
Today we attended a seminar (my college) on “Where did the Polynesian. Melanesian, and Micronesian peoples come from?” One of many great “classes” I just hope we don’t get tested!!
Many of the people we have met have been on the “Queen” cruises before…amazing how they can do it again and again!!! As I said the average age is 70 and along with that comes a lot of wisdom so I am seeking all I can and listening to many great stories.
Mom…you would be so proud of me…I won $22 on the slots last night…enough to buy a cocktail…easy come easy go!!! I didn’t know what I was doing and I guess that was the way to play.
By the way, since internet services are charged you can send us an e-mail to the ship and they will deliver to the room the address is qv@cunard.co.uk and in the subject line put our room # 4152 or name. What service that they deliver it to the room…gotta love it!!!
Now..I’ll turn it over to Ken!!
From KG, working my butt off eating and trying to keep up with J.R and her dance steps. All is well, temp in the mid 80’s fairly high humidity like our July climate. We (the ship ) have been running with the wind for two days, so the ride as been flat and comfortable. The Pacific Ocean cover about 1/5th of the earth surface, which is a hell of a lot of water. Looking forward to seeing the South Sea islands
More tomorrow.
Mahalo,
JR and KG
p.s A Happy Birthday to my bro-in-law, Paul Rappazini! I’ll have a drink to you tonight!!!
Hello from the Pacific Ocean,
Calling All Pollywogs!!!! (From our daily bulletin).. all guests who have never crossed the Equator and are interested in participating in the “Crossing of the Line” ceremony tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 5 may sign up today!!!
So who knows what this is about but when we went to sign up you could go to three different sign in lines….one where you don’t want to get too messy, one slightly messy and one very messy, humiliating and you end up in the pool!!!! Ken “made” me get in the very messy line…not sure what I am getting myself into but they said to wear old clothes as they may get stained…oh boy oh boy!! You also have to tell a story ( something bad you did…truth or lie) and they will be picking 8-10 people out of the “messy” people to participate!!! I really would rather watch but oh well…no one knows me so how humiliating can it be??? So, since he made me do that…he is also signed up….I made him take Jive dance classes with me today. That was clearly his work out for the week!!! We’ll let you know if we’re one of the “lucky” ones that got picked for the crossing. Once you go through the ceremony you are officially a “shellback” opposed to a “pollywog”? Has anyone ever heard of that?
Today we attended a seminar (my college) on “Where did the Polynesian. Melanesian, and Micronesian peoples come from?” One of many great “classes” I just hope we don’t get tested!!
Many of the people we have met have been on the “Queen” cruises before…amazing how they can do it again and again!!! As I said the average age is 70 and along with that comes a lot of wisdom so I am seeking all I can and listening to many great stories.
Mom…you would be so proud of me…I won $22 on the slots last night…enough to buy a cocktail…easy come easy go!!! I didn’t know what I was doing and I guess that was the way to play.
By the way, since internet services are charged you can send us an e-mail to the ship and they will deliver to the room the address is qv@cunard.co.uk and in the subject line put our room # 4152 or name. What service that they deliver it to the room…gotta love it!!!
Now..I’ll turn it over to Ken!!
From KG, working my butt off eating and trying to keep up with J.R and her dance steps. All is well, temp in the mid 80’s fairly high humidity like our July climate. We (the ship ) have been running with the wind for two days, so the ride as been flat and comfortable. The Pacific Ocean cover about 1/5th of the earth surface, which is a hell of a lot of water. Looking forward to seeing the South Sea islands
More tomorrow.
Mahalo,
JR and KG
p.s A Happy Birthday to my bro-in-law, Paul Rappazini! I’ll have a drink to you tonight!!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Smaller space...less stuff...more living!!!
Tuesday, Feb.2, 2010
Warning…this is very long…sorry…just trying to catch you up…
Aloha from Honolulu…so far so great. What a journey!! Had a great time in San
Fran. We toured the city by trolley, streetcar and bus and saw quite a bit of the city. Ken’s friends’ John and Geraldine picked us up for dinner and had a great time at the Slanted Door. What fun to be with locals and hear so much about the town. Good food and great company. On Wed. we checked into our home for the next 3 months and met Therese, Rosanne and her friend Mike for lunch at Pier 23. It was good to see them too and they walked us back to the ship. I wish they could have come aboard but the security was way too tight. They waited on the Golden Gate bridge as we went under, although we were delayed a bit because..would you believe?...there was a crew member missing!!!
A little about our new “home”….it is 264 sf incl. the balcony yet has a lot of crook and nannies and we were able to unpack all 350 lbs. of “stuff” we brought with us…it shall be interesting to see how much we use!!!! We have a couch, refrig, desk, tv, and storage under the bed. Our steward, William is taking very good care of us, everything from making up the room daily (incl. keeping the ice bucket filled)…OMG…I still can’t believe it). We are on the 4th floor port side…that’s on the left…I’m learning a whole new lingo. Our room is right across from the “lift” and it’s just a flight down for dinner and up to the 9th deck for the “Lido” deck. The Lido has the pool, hot tub and buffet when you want to eat a bit more low key than the dining room. The ship is awesome..there is art everywhere you look and so grandeur. The staff is very friendly and helpful…always greeting us.
The first four days we spent cruising to Hawaii so it gave us time to sorta find our way around. We have dinner table for eight with an international flavor….two Canadians, one an author and his wife of 51 years who was Miss Israel 1957, an English lady, Audrey who has cruised over 1600 days in her lifetime, a gentleman from Wales and two Americans plus ourselves. This is just a sampling of the 2000 passengers aboard. Thirty percent are Americans, 40 % are Europeans and the remaining 30 % scattered across the world. The average age is about 70 and there are many traveling solo and also many with canes, wheelchairs and walkers…nothing is holding them back!!
