World Cruise - edoyle
I'm starting a blog so I won't be inundating your inboxes with e-mails.You can follow my travels,if you like,at will.

Preparing to set sail
San Francisco, United States
Boarded late afternoon on the 13th.Party for round the worlders.
Had a stroll from the dock next day as the people doing segments were boarding.
Weather sunny and warm.
written by  edoyle on January 14, 2011 from San Francisco, United States
from the travel blog: World Cruise

Hawaii
Hilo, United States
Arrived in Hilo on my birthday.Took a trip to Kilauea Volcano.Interesting to see craters within the huge caldera.
Went to a macadamia factory and a pineapple factory.
written by  edoyle on January 19, 2011 from Hilo, United States
from the travel blog: World Cruise

Still Fr.Polynesia
Papeete, French Polynesia
[!--RETRO--> Arrived in Papeete,capital of Tahiti,the largest island in French Polynesia.It is a self-governing Fr.region.I took a tour called "In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps"We visited the Gauguin museum,4 buildings in a square where one walks in the open to each one.All the original art is locked away because of the heat and humidity,we saw replicas.We also saw the House he built himself and in which he lived for many years,in the museum.It was a small 2-storey wooden shack.He lived downstairs and he had a studio upstairs which equalled the entire downstairs.
Local dancers performed onboard that night.
Polynesian dancers on board Voyager
written by  edoyle on February 20, 2011 from Papeete, French Polynesia
from the travel blog: World Cruise

Honolulu
Honolulu, United States
Elvis impersonator
Arrived in Honolulu which means sheltered bay.Visited macadamia nut factory and Dole pineapple Plantation.
Special reception at Iolani Palace,official residence of Hawaii's last two monarchs.
Had my picture taken with an Elvis imoersonator,who didn't look much like Elvis but sounded really like him.
written by  edoyle on January 20, 2011 from Honolulu, United States

Continuing in Hawaii
Lahaina, United States
Arrived in Maui,anchored offshore and tendered in to meet our excursion buses.Went on the Iao valley and Ocean Ctr trip.In the valley there are Japanese,Korean,Chinese and Portuguese gardens for the many immigrants who worked in the sugar cane and pineapple industry.
In the Ocean Ctr.we were in a plexiglass tube with fish swimming around and above us.It was quite an experience to have a stingray swim a few inches overhead looking at its white underside and mouth opening and closing.
We now have 5 days at sea until we reach Moorea.
written by  edoyle on January 22, 2011 from Lahaina, United States

Anchored in Opunohu Bay
Teavaro, French Polynesia
Moorea is the tallest island in French Polynesia.The best known peak is Mouaron,better known as Mitchener's Bali Hai.
Took an off road safari,somewhat hairraising.We could look down on the bay and our ship.
We drove through coconut and pineapple plantations on the way back.
Took a picture of red ginger,the native flower,which I have yet to upload,and bird of paradise.
We sail for Papeete which is only about an hour away.
Bird of Paradise in Moorea
written by  edoyle on January 28, 2011 from Teavaro, French Polynesia

The Society Islands
Papeete, French Polynesia
Tour "In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps"Tahiti is the largest island in Fr.Polynesia and they use the Polynesian franc.It is a self-governing French region.
Visited the Gauguin museum and the house he built and where he died.The museum is a series of small buildings in a square.Because of the heat and humidity the original paintings are locked away,we saw replicas.
That evening local dancers performed on board.
Polynesian dancers on board Voyager
written by  edoyle on January 29, 2011 from Papeete, French Polynesia

More Fr.Polynesia
Povai, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is probably the best known of the Polynesian Islands.I think Moorea is more beautiful.Took "Le Truck" around the island,quite a bumpy ride,Le Truck is an opensided
vehicle with a top.Many houses are built over the water and have cone shaped thatched roofs.One was pointed out to us as belonging to Jack Nicholson and of course Marlon Brando is famous there.
We stopped at "Bloody Mary's",a well known spot for food and drink.As it was Sunday the place was closed but open to walk through.Bloody Mary gave her name to the character in South Pacific.I photographed some of the famous names on a plaque,of those who visited there.
The heat and humidity are oppressive.I really missed Holland.
An interesting custom is that people bury their relatives in their front yard.I don't know what happens if they want to sell!
Scorpions are common so people have chickens to eat them and they have cats to keep down the rat population.We saw a few dogs that all looked scrawny.The climate is not for any creature with fur.
written by  edoyle on January 30, 2011 from Povai, French Polynesia

Tonga
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
We had 3 days at sea,crossing the International Date Line so we lost Feb.2
We had a fun ceremony to celebrate the event with King Neptune and his retinue.
We also had some good lectures,including one on the Hubble space telescope.
We arrived in Tonga to tremendous heat and humidity.It is very poor and backward but the people are very friendly and welcoming.
We saw many beautifully decorated cemetaries,one had a brightly coloured blanket on the ground surrounded by multiple vigil lights.
We have 2 more days at sea and then we anchor in the Bay of Islands,New Zealand where I hope to go kayaking.
written by  edoyle on February 4, 2011 from Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Bay of Islands
Russell, New Zealand
Many small islands a great resort area.
I went kayaking in the Waitangi river in a 2-man kayak.I was in front,the heavier person is always in the back,and he was a man who has been sailing since childhood and who has done a lot of canoeing but not kayaking.There is a difference in the paddle.We rested every so often,I much more often.We went by mangroves and saw flocks of pied stilts,a bird similar to a cormorant.
We had our picture taken by our guide in front of a Waterfall.We pulled to shore and had some coffee and cake,after which some kayakers decided to return on the bus.Dave and I decided to paddle back.One shoulder was quite sore after that.
Kayaking in Bay of Islands
written by  edoyle on February 7, 2011 from Russell, New Zealand

