Thursday was another sea day. But today we decided to swim before breakfast. So we dressed in out suits and headed up to deck 11 to the pool. There was already one other lady in the pool. The pool opens at 7:30am. We would like it to open at 7 am so we will see what we can do.
We swam for one hour. The other lady's name is Ossie and she lives in Billings, Montana. Told us they have had 65 inches of snow this year. Most years they only get a dusting as it blows to the mountains. But not this year.
After swimming we changed and went up to La Veranda for breakfast. Then I went to needlepoint where lots of new ladies joined the core group. Met one lady named Jane who lives in Palm Coast at Hammock Dunes. And another lady from Hilton Head.
Lunch, nap, etc. Then afternoon needlepoint and tea. I decided not to join the trivia team. So back to the cabin where we changed for dinner. Tonight was the Captains Cocktail Party. Since we did not go last time, we felt we should go this time.
After the party, we headed up to the Observation Lounge and sat with Marilyn and Bob and then were joined by Anne Louise and Jim. Anne Louise and Jim sailed with us around South America. We all had a nice dinner together in Compass Rose and then went to the show. Tonight the regular show was cancelled and Ray was called on to do his show. He is very talented.
Back to the suite and read and lights out.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Sea Day and then Singapore - Updated
Tuesday was the last sea day on this leg of the cruise. I am writing this three days later so my memory is not too good. You all know the routine by now, breakfast, needlepoint, lunch, nap, needlepoint, tea, cocktails, dinner, bed.
At dinner they sat us at a not so great table. Need to speak up about that.
We arrived in Singapore around 8:30 am. I thought we would have gotten here earlier but the Captain said we were right on time. Our tour was to gather at 10 am. But at 10 am, most of the leaving passengers were still on the ship, so we did not get off until 10:45 am.
The tour was "Round the Island" and was quite good. We had an excellent guide who was quite knowledgeable. The first stop was to the Wet Market. It was not wet but was a market where the local people buy their fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Interesting.
The outside of the market.
This is our guide. These are water apples. We got to eat them at lunch.
They buy eggs by the size and usually only 10 at a time.
Those of us who have watched Top Chef, we know about the black chicken. It is black through to the bones.
All types of fish are also for sale.
And of course, flowers.
Then we traveled north to the Changi War Memorial. This is the site where the prisoners of war were held. They have a chapel that is a representative of the one the men made while being held prisoner.
The cross was made of materials that the prisoners found around the camp.
And this is what they made into their chapel.
Next we had lunch at the Golf Club. It was the first time in a long time that it was actually a local food lunch. The first dish he said was crispy shrimp but it was really crispy squid. Kind of fishy but it was crispy. They served a crab dish, a chicken dish, broccoli and rice. It was a good lunch.
Since we talk about them so much, this is Marilyn and Bob.
Our lunch was held at a local golf course,
And of course, a coy pond.
Then we headed to the largest Buddah statue in the land. And the temple was extra big. But so clean, you could eat off the floor.
Next stop was to the war cemetery. I opted not to get off the bus this time.
And of course, we were late getting back to the ship. We did miss the muster drill, pity. But we had all been to one before so I guess it is okay.
Dinner was in Prime 7. We had cocktails with Marilyn and Bob in the Observation Lounge and then down to dinner at 7:30pm. Marilyn had arranged for this and tonight both Bob and I had the Dover Sole which was wonderful.
Back to the suite to read and lights out. A good day.
At dinner they sat us at a not so great table. Need to speak up about that.
We arrived in Singapore around 8:30 am. I thought we would have gotten here earlier but the Captain said we were right on time. Our tour was to gather at 10 am. But at 10 am, most of the leaving passengers were still on the ship, so we did not get off until 10:45 am.
The tour was "Round the Island" and was quite good. We had an excellent guide who was quite knowledgeable. The first stop was to the Wet Market. It was not wet but was a market where the local people buy their fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. Interesting.
The outside of the market.
This is our guide. These are water apples. We got to eat them at lunch.
They buy eggs by the size and usually only 10 at a time.
Those of us who have watched Top Chef, we know about the black chicken. It is black through to the bones.
