Docking

Our cabin is forward on 10,  just back a bit from the from the bridge.  Here is our Captain docking the ship in Semarang...... backing it up.....one hand controling the ship....easing it back...and one on his hip.....without a care.  Nerves of steel?  David was impressed.  :)    I just think he is very cute.

Semarang, Indonesia ...... Day 41

I was sitting at my computer..... (my usual view of the ocean out my window......how great is that?)  and all of a sudden, I see masses of tiny black shadows of fishing boats dotting the ocean.  It was an amazing view.  I quickly grabbed my camera  and tried to capture the breathtaking mass of the simple boats before me.  Sometimes, a few would sail closer to our ship. I was able to snap the beauty of the primary colors the fishermen used to color their boats. The boats were scattered for miles  far from shore.  We were entering the tiny industrial town of Semarang.  Once docked, many on the ship headed to Borobudar, for a ten hour tour.  We were there 15 years ago.  Instead of a ship tour, we hired a private driver and took a two hour tour of a town that had no tourist sites of any note.  Our guide was limited in his English speaking skills, but the tour was exactly what we were looking for.  We went up and down some very narrow side streets and some busy modern highways. He pointed out his Mom selling fruits and vegtables.  Much later he showed us a huge old run down market where his wife went each morning to buy food .  Some streets were modern, clean and fast moving and some were full of pot holes,mud, and pedicabs.  It was a mix of modern and rustic.  He took us to see his Mosque which was quite impressive and very modern.   We caught a glimpse of some men napping 'on the job'....  :)  When they saw me snap a photo, they sat up and waved 'hello'.  Not much to see or do here as a tourist,  but a nice day none the less.

Beautiful Bali

It took three visits before I could finally say I love Bali.  The first trip, too many vendors being overly agressive scared me off.  The second was a 5 hour cruise tour with wheel chairs, canes, walkers, uneven surfaces, stairs, heat and a few lastminute 'just have to get offf the bus' to buy the t-shirt which leaves 35 fellow travelers waiting.  The third trip was the charm. My views, were obviously skewed.

On our last day here, we hired a private driver with another couple and rolled the dice.  Take us to where you would take your future mother in law if you wanted her to agree to allowing her only daughter to marry you.  Ahhh, We saw Bali.  Our 8 hour tour seemed like 4. We drove the backroads and discovered the real Bali..   I felt enlightened!

During our time here we were entertained by Balinese dancers and their percussion instruments known as gamelan.  We were told stories involving belief systems, education, marriage, and the Hindu religion.  We had drinks overlooking the volcano.  My drink was served in a real coconut whch became a photo op for all at our table.  Vendors were everywhere pushing their wares as always.  I did purchase some kites, some batik and a shadow puppet made from leather from a local shop.We saw terraces and forests and flowers and rice.  We said NO to hundreds of pint size vendors with big beautiful eyes.  We visited temples, palaces, resorts and a one room home complete with pigs, chickens and dinner cooking away on the stove.  We visited Ubud , an ancient village, old dirty markets, and store fronts..... We managed NOT to buy a watch. We saw spices and flowers, offerings of all kinds pretty doors and everything you can imagine carried on a head or while riding a motorcycle.  We counted 5 people on a tiny motorcycle as they overtook our van as we peeled and ate rambutan.  We saw a lot of garbage, trash covering every inch of the forest floors and dirty living conditions.  We saw super poverty, high end luxury, a flush toilet and plant your feet here and squat.  I loved the many varied doors in Bali, the art and the artists, the flowers and the fruit, and the friendly people.  Still not open to the things they eat and would be VERY cautious what I ate and where....everything takes time.  baby step, baby step...  It is not as clean as I wish it would be.  I do not understand why people don't take care of the world in which they live. I would love for standards of living be more managable for all.  From the carved faces of many of the elders, times have not always been kind or easy.  But in their eyes, in their smiles, and in their hello, I have more often then not seen some very kind, , hard working and friendly people.  Who wants to go next year?

Lombok, Indonesia

If you asked me for one word describing Lombok, I would say primitive.  It is about 25 miles from Bali,  85% Sasak, and primarily Hindu.  Tourism they say is increasing but I can't imagine, right now, a reason one would want to go and spend any time there.  Electricity is almost non existant, no toilets, no refrigeration,  education a luxury for most.  There is pride that 20% of their women can now go to high school. Most live in one room homes with one door and no windows.  Automobiles are a luxury as ponys with carts and motorcycles rule the motorway.  White skinned people are 'touched' as their skin is a novelty and liked for its 'softness'.   Doctors are often shunned for the favored Medicine Man.  Males do not want their women 'touched', even for an injection.  I enjoyed 'visiting' this island and the people were super friendly.  Our group seemed to be the attraction but then again this group is the 'attraction' where ever we go. I loved visiting the colorful Cakranegra Market.  I intensly disliked the agressive vendors but understood this was their livelyhood.  I loved the antics of a little boy, his love of attention, and the pure joy he had 'entertaining' us as we waited in line for our tender back to the ship.