North Island
Auckland, New Zealand
Docked in Auckland.Had a tour of the city.Lovely trees and flowers,great boating.The city is on a narrow peninsula where it is just a short distance from the Pacific to the Tasman Sea.There was talk of building a canal across but it would be too expensive so now if you want to bring a boat from one side of Auckland to the other you have have to sail around the top of the North Island.
We visited a Manuka honey factory and had a taste with some fruit.The honey is prized for its antibacterial effects,both internal and external.
Very hot,always glad to return to the ship for a shower.
Looking forward to seeing more of New Zealand which is such a beautiful country.
written by  edoyle on February 8, 2011 from Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand
Tauranga, New Zealand
Beautiful drive to see a geyser which erupts every day at 10:15am with a little help from a friend.The geyser has 2 chambers,boiling water in the lower and cooler in the upper which acts as a lid.A park Ranger throws in an eco friendly detergent which decreases the surface tension of the cooler water allowing the boiling water to erupt,which it does to about 30m.The temp.is 300 degrees Celsius.
Rotorua has hot mud pools and we walked around.These are much larger than I expected.
Quite a smell of sulphur everywhere.It was all very impressive.
We then took a Gondola up a Mountain for a buffet lunch and a show by several Maoris
Hot pool
The ship then sailed to Milford Sound going between the North and South Islands.
This a beautiful area.We sailed up the fjiord and saw 2 waterfalls.Pleasure ships sail up and down.I took pictures which I'll try to get reduced and post.
One day at sea and then Wellington
written by  edoyle on February 10, 2011 from Tauranga, New Zealand

The capital,Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Lovely city,many hills.Many houses are built on the side of the Mountain with lovely views of the bay.Access is by steep steps and appliances have to be brought in by helicopter.
Went on a pub tour,4 different pubs trying a different beer in each one.Had a very refreshing lemon-lime beer in one pub but could only manage a sip in the others.
A couple of us sat at a table with a man who looked like someone out of an old painting of a grizzled pioneer.He wore a knit cap,had missing teeth and had a huge bushy beard and we couldn't understand a word he said.He was happy to let me take his picture.He and his mate had the day off,Saturday,and his mate was outside smoking.
written by  edoyle on February 12, 2011 from Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington,the capital
Wellington, New Zealand
Arrived in the capital,weather pleasant,able to wear short sleeves.Went on a pub tour,4 very different pubs.I tried a lemon-lime beer in one which was very pleasant.I could just have a sip in the other pubs,trying a different beer in each one.
A couple of us spoke to a man at a table where we sat.He was on his second pitcher.He wore a knit cap,missing teeth and a huge bushy beard.He looked like a picture of a grizzled pioneer.He was happy to let me take a picture of him.
written by  edoyle on February 12, 2011 from Wellington, New Zealand

Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand
Docked in Lyttelton for Christchurch,the most English city in NZ.The Canterbury Assoc.was formed in 1849 to found a Church of England colony in NZ.Space was limited by the sea and Mountain in Lyttelton so the settlers went over the Mountain and built Christchurch on the Canterbury Plain.It is a lovely city with the Avon river running through it.The river was not named for the well known river in England but for the one in Scotland.
Punters are common on the river.There is a beautiful botanical garden,in which I had spent hours some years ago,so I took en excursion to the Intl.Antarctic Ctr.
We saw injured penguins being cared for and rode on a Hagglund All-Terrain Snowmobile,a tracked 16 person vehicle used in the Antarctic by both the US and NZ
We went up and down hill simulating craters and finally through water.Quite a hairraising ride!
We were driven through the city again on our way back to the ship.
Many buildings were damaged by the Sept.eartquake. the magnificent cathedral with its impressive spire had scaffolding around it and was considered unsafe to visit.
written by  edoyle on February 13, 2011 from Christchurch, New Zealand

Dunedin
Dunedin, New Zealand
Mon.14th Dunedin is considered to be the Scottish city of NZ.Somewhat hilly and clean as are all the cities we've seen in NZ.There is a very nice shopping area which I had seen before but didn't visit again,all prices are very high.Most edibles and clothes cost more than in the US.
I went on a wildlife safari which was quite rugged.It was a drive of 1 1/2hrs to Nature's Wonders.We were given green oilskin jackets and got into all wheel drive vehicles with 8 wheels,4in the back and 2 up front with the driver.The terrain was muddy from the recent rains,hence the jackets.
We went to a fur seal colony and saw adorable baby seals.We then drove to a yellow-eyed seal colony.They are extremely rare so no one is allowed near.I saw 2 blobs on the sand,one of which moved,so I assume it was a Penguin.
The drive back was lovely along the water.
written by  edoyle on February 14, 2011 from Dunedin, New Zealand

Milford Sound
Milford Sound, New Zealand
waterfall in Milford Sound
Tue.15th At sea.We went around the tip of the South Island to Dusky Fjord,Doubtful Fjord and Milford Sound.In 1986 UNESCO bestowed World Heritage status on this region.
We saw Sheer cliffs,snow capped peaks in the distance and a Waterfall at each end of the Sound.Sightseeing boats ply the banks.
The wind was just strong enough to cover the water with whitecaps.I took pictures of the bigger Waterfall from my balcony and the ship was sending ribbons of white from its side.
Tomorrow is another day at sea and then Tasmania.
written by  edoyle on February 15, 2011 from Milford Sound, New Zealand

