taking part in a safety drill in case we are attacked by pirates.
"Between Sunday,31 March at 8.30 pm and Tuesday,2 April at 11.00 pm,Queen Victoria will be transiting The Indian Ocean,including an area well documented in the world's media for piracy."
So the ship has put in place a security plan - closed curtains in the cabin when the light is on,just common sense on the travellers' part. Returning to the cabin and sitting in the corridor "in the event of pirate activity."
I am on the 8th floor, below me several floors down I can see 8 balconies jutting out.If the ship command thinks I would be idly sitting in the corridor if pirates are trying to get onto the ship through these balconies, they are greatly mistaken.All heavy furniture I can lift will fly down on the pirates and boiling water,too.But I am sure it will not come to this as the ship has measures to protect us all.
What they are,they are keeping to themselves.Probably jets of water, ear-drum busting whistle and very likely guns,too. After all many airlines have an armed marshal on board if a plane carries 300 passengers and crew, whereas a ship the size of Queen Victoria when full has just over 2000 passengers plus about 1000 crew,so they must carry guns to protect us all.
Friday, 29 March 2019
Colombo,Sri Lanka, 29 March 2019.
The ship had laid on a shuttle bus to the centre of town, some 8 km away,but as always I thought I knew better and could easily walk the distance.It was 9.30 in the morning,the temperature outside good 26 C and rising.What is a km or two when I have my lemon water in the bag and a pair of comfortable sandals on a pair of good legs? So I walked through the industrial port,no sign of life except the odd car stopping offering me a lift,a taxi or two offering service, one
insisted he would take me for free, I must have looked such a pitiful sight, a motorcycle stopped,then returned and said - madam,please, I am very safe.Even a bicycle man with a huge smile and no teeth thought I would be better off with him than walking! But no, I had to do it my way,And after about 3 km there was life,people, shops and the beginning of two most unforgettable hours where in a street after a street I was the only European face,where a smile got me a wave in return,a wish of good morning,a permission to take a photograph of a sacred temple. That was my reward for my aching feet and sweat pouring down my face and my back,as the temperature was now at least 32. And when I had no energy to walk any longer I hailed a tuk-tuk [a motorised three wheeler] to take me to the Hilton hotel,a ride not for the faint-hearted, the ramshackle rickshaw weaving in and out of traffic, the seat moving precariously underneath me,I had to grip tightly whatever I could to stop me from falling out.The driver was talking and talking and asking questions,but I understood little,his accent strange and English poor. The ride cost 150 rupees,a pittance, really. I gave the driver 200 and two individually packed biscuits from the ship.[ I had twenty and handed them all with some money to the men sitting barefoot in old rags on the ground by the entrance to every temple.] And I was inside the beautiful,immaculate,massive,cool lobby of the Hilton.Standing there for a few seconds I was aware of the most awful stench enveloping me.And I was the stench. My top reeking,my hair reeking.I had soaked in the smell of the streets.
I did have a clean top in my bag to change into,but was too tired to look for a restroom and to my left I could smell coffee, glorious coffee. Latte was excellent, a massive jam doughnut delicious, wi-fi instant and strong and the smelly me was soon forgotten. Bliss.
And as I was sitting there comfortable and content, a thought crossed my mind-wouldn't it be wonderful if I did not have to return to the ship and could stay in this lovely establishment for a week.
I made a decision there and then that one day I would come back.
I did have a clean top in my bag to change into,but was too tired to look for a restroom and to my left I could smell coffee, glorious coffee. Latte was excellent, a massive jam doughnut delicious, wi-fi instant and strong and the smelly me was soon forgotten. Bliss.
And as I was sitting there comfortable and content, a thought crossed my mind-wouldn't it be wonderful if I did not have to return to the ship and could stay in this lovely establishment for a week.
I made a decision there and then that one day I would come back.
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Michelle Pfeiffer's character Countess Olenska in "The Age Of Innocence"
was hers for the taking and by golly,she took it.The posture,the voice,the longing in the eyes of this exquisite woman for someone she could never have.
Ms Pfeiffer is 62 and beautiful.She does not appear to have had anything drastic done to her face.How much longer will she be able to resist?
Goldie Hawn is 74, in the "Cactus Flower"[1969] utterly delightful. In the "First Wives Club" [1996] a caricature of her former self.The face barely moves and that awful,awful trout pout. Aargh!
At 58 Meg Ryan does not resemble much the woman she once was.The botox and the fillers have done their worst.
And one face lift after another destroyed the looks and the marriage, [to Antonio Banderas],
of the sexy and oh so desired by every man who had seen her in "Working Girl",Melanie Griffith [61].
The face,the body changes with each passing year of every single person,be it a woman or a man.
George Clooney once considered so handsome,is not ageing well. Being married to Amal does not help.She is too thin, her make up too heavy,
Ms Pfeiffer is 62 and beautiful.She does not appear to have had anything drastic done to her face.How much longer will she be able to resist?
Goldie Hawn is 74, in the "Cactus Flower"[1969] utterly delightful. In the "First Wives Club" [1996] a caricature of her former self.The face barely moves and that awful,awful trout pout. Aargh!
At 58 Meg Ryan does not resemble much the woman she once was.The botox and the fillers have done their worst.
And one face lift after another destroyed the looks and the marriage, [to Antonio Banderas],
of the sexy and oh so desired by every man who had seen her in "Working Girl",Melanie Griffith [61].
The face,the body changes with each passing year of every single person,be it a woman or a man.
George Clooney once considered so handsome,is not ageing well. Being married to Amal does not help.She is too thin, her make up too heavy,
often makes her look like a drag queen.They do not mesh well.
But I digress.
Ms Pfeiffer has finally, according to her, joined the social media.Instagram.She could not find anything she could feel good about putting on her body."So I decided I was going to see if I could develop a fragrance that would raise a bar",she says in a magazine article.