Double click on above photos to enlarge: Photos of a watch store, eggs for sale, the Market, store front and some traffic jams in Lombok.

A Present.........

I feel SO BEHIND in blogging....so out of my self imposed guilt I send you all a rainbow from my balcony.  I will write about Lombok tomorrow.  It was interesting but ..... Vendors were very harassing .... super poor but the people were so nice and friendly.  Meghan would love the market there....so many fruits and spices and vegtables.  No one has refrigerators...no indoor toilets...anywhere.... no toilets.... and boy- it was a LONG tour, let me tell you.  Tomorrow is Bali.  Last time were were there we walked about 50 feet on the pier and the vendors were so physically agressive that we turned around and went back to the ship.  We are on a tour tomorrow (overnight Bali) and have hired a private van for a full day tour on Sunday with some of David's Trivia friends.  It is so hot and so humid that it just drains you.  I miss all the sea days we had at the beginning of this cruise.

Hello! Lombok, Indonesia

I think this photo speaks for itself. The people in Lombak, Indonesia are so friendly. As we were waiting for a tender back to the ship this little guy was just having a great old time with his buddies by the dock swimming without a care in the world. He mugged for the tourists and stuck his tongue out as if daring us to chase after him......adorable.

Komodo Island...Amazing beautiful from the Ship...

Every time I say "this has got to be the most beautiful place in the world", I find myself saying it yet again. The views coming to and leaving this island were unbelievably beautiful. I found myself mesmerized by the natural beauty of the jagged peaks. It was super hot and humid. It is a place that I loved sailing in to...loved looking at...hated to leave, but was happy to not have to live there. I loved having my boat to retreat to. This island was settled by convicts. That tells you something about the fun that can be had here.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTnrm338_KY
http://www.truveo.com/komodo-dragons-attacking-islanders/id/1457748203
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/komodo-dragon.html

Komodo Island is 22 miles long by 9 miles wide. It is part of Indonesia. In 1992 Komodo was declared a World Heritage Site. This is home to 2,500 Komodo dragons, the largest lizards on earth, descendents of dinosaurs. Male dragons can reach 13 feet in length, weigh 300 pounds, and live 50 years. They are fast and can chase their prey at a speed of 10 mph. (I am in trouble here) Komodo dragons are carnivorous. They can't see very well but have a keen sense of smell that can pick up a scent from 7 miles away. When hungry, their tail knocks down its prey or their serrated teeth, which are filled with a deadly bacteria, injects a flesh rotting infection that will kill any animal they bite within days. Attack now, eat later. Or, they simply use razor sharp claws to slash through their victim’s belly. Not a fun way to go. The cute little new born dragons will live up in the trees for 3 or 4 years until they are big enough to fend for themselves on land. They love to lie about under porches in Komodo.

Only about 600 people live on Komodo Island.

Hmmmm....I wonder why.....

Valentine's Day & Another Sea Day

Sometimes the best of times are just watching the world go by and reading a good book.  I just started reading Everyone Worth Knowing by the same author as Devil Wears Prada.  I think of Corrie as it is about an event planner in New York.  An easy and fun read.  Since we cancelled Thursday Island today, we have an unexpected sea day which never bothers me.  Here is my view from my perch when the weather cooperates.  Tonite is Prime 7 and King Crab legs in the 'fancy' restaurant.

Barrier Reef, Rainforest and Let's Just Cancel That...