Tasmania
Hobart, Australia
Fri.18th We arrived last evening at 7:30,earlier than expected.Immigration officials came on board and we all had to go to the main lounge for clearance and a stamp.Our table was lucky,we went between the main course and dessert.
Went on an oyster and wine tour.On the way we were driven up to view the city and our ship.
Went to Barilla Bay to an oyster farm.The water is pristine here.They begin with baby oysters the size of the tip of a pencil eraser,put them in mesh baskets and feed them special algae.As they grow they are moved to larger containers with larger holes and the water washing over them supplies food.During this time,about 18 mos. they are collected,mud washed off briefly,weighed and put back in the sea.Those that are not growing or are sick are kept out.We were given 2 oysters each with either a plum sauce or hot sauce.They were very good,I had one each of the sauces.
We then went to a winery where the upstairs floor was carved with the history of the winery and with faces and fruits.All of this made the floor uneven and we were warned to beware.Avery interesting visit.
written by  edoyle on February 18, 2011 from Hobart, Australia

At sea on way to Melbourne
Hobart, Australia
The sea is rough today.The top two decks are closed.The captain is trying to get to Melbourne by midnight to get out of the storm.We'll be safe in the bay.
written by  edoyle on February 19, 2011 from Hobart, Australia

Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Docked in Melbourne.Lovely city,considered the cultural centre of Australia.The river Yarra
runs through it,dividing it into north and south banks.The old part of the city has wrought
iron balconies,reminiscent of New Orleans.Ships carried iron ballast and sold it cheaply when loaded with provisions to return to England.
Went up Eureka Tower,88 storeys,good view of the city.Windows all around much like the Dominion Tower in Toronto which is taller.
We remained docked for two days and I went on a safari to see kangaroos and koalas in the wild.A group of kangaroos is called a mob and we couldn't get close enough to the first mob to see much even with binoculars.We did get closer to the second mob and saw a joey feeding from outside the pouch while a younger joey was inside.Apparently when the mother mates she can put conception on hold if conditions are not right,or having conceived she can put development on hold.When a joey is born he finds his way to the pouch and latches on to a teat and that is his to come back to until his mother thinks he is too big when she tightens a muscle so he can't even get his head in.While she is still nursing she can have another joey and that teat will have richer milk,so she is supplying 2 kinds of milk at the same time.This is so amazing.
We had lunch in a tent and were entertained by an aborigine playing a didgeridoo.It is rather like an alphorn.After lunch we were unable to see any koalas
Aborigine playing a didgeridoo
written by  edoyle on February 20, 2011 from Melbourne, Australia

Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Yesterday at sea.I won at a special Captain's bingo the previous evening and the prize was a tour of the back of the ship.We saw the laundry and where all the provisions are,the machinery to keep everything running smoothly.
I had not been watching the TV in my cabin so was shocked to learn of the earthquake in Christchurch.We had seen the scaffolding around the beautiful cathedral with its tall spire and now it was destroyed. so much devastation.Although the "quake was lower on the Richter scale than last September's it did more damage.It was said to be an aftershock and apparently these shocks had been occurring since Sept.but were under the Mountain until this one.
written by  edoyle on February 23, 2011 from Sydney, Australia

Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Been to Sydney twice before,visited the opera House and the shops so this time I was determined to see some wildlife and went to Featherdale Wildlife Park and had my fill.
Small kangaroos and wallabies,koalas by the dozen,cassowaries,cockatoos and other birds.Saw a huge crocodile basking in the sun AND I saw a Tasmanian devil,ugly creature
especially when he opens his mouth.
This was a most enjoyable,leisurely excursion.
Cockatoo in Featherdale Wildlife park
Native birds
{
I have to get my photos reduced to get them on the computer and the expert here often reduces the wrong ones.This has happened to others,so you'll just have to excuse strange pictures or just wait until I get home
written by  edoyle on February 23, 2011 from Sydney, Australia

Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia
Fri.Feb.25th Lovely city.The CBD is in a loop of the Brisbane river and was completely flooded.Everything has been cleaned but there are still signs of mud around.A lovely boardwalk was partially washed away and the river is very muddy.This is a laid back city.
Our guide told us that in Sydney you are asked how much money you have,in Melbourne what school you went to,in Adelaide what church you belong to but in Brisbane an arm is placed around you and someone says "let me buy you a beer".I loved that.
A dam was built after the '74 flood and people thought they were safe but there was so much rain that the dam had to be opened.The premier of Queensland scored many points for her handling of the situation.She set up buses in 4 points and asked people to put on wellingtons and bring cleaning supplies and had them brought to where they were needed.
The city was clean in record time.The guide also told of hordes of young men going into houses and just cleaning without introduction.Those who couldn't physically work went up and down streets supplying drinking water and water to wash with.She mentioned a town,I think it was Toowoomba,where the cars tumbled head over heels in the torrent.
Rockhampton was spared the worst of the flood.
We had a ride on a paddlewheeler,Kookabarra Queen,and saw some lovely houses along the river.The 1st mate gave a running commentary and played the accordion,mostly WW1 tunes.
written by  edoyle on February 27, 2011 from Brisbane, Australia

Townsville
Townsville, Australia
Sun.27th Took the shuttle into town,10 mins.There is a market every Sunday and I walked around.Homemade baked goods,clothes and trinkets.Heat and humidity almost unbearable.Took the shuttle back to the ship.
The main campus of the University of Brisbane is here.
written by  edoyle on February 27, 2011 from Townsville, Australia