All types of fish are also for sale.
And of course, flowers.
Then we traveled north to the Changi War Memorial. This is the site where the prisoners of war were held. They have a chapel that is a representative of the one the men made while being held prisoner.
The cross was made of materials that the prisoners found around the camp.
And this is what they made into their chapel.
Next we had lunch at the Golf Club. It was the first time in a long time that it was actually a local food lunch. The first dish he said was crispy shrimp but it was really crispy squid. Kind of fishy but it was crispy. They served a crab dish, a chicken dish, broccoli and rice. It was a good lunch.
Since we talk about them so much, this is Marilyn and Bob.
Our lunch was held at a local golf course,
And of course, a coy pond.
Then we headed to the largest Buddah statue in the land. And the temple was extra big. But so clean, you could eat off the floor.
Next stop was to the war cemetery. I opted not to get off the bus this time.
And of course, we were late getting back to the ship. We did miss the muster drill, pity. But we had all been to one before so I guess it is okay.
Dinner was in Prime 7. We had cocktails with Marilyn and Bob in the Observation Lounge and then down to dinner at 7:30pm. Marilyn had arranged for this and tonight both Bob and I had the Dover Sole which was wonderful.
Back to the suite to read and lights out. A good day.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Semarang, Indonesia - Updated with more pictures
Monday we docked in Semarang. This is in the northeastern coast of Java. It is a working port. We scheduled a tour called "Highlights of Semarang".
Semarang is divided into two sections. The old town is nearest the water and between the canals, and the further and newer suburbs is around the southern hills of Candi.
The Chinese troops stopped along these shores in 1405, An Arab mullah founded the original village in the late 15th century. Javanese rulers from the court of Mataram oversaw the settlement until 1678. Semarang was officially switched to a Dutch trading outpost in 1705 and became a center for coffee, sugar, tobacco, and rice cultivation. It is Indonesia's fifth largest city.
When we docked, we were greeted by dancers and musicians. One of the ladies decided to dance with me. She wrapped her scarf around me and we danced.
Well, sort of danced. I tried to follow her lead, but I am not as graceful or thin.
Our first stop on the tour was to a 4-star resort. To be kind, I would not call it 4 star but it was nice. We toured the grounds and got to see a team of oxen ready a field for the planting of the rice plants. The planting is done one plant at a time by hand. Back breaking duty if you ask me. They then had three ladies perform the local welcome dance for us. They served snacks and tea or coffee.
Next we traveled to Sam Poo Kong. This is a unique temple built to honor the Muslim eunuch Admiral Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty. He led the Chinese fleets throughout Asia and Java in the 15th century.
Statue of Admiral He.
The next stop was to Gereja Blenduk. This is a Dutch Church over 225 years old. It was built in 1753. The church has an impressive copper domed roof.
The dome from the inside of the church.
It has a large organ but it is not in working order.
And the dome from the outside.
And our final stop was to Central Java Grand Mosque. We could not go into the mosque. It is the largest mosque in all of Indonesia. While there we took pictures of our escorts. Here in Semarang, all the buses were escorted by a police escort. This aided our running the lights and getting to the sites in a timely fashion.
The large white columns are umbrellas that open up on Fridays during the services. The men kneel on the outside of the Mosque and the umbrellas protect them from the sun. There are so many that come to worship on Friday, that this is the overflow crowd.
Bob and I with our escorts.
We returned to the ship for lunch. Then tried to nap but too late.
We had cocktails up in the Observation Lounge and spoke with Marilyn. Down to dinner where we sat at a terrible table. Next time we need to be more vocal about the location of the table. Live and learn.
Will try and post now and add the pictures later.
Tuesday is another sea day. So slow internet. And it is the last full day for the first leg of this journey. We will dock in Singapore on Wednesday morning where lots of the passengers will leave to go home. Those of us who are staying will go on a sightseeing tour of Singapore. So my next entry will be from Singapore. I have learned a great deal about this area of the world and everyday I am more grateful to be an American and live in the wonderful country that I do. When you travel, you do see another side of the world and realize how great we have it. I am forever grateful for the chance to travel and grateful to return home. But not for a while yet.
