Good morning from Viet Nam or as they say "xinchao",
Backtracking a few days...as you read we missed Halong Bay so we were ship bound for a few extra days. It was fine though...there is so much to do onboard that I have no problem keeping busy. For all of you who know my cooking abilities, you will appreciate this story...
They had a seminar/demonstration called "Can't Cook...Won't Cook". Well, it had my name all over it and so I went. The format was for the chefs to cook two entrees and asked for volunteers to come on stage and cook the same meal and their partners were to sample the meals. My partner, Ken did not attend the seminar, but I volunteered anyway. So, they picked me, another lady and a couple. When I stepped onstage I said "I can't cook" so the executive chef said...ok, you can be the taster and had me sit at the nicely set dining table on stage. they also treated us to champagne. So once the others cooked the meals, they put chef's hats over our heads so we couldn't see and fed us the food. When they asked us to describe the taste, the lady with me described how tender, spicy etc,etc. and all I could say .... it was good!! Regardless, of my ineptness on taste descriptions we all got a free lunch at the Todd English restaurant...it's the one place onboard you have to pay to eat!!! The demonstration, along with the blind feeding taped and televised all day on Sat. What a hoot....the fun never ends!!!
And on to our next port...
Boy oh boy...I've never seen such poverty...I think I'm glad that we did miss Halong Bay if it was anything like Ho Chi Minh City or better known as Saigon. I'm still trying to understand the "civil War" in Viet Nam. We call it the Viet Nam War yet the Vietnamese call it the American War. Why? Why were we there so long? What was accomplished? Does anyone really know? What were all those lives taken for? It is so sad.
During this civil war, residents suffered terribly. Businesses collapsed in the wake of the 1975 armistice and more than a decade of austere isolationism. As the 20th century drew to a close however, Vietnam has once again opened its doors. Everyone has a cell phone, and briefcases have given way to palm pilots. Modern "HMC" with more than 7,000,000 people is Vietnam's biggest city.
We docked at Phu My Port and rode two hours into the town of Saigon. Along the way were rice fields, and shacks lined the roads selling their wares. Also, we saw hammock cafes alongside the eateries. Since it is so hot here, at lunch time the workers take lunchtime to eat and relax in the hammock under the shade. I'd like to say it looked inviting, but it did not!! It looked like the slums and very dirty with trash everywhere. In the middle of each of these areas there was a very nice house in the background. Apparently, the homeowner owns all the businesses on the street. It was quite a contrast!! We found out there are no McDonald's because the government owns all the land. McDonald's, being in the real estate business and would have to own the land can not go into Saigon. Also, the beef is not up to their quality so they'd have to import it and that would be way too expensive.
Buddhism is the major religion with 85% Buddhist and only 8% Christians. They burn incense twice a day...and say their prayers four times a day. The people were very friendly although here, again, were peddling their negotiable wares everywhere. The currency is Vietnamese dong... 10,000 dongs equals one dollar. Ken exchanged around $40 dollars....unfortunately he didn't buy anything and has not been able to exchange his "dong" back into US currency so by the looks of the roll of cash, he appears to have a load of dough!!!
The craziest thing we experienced was the traffic, especially the motorcycles. You would have thought their was a Honda convention in town. There are more motorcycles than anywhere else, at 20 million. It is the scooter capital of the world!!!! What was so fascinating is how crazy they drive...no designated lanes...there are few accidents and if you walk across the street they just know to ride around you. It was quite a challenge to cross the street for tourists like us, and our tour guide said once you start...do not run. Well the first time we crossed, sure enough Ken ran!!! Thank goodness he made it without any tire tracks on him!!!
We visited the Post Office which has a huge picture of Ho Chi Mihn hanging prominently. Our tour took us by some of the other landmarks, such as Notre dame Cathedral, Opera House, and the Rex Hotel. Of course, we ended up at the Ben Thanh Market and more wheeling and dealing. We were glad to get back on the bus and go "home". I'm glad we went but have no desire to go back.
With that I will say...chaotambiet!
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk
#4152
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Shanghai
"It's where we go, and what we do when we get there, that tells us who we are" Joyce Carol Oates
"Paris of the East and Queen of the Orient" are among the sycophantic nicknames that have been bestowed upon Shanghai's thriving business center. Everything was once possible-for a price. Shang Hai means "up the river (from the sea). It is the largest city in China in terms of population and on of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. The city is an emerging tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and Xintiandi, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower, and its new reputation as a cosmopolitan center of culture and design. Today Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and has been described as the "showpiece" of the world's fastest growing economy.
