APRIL 3-April 5
Rough seas again and cold weather. This is not what we expected and not what we signed on for. This afternoon we played bocce against the officers. There were a lot of teams playing against them and the first team to score 3 points won. We lost to them but we did score 2 points. It was lots of fun and Sue and Steve also participated. We went to the show which we had seen before but the singers and dancers are getting off the ship at the same time as us so it was their last performance and at the end some of them were crying. The audience went wild in sending them good wishes.
Other than that we had a fun day.
APRIL 4
Today was sad as we had to pack and say our goodbyes to all the friends we made along the way. I still can't believe that 52 days have gone by but I do know I could do much longer cruises if I could only afford it. Tonight as I was going to say goodbye to our first waiter another waiter turned around fast and accidently got his foot between mine and I went down like a ton of bricks and landed on both of my knees and luckily there was a chair that I grabbed onto so that stopped me from landing on my face. My knees had been hurting before this so that just added to the pain. They helped me up and I said I was okay but as I was walking back to our table I thought both my knees were bleeding. I saw Enid and said let's go to the bathroom now so she knew something was wrong. When I got my pants down I was shocked to see no blood but a scrape. Enid went to get some bandaids and Sue came into the bathroom also to find out what was wrong. You should've seen the look on peoples faces when the three of us walked out of the handicapped bathroom. Parts of my knees are turning black and blue and they are swollen but I was lucky that nothing happened to my knee replacement.
APRIL 5
Today we got up at 4:15 as we had to meet at 5:45 to get off the ship in Ensenada to be bussed across the border to go to San Diego. That was the start of a very long day. We were on the first bus out of 47 that were going to San Diego. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get to the border where we had to take all our hand luggage off the bus and walk across the border to hand in our customs declarations while the bus was being inspected by dogs looking for drugs and cuban cigars. Then we had to walk about 1 block to get back on the bus to finish the trip. We were hoping to get an earlier flight but when we got to the airport we found out that American Airlines had 110 planes damaged in a tornado 2 days before in Dallas. They had canceled over 300 flights today and there were some people ahead of us that couldn't get new flights until Saturday and American was not responsible for putting them up in hotels. People were not happy and there was nothing that could be done as American even tried other airlines but being Easter and Passover this weekend all flights were previously booked. We were very lucky that nothing had changed with our flights and of course we weren't able to get an earlier one. We were due to change planes in Dallas and that was still okay. Our next flight was due to land in Miami at 12:30 AM but our plane landed in Dallas late so that was delay number 1. They finally announced we were going to board in 10 minutes and then they announced there was some mechanical problems and they were fixing them so it would be another 20 minutes before we could leave. They did make up some time inflight and we laded at 12:45 but until we got our luggage and dropped my suitcases off at my house, went to Enid's and had a snack it was almost 3 before we went to sleep after setting the alarm for 8:30 AM as I had an appointment with the orthopedist. He said the bones are lined up perfectly but not completely healed so I am in another cast for 2 more weeks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although nervous about being away for so long we found out it was totally unfounded as the time flew by and I could've done more. We met wonderful people and had a marvelous time with a few drawbacks with illness but that could happen anywhere or anytime so you add it up to making it another adventure.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
MARCH 31-APRIL 2
MARCH 31, APRIL 1 AND 2
We have had 3 sea days with 2 left and the fact this vacation is almost over is not sitting well with me. We have had 2 lei making sessions and we've bought some kukui nuts and sea shells to make our own designs so when my left hand is back to normal (hopefully by Christmas) I will be kept busy making different kinds of leis. I know for a fact that I'll be making a bracelet and an ankle bracelet also.
One of the evenings we saw a very funny comedian named Don Gavin and as I was laughing I was also coughing and thought I might choke. Last night they had Liar's Club and some of the words were "oxpecker, dikephobia, farctate and hawshole. If you can't find them in the dictionary you'll just have to wait till we come home. It would've been very funny but they used the same words on the last cruise and they gave the same lies for the definitions.
The seas have been very rough with winds in the 20-30 knots so sitting by the pool is out. Today Enid, Sue and Steve played baggo against the officers on the ship and Enid even made it to the finals but unfortunately didn't win. I forgot to tell you that last night I used my $20 certificate for roulette that I had won in a raffle and in 5 minutes I walked away with 43 dollars. Of course this afternoon I gave back 30 to the slots. Hope all is good with everyone and we'll be home in 3 days.
We have had 3 sea days with 2 left and the fact this vacation is almost over is not sitting well with me. We have had 2 lei making sessions and we've bought some kukui nuts and sea shells to make our own designs so when my left hand is back to normal (hopefully by Christmas) I will be kept busy making different kinds of leis. I know for a fact that I'll be making a bracelet and an ankle bracelet also.
One of the evenings we saw a very funny comedian named Don Gavin and as I was laughing I was also coughing and thought I might choke. Last night they had Liar's Club and some of the words were "oxpecker, dikephobia, farctate and hawshole. If you can't find them in the dictionary you'll just have to wait till we come home. It would've been very funny but they used the same words on the last cruise and they gave the same lies for the definitions.
The seas have been very rough with winds in the 20-30 knots so sitting by the pool is out. Today Enid, Sue and Steve played baggo against the officers on the ship and Enid even made it to the finals but unfortunately didn't win. I forgot to tell you that last night I used my $20 certificate for roulette that I had won in a raffle and in 5 minutes I walked away with 43 dollars. Of course this afternoon I gave back 30 to the slots. Hope all is good with everyone and we'll be home in 3 days.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
MARCH 30
MARCH 30 SEA DAY 1 OF 6
Today I had my free acupuncture session (that's the least she could do) and told her about my cold and my aversion to heat and how it's giving me panic attacks. She gave me 28 needles and told me it will definitely help my cold and my panic attacks. Now only time will tell. We spent the rest of the day sitting by the pool with glorious sunshine and a nice breeze so you didn't feel the heat so much. I am getting great color but for some reason my face got to a certain point and it's not getting any darker. Such is life.
We didn't go to the show as we've already seen it so we went to the casino and here I am finally doing the blog. Tomorrow we're taking up lei making.
Today I had my free acupuncture session (that's the least she could do) and told her about my cold and my aversion to heat and how it's giving me panic attacks. She gave me 28 needles and told me it will definitely help my cold and my panic attacks. Now only time will tell. We spent the rest of the day sitting by the pool with glorious sunshine and a nice breeze so you didn't feel the heat so much. I am getting great color but for some reason my face got to a certain point and it's not getting any darker. Such is life.
We didn't go to the show as we've already seen it so we went to the casino and here I am finally doing the blog. Tomorrow we're taking up lei making.
MARCH 29
MARCH 29 HILO, HAWAII
After breakfast I packed up my 29 inch suitcase with stuff I have bought and some clothes I won't be needing anymore as we only have 6 sea days left before we reach Ensenada and I have read that when we get to the border we all have to get off the bus and carry all our hand luggage across the border where we will get back on the bus. We'd like to catch an earlier flight so we can fly into West Palm Beach instead of landing in Miami at 12:30 AM. I have a 10AM doctor appointment for my wrist and it would make life so much easier for both of us. We have requested to get off as soon as people are allowed and they say the disembarkation will begin at 5:45AM so it will be a very early wakeup but hopefully means we'll sleep on the plane.
So we go to get off the ship (thankfully it was docked so no tender) andthey stop us thinking we were not getting back on and to place a call to see if it was okay. When they said we could get off we found an information booth and asked where we could find a place that would pac and ship. She tried calling UPS (an 800 number) and they said they had boxes we could buy but souldn't giv her the local store phone number. I thought that was ridiculousand wanted somewhere else so she gave us a place in town and we got in a taxi and off we went. We asked if she would take us on a tour around the island and she said 75 and hour so we told her no since we know that is way too much. She finally found the store we wanted and the man inside was very nice and he found a box for Enid and she shipped 14 lbs. home. I, on the other hand, had a very big box and mine weighed 40 lbs. I am so thankful I did that as it will make my life much easier when I have to pack in 5 days. I was very close to the allowed weight on the way to Sydney so now I am worry free. It was very hot so we grabbed another cab and went back to the ship. Forgot to say that when we got back to the cabin after breakfast there was a call from guest services asking us to call them. They were doing some repair work to the cables on (of course) the liefboat under our floor and had repair people on the balconies on either side of us and one man was hanging off our balcony so for the inconvenience they were sending a bottle of wine to our cabin. By the time we got back from shipping our stuff we had it in our cabin. We finally went to a show tonight and watched an illusionist do card tricks. He kept on repeating the same thing over and over and was putting us to sleep. He was good but after a while we had enough. Had a good night in the casino afterward and am still playing wit the money I started with when I got on in Perth so I can't complain. Tomorrow we start our 1st sea day for the trip acros the Pacific.
After breakfast I packed up my 29 inch suitcase with stuff I have bought and some clothes I won't be needing anymore as we only have 6 sea days left before we reach Ensenada and I have read that when we get to the border we all have to get off the bus and carry all our hand luggage across the border where we will get back on the bus. We'd like to catch an earlier flight so we can fly into West Palm Beach instead of landing in Miami at 12:30 AM. I have a 10AM doctor appointment for my wrist and it would make life so much easier for both of us. We have requested to get off as soon as people are allowed and they say the disembarkation will begin at 5:45AM so it will be a very early wakeup but hopefully means we'll sleep on the plane.
So we go to get off the ship (thankfully it was docked so no tender) andthey stop us thinking we were not getting back on and to place a call to see if it was okay. When they said we could get off we found an information booth and asked where we could find a place that would pac and ship. She tried calling UPS (an 800 number) and they said they had boxes we could buy but souldn't giv her the local store phone number. I thought that was ridiculousand wanted somewhere else so she gave us a place in town and we got in a taxi and off we went. We asked if she would take us on a tour around the island and she said 75 and hour so we told her no since we know that is way too much. She finally found the store we wanted and the man inside was very nice and he found a box for Enid and she shipped 14 lbs. home. I, on the other hand, had a very big box and mine weighed 40 lbs. I am so thankful I did that as it will make my life much easier when I have to pack in 5 days. I was very close to the allowed weight on the way to Sydney so now I am worry free. It was very hot so we grabbed another cab and went back to the ship. Forgot to say that when we got back to the cabin after breakfast there was a call from guest services asking us to call them. They were doing some repair work to the cables on (of course) the liefboat under our floor and had repair people on the balconies on either side of us and one man was hanging off our balcony so for the inconvenience they were sending a bottle of wine to our cabin. By the time we got back from shipping our stuff we had it in our cabin. We finally went to a show tonight and watched an illusionist do card tricks. He kept on repeating the same thing over and over and was putting us to sleep. He was good but after a while we had enough. Had a good night in the casino afterward and am still playing wit the money I started with when I got on in Perth so I can't complain. Tomorrow we start our 1st sea day for the trip acros the Pacific.
MARCH 28
KONA, HAWAII MARCH 28
Today we were awakened about 7 AM when they lowered the lifeboat which is located on the floor below us. We went out on the balcony to watch and after it got in the water they pulled away from the ship to line up so they could start tendering passengers to shore.
As it got about 30 yards from the ship one of the crew that was standing outside of the tender on a little ledge he fell into the water. He was wearing a life vest but he started to holler at the driver as he was trying to swim fully clothed and with shoes so he really wasn't getting to far. The driver finally noticed and started to turn around but in the meantime someone on the tender platform threw him a life ring which really didn't help as we were watching him flounder around. They finally threw him a rope and 4 men pulled him in very fast. To hIm it must have seemed like an eternity.
That is another story no one on the ship is talking about. They only want people to know the good things and are very secretive when something goes wrong. After breakfast we took the tender into town and grabbed a free shutte to Walmart. It was wonderful because they had a huge Hawaii epartment where you could pick up anything you wanted there. We needed to replace some drugs we were running low on and the prices onboard are astronomical and the touristy places were also outrageous. Then we grabbed a shuttle back to the tender, had lnch and sat in the sun for a while but I had to go in as it got way too hot for me. My cold isn't getting any better and we were tired so we decided to have room service for dinner and of course some chicken soup to make me feel better. It was a very early night for us.
Tomorrow we'll be in Hilo but as of now the only thing we have planned is to find a pack and ship place so we can lighten our load going home. It's either pay overweight charges to the airlines or pay it tomorrow.
Today we were awakened about 7 AM when they lowered the lifeboat which is located on the floor below us. We went out on the balcony to watch and after it got in the water they pulled away from the ship to line up so they could start tendering passengers to shore.
As it got about 30 yards from the ship one of the crew that was standing outside of the tender on a little ledge he fell into the water. He was wearing a life vest but he started to holler at the driver as he was trying to swim fully clothed and with shoes so he really wasn't getting to far. The driver finally noticed and started to turn around but in the meantime someone on the tender platform threw him a life ring which really didn't help as we were watching him flounder around. They finally threw him a rope and 4 men pulled him in very fast. To hIm it must have seemed like an eternity.
That is another story no one on the ship is talking about. They only want people to know the good things and are very secretive when something goes wrong. After breakfast we took the tender into town and grabbed a free shutte to Walmart. It was wonderful because they had a huge Hawaii epartment where you could pick up anything you wanted there. We needed to replace some drugs we were running low on and the prices onboard are astronomical and the touristy places were also outrageous. Then we grabbed a shuttle back to the tender, had lnch and sat in the sun for a while but I had to go in as it got way too hot for me. My cold isn't getting any better and we were tired so we decided to have room service for dinner and of course some chicken soup to make me feel better. It was a very early night for us.
Tomorrow we'll be in Hilo but as of now the only thing we have planned is to find a pack and ship place so we can lighten our load going home. It's either pay overweight charges to the airlines or pay it tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
DAY 2 MAUI
MARCH 27 MAUI DAY 2
Today we went whale watching where they guarantee whale sightings so we kidded each other it would either be a stuffed whale or a human wearing a whale costume. When we boarded the boat we decided to sit upstairs in the sun where we thought we would also get a better view. After about 20 minutes I said I wasn't feeling good (I think it was the heat-not the rocking) and went downstairs to be in the shade.