Semarang is divided into two sections. The old town is nearest the water and between the canals, and the further and newer suburbs is around the southern hills of Candi.
The Chinese troops stopped along these shores in 1405, An Arab mullah founded the original village in the late 15th century. Javanese rulers from the court of Mataram oversaw the settlement until 1678. Semarang was officially switched to a Dutch trading outpost in 1705 and became a center for coffee, sugar, tobacco, and rice cultivation. It is Indonesia's fifth largest city.
When we docked, we were greeted by dancers and musicians. One of the ladies decided to dance with me. She wrapped her scarf around me and we danced.
Well, sort of danced. I tried to follow her lead, but I am not as graceful or thin.
Our first stop on the tour was to a 4-star resort. To be kind, I would not call it 4 star but it was nice. We toured the grounds and got to see a team of oxen ready a field for the planting of the rice plants. The planting is done one plant at a time by hand. Back breaking duty if you ask me. They then had three ladies perform the local welcome dance for us. They served snacks and tea or coffee.
Next we traveled to Sam Poo Kong. This is a unique temple built to honor the Muslim eunuch Admiral Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty. He led the Chinese fleets throughout Asia and Java in the 15th century.
Statue of Admiral He.
The next stop was to Gereja Blenduk. This is a Dutch Church over 225 years old. It was built in 1753. The church has an impressive copper domed roof.
The dome from the inside of the church.
It has a large organ but it is not in working order.
And the dome from the outside.
And our final stop was to Central Java Grand Mosque. We could not go into the mosque. It is the largest mosque in all of Indonesia. While there we took pictures of our escorts. Here in Semarang, all the buses were escorted by a police escort. This aided our running the lights and getting to the sites in a timely fashion.
The large white columns are umbrellas that open up on Fridays during the services. The men kneel on the outside of the Mosque and the umbrellas protect them from the sun. There are so many that come to worship on Friday, that this is the overflow crowd.
Bob and I with our escorts.
We returned to the ship for lunch. Then tried to nap but too late.
We had cocktails up in the Observation Lounge and spoke with Marilyn. Down to dinner where we sat at a terrible table. Next time we need to be more vocal about the location of the table. Live and learn.
Will try and post now and add the pictures later.
Tuesday is another sea day. So slow internet. And it is the last full day for the first leg of this journey. We will dock in Singapore on Wednesday morning where lots of the passengers will leave to go home. Those of us who are staying will go on a sightseeing tour of Singapore. So my next entry will be from Singapore. I have learned a great deal about this area of the world and everyday I am more grateful to be an American and live in the wonderful country that I do. When you travel, you do see another side of the world and realize how great we have it. I am forever grateful for the chance to travel and grateful to return home. But not for a while yet.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sea Day - Updated with pictures
Sunday February 16th found us at sea. So another relaxing day for us. It started with champagne and caviar for Bob and eggs Benedict for both of us. We sat on the aft deck and it was fairly nice out there. Not hot yet.
After breakfast we left the suite while Victor cleaned and headed to the coffee connection where we sat with Ira. The place was full. Bobbie was doing her hair so Ira was checking email. I could not get on the internet. Seems that most everyone has an iPad, kindle, nook or computer so the demand for the internet on sea days is high.
I then headed up to needlepoint and then back to the suite. Lunch was a seafood buffet but it was so crowded that I gave up and came back to the table. Our waitress said she would get the crab legs and shrimp for us which was wonderful.
Nap time and then back down to needlepoint. Elda had left several kits upstairs so I had them all with me to return to her. I stayed for tea but did not eat the chocolate.
Returned to the suite to get dressed for dinner. Tonight is the Crew show and we wanted to see it. It was also the Captain's Farewell cocktail party. The show was great and Bob took some pictures that I will post when he edits them.
This is Ray on the left and Captain Dan on the right. Ray is a wonderful Cruise Director and Captain Dan is one of the youngest Captains we have ever seen. And we can understand him when he speaks.
