BALI, INDONESIA
Outstanding! Beautiful! Hot! Humid! Friendly! Colorful!
Bali is all of these things! We had a wonderful day in an enchanting place! Our tour guide was Indonesian, but spoke good English, so we learned more than we needed about Bali, its customs, and its religion. Sadly, the Hindu religion as practised there provides no hope for the people; they sacrifice every day to their gods, but the gods are not able to provide answers for the hunger of the human heart.
Bali is very tropical--it has beautiful rainforests, attractive farms (particularly the terraced rice paddies) and interesting shops. We drove to a silver artisan's shop for our first stop. We saw them making jewelry and then the finished product. Now we made our way to the 2nd largest Hindu Temple in Bali; it was built in the 12th Century. It was not at all like one would expect, as it is basically an outdoor place. Interesting, but sad!
Next the bus climbed a mountain to view an active volcano across the valley. Today there was no smoke, but it was a pretty sight. We followed this by going to a traditional village. There were 76 homes and about 700 residents. Every home has a Hindu temple on the property. The children were just coming home from morning classes and were really cute to speak with and photograph. They are inquisitive; asked Irene how old she was ("a granny", she said).
Finally it was lunch, and it was fabulous! Indonesian buffet with several choices of foods. The grounds were exotic, even with a waterfall in the bathroom and fish in the pool!
Our final stop was at a large market where one could buy almost anything. It was huge. We were rushed so couldn't really bargain for things. We did buy a carving and a fan, but from street vendors who were extremely persistent. We tendered back to the ship, tired, a little bit hungry, but very satisfied. There was even a rainbow over Dawn Princess as we left Bali in the Catamaran. Now it's 3 sea days before Freemantle (Perth).
g'day!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA
Darwin is 12 degrees S. latitude and true to form, it was hot and humid. Not to be deterred, we walked around as planned. We didn't go too quickly, as our dinner mates came with us and they do not walk as fast as we do. However we all walked through the town, and all the way to the Botanical gardens. Then we walked around those for a while before retracing our steps to the ship.
The gardens are nice, but not spectacular. But our intent was to get some exercise, and we did! It was about 5 miles in total! Now we are on our way to Bali. It will take 3 sea days to reach it, so next blog won't be for a while.
g'day!
Darwin is 12 degrees S. latitude and true to form, it was hot and humid. Not to be deterred, we walked around as planned. We didn't go too quickly, as our dinner mates came with us and they do not walk as fast as we do. However we all walked through the town, and all the way to the Botanical gardens. Then we walked around those for a while before retracing our steps to the ship.
The gardens are nice, but not spectacular. But our intent was to get some exercise, and we did! It was about 5 miles in total! Now we are on our way to Bali. It will take 3 sea days to reach it, so next blog won't be for a while.
g'day!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
PORT DOUGLAS, AUSTRALIA
We cancelled our tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach; the weather was terrible--very grey skies, rough seas and rain all day. However, today was great! There was sun and cloud, no rain, and little wind.
We had a private tour to the oldest rain forest on earth, just north of Port Douglas at the Mossman Gorge. We walked about 4 km in 2h through a magnificent rain forest. They estimate that only 4% of the species here have been recorded, so there is much to yet discover. It was hot (90 degrees F. or 36 degrees C.) and humid, but in the rain forest there is little sunlight on the forest floor, so that helped.
Now we have 2 sea days before reaching Darwin. We are nearing the equator as it is 15 degrees South latitude. We do not go as far north as the equator, but get close at Bali.
g'day!
We cancelled our tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach; the weather was terrible--very grey skies, rough seas and rain all day. However, today was great! There was sun and cloud, no rain, and little wind.
We had a private tour to the oldest rain forest on earth, just north of Port Douglas at the Mossman Gorge. We walked about 4 km in 2h through a magnificent rain forest. They estimate that only 4% of the species here have been recorded, so there is much to yet discover. It was hot (90 degrees F. or 36 degrees C.) and humid, but in the rain forest there is little sunlight on the forest floor, so that helped.