Enid had given me a ziplock bag (just in case) and Sue followed me down. I sat down for about 1 minute before giving up everything I had eaten for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. One of the girls working on the boat brought over a small pail (just in case) and a cup of ice cold water to rinse my mouth. After I was finished I felt better but not great. While all this was going on everyone else was busy watching whales breaching, chin slapping and tail slapping. There was a baby whale (it was less than a week old)and mommy was teaching it how to breach and the baby was doing it after momma. When I finally was able to focus again I saw a whale (I think the mom) jump higher than I ever saw. The people on the ship were oohing and aahing and it was a great experience. When we got off I said I'd like to have some ice cream and then go back to the ship and lie down. I'm finally getting the cold that has been going around the ship for the last 3 cruises and am stuffy and headachey (how do you like that word) so we had room service for dinner and stayed in the room for the rest of the evening. You have to know I'm sick if I didn't
go to the casino.
Tomorrow we'll be in Lailua, Kona and have no tours planned so we will probably try to get a taxi and have them take us to a few interesting places to see.
By the way I know this computer is not getting all the letter as I type so please excuse the errors. I really do know how to spell.
Today we went whale watching where they guarantee whale sightings so we kidded each other it would either be a stuffed whale or a human wearing a whale costume. When we boarded the boat we decided to sit upstairs in the sun where we thought we would also get a better view. After about 20 minutes I said I wasn't feeling good (I think it was the heat-not the rocking) and went downstairs to be in the shade.
Enid had given me a ziplock bag (just in case) and Sue followed me down. I sat down for about 1 minute before giving up everything I had eaten for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. One of the girls working on the boat brought over a small pail (just in case) and a cup of ice cold water to rinse my mouth. After I was finished I felt better but not great. While all this was going on everyone else was busy watching whales breaching, chin slapping and tail slapping. There was a baby whale (it was less than a week old)and mommy was teaching it how to breach and the baby was doing it after momma. When I finally was able to focus again I saw a whale (I think the mom) jump higher than I ever saw. The people on the ship were oohing and aahing and it was a great experience. When we got off I said I'd like to have some ice cream and then go back to the ship and lie down. I'm finally getting the cold that has been going around the ship for the last 3 cruises and am stuffy and headachey (how do you like that word) so we had room service for dinner and stayed in the room for the rest of the evening. You have to know I'm sick if I didn't
go to the casino.
Tomorrow we'll be in Lailua, Kona and have no tours planned so we will probably try to get a taxi and have them take us to a few interesting places to see.
By the way I know this computer is not getting all the letter as I type so please excuse the errors. I really do know how to spell.
MARCH 26
MARCH 26 LAHAINA, MAUI---DAY 1
Got up 6:20 (once again not sure you can call this vacation) to be ready for 7:45 where we have to meet the other 45 people that are taking 4 vans "To the Road to Hana" which we heard was a magnificent tour to take as long as you can take lots of twists and turns along high roads with only guardrails on very narrow roadways. It turned out to be wonderful and we all enjoyed it tremendously. We had been looking forward to swimming under waterfalls for about 1 year but when we got to where we were supposed to swim we couldn't go in the water because the rangers closed the pool. The area (which is in a rainforest) had 27 inches of rain in 1 day and the waters were raging and it would not be safe. We had put on bathing suits
before we left the ship so we essentially wore them for nothing until 9 PM when we got back to the ship. The ride was a little under 200 miles but about 15 of those miles were on totally unpaved roads that were broken into 3 different sections. The driver warned us that it was like baby bear, mama bear and papa bear and believe me when I tell you we were bouncing around like Spaulding balls. We had lunch at a flower farm that sends the most beautiful arrangements around the world. They also gave each of us a beautiful flower. Forgot to mention when we got to the waterfall park one of the rangers gave Enid and I roses that he had made out of some kind of leaf and we asked him for one for Sue (she went walking one of the trails)
and he gave us one that he said was a bird. I thought it looked like a grasshopper, Sue thought something else and when she thanked the ranger he said it was a teradactyl so we all laughed. When we got off the van at the end we decided to walk around town and find a place for dinner which we did and the food was okay, not great but edible. At least this time we had a good tender ride with no surprises.
I was so exhausted I fell asleep before Enid even got out of the shower.
Got up 6:20 (once again not sure you can call this vacation) to be ready for 7:45 where we have to meet the other 45 people that are taking 4 vans "To the Road to Hana" which we heard was a magnificent tour to take as long as you can take lots of twists and turns along high roads with only guardrails on very narrow roadways. It turned out to be wonderful and we all enjoyed it tremendously. We had been looking forward to swimming under waterfalls for about 1 year but when we got to where we were supposed to swim we couldn't go in the water because the rangers closed the pool. The area (which is in a rainforest) had 27 inches of rain in 1 day and the waters were raging and it would not be safe. We had put on bathing suits
before we left the ship so we essentially wore them for nothing until 9 PM when we got back to the ship. The ride was a little under 200 miles but about 15 of those miles were on totally unpaved roads that were broken into 3 different sections. The driver warned us that it was like baby bear, mama bear and papa bear and believe me when I tell you we were bouncing around like Spaulding balls. We had lunch at a flower farm that sends the most beautiful arrangements around the world. They also gave each of us a beautiful flower. Forgot to mention when we got to the waterfall park one of the rangers gave Enid and I roses that he had made out of some kind of leaf and we asked him for one for Sue (she went walking one of the trails)
and he gave us one that he said was a bird. I thought it looked like a grasshopper, Sue thought something else and when she thanked the ranger he said it was a teradactyl so we all laughed. When we got off the van at the end we decided to walk around town and find a place for dinner which we did and the food was okay, not great but edible. At least this time we had a good tender ride with no surprises.
I was so exhausted I fell asleep before Enid even got out of the shower.
Monday, March 26, 2012
MARCH 25
MARCH 25 KAUAI, HAWAII
This morning we didn't rush around as we had no planned tours so after a leisurely breakfast we got off the ship and took a free shuttle to a small shopping center which had the same crap as every other store we've gone into. I finally got a shaved ice which I've wanted since Maui and it wasn't worth the anticipation. While I was eating that Enid walked across the street and down a ways to another shopping
center and said they also had the same stuff. Took the shuttle back to the ship and finally found some time to sit by the pool hoping to get some color. It was too hot for me so I lasted less than 1/2 hour and went back to the cabin to get ready for our first formal night of this cruise. Tonight they had rack of lamb which
I love but the service was so slow that we had to rush eating in order to make the show.
Tomrrow we are to arrive in Maui for an overnight and we have a tour taking the road to Hana which is going to be a very long day and we've decided to have dinner in one of the restaurants in town when we get back.
This morning we didn't rush around as we had no planned tours so after a leisurely breakfast we got off the ship and took a free shuttle to a small shopping center which had the same crap as every other store we've gone into. I finally got a shaved ice which I've wanted since Maui and it wasn't worth the anticipation. While I was eating that Enid walked across the street and down a ways to another shopping
center and said they also had the same stuff. Took the shuttle back to the ship and finally found some time to sit by the pool hoping to get some color. It was too hot for me so I lasted less than 1/2 hour and went back to the cabin to get ready for our first formal night of this cruise. Tonight they had rack of lamb which
I love but the service was so slow that we had to rush eating in order to make the show.
Tomrrow we are to arrive in Maui for an overnight and we have a tour taking the road to Hana which is going to be a very long day and we've decided to have dinner in one of the restaurants in town when we get back.
MARCH 24
MARCH 24 SATURDAY
Today we were still in Honolulu and we had a 7:45 tour so we got off the boat at 7:30 and started looking for our pick-up location. We got different answers from everyone we asked so Enid called the tour company to find out the exact location and then I saw her jaw drop so I knew we had a problem. It seems they claim they notified us yesterday that they changed the pickup tme to 8:45 because they didn't want us to be on the van when they picked up the rest of the people. We told Enid to call back and say we were not going to wait around another hour and if the couldn't pick us up sooner the should give us back our money. She had Enid on hold and came back and said the driver would be there in 5 minutes. He was (we found throughout the day) a fantastic guide. Some of the people were very nice but there was one lady that was the most miserable person one could ever run into (and I'd love to in a car). She complained about everything and everyone. The tour was wonderful but we didn't get back to the ship until 6:30 so it was a very full day. We were given boxed lunches and were supposed to go to a little island with an
open boat with no backs on the bench seats and eat in a covered tent. Enid and I decided to eat ours in the van so the rest of the people went without us but they got caught in very heavy rains and got back on like drowned rats. They all told us how smart we were for staying behind. The miserable lady got off the van but ate by herself in the covered boat waiting area. We went around the entire island and made
a lo of stops but it was a beautiful day except for th 10 minutes of heavy rain. To make a long story short we were the last to be dropped off after the tour and we found out she is on our cruise ship. This should be an interesting cruise. We can't wait to see how many more enemies she can collect.
Tomorrow we will be in Kauai from 8-6 and we don't have a scheduled tour so we might grab a taxi and have them take us around. There is a 50% chance of rain but that's the way these cruises have been for us so we're used to it.
Today we were still in Honolulu and we had a 7:45 tour so we got off the boat at 7:30 and started looking for our pick-up location. We got different answers from everyone we asked so Enid called the tour company to find out the exact location and then I saw her jaw drop so I knew we had a problem. It seems they claim they notified us yesterday that they changed the pickup tme to 8:45 because they didn't want us to be on the van when they picked up the rest of the people. We told Enid to call back and say we were not going to wait around another hour and if the couldn't pick us up sooner the should give us back our money. She had Enid on hold and came back and said the driver would be there in 5 minutes. He was (we found throughout the day) a fantastic guide. Some of the people were very nice but there was one lady that was the most miserable person one could ever run into (and I'd love to in a car). She complained about everything and everyone. The tour was wonderful but we didn't get back to the ship until 6:30 so it was a very full day. We were given boxed lunches and were supposed to go to a little island with an
open boat with no backs on the bench seats and eat in a covered tent. Enid and I decided to eat ours in the van so the rest of the people went without us but they got caught in very heavy rains and got back on like drowned rats. They all told us how smart we were for staying behind. The miserable lady got off the van but ate by herself in the covered boat waiting area. We went around the entire island and made
a lo of stops but it was a beautiful day except for th 10 minutes of heavy rain. To make a long story short we were the last to be dropped off after the tour and we found out she is on our cruise ship. This should be an interesting cruise. We can't wait to see how many more enemies she can collect.
Tomorrow we will be in Kauai from 8-6 and we don't have a scheduled tour so we might grab a taxi and have them take us around. There is a 50% chance of rain but that's the way these cruises have been for us so we're used to it.
MARCH 23
March 23 DAY 3
Today we were in Honolulu and most of the passengers got off to return to their homes but not Enid and I--the intrepid travelers. We got off fairly early and caght a cab to the Queens Medical Center and went to the emergency room so they could xray my hand. It felt great to go to a U.S. hospital even if tHey aren't as up to date as the mainland. They told me I really shattered two bones together and there
are fragments floating in the hand. When they removed the cast you could see there is a nice size bump on the side that was broken and there is still some swelling. They said with the damage I did there would be arthritis (what else is new) ad I think something else but my short term memory didn't remember. Enid remembered to ask for a copy of the xrays on a disk so I could bring it to my doctor back home.
Took a cab back near the ship where there was a few stores (more like huts) that we meandered through. All we bought was soda to bring back on the ship. Then we had to go through security with all the new passengers getting on so that took a while and we missed saying goodbye to the alternate hotel director Tom Brady as he got off today to go home to Chicago and the 85 degree weather. By the time we put or sodas away and went for lunch it was time shower and get ready for this evening. Sue went
shopping all day and when she got back to the ship and went to wear a blouse that she purchased they had never taken the security tag off so on the way to the hotel we had the taxi driver make a quick stop to have it removed. The alarm didn't beep when they left the store but it did beep on the way back in.
Sue has been talking forever about going to the pink palace (real name of Royal Hawaiian) and having Mai Tai's on their terrace which is right on the beach overlooking Diamond Head and lots of surfers which was an absolutely wonderful place for drinks. Grabbed another taxi to take us to a mall for shopping (what else does Sue do) but it was out of our league so we decided to go to the food court
for dinner but everyone else in Hawaii had the same idea and we couldn't find a table. It was about 7:30 so we decided to go back to the ship and have dinner in the dining room. Now it is 10:49 and we are getting ready for bed as we have to get up 6:25 for our 7:30 AM full day tour that we booked a long tme ago.
Today we were in Honolulu and most of the passengers got off to return to their homes but not Enid and I--the intrepid travelers. We got off fairly early and caght a cab to the Queens Medical Center and went to the emergency room so they could xray my hand. It felt great to go to a U.S. hospital even if tHey aren't as up to date as the mainland. They told me I really shattered two bones together and there
are fragments floating in the hand. When they removed the cast you could see there is a nice size bump on the side that was broken and there is still some swelling. They said with the damage I did there would be arthritis (what else is new) ad I think something else but my short term memory didn't remember. Enid remembered to ask for a copy of the xrays on a disk so I could bring it to my doctor back home.
Took a cab back near the ship where there was a few stores (more like huts) that we meandered through. All we bought was soda to bring back on the ship. Then we had to go through security with all the new passengers getting on so that took a while and we missed saying goodbye to the alternate hotel director Tom Brady as he got off today to go home to Chicago and the 85 degree weather. By the time we put or sodas away and went for lunch it was time shower and get ready for this evening. Sue went
shopping all day and when she got back to the ship and went to wear a blouse that she purchased they had never taken the security tag off so on the way to the hotel we had the taxi driver make a quick stop to have it removed. The alarm didn't beep when they left the store but it did beep on the way back in.
Sue has been talking forever about going to the pink palace (real name of Royal Hawaiian) and having Mai Tai's on their terrace which is right on the beach overlooking Diamond Head and lots of surfers which was an absolutely wonderful place for drinks. Grabbed another taxi to take us to a mall for shopping (what else does Sue do) but it was out of our league so we decided to go to the food court
for dinner but everyone else in Hawaii had the same idea and we couldn't find a table. It was about 7:30 so we decided to go back to the ship and have dinner in the dining room. Now it is 10:49 and we are getting ready for bed as we have to get up 6:25 for our 7:30 AM full day tour that we booked a long tme ago.