Above is Andrew from India. He is on the left and one of our favorite bar waiters. Keeps us supplied with blue cheese stuffed olives. He and two others did a Bollywood dance.
Root, a waiter in Prime 7, does a great Michael Jackson routine.
Dinner was supposed to be with the Purser but instead, we sat with the Safety Officer and a Cadet. It was a nice dinner. Also at the table were Ronald and Vicky from California. They have been married 53 years. Wow. And it was his second marriage.
Back to the suite to read and lights out. Gained another hour but our bodies still say 10 pm.
After breakfast we left the suite while Victor cleaned and headed to the coffee connection where we sat with Ira. The place was full. Bobbie was doing her hair so Ira was checking email. I could not get on the internet. Seems that most everyone has an iPad, kindle, nook or computer so the demand for the internet on sea days is high.
I then headed up to needlepoint and then back to the suite. Lunch was a seafood buffet but it was so crowded that I gave up and came back to the table. Our waitress said she would get the crab legs and shrimp for us which was wonderful.
Nap time and then back down to needlepoint. Elda had left several kits upstairs so I had them all with me to return to her. I stayed for tea but did not eat the chocolate.
Returned to the suite to get dressed for dinner. Tonight is the Crew show and we wanted to see it. It was also the Captain's Farewell cocktail party. The show was great and Bob took some pictures that I will post when he edits them.
This is Ray on the left and Captain Dan on the right. Ray is a wonderful Cruise Director and Captain Dan is one of the youngest Captains we have ever seen. And we can understand him when he speaks.
Dinner was supposed to be with the Purser but instead, we sat with the Safety Officer and a Cadet. It was a nice dinner. Also at the table were Ronald and Vicky from California. They have been married 53 years. Wow. And it was his second marriage.
Back to the suite to read and lights out. Gained another hour but our bodies still say 10 pm.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Bali, Indonesia Day two
We stayed in Bali overnight. There are not many places where a cruise ships will stay overnight. But this is one of them. We were scheduled for a beach day but yesterday we decided to cancel it. And it is a good thing we did because the weather today is the same as yesterday, off and on showers. Not a good beach day.
A little bit of Bali history. The Balinese people are descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated through mainland Asia. They retain their own individuality as compared to the rest of Indonesia. Bali is religiously distinct from the rest of Indonesia. The Balinese are Hindu with elements of Buddhism. To the Balinese, every living thing contains a spirit. The majority of Indonesia is Muslim.
Much of Bali's history is still evident in its modern culture. Nyepi (which means silent) Day is celebrated every New Year. On this day, usually in March or April, the Balinese do not work, light fire or use electricity, go outside or fulfill personal desires. These observances allow the people to reflect and cleanse themselves while also allowing the Earth to rest and cleanse itself for the New Year. Each year on Nyepi Day, the entire island is quiet and after sunset, it is completely dark. Not a good day to visit Bali.
It was not until 1585 that the west had any contact with Bali. In that year, a Portuguese ship foundered of the coast of Bukit. Most of the ship's company drowned but a few survivors settled on the island. And then 12 years later, the Dutch explorer Cornelius de Houtman, visited the island and the first information about Bali hit the western world.
The tradition from colonialism to independence was not an easy one and by 1956 the entire Indonesian nation was undergoing a difficult period. Also in that year, the Besakih volcano erupted and many died and entire villages were wiped out.
We braved to elements and swam for about a half hour before it started to rain again.
Lunch up on La Veranda and then a nap for Bob while I worked on the blog.
We arranged to meet Ira and Bobbie for cocktails and then have dinner with them. While we were waiting for them to arrive, Marilyn and Bob wanted to join us. We explained we were meeting folks. Hope they understood. But Ira and Bobbie never arrived so after waiting a half hour, Bob started looking in the other lounges. So then since we could not find them, we headed to Compass Rose for dinner. While waiting to be seated, Maria (our waitress) ran over and said I have your friends. So we were able to eat with Ira and Bobbie after all. While Bob was looking in other lounges, so was Ira. I guess they were like ships passing in the night. But all is well that ends well. We had a lovely dinner with great conversation.