Now we have 2 sea days before reaching Darwin. We are nearing the equator as it is 15 degrees South latitude. We do not go as far north as the equator, but get close at Bali.
g'day!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Today was a great day! Brisbane is a very nice city, with a laid-back attitude. We were so impressed that we both said we could be happy living here. Several other passengers said the same thing.
We began our day promptly at 8:00 am; we were the first people off the ship. We walked 10 minutes along a river boardwalk to a fast ferry. This took us to the CBD (Central Business District). We had to walk another 300m, but this time there was a tropical forest to walk through to reach the tour boat. We were amazed as this was the center of the city.
Now we had a pleasant 75 minute ride on the river, past interesting skylines, nice bridges, and some very expensive homes. There were numerous photo ops!
We arrived at the Koala Park and had 2.5 h to walk around and enjoy many of the native animals and birds. Irene cuddled a Koala. We petted kangaroos, wallabies, a dingo and emus. The time went by too quickly but we got to enjoy all the same scenery again in reverse. This was truly a wonderful day!
g'day!
Today was a great day! Brisbane is a very nice city, with a laid-back attitude. We were so impressed that we both said we could be happy living here. Several other passengers said the same thing.
We began our day promptly at 8:00 am; we were the first people off the ship. We walked 10 minutes along a river boardwalk to a fast ferry. This took us to the CBD (Central Business District). We had to walk another 300m, but this time there was a tropical forest to walk through to reach the tour boat. We were amazed as this was the center of the city.
Now we had a pleasant 75 minute ride on the river, past interesting skylines, nice bridges, and some very expensive homes. There were numerous photo ops!
We arrived at the Koala Park and had 2.5 h to walk around and enjoy many of the native animals and birds. Irene cuddled a Koala. We petted kangaroos, wallabies, a dingo and emus. The time went by too quickly but we got to enjoy all the same scenery again in reverse. This was truly a wonderful day!
g'day!
Friday, March 16, 2012
A DAY IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Today was our turnaround day in Sydney. We were here two weeks ago, but were rained on and saw little. Today began with cloud cover, but that soon burned off and the sun shone brightly.
We decided to walk from the harbour to the Botanical Gardens, the Opera House, Mrs. McQuarrie's Chair (a viewpoint over the city skyline) and Government House. We walked for 3 hours, then returned to the ship for lunch.
Now we've left Sydney after a great sail-off. Sydney does have a very beautiful harbour. There are all kinds of boats plying the waters--sailboats, ferries, tour boats, and today the Sun Princess was only 5 minutes behind us.
Tomorrow is another sea day before we reach Brisbane for what we hope will be an exciting day. More later!
g'day!
Today was our turnaround day in Sydney. We were here two weeks ago, but were rained on and saw little. Today began with cloud cover, but that soon burned off and the sun shone brightly.
We decided to walk from the harbour to the Botanical Gardens, the Opera House, Mrs. McQuarrie's Chair (a viewpoint over the city skyline) and Government House. We walked for 3 hours, then returned to the ship for lunch.
Now we've left Sydney after a great sail-off. Sydney does have a very beautiful harbour. There are all kinds of boats plying the waters--sailboats, ferries, tour boats, and today the Sun Princess was only 5 minutes behind us.
Tomorrow is another sea day before we reach Brisbane for what we hope will be an exciting day. More later!
g'day!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
FINAL DAY OF FIRST SEGMENT
This seems like a long voyage, probably because there were 7 days in a row with busy port days. But we have been fortunate for the weather has generally been very good. Last night we met the Captain from Vancouver BC; he stated that our day in Milford Sound was extraordinary, for we saw all possible weather conditions in just 2 hours, and we ended with the wonderful sunshine!
Days at sea can be very busy, too, or they can be totally relaxing. We choose a bit of each. We have played bridge on five sea days and also in Wellington at a local club and we came in first on each occasion! We had a Bible study on each sea day also, and that was good; we looked at 1 Thessalonians as there were 5 chapters in it.
We often played Trivia, and did well, but were not overall winners. We've read books, gone to production shows, listened to good music by an accomplished pianist and a very good string quartet from the Ukraine. There has been a magician, mentalist, juggler; a trio of tenors; and these we have enjoyed.