Friday, March 23, 2012
MAUI, HAWAII
MARCH 22 MAUI, HAWAII
No one can tell us we lead a boring life--what a day this has been; what a rare mood I'm in. As you already know we were awakened this morning extremely early so we weren't happy people. We got off the ship and on the tender about 10:15 as we had to go through customs and immigration since this was the first time the ship hit the U.S. in about 6 months. As usual they were running about 1/2 our late and the line was more than 1/2 the length of the ship. We survived that but when the tender got
semi-close to the dock there was a backlog of tenders (Golden Princess was also here) so we rocked on the tender about 15 minutes before we could pull in. They said 80% chance of rain and it was sunny, hot and humid all day. They also have wonderful weather forecasters here like everywhere else. It was the first time we have been able to shop since we got on the ship 34 days ago. We were looking for
something to wear that looked Hawaiian as we were going to a Luau tonight and thought it would be nice. Since it was very hot we lasted a little more than 2 hours before we went back to the ship. Dropped our bags off in the cabin and went for lunch and sat around the table talking until we realized we had to rush to shower and change as we were leaving for the Luau at 3:45 knowing the tenders would be backed up again and we had to get a cab. It was Enid, me, Sue and Steve, Terry and Wally that were going. Sue and Steve left before us to get us tickets to go whale watching next week and were going to meet us at the dock. We get off the elevator at the tender access floor and they tell us to go to the port side. We get there and they tell us to go starboard and when we go there they said the tender just left and go back to the port side. Would you believe I was first on line and we stood there about 15 minutes before they said go back to the other side. So now we're at the end of a long line and we're having fits because we weren't even sure they would have room for us but thankfully we got on. Now it's 4:10 and we again get near the pier and there are 5 tenders waiting to dock. They had to let 3 Princess tenders go in before us as the ship was going to leave shortly. When we knew we were going to pull in Wally called a van taxi driver he had met in the morning and she said she'd be there in 10 minutes. 25 later when she never showed up we got in another van and she wasn't excited when we told her where
we were going and she said it was only a mile away but when we gave her $10 dollars for a $7 ride she said she would pick us up after the Luau was over. We waited a while for her but she finally showed up and drove us back to the port.
Now comes the best and most unbelievable part of our day. We got on the tender at 8:45 and the seas were a little rough and got 1/2 way to the ship and all of a sudden we stopped dead in the water. We were rockin and rollin and going nowhere and they couldn't restart the motor. So there we sat not knowing how long we'd be there. We had a good time while we were waiting, laughing and kidding around but we were nervous thinking we would have to make a transfer to another tender in the dark
and we were rocking. Sue said she wouldn't do it, Enid wasn't too happy either and sure enough another tender pulled along side of us and they tied the two together and we had to make the switch. I do have to say we probably sat there for quite a whie because we got back to the ship about about 9:30ish. We can now say we've been rescued at sea. The workers on both tenders made the transition easy for us
so it wasn't badbut it was a scary experience. We found out the problem was rope somehow got wrapped around the motor.
Now for the good part of our day. The Luau was absolutely wonderful. When you enter they give everyone Mai Tai's and Kukui nut leis and take you to your table and explain where the bar is and give you a list of available drinks, beers, juices and sodas and tell you to drink your way down the list. All the drinks, etc. were included in the cost so it was a no brainer. I did a pretty good job getting (I think) to drink number 6. After all I am my father's daughter. We really all enjoyed it very much and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
How's that for a day in Maui? I forgot to say that we did get something to wear and
flowers for our hair.
No one can tell us we lead a boring life--what a day this has been; what a rare mood I'm in. As you already know we were awakened this morning extremely early so we weren't happy people. We got off the ship and on the tender about 10:15 as we had to go through customs and immigration since this was the first time the ship hit the U.S. in about 6 months. As usual they were running about 1/2 our late and the line was more than 1/2 the length of the ship. We survived that but when the tender got
semi-close to the dock there was a backlog of tenders (Golden Princess was also here) so we rocked on the tender about 15 minutes before we could pull in. They said 80% chance of rain and it was sunny, hot and humid all day. They also have wonderful weather forecasters here like everywhere else. It was the first time we have been able to shop since we got on the ship 34 days ago. We were looking for
something to wear that looked Hawaiian as we were going to a Luau tonight and thought it would be nice. Since it was very hot we lasted a little more than 2 hours before we went back to the ship. Dropped our bags off in the cabin and went for lunch and sat around the table talking until we realized we had to rush to shower and change as we were leaving for the Luau at 3:45 knowing the tenders would be backed up again and we had to get a cab. It was Enid, me, Sue and Steve, Terry and Wally that were going. Sue and Steve left before us to get us tickets to go whale watching next week and were going to meet us at the dock. We get off the elevator at the tender access floor and they tell us to go to the port side. We get there and they tell us to go starboard and when we go there they said the tender just left and go back to the port side. Would you believe I was first on line and we stood there about 15 minutes before they said go back to the other side. So now we're at the end of a long line and we're having fits because we weren't even sure they would have room for us but thankfully we got on. Now it's 4:10 and we again get near the pier and there are 5 tenders waiting to dock. They had to let 3 Princess tenders go in before us as the ship was going to leave shortly. When we knew we were going to pull in Wally called a van taxi driver he had met in the morning and she said she'd be there in 10 minutes. 25 later when she never showed up we got in another van and she wasn't excited when we told her where
we were going and she said it was only a mile away but when we gave her $10 dollars for a $7 ride she said she would pick us up after the Luau was over. We waited a while for her but she finally showed up and drove us back to the port.
Now comes the best and most unbelievable part of our day. We got on the tender at 8:45 and the seas were a little rough and got 1/2 way to the ship and all of a sudden we stopped dead in the water. We were rockin and rollin and going nowhere and they couldn't restart the motor. So there we sat not knowing how long we'd be there. We had a good time while we were waiting, laughing and kidding around but we were nervous thinking we would have to make a transfer to another tender in the dark
and we were rocking. Sue said she wouldn't do it, Enid wasn't too happy either and sure enough another tender pulled along side of us and they tied the two together and we had to make the switch. I do have to say we probably sat there for quite a whie because we got back to the ship about about 9:30ish. We can now say we've been rescued at sea. The workers on both tenders made the transition easy for us
so it wasn't badbut it was a scary experience. We found out the problem was rope somehow got wrapped around the motor.
Now for the good part of our day. The Luau was absolutely wonderful. When you enter they give everyone Mai Tai's and Kukui nut leis and take you to your table and explain where the bar is and give you a list of available drinks, beers, juices and sodas and tell you to drink your way down the list. All the drinks, etc. were included in the cost so it was a no brainer. I did a pretty good job getting (I think) to drink number 6. After all I am my father's daughter. We really all enjoyed it very much and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
How's that for a day in Maui? I forgot to say that we did get something to wear and
flowers for our hair.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
March 22
MARCH 22 PART 1
HELENE--Just read your comment and I'd like to go see Jay Black on 2/8. I wasn't
impressed with their list.
We were wakened this morning at 5:45 as the coast guard was doing an inspection of the ship as it is the first time we're in US waters in 6 months. They had to lower
the lifeboats and there was such a racket it was impossible to sleep.
HELENE--Just read your comment and I'd like to go see Jay Black on 2/8. I wasn't
impressed with their list.
We were wakened this morning at 5:45 as the coast guard was doing an inspection of the ship as it is the first time we're in US waters in 6 months. They had to lower
the lifeboats and there was such a racket it was impossible to sleep.
March 21
MARCH 21
Today was the last sea day of this cruise and tomorrow we will be in Lahaina which is Maui and the predicted forecast is high of 75 with an 80% chance of rain. At the crew talent show this morning the captain was thanking everyone for coming on his ship and asking if they all enjoyed the cruise. Then he said everyone shoud thank him and he asked if we know why we should. Then he said "because I found all
the islands" and everyone laughed. He said as for the sun, corportate office told him it was too expensive and there wasn't money in the budget for us to have it. It looks like we won't have too much sun tomorrow if the forecast is correct. It's a tender port and I don't have fond memories of the tender ride last time I was here.
On the happier side with only 15 more days before we come home, my clothes still fit and nothing is tight so I guess I'm doing well with my eating. When we dock tomorrow since we will be in the states I will be able to make some calls and I know how happy I'll be to hear my friends voices again. Yesterday while I was on AOL I caught Helene online and it was fantastic to instant message with her and it was
almost as good as being on the telephone.
We went down to medical to find out if the doctor has made an appointment for me in Honolulu to see a doctor for my wrist but if he hasn't gotten one we'll just go to the emergency room for an xray to see if the wrist is doing okay and hopefully they'll put a splint on to keep me from using it until I get home.
JULES---I'm going to pass on the cruise as I'm going to New Zealand in January with Helene and Barbara and Mike and then we have the 2 cruises in April/May. I still have the TA with you in August and another cruise for Thanksgiving with Helene and her family. I'm also going to try and get a cruise around my birthday since it's a biggie. We spoke to the hotel director on this ship about Sue wanting to see movies and he arranged to show quite a few newer ones with subtitles and she is in pig heaven. It's gotten to the point where she doesn't even care what the movie is, as long as it has subtitles.
Today was the last sea day of this cruise and tomorrow we will be in Lahaina which is Maui and the predicted forecast is high of 75 with an 80% chance of rain. At the crew talent show this morning the captain was thanking everyone for coming on his ship and asking if they all enjoyed the cruise. Then he said everyone shoud thank him and he asked if we know why we should. Then he said "because I found all
the islands" and everyone laughed. He said as for the sun, corportate office told him it was too expensive and there wasn't money in the budget for us to have it. It looks like we won't have too much sun tomorrow if the forecast is correct. It's a tender port and I don't have fond memories of the tender ride last time I was here.
On the happier side with only 15 more days before we come home, my clothes still fit and nothing is tight so I guess I'm doing well with my eating. When we dock tomorrow since we will be in the states I will be able to make some calls and I know how happy I'll be to hear my friends voices again. Yesterday while I was on AOL I caught Helene online and it was fantastic to instant message with her and it was
almost as good as being on the telephone.
We went down to medical to find out if the doctor has made an appointment for me in Honolulu to see a doctor for my wrist but if he hasn't gotten one we'll just go to the emergency room for an xray to see if the wrist is doing okay and hopefully they'll put a splint on to keep me from using it until I get home.
JULES---I'm going to pass on the cruise as I'm going to New Zealand in January with Helene and Barbara and Mike and then we have the 2 cruises in April/May. I still have the TA with you in August and another cruise for Thanksgiving with Helene and her family. I'm also going to try and get a cruise around my birthday since it's a biggie. We spoke to the hotel director on this ship about Sue wanting to see movies and he arranged to show quite a few newer ones with subtitles and she is in pig heaven. It's gotten to the point where she doesn't even care what the movie is, as long as it has subtitles.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
MARCH 18, 19 AND 20
MARCH 18,19 and 20
Sorry I haven't been keeping up to date with the blog but time keeps running away from me. We are still
having sea days and I've started acupuncture for my migraines and the pain in my knee and for the pain in
my wrist. I my fingers are swelling and staring to push together but I'm goingto go to the hospital once we
get to Hawaii to have everything checked out. This cruise the seas have been very rough, lots of rain and
lots of wind. We've been trying to get some sun any time it comes out. Today in the theater they showed
a rescue that the century made last October where the ship was hit by a huge wave and it threw the
captain across the galley where he broke 5 vertabrae and was bleeding internally and had an infection so
he called the coast guard for a rescue and they callled the century which was the closest ship to the yacht.
It as the only ship within 1000 miles of the yacht. The yacht was a 50 footer and he was delivering the yacht
from San Diego to Maui. The Century took movies of the tender being lowered into rough seas at
midnight with a medical team to help and bring them onboard. It took the tender 16 hours to get there
for the rescue. The Century had to miss going to Maui because of the time it took for the rescue and
of course the are always the ignorant people that get infuriated because of a deviation. I always say I
wonder how they would feel if it was happening to them.
After lunch today we're going to make leis with ribbon.
Hope all is well with everyone and I promise to try harder with the blog.
.
Sorry I haven't been keeping up to date with the blog but time keeps running away from me. We are still
having sea days and I've started acupuncture for my migraines and the pain in my knee and for the pain in
my wrist. I my fingers are swelling and staring to push together but I'm goingto go to the hospital once we
get to Hawaii to have everything checked out. This cruise the seas have been very rough, lots of rain and
lots of wind. We've been trying to get some sun any time it comes out. Today in the theater they showed
a rescue that the century made last October where the ship was hit by a huge wave and it threw the
captain across the galley where he broke 5 vertabrae and was bleeding internally and had an infection so
he called the coast guard for a rescue and they callled the century which was the closest ship to the yacht.
It as the only ship within 1000 miles of the yacht. The yacht was a 50 footer and he was delivering the yacht
from San Diego to Maui. The Century took movies of the tender being lowered into rough seas at
midnight with a medical team to help and bring them onboard. It took the tender 16 hours to get there
for the rescue. The Century had to miss going to Maui because of the time it took for the rescue and
of course the are always the ignorant people that get infuriated because of a deviation. I always say I
wonder how they would feel if it was happening to them.
After lunch today we're going to make leis with ribbon.
Hope all is well with everyone and I promise to try harder with the blog.
.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
March 16
MARCH 16 FRIDAY
Where has the time gone. If I'm not mistaken today is the 29th day we've been onboard. Where has a month gone? The time goes by so quickly thart it's hard to imagine we've been on that long and more than half of our adventure is over.
Today we were in Raiatea and to be perfectly honest this day can't end fast enough. We had a tour today which turned out to be a disaster. We were supposed to have 2 boats as there was 27 of us originally and when we went to the docks for our boats they weren't there and our boat (notice the singular) showed up 1/2 hour late and said there was problem with one of the boats so we had to squeeze into 1 boat. There were 2 very smart people that said there wasn't enough room and they didn't want to be squeezed in like a sardine. We were supposed to go to an island where some people could swim and some could snorkel but it took us 1 1/2 hours to get there because they were also having problems with the engine. Isn't that a great start to a wonderful day? I forgot to mention on the way to the island we passed lots of dolphins playing in the water. We didn't know it at the time but that turned out to be the only good part of or day. We get to the island and first they say only the swimmers get off here and they'll take the snorkelers elsewhere. We (not easily) climb down the ladder into the water and walk onto the island and
the first thing we see are bags of dirty garbage. Since it was 10 AM it could not possibly be from today.