Really,Ms Pfeiffer? The preposterousness of these women who put their name to perfume and clothes and suddenly they become the "noses" and designers.
There is no harm in well known personalities advertising a product if the public is gullible to buy it. [Yes, I am an advertiser's nightmare.I have written I have never bought anything on Amazon and it had been brought to the attention of the founder, Mr Bezos!]
David Beckham makes £ 30 million a year by putting his name to anything and everything.[No to an envelope yet.] But he does not claim he invents or makes what he advertises.
So,Ms Pfeiffer,many people will buy the fragrance you had "developed", but I will not be one of them.I abhor hypocrites.
But I digress.
Ms Pfeiffer has finally, according to her, joined the social media.Instagram.She could not find anything she could feel good about putting on her body."So I decided I was going to see if I could develop a fragrance that would raise a bar",she says in a magazine article.
Really,Ms Pfeiffer? The preposterousness of these women who put their name to perfume and clothes and suddenly they become the "noses" and designers.
There is no harm in well known personalities advertising a product if the public is gullible to buy it. [Yes, I am an advertiser's nightmare.I have written I have never bought anything on Amazon and it had been brought to the attention of the founder, Mr Bezos!]
David Beckham makes £ 30 million a year by putting his name to anything and everything.[No to an envelope yet.] But he does not claim he invents or makes what he advertises.
So,Ms Pfeiffer,many people will buy the fragrance you had "developed", but I will not be one of them.I abhor hypocrites.
Monday, 25 March 2019
Malaysia is the 83rd country I have visited.
We are sailing for three days to Sri Lanka and on Friday 29 March we dock in the capital,Colombo.
As I write am sitting on the 12th,the highest level of the ship,reserved for the Grill travellers only.The sun-beds are of the quality I have not seen on any other vessel,thick and very comfortable. Even here there are coveted spots and this morning I have managed to collar one - yes,they are the ones at the end of a marquee,where you can move the bed comfortably towards the sun and back in the shade.It gets hot, very,very hot,scorchingly hot.It rained last evening and it rained all night, but did not pour and the air is slightly fresher, be it temporarily.It is going to be a wonderful day.
As I write am sitting on the 12th,the highest level of the ship,reserved for the Grill travellers only.The sun-beds are of the quality I have not seen on any other vessel,thick and very comfortable. Even here there are coveted spots and this morning I have managed to collar one - yes,they are the ones at the end of a marquee,where you can move the bed comfortably towards the sun and back in the shade.It gets hot, very,very hot,scorchingly hot.It rained last evening and it rained all night, but did not pour and the air is slightly fresher, be it temporarily.It is going to be a wonderful day.
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Singapore is city,island,country rolled into one.
"...the economy is believed to be among the most powerful in the world,chiefly because of government efficiency,the exceptional infrastructure,minimal corruption,and a skilled workforce..."[DK Eyewitness Travel]
Any person convicted of littering faces a fine of up to S$ 1,000 for the first offence.Repeat offenders up to S$ 2,000,including a stint of corrective work order,cleaning public places.
It is an offence not to flush public toilet after use.Those convicted face a fine of up to S$ 150 for a first offence,S$ 500 for a second and S$ 1,000 for subsequent offences.
In places where smoking is not permitted, the fine for smoking is S$ 1,000.
There is a smoke free zone in Orchard Street,probably the most famous shopping street in Singapore.
Tipping is not encouraged, as 10 % service charge is added on the bills.
Any person convicted of littering faces a fine of up to S$ 1,000 for the first offence.Repeat offenders up to S$ 2,000,including a stint of corrective work order,cleaning public places.
It is an offence not to flush public toilet after use.Those convicted face a fine of up to S$ 150 for a first offence,S$ 500 for a second and S$ 1,000 for subsequent offences.
In places where smoking is not permitted, the fine for smoking is S$ 1,000.
There is a smoke free zone in Orchard Street,probably the most famous shopping street in Singapore.
Tipping is not encouraged, as 10 % service charge is added on the bills.
There is one regret I have about Singapore,
and it is that I never had the chance to have a Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel.
The hotel is closed,it is undergoing refurbishment.
It was opened in 1887 by three Sarkies brothers,immigrants from Armenia.
Singapore Sling was first concocted by a bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915.
It consists of gin,cherry-flavoured brandy,triple sec,Benedictine,pineapple juice,lime juice,Grenadine.
The hotel is closed,it is undergoing refurbishment.
It was opened in 1887 by three Sarkies brothers,immigrants from Armenia.
Singapore Sling was first concocted by a bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915.
It consists of gin,cherry-flavoured brandy,triple sec,Benedictine,pineapple juice,lime juice,Grenadine.
Paris ties with Singapore and Hong Kong as world's priciest cities.
Last year Singapore alone had the honours.
In September 2018 the family Tsai [originally from Taiwan] paid for a bungalow the size of 4 836 sq m, 93,9 million Singapore dollars,this is about 55,6 million British pounds
In September 2018 the family Tsai [originally from Taiwan] paid for a bungalow the size of 4 836 sq m, 93,9 million Singapore dollars,this is about 55,6 million British pounds
Saturday, 23 March 2019
As I got off the bus in Chan May
As I got off the bus in Chan May, there was an old man in raggedy clothes and worn-out sandals sitting next to a rickety bicycle,an empty water bottle in the basket.
He was not begging,just looking hopefully at passers-by.I only had 10 000 dong left and two t-shirt,so I took off my Skechers and handed them with the clothing and the cash to the man.10 000 seems a large amount,but in Vietnamese currency it is a paltry sum.I looked back at the man, sneakers on his feet.I am size 4,he must have had small feet for a man, but then he was a small man.
Friday, 22 March 2019
Vietnam was conquered by France in the 19th century.