We began our tour in Shanghai with a ride on the famous Maglev train. Maglev, short for "magnetic levitation" whisked us to the nearby airport using groundbreaking technology. Without the friction of wheels or rails, the innovative train reached 267 miles per hour, making it the fastest transportation on land. It was quite amazing...almost like a plane on the runway beginning to take off, yet surprisingly enough there were no seat belts and very little notice of motion. We next visited the Jinmao Hyatt Building, an impressive 88 story skyscraper and one of the tallest buildings in China.
Our tour guide explained to us that Shanghai is know for three key words: height, speed and change. Height...The city is famous for its skyscrapers with over 3.000 skyscrapers over seven stories tall. 25% of the world's cranes are in Shanghai. And of course Yo Ming the basketball player. Speed...It is the first city to open to foreign trade. 1990 was the year of the economic growth rate and they do $100 billion in import/export business. We were so shocked at all the containers we saw, both in Hong Kong and Shanghai, stacked seven high in rows and rows!! And the third key word is Change. The income is thirty times what it was 20 years ago. There is construction going on everywhere preparing for the World Expo which will be from May1-Nov. 31. Our guide told us if a taxi driver took a year off work, he would not know his way around when he returned to work.
The average age for men to get married is 30 years, because men are expected to have the four "c's" first...condominium, career, car and credit (or cash). Only 10 % have cars....the license plates themselves cost $6,000. All schools have basketball courts as it is the number one sport. Number eight is the lucky number.
The tours were very interesting, high and fast although what we will probably remember Shanghai as is "Rolex City". One can not walk down the street without offers to buy Rolex watches, Coach purses, and Mont Blanc pens...what a hoot!!! Ken had a blast but when he found out someone on the bus got a better deal on the watches, he was on a real mission at the next stop. I even got into the wheeling and dealing and must say it was fun. I think the whole bus left being some yuans!!!
We were to leave Shanghai that eve and onto to Halong Bay. Yet, for the first time in the Captain's 40 years at sea we were delayed by fog. Yep, after my big blog on no delays on cruises opposed to flying and we get delayed. We were not able to get out until a day later and in turn are missing our stop in Halong Bay. The passengers are getting a bit of Cabin fever because the weather hasn't been warm enough to be out on the deck but I was lucky. I won a free day at the spa so I spent my day in the baths and enjoyed the delay thoroughly. Our next stop is Hanoi and then onto Bangkok. With the turmoil going on in Bangkok I'm not sure what will happen but we do know the Cat. will not put anyone in harm's way.
Hope to hear from y'all...I'm missing everyone but not enough to come home yet!!!! I love getting messages sent to the cunard sight but to be sure I get the message copy it to my rappazinj@earthlink.net account as I do check that every few days.
Thanx,
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
"Paris of the East and Queen of the Orient" are among the sycophantic nicknames that have been bestowed upon Shanghai's thriving business center. Everything was once possible-for a price. Shang Hai means "up the river (from the sea). It is the largest city in China in terms of population and on of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. The city is an emerging tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and Xintiandi, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower, and its new reputation as a cosmopolitan center of culture and design. Today Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and has been described as the "showpiece" of the world's fastest growing economy.
We began our tour in Shanghai with a ride on the famous Maglev train. Maglev, short for "magnetic levitation" whisked us to the nearby airport using groundbreaking technology. Without the friction of wheels or rails, the innovative train reached 267 miles per hour, making it the fastest transportation on land. It was quite amazing...almost like a plane on the runway beginning to take off, yet surprisingly enough there were no seat belts and very little notice of motion. We next visited the Jinmao Hyatt Building, an impressive 88 story skyscraper and one of the tallest buildings in China.
Our tour guide explained to us that Shanghai is know for three key words: height, speed and change. Height...The city is famous for its skyscrapers with over 3.000 skyscrapers over seven stories tall. 25% of the world's cranes are in Shanghai. And of course Yo Ming the basketball player. Speed...It is the first city to open to foreign trade. 1990 was the year of the economic growth rate and they do $100 billion in import/export business. We were so shocked at all the containers we saw, both in Hong Kong and Shanghai, stacked seven high in rows and rows!! And the third key word is Change. The income is thirty times what it was 20 years ago. There is construction going on everywhere preparing for the World Expo which will be from May1-Nov. 31. Our guide told us if a taxi driver took a year off work, he would not know his way around when he returned to work.
The average age for men to get married is 30 years, because men are expected to have the four "c's" first...condominium, career, car and credit (or cash). Only 10 % have cars....the license plates themselves cost $6,000. All schools have basketball courts as it is the number one sport. Number eight is the lucky number.
The tours were very interesting, high and fast although what we will probably remember Shanghai as is "Rolex City". One can not walk down the street without offers to buy Rolex watches, Coach purses, and Mont Blanc pens...what a hoot!!! Ken had a blast but when he found out someone on the bus got a better deal on the watches, he was on a real mission at the next stop. I even got into the wheeling and dealing and must say it was fun. I think the whole bus left being some yuans!!!