The activities aboard have kept us busy. While I have been taking the stairs, Ken has been making sure the “lifts” are in working order….I am wearing my pedometer and we are trying to get in at least 5 miles a day…that is not hard to do…three laps around the deck equals one mile.. I have spent time in the gym doing pilates, and stretching and mobility classes. Also the treadmill looks over the ocean so I have had the joy of that machine!!! My newest and fav class has been foil fencing…wow…what a workout that is and so much fun. We have been to seminars on whale watching, WIFI, history of art, and life in space. I really feel I am earning my college credits!!!
On Monday we docked of the coast of Maui….woke up to whales swimming out our balcony. We took tenders ashore where we walked, explored and had lunch looking out at the Queen V not believing we were really cruising around the world on it!!! It all still hasn’t hit me!!! Ken was getting kinda antsy not having anything to wash or clean so we did find an Ace Hardware and he bought a squeegee to clean the balcony windows. Before the trip is over, he’ll probably be hired to do some deep cleaning aboard!!! Tuesday we docked at Honolulu…it was pouring down rain but we made it to a huge mall along with hundreds of people…yes, a mall…we cruise seven thousand miles and end up at a mall…go figure!!! As it was, with the rain, it was a fun thing to do as it gave us a good feeling of the people….great people watching place. And the folks that did take the tours were very disappointed as it was so rainy and foggy they didn’t see anything except puddles!! By the time we sailed away the sun had come out and we said good bye to the US. We are now on our way to Pago Pago.
Since I haven’t written for a week, this is quite long and I do apologize for all the chatter…I’ll do better as we progress and fill y’all in on other fun facts etc. Meanwhile, thank you for your support in this trip….we are thinking of you and just wish you could all be here with us.
So, until next time…Mahalo…
Warning…this is very long…sorry…just trying to catch you up…
Aloha from Honolulu…so far so great. What a journey!! Had a great time in San
Fran. We toured the city by trolley, streetcar and bus and saw quite a bit of the city. Ken’s friends’ John and Geraldine picked us up for dinner and had a great time at the Slanted Door. What fun to be with locals and hear so much about the town. Good food and great company. On Wed. we checked into our home for the next 3 months and met Therese, Rosanne and her friend Mike for lunch at Pier 23. It was good to see them too and they walked us back to the ship. I wish they could have come aboard but the security was way too tight. They waited on the Golden Gate bridge as we went under, although we were delayed a bit because..would you believe?...there was a crew member missing!!!
A little about our new “home”….it is 264 sf incl. the balcony yet has a lot of crook and nannies and we were able to unpack all 350 lbs. of “stuff” we brought with us…it shall be interesting to see how much we use!!!! We have a couch, refrig, desk, tv, and storage under the bed. Our steward, William is taking very good care of us, everything from making up the room daily (incl. keeping the ice bucket filled)…OMG…I still can’t believe it). We are on the 4th floor port side…that’s on the left…I’m learning a whole new lingo. Our room is right across from the “lift” and it’s just a flight down for dinner and up to the 9th deck for the “Lido” deck. The Lido has the pool, hot tub and buffet when you want to eat a bit more low key than the dining room. The ship is awesome..there is art everywhere you look and so grandeur. The staff is very friendly and helpful…always greeting us.
The first four days we spent cruising to Hawaii so it gave us time to sorta find our way around. We have dinner table for eight with an international flavor….two Canadians, one an author and his wife of 51 years who was Miss Israel 1957, an English lady, Audrey who has cruised over 1600 days in her lifetime, a gentleman from Wales and two Americans plus ourselves. This is just a sampling of the 2000 passengers aboard. Thirty percent are Americans, 40 % are Europeans and the remaining 30 % scattered across the world. The average age is about 70 and there are many traveling solo and also many with canes, wheelchairs and walkers…nothing is holding them back!!
The activities aboard have kept us busy. While I have been taking the stairs, Ken has been making sure the “lifts” are in working order….I am wearing my pedometer and we are trying to get in at least 5 miles a day…that is not hard to do…three laps around the deck equals one mile.. I have spent time in the gym doing pilates, and stretching and mobility classes. Also the treadmill looks over the ocean so I have had the joy of that machine!!! My newest and fav class has been foil fencing…wow…what a workout that is and so much fun. We have been to seminars on whale watching, WIFI, history of art, and life in space. I really feel I am earning my college credits!!!
On Monday we docked of the coast of Maui….woke up to whales swimming out our balcony. We took tenders ashore where we walked, explored and had lunch looking out at the Queen V not believing we were really cruising around the world on it!!! It all still hasn’t hit me!!! Ken was getting kinda antsy not having anything to wash or clean so we did find an Ace Hardware and he bought a squeegee to clean the balcony windows. Before the trip is over, he’ll probably be hired to do some deep cleaning aboard!!! Tuesday we docked at Honolulu…it was pouring down rain but we made it to a huge mall along with hundreds of people…yes, a mall…we cruise seven thousand miles and end up at a mall…go figure!!! As it was, with the rain, it was a fun thing to do as it gave us a good feeling of the people….great people watching place. And the folks that did take the tours were very disappointed as it was so rainy and foggy they didn’t see anything except puddles!! By the time we sailed away the sun had come out and we said good bye to the US. We are now on our way to Pago Pago.
Since I haven’t written for a week, this is quite long and I do apologize for all the chatter…I’ll do better as we progress and fill y’all in on other fun facts etc. Meanwhile, thank you for your support in this trip….we are thinking of you and just wish you could all be here with us.
So, until next time…Mahalo…
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