Heading to the Great Barrier Reef has always been a dream of mine.  I could only imagine the surf, the sand, the translucent blue waters.  We were surprised to learn that beaches from land were not safe to swim due to the dangers in the water.   If you want to swim in this part of the ocean, you need to take a 45 min boat ride to a pontoon,  Then, you need to wear a full body stinger suit when you enter the water.  Yes it is all so breathtakingly beautiful and the waters are crystal clear and the fish are plenty.....but beware. Between October and May the box 'jellyfish' (sea stingers) are prevelant.  The jellyfish come in several varieties and forms and while most are visable, many are not.  They are deadly. Those that have survived the sting say the pain is indescribable and it can be followed by a heart attack within minutes.  If the stingrays don't upset you too much, you can ponder the 'large salties' or the crocks.  Although they are taken out daily, ya just never know about that one that might have gotten away or hid behind the rock.  :)  Although it sounded like immense fun, the weather looked a tad iffy, so David and I changed tours so that we could see the rainforest on the longest skyrail in the world.  We were high above the crocks and jellyfish.  Twice, we got off and there were these wonderful walks through the rainforest and then another ramp to get back on after the walk.  On the way up, we saw a huge raging waterfall hosting a great RAINBOW just for me. At the top was an old mining town converted to Estes Park....:), a lovely touristy town called Kuranda. It was a perfect day for us.

For some reason the town of Cairns, where we are docked, was full of bats which were pointed out to us as we had dinner. They flew in masses all over the hills surrounding the town.  There were signs of bats in town hanging upside down but we didn't think about it.  It was eirie.

We were disappointed that we 'missed' The Great Barrier Reef as we left at 10 at night.  The captain thoughtfully took a detour and we actually sailed through the reef the next day so we all could enjoy the waters and views.  If you click on the photos above they will enlarge.  It was so beautiful to see the change in the colors of the water as we cruised the ocean waters.  We just sat on the balcony and stared.  We lost use of a generator in the reef so an engine had to be shut down and we slowly crawled toward our next port all day while they fixed it.  We missed the port Thursday Island today because of this, meaning another sea day. 

We are a day ahead of you at home.  Happy Valentines Day!  Hope the snow has calmed down and you all are back to normal soon.

YUM Factor.......9.0

I am beginning to think this is a food blog.  These pies are every day snacks in Australia. In Sydney our guide pointed at the first meat pie stand in Sydney.  It caught my attention and I really wanted to try one but it was too far from the ship.  Today, in Kuranda, our tour group just 'happened' to meet in front of Annebelles.  Annebelles is 'famous' for their pies.  Being a good tourist, I had to give it a try.  They made a varrity of pies from steak which I tired, to kangaroo, steak and peas, chicken, and vegtable. (MMM)  Some had mashed potatoes on top,  They also had sausage rolls.  They smelled devine.  David and I shared one.  He thought it was bland but I loved it.  It reminded me of the Scottish Pies I make with the old tuna cans.  These had more gravy in them then mine.  When I get home......I have a job to do.  I have missed these. These were really really good.  It's fun to try new things in new places.  Oh, I bought a new much needed umbrella.......

Lazy Day

When I wake up to a grey rainy day, I smile.  For some reason a rainy day gives me permission to have a lazy day.  No laying out on the lounge chair for me today!  It really takes the edge off the stress.  All day long, birds have been circling my window and diving for fish.  The ocean is offering up light whitecaps but the sea is steady.  I love watching the world go by from my window.  On board activities remain the same every day...if it is 10:15 it must be bridge.  If it is 12:30 it must be lunch.We have routines. There are no heavy decisions to make.  No beds to make.  Nothing to clean.  A kitchen? nah. Someone cooks for me and when done, my plate magically disappears.  I love rainy days.

Sydney and Brisbane

We loved being in Sydney again even though it rained a great deal while we overnighted there.  Sydney is huge and very spread out.  It is a young, vibrant, active, clean city.  We went to an open market where arts and crafts were sold.  It was so hard not to buy at every stand.  We walked a LOT, had a city tour and a harbour tour.  We dined out and saw a movie.  I remain in love with Sydney.  Near the harbour we found a great little cafe that offered all kinds of chocolates ....:)  Who could say no?  My waffle above....We left at night around 10 pm only to have to circle back and dock again for an emergency medical issue.  Two people left in an ambulance.    We are now in Brisbane.  Our 8 hour tour was cancelled due to rain and roads being impassable. Since David lost part of his tooth while consuming his favorite breadsticks last night, Brisbane became our dental stop.  Brisbane is a lovely clean active city also.  It is the state capital of Queensland.  It feels like a small country town that is called a city.  They have a great Mall in the center of town called Queens Mall.  It is about 2 city blocks long and seems to have thousand of stores reaching out through alleys all along the main street.  After our dental visit, we walked the mall and took in another movie (Nine) before heading back to the ship.  Another medical emergency here so now we wait for an ambulance before we head out and North.  We have 2 sea days ahead which means bridge and crafts and finding a lounge chair after lunch.....hmmmm We listen to the news of the world and are saddened by all the snow and cold weather hitting the states...:)  We do sympathize.  Ok, I am smiling.....