We were to leave Shanghai that eve and onto to Halong Bay. Yet, for the first time in the Captain's 40 years at sea we were delayed by fog. Yep, after my big blog on no delays on cruises opposed to flying and we get delayed. We were not able to get out until a day later and in turn are missing our stop in Halong Bay. The passengers are getting a bit of Cabin fever because the weather hasn't been warm enough to be out on the deck but I was lucky. I won a free day at the spa so I spent my day in the baths and enjoyed the delay thoroughly. Our next stop is Hanoi and then onto Bangkok. With the turmoil going on in Bangkok I'm not sure what will happen but we do know the Cat. will not put anyone in harm's way.
Hope to hear from y'all...I'm missing everyone but not enough to come home yet!!!! I love getting messages sent to the cunard sight but to be sure I get the message copy it to my rappazinj@earthlink.net account as I do check that every few days.
Thanx,
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Jo Sun from Hong Kong
Nei hou Maa...hello how are you in Chinese Mandarin,
I think the more I learn the less I know. Hong Kong welcomed the Queen Victoria on March 10 with sunny weather and friendly people. Hong Kong has approx 30 days of clear weather so we were very fortunate with our timing. I learned so much about the city and will share with you some information about this interesting place.
Hong Kong primarily consists of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. In total, Hong Kong encompasses a collection of 262 islands in the South China Sea, of which Lantau is the largest. Hong Kong Island is the second largest island and the most populated. Hong Kong was a British dependency from the 1840s until July 1 1997, when it passed to Chinese sovereignty as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). It is frequently described as a city where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education, legal system and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup...I didn't try any!!! And then around the corner one may find theaters showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster. a British-style pub, a Catholic church or Mickey D's inviting passers-by to a Big Mac. I had the coffee!!
The population in Hong Kong is 7.1 million in the 1100 sq. KM area or 6250 folks/sq km!!! One mile equals 1.6 kilometers..do the math!!! They build up. Since we were there overnight we feel we really were able to see alot of the city in the two tours we took. The first day we visited a Buddhist temple that was built 100 years ago. Man Mo has a great canopy dominating the temple with huge hanging coils of incense..the aroma of incense was quite overpowering. They burn three sticks at a time...representing past, present, and future and heaven, earth and humanity. I was surprised how people were worshipping by offering up oranges, apples and candy as we walked around taking pictures....just like the tourist we were!!! The incense is donated by those making offerings to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo).
Our next stop was to the 1800 foot Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island which can be seen from the ship. We rode the tram (built in 1888) up to the summit. On the way up, at one point we were at a 30 degree angle and the buildings all looked like they were all leaning...weird feeling. We contrasted that view with a descending to sea level and visited the fishing village of Aberdeen. This renowned fishing village is home to hundreds of people who spend their entire life on the water. And I'm not talking about cruising, sailing and yachting...they are living on the water. We took a short sampan boat ride and the simplicity of the living and poverty level was unbelievable.
Of course, one can not visit Hong Kong without visiting the markets. Since we took two different tours we had the joy(??) of shopping at both Stanley Market and Temple Street night market. WOW!!! So many people packed shoulder to shoulder and Ken was in his glory negotiating with the sellers. That night after another ride up to Victoria Peak we had an traditional eight course Beijing duck dinner at the Peking Garden Restaurant. I tried food I've never had before and to be honest, I'm not sure what some of it was...nor do I want to know!! The spectacle of the night was the Symphony of Light Show which employs colored lights, lasers, holograms and searchlights synched to music to transform 33 buildings along Victoria Harbor. Hailed as the World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by the Guinness World Records, the show commemorates the energy, spirituality and diversity that is Hong Kong.
The following day we explored on our own, Ken shopping for a new camera since he dropped his and it died, and I went to Kowloon Park. Since I knew I only had two hours I wanted to see it all...the fitness path, the Orient Garden, the water garden, bird aviary, swimming pool, sculpture garden, children's park, garden path, tree walk, color garden, the maze and the sculpture path. After hustling around I decided to take it out of fourth gear and put it in first, sit, relax and take it all in. As I was hurrying along I realized folks meditating and doing Tai Chi. It looked so inviting that I chose a bench to sit and rest by a gentleman that was in the middle of the exercise. The next thing I knew I was in the middle of gardens in the middle of Hong Kong being instructed by David Huun, a Tai Chi master. It could not get any better than that!! As I walked away I could feel the chi working and a relaxing sensation forever imbedded in my spirit.
That's how I want to remember Hong Kong!!!
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
I think the more I learn the less I know. Hong Kong welcomed the Queen Victoria on March 10 with sunny weather and friendly people. Hong Kong has approx 30 days of clear weather so we were very fortunate with our timing. I learned so much about the city and will share with you some information about this interesting place.