The World War II brought enormous changes in the world order.Vietnam wanted independence,but France would not give up what they thought was rightfully theirs,they thought their troops and fighting prowess was far too superior and in their arrogance underestimated the Vietnamese.In 1954 they suffered humiliating defeat. In 1954 Geneva Accord divides Vietnam at 17th parallel into North Vietnam and South Vietnam.Elections pending.
But the French would still not take "non" for an answer.Through fraudulent referendum they installed their puppet,Ngo Dinh Diem,who had been away from Vietnam for two decades,as the head of the South Vietnamese Government.In 1963 Diem was assassinated by his own officials, together with his brother,who was the head of the security.The coup was US backed.
In 1965 the American involvement in Vietnam escalated,by 1967 Lyndon Johnson had sent to Vietnam 500 000 American troops and 100 000 Allied troops [ mainly Korean, Australian, New Zealanders}.
But the French would still not take "non" for an answer.Through fraudulent referendum they installed their puppet,Ngo Dinh Diem,who had been away from Vietnam for two decades,as the head of the South Vietnamese Government.In 1963 Diem was assassinated by his own officials, together with his brother,who was the head of the security.The coup was US backed.
In 1965 the American involvement in Vietnam escalated,by 1967 Lyndon Johnson had sent to Vietnam 500 000 American troops and 100 000 Allied troops [ mainly Korean, Australian, New Zealanders}.
On March 16,1968 in My Lai in 3 hours more than 500 Vietnamese civilians, mainly women and children,were killed in cold blood.Not a single shot fired at the American soldiers.
And the young Americans had enough of this senseless war.The public opinion had turned against any further American involvement.On 30th April 1975 the last American troops and diplomats fled by helicopter from the American Embassy.In 1976 Vietnam was officially reunited.The war was over.The nightmare began.
And the young Americans had enough of this senseless war.The public opinion had turned against any further American involvement.On 30th April 1975 the last American troops and diplomats fled by helicopter from the American Embassy.In 1976 Vietnam was officially reunited.The war was over.The nightmare began.
The poverty the Vietnamese people had suffered in the 80's is unimaginable.There was no food,many people starved to death.There was no medicine.The children died in thousands.In 1993 the American Administration led by Bill Clinton allowed the release of International Monetary Fund loans to Hanoi.How magnanimous of America.First you bring a country to its knees and then you "allow" help for the starving millions.
I have seen poverty that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
I have seen poverty that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
I have seen beautiful houses and wealthy neighbourhoods.
Life is getting better.
But it is a slow,slow progress.
An American had said to the tour guide-the Vietnamese are so slim,it must be their good diet.
An American had said to the tour guide-the Vietnamese are so slim,it must be their good diet.
No, replied he, we often cannot afford to buy food.
"Graceful,historical Hoi An
is Vietnam's most atmospheric and delightful town...beguiling riverside setting..."[Lonely Planet}
Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage since 1999.
Japanese covered bridge built over a steam in 1593 connects Japanese and Chinese districts.
The old house of Tan Ky was built to withstand floodwaters in the rainy season.The exterior of the roof is made of tiles,inside the ceiling is made of wood.This keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter.Tan Ky house has been preserved through seven generations.
17th century Phuoc Kien Temple is dedicated to Thien Hau,goddess of the sea and patrons of sailors and fishermen.
The China beach is a stretch of 30 km of white sand.It is not politically correct to call it the China beach, but My Khe,at least that is what the 6 km near Da Nang is named as My Khe is practically a suburb of Da Nang
Marble Mountains are just off the China Beach Rd.Mountains have five tops with pagodas on the highest level.The residents of the villages at the foot of the mountains work with marble and the creations are delightful,but even the minute ones are too heavy,being marble,and the jewellery I found too old fashioned.I almost liked some, but not enough to buy.
Many restaurants, shops, hotels in Hoi An do not have English speaking staff, getting a freshly pressed fruit juice had turned into a farce and in the end it was easier to walk out.
We had stopped in a couple of shopping outlets,one specialising in making and selling silk items and lanterns. I looked at black trousers,but did not like the shape of one pair,and there was nowhere to try the ones I liked,so gave them a miss.In the other shop there were pyjamas I liked very much and wanted to buy them in deep red to wear separately in the evening [yes, teaming them with different items and wear not in bed, but to a restaurant,etc.],but could not find anywhere to pay for them,so good-bye pyjamas.
The English of the tour guide - the very expensive tour booked by Cunard - was awful,his mannerisms strange,no rhyme or reason to anything he was saying and not even half way through it all I lost the will to live.Had he kept quiet the heat and the often bumpy two hour ride to Hoi An and two hour ride back wold have been more bearable.And then there was the most obnoxious Australian couple to listen to, he of the loud voice commenting on anything and everything,most of it crap in the first degree,she adding to the misery with her nonsensical shrieks.Oh,Ozzies, when you are good,you are very good, but when you are bad, you are awful.
The magic of Hoi An made up for all the misery en route.
One day I would like to return and see a it all again.
Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage since 1999.
Japanese covered bridge built over a steam in 1593 connects Japanese and Chinese districts.
The old house of Tan Ky was built to withstand floodwaters in the rainy season.The exterior of the roof is made of tiles,inside the ceiling is made of wood.This keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter.Tan Ky house has been preserved through seven generations.
17th century Phuoc Kien Temple is dedicated to Thien Hau,goddess of the sea and patrons of sailors and fishermen.
The China beach is a stretch of 30 km of white sand.It is not politically correct to call it the China beach, but My Khe,at least that is what the 6 km near Da Nang is named as My Khe is practically a suburb of Da Nang
Marble Mountains are just off the China Beach Rd.Mountains have five tops with pagodas on the highest level.The residents of the villages at the foot of the mountains work with marble and the creations are delightful,but even the minute ones are too heavy,being marble,and the jewellery I found too old fashioned.I almost liked some, but not enough to buy.
