Oh Man! I'm in Oman

Have you heard the expression "When in.." as in "When in Oman" ?  Well, I finally took the plunge, went out on  limb and did just that. 

Give me 20 minutes in the Muttrah Souq and what happens.....

Dubai

So what were my favorite things to do in Dubai? I  loved what everyone falls in love with, the Burj Al Arab the Burj Khalifa.

The only way to gain entrance to the Burj Al Arab is to rent a room for a minimum $2,000 to $18,000 a night or to snag a reservation in one of their restaurants.  We had High Tea and it was delicious. www.exploredia.com/most-expensive-hotel-in-the-world/#more-2249

I spent $27 to take the elevator up to the 124th observation deck at the Burj Khalifa.  Amazing to be up so high. This is the tallest building in the world right now.

We Got Him and I am in the UAE?

Just before 7 AM we turned on the TV and started to get ready for our tour of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Originally we were signed up for a dune safari but having read about it, I did not think my hip would be up for the jarring bumps of the sand dunes. I canceled my tour. This morning David read exactly what I had read the day before and came to the wise decision this would not be good for his back either. So the old folks that we are signed up for a 5 hour bus trip with photo stops. 

The Gateway

If you are a photographer, India is a dream, a photographers paradise.  It was a perfectly clear sunny day when we embarked on a day long tour of Mumbai.  This is our first visit to this city.  We arrived by air just after our overland visit to the Taj.  No time to rest on this cruise, for sure.  Mumbai is a mix of everything from the uber rich to the desperately poor.  It is high energy without stopping for a rest.  While here, you get caught up in energy of the crowds, the craziness of the traffic, and the exciment of many things to see and do.  Eat, shop, wander and get lost in the hoards is what to do here. The first thing I noticed was the crowds.  Crowds (20 million plus) and traffic are a good description of what India is all about. But there is much more to India then that.  India is 1/3 the size of the US with 3 times the population.  

No Words, No Photo



..... Could Ever Do It Justice

How do you spell Magnificent?  It is spelled Taj Mahal.   No words, no photo could do it justice nor capture the beauty of the Taj or the feeling you have as you just sit and take it in from a tiny bench on her grounds. We parked ourselves right in front of the Taj, on a bench,  just as the sun was rising.  The magnificence of this monument is spellbinding.  It really is perfect.  From its history and its beauty I could have sat there for hours, just enjoying being in her presence.  We  had a great time on our overland trip to Agra.  We boarded a charter plane with 94 of our fellow cruisers in Cochin.  Three hours later we landed at the Military base in Agra, a stones throw from the Taj.  How perfect is that?   Even though the original plans changed from two days in Agra to a one-day-see-it-all- in the sweltering 115 degree heat, we braved it all, did it all and can now say seen it, done it and are very very happy we did. 

Back to India

Cochin, meaning harbor or small sea, is a vibrant city on the southwest coast of India.  Yes, we are back in India once again.  Cochin is the second most important city on the west coast after Mumbai. In our tour around the city we could see the influence of past visitors and conquerors to Cochin (or Kochi) the Portuguese, the Chinese, the Arabs, the Dutch and the Brits. This little port was part of the spice route trading its beautiful spices vanilla, cardamon, pepper, cinnamon and cloves to the world.  They also traded precious stones, diamonds, ivory and sandlewood.  In another time this area was considered rich for all the money and trade that was exchanged here.  At one time this area prospered.  At one time this was the center of the Ancient World.   Our guide told us that they are building a new port and when they do Cochin will rival Singaore and Dubai as a port city.   Nothing but dreaming big here.

Easter in Colombo

We cancelled Gallee due to weather and waves..... so on to Colombo we go......

Easter!  We were not forgotten... David 'hid' the chocolate eggs...he says..... I did not buy that.

Polonnaruwa

(seven story) Royal Palace (Polonnaruwa 846 AD-1302AD)

This morning we woke up to a beautiful blue sky, a lovely green island and some CLEAN AIR as we cruised  into the port city of Trincomalee. This harbor city is on the northeast side of the tiny island of Sri Lanka.   The religious mixture of this area is Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and Buddhists. The homes are tiny, brightly painted, and well kept. There is not a lot of money but from what we were able to see, people had the basics. Ten years ago the government issued a plan to clean up the island by paying people to pick up liter and recycle. Garbage is now picked up twice a week. Today there is a neighbor watch and a fine if you do not comply.  After our visit to Madras,  I needed something almost normal.

A Window View

Chennai(Madras) is the largest city in Southern India and our first visit to see a country we have heard so much about.   People love it or hate it.  Chennai is the fourth largest city in India with a population of 8 million.  India is 1/3 the size of the US with 3X the population. Crowded. There are 2,000 different ethnic groups, 22 official languages and 1,659 dialects in India. 50% of the population is under the age of 25. 900 million people earn less then $2  a day, and out of this group 800 million earn less then 50 cents a day.  I saw many a watermelon stand along the two lane highway.  I figured 3 watermelons a day would bring in $1. It you make more then 86 cents a day in the city you fall above the poverty level. School is not mandatory.  AND IF you go to school, on a daily basis, 50% of the teachers are no shows.  Only 13% of the sewage is treated.  80% of the population have no bank account.  These are just a few of the statistics we learned today.  Without saying,  I would never dream to think I could go inside the mind of anyone who lives here.  This is what they know and their life.  I could not live here.  I would not survive.