Hong Kong primarily consists of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. In total, Hong Kong encompasses a collection of 262 islands in the South China Sea, of which Lantau is the largest. Hong Kong Island is the second largest island and the most populated. Hong Kong was a British dependency from the 1840s until July 1 1997, when it passed to Chinese sovereignty as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). It is frequently described as a city where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education, legal system and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup...I didn't try any!!! And then around the corner one may find theaters showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster. a British-style pub, a Catholic church or Mickey D's inviting passers-by to a Big Mac. I had the coffee!!
The population in Hong Kong is 7.1 million in the 1100 sq. KM area or 6250 folks/sq km!!! One mile equals 1.6 kilometers..do the math!!! They build up. Since we were there overnight we feel we really were able to see alot of the city in the two tours we took. The first day we visited a Buddhist temple that was built 100 years ago. Man Mo has a great canopy dominating the temple with huge hanging coils of incense..the aroma of incense was quite overpowering. They burn three sticks at a time...representing past, present, and future and heaven, earth and humanity. I was surprised how people were worshipping by offering up oranges, apples and candy as we walked around taking pictures....just like the tourist we were!!! The incense is donated by those making offerings to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo).
Our next stop was to the 1800 foot Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island which can be seen from the ship. We rode the tram (built in 1888) up to the summit. On the way up, at one point we were at a 30 degree angle and the buildings all looked like they were all leaning...weird feeling. We contrasted that view with a descending to sea level and visited the fishing village of Aberdeen. This renowned fishing village is home to hundreds of people who spend their entire life on the water. And I'm not talking about cruising, sailing and yachting...they are living on the water. We took a short sampan boat ride and the simplicity of the living and poverty level was unbelievable.
Of course, one can not visit Hong Kong without visiting the markets. Since we took two different tours we had the joy(??) of shopping at both Stanley Market and Temple Street night market. WOW!!! So many people packed shoulder to shoulder and Ken was in his glory negotiating with the sellers. That night after another ride up to Victoria Peak we had an traditional eight course Beijing duck dinner at the Peking Garden Restaurant. I tried food I've never had before and to be honest, I'm not sure what some of it was...nor do I want to know!! The spectacle of the night was the Symphony of Light Show which employs colored lights, lasers, holograms and searchlights synched to music to transform 33 buildings along Victoria Harbor. Hailed as the World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by the Guinness World Records, the show commemorates the energy, spirituality and diversity that is Hong Kong.
The following day we explored on our own, Ken shopping for a new camera since he dropped his and it died, and I went to Kowloon Park. Since I knew I only had two hours I wanted to see it all...the fitness path, the Orient Garden, the water garden, bird aviary, swimming pool, sculpture garden, children's park, garden path, tree walk, color garden, the maze and the sculpture path. After hustling around I decided to take it out of fourth gear and put it in first, sit, relax and take it all in. As I was hurrying along I realized folks meditating and doing Tai Chi. It looked so inviting that I chose a bench to sit and rest by a gentleman that was in the middle of the exercise. The next thing I knew I was in the middle of gardens in the middle of Hong Kong being instructed by David Huun, a Tai Chi master. It could not get any better than that!! As I walked away I could feel the chi working and a relaxing sensation forever imbedded in my spirit.
That's how I want to remember Hong Kong!!!
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
Friday, March 12, 2010
Kota Kinabula
Apa Khabar,
In Borneo's remote Sabah province, a state in Malaysia we found tropical rainforests filled with exotic plants, miles of sandy beaches and warm clear waters. The bustling town of Kota Kinabula, the capital of Sabah was filled with warm friendly people eager to greet us. What fun in this remote place....Kota means town and Kinabula means resting place of spirit.
We started the 92 degree day by going to the "Sunday market"....vendor after vendor selling their wares. It is a very poor city but they are survivors and family orientated. The streets were lined with all kinds of merchandise from carved coconuts to clothes, nuts to necklaces, and turnips to t-shirts....and yes...bargain for anything you would like!!!
In the afternoon we took a shore excursion on a shortride in a local bamboo thatched roof raft on a mangrove river and learned the art of batik painting. It was an unique way to become acquainted with the local life and explore the different aspects of Borneo. We threw out crab traps and caught a crab and a fish!!! Unfortunately, we did not have enough time there as there were hammocks to relax in, and the water of the Southern China Sea, although I think Ken felt we spent too much time. After batik painting, a quick rest in the hammock and checking out the water we had "Roti Canai", a Malaysian bread, similar to a pizza and Teh Tarek, literally translated to "pulled tea", a popular drink among the locals. On the way back we stopped at a pottery factory toured the facilities where we could purchase, of course, all kinds of pottery!!!