Cairns
Cairns, Australia
Docked in Cairns this morning.My tour on a train and army duck was cancelled because of mud on the tracks so I took a panoramic tour of the city.It has grown tremendously in recent years.All beaches are north and south of the city with lovely little resorts.
We visited the botanical gardens where we saw all types of ferns.We saw many orchids and red ginger and meleleuca.
Oug guide was the most talkative we've had so far,but very well informed.
Mosquitos were a problem in the gardens.
written by  edoyle on February 28, 2011 from Cairns, Australia

Thursday island
Cooktown, Australia
Mon.march 1st at sea.Sky overcast and it rained most of the day.
Anchored off Thursday Island this morning,tendered in.
The island is 1.4 sq.Miles,3000 population.It is one of 136 islands in the Torres Strait and is the administrative headquarters for all the islands.It is known as TI to the inhabitants.
There was only one tour choice lasting 45 mins.The first group had a big tour bus.My group had a small bus with excellent air conditioning and a driver guide.We were driven up to a fort used in case of a Japanese attack in WW11.there was also a small museum up there.
There is a Tue.Wed.Thurs.and Fri Island but no Mon.Sat.or Sun.Island.Our guide told us the Thursday island was discovered on a Fri.and Fri.island discovered on Thurs.but when the area was being mapped some higher-up in the Admiralty switched the names to keep the sequence,hardly the cartographer,I imagine.
There are 6 churches and we were pointed out the C.of E. cathedral,a small lovely wooden building.
Ships come from Cairns twice a week with provisions and prices are 30% higher than on the mainland.
The weather was oppressively hot and humid so I didn't linger after the tour but took the tender back to the ship.
We have one day at sea and then Darwin.
written by  edoyle on March 2, 2011 from Cooktown, Australia

Top of the continent
Darwin, Australia
A small town,destroyed twice by cyclones,the last one being Tracy in 1974.It has been rebuilt with much stricter laws.
The pop.is 30,000 in the city,110,000 including the suburbs.
I took the historic Darwin tour.We visited the Northern Territory gaol museum in Fannie Bay,a good way to keep us on the straight and narrow!
Gaol
We visited the Botanical Gardens which were lovely.I always enjoy seeing plants and trees in beautiful settings.The palm trees were beaten down from the recent storm,and many flowering bushes looked bedraggled.The day was overcast and it had rained getting on the bus but the rain stopped and everything smelled so fresh,even the drooping flowers seemed to perk up.
upended trees
Path in Botanical Gardens
waterlogged bush
Our last stop was the Art Museum where we saw lovely examples of aboriginal art.Each tribe has its own design,rather like Scottish tartan.We also saw a film of the damage done by cyclone Tracy,and there was a sound proof booth where a few people could go in to hear what the cyclone sounded like.The worst noise was not just the wind but metal hitting the ground and other metal at 200 mph.
We saw a stuffed crocodile called "Sweetheart" which had taken bites out of a metal boat.It was finally captured years later but drowned as it was being pulled into the boat.
Now two days at sea and then Bali.
written by  edoyle on March 4, 2011 from Darwin, Australia

Bali
Ubud, Indonesia
5th and 6th at sea.Excellent lectures by Dr.Michael Boll on American Mid-East policy and Russia.Tue will be on North Korea.
Welcome to Bali
We anchored in Padang Bay and tendered in.The day was overcast so most of us took an umbrella from the ship.(This is the rainy season) My tour was called "Colors of Bali".Our first visit was to an 11th century temple,quite interesting.We had to cover our legs,even if wearing pants,though not our arms,surprisingly,so we were given sarongs to wear.The men donned them reluctantly and most of them looked quite amusing with them on.
Obligatory sarongs in temple
We then saw a Balinese folk tale performed on an open stage.We were all given a sheet with the explanation in our language of choice,otherwise no one could have followed what was going on.A tiger entered early on and the two men in the remarkably elaborate costume were magnificent.They cavorted around,opened and closed the wooden mouth noisily and lay down to sleep.I don't know how all the actors managed in the heat and humidity,even though the heat was abated by the grey skies.
Balinese performance
We learned that there are 13,700 islands in Indonesia.The Dutch came in 1908 and an uprising evicted them in 1942.Then the Japanese invaded and we saw many bunkers from their occupation.
After the war the monarchy was dissolved and Indonesia became independent.
East Bali is mostly Hindu while West Bali is Muslim
People live in small communities with a central meeting house.All know each other so crime is practically non-existent.
The caste system is prevalent but slowly dying out.The people are generally poor.Those who could afford air conditioning prefer to do without it.They believe that nature is healthier.
We had a lovely buffet lunch in a well known restaurant,then want to a silver manufacturer where we saw lovely filigree work.Our last stop was to see wood carvings,some very large and elaborate,some very small and delicate.They use ebony,mahogany,sandalwood,silkwood and others.
At each coach stop we were surrounded by men and women selling cloth and carvings.I did not buy a thing.
Ceiling in House of Justice
View from old house of justice
Rice field.Brownish is ready for gathering
written by  edoyle on March 8, 2011 from Ubud, Indonesia