There was basically no place for us to sit so Enid and I decided to get back on the boat and when we turned around we noticed that the snorkelers had gotten off and were walking toward their destination. I went to get on first and Enid had 1 hand on one side of my backside and one of the workers had a hand on my other cheek while Wally was pulling me on from inside the boat. When it was Enid's turn the worker was all that was left in the water so he had the pleasure of having both hands on her tush. We all know what kind of smile he had on his face! To make a long story short we sat there waiting for the snorkelers (who by the way got very cut up from the coral reef) that came back bloody. It then took us 1 hour 40 minutes to
get to the next destination of seeing turtles except that we were all getting nervous we wouldn't get back to the ship before it left for 5 sea days to Maui. We told the owner we had to be back by 1 and he originally said no problem. On the way to the turtle place he said we would have to switch boats at the turtle
place if we wanted to make our boat. We never saw the turtles because everyone had to run to the bathroom (lucky for us the men went to the back of the building) and we got back to the ship at 1:30 with 15 minutes to spare. We all complained to the head of the operation that we want some money back (which fell on deaf ears) so we're all going on the computer to advise people coming to this island not to
use his company. We're also going to tell the ship in case they want to hire them for one of their shore excursions.
Tomorrow is St. Patty's day and the first of 5 more sea days.
I forgot to mention that when we were in the cocktail lounge tonight a couple walked
over to us when they heard us discussing our poor tour today and they were to 2
intelligent people that asked for their money back.
Where has the time gone. If I'm not mistaken today is the 29th day we've been onboard. Where has a month gone? The time goes by so quickly thart it's hard to imagine we've been on that long and more than half of our adventure is over.
Today we were in Raiatea and to be perfectly honest this day can't end fast enough. We had a tour today which turned out to be a disaster. We were supposed to have 2 boats as there was 27 of us originally and when we went to the docks for our boats they weren't there and our boat (notice the singular) showed up 1/2 hour late and said there was problem with one of the boats so we had to squeeze into 1 boat. There were 2 very smart people that said there wasn't enough room and they didn't want to be squeezed in like a sardine. We were supposed to go to an island where some people could swim and some could snorkel but it took us 1 1/2 hours to get there because they were also having problems with the engine. Isn't that a great start to a wonderful day? I forgot to mention on the way to the island we passed lots of dolphins playing in the water. We didn't know it at the time but that turned out to be the only good part of or day. We get to the island and first they say only the swimmers get off here and they'll take the snorkelers elsewhere. We (not easily) climb down the ladder into the water and walk onto the island and
the first thing we see are bags of dirty garbage. Since it was 10 AM it could not possibly be from today.
There was basically no place for us to sit so Enid and I decided to get back on the boat and when we turned around we noticed that the snorkelers had gotten off and were walking toward their destination. I went to get on first and Enid had 1 hand on one side of my backside and one of the workers had a hand on my other cheek while Wally was pulling me on from inside the boat. When it was Enid's turn the worker was all that was left in the water so he had the pleasure of having both hands on her tush. We all know what kind of smile he had on his face! To make a long story short we sat there waiting for the snorkelers (who by the way got very cut up from the coral reef) that came back bloody. It then took us 1 hour 40 minutes to
get to the next destination of seeing turtles except that we were all getting nervous we wouldn't get back to the ship before it left for 5 sea days to Maui. We told the owner we had to be back by 1 and he originally said no problem. On the way to the turtle place he said we would have to switch boats at the turtle
place if we wanted to make our boat. We never saw the turtles because everyone had to run to the bathroom (lucky for us the men went to the back of the building) and we got back to the ship at 1:30 with 15 minutes to spare. We all complained to the head of the operation that we want some money back (which fell on deaf ears) so we're all going on the computer to advise people coming to this island not to
use his company. We're also going to tell the ship in case they want to hire them for one of their shore excursions.
Tomorrow is St. Patty's day and the first of 5 more sea days.
I forgot to mention that when we were in the cocktail lounge tonight a couple walked
over to us when they heard us discussing our poor tour today and they were to 2
intelligent people that asked for their money back.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Joanie
Just read your comment and Joanie's number is 914-235-7856. Send Sandy my love. Remember her birthday is 3/18.
march 15
MARCH 15 THURSDAY
Where do I begin to tell you about one of the best days of my life. Today we were in Bora Bora and it was everything I ever expected of the Polynesian Islands. We had to take a tender to shore which was fine but when we got off the tender the skies opened up and we ran to a big open sided hut so we were protected. It poured for about 20 minutes but while we were there, thre was a gorgeous Polynesian baby
so of course I went over to ask if I could hold him and I did. The boy was 3 months old but was he ever heavy. I had a smile from ear to ear. Then we each paid for the tour and got on a small 12 passenger boat with 2 Polynesian young men (they were real easy on the eyes) who weren't wearing much (wait for the pictures) and took off to a spot where we got out and played with the sting rays (they were easy to
touch) had sharks swimming around us but they don't ike to eat people) and stayed in the water for quite a while. We also saw lots of different fish as the water so so clear you could see your feet. That was a lot of fun. I had my cast in 2 umbrella bags closed tightly around my upper arm with duct tape. I kept my arm out of the water as much as I could. After climbing back in the boat (not an easy feat) we then moved to another spot for swmming and snorkeling but some of us stayed in the boat. Sue and Terry got out with another woman and our driver (he said his name was Ralph Lauren) took out a life preserver and he dragged the three girls all around while they held on to the preserver. They had a great time doing
that. We then went to a 3rd spot where the ukeelea player (his name was Rocky Balboa) wet into the water ad went down to the bottom and picked up sand and rubbed it all over his body and said it makes your skin so soft. That's a plug for Sandy, the Avon lady. At that point we all decided to go in and use it as an exfoliant and put it all over our upper bodies and faces. That felt very good until we went to take it off and discovered it was much easier to put on. I had to dunk several times and my two bags got a little water in them but didn't do much damage. When we got back to the cabin and went to take off our suits and water shoes we left a lot of that sand on the floor in the bathroom and the carpet.
Okay, back to our day. The last stop was a lagoon with tables with benches and umbrellas in the shallow water where we were going to have lunch. They served us lobster, fresh tuna, a cooked pig, chicken with spinach, all kinds of fresh fruit and some kinds of root stuff. They also had sodas, water, beer and champagne. What an absolutely fantastic day. The tour started at 9:30 and we got back to the
ship about 4 PM. We were invited by the captain to a special sail-a-way party on the crew deck at the very front of the ship (by invitation only) where they served champagne, mimosas, orange juice and I have no idea what else. From there we went to the Elite lounge for our drinks and hor devoures before dinner. We all agreed that this was a very special day and one we'll never forget. I can only
hope that my pictres do it justice. It's something that has to be seen to appreciate what this place is all about.
Where do I begin to tell you about one of the best days of my life. Today we were in Bora Bora and it was everything I ever expected of the Polynesian Islands. We had to take a tender to shore which was fine but when we got off the tender the skies opened up and we ran to a big open sided hut so we were protected. It poured for about 20 minutes but while we were there, thre was a gorgeous Polynesian baby
so of course I went over to ask if I could hold him and I did. The boy was 3 months old but was he ever heavy. I had a smile from ear to ear. Then we each paid for the tour and got on a small 12 passenger boat with 2 Polynesian young men (they were real easy on the eyes) who weren't wearing much (wait for the pictures) and took off to a spot where we got out and played with the sting rays (they were easy to
touch) had sharks swimming around us but they don't ike to eat people) and stayed in the water for quite a while. We also saw lots of different fish as the water so so clear you could see your feet. That was a lot of fun. I had my cast in 2 umbrella bags closed tightly around my upper arm with duct tape. I kept my arm out of the water as much as I could. After climbing back in the boat (not an easy feat) we then moved to another spot for swmming and snorkeling but some of us stayed in the boat. Sue and Terry got out with another woman and our driver (he said his name was Ralph Lauren) took out a life preserver and he dragged the three girls all around while they held on to the preserver. They had a great time doing
that. We then went to a 3rd spot where the ukeelea player (his name was Rocky Balboa) wet into the water ad went down to the bottom and picked up sand and rubbed it all over his body and said it makes your skin so soft. That's a plug for Sandy, the Avon lady. At that point we all decided to go in and use it as an exfoliant and put it all over our upper bodies and faces. That felt very good until we went to take it off and discovered it was much easier to put on. I had to dunk several times and my two bags got a little water in them but didn't do much damage. When we got back to the cabin and went to take off our suits and water shoes we left a lot of that sand on the floor in the bathroom and the carpet.
Okay, back to our day. The last stop was a lagoon with tables with benches and umbrellas in the shallow water where we were going to have lunch. They served us lobster, fresh tuna, a cooked pig, chicken with spinach, all kinds of fresh fruit and some kinds of root stuff. They also had sodas, water, beer and champagne. What an absolutely fantastic day. The tour started at 9:30 and we got back to the
ship about 4 PM. We were invited by the captain to a special sail-a-way party on the crew deck at the very front of the ship (by invitation only) where they served champagne, mimosas, orange juice and I have no idea what else. From there we went to the Elite lounge for our drinks and hor devoures before dinner. We all agreed that this was a very special day and one we'll never forget. I can only
hope that my pictres do it justice. It's something that has to be seen to appreciate what this place is all about.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 13 and 14
MARCH 13 AND 14
First I have to thank Barbara for keeping me up to date with Sandy and thank her for keeping in touch
with her.
On the 13th we were in Tahiti and it was raining when we started our tour and continued for 3 of the 5
hours we were touring. I wasn't feeling to well and couldn't appreciate some of the stops we made. We
were all saying this isn't the weather we were thinking about in the Polynesian Islands. We think of
swaying palm trees, sun and beautiful sights. We did see some nice homes but on the whole, I'd say it
was disappointing seeing homes made of metal sheets, some without glass in the windows. I felt sorry
for these people but when I asked our guide he said the people are very happy because they don't know
any better.
Today we are in Moorea and I decided since it was going to rain for most of the day I'd stay onboard.
Enid is on tour and will let you know her opinion when she gets back. Enid absolutely loved the tour even
though the 3 of them (Sue, Steve and Enid) looked like drowned rats. They fed the stingrays, had black
fin sharks swimming around them, had lunch and really enjoyed the day even with the bad weather.
HELENE--Enid said yes for Peter Pan.
First I have to thank Barbara for keeping me up to date with Sandy and thank her for keeping in touch
with her.
On the 13th we were in Tahiti and it was raining when we started our tour and continued for 3 of the 5
hours we were touring. I wasn't feeling to well and couldn't appreciate some of the stops we made. We
were all saying this isn't the weather we were thinking about in the Polynesian Islands. We think of
swaying palm trees, sun and beautiful sights. We did see some nice homes but on the whole, I'd say it
was disappointing seeing homes made of metal sheets, some without glass in the windows. I felt sorry
for these people but when I asked our guide he said the people are very happy because they don't know
any better.
Today we are in Moorea and I decided since it was going to rain for most of the day I'd stay onboard.
Enid is on tour and will let you know her opinion when she gets back. Enid absolutely loved the tour even
though the 3 of them (Sue, Steve and Enid) looked like drowned rats. They fed the stingrays, had black
fin sharks swimming around them, had lunch and really enjoyed the day even with the bad weather.
HELENE--Enid said yes for Peter Pan.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
SUNDAY
MARCH 11, 2012
Another sea day and really nothing exciting to report. After breakfast this morning we went to the cinema
and saw Mr. Poppers Penguins". I thought it was very cute. Jules, you should really see it; it might bring
back fond memories.
After lunch we went to a cooking demonstration but it was the same one we went to last cruise and we couldn't understand the chef last time and it was no different this time.
Tonight is the guitarist/singer that we love and the magician (who we missed last night) but heard he's just okay. I'm sure they'll have the guitarist on second so we'll be forced to see the magician. Maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised.
If anyone is interested the 18th is Sandy's birthday. I think it woud be nice if she got a few phone calls. Please tell her I ask about her a lot and wish her well.
Another sea day and really nothing exciting to report. After breakfast this morning we went to the cinema
and saw Mr. Poppers Penguins". I thought it was very cute. Jules, you should really see it; it might bring
back fond memories.
After lunch we went to a cooking demonstration but it was the same one we went to last cruise and we couldn't understand the chef last time and it was no different this time.
Tonight is the guitarist/singer that we love and the magician (who we missed last night) but heard he's just okay. I'm sure they'll have the guitarist on second so we'll be forced to see the magician. Maybe we'll be pleasantly surprised.
If anyone is interested the 18th is Sandy's birthday. I think it woud be nice if she got a few phone calls. Please tell her I ask about her a lot and wish her well.
MARCH 10
MARCH 10, 2012 SATURDAY
Today is another sea day and for a change Enid and I slept most of the afternoon away. She still has
her cough, taking different meds and 8 nebulizer treatments has cost her about $900 so far. I forgot to
say that for the last 3 days I've actually sat on the balcony and gotten some color. On the pool deck
the wind is fierce but since the balcony is protected on 3 sides it's not that bad.
The other night in the theater I sat down front with Terry and Wally (Enid was in the back in case her
coughing was too bad) and a man comes over and asked if anyone was sitting in the seat next to me.
I said no and for $5.00 he could have it. So he sat down (without paying--the nerve) and started a long
conversation with me until the show started. I said to Terry I'm not sure if he's trying to pick me up or
just being nice. After all it's been a long time between pick-ups.
This morning I was sitting upstairs by the pool (I know it was windy) and Steve (that's the pick-up man)
came and sat at the table next to us and said, "good morning Gladys". Being the nice person that I am,
I invited him to sit with us. He said he was going to a dance class but he did sit with us for about 10
minutes.
We had our normal afternoon and rested and napped. Dinner was fine but instead of going to the
theater to see a pianist we went to the Crystal Room and waited for the Newleywed-Not So Newleywed
game to start which was very funny and worth the wait.
BARBARA---I can't thank you enough for keeping me updated on all the goings on. It is greatly appreciated.
Today is another sea day and for a change Enid and I slept most of the afternoon away. She still has
her cough, taking different meds and 8 nebulizer treatments has cost her about $900 so far. I forgot to
say that for the last 3 days I've actually sat on the balcony and gotten some color. On the pool deck
the wind is fierce but since the balcony is protected on 3 sides it's not that bad.
The other night in the theater I sat down front with Terry and Wally (Enid was in the back in case her
coughing was too bad) and a man comes over and asked if anyone was sitting in the seat next to me.
I said no and for $5.00 he could have it. So he sat down (without paying--the nerve) and started a long
conversation with me until the show started. I said to Terry I'm not sure if he's trying to pick me up or
just being nice. After all it's been a long time between pick-ups.
This morning I was sitting upstairs by the pool (I know it was windy) and Steve (that's the pick-up man)
came and sat at the table next to us and said, "good morning Gladys". Being the nice person that I am,
I invited him to sit with us. He said he was going to a dance class but he did sit with us for about 10
minutes.