We learned that mangroves are very plentiful due to being surrounded by three different bodies of water. Mangrove trees saved lives during the tsunami due to their vast root system...similar to how the sea oats and their root system protect Destin from hurricanes. Thirty percent of the rainforest is gone so their are restrictions in cutting down trees in a reforestation program. It takes 27 trucks to take away one tree!!
The Borneo Rainforest houses two very unique animals that are endemic to the area, namely the Orang Utan and the Proboscis Monkey. The orang Utan is man's closest relative sharing up to 96.4% of the human genetic makeup. The Proboscis Monkey, known for their big pendulous nose and distinctive pot bellies are found only on this island, in the mangrove swamps.
The trip was great and I got alot of great...Kodak moment, award winning shots, but I loaded them all on my computer, deleted them from my camera and lost them in cyberspace...what a disappointment!!! Oh well, they are memories in my mind. Ken had some camera screw up also...he dropped his twice!!! The second fall didn't survive and he is out one less camera. Strange though, he really wanted to buy a new camera...could that have been a subliminal fall?
Two more glorious days at sea and then Hong Kong...I'll tell you about that fabulous city in the next blog...until then...as they say in KK...
Jumpalagi!!!
janet and Ken
p.s. Ken wanted me to add that we just missed the photo moment in Sydney where 5200 people disrobed for picture on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
In Borneo's remote Sabah province, a state in Malaysia we found tropical rainforests filled with exotic plants, miles of sandy beaches and warm clear waters. The bustling town of Kota Kinabula, the capital of Sabah was filled with warm friendly people eager to greet us. What fun in this remote place....Kota means town and Kinabula means resting place of spirit.
We started the 92 degree day by going to the "Sunday market"....vendor after vendor selling their wares. It is a very poor city but they are survivors and family orientated. The streets were lined with all kinds of merchandise from carved coconuts to clothes, nuts to necklaces, and turnips to t-shirts....and yes...bargain for anything you would like!!!
In the afternoon we took a shore excursion on a shortride in a local bamboo thatched roof raft on a mangrove river and learned the art of batik painting. It was an unique way to become acquainted with the local life and explore the different aspects of Borneo. We threw out crab traps and caught a crab and a fish!!! Unfortunately, we did not have enough time there as there were hammocks to relax in, and the water of the Southern China Sea, although I think Ken felt we spent too much time. After batik painting, a quick rest in the hammock and checking out the water we had "Roti Canai", a Malaysian bread, similar to a pizza and Teh Tarek, literally translated to "pulled tea", a popular drink among the locals. On the way back we stopped at a pottery factory toured the facilities where we could purchase, of course, all kinds of pottery!!!
We learned that mangroves are very plentiful due to being surrounded by three different bodies of water. Mangrove trees saved lives during the tsunami due to their vast root system...similar to how the sea oats and their root system protect Destin from hurricanes. Thirty percent of the rainforest is gone so their are restrictions in cutting down trees in a reforestation program. It takes 27 trucks to take away one tree!!
The Borneo Rainforest houses two very unique animals that are endemic to the area, namely the Orang Utan and the Proboscis Monkey. The orang Utan is man's closest relative sharing up to 96.4% of the human genetic makeup. The Proboscis Monkey, known for their big pendulous nose and distinctive pot bellies are found only on this island, in the mangrove swamps.
The trip was great and I got alot of great...Kodak moment, award winning shots, but I loaded them all on my computer, deleted them from my camera and lost them in cyberspace...what a disappointment!!! Oh well, they are memories in my mind. Ken had some camera screw up also...he dropped his twice!!! The second fall didn't survive and he is out one less camera. Strange though, he really wanted to buy a new camera...could that have been a subliminal fall?
Two more glorious days at sea and then Hong Kong...I'll tell you about that fabulous city in the next blog...until then...as they say in KK...
Jumpalagi!!!
janet and Ken
p.s. Ken wanted me to add that we just missed the photo moment in Sydney where 5200 people disrobed for picture on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Heading north!!!
Hello Cobbers,
We are now leaving the Southern Hemisphere and who knows when we will ever cross the equator again....it has been an amazing time and thankfully warm. And we are official shellbacks!!!
Exmouth was, as it is on the map...nothing to write home about...so I won't.
As we are leaving Australia, I would like to share with you short primer in Australian vs. American English...have fun with all the new sayings they use down here.
Welcome to "Oz" (Australia)!! Invited to a "shivoo" (rowdy party) with your new Sydneysider "cobbers" (friends)? Or thinking about the chance to "go bush" (leave the city) and head for a "station" (farm or ranch) in the "back o' bourke" (somewhere in the Outback) in the company of " 'roos: (kangaroos) and "mossies" (mosquitoes)? Either way, understanding colloquial "Strine"(that is, Australian) is not always a "snack" (easy task). Struth! (It's the god's truth).