Many restaurants, shops, hotels in Hoi An do not have English speaking staff, getting a freshly pressed fruit juice had turned into a farce and in the end it was easier to walk out.
We had stopped in a couple of shopping outlets,one specialising in making and selling silk items and lanterns. I looked at black trousers,but did not like the shape of one pair,and there was nowhere to try the ones I liked,so gave them a miss.In the other shop there were pyjamas I liked very much and wanted to buy them in deep red to wear separately in the evening [yes, teaming them with different items and wear not in bed, but to a restaurant,etc.],but could not find anywhere to pay for them,so good-bye pyjamas.
The English of the tour guide - the very expensive tour booked by Cunard - was awful,his mannerisms strange,no rhyme or reason to anything he was saying and not even half way through it all I lost the will to live.Had he kept quiet the heat and the often bumpy two hour ride to Hoi An and two hour ride back wold have been more bearable.And then there was the most obnoxious Australian couple to listen to, he of the loud voice commenting on anything and everything,most of it crap in the first degree,she adding to the misery with her nonsensical shrieks.Oh,Ozzies, when you are good,you are very good, but when you are bad, you are awful.
The magic of Hoi An made up for all the misery en route.
One day I would like to return and see a it all again.
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Hong Kong is the 81st country I have visited.
It was leased by China to Britain from 1842 to 1997,now firmly back in Chinese hands with some autonomy. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.About 7.5 million live on 1,046 sq km.[Slovakia has 5.5 million of people living on 49 .036 sq km.] For a small "country" H K packs quite a punch.It is the world's most vertical city.Public transport travelling rate exceeds 90 percent,the highest in the world.The income per capita is one of the highest. H K breathes prosperity.
What astonishes me is the size of the designer shops, given that space is at a premium [and no,I did not see any sexy evening ankle boots, was not even tempted to try any Laboutins.] In the shopping centre next to where The Queen Victoria had docked, practically the whole of the massive basement is devoted to designer boutiques for children.
The women in H K are well dressed, many a time I thought what a lovely outfit.In Sydney, Australia, there was one woman only I considered stylish.One.She was tattooed top to bottom, wearing 50's dress.And she pulled it off.
H K,small as it is, deserves another look and I would very much like to look again.
.
What astonishes me is the size of the designer shops, given that space is at a premium [and no,I did not see any sexy evening ankle boots, was not even tempted to try any Laboutins.] In the shopping centre next to where The Queen Victoria had docked, practically the whole of the massive basement is devoted to designer boutiques for children.
The women in H K are well dressed, many a time I thought what a lovely outfit.In Sydney, Australia, there was one woman only I considered stylish.One.She was tattooed top to bottom, wearing 50's dress.And she pulled it off.
H K,small as it is, deserves another look and I would very much like to look again.
.
I found out yesterday the tour
to a rice farm may not take place for the lack of interest,so have booked another tour I think I will like.And in a way I am glad,it will give me the chance to hand out some of my clothes and shoes and bits.In Nha Trang after the Vinpearl I so much liked we had to board the boat to take us to the ship.Nha Trang was one of the ten major air bases operated by the US Airforce during the Vietnamese war. In 1971 the Americans withdrew from the air base,and a month after the North Vietnamese captured the city on 1 April 1975 the war was over.Nha Trang bay is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful bays.And I had seen the mainland only fleetingly.This new tour will give me the chance to explore a litttle the local way of life be it in a completely different part of Vietnam.
Sunday, 17 March 2019
Evie has spoken!
Hurrah.She is American.One Yank who doesn't talk.
Evie is my table companion on the Crystal Bus tour in Hong Kong.
Evie is my table companion on the Crystal Bus tour in Hong Kong.
She almost fell off her seat when I extended my hand to her and introduced myself.The same bewilderment at the Captain's table at dinner the other evening.
Thursday, 14 March 2019
The morning after Darwin
I woke up with bite marks all over my body,except the face. Something had a feast and I was the dish.I could see no flying object in my cabin,smothered myself with soothing cream and gave it no further thought,even though was keeping an eye around me.
Two mornings later I knew I had a problem,red blotches all over my torso and my lips had acquired the shape of a trout pout.
Still I could see nothing.
In the evening a tiny blood-sucker, slightly bigger than a moth, greeted me by the door flittering about happily, his dinner was coming! Not if I can help it! We were chasing each other til midnight and I won! In the morning I could not believe my eyes,another bleeder.He had the moves, I had determination.
Still I could not hit him.And then I thought to use my brain,spread a blob of honey on a tissue and placed it on a bed.After lunch I could see a tiny spot on the tissue.The blood sucker was dead.
Life and laundry on the Queen Victoria.
With my grade of the cabin(P1) I get 4 items laundered-washed and ironed every day.I never take the full advantage and do a lot of washing myself.The service is excellent.On a striped red and white T-shirt they got rid of a stubborn dark spot I could not dispose of.Why do I pack stained clothes,you may ask.I did not notice,I must have bought it like that and it was at the back.I want to give it away together with numerous other items at the end of the cruise.The ship's men worked their magic on my silk shirt I have had for years and take on every holiday,it has a tiny grease mark no more.
Tuesday, 12 March 2019
The entertainment.
The world's fastest pianist Australian Ashley Carruthers in his finale,that came far too soon,jumped on the piano with his back to the key-board and played.I have seen things, but this...
Still, a nice man, nice playing.
The Spinettes.
Retro glamour is their middle name.Polished act, I loved the songs,not the singing,attacking every song.Not for me.
The performance of acrobatic artists Frenchman Philippe and his English wife Rachel was polished and breathtaking.
She must be 40 if a day,with the graceful body of a teenager,I have never seen splits like hers.He is athletic,with a nice sense of humour.
I never stopped clapping.
Still, a nice man, nice playing.
The Spinettes.