Yesterday when we were getting the local pilot on board, the ship had to slow down and the stabilizers do not work. So the ship rocked back and forth. It was a very significant roll but I did not know how much until I returned to the suite. My perfume had fallen off the shelf and broke. The only item I had that was glass. And the bathroom smelled quite nice for a while. Oh well, such is life at sea.
After dinner we returned to the suite and I read and then lights out.
A little bit of Bali history. The Balinese people are descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated through mainland Asia. They retain their own individuality as compared to the rest of Indonesia. Bali is religiously distinct from the rest of Indonesia. The Balinese are Hindu with elements of Buddhism. To the Balinese, every living thing contains a spirit. The majority of Indonesia is Muslim.
Much of Bali's history is still evident in its modern culture. Nyepi (which means silent) Day is celebrated every New Year. On this day, usually in March or April, the Balinese do not work, light fire or use electricity, go outside or fulfill personal desires. These observances allow the people to reflect and cleanse themselves while also allowing the Earth to rest and cleanse itself for the New Year. Each year on Nyepi Day, the entire island is quiet and after sunset, it is completely dark. Not a good day to visit Bali.
It was not until 1585 that the west had any contact with Bali. In that year, a Portuguese ship foundered of the coast of Bukit. Most of the ship's company drowned but a few survivors settled on the island. And then 12 years later, the Dutch explorer Cornelius de Houtman, visited the island and the first information about Bali hit the western world.
The tradition from colonialism to independence was not an easy one and by 1956 the entire Indonesian nation was undergoing a difficult period. Also in that year, the Besakih volcano erupted and many died and entire villages were wiped out.
We braved to elements and swam for about a half hour before it started to rain again.
Lunch up on La Veranda and then a nap for Bob while I worked on the blog.
We arranged to meet Ira and Bobbie for cocktails and then have dinner with them. While we were waiting for them to arrive, Marilyn and Bob wanted to join us. We explained we were meeting folks. Hope they understood. But Ira and Bobbie never arrived so after waiting a half hour, Bob started looking in the other lounges. So then since we could not find them, we headed to Compass Rose for dinner. While waiting to be seated, Maria (our waitress) ran over and said I have your friends. So we were able to eat with Ira and Bobbie after all. While Bob was looking in other lounges, so was Ira. I guess they were like ships passing in the night. But all is well that ends well. We had a lovely dinner with great conversation.
Yesterday when we were getting the local pilot on board, the ship had to slow down and the stabilizers do not work. So the ship rocked back and forth. It was a very significant roll but I did not know how much until I returned to the suite. My perfume had fallen off the shelf and broke. The only item I had that was glass. And the bathroom smelled quite nice for a while. Oh well, such is life at sea.
After dinner we returned to the suite and I read and then lights out.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Bali (Benoa), Indonesia - Updated
This morning found us at sea heading to Bali. We do not arrive until noon. It is Friday, St. Valentine's Day. Happy Valentines Day to all.
We were up early so stopped in the Coffee Connection for a cup of tea. Greeted Enzo and found out he is staying on till Singapore. Says he needs to do some shopping.
Breakfast in La Veranda. Then back to the suite to gather my needlepoint and head up to the Observation Lounge. There is no formal gathering of the needlepoint gals but some of us still go up there and stitch. I stopped by the Destinations desk to question about lunch on our tour as we gather at 12:30. She said it would be a dinner instead so eat lunch on the ship. Which we did. Thank goodness we both ate light.
The weather was terrible. Heavy rains most of the day.
We docked here in Bali at the port of Benoa. A real working port. We were on bus 16 which turned out to only have 10 persons on it so we were able to spread out. Our tour was "Ancient Bali". We departed the port and drove for about 2 hours to arrive at a resort hotel for lunch. What? We sat with Marilyn and Bob (they were on bus 15) and had lunch. It was very American food. No Indonesian food at all. A bit disappointing. Then some of the local ladies danced but we could not see them from our table. You had to stand to watch them.
This is me with our guide. He is wearing the typical dress of the Bali men. You cannot see his "skirt" but the men wear cloth wrapped around with the flap in the front and the women have the flap in the back. And the men all wear this type of head scarf.