Onto Kota Kinabula, but first four days at sea... and trying to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer...like room service for breakfast...I love it...Ken leaves and eats in the Lido and I do my Bible Study and have some quiet time. We usually attend a lecture afterwards and there have been some great talks...usually educating us on our next city. I usually take one or two dance classes each day...the gentlemen dance host this segment are much to be desired...I think they are learning along with everyone else. I'm still trying to get my five miles in a day and that hasn't been a problem...I love listening to my IPod as I walk the deck. It's a real kick to see all the O's and Q's described by one of the comediennes as the people sleeping and the shape of their mouths, some with their tongue hanging out (those are the Q's). I've thought of taking pics of people sleeping but thought that may be an invasion of privacy so I haven't..yet!!! Ken enjoys his time reading by the pool and occasionally taking a dip in the pool.
Our time at sea has given much time to think also, some heavy thoughts and some very inane useless info...so I came up with the following...yes, you probably can argue some of the points but just go with me and enjoy...it started out as my Top Ten Reasons to Cruise Rather Than Fly...although once I started I found more so more than likely I'll add by the time I am through.
So here goes:
My Top Ten Reasons to Cruise Rather than Fly:
1). You can leisurely board the ship within a four to six hour time frame opposed to arriving at the airport two to three hours before ETD. That is stands for ESTIMATED!!!
2). You may check as much luggage @ any weight vs. one carry on plus paying for the second and third piece of luggage and additional fee for excessive weight.
3). On a ship there is a selection from buffet dining to fine dining unlike a bag of peanuts on a plane!
4). You choose your cabin mate vs. sitting next to someone you do not know or care to know.
5). On a ship our entertainment is a variety of shows that include everything from professional musicians to Broadway shows instead of watching a 7" screen TV with "B" rated movies and sitcom reruns.
6). A choice of thousands of books is available for reading opposed to the airline company's "SKY" magazine.
7). Your luggage is delivered and picked up from your cabin vs. schlepping it to check in and waiting endlessly at baggage claim... hoping it's not lost.
8). The ship leaves on time (unless a crew member is missing...this happened in SF) vs. fabricated delays
9). You are able to sleep horizontally vs. vertically.
10). The only person who cares if you snore is your cabin mate opposed to alerting the entire plane plus... the only person you have to worry about your snoring is your cabin mate.
11). Your view encompasses 360 degrees vs. peering over your seat mate to view through a 12" smudged window usually with part of the wing in the way.
12).To stretch your legs you can walk around the deck (3x= 1 mile) vs. up and down the aisle running into little kids!!
Ken added this one...
13). You can easily find a place to hide from your cabin mate for extended periods of time. On a plane one must politely excuse themselves from their seat mate to go to the lavatory to escape ....until there is a long line of people banging outside the door for you to come out!!!
14). You have your own bathroom...need I say more???
Next blog...Kota Kinabula and "struth"!!!
Sailing in the deep blue...
janet and Ken
We are now leaving the Southern Hemisphere and who knows when we will ever cross the equator again....it has been an amazing time and thankfully warm. And we are official shellbacks!!!
Exmouth was, as it is on the map...nothing to write home about...so I won't.
As we are leaving Australia, I would like to share with you short primer in Australian vs. American English...have fun with all the new sayings they use down here.
Welcome to "Oz" (Australia)!! Invited to a "shivoo" (rowdy party) with your new Sydneysider "cobbers" (friends)? Or thinking about the chance to "go bush" (leave the city) and head for a "station" (farm or ranch) in the "back o' bourke" (somewhere in the Outback) in the company of " 'roos: (kangaroos) and "mossies" (mosquitoes)? Either way, understanding colloquial "Strine"(that is, Australian) is not always a "snack" (easy task). Struth! (It's the god's truth).
Onto Kota Kinabula, but first four days at sea... and trying to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer...like room service for breakfast...I love it...Ken leaves and eats in the Lido and I do my Bible Study and have some quiet time. We usually attend a lecture afterwards and there have been some great talks...usually educating us on our next city. I usually take one or two dance classes each day...the gentlemen dance host this segment are much to be desired...I think they are learning along with everyone else. I'm still trying to get my five miles in a day and that hasn't been a problem...I love listening to my IPod as I walk the deck. It's a real kick to see all the O's and Q's described by one of the comediennes as the people sleeping and the shape of their mouths, some with their tongue hanging out (those are the Q's). I've thought of taking pics of people sleeping but thought that may be an invasion of privacy so I haven't..yet!!! Ken enjoys his time reading by the pool and occasionally taking a dip in the pool.
Our time at sea has given much time to think also, some heavy thoughts and some very inane useless info...so I came up with the following...yes, you probably can argue some of the points but just go with me and enjoy...it started out as my Top Ten Reasons to Cruise Rather Than Fly...although once I started I found more so more than likely I'll add by the time I am through.