Retro glamour is their middle name.Polished act, I loved the songs,not the singing,attacking every song.Not for me.
The performance of acrobatic artists Frenchman Philippe and his English wife Rachel was polished and breathtaking.
She must be 40 if a day,with the graceful body of a teenager,I have never seen splits like hers.He is athletic,with a nice sense of humour.
I never stopped clapping.
I have had an invitation to dine at the captain's table tonight.
It is a coveted invitation,there are only 10 places at the dining table and about 1 800 passengers.
To date I have had 8-9 v invites to various do's hosted by the captain [there is a cocktail party every week or so], but i is not for me. This time I have said yes,anything to get away from the roly poly's manic laughter and the American's lectures.
When I went to iron my staple "gala " white blouse I pair with funky midnight blue trousers and ankle boots, I noticed a large stain near the 2nd upper button,luckily a blue necklace I bought in Aruba will cover it.
To date I have had 8-9 v invites to various do's hosted by the captain [there is a cocktail party every week or so], but i is not for me. This time I have said yes,anything to get away from the roly poly's manic laughter and the American's lectures.
When I went to iron my staple "gala " white blouse I pair with funky midnight blue trousers and ankle boots, I noticed a large stain near the 2nd upper button,luckily a blue necklace I bought in Aruba will cover it.
Two years ago I had travelled around Latin America.
The poverty I had encountered was shocking.But poverty I understand.I was born into poverty.What became incomprehensible to me was the squalor accepted as the way of life.At the end of the 45 days I thought I had seen it all and could not be shocked again.
And then I came to Bali.
The cruise terminal in Benoa is nice and clean.The tender provided by the port authorities to ferry us from the ship to shore was luxurious in comparison with the Queen Victoria's own boats.The bus that waited to take us on an 8 hour tour to the Water Palace and the village of Tenganan was comfortable and had a working air-conditioner.
As we drove away from the port the island of Bali appeared no better and no worse than many other islands I'd visited-personable buildings mixing with those that could barely stand,the occasional pile of rubbish or a broken piece of furniture leaning against a wall or a lamp-post.
And then the personable structures became sporadic,the shacks prevalent and the pile upon pile of rubbish and broken beds,chairs and other pieces of furniture everywhere.And when I thought it cannot get worse it got worse, much,much worse and I came to realize that one man's paradise is another man's hell.
The squalor the likes of which I had not seen before, everywhere.
Bali is a part of the Indonesian Archipelago. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country.The ethnic mix in Indonesia is overwhelming.The riots in recent years have pitched Muslims against Christians,developing in the Maluku Islands and in Poso in Cenral Sulawesi into full-scale civil war.
Bali is Hindi.There are 100 ethnic groups,speaking more than 300 different languages on the island.
In 2002 there was a terrorist bomb attack in Kuta on Bali.
Having seen how the Balinese live I understand the resentment many of these people who have so little feel towards the foreigners who appear to have so much.
What I do not understand is why the hotel chains do not do more to help.
And then I came to Bali.
The cruise terminal in Benoa is nice and clean.The tender provided by the port authorities to ferry us from the ship to shore was luxurious in comparison with the Queen Victoria's own boats.The bus that waited to take us on an 8 hour tour to the Water Palace and the village of Tenganan was comfortable and had a working air-conditioner.
As we drove away from the port the island of Bali appeared no better and no worse than many other islands I'd visited-personable buildings mixing with those that could barely stand,the occasional pile of rubbish or a broken piece of furniture leaning against a wall or a lamp-post.
And then the personable structures became sporadic,the shacks prevalent and the pile upon pile of rubbish and broken beds,chairs and other pieces of furniture everywhere.And when I thought it cannot get worse it got worse, much,much worse and I came to realize that one man's paradise is another man's hell.
The squalor the likes of which I had not seen before, everywhere.
Bali is a part of the Indonesian Archipelago. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim country.The ethnic mix in Indonesia is overwhelming.The riots in recent years have pitched Muslims against Christians,developing in the Maluku Islands and in Poso in Cenral Sulawesi into full-scale civil war.
Bali is Hindi.There are 100 ethnic groups,speaking more than 300 different languages on the island.
In 2002 there was a terrorist bomb attack in Kuta on Bali.
Having seen how the Balinese live I understand the resentment many of these people who have so little feel towards the foreigners who appear to have so much.
What I do not understand is why the hotel chains do not do more to help.
Sunday, 10 March 2019
What have I done to deserve this?
In the Princess Grill dining room in front of me an English roly poly laughs like a man possessed.
At the back of me an American holds court from the moment he sits down to the moment he gets up.No-one says anything to him.No-one asks him anything. Yet he talks.Non stop.The laugh I can put up with.But the incessant talking would drive the most tolerant of the tolerant to scweem and scweem and scweem! If he does not get off in Hong Kong or Singapore I am jumping the ship!
At the back of me an American holds court from the moment he sits down to the moment he gets up.No-one says anything to him.No-one asks him anything. Yet he talks.Non stop.The laugh I can put up with.But the incessant talking would drive the most tolerant of the tolerant to scweem and scweem and scweem! If he does not get off in Hong Kong or Singapore I am jumping the ship!
Friday, 8 March 2019
There were "Jumping Croc" tours on offer in Darwin.
Are we being asked to participate in some special local do wearing crocs, I wondered. Perhaps this is the dance for my two left feet!
No,not the dance, the crocodiles had food dangled above their heads to make them jump for it.
No,not the dance, the crocodiles had food dangled above their heads to make them jump for it.
In the heat of 40 C [104 F] I wouldn't sit in a boat even if the croc jumped into my arms and kissed me!
We were promised a spectacle of thunder and lightening at 16 00. We did not get it.
Something akin materialised in the evening. No thunder, just lightening.Electric lightening.