We had our normal afternoon and rested and napped. Dinner was fine but instead of going to the
theater to see a pianist we went to the Crystal Room and waited for the Newleywed-Not So Newleywed
game to start which was very funny and worth the wait.
BARBARA---I can't thank you enough for keeping me updated on all the goings on. It is greatly appreciated.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
March 9 (2)
FRIDAY MARCH 9 PART 2
Here it is--March 9th again. They are even having Friday night Sabbath Services again. I forgot to
mention that this cruise is exactly the opposite of the last one. It is very windy which makes it next to
impossible to sit on deck and it is in the high 60's and we have now had 4 days of rough seas.
I hate to say this but the sea days havee been pretty boring and I've gotten to sleep a few extra times daily. We had an Aussie comedian/singer who was very funny. She came on stage and the first thing I thought of was Totie Fields..
Last night went to Murano for dinner with Sue, Steve, Terry and Wally and we had a
lovely time except they changed the goat cheese souffle and it doesn't come with the
cage on top anymore. We were there for 3 1/4 hours and never got to the show. I had a terrible nights sleep because I was so full it was uncomfortable.
Here it is--March 9th again. They are even having Friday night Sabbath Services again. I forgot to
mention that this cruise is exactly the opposite of the last one. It is very windy which makes it next to
impossible to sit on deck and it is in the high 60's and we have now had 4 days of rough seas.
I hate to say this but the sea days havee been pretty boring and I've gotten to sleep a few extra times daily. We had an Aussie comedian/singer who was very funny. She came on stage and the first thing I thought of was Totie Fields..
Last night went to Murano for dinner with Sue, Steve, Terry and Wally and we had a
lovely time except they changed the goat cheese souffle and it doesn't come with the
cage on top anymore. We were there for 3 1/4 hours and never got to the show. I had a terrible nights sleep because I was so full it was uncomfortable.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
MARCH 9 DAY 1
FRIDAY MAR 9, 2012
Sorry I haven't keep everyone up to date but I had no internet service until today. This is our second
sea day on our way to French Polynesia. Cruise 1 is over and it was very sad to say goodbye to Lorraine
and Ed and Ann and John. We all got up at 4:45 to watch as we sailed into Sydney harbor. We stood
outside in cold and windy conditions with towels wrapped over our shoulders but it was definitely worth
it. Of course it was pitch black outside but we managed to get a few good pictures of the opera house
anyway. Enid is still hacking away and has gone to the doctor after finishing her Z pack and 4 bottles
of cough medicine. Today was her 4th nebulizer treatment and I don't think she is any better for it.
Tomorrow they are planning on taking a chest xray.
The turn over for cruise 2 went well. Changing cabins wasn't as bad as I expected and our new cabin
steward is wonderful. After all of the other passengers got off the ship we went outside to wait for
Sue and Steve and it was bedlam out there. They didn't let the new passengers into the terminal until 11:15.
They were able to check their luggage but had to get in a line and wait to be let in. The process took a long time.
Since I haven't been on in a while I'm sure this entry wll be disjointed as I'll just write as it comes to me
so forgive me for rambling.
It was wonderful to see Sue and Steve as we thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. Bruno arranged
for a great table for the 4 of us and we have the waiter that used to be next to us in the dining room and he
is a dynamo. The sea days have been very restful and the only tme Enid doesn't cough is when she is
sleeping so the rest is the only time it's peaceful.
We missed the welcome aboard party but the 2nd night they had Mario D'Andrea again and the theater
went wild from his performance. Last nigt show was a production show that we had seen on the first leg.
Today is March 9, day 1 and tomorrow will be like groundhog day. Tomorrow will be march 9, day 2.
We are crossing the international date line so we have 2 of the same date.
I'm sure I've left a lot of stuff out so I'll just stick it in as the mind gets sharper.
Sorry I haven't keep everyone up to date but I had no internet service until today. This is our second
sea day on our way to French Polynesia. Cruise 1 is over and it was very sad to say goodbye to Lorraine
and Ed and Ann and John. We all got up at 4:45 to watch as we sailed into Sydney harbor. We stood
outside in cold and windy conditions with towels wrapped over our shoulders but it was definitely worth
it. Of course it was pitch black outside but we managed to get a few good pictures of the opera house
anyway. Enid is still hacking away and has gone to the doctor after finishing her Z pack and 4 bottles
of cough medicine. Today was her 4th nebulizer treatment and I don't think she is any better for it.
Tomorrow they are planning on taking a chest xray.
The turn over for cruise 2 went well. Changing cabins wasn't as bad as I expected and our new cabin
steward is wonderful. After all of the other passengers got off the ship we went outside to wait for
Sue and Steve and it was bedlam out there. They didn't let the new passengers into the terminal until 11:15.
They were able to check their luggage but had to get in a line and wait to be let in. The process took a long time.
Since I haven't been on in a while I'm sure this entry wll be disjointed as I'll just write as it comes to me
so forgive me for rambling.
It was wonderful to see Sue and Steve as we thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. Bruno arranged
for a great table for the 4 of us and we have the waiter that used to be next to us in the dining room and he
is a dynamo. The sea days have been very restful and the only tme Enid doesn't cough is when she is
sleeping so the rest is the only time it's peaceful.
We missed the welcome aboard party but the 2nd night they had Mario D'Andrea again and the theater
went wild from his performance. Last nigt show was a production show that we had seen on the first leg.
Today is March 9, day 1 and tomorrow will be like groundhog day. Tomorrow will be march 9, day 2.
We are crossing the international date line so we have 2 of the same date.
I'm sure I've left a lot of stuff out so I'll just stick it in as the mind gets sharper.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
MAR 2 AND 3 FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Actually I have nothing to write about. Were just finishing the 2nd sea day in a row and Enid and I are both
sick with colds and a cough. We basically left the cabin only to eat and then back to the cabin to sleep.
I have never slept so much in my life. Tonight was a formal night and we had dinner delivered to our cabin.
Tomorrow we'll be in Brisbane and then 1 more sea day and this 18 night cruise will be over. Where did the days go? I'm sad that this portion is almost over.
Actually I have nothing to write about. Were just finishing the 2nd sea day in a row and Enid and I are both
sick with colds and a cough. We basically left the cabin only to eat and then back to the cabin to sleep.
I have never slept so much in my life. Tonight was a formal night and we had dinner delivered to our cabin.
Tomorrow we'll be in Brisbane and then 1 more sea day and this 18 night cruise will be over. Where did the days go? I'm sad that this portion is almost over.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mar 1
MARCH 1 THURSDAY
Today we were up again at 6AM so we could be ready for our tour at 7:15. We were in Cairns but couldn't
dock so we had to tender. My record of tenders is not the best as sometime I do get sick but today
was fine ntil we had to get off. It took so long to get off I thought I might faint as it was very stuffy.
We met our driver who happened to be an Aborigine (don't think I spelled that right) and he was fantastic.
We went to Mossman Gorge where we walked on metal platforms and George (our driver) told us what
kind of trees we were looking at, the different kinds of fruits that are native to Australia, and lots of stories
about his family background. From there we went to the Daintree River where we took a crocodile cruise.
What a waste of time that was as we saw 1 baby croc hidden in the tree and 2 snakes in trees. Now isn't
that exciting? Then we went to lunch which we had pre-ordered before the cruise and went to this restaurant
called the Daintree Tea House. We had a choice of fish, chicken, a veggie platter or steak ad those of you that
know how fussy I am ordered just chips (french fries in Oz). It was a lovely spot for lunch. We ate outside on
a covered patio and there was a nice breeze. Enid got chicken and it came with all these strange fruits
but the owner came out with a big plate with different fruits and explained everyone of them so people
would now what they were eating. I'm so glad I ordered chips because there is no way I would've
tried those fruits. On the way back to the ship we passed through Port Douglas which is a very upscale
city and it looked beautiful. I'm sorry we couldn't spend more time there.
Enid's cough is really bad and the people on the tour were looking at each other everytime she coughed.
I decided not to go to the dining room for dinner so Enid and I went to the buffet and met Glenn and Glenda
there so we sat there for 2 hours talking. While we were there people from the 7 PM show came up and
said not to waste our time by going. It was an Aussie comedian but we had already decided that we were
going to sleep early and were going to miss the show.
Now we have 2 more sea days and then we'll be in Brisbane where we have another private tour.
Today we were up again at 6AM so we could be ready for our tour at 7:15. We were in Cairns but couldn't
dock so we had to tender. My record of tenders is not the best as sometime I do get sick but today
was fine ntil we had to get off. It took so long to get off I thought I might faint as it was very stuffy.
We met our driver who happened to be an Aborigine (don't think I spelled that right) and he was fantastic.
We went to Mossman Gorge where we walked on metal platforms and George (our driver) told us what
kind of trees we were looking at, the different kinds of fruits that are native to Australia, and lots of stories
about his family background. From there we went to the Daintree River where we took a crocodile cruise.
What a waste of time that was as we saw 1 baby croc hidden in the tree and 2 snakes in trees. Now isn't
that exciting? Then we went to lunch which we had pre-ordered before the cruise and went to this restaurant
called the Daintree Tea House. We had a choice of fish, chicken, a veggie platter or steak ad those of you that
know how fussy I am ordered just chips (french fries in Oz). It was a lovely spot for lunch. We ate outside on
a covered patio and there was a nice breeze. Enid got chicken and it came with all these strange fruits
but the owner came out with a big plate with different fruits and explained everyone of them so people
would now what they were eating. I'm so glad I ordered chips because there is no way I would've
tried those fruits. On the way back to the ship we passed through Port Douglas which is a very upscale
city and it looked beautiful. I'm sorry we couldn't spend more time there.
Enid's cough is really bad and the people on the tour were looking at each other everytime she coughed.
I decided not to go to the dining room for dinner so Enid and I went to the buffet and met Glenn and Glenda
there so we sat there for 2 hours talking. While we were there people from the 7 PM show came up and
said not to waste our time by going. It was an Aussie comedian but we had already decided that we were
going to sleep early and were going to miss the show.
Now we have 2 more sea days and then we'll be in Brisbane where we have another private tour.
FEB 29
FEB 29 WEDNESDAY
Today was another sea dayso there really isn't much to report. This afternoon we went to an Aussie Expo
where they taught us Aussie slang. Ian was the one who emcee'd it and he is very funny so it was cute.
From there we went to an early show in the main theater (3:30) to see the illusionist/comedian that I
missed the other night and he was very funny and taught us some magic tricks. If I remember them
when I get home I'll show them to you. Tonight the six of us have decided to go to dinner at 6:10 to show
Stephanie and James that they're not the only ones who can come in late. It will be even funnier if we still
get there before them. The show tonight is the pianist from Michael's Club who was on the TV show
Beauty and the Geek. Need I say more. The illusionist will also be sharing the stage with him but I'm sure
not together. At least I hope so.
To answer Helene's question they didn't announce who won but said they will mark the papers and send
a note to the winner, so I guess we'll never know. I do't remember (see how my memory hasn't gotten
any better) which gwn I liked the best but there were a few I really liked. I do remember liking Penelope
Cruz, hating Meryl Streep's dress and also laughed at Angelina Jolie's stanch to show off her leg.
I loved the guy who made fun of her when she gave them the Oscar. Wold you please check with
Laura to make sure she added the insurance.
I am very upset about Sandy. How long has she been out of work and has anyone seen her since this
infection started?
SUE---I heard a rumor that you have canceled China. Is it a truism?
Last night the show was okay. The comedian/illusionist only did comedy and he was funny.
BARBARA---Yes I do read the comments and I read that you talk to her every other day.
But you had written that a while ago and I got upset that she has not gone to work.
Today was another sea dayso there really isn't much to report. This afternoon we went to an Aussie Expo
where they taught us Aussie slang. Ian was the one who emcee'd it and he is very funny so it was cute.
From there we went to an early show in the main theater (3:30) to see the illusionist/comedian that I
missed the other night and he was very funny and taught us some magic tricks. If I remember them
when I get home I'll show them to you. Tonight the six of us have decided to go to dinner at 6:10 to show
Stephanie and James that they're not the only ones who can come in late. It will be even funnier if we still
get there before them. The show tonight is the pianist from Michael's Club who was on the TV show
Beauty and the Geek. Need I say more. The illusionist will also be sharing the stage with him but I'm sure
not together. At least I hope so.
To answer Helene's question they didn't announce who won but said they will mark the papers and send
a note to the winner, so I guess we'll never know. I do't remember (see how my memory hasn't gotten
any better) which gwn I liked the best but there were a few I really liked. I do remember liking Penelope
Cruz, hating Meryl Streep's dress and also laughed at Angelina Jolie's stanch to show off her leg.
I loved the guy who made fun of her when she gave them the Oscar. Wold you please check with
Laura to make sure she added the insurance.
I am very upset about Sandy. How long has she been out of work and has anyone seen her since this
infection started?
SUE---I heard a rumor that you have canceled China. Is it a truism?
Last night the show was okay. The comedian/illusionist only did comedy and he was funny.
BARBARA---Yes I do read the comments and I read that you talk to her every other day.
But you had written that a while ago and I got upset that she has not gone to work.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Feb 28
FEB 28 TUESDAY
Since today was another sea day we were able to sleep as late as we wanted but 7:45 we were both
awake. Went to the buffet for breakfast and Lorraine had called and told us there was gong to be a very
good movie in the cinema at noon today so we met them there. It's a good thing we got there early as
the place was filled and lots of people had to leave. The movie was an Aussie one based on a true story.
It was called Red Dog and Lorraine said the end was sad. Well of course the middle was sad too so the
crying started earlier than expected. Even some men were crying and aside from Enid's cough all you
heard were sniffles. By the end of the movie there weren't many dry eyes at all.
We started to go for lunch but noticed lots of folks outside and realized we were approachig the Great
Barrier Reef and the water was a light green and it was just gorgeous. We all ran outside but the sun
was so bright we just aimed our cameras and shot pictures but had no idea of what we were getting.
When we finally went back in we were able to examine the shots and we got some good ones but
I'm sure we could've done better.
Tonight in the theater is the great singer we enjoyed the other evening and after that is the Liar's Club
so we should have another enjoyable time. Ann and John and Lorraine and Ed are the lovliest people
we have met in a long time and for sure we will always treasure them as new found friends.
SUE---The widest part of my cast which of over the thumb and the palm of my hand measures 9 1/2
inches. I really appreciate your gettig a new covering for me as the one I have now is looking pretty
raunchy. Counting the days till you get onboard. The personnel might have changed but the service
is still top notch and the cruise director Ian will oly be on till Hawaii so we'll have to break a new one in.