Noumea, New Caledonia

Sailing in to New Caledonia was a jolt and a surprise. Nothing prepared us for the beauty of the port and all this long island had to offer. None of my pictures did this island justice. From the look out points, I just stood speechless. I did not want to leave.  Australians come here for their holiday. We roamed the town, took in a grocery store and spent time in their amazing aquarium. We bypassed an amazing French Pasrty Shop .....couldn't talk David into it. Everything here is super expensive. Since it is summer, everyone seemed to be out enjoying the beaches and the water. Every water sport you can think of was being enjoyed including kite skiing, sailing, fishing, boating and just laying on the beach sans tops....David noticed. The huge port town did not have much to it but because so many cruise ships are coming in, they are going to spiff it up and do major updates. A great place to practice your French! The other side of the island was full of tiny boutique shops and restaurants..ice cream parlors.... definately a place to spend a week and just relax.

Port Vila, Vanuatu

In Port Vila, we chose to go to Ekasup Cultural Village. We were a bit leary, worried it would be too touristy. David rightly advised bug spray with that suntan lotion. It turned out to be a really nice, well done tour. We were greeted by local Ekasup villagers as we walked in the Erakor Rainforset heading toward their outdoor village. We did not realize warriors would be hiding in the trees pointing swords at us as we ventured in. This was an actual camp some 250 years ago. We learned about traditional remedies from plants, bark, leaves and roots. We learned about how they captured food and caught fish. Marriages were/are arranged. One wife per husband except the chief. When married, people are tatooed like our wedding band. And get this, married women also had no front teeth as once married, they had to put a stick and stone in their mouth which when crunched down broke their front teeth....great way to tell  if she is or isn't married.....I am sure the guys thought this one up. They paid for a woman with pigs. So if you wanted to get married, you better start to raise pigs early or wait until very late in life to get married as the pigs had to grow the long tusk in order to have value and this could take 10 yeaars. Very Very interesting. Education still lacking here in the male dominated society.  Only half of the children go to school. Cannibalism ended in 1985...or so we were told.

Sunrise on the ocean

When the Captain consistently turns the clock back half hour by half hour,then by the hour, then skips a day, then takes back another hour,  one EVENTUALLY wakes BEFORE dawn....in time to get this great picture of a SUNRISE  :)   Enjoy!, I did.  I love sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, the ocean, my cruise.....

Fiji, Clocks and Platters

Fiji sounds like the most romantic place in the world to be. Right? When we arrived, we never set foot on the island of Fiji. Instead, having been here before, we choose to take a 'romantic' sail to the island of Tivus to spend the day in Paradise. Tivus is a small island - a sand island, where if you take a leisurely walk, in seven minutes you will have walked completely around the island. Nothing prepared us for the reality of the day. Our vision of swinging in hammocks, in the shade for a few hours, turned into slight panic when we tendered in. This tourist island had no chairs, no hammocks, and little shade. This was where we were to spend the next five hours. Luckily, we claimed the only two chairs on the island ,on a porch, facing the ocean. Everyone else had sand, sun and a few palm trees overhead barely shading them from the menacing sun. The water surrounding us was breathtaking. It was beautiful, I admit. It was hot. It was humid. We sometimes felt a light breeze. Was it Paradise? Debatable. We were served lunch. We enjoyed musical entertainment. When it was time to leave.....everyone was more then ready to reboard the tenders and head back to the ship. We met some overly friendly birds flying around our porch who seemed to know that lunch would soon be served.

At night, we once again were entertained by the Platters. Everyone did the Soul Train around the theater and danced to the music. I overheard some people talking that they had no idea who they were. Perhaps because many in ths goup grew up before the Platters became popular. We lost Saturday due to the International Dateline and went from Friday to Sunday. Our Captain then, again,had us turn back the clock another hour so we have no clue what time or day it really is anymore. All I know is that is it Monday and we are watching the Sunday news. It must be fun to be The Captain. He decides to set the clock back ...Oh let's do 30 minutes today...Oh let's do an hour back today.... Oh let's just skip a day.....and we all just adjust as the rules are laid down........I now have a reason to be clueless.....

After a day of sun and water and skipping a day, we had a leisurely day at sea. For the first time in many days, the weather cooperated in every way. It wasn't overly hot and humid. We had a perfect day with gentle breezes. After bridge and the usual lecture, this was my day to be beached. I finally got a lounge chair in the shade and saved one for David. This kind of day is exactly what cruising is all about. We enjoyed each moment, each minute, and each hour as the afternoon progressed. Cruising is great.