A groom all in black being kissed by a bride in spectacular white robe that changed shape as she embraced him at times tenderly and fleetingly, at times with a fervour and unbridled passion.
A spectacular good-bye to Darwin.
We were promised a spectacle of thunder and lightening at 16 00. We did not get it.
Something akin materialised in the evening. No thunder, just lightening.Electric lightening.
A groom all in black being kissed by a bride in spectacular white robe that changed shape as she embraced him at times tenderly and fleetingly, at times with a fervour and unbridled passion.
A spectacular good-bye to Darwin.
A speedo man on board.
Yes, I spotted one this morning,the dip between his buttocks visible from a distance of 200 m. And what were the people near him privy to as he was looking for a spot to sit,I shudder to think.
There is a spot, off the ship!
Thursday, 7 March 2019
If Darwin was a woman,there would be only one word to describe her - plain.
In 1942 the Japanese destroyed 90% of the town in 64 bombing raids.
In 1974 cyclone Tracey did an equally good job.The town was rebuilt on the same site.
Darwin has two seasons - the "dry" season from May to October and the " monsoon" season from November to April.
As I write at 14.00 local time the temperature outside is 38 C [ 100 F.]
It is hot, it is sticky.
The Hop on Hop off bus was half empty,I never heard cameras clicking and I myself didn't even bother to take my camera out.There is simply nothing of note to see in Darwin.
The shopping mall is plainer than plain,the one promising boutique in a side street was closed. But I did buy some magazines and postcards and stamps, the children in my family love getting the cards addressed to them,they so proudly show them to their school-friends. the post box was very visible and that is a rarity. As is buying stamps together with the postcards.So while writing the cards
I had some freshly pressed juice and could not resist a cake, similar to a Madeira cake but taste-wise far too superior.
There was a very old Aborigine male beggar sitting in a door-way near the letter box and I gave him all my loose change that came to about 14 Australian dollars,he was quite shocked when it landed in his palm and kept repeating what I presume was thank you.
Then I boarded the immaculate shuttle bus and 20 minutes later was sitting in the Princess Grill having the plainest of the plain lunches. Aaah, Queen Victoria, you never surprise.
In 1974 cyclone Tracey did an equally good job.The town was rebuilt on the same site.
Darwin has two seasons - the "dry" season from May to October and the " monsoon" season from November to April.
As I write at 14.00 local time the temperature outside is 38 C [ 100 F.]
It is hot, it is sticky.
The Hop on Hop off bus was half empty,I never heard cameras clicking and I myself didn't even bother to take my camera out.There is simply nothing of note to see in Darwin.
The shopping mall is plainer than plain,the one promising boutique in a side street was closed. But I did buy some magazines and postcards and stamps, the children in my family love getting the cards addressed to them,they so proudly show them to their school-friends. the post box was very visible and that is a rarity. As is buying stamps together with the postcards.So while writing the cards
I had some freshly pressed juice and could not resist a cake, similar to a Madeira cake but taste-wise far too superior.
There was a very old Aborigine male beggar sitting in a door-way near the letter box and I gave him all my loose change that came to about 14 Australian dollars,he was quite shocked when it landed in his palm and kept repeating what I presume was thank you.
Then I boarded the immaculate shuttle bus and 20 minutes later was sitting in the Princess Grill having the plainest of the plain lunches. Aaah, Queen Victoria, you never surprise.
Wednesday, 6 March 2019
There are two Yorkshire men in the Princess Grill,
one quiet,the other not. One nicely chubby,the other like two barrels and a half. And the large one laughs.My God,how he laughs. No-one says anything and he laughs,someone says something and he laughs,he sees a waiter and he laughs,he doesn't see a waiter and he laughs.My mother would have said - he laughs like a fool who had just seen a naked bottom [ in Slovakian it is very funny.]
There are two German ladies at a table next to them [we all are allocated the same table to eat during the cruise],and as the men are short and wide, the women are tall and narrow. They have become friends, go on outings together,one of them being to The Great Barrier Reef.
Yesterday at lunch the four of them were showing their neighbours the photos taken from the tour and the double barrels and a half said loudly for the whole dining room to hear - when he speaks I always hear every single word even though I sit several tables away-when I saw myself in the wet suit I was horrified, I have always thought I look wonderful.
Now, if you are wondering why this man would ever wear a wet suit,the answer is, that in the waters around Australia there are the "stingers" [box jelly fish] between October and May and getting bitten by it can be lethal,so the swimmers are offered black wet suits to protect them.
" I have always thought I look wonderful." That is exactly what I always think until I see my photographs!
He said it so endearingly, I still chuckle when I think about it.
The Great Barrier Reef is a coral reef in The Coral Sea,the largest coral reef in the world,2000 km or so, along the coast of Queensland.
There are two German ladies at a table next to them [we all are allocated the same table to eat during the cruise],and as the men are short and wide, the women are tall and narrow. They have become friends, go on outings together,one of them being to The Great Barrier Reef.
Yesterday at lunch the four of them were showing their neighbours the photos taken from the tour and the double barrels and a half said loudly for the whole dining room to hear - when he speaks I always hear every single word even though I sit several tables away-when I saw myself in the wet suit I was horrified, I have always thought I look wonderful.
Now, if you are wondering why this man would ever wear a wet suit,the answer is, that in the waters around Australia there are the "stingers" [box jelly fish] between October and May and getting bitten by it can be lethal,so the swimmers are offered black wet suits to protect them.
" I have always thought I look wonderful." That is exactly what I always think until I see my photographs!
He said it so endearingly, I still chuckle when I think about it.
The Great Barrier Reef is a coral reef in The Coral Sea,the largest coral reef in the world,2000 km or so, along the coast of Queensland.
Monday, 4 March 2019
Comedian Jeff Stevenson performed for us last night.