Manila
Manila, Philippines
Arrived in Manila 7am yesterday,March 11.The ship was docked on the starboard side,where my cabin is and from about 7:30 a band played,dancers dressed somewhat like American Indians did a dance and a group played drums and cymbals.The dancers mopped their brows and sat down after each session.It was hot and humid.This went on all mornin
Dancers on the pier
We had to get a pass and have a thermal scan before the Philippine authorities let us on the pier.
Several of us took the shuttle to the huge Mall of Asia (air-conditioned) and walked around.Prices seemed high but the shops on the pier had better value.
Globe opposite Mall of Asia
Today I went on a tour "Modern Manila"This is a bustling city of 8 million,12 million including the outskirts and it is growing at the rate of 1.2 or 1.3 million a year.This is incredible.
Skyscrapers from the bus
View from the bus
The city is known for the "Jeepneys",WW11 jeeps bought privately ,enlarged and covered and decorated.They hold 20 people and are inexpensive.Tourists are advised not to use them.I couldn't get a decent picture of them as the bus was moving too fast.
We visited the American Cemetary which is beautifully kept.There were curved rows of crosses interspersed with Stars of David.
We also drove through the old walled city which the Spanish built refusing entrance to the natives and the Chinese.It was the last refuge of the Japanese during the war and was bombed repeatedly by the Americans.Most of the wall remains and the Cathedral,but little else.The Lyceum of the University is there and a renowned technical college.
Some old buildings are now dorms for the college students.I would have liked to have taken pictures outside the bus but we didn't stop as this was not part of the tour.
Because of the tsunami the refuelling tanker was not allowed to fill up so it will get here late.Refuelling takes 5 hrs.pouring in over 130 cubic tons (or is it tonnes?) of fuel.We are now scheduled to depart at midnight.This will delay our arrival in Taiwan so tours may be cancelled.
written by  edoyle on March 12, 2011 from Manila, Philippines

Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
Arrived in Keelung 6pm on Monday.We all had to go to the terminal with our passports and a photocopy which was stamped.We were told we'd need this to be allowed back into the port.I put mine in a pocket and went to dinner.It must have fallen out because I could't find it at bedtime.My tour was to meet at 7:45am on Tues.so I was able to get the afternoon tour and rhe Purser's office got another photocopy stamped when the Immigration officials were available at 8:30am.This was probably fortuitous as it was raining heavily all morning and while the skies were grey there was no afternoon rain.
The port city of Keelung has grown and there many shops but we didn't stop anywhere.
The buses were double decker and most of us sat on top.The drive to Taipei was about 30 mins.Lots of small cars and TONS of motor scooters which were parked in every crevice available.
Scooters everywhere
A busy street in Taipei
Our first stop was the Sun Yat Sen Memorial in a wide courtyard.
Our next stop was the National Palace Museum,3 floors of paintings,jade,bronze and wood carvings from China's earliest history.When the communists took over Chiang Kai Shek had it all brought to Taiwan.There was one long painting, yards and yards,behind glass that rolled from left to right,depicting life as it was then that was exquisite.The detail was amazing. We saw a jadeite cabbage(the Chinese long one,not our round type) that had a white stem and green leaves.It was magnificent.
A small statue of a woman in a glass case showed the style of beauty of an early dynasty.She was buxom,with tiny full lips,puffy cheeks and a rolled topknot.No photos allowed in the museum.
Our last stop was the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial in a huge courtyard.His statue is seated so high up,approx.100 steps,that I couldn't see it clearly.I climbed only part way.There were two pagodas,one on each side that were so far away I didn't walk to them.The walk to the memorial was enough.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial
On the way back our bus stopped briefly for us to take a picture of the 101 Tower,which was the tallest building in Asia until the Burj al Khalif (or is it Khalid?)in Dubai.
101 Tower
I thought the tip of the tower didn't show because the picture had to be reduced to upload.The whole thing shows on the original.This is so frustrating.The pictures look dull because the day was dark cold and windy.
We now have two days at sea,our next stop being Korea.
written by  edoyle on March 16, 2011 from Taipei, Taiwan

Modern Seoul
Seoul, South Korea
Changing of the guard at the palace
{I forgot to mention that we had we had a performance on board in Taiwan of two dragons and dancers.The dragons came among the audience.The following day on our group's return to the ship we were "attacked" by the two dragons as we were walking from the terminal.We had great fun with them.
Fri.Mar.18 we dock in Inchon.I took the "Grand Tour of Seoul"Some took the tour to the DMZ.The drive to Seoul was 1hr 10mins.The city is very wide and modern.We were warned about pollution but I didn't notice any air problem.The city has a population of 10 million,broad streets and skyscrapers.It was cold and overcast at first but sunny later.I was glad of a sweater under my jacket.
Strange monument
We went first to the National Museum of Korea,which has 3 floors with wide marble hallways.Even the restrooms were vast:all the washbasins were above the counter and each one had a soap dispenser beside it with a towel underneath to catch drips and the water flowed automatically when your hands were underneath the tap.I mention this because we went to a public restroom down steps on the street and it was exactly the same.The distance from the stalls to the washbasins was at least twice that of any other restroom I've seen.Vastness seems to be the word here.
We had a typical Korean lunch with beef and mushrooms cooking in a central vessel,high in the middle with sizzling oil around the sides and surrounded by small dishes of kim chee,crunchy vegetables,noodles,bean paste and sticky rice.beer and coke were included.
After lunch we visited a palace.
Entrance to palace
Not too much to see so two of us did'nt climb steps to the last building but sat on a bench and communed with nature--very restful.As we were leaving to join the group we were directed away from the main entrance where the changing of the guard was taking place.We had a great view.One group in bright yellow robes marched out banging drums and blowing trumpets followed by an armed contingent in bright red robes,although theirs looked more like uniforms.
Drum and bugle players
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Guarding the palace
Next to the palace an artist was tracing a design onto wood and then carving it out.he had several leaning against the wall.
Carvings on wood outside palace
Our last visit was to a market that sold everything and anything.Very interesting food items.We were the last of the groups to leave and we saw vendors setting up cooking stations where the people come from work and get a quick meal.We stopped at one where a young girl was putting batter in muffin-like pans on heat.When one side was done she flipped them and put a weight on top.two of us split one and it was filled with chopped nuts and honey.It was delicious,the batter was almost like a crepe but thicker.
Busy street market
Market
Tomorrow we dock in Tienjian and most of the world group will spend the night in the Shangri-La hotel in Beijing.
written by  edoyle on March 19, 2011 from Seoul, South Korea