To top off a cruise there are the great meals that are served elegantly 3 times a day and more if you want. For instance, today at lunch was a Sushi Buffet in addition to the many choices from a full menu. Last night was lobster and giant prawns; tonight turkey or steak or seafood entree topped off with the Parade of the Baked Alaska. One can make a holiday out of eating! And to think we have 30 more days of this!
g'day!
This seems like a long voyage, probably because there were 7 days in a row with busy port days. But we have been fortunate for the weather has generally been very good. Last night we met the Captain from Vancouver BC; he stated that our day in Milford Sound was extraordinary, for we saw all possible weather conditions in just 2 hours, and we ended with the wonderful sunshine!
Days at sea can be very busy, too, or they can be totally relaxing. We choose a bit of each. We have played bridge on five sea days and also in Wellington at a local club and we came in first on each occasion! We had a Bible study on each sea day also, and that was good; we looked at 1 Thessalonians as there were 5 chapters in it.
We often played Trivia, and did well, but were not overall winners. We've read books, gone to production shows, listened to good music by an accomplished pianist and a very good string quartet from the Ukraine. There has been a magician, mentalist, juggler; a trio of tenors; and these we have enjoyed.
To top off a cruise there are the great meals that are served elegantly 3 times a day and more if you want. For instance, today at lunch was a Sushi Buffet in addition to the many choices from a full menu. Last night was lobster and giant prawns; tonight turkey or steak or seafood entree topped off with the Parade of the Baked Alaska. One can make a holiday out of eating! And to think we have 30 more days of this!
g'day!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK, NZ
This day was the best day yet! We were up early again (6:30) because the ship began its first entrance into Dusky Fiord at 7:30 am. We went around a Resolution Island (4th largest in NZ) and out to sea again through Breaksea Sound. The weather was decent--low cloud, some sun breaks, and little wind.
By 9:15 we were back into the Tasman Sea, so there was a Church service, and that was good, too.
At 10:30 we entered Doubtful Sound and skirted Secretary Island (5th largest), coming back into the Tasman Sea through Thompson Sound. The weather was similar, but there were many interesting scenes. Lots of pictures again!
We went back to the stateroom about 11:40 and I edited pictures until lunch time. At 2:15 it was time for the best Fiord--Milford Sound. This one we sailed to its end, then turned and came back out to the Tasman Sea again. The weather when we started was blustery, with low cloud and fog. There are numerous waterfalls that were running heavily as there has been a lot of rain--it rains over 200 days a year with annual amounts of 8000 mm in Milford Sound! Today was no exception--it rained and was windy! Then the clouds lifted and the sun began to shine. Soon it was warm, sunny and beautiful! We saw Milford under all possible weather conditions and each was amazing!
Now we are on the Tasman Sea, being bumped around as it is rough again. We have 2 days of this to "endure" before we reach Melbourne. These are our rest days after 7 days straight of feverish activity. NZ was wonderful!
g'day
This day was the best day yet! We were up early again (6:30) because the ship began its first entrance into Dusky Fiord at 7:30 am. We went around a Resolution Island (4th largest in NZ) and out to sea again through Breaksea Sound. The weather was decent--low cloud, some sun breaks, and little wind.
By 9:15 we were back into the Tasman Sea, so there was a Church service, and that was good, too.
At 10:30 we entered Doubtful Sound and skirted Secretary Island (5th largest), coming back into the Tasman Sea through Thompson Sound. The weather was similar, but there were many interesting scenes. Lots of pictures again!
We went back to the stateroom about 11:40 and I edited pictures until lunch time. At 2:15 it was time for the best Fiord--Milford Sound. This one we sailed to its end, then turned and came back out to the Tasman Sea again. The weather when we started was blustery, with low cloud and fog. There are numerous waterfalls that were running heavily as there has been a lot of rain--it rains over 200 days a year with annual amounts of 8000 mm in Milford Sound! Today was no exception--it rained and was windy! Then the clouds lifted and the sun began to shine. Soon it was warm, sunny and beautiful! We saw Milford under all possible weather conditions and each was amazing!
Now we are on the Tasman Sea, being bumped around as it is rough again. We have 2 days of this to "endure" before we reach Melbourne. These are our rest days after 7 days straight of feverish activity. NZ was wonderful!
g'day
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