I know the name, I know the face,I know I had seen him in the recent past,but cannot find anything about him in my notes.I only know that I liked him when I heard him the first time and I absolutely loved him last night.Mr Stevenson, you are a very witty performer.I am never going to miss your performance if you come on my ship again.
BRISBANE
The Beautiful.The shopping arcade on Adelaide St.is lovely. Bronwyn in this most unusual boutique equally lovely,her skin faultless,no wrinkle,no blemish.And so nice to talk to.The next time I come to this enchanting city, I will get her to run me up an outfit.
Australia is big.
It covers 7,692.024 square km,The USA 9,629.091.
For 3 days now we are sailing to Darwin, Australia's only tropical city.Apparently every afternoon at 4 pm like clockwork thunder and lightening shakes the city to its foundations.It must be a breathtaking sight.A shopping centre and rain go hand in hand.And we will have a shuttle bus from the port to the city centre.Lubbly jubbly.In Brisbane The Brisbane Arcade on Adelaide St is magnificent.The wi-fi is free and excellent,the seating provided luxury itself. the choice of outlets serving food second to none,some shops are glorious and I had discovered a little treasure trove called "Irma J. Smith" owned and run by Bronwyn.She has style rarely seen these days and is so beautiful,her skin peachy and wrinkle free, at the earliest opportunity I am going to ask what she puts on her exquisite face,it is neither botox nor surgery,I am sure. And if I ever go to Brisbane again, I am going to have an outfit run up by her seamstresses,everything she makes is one of a kind.
There was a silk dress I found in a boutique,all fluff and frills, to the knee,pinkish with a gentle flower pattern, utterly adorable, but as I have 4 utterly adorable dresses on this cruise I have not worn yet,I thought no, not another dress I am not going to wear.And now I regret not buying it. I am an accidental shopper and find that what I buy on impulse I never regret. Only what I don't buy. Aaah,well.
For 3 days now we are sailing to Darwin, Australia's only tropical city.Apparently every afternoon at 4 pm like clockwork thunder and lightening shakes the city to its foundations.It must be a breathtaking sight.A shopping centre and rain go hand in hand.And we will have a shuttle bus from the port to the city centre.Lubbly jubbly.In Brisbane The Brisbane Arcade on Adelaide St is magnificent.The wi-fi is free and excellent,the seating provided luxury itself. the choice of outlets serving food second to none,some shops are glorious and I had discovered a little treasure trove called "Irma J. Smith" owned and run by Bronwyn.She has style rarely seen these days and is so beautiful,her skin peachy and wrinkle free, at the earliest opportunity I am going to ask what she puts on her exquisite face,it is neither botox nor surgery,I am sure. And if I ever go to Brisbane again, I am going to have an outfit run up by her seamstresses,everything she makes is one of a kind.
There was a silk dress I found in a boutique,all fluff and frills, to the knee,pinkish with a gentle flower pattern, utterly adorable, but as I have 4 utterly adorable dresses on this cruise I have not worn yet,I thought no, not another dress I am not going to wear.And now I regret not buying it. I am an accidental shopper and find that what I buy on impulse I never regret. Only what I don't buy. Aaah,well.
RIB
Rigid Inflatable Boat.
Imagine driving on the bumpiest of terrains when you feel the livers are being shaken out of you.
Now multiply it tenfold and you get a pretty good idea what chasing the waves in a RIB is.
The first half an hour is exhilarating.Then it is NOT.And I had an hour of the NOT ride there and an hour and a half of the NOT back.Where was it,you may ask.To the Whitehaven beach.
Now, I cannot swim,I can barely float,I sank in the Dead Sea where it is impossible to sink.But I did. My swimming is akin to my dancing.
So I never book a tour where a beach is involved, even though I love walking on the warm soft sand and where it is possible to walk to a beach,I do so.But the Whitehaven beach,one of the best in the world, I could not resist,thinking the Ozzies keep it in a pristine condition [they do not,maybe because hardly any-one goes there.]
Only we docked in the Airlie Beach port,where tenders had to be used. Why do the massive ships go to ports where tenders have to be used,is beyond me,when there are hundreds of other beautiful ports to visit,that the big ships can dock in comfortably.There we were,the longest tender ride I have ever been on, 40 or so minutes from ship to shore.And The Queen Victoria absolutely not capable of handling this simplest of the operations.
We were an hour and a half late to begin our "tour."That was unpleasant enough, And after the most torturous boat ride I was hoping for something wonderful to happen.What followed was a very unpleasant walk to the viewing platform from where the enchanting vista of the Whitehaven beach opened up before me.Awful "ecological" toilets.Another most unpleasant walk back to the RIB.Quick lunch.I had an overcooked potato salad and overcooked fruit de mer I could not stomach and handed back almost untouched. Luckily I took several pieces of red melon and pineapple,but there were far too few on offer and I did not go back for more knowing others may want some,too.Then I went on the beach,spread the towel and for 11 blissful minutes soaked the sun trying to dry my completely wet shorts [I stepped from the RIB into the water up to almost my waist.]Several other people left the boat, most remained seated, waiting for us to turn back.And that was the promised 2 hours on the Whitehaven beach.
Imagine driving on the bumpiest of terrains when you feel the livers are being shaken out of you.
Now multiply it tenfold and you get a pretty good idea what chasing the waves in a RIB is.
The first half an hour is exhilarating.Then it is NOT.And I had an hour of the NOT ride there and an hour and a half of the NOT back.Where was it,you may ask.To the Whitehaven beach.
Now, I cannot swim,I can barely float,I sank in the Dead Sea where it is impossible to sink.But I did. My swimming is akin to my dancing.
So I never book a tour where a beach is involved, even though I love walking on the warm soft sand and where it is possible to walk to a beach,I do so.But the Whitehaven beach,one of the best in the world, I could not resist,thinking the Ozzies keep it in a pristine condition [they do not,maybe because hardly any-one goes there.]