Beautiful,bustling Beijing
Beijing, China
We are docked in Tienjian Sunday morning and on a bus for the 2 1/2 hr.drive to Beijing and our overnight stay in the Shangri-la China World Hotel.The city has a population of 17 million.The streets are very wide,skyscrapers dominate and there are many,many apt.
buildings.Our eyes are smarting from the pollution which imparts a slight haze to everything.
Apt.bldg.
A friend,who had seen all the tourist spots,had arranged for a car to come to the hotel at 2pm and since I had also seen the Forbidden City,Tiananmen Square,etc.I went with her.
We had a driver and a guide who spoke good English.We drove all over the city,seeing places tourists never see.We walked around the old part with lovely little shops and fast food places.There were old houses with quaint doorways that opened onto courtyards.As evening approached young people filled the small streets.
Street in old part
Shop in old part
My friend bought 2 chops for her daughter and son-in-law.Chops are stamps that are carved with the name in English and Chinese.This was done while we waited and took no time at all.She also bought the ink pad in a lovely little ceramic container.Somehow the subject of age came up and our guide was astounded to learn that my friend will be 90 in a few weeks. She told this to the man carving the chops and he was astounded so my friend was quite a celebrity and on our return to the hotel she had to take our picture to show her mother.
Myfriend and I went to a restaurant beside the hotel and had a very spicy meal.No one spoke English but the menu had pictures and we used sign language.We began with a margarita each,which was the only cocktail whose name we recognised.It was a memorable evening.
Our hotel was beautiful with a large lobby and a pianist playing lovely music.My room was large with a big TV and I was able to watch BBC TV before I went to bed.The bathroom had a bath and a very large curved shower.By the washbasin was a volume control for the TV.
Hotel lobby of Shangri la
In hotel lobby
The next morning we joined the other tour groups in one of 4 buses returning to the ship.
On the way we stopped at the Great Wall.It was windy and cold.I had climbed twice before and didn't attempt it this time.There are 13 different access points to the Wall and this was my 3rd different one.
Difficult side of great Wall
A wonderful experience but glad to be back "home"on the ship.
written by  edoyle on March 22, 2011 from Beijing, China

Stunning Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Mar.23 the ship slowly sails up the Huangpu river to dock at the new cruise terminal in Shanghai.It is 5:30pm.The terminal looks like a spaceship,round with legs and skylights around the top.Right beside it is a lovely little park.I did not go ashore that evening.
Wed 24th I went on "The Best of Shanghai",an all day tour.The city has a population of 18 million.There are magnificent apartment buildings and run down apartments and shacks where people have few amenities.
{The contrast is striking.Those who can afford washing machines will not have dryers,prefering to hang their washing in the sun.
We drove along the Bund,a word from India,meaning embankment.It was built by the English with money from the Opium Wars.It is like walking along a street in London.The doorways are magnificent.The buildings house banks,clubs,offices and hotels and are such a tourist attraction that the area is considered a national treasure.Stately and elegant would describe it.Unfortunately Shanghai has no bedrock and the buildings are subsiding so that one has to step down to enter the front door of some buildings.Newer buildings are built on a large concrete base which supports the weight.We crossed the river to the growing Pudong District which is becoming a financial area and saw the Oriental Pearl TV tower and many skyscrapers
Oriental pearl TV Tower
.
The ubiquitous McDonald's at the river's edge
Back across the river we went to the Yu Yuan Gardens,built by an official in the Ming Dynasty for his parents.However,it took 19 yrs to build and his parents died before they could enjoy it.There are many rockeries and pavilions and 4 dragon walls.The curved up ends of each roof had mythical characters to protect the inhabitants.
Mythical creature on eave of temple roof
Mythical creature on roof
Interesting pattern of pathway in Yu Yuan Gardens
Chairs made from banyan root
Magnolia that never has leaves,only flowers
We had a lovely lunch on the 8th floor of the opera house,after which we went to the jade Buddha temple where we saw a 9 ft.statue of a slim feminine Buddha with a beautiful face
carved from a single piece of white jade.Several people were burning incense sticks in the courtyard,bowing in each of 4 directions.
Jade Buddha
Doorway framing greenery in temple of jade Buddha
Our last stop was the Shanghai Museum,a flat round shape on top of a square,the heavens on top of the earth.
Shanghai Museum
Beautiful jade,furniture,delicate Ming and more elaborate Ching.
Ming Dynasty bed in museum
One section had costumes from the different provinces.
That evening we went to see an acrobat show,truly magnificent.No photos allowed.
This morning I took the shuttle in and walked to Nanjing Rd.the big shopping street.Part of it is pedestrian only.I went to get a massage where our fitness director went yesterday and had a Chinese massage,one of many choices.It was very good.I was given a silk outfit,rather like pjs and the massage was done over a towel on top of this.She went quite deep and then stretched my arms and legs.90 mins.for approx.$35.I took a taxi back to the ship.
At sea tomorrow and Xiamen on the 27th.
written by  edoyle on March 25, 2011 from Shanghai, China