We've got the assistant maitre de just where we want him so no worries there. The captains circle
hostess is getting off in Sydney so there is another one we'll get to know very fast.
JULES--We were going to get Hugo for our waiter for the next two cruises but he is beng promoted to
manager of the crew mess hall and the officers also. Everytime we see him he throws us kisses and he
knew we were going to sit with hm in select dning so he told us about the promotion. Have a great
time in Galapagos and make sure you bring the photos when we go to Iceland in August.
We just got back to the cabin after a wonderful performance by the guitarist/singer and once again he
got a standing ovation. Then we went to thenLiar's Club where they had words like dik-dik, spermophile,
pisona and tittup. We, as a group only got 2 right and there were 10 of us. That was a pretty poor result.
Tomorrow is another sea day so we hope to sleep a little later than today.
I'm still waitig for an update on Sandy. Please ket me know how she is doing and tell her Sweet Dreams
from the both of us.
I've also forgotten to ask how La Cage Au Follies was. Please fill me in on that since I wanted to see it
so badly.
HELENE--I emailed Laura saying I did want the insurance. Glad you got the airfare r/t LAX. Keep me informed about your tests. You fit right in with me and Enid.
The shows tonight were both good. At the Liar's Club the words they gave us were
dik-dik, spermophile, tittup and pisonia. Did any of you ever here those words before?
Since today was another sea day we were able to sleep as late as we wanted but 7:45 we were both
awake. Went to the buffet for breakfast and Lorraine had called and told us there was gong to be a very
good movie in the cinema at noon today so we met them there. It's a good thing we got there early as
the place was filled and lots of people had to leave. The movie was an Aussie one based on a true story.
It was called Red Dog and Lorraine said the end was sad. Well of course the middle was sad too so the
crying started earlier than expected. Even some men were crying and aside from Enid's cough all you
heard were sniffles. By the end of the movie there weren't many dry eyes at all.
We started to go for lunch but noticed lots of folks outside and realized we were approachig the Great
Barrier Reef and the water was a light green and it was just gorgeous. We all ran outside but the sun
was so bright we just aimed our cameras and shot pictures but had no idea of what we were getting.
When we finally went back in we were able to examine the shots and we got some good ones but
I'm sure we could've done better.
Tonight in the theater is the great singer we enjoyed the other evening and after that is the Liar's Club
so we should have another enjoyable time. Ann and John and Lorraine and Ed are the lovliest people
we have met in a long time and for sure we will always treasure them as new found friends.
SUE---The widest part of my cast which of over the thumb and the palm of my hand measures 9 1/2
inches. I really appreciate your gettig a new covering for me as the one I have now is looking pretty
raunchy. Counting the days till you get onboard. The personnel might have changed but the service
is still top notch and the cruise director Ian will oly be on till Hawaii so we'll have to break a new one in.
We've got the assistant maitre de just where we want him so no worries there. The captains circle
hostess is getting off in Sydney so there is another one we'll get to know very fast.
JULES--We were going to get Hugo for our waiter for the next two cruises but he is beng promoted to
manager of the crew mess hall and the officers also. Everytime we see him he throws us kisses and he
knew we were going to sit with hm in select dning so he told us about the promotion. Have a great
time in Galapagos and make sure you bring the photos when we go to Iceland in August.
We just got back to the cabin after a wonderful performance by the guitarist/singer and once again he
got a standing ovation. Then we went to thenLiar's Club where they had words like dik-dik, spermophile,
pisona and tittup. We, as a group only got 2 right and there were 10 of us. That was a pretty poor result.
Tomorrow is another sea day so we hope to sleep a little later than today.
I'm still waitig for an update on Sandy. Please ket me know how she is doing and tell her Sweet Dreams
from the both of us.
I've also forgotten to ask how La Cage Au Follies was. Please fill me in on that since I wanted to see it
so badly.
HELENE--I emailed Laura saying I did want the insurance. Glad you got the airfare r/t LAX. Keep me informed about your tests. You fit right in with me and Enid.
The shows tonight were both good. At the Liar's Club the words they gave us were
dik-dik, spermophile, tittup and pisonia. Did any of you ever here those words before?
FEB 27
FEB 27 MONDAY
It is 10:00 AM on Monday and here we are in a nightclb on the ship watching the red carpet before the
Oscars and it's live. I am so excited that they have it on the ship. I hope Billy Crystal is as great as
his previous They are handing out ballots for us to fill out and the person that has the most right will win a
good prize including a dinner at Murano. Last night I won a raffle in the casino that included a key chain,
3 match play coupons at the table, a free casino drink, and 20 off a spa treatment. Now they have put
out an ice carving of the golden globe and they are serving cookies. They ave also put out ketchup and
mustard but we'll have to wait and see what is going with that. They brought out assorted wraps,
different cheeses and quiche lorraine. It was a very classy act and lots of people were there to watch.
Ann and Lorraine joined us for part of it and then went up to lunch.
After dinner I had a migraine and could not go to the show but Enid did say it was an illusionist and he
was very good.
It is 10:00 AM on Monday and here we are in a nightclb on the ship watching the red carpet before the
Oscars and it's live. I am so excited that they have it on the ship. I hope Billy Crystal is as great as
his previous They are handing out ballots for us to fill out and the person that has the most right will win a
good prize including a dinner at Murano. Last night I won a raffle in the casino that included a key chain,
3 match play coupons at the table, a free casino drink, and 20 off a spa treatment. Now they have put
out an ice carving of the golden globe and they are serving cookies. They ave also put out ketchup and
mustard but we'll have to wait and see what is going with that. They brought out assorted wraps,
different cheeses and quiche lorraine. It was a very classy act and lots of people were there to watch.
Ann and Lorraine joined us for part of it and then went up to lunch.
After dinner I had a migraine and could not go to the show but Enid did say it was an illusionist and he
was very good.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Feb 26
FEB 26 SATURDAY
We got up at 6 AM (that was very hard), went for breakfast and got ready to meet our group of weary
travelers. Unfortunately our bus didn't show up until 8 so we didn't have a good start to the day. We went
to Litchfield Park and went to see a waterfall where some people were going to swim bit we were there
1/2 hour so it was kinda fast. We walked forever to see this waterfall and when we got there it was about
2 feet high. That migt be what Aussies call a waterfall but it was a total waste of time. We left there and
went to Wangi Falls and that's what we call falls. It was beautiful and worth the walk in the scorching heat.
I have to say that we drove 120 miles to get to the park so I was abe to get some more sleep. From there
we went to a crocodile jumping cruise and it was exactly that. The crocs were huge and I got great photos
of them jumping and trying to grab the food that they were being teased with. Then on the way back to
the ship our driver took us on a tour of Darwin which is a beautiful city. The homes reminded us of Florida.
We got back to the ship at 5:30 so we had a very long day. Everytime we got out of the van we thought
we might melt so were greatful to get back to total air conditioning. The show last night was one of the
singers from the production shows and he was very good. By 10:30 we were in bed.
We got up at 6 AM (that was very hard), went for breakfast and got ready to meet our group of weary
travelers. Unfortunately our bus didn't show up until 8 so we didn't have a good start to the day. We went
to Litchfield Park and went to see a waterfall where some people were going to swim bit we were there
1/2 hour so it was kinda fast. We walked forever to see this waterfall and when we got there it was about
2 feet high. That migt be what Aussies call a waterfall but it was a total waste of time. We left there and
went to Wangi Falls and that's what we call falls. It was beautiful and worth the walk in the scorching heat.
I have to say that we drove 120 miles to get to the park so I was abe to get some more sleep. From there
we went to a crocodile jumping cruise and it was exactly that. The crocs were huge and I got great photos
of them jumping and trying to grab the food that they were being teased with. Then on the way back to
the ship our driver took us on a tour of Darwin which is a beautiful city. The homes reminded us of Florida.
We got back to the ship at 5:30 so we had a very long day. Everytime we got out of the van we thought
we might melt so were greatful to get back to total air conditioning. The show last night was one of the
singers from the production shows and he was very good. By 10:30 we were in bed.
feb 25
FEB 25 SATURDAY
It's another sea day and altough it's hot (again) it is overcast and it did rain for about 15 minutes, We spent
the morning playing Phase 10 with Lorraine and Ann from Sydney. They are also our tablemates and I'm
so happy that we've met them and their husbands Ed and John. The men are brothers and are also very
nice. They are the people that now sit in the front with us. By the way, we are not sittng in the fron row
as usual because the stage is so high we would have stiff necks if we sat there. We now sit in the third
or fourth and it feels strange.
Before I forget would someone please update me on Sandy's medical problems. Helene, how are you
doing?
This afternoon we played with Ann and Lorraine in a Aussie trivia (like Enid and I could answer any of
the questions) and of course we didn't win. No surprise there but we did have fun. Then we stayed
around for a cooking demonstration and they gave us samples so it made it worthwhile.
For dinner tonight I had baby lamb chops again (3 times in 9 nights-someone might think I enjoy them).
Since the beginning of the cruise we had 8 people at our table for 10 until tonight. Tonight a new couple
came to our table and when they told us her name we all laughed. Would you believe her name was Enid?
They're probably the only 2 Enid's on the ship. We had a birthday cake for Lorraine and Ed and you would've
thought we gave her a million dollars; she was thrilled and told half the ship what we did. As she says, we'll
be friends for life.
The show was a production called Liverpool Knights about the sixties and it was bad. I couldn't wait to get
out of there. The music was loud and drowning out the singers, it seemed disjointed with no rhyme or
reason and most of our group didn't enjoy it all all.
Enough for now--tomorrow we're in Darwin and getting off the ship at 7:15 in the morning which means
we'll be up at 6 AM.
It's another sea day and altough it's hot (again) it is overcast and it did rain for about 15 minutes, We spent
the morning playing Phase 10 with Lorraine and Ann from Sydney. They are also our tablemates and I'm
so happy that we've met them and their husbands Ed and John. The men are brothers and are also very
nice. They are the people that now sit in the front with us. By the way, we are not sittng in the fron row
as usual because the stage is so high we would have stiff necks if we sat there. We now sit in the third
or fourth and it feels strange.
Before I forget would someone please update me on Sandy's medical problems. Helene, how are you
doing?
This afternoon we played with Ann and Lorraine in a Aussie trivia (like Enid and I could answer any of
the questions) and of course we didn't win. No surprise there but we did have fun. Then we stayed
around for a cooking demonstration and they gave us samples so it made it worthwhile.
For dinner tonight I had baby lamb chops again (3 times in 9 nights-someone might think I enjoy them).
Since the beginning of the cruise we had 8 people at our table for 10 until tonight. Tonight a new couple
came to our table and when they told us her name we all laughed. Would you believe her name was Enid?
They're probably the only 2 Enid's on the ship. We had a birthday cake for Lorraine and Ed and you would've
thought we gave her a million dollars; she was thrilled and told half the ship what we did. As she says, we'll
be friends for life.
The show was a production called Liverpool Knights about the sixties and it was bad. I couldn't wait to get
out of there. The music was loud and drowning out the singers, it seemed disjointed with no rhyme or
reason and most of our group didn't enjoy it all all.
Enough for now--tomorrow we're in Darwin and getting off the ship at 7:15 in the morning which means
we'll be up at 6 AM.
Friday, February 24, 2012
feb 24
FEB 24 FRIDAY
Today was another sea day so really nothing to report. Tonight's show was another great one. It was
a guitarist singer from Las Vegas named Mario D'Angelo and he was fantastic. He got a standing ovation
and he'll be on 1 more time before he gets off. That is a show we definitely won't miss. Our tablemates
sat in the front behind us for the last 2 nights and we told them they can't go to the back again, as we've
been lucky since they moved forward. You can call me "stupidicious", yes that is the correct spelling just
in case you've never heard the word before. It's probably a new word to all of you since I made it up.
Tomorrow is another sea day and a formal night before we reach Darwin.
Today was another sea day so really nothing to report. Tonight's show was another great one. It was
a guitarist singer from Las Vegas named Mario D'Angelo and he was fantastic. He got a standing ovation
and he'll be on 1 more time before he gets off. That is a show we definitely won't miss. Our tablemates
sat in the front behind us for the last 2 nights and we told them they can't go to the back again, as we've
been lucky since they moved forward. You can call me "stupidicious", yes that is the correct spelling just
in case you've never heard the word before. It's probably a new word to all of you since I made it up.
Tomorrow is another sea day and a formal night before we reach Darwin.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
FEB 23
FEB. 23 THURSDAY
Where do I begin (sounds like a song to me) to tell you about our fantastic day. We docked a little late
due to a lot of ship traffic in the port of Benoa, Bali. We got off almost as soon as we docked to find our
private taxi driver that Elaine had arranged for to show us around. Wen we found him we had to go through
a gate that had at least 200 cab drivers and people wanting us to go with them or buy something from them
even though they said it was for free. Right, nothing in Bali is free. Elaine asked how mch he was charging
us before we got in the minivan. He gave some outrageous number in rupees and she asked how much in
U.S. dollars and he said 48.00. He was planning on drivng us around for 7 hours and that 48 was for all of
us, not per person. How amazing is that!!!! He had to pay for parking where ever we went so that had to be
about 10.00 for the day. I don't know how they make a living with those prices.
We went to a batik factory, a wood carving place,a monkey park (which was great), a silver factory,
2 temples (one where we had to put sarongs around our waist with a sash), a big city called Ubud where
we were going to stay for an hour but Elaine was finished looking at the stores so it was cut short (for
which we were thankful) and also the terraced rice patties before heading back to the ship.
Let me tell you there are millions of motorcycles (everyone has at least one) and they run around cars
like crazy. You couldn't pay me to drive here. What I'm not saying is it was brutally hot here today. I was
sweating so much the water ran down my forehead right onto my glasses. No matter where we got out
of the van, it was HOT!!! The driver was really good, spoke English okay and when we got back to the ship
we each gave him 15.00. Believe me when I tell you it was worth 48 per person as the cruise line was
charging 99.00 for much less sightseeing.
We got back to the ship just in time to go for dinner which was a very good veal chop. Did I mention
that the assistant waiter cuts our food for us since we can't do it. The show tonight was excellent--the best
one yet. It was a singer from Australia named Janine Reed and she could really belt out those songs.
It's time for bed as it's already past 11 and we have to turn the clocks ahead (are you ready for this)
90 minutes tonight. Isn't that odd?