Some of the dancers we watched at lunch.
Quite ornate and Lovely.
They are very expressive with their hands.
The resort had a nice pool but as you can see, raining so no one was out there.
And of course, the resort was right on the water.
I put this picture in because this lady wears a shirt that matches her husband's and she does not change for dinner. So all day long, she wears the same outfit. Some of the shirts are cute but I do not think you could get Bob to wear one. And sometimes the cuff of her pants will match the shirt. I am sure she makes them. And I am sure she thinks it is cute. Again, in the eye of the beholder.
Back on the bus for a drive to Tenganan Village. This is an ancient village to give you an idea of how they lived back them.
We found these fellows just lying about in the ancient village.
This is the street in the ancient village.
We got back on the bus to ride through the mountains to get to the Karangasem Palace.
You can see the Asian influence in the buildings of the Palace.
Again at the Palace.
This is a view from the Palace grounds.
Another view of the Palace.
This is where the former king lived with his 9 wives and several children. Not as plush as you would think. And we found these guys just wandering about. The hens were in baskets turned upside down. But this fellow is allowed to roam free.
Back on the bus for the ride of about 2 hours back to the ship.
Once back on the ship, we quickly changed for dinner and headed to Compass Rose for our dinner. They were having a deck BBQ but we did not want that so a regular dinner for us. A nice table for 2 and after dinner, back to the cabin to read and lights out. A full day for us.
We were up early so stopped in the Coffee Connection for a cup of tea. Greeted Enzo and found out he is staying on till Singapore. Says he needs to do some shopping.
Breakfast in La Veranda. Then back to the suite to gather my needlepoint and head up to the Observation Lounge. There is no formal gathering of the needlepoint gals but some of us still go up there and stitch. I stopped by the Destinations desk to question about lunch on our tour as we gather at 12:30. She said it would be a dinner instead so eat lunch on the ship. Which we did. Thank goodness we both ate light.
The weather was terrible. Heavy rains most of the day.
We docked here in Bali at the port of Benoa. A real working port. We were on bus 16 which turned out to only have 10 persons on it so we were able to spread out. Our tour was "Ancient Bali". We departed the port and drove for about 2 hours to arrive at a resort hotel for lunch. What? We sat with Marilyn and Bob (they were on bus 15) and had lunch. It was very American food. No Indonesian food at all. A bit disappointing. Then some of the local ladies danced but we could not see them from our table. You had to stand to watch them.
This is me with our guide. He is wearing the typical dress of the Bali men. You cannot see his "skirt" but the men wear cloth wrapped around with the flap in the front and the women have the flap in the back. And the men all wear this type of head scarf.
Some of the dancers we watched at lunch.
Quite ornate and Lovely.
They are very expressive with their hands.
The resort had a nice pool but as you can see, raining so no one was out there.
And of course, the resort was right on the water.
I put this picture in because this lady wears a shirt that matches her husband's and she does not change for dinner. So all day long, she wears the same outfit. Some of the shirts are cute but I do not think you could get Bob to wear one. And sometimes the cuff of her pants will match the shirt. I am sure she makes them. And I am sure she thinks it is cute. Again, in the eye of the beholder.
Back on the bus for a drive to Tenganan Village. This is an ancient village to give you an idea of how they lived back them.
We found these fellows just lying about in the ancient village.
This is the street in the ancient village.
We got back on the bus to ride through the mountains to get to the Karangasem Palace.
You can see the Asian influence in the buildings of the Palace.
Again at the Palace.
This is a view from the Palace grounds.
Another view of the Palace.
This is where the former king lived with his 9 wives and several children. Not as plush as you would think. And we found these guys just wandering about. The hens were in baskets turned upside down. But this fellow is allowed to roam free.
Back on the bus for the ride of about 2 hours back to the ship.
Once back on the ship, we quickly changed for dinner and headed to Compass Rose for our dinner. They were having a deck BBQ but we did not want that so a regular dinner for us. A nice table for 2 and after dinner, back to the cabin to read and lights out. A full day for us.
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