Woo

All the buses lined up to await our arrival in Chennai, India.   "Incredible India!  The Mantra to Woo Tourist!"  I have heard the phrase Incredible! India before... Woo the Tourist?  Well, OK, I am ready, woo me.

New Places / New Friends



Batu  Cave

This part of the World Cruise is a port intensive segment.  We have never been to this part of the world.  We have 7 sea days and 19 port days with an overland trip to see the Taj.  Add intense heat and humidity to tours lasting 5-10 hours in length, we come back to the ship pretty wiped, hit the shower and head to bed.  Good thing our only decision is to dress and go down for dinner or have it delivered, no dishes to wash.  But the fun part is being here, and seeing something new, exciting and different.  Every thing on this side of the planet is very different from life at home.

Krung Thep or Bangkok

We arrived at the Thailand port of Laem Chabang at 10 AM.  We lost about 300 passengers and gained another 300 making for another full ship on this fourth segment of the World Cruise. After lunch we headed for a 2 hour bus trip to Bangkok, the biggest city in Thailand. Our plan was to spend the night at the Shangri-la 5 star Hotel, enjoy the overnight and take in an easy tour. The Prince of Brunei joined us. He waved at me as he passed but I did not have my camera ready.  Talk about security. I watched as the security force inspected all of his cars for bombs then had the dogs do a double check. 

Last year when we were here, the red shirts were demonstrating. We just missed the big clash. On our return, the city was holding a remembrance for the 26 killed a year ago today. During the month after our visit 1,800 were injured in various anti government clashes. Our guide would not talk politics or about the difference in views between the red and the yellow shirts. He was not allowed to. He only said he believed in the yellow shirt view. Elections are coming up soon and things will be resolved he said. This silenced the bus.

I Wonder Why

My new friend...Thank goodness for glass



Tunnels and Radishes

Some ports are more exciting to sail into then others.  It takes a few hours to cruise down the Mekong River to reach the port in Saigon.  As a result I had plenty of time on my balcony to watch life styles go by thay are very different from my own.   First off, I love the sunrise and how the sun danced on the water behind the ship today.  Along the way I watched container ships, fishing boats, house boats, and ferries meander by on these sad to say polluted waters.  It was interesting to people watch as they began their day waking up, going fishing or starting a long journey to deliver cargo.

No Halong Bay today but Hue Tomorrow

We were really looking forward to revisiting Halong Bay and taking the junk boat out for a few hours.  We loved it last year.   From what I understand a junk boat sank last year and people died.  Maybe the cruise line did not want to take the risk.  This year, the ship did not offer a tour of the place that merits a UNESCO World Heritage nod.  Some went out on their own and rented one.  Since it was chilly and foggy we decided to just try the shore excursion, see the countryside this time.  All night long the fog horn blasted.  I woke up early anyway to watch the sail in, hoping for another glimpse of all this natural beauty.  But is was to foggy to see anything.  It is a beautiful site to see all the islands of dolomite and limestone sticking out of the water. If you look on the blog from last year there are pictures.

Hong Kong overnight

Thanks to some quick navigation we arrived in Hong Kong 12 hours early.  Our Captain timed it so we could be in the bay just as the Hong Kong laser light show began.  Every night at 8PM, for 15 minutes, Hong Kong has a light show where all the buildings display blinking lights in patterns as laser beams are beamed from one side of the bay to the other.  What fun.  Being in the middle of this display on the water was much more fun then what you can see perched on a bar stool at a hotel on land.

XIiamen on our own

Shanghai to Suzhou

 

I really needed a break from an urban setting and decided to head out to the countryside for 'fresh air' and some peace and quiet. I needed a break from being overwhelmed. Right about now I am once again on overload with new countries, new cities, new currencies, new languages, and history lessons from tour guides. I love the cruise, BUT, I need a break!

Shanghai x 2



View from the Bund area to East Side



 Get out your brushes and find your ink... the two Chinese Characters in the Shanghai's name are 上 ("above") and 海 ("sea") which together literally mean 'Upper Sea'.

Shanghai is commonly abbreviated in Chinese to "沪".

I prefer the easy way.

Beijing, China

On a cold grey blustery Sunday morning at 8AM we were greeted by a show of military might and a  'lock in' of sorts in Tianjin, China .  I noticed a group of people securing each section of a block long fence on one side of the ship.  I was guessing this was to keep the masses from charging in.

DMZ & Kim Chi Power in Seoul

안녕하세요                                           

Ahn-nyung-ha-se-yo ....... Hello!


We arrived in Inchon, Korea early in the morning.  As we headed to our berth our ship had to traverse a lock-gate, reminding me of time we went through the Panama Canal, .
http://www.portincheon.go.kr/english/portinformation/lockgate/lockgate.asp 

Disasters Everywhere...