Tomorrow is a sea day so at least we can sleep as late as we want. If we make it to 8:30 it will be
a miracle.
Hope this finds everyone well as we are finding more ailments every day.
Where do I begin (sounds like a song to me) to tell you about our fantastic day. We docked a little late
due to a lot of ship traffic in the port of Benoa, Bali. We got off almost as soon as we docked to find our
private taxi driver that Elaine had arranged for to show us around. Wen we found him we had to go through
a gate that had at least 200 cab drivers and people wanting us to go with them or buy something from them
even though they said it was for free. Right, nothing in Bali is free. Elaine asked how mch he was charging
us before we got in the minivan. He gave some outrageous number in rupees and she asked how much in
U.S. dollars and he said 48.00. He was planning on drivng us around for 7 hours and that 48 was for all of
us, not per person. How amazing is that!!!! He had to pay for parking where ever we went so that had to be
about 10.00 for the day. I don't know how they make a living with those prices.
We went to a batik factory, a wood carving place,a monkey park (which was great), a silver factory,
2 temples (one where we had to put sarongs around our waist with a sash), a big city called Ubud where
we were going to stay for an hour but Elaine was finished looking at the stores so it was cut short (for
which we were thankful) and also the terraced rice patties before heading back to the ship.
Let me tell you there are millions of motorcycles (everyone has at least one) and they run around cars
like crazy. You couldn't pay me to drive here. What I'm not saying is it was brutally hot here today. I was
sweating so much the water ran down my forehead right onto my glasses. No matter where we got out
of the van, it was HOT!!! The driver was really good, spoke English okay and when we got back to the ship
we each gave him 15.00. Believe me when I tell you it was worth 48 per person as the cruise line was
charging 99.00 for much less sightseeing.
We got back to the ship just in time to go for dinner which was a very good veal chop. Did I mention
that the assistant waiter cuts our food for us since we can't do it. The show tonight was excellent--the best
one yet. It was a singer from Australia named Janine Reed and she could really belt out those songs.
It's time for bed as it's already past 11 and we have to turn the clocks ahead (are you ready for this)
90 minutes tonight. Isn't that odd?
Tomorrow is a sea day so at least we can sleep as late as we want. If we make it to 8:30 it will be
a miracle.
Hope this finds everyone well as we are finding more ailments every day.
FEB 22
FEB 22 WEDNESDAY
Actually today was quiet as it was a sea day so we relaxed in a shady spot by the pool. The heat is brutal
but today there was a little breeze. Before I forget the comedian last night was really bad. We couldn't
walk out because we were in the front but today we heard a lot of people in the back did leave.
Tonight's show is a combo of the crap from last night and the good pianist but we skipped it entirely.
Oh, I forgot, last night we went to the Crystal Room where they were playing the Liar's Club. For those
of you that never heard of it, it's like Balderdash where they find extremely hard words (or should I say
uncommon words) and give the right answer and two wrong answers and we have to guess which one is
correct. It was standing room only. Glad we were able to get seats. It was hilarious. One of the guest
speakers was playng and his name for the show was Dr. Ayam Pisstof. He ws so funny. They brought
him a drink with a straw in it and they always leave some of the paper on the top part of the straw so he
said his straw has protection. He sad it was for "safe sucks".
Tomorrow we will be in Bali and the forecast is for 99 degrees. By the time we get back to the ship I'll be
able to win any wet t-shirt contest in the world. Tonight they played Jeopardy which we enjoyed although
we were just spectators.
Actually today was quiet as it was a sea day so we relaxed in a shady spot by the pool. The heat is brutal
but today there was a little breeze. Before I forget the comedian last night was really bad. We couldn't
walk out because we were in the front but today we heard a lot of people in the back did leave.
Tonight's show is a combo of the crap from last night and the good pianist but we skipped it entirely.
Oh, I forgot, last night we went to the Crystal Room where they were playing the Liar's Club. For those
of you that never heard of it, it's like Balderdash where they find extremely hard words (or should I say
uncommon words) and give the right answer and two wrong answers and we have to guess which one is
correct. It was standing room only. Glad we were able to get seats. It was hilarious. One of the guest
speakers was playng and his name for the show was Dr. Ayam Pisstof. He ws so funny. They brought
him a drink with a straw in it and they always leave some of the paper on the top part of the straw so he
said his straw has protection. He sad it was for "safe sucks".
Tomorrow we will be in Bali and the forecast is for 99 degrees. By the time we get back to the ship I'll be
able to win any wet t-shirt contest in the world. Tonight they played Jeopardy which we enjoyed although
we were just spectators.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
FEB 21
FEB 21 TUESDAY
I've decided to write the day as we have no concept of days wen onboard. Today we will be in Broome
and I have a private tour and Enid has a ship tour. We woke up this morning to thunder and lightening and
then heavy rain. We went up to the buffet for breakfast and the starboard side looked much worse than
the port side which we are on. When we left the buffet you couldn't see much out the windows but when
we got to our cabin it was clear and calm. I can only hope it stays that way. They are predicting a high
of 93 today so I'm hoping we have a lot of clouds. Tonight's entertainment is a gravitional comedian but
no one knows what that means so maybe we'll sit in the back even though we've met really nice folks down
in the 4th row. More when I get back from my tour.
We stood on our balcony as the ship was docking and the pier is smaller than the ship. We docked 3
hours late because of the tides and are staying later so the tides can rise again. From where we docked
to land was an unbelievable long stretch and Enid and I just looked at one another and couldn't believe
the trek we were going to have. When we walked off the ship there was our small little van waiting for us.
Back from 4 1/2 hours touring in extremely hot and humid Broome. It was interesting as we went around
and got the history of the town, the pearl luggers, cable beach where they have camel rides (believe it
when I say we missed the opportunity), dinosaur footprints (hard to believe), and even a Japanese
cemetary. It felt fantastic to get back to a cool ship.
I've decided to write the day as we have no concept of days wen onboard. Today we will be in Broome
and I have a private tour and Enid has a ship tour. We woke up this morning to thunder and lightening and
then heavy rain. We went up to the buffet for breakfast and the starboard side looked much worse than
the port side which we are on. When we left the buffet you couldn't see much out the windows but when
we got to our cabin it was clear and calm. I can only hope it stays that way. They are predicting a high
of 93 today so I'm hoping we have a lot of clouds. Tonight's entertainment is a gravitional comedian but
no one knows what that means so maybe we'll sit in the back even though we've met really nice folks down
in the 4th row. More when I get back from my tour.
We stood on our balcony as the ship was docking and the pier is smaller than the ship. We docked 3
hours late because of the tides and are staying later so the tides can rise again. From where we docked
to land was an unbelievable long stretch and Enid and I just looked at one another and couldn't believe
the trek we were going to have. When we walked off the ship there was our small little van waiting for us.
Back from 4 1/2 hours touring in extremely hot and humid Broome. It was interesting as we went around
and got the history of the town, the pearl luggers, cable beach where they have camel rides (believe it
when I say we missed the opportunity), dinosaur footprints (hard to believe), and even a Japanese
cemetary. It felt fantastic to get back to a cool ship.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
FEB 20
FEB 20, 2012
For those of us that live in Florida, believe me when I say it is nothing compared to the heat in Australia.
Today is the second sea day and after sitting in the sun for 15 minutes, we were done. We moved our
chairs in the shade and it was still hot. They came around with ice cold wash cloths which made us very
happy. We were told the further we go the hotter it will be. It feels like we are sitting in an oven.
Tonight's entertainment is going to be a comedian so we have to decide if we will sit up close or in the
back in case he stinks. We made the wrong decision and sat in the front and culdn't leave. He was an
Aussie comedian and spoke so fast with that accent we didn't understand most of what he was saying.
We had Aussies behind us and they were hysterical laughing. We got flowers and wine from the hotel
director when we got to our cabin as we had spoken to him earlier and I mentioned that the previous hotel
director had spoiled us. I guess he's trying to make it a competion.
HELENE--Will you please call someone to tell them I can't go to Kravis on the 17th. Please keep me up
to date on your everything snce so much is hurting. How is Barbara doing?
For those of us that live in Florida, believe me when I say it is nothing compared to the heat in Australia.
Today is the second sea day and after sitting in the sun for 15 minutes, we were done. We moved our
chairs in the shade and it was still hot. They came around with ice cold wash cloths which made us very
happy. We were told the further we go the hotter it will be. It feels like we are sitting in an oven.
Tonight's entertainment is going to be a comedian so we have to decide if we will sit up close or in the
back in case he stinks. We made the wrong decision and sat in the front and culdn't leave. He was an
Aussie comedian and spoke so fast with that accent we didn't understand most of what he was saying.
We had Aussies behind us and they were hysterical laughing. We got flowers and wine from the hotel
director when we got to our cabin as we had spoken to him earlier and I mentioned that the previous hotel
director had spoiled us. I guess he's trying to make it a competion.
HELENE--Will you please call someone to tell them I can't go to Kravis on the 17th. Please keep me up
to date on your everything snce so much is hurting. How is Barbara doing?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
FEB 19
FEB 19, 2012
I am so relieved that I can finally work on my computer and do emails and post on my blog. Last night
we went to the theater after dinner and a short stint in the casino. The show was a pianist from Sydney
and he ws excellent which came as a total surprise. We are such live wires that we were in bed before 11.
Not only did we go to sleep early but we got up at 8:40 this morning. Those of you that know me,
know that is very late for me. We even went to the computer room before we went to breakfast so I
could check my emails and finally post previous days on the blog. Hopefully now I will post everyday.
This morning we also had the Cruise Critic meet and mingle and it was pretty much as disorganized as
usual. They had a gift exchange and although 100 people signed up for it, there were less than 10.
We did get to meet some of the people we are doing private tours with so that was fun.
After dinner with 2 lovely couples from Sydney we went to the theater and saw a production show called
"dancing around the world" and I can't believe it was a first time for me. Spent some time making donations
in the casino but we are still enjoying ourselves.
BARBARA--Thank you for answering Donna but it's not the Donna you thought it was. Please keep me
updated on Sandy. How is your eye doing?
HELENE--I don't know if you booked New Zealand yet but after the long flight to Sydney, I'm
not sure I want to do it again. Keep me up to date with your foot. At this rate I won't have a healthy
friend. We're going downhill like crazy.
SUE--I can't wait to see you and get your impression of the ship. The CD isn't bad but definitely not
Sue Denning.
JULES--Where are you when I need my computer guru to help me. The knee is okay most of the time
so I can tolerate it well.
JOY--What's happening on the baby front?
I have tried to answer most of the emails here so if I've missed any let me know. I'm sure the people
that don't know us too well are thinking what a motley crew we are.
I am so relieved that I can finally work on my computer and do emails and post on my blog. Last night
we went to the theater after dinner and a short stint in the casino. The show was a pianist from Sydney
and he ws excellent which came as a total surprise. We are such live wires that we were in bed before 11.
Not only did we go to sleep early but we got up at 8:40 this morning. Those of you that know me,
know that is very late for me. We even went to the computer room before we went to breakfast so I
could check my emails and finally post previous days on the blog. Hopefully now I will post everyday.
This morning we also had the Cruise Critic meet and mingle and it was pretty much as disorganized as
usual. They had a gift exchange and although 100 people signed up for it, there were less than 10.
We did get to meet some of the people we are doing private tours with so that was fun.
After dinner with 2 lovely couples from Sydney we went to the theater and saw a production show called
"dancing around the world" and I can't believe it was a first time for me. Spent some time making donations
in the casino but we are still enjoying ourselves.
BARBARA--Thank you for answering Donna but it's not the Donna you thought it was. Please keep me
updated on Sandy. How is your eye doing?
HELENE--I don't know if you booked New Zealand yet but after the long flight to Sydney, I'm
not sure I want to do it again. Keep me up to date with your foot. At this rate I won't have a healthy
friend. We're going downhill like crazy.
SUE--I can't wait to see you and get your impression of the ship. The CD isn't bad but definitely not
Sue Denning.
JULES--Where are you when I need my computer guru to help me. The knee is okay most of the time
so I can tolerate it well.
JOY--What's happening on the baby front?
I have tried to answer most of the emails here so if I've missed any let me know. I'm sure the people
that don't know us too well are thinking what a motley crew we are.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Feb 17&18
FEB 17and 18, 2012
Got a danish from the bakery and got coffee in the place next to the hotel where they were very nice
and let us eat the danish there and even gave us plates and knives. The hotel called a taxi for us and off
to the port we went. Got there at 10:50 and as you well traveled cruisers know that is very early. We
walked into the terminal and without exageration there were a minimum of 1000 people that were already
there. It took us a while to get on and of course we sneaked into or cabin to drop our carry on stuff.
Went to the buffet for lunch and then went to medical because my doctor in the states wanted an x-ray
after 1 week and wanted my splint to be changed into a cast. The doctor said they had a portable x-ray
machine and it might miss a fracture so he said they wouldn't charge me for the visit and they'd arrange
for someone to pick me up at the port (Geraldton) and take me to a hospital where they are much better
prepared to treat me. He said they would let me know the particulars once it was set up. We had to cancel
our tour but he gave me a note so we'd get our money back. As we're getting ready to go for breakfast
the phone rings and it was a nurse saying they had gotten in touch with port agent and we were to take the
first tender in and someone would meet us. Enid said that they should have contacted us sooner so we could
have been ready and we would catch a tender around 8:30. Five minutes later they call back to tell us
even though we were anchored, the port agent said the winds were going to pick up early afternoon and it
would be too dangerous for tenders do they were going to make an announcement shortly that all tours were
going to be cancelled, so we went for breakfast. While having breakfast they made an announcement that
the winds were going to strong so we were shortening the visit to the port and we would leave at 3 PM.
That meant I was going to get off and go to another hospital. Aren't vacations fun? NOT YET.
We went down to the tender and they were expecting me so we were handled with kid gloves. When
we got off there was an officer from the ship waiting and he escorted us to the driver that was taking us
to the hospital. She was a lovely lady named Jean. She went into the hospital with us and explained I
was on the cruise ship and that we were in a hurry to get back as the ship was gong to leave early.