So here goes:
My Top Ten Reasons to Cruise Rather than Fly:
1). You can leisurely board the ship within a four to six hour time frame opposed to arriving at the airport two to three hours before ETD. That is stands for ESTIMATED!!!
2). You may check as much luggage @ any weight vs. one carry on plus paying for the second and third piece of luggage and additional fee for excessive weight.
3). On a ship there is a selection from buffet dining to fine dining unlike a bag of peanuts on a plane!
4). You choose your cabin mate vs. sitting next to someone you do not know or care to know.
5). On a ship our entertainment is a variety of shows that include everything from professional musicians to Broadway shows instead of watching a 7" screen TV with "B" rated movies and sitcom reruns.
6). A choice of thousands of books is available for reading opposed to the airline company's "SKY" magazine.
7). Your luggage is delivered and picked up from your cabin vs. schlepping it to check in and waiting endlessly at baggage claim... hoping it's not lost.
8). The ship leaves on time (unless a crew member is missing...this happened in SF) vs. fabricated delays
9). You are able to sleep horizontally vs. vertically.
10). The only person who cares if you snore is your cabin mate opposed to alerting the entire plane plus... the only person you have to worry about your snoring is your cabin mate.
11). Your view encompasses 360 degrees vs. peering over your seat mate to view through a 12" smudged window usually with part of the wing in the way.
12).To stretch your legs you can walk around the deck (3x= 1 mile) vs. up and down the aisle running into little kids!!
Ken added this one...
13). You can easily find a place to hide from your cabin mate for extended periods of time. On a plane one must politely excuse themselves from their seat mate to go to the lavatory to escape ....until there is a long line of people banging outside the door for you to come out!!!
14). You have your own bathroom...need I say more???
Next blog...Kota Kinabula and "struth"!!!
Sailing in the deep blue...
janet and Ken
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Good day mate,
We are still in Australia with our last stop in Exmouth tomorrow...don't even try looking it up an the map...it's so small it's not on there!!! I believe we are going there to gas up for four days at sea before we arrive at Kota Kinabalu. Our last three stops were nice but just didn't compare to the previous ones!!! Adelaide Is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, with a population of 1.1 million. Adelaide is most noted for its many festivals and sporting events, its food, wine and culture, its long beachfronts, and its large defense and manufacturing sectors. It continues to rank highly as a livable city, being in the Top 10 in The Economist's World's Most Livable Cities index. We were fortunate to visit while they were having the Adelaide Fringe. In our walk through the streets there were street entertainers on all the corners....jugglers, musicians, high unicyclist and dancers. I was approached by the local news station to be interviewed. He started asking me questions and as I was trying to answer, my "producer" was attempting to cue me in on what to say with hand and body signals!!! It was quite distracting as it is when you are on the phone and the person in the room is talking to you at the same time. Needless to say, I'm sure there was alot of editing but the piece they were writing was on being happy. I told them they picked the best person for the interview!!! They did ask my age and I stumbled a bit, only because my "producer" was egging me on!!! They gave the statistic that 74 was the happiest age by a survey of people!!! I told them I didn't think I could be any happier!!! Since we left before the evening news I don't know if it aired but I think I can say I am an international TV star...hahaha!!!
The next stop was Albany...another small town and I believe they coincided their arts and craft festival with the ship docking in town so they would have more customers. Indeed they did as we dropped a bundle....or should I say Shopper Ken dropped a bundle. He bought a Didgeridoo...a wind instrument that is covered with Aborigine art work....very cool and very large. Now, he has to learn how to play it which will take a lot of blowing and hot air...should be no problem for him. He also bought me a beautiful pearl necklace. The northwest part of Australia is known for their pearls and since Albany is a port city it's a great place to buy pearls.
Yesterday, I took a shore excursion with the goal of drinking wine and feeding kangaroos. Goal accomplished and it was a good wine tasting although we were on a bus for 3 1/2 hours and late for the ship. Luckily, the ship does wait for ship sponsored excursions. Known as the "friendly city" to its many international fans, Perth (and neighboring Fremantle) enjoys more sunny days than any other place in Australia, according to city leaders. We were told they have not had rain since Nov. 10th 2009 so it was very brown. I'm glad I didn't take the garden tour. Anyway, back to the tour...we went to Guildford, just east of Perth, which is the gateway to the fertile upper Swan Valley. One of the state's finest wine growing regions, it is a place of elegant vineyards and chateaux. We visited Sanford Wines where we were given a half hour for the wine tasting...clearly not long enough. They were having a big concert there that night...The Four Tops so the traffic was bad, which cut our time short!!! After the wine we drove to Caversham Park which offered us a complete bush experience!!! During our visit, we hand fed kangaroos and came face-to-face with koals, wombats and emus. I loved seeing the "joey" baby kangaroos. Did you know they are born the size of a peanut and then stay in their Mom's pouch for nine months. While we were there I was sure one was on its way out of the ouch...we could see it's legs!!! The tour guide said it would happen within the week. It was neat to see the animals, including Tasmanian devils and learned quite a bit of interesting info...just wish I could remember half of it!!!