There is an elephant in my room and I just want to talk about it.  As we travel and see so many things and I blog about it, life happens around us that affects us.  I chat happily about all we are doing and at the same time it feels like the world is falling apart and some of its people are very very angry.  It does not feel safe to travel or to be.  Something is happening.  I can't be the only one to feel it.  It weighs heavily and is constantly on my mind.  Although we are enjoying this cruise immensely, we seem to be followed or preceded by disasters, natural and man made. Lately,it seems,  these pop up at every turn.  Add to that a few personal issues and a world at or holding back a few wars. I am not liking it.

Mamma Mia!, Taiwan



Chiang Kai-shek Memorial



If your ship is visiting a port for the very first time a fire boat spewing water guides you into port and settles you in your berth. You become a part of a parade. There is excitement and a sense of fun in the air.

Taiwan...here is where all of our money goes.  It seems everything sold in the USA made in Taiwan....  Having never been to Taiwan, we were excited it was on our itinerary. 

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My first impression of Taiwan... it is somewhat Western, old in appearance, well worn, yet  more modern then I had expected.   The buildings in Keelung reminded me of China or Russia where you build a high rise then forget about it.  Crowded.  Taiwan is mountainous. Only 28% of the land can be used to build on. Because of scarcity of flat land, people are just piled on top of one another.  There are 23 million people living in Taiwan.   Official language, is Mandarin

Corregidor

Finally, David gets to see his Corregidor!  We were here last year but because we were late arriving and the waters were rough, the tour was cancelled. 

Corregidor is an island famous for its battle during WWII where Americans and Philippines joined forces against a Japanese conquest for control the Philippine Islands. Corregidor was the last bastion of the U.S   The “Bataan Death March” occurred here where 20,000 out of 75,000 captured U.S. and Filipino troops died during a week long sweltering 60 mile march to their encampment.  No food.  No water. Torture reigned.

We walked through the Malinta Tunnel which is now rebuilt as part of this memorial.  Douglas McArthur and 3000 soldiers and nurses were forced to live in this tunnel to avoid the ceaseless Japanese bombings. His famous “I Shall Return” quote was about returning to Corregidor to finish his fight for the freedom and democracy of the Philippines.  It is humbling and sad to when you pass by these buildings and think about the men and women who lived and died through this harrowing nightmare.  I could almost feel their presence. 

Home Sweet Home, Manila

 We arrived in Manila very early on a grey morning.  The city as usual seemed to be in a dark  fog.  The sun was desperately trying to burn off the settled in fog not realising that nothing more needed to be done to enhance this day for those coming home.  The day was already a bright one sun or no sun.  With or without fog. Finally Home.

Cookin' Up a Storm: The True Taste of Bali

Once we finished our Klungkung Market tour we headed to the Alila Manggis Resort.  We entered the secluded seaside resort through a gated entrance and drove on a windy road toward the ocean.  The resort is a tiny white washed, red roofed building with 12 rooms. It has magnificent gardens, palm trees planted everywhere and, huge square pool.  Lots of lazy days and lounging around can be accomplished here.  This is the home of the first Balinese cooking school in Indonesia.  The resort  has its own organic garden.   Most of the area for gathering is in open air rooms.   Although it was hot, the high ceilings with fans and the breeze from the ocean made it comfortable. 

We Go Continuing

 

A picture tells a thousand words.  Since I took about 200 pictures in my one short hour tour of a local market in Bali you all should be thankful I am choosing to tell it in pictures rather then in words.  You can tell how much I love to go to markets or to do anything revolving around being with the locals where ever we go.  I love the faces both young and old.  The older people have their lives etched

on their faces.  I look at the colors and the way of dress and it suggests a hard life, an elegance and pride on some.  I often saw the warmth in closeness to friends and family as people sat and chatted while waiting for that sale.

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The children are beautiful, fun, warm, friendly and full of hope and playfulness, a bit shy.  I can't describe the smells of the market other then to say they match the colors of the market...:)  Sometimes you need to walk fast to get through some areas.  Notice the floor....(in 2 photos above) wear closed toe shoes not sandals like I did.   I found everything in this market, fresh fish, dried fish, fruits, spices and vegtables, ready made food, flowers, live chickens to be bought home for dinner that night, offerings ready to go, birthday candles, umbrellas,  hand cream, popcorn, and Bali's own hand made salt.  I did not see any ice or refrigeration. I tasted a fruit called snake skin fruit, liked it and lived. 

I loved visiting this market but an hour was enough.  Our Guide would say "Let's go continuing" as he moved us through the market, up and down the narrow pathways and stairs, indoors and out while being in the way and bombarded by shoppers and people hauling new produce through the same narrow sometimes dark aisles.  It was HOT.  It was HUMID.

We got back to our air conditioned van.   A cold wash cloth and a colder bottle of water with a straw awaited us.  Need I say how fortunate  I felt ?   Such a small offering at the ready held a huge impact on me at that moment.  I was very Thankful as our small group piled into the van and headed to our cooking class.  Two very different cultures mingled for one very short hour.