They took off the splint and I got a look at my arm which is black, blue and yellow from the palm of my
hand almost to the elbow. They put a fiberglass cast on which is below my elbow and I have much more
movement than I had before with the splint. You cannot imagine how Aussies go to hositals; they go in
pajamas, diapers and nothing else and most importantly no one wears shoes. A family came in with 3
young kids (who all looked under nourished) and none of them were wearing shoes and 1 was
just in a diaper. When we were leaving the hospital the kids were walking around outside still (at least
one hour later) with shoes or more clothing and now they were with grandma. When we got into
Jean's car she said she was going to take us to the most important thing to see in Geraldton. We went to
the Sydney Memorial which is a beautiful memorial dedicated to 645 men who were killed when the
Germans blew up their ship on Nov. 9, 1941. They have volunteers that tak you on a tour but
Jean made sure they started one early so we could see it. As we were there Jean noticed that our ship
had moved from it's anchor and was heading closer to the shore and had actually berthed at a dock where
it was protected from the waves. We were very happy about that as it was tricky gettng into the tender.
As we were tendering back to the ship we got word because it was docked they were going to leave port
now at 6 PM. Since we were already on the back we decided we would just stay on the ship after lunch.
Tonight we are meeting a couple from cruise critic for drinks before dinner. More later.
Got a danish from the bakery and got coffee in the place next to the hotel where they were very nice
and let us eat the danish there and even gave us plates and knives. The hotel called a taxi for us and off
to the port we went. Got there at 10:50 and as you well traveled cruisers know that is very early. We
walked into the terminal and without exageration there were a minimum of 1000 people that were already
there. It took us a while to get on and of course we sneaked into or cabin to drop our carry on stuff.
Went to the buffet for lunch and then went to medical because my doctor in the states wanted an x-ray
after 1 week and wanted my splint to be changed into a cast. The doctor said they had a portable x-ray
machine and it might miss a fracture so he said they wouldn't charge me for the visit and they'd arrange
for someone to pick me up at the port (Geraldton) and take me to a hospital where they are much better
prepared to treat me. He said they would let me know the particulars once it was set up. We had to cancel
our tour but he gave me a note so we'd get our money back. As we're getting ready to go for breakfast
the phone rings and it was a nurse saying they had gotten in touch with port agent and we were to take the
first tender in and someone would meet us. Enid said that they should have contacted us sooner so we could
have been ready and we would catch a tender around 8:30. Five minutes later they call back to tell us
even though we were anchored, the port agent said the winds were going to pick up early afternoon and it
would be too dangerous for tenders do they were going to make an announcement shortly that all tours were
going to be cancelled, so we went for breakfast. While having breakfast they made an announcement that
the winds were going to strong so we were shortening the visit to the port and we would leave at 3 PM.
That meant I was going to get off and go to another hospital. Aren't vacations fun? NOT YET.
We went down to the tender and they were expecting me so we were handled with kid gloves. When
we got off there was an officer from the ship waiting and he escorted us to the driver that was taking us
to the hospital. She was a lovely lady named Jean. She went into the hospital with us and explained I
was on the cruise ship and that we were in a hurry to get back as the ship was gong to leave early.
They took off the splint and I got a look at my arm which is black, blue and yellow from the palm of my
hand almost to the elbow. They put a fiberglass cast on which is below my elbow and I have much more
movement than I had before with the splint. You cannot imagine how Aussies go to hositals; they go in
pajamas, diapers and nothing else and most importantly no one wears shoes. A family came in with 3
young kids (who all looked under nourished) and none of them were wearing shoes and 1 was
just in a diaper. When we were leaving the hospital the kids were walking around outside still (at least
one hour later) with shoes or more clothing and now they were with grandma. When we got into
Jean's car she said she was going to take us to the most important thing to see in Geraldton. We went to
the Sydney Memorial which is a beautiful memorial dedicated to 645 men who were killed when the
Germans blew up their ship on Nov. 9, 1941. They have volunteers that tak you on a tour but
Jean made sure they started one early so we could see it. As we were there Jean noticed that our ship
had moved from it's anchor and was heading closer to the shore and had actually berthed at a dock where
it was protected from the waves. We were very happy about that as it was tricky gettng into the tender.
As we were tendering back to the ship we got word because it was docked they were going to leave port
now at 6 PM. Since we were already on the back we decided we would just stay on the ship after lunch.
Tonight we are meeting a couple from cruise critic for drinks before dinner. More later.
Feb 16
FEB 16, 2012
We did get up at 5:30 and threw as much as possible into our suitcases as we were allowed up to 70 lbs.
per suitcase. It just meant less for us to schlep (that's for you Char) but we'll have problems when we fly
home from San Diego. We were in what they called Business Class but there was no First Class on the plane.
When we landed they once again took our luggage (although it took 4 people) and got us into a station
wagon cab as there was no way it would fit into anything smaller.
As we're driving along we came to a street we'd call the red light district and imagine our surprise when
the cab piulled.over right in frnt of our hotel. Here we are in a lovely 4 star hotel in the middle of massage
parlors and sex shops. You know anything is possible when we travel and nothing should surprise us
anymore. Went for a fast walk to the next block where there was a big mall but you could tell from the
clientele there we were in a poor neighborhood. We found a bakery there that looked good so we decided
to go back there tomorrow and pick up something for breakfast. Then we went back to the hotel and
crashed from exhaustion. Got up in time for dinner and went to a little restaurant right next to our hotel.
You can bet we weren't going too far. Went to sleep early as we were still tired.
We did get up at 5:30 and threw as much as possible into our suitcases as we were allowed up to 70 lbs.
per suitcase. It just meant less for us to schlep (that's for you Char) but we'll have problems when we fly
home from San Diego. We were in what they called Business Class but there was no First Class on the plane.
When we landed they once again took our luggage (although it took 4 people) and got us into a station
wagon cab as there was no way it would fit into anything smaller.
As we're driving along we came to a street we'd call the red light district and imagine our surprise when
the cab piulled.over right in frnt of our hotel. Here we are in a lovely 4 star hotel in the middle of massage
parlors and sex shops. You know anything is possible when we travel and nothing should surprise us
anymore. Went for a fast walk to the next block where there was a big mall but you could tell from the
clientele there we were in a poor neighborhood. We found a bakery there that looked good so we decided
to go back there tomorrow and pick up something for breakfast. Then we went back to the hotel and
crashed from exhaustion. Got up in time for dinner and went to a little restaurant right next to our hotel.
You can bet we weren't going too far. Went to sleep early as we were still tired.
Feb 15
FEB 15, 2012
Today was another magnificent day with sun and cool brezes. We had a morning tour, a 2 hour break for
lunch and then an afternoon tour. All I can say is 'The hills are alive (not with the sound of music) but with
groans and grunts from all the hills. San Francisco is nothing compared to this. It's a good thing they don't
get snow. We really enjoyed both tours. Came back to the hotel expecting a message from guest services
as we had complained about the service at breakfast. Nothing!!! So before dinner we went back to guest
services and I asked for the corporate office email and the assistant manager came out and we explained
again what we incurred at the buffet for all 3 visits. Now I know it's not easy to have bad service at buffets
but we all know if it can happen, it will happen to us. To make a long story short we had dinner comped
and it was a much better experience.
By the way, you'd never know we are on vacation as we got up at 6 AM and tomorrow we have a 5:30
wake-up call. Vacation, my eye. Tomorrow we have an 8 AM flight to Perth where we'll spend the day
before embarking on the Century.
To put everyone's mind at ease, I am having no problems with my cast on and refuse to let it interfere
with any of our plans.
Today was another magnificent day with sun and cool brezes. We had a morning tour, a 2 hour break for
lunch and then an afternoon tour. All I can say is 'The hills are alive (not with the sound of music) but with
groans and grunts from all the hills. San Francisco is nothing compared to this. It's a good thing they don't
get snow. We really enjoyed both tours. Came back to the hotel expecting a message from guest services
as we had complained about the service at breakfast. Nothing!!! So before dinner we went back to guest
services and I asked for the corporate office email and the assistant manager came out and we explained
again what we incurred at the buffet for all 3 visits. Now I know it's not easy to have bad service at buffets
but we all know if it can happen, it will happen to us. To make a long story short we had dinner comped
and it was a much better experience.
By the way, you'd never know we are on vacation as we got up at 6 AM and tomorrow we have a 5:30
wake-up call. Vacation, my eye. Tomorrow we have an 8 AM flight to Perth where we'll spend the day
before embarking on the Century.
To put everyone's mind at ease, I am having no problems with my cast on and refuse to let it interfere
with any of our plans.
feb 18
FEB 14, 2012
We finally arrived in Sydney after a 14 hour flight which was never ending The flight was made a little
easier because we were in Premium Economy so the leg room was better, the seats were wider and
the service was better but no matter how good it was, it was still 14 hours. No matter how you look at it,
it as 31 hours of traveling
Getting off the plane was wonderful; we had something called "meet and assist". They took our carry
ons off the plane, wheeled us to customs, got our suitcases, took us to immigration, (where we thought
we'd have a problem with food stuff and drugs) and we basically went right through. They even took us
outside where they got us a cab and off we went. The cab ride was 63.00 Aus. which will convert to
more. Got to the Sheraton 4 points in Darling Harbour and since it was so early they didn't have a room
for us. We went to the hotel buffet and breakfast was 35.00 Aus per person so we are finding out how
expensive Sydney really is.
Took a cab to the hospital because the Dr. at home wanted me to follow up in 2 days. I have had my
first taste of socialized medicine and it stinks big time. I was there 2 hours before they even took me for
an xray and then I waited for another hour before we finally walked out. Since I was the only paying
patient I couldn't believe how this process works. They told me I would have to pay and before they
even took them they told me it would be 105.00. Then when I went to pay they said it was 115 so I
questioned it and was told that 105 was for the x-ray and the 115 was to see the doctor. I think waiting
an other hour after they said 'he'd be right out" was more than enough. Took another cab back to the
hotel and here I am relating our exciting day. So far this isn't a vacation.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of you.
We finally arrived in Sydney after a 14 hour flight which was never ending The flight was made a little
easier because we were in Premium Economy so the leg room was better, the seats were wider and
the service was better but no matter how good it was, it was still 14 hours. No matter how you look at it,
it as 31 hours of traveling
Getting off the plane was wonderful; we had something called "meet and assist". They took our carry
ons off the plane, wheeled us to customs, got our suitcases, took us to immigration, (where we thought
we'd have a problem with food stuff and drugs) and we basically went right through. They even took us
outside where they got us a cab and off we went. The cab ride was 63.00 Aus. which will convert to
more. Got to the Sheraton 4 points in Darling Harbour and since it was so early they didn't have a room
for us. We went to the hotel buffet and breakfast was 35.00 Aus per person so we are finding out how
expensive Sydney really is.
Took a cab to the hospital because the Dr. at home wanted me to follow up in 2 days. I have had my
first taste of socialized medicine and it stinks big time. I was there 2 hours before they even took me for
an xray and then I waited for another hour before we finally walked out. Since I was the only paying
patient I couldn't believe how this process works. They told me I would have to pay and before they
even took them they told me it would be 105.00. Then when I went to pay they said it was 115 so I
questioned it and was told that 105 was for the x-ray and the 115 was to see the doctor. I think waiting
an other hour after they said 'he'd be right out" was more than enough. Took another cab back to the
hotel and here I am relating our exciting day. So far this isn't a vacation.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of you.
Feb 12
Feb. 12, 202
Let me start this blog by apologizing for the long delay in posting. Firstly and most important the adapter
in the hotel did not fit my computer and we were afraid to take any chances.
We finally started our long adventure with excitment as usual. I was a klutz and fell Thursday night and
fractured my wrist so I am traveling wth a cast on my arm over the elbow. I have my arm bent in front
of me. Going through security has been a hassle and I've been patted down in Miami and again in
Los Angeles. Now we are sitting here in the airport waitng 4 hours for our flight to Sydney. We flew
first class here on American Airlines and had a great flight crew. The lunch menu didn't look appetizing
so I chose a roast beef sandwich which was outrageous. It was roast beef on bruschetta with melted
harvarti cheese and grilled asparagus. Yummy, and cookies and cream ice cream for dessert.
Tommy Lasorda was on our flight and I told him I was on the DL list. Enid had to follow me to the
bathroom on the plane and the stewardess held the curtin so no one could see Enid pull my pants up.
We had pre-ordered wheel chairs for all the airports and it made traveling much easier except for the fact
that we have so much damn luggage that it made today a little hard.
Will try to write more on the plane since we hae a 15 hour flight ahead of us.
Let me start this blog by apologizing for the long delay in posting. Firstly and most important the adapter
in the hotel did not fit my computer and we were afraid to take any chances.
We finally started our long adventure with excitment as usual. I was a klutz and fell Thursday night and
fractured my wrist so I am traveling wth a cast on my arm over the elbow. I have my arm bent in front
of me. Going through security has been a hassle and I've been patted down in Miami and again in
Los Angeles. Now we are sitting here in the airport waitng 4 hours for our flight to Sydney. We flew
first class here on American Airlines and had a great flight crew. The lunch menu didn't look appetizing
so I chose a roast beef sandwich which was outrageous. It was roast beef on bruschetta with melted
harvarti cheese and grilled asparagus. Yummy, and cookies and cream ice cream for dessert.
Tommy Lasorda was on our flight and I told him I was on the DL list. Enid had to follow me to the
bathroom on the plane and the stewardess held the curtin so no one could see Enid pull my pants up.
We had pre-ordered wheel chairs for all the airports and it made traveling much easier except for the fact
that we have so much damn luggage that it made today a little hard.
Will try to write more on the plane since we hae a 15 hour flight ahead of us.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Getting ready
How do you start to pack for 53 days? That in itself will be an adventure and I can only hope I'm up to the task. I have broken my middle toe a little over a week ago and am supposed to keep my foot elevated but with everything coming up that is impossible.
We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow (Feb. 12th) and not looking forward to the 2 long flights ahead of of us. First the schlep to Miami airport for our American Airlines flight to Los Angeles with a 5 hour layover before we catch our V Atlantic flight
(15 hours) to Sydney. I'm sure we'll be wiped out by the time we arrive in Sydney at 8AM on 2/14. We lose a day crossing the International date line.
I hope to write everyday but promise to update as often as I can. I'm hoping to keep you all inerested and traveling vicariously through the blog.
We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow (Feb. 12th) and not looking forward to the 2 long flights ahead of of us. First the schlep to Miami airport for our American Airlines flight to Los Angeles with a 5 hour layover before we catch our V Atlantic flight
(15 hours) to Sydney. I'm sure we'll be wiped out by the time we arrive in Sydney at 8AM on 2/14. We lose a day crossing the International date line.
I hope to write everyday but promise to update as often as I can. I'm hoping to keep you all inerested and traveling vicariously through the blog.
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