Only we docked in the Airlie Beach port,where tenders had to be used. Why do the massive ships go to ports where tenders have to be used,is beyond me,when there are hundreds of other beautiful ports to visit,that the big ships can dock in comfortably.There we were,the longest tender ride I have ever been on, 40 or so minutes from ship to shore.And The Queen Victoria absolutely not capable of handling this simplest of the operations.
We were an hour and a half late to begin our "tour."That was unpleasant enough, And after the most torturous boat ride I was hoping for something wonderful to happen.What followed was a very unpleasant walk to the viewing platform from where the enchanting vista of the Whitehaven beach opened up before me.Awful "ecological" toilets.Another most unpleasant walk back to the RIB.Quick lunch.I had an overcooked potato salad and overcooked fruit de mer I could not stomach and handed back almost untouched. Luckily I took several pieces of red melon and pineapple,but there were far too few on offer and I did not go back for more knowing others may want some,too.Then I went on the beach,spread the towel and for 11 blissful minutes soaked the sun trying to dry my completely wet shorts [I stepped from the RIB into the water up to almost my waist.]Several other people left the boat, most remained seated, waiting for us to turn back.And that was the promised 2 hours on the Whitehaven beach.
Saturday, 2 March 2019
Brisbane is named after the river on which it sits
which in turn was named after Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane,the governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825.
During the World War 2 the city was the South West Pacific headquarters for the American general Douglas MacArthur.In 1942 Brisbane was bombed by the Japanese 59 times causing extensive damage.The present day Brisbane rose from the ashes, the Australians have done a marvellous job rebuilding it.
The city has sub-tropical climate.Yesterday it was humid and sticky and it rained intermittently.But I did not mind,The shuttle bus provided by the city ran on the loop transferring the passengers from the cargo port where the Queen Victoria had docked, to the centre of Brisbane.The journey took 45 or so minutes either way and sitting in the luxury bus was a joy.Never on any cruise have we had a comfortable vehicle like this at our disposal. And it was free.
During the World War 2 the city was the South West Pacific headquarters for the American general Douglas MacArthur.In 1942 Brisbane was bombed by the Japanese 59 times causing extensive damage.The present day Brisbane rose from the ashes, the Australians have done a marvellous job rebuilding it.
The city has sub-tropical climate.Yesterday it was humid and sticky and it rained intermittently.But I did not mind,The shuttle bus provided by the city ran on the loop transferring the passengers from the cargo port where the Queen Victoria had docked, to the centre of Brisbane.The journey took 45 or so minutes either way and sitting in the luxury bus was a joy.Never on any cruise have we had a comfortable vehicle like this at our disposal. And it was free.
Sri Lanka has appealed to the International Monetary Fund
to revive a $ 1.5-billion bailout suspended after more than seven weeks of political upheaval in the country.The crises greatly alarmed the IMF,it suspended the bailout programme - that began in 2016 - just as it was about to disburse another instalment.
I will never understand why poor countries that so heavily rely on foreign aid,cannot live in harmony and work to make their country more prosperous and self-reliant.
But as long as they know that "rich" foreigners will help,this will never happen.
I will never understand why poor countries that so heavily rely on foreign aid,cannot live in harmony and work to make their country more prosperous and self-reliant.
But as long as they know that "rich" foreigners will help,this will never happen.
That said,having re-read the above on 2 march 2021, I hope with all my heart Sri Lanka got the money and is spending it wisely.
I fell in love with the country and its people who retain dignity and kindness in poverty I had not seen before.
Still more entertainment.
She breathed on stage in her red swirly short dress,wide smile, hardly any make-up and let the sax do the talking.The song fast and tuneful,the way I like it when I am on a cruise and not at a funeral.
Benny Hill's signature tune followed - you know the one, he is chasing the girls with a wicked smile on his face.She tap danced,can caned,did the split - and gracefully made it up.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend followed, her high notes not quite high enough,she forgot two words, but I did not care.I was enthralled by this delightful bubbly creature.And then she was gone.Breath of fresh air called Amber Jane.
Benny Hill's signature tune followed - you know the one, he is chasing the girls with a wicked smile on his face.She tap danced,can caned,did the split - and gracefully made it up.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend followed, her high notes not quite high enough,she forgot two words, but I did not care.I was enthralled by this delightful bubbly creature.And then she was gone.Breath of fresh air called Amber Jane.
Friday, 1 March 2019
Sydney has 115 museums,
75 theatres,74 cinemas,49 galleries,2 300 parks and gardens and 5 999 outlets selling UGG-ly boots.
The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney
had freshly cut grass.I haven't smelled freshly cut grass for a long time.It was intoxicating.
The Museum of Contemporary Art,The Sydney Harbour was a joy to spend time in
I liked The Aboriginal Art.And not a trace of Tracey and her "Bed."
In Sydney it was the lovely Marriott hotel
that provided comfort,excellent coffee and first class wi-fi.
More entertainment.
Tenori.Tenori.Tenori.Wonderful.
Wonderful.Wonderful.Amusing.Witty.And can they sing!
And they do keep to half of my credo-if the photo does not make you look ten years younger, do not let the world see it. Please,Tenori,take a new publicity photograph and make sure it makes the little one look at least 10 kg lighter,to do him justice, because wide he is not.Wide or narrow I absolutely loved your performance.
"VOX is at the forefront of contemporary choral music in Australia."
They sang for us on 27 February,mostly a cappella. It was a joy to listen to.Thank you.
And they do keep to half of my credo-if the photo does not make you look ten years younger, do not let the world see it. Please,Tenori,take a new publicity photograph and make sure it makes the little one look at least 10 kg lighter,to do him justice, because wide he is not.Wide or narrow I absolutely loved your performance.
"VOX is at the forefront of contemporary choral music in Australia."
They sang for us on 27 February,mostly a cappella. It was a joy to listen to.Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)