Needless to say Ken was pacing aboard waiting on me, thinking we weren't going to make it back!! He had taken the train into Perth and had a lovely time along with some shopping, of course!!! We did make it back onboard and had one more sailaway party. I believe we had 550 new people come aboard. AT this point the ship is full of Aussies with only 150 Americans!!!
Ken has been playing producer quite faithfully and putting me in front of the camera which I really don't like but....it just isn't fun watch as I get fatter and fatter!!! As they say, we come aboard as passengers an go off as cargo!!!With that I must close, my room service breakfast just arrived..tsk tsk!!!
Love to all,
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
We are still in Australia with our last stop in Exmouth tomorrow...don't even try looking it up an the map...it's so small it's not on there!!! I believe we are going there to gas up for four days at sea before we arrive at Kota Kinabalu. Our last three stops were nice but just didn't compare to the previous ones!!! Adelaide Is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of South Australia, with a population of 1.1 million. Adelaide is most noted for its many festivals and sporting events, its food, wine and culture, its long beachfronts, and its large defense and manufacturing sectors. It continues to rank highly as a livable city, being in the Top 10 in The Economist's World's Most Livable Cities index. We were fortunate to visit while they were having the Adelaide Fringe. In our walk through the streets there were street entertainers on all the corners....jugglers, musicians, high unicyclist and dancers. I was approached by the local news station to be interviewed. He started asking me questions and as I was trying to answer, my "producer" was attempting to cue me in on what to say with hand and body signals!!! It was quite distracting as it is when you are on the phone and the person in the room is talking to you at the same time. Needless to say, I'm sure there was alot of editing but the piece they were writing was on being happy. I told them they picked the best person for the interview!!! They did ask my age and I stumbled a bit, only because my "producer" was egging me on!!! They gave the statistic that 74 was the happiest age by a survey of people!!! I told them I didn't think I could be any happier!!! Since we left before the evening news I don't know if it aired but I think I can say I am an international TV star...hahaha!!!
The next stop was Albany...another small town and I believe they coincided their arts and craft festival with the ship docking in town so they would have more customers. Indeed they did as we dropped a bundle....or should I say Shopper Ken dropped a bundle. He bought a Didgeridoo...a wind instrument that is covered with Aborigine art work....very cool and very large. Now, he has to learn how to play it which will take a lot of blowing and hot air...should be no problem for him. He also bought me a beautiful pearl necklace. The northwest part of Australia is known for their pearls and since Albany is a port city it's a great place to buy pearls.
Yesterday, I took a shore excursion with the goal of drinking wine and feeding kangaroos. Goal accomplished and it was a good wine tasting although we were on a bus for 3 1/2 hours and late for the ship. Luckily, the ship does wait for ship sponsored excursions. Known as the "friendly city" to its many international fans, Perth (and neighboring Fremantle) enjoys more sunny days than any other place in Australia, according to city leaders. We were told they have not had rain since Nov. 10th 2009 so it was very brown. I'm glad I didn't take the garden tour. Anyway, back to the tour...we went to Guildford, just east of Perth, which is the gateway to the fertile upper Swan Valley. One of the state's finest wine growing regions, it is a place of elegant vineyards and chateaux. We visited Sanford Wines where we were given a half hour for the wine tasting...clearly not long enough. They were having a big concert there that night...The Four Tops so the traffic was bad, which cut our time short!!! After the wine we drove to Caversham Park which offered us a complete bush experience!!! During our visit, we hand fed kangaroos and came face-to-face with koals, wombats and emus. I loved seeing the "joey" baby kangaroos. Did you know they are born the size of a peanut and then stay in their Mom's pouch for nine months. While we were there I was sure one was on its way out of the ouch...we could see it's legs!!! The tour guide said it would happen within the week. It was neat to see the animals, including Tasmanian devils and learned quite a bit of interesting info...just wish I could remember half of it!!!
Needless to say Ken was pacing aboard waiting on me, thinking we weren't going to make it back!! He had taken the train into Perth and had a lovely time along with some shopping, of course!!! We did make it back onboard and had one more sailaway party. I believe we had 550 new people come aboard. AT this point the ship is full of Aussies with only 150 Americans!!!
Ken has been playing producer quite faithfully and putting me in front of the camera which I really don't like but....it just isn't fun watch as I get fatter and fatter!!! As they say, we come aboard as passengers an go off as cargo!!!With that I must close, my room service breakfast just arrived..tsk tsk!!!
Love to all,
janet and Ken
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
qv@cunard.co.uk#4152
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