Amazing Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
We docked last night at the Ocean Centre cruise terminal.Some people went out but I did not.I went out this morning to look for a camera because I broke the battery cover on my old one.I found one that is HD and now I am charging the battery.My other camera was about 6 years old and compared to what is available now,is completely outdated.I must read the owners manual carefully.The main shopping road is Nathan Rd.cheaper than the Ocean Centre,an all marble megalopolis that exhausted me just walking through it.It has all the designer names imaginable with prices to match.
Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million in just a few square miles.People live in very small apartments where they don't spent much time, prefering to go out.
Public transportation is wonderful.Most of the buses are double decker and there is a metro,and train service is good to other parts.Pedicabs are popular.
Pedicab in Saigon
Tomorrow I go on an excursion called "Tai Chi and Dim Sum".We meet on the pier at 7:15am,so the dim sum will be breakfast.
Wed.Mar.30.
Last night there was an event for the full world cruisers at the Four Seasons Hotel.We had wine while some had their fortunes told,while others got a paper cutout of the animal in their year of birth.Mine was the dragon.There was a long line to have a fan painted with your name in Chinese but dinner was announced while I was 6th in line.A helpful assistant had us write our names on a piece of paper and we picked up our fans before dessert.Between courses we were treated to a show.There were acrobats,a dragon and a masked man who ,every time he swirled around,had on a different mask.It seems he had 6 or more thin silk masks that he managed to whip off as he turned.It was very impressive.
At Four Seasons reception,Akimi,Arthur and Edna
Dragon
Masker
I took some pictures of the city at night but don't think they came out well with my new camera.
Night view of the city
Hong Kong at night
The dim sum breakfast was very good.In addition to the dumplings we had a radish cake rather like a firm rice pancake which we all loved.We also had two types of tea,and plenty of both.
We then went to the waterfront where we had Tai Chi lessons.The weather had been a little drizzly but stopped.it was cool enough to wear a light jacket.It was fun.
We were driven to a tea place where we had a tea ceremony,very important in Chinese culture,tasting two different types of tea.We saw how the little rolled hollow sticks one often sees in ice cream were made, and had samples.
Small street off main shopping area
Shopping in Hong Kong
Shopping in a side street
Shopping
We saw a sign for braised snake soup and had to take a picture
Braised snake soup
Back in the park I visited the little temple
Temple in a small park
This was not a too tiring day.We were back on the ship for lunch and I didn't feel like going out again.
Tomorrow is a day at sea and then Halong Bay.
written by  edoyle on March 29, 2011 from Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tue Apr.5.Took a tour 'Highlights of Saigon" 2 1/2 hrs.The city has a population of about 8 million.French Indochina comprised Vietnam Cambodia and Laos and the French were entrenched for around 100 years.There is still a lot of French architechture although many buildings have not been maintained and some have been torn down for the inevitable high rise.Notre Dame Cathedral draws tourists and the main post office is interesting inside.
Most of us got off the bus near the Rex Hotel where the shuttle would take us back to the ship.I walked to the big market in heat and humidity so intense I thought I would collapse on the street.The market was stifling so I didn't stay long.I took a pedicab back to the Rex Hotel and sat in the air conditioned lobby for a while and then got a shuttle to the ship.Usually the shuttles run every half hour but here they ran every hour.I took a nap that afternoon.
Wed.Apr.6.Mekong River Delta.Our tour met at 7:15am.We drove to My Tho and visited a Buddhist temple which had an enormous statue of a happy Buddha
Huge Happy Buddha on way to Mekong Delta
We boarded a boat to go to the largest island in the delta,Unicorn Island.
Our boat from mainland to Unicorn Island
There we had tea with local honey and fruit,which was delicious.We were given a tiny sample of banana wine which was not at all sweet.The fruit was papaya,pineapple and what looked like a speckled watermelon which we tried with salt and chili powder,interesting but not bad. We then got into sampans,4 to a boat,one behind the other,while a paddler sat in front
Canal ride on Unicorn Island
and one in the back and we traveled along a canal.The trees formed a canopy overhead with occasional openings where the sun shone through.It was delightful and cooler than on land.
We were brought into an open building where we has lunch.We were served fish in rice paper,small crisp spring rolls,rice and soup.It was all very good.The long table had a large round orange looking object which we thought was a decoration but it was sticky rice which was cut up into little pieces.It was slightly sweet and chewy.I then watched it being made,from a small patty to a large ball
Beginning of huge ball of sticky rice
Ball of sticky rice almost ready
Sticky rice ready to be cut and eaten
We were shown a python after lunch and I volunteered to have it draped around my neck.
I was amazed at how heavy it was,I would guess over 30lbs and it felt hard and dry.
Holding a python
This was a delightful day but it was still good to be back on the ship.
written by  edoyle on April 7, 2011 from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Venice of the East
Bangkok, Thailand
Docked in Laem Chabang.Lunch on ship and then a 90 min.drive to the Shangri la Hotel in Bangkok.Lovely, though not quite as magnificent as the one in Beijing.However the view was gorgeous,looking out at the river with boats going up and down.
Thailand has a population of 65 million,12 million of whom live in Bangkok.Space is at a premium so many of the canals have been filled in for roads,destroying much of the city's charm.Transportation used to be by water and the floating markets were famous.Now they have moved to the suburbs.
One of many canals now being filled in
Three of us went to a tailor to see about having a silk suit or jacket made.Then we went to the Gems Gallery.A vast array of necklaces,earrings and bracelets of every kind.I didn't even price anything but went to the silk area where I bought an evening jacket.Very hot!
I had a Thai massage by a woman who came to my room.Our guide arranged it and said she was trained in the temple and did the authentic Thai massage.It was very good.I had a quick bite and then a fitting for the suit I had decided on.I hope it turns out OK,one fitting is really not enough.
The Thai people are extremely polite and bow all the time.I learned two phrases which I used appropriately and it seemed to please them no end.We had a buffet breakfast next morning and the waitress bowed deeply with her hands together to show me to my table.I felt awkward with a plate in each hand not being able to bow back.
I went on the Grand palace and Emerald Buddha tour,while others went on the floating market tour.It was very hot and humid.We saw beautiful shrines with gold and gems inlaid.
We had to remove our shoes to enter the temple of the Emerald Buddha which is carved from a single block of the stone and dressed in 24 carat gold differently for spring,summer and winter.This is done by the king.The statue was high up and not very easy to see.No cameras allowed.
Roof detail
Detail at base of a shrine
Jeweled shrine
Ornamented shrine
Detail of shrine in Palace compound
Part of Palace
Monkey guard in front of shrine
Gilt temple
Mythical creature guardine a shrine
Inlay
Close up of gilt tiles
There are many pictures of the king around the city.He is now in his 80s and not well.
One of many photos of the king throughout the city
On our way to the Palace we passed many street markets.
Street scene
Flowers in street market
Street market
We saw many tuk tuks which resemble golf carts and are named for the sound of their engine.
Tuk tuks
We had a buffet lunch at the hotel and the coaches brought us back to the ship.All in all a very delightful excursion,but tiring.We were all glad to be back on the ship.
There was a lot of security around lunch time and we heard that the Prince of Brunei was staying at the hotel.We had to walk a short distance to our coaches,they were not allowed to come to the front.
written by  edoyle on April 11, 2011 from Bangkok, Thailand

Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Wed April 13.Docked at 6am.I took "Singapore's Iconic Tour"The city state is 710sq km with a population of 5 million.Very clean and safe.17% of the land has been reclaimed.When I was here 3 yrs.ago the symbol of Singapore,the Merlion(head of a lion,body of a fish)was at the mouth of the Singapore River.Now there are many buildings beyond it on reclaimed land and it was in a small red building,unable to be seen,I forget why.We took a boat trip which was lovely.
Riverside shops and cafes
Along the riverfront are shop houses where the merchants lived above their businesses.These are now trendy shops and cafes.The river used to be polluted by all the barges, etc.but has been cleaned up and the only boats are those that bring tourists up and down.
Our tour boat
We got off the boat where the statue of the founder of modern Singapore is,Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
Statue of Raffles
Many trishaws there;I rode one 3 yrs ago,but this time we walked to our coach and were driven to Raffles Hotel where we went up an outside staircase to the long bar for our Singapore sling and peanuts in the shell.
At Raffles long bar having a Singapore Sling
I took a picture of the lobby where only residents are allowed.
We visited a Taoist temple built in 1821,no nails were used.The roof detail was interesting.This was for protection.
Roof detail on pagoda
We passed the once Governor's residence
Governor's house
and saw many raintrees with epiphytes
Raintree with epiphytes
It was extremely hot and humid and I could hardly wait to get back to the ship to put all my clothes in the laundry.
Tomorrow Kuala Lumpur.
written by  edoyle on April 15, 2011 from Singapore, Singapore

Pearl of the Orient
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We docked in Port Klang,about 1 hr from [[Malaysia/Kuala-Lumpur]].I took the highlights tour.[[Malaysia/Kuala-Lumpur]],the name means muddy confluence,is a beautiful city with wide streets,high rises
Skyscrapers from bus
and lots of green space.I was surprised as i had no idea what to expect.The architecture has been described as Indo-Saracenic,esp.the Sultan Abdul Sawad Bldg.now a heritage site.
Sultan Abdul Sawad Bldg.,a heritage site
Opposite was a cricket Field with a large television in one corner.
Cricket field with large television screen opp.Sultan Abdul Sawad Bldg.
We visited the obligatory temples,Chinese
and Hindu,
Hindu temple
Ceiling of Hindu temple
We visited a war memorial to the fallen of all wars.
Monument to WW11 fallen
We drove through the Indian section,
Sidewalk in Indian section
and finally to the Royal Palace where I took a picture of 3 siblings.
Three siblings at palace
At palace gate
We saw the famous Blue Mosque at a distance and it was hazy.
Blue mosque
We all thought KL,as it is called,was a lovely city and wished we could have had more time there.
written by  edoyle on April 17, 2011 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Penang
George Town, Malaysia
Fri.Apr.15 Drove through george Town,lovely city with Chinese and Indian temples and high rises.We went to where Batik is made and saw how the special wax is applied with a very fine brush in various designs.
Applying wax to make batik
Various dyes are then applied within different parts of the design by brushes and then water is added by another brush to spread the dye which runs rapidly along the fabric,being prevented by the wax from bleeding into other areas.We each got to choose a pattern with the wax outline on cotton.I took a picture of my choice,only partially completed
My half finished batik
I did have a lot of drips which were covered up by the dark blue background.This will be dried,boiled to remove the wax,which will lighten the colours,and it will be mailed to me.I'll be anxious to see how it turns out.The partially done piece took me over an hour in horrible heat and humidity.I cant tell you how I longed for Holland!
Sat.Apr.16 Phuket,Thailand.The ship was to dock on the eastern side of the island,where there is a cruise terminal,but the taxi drivers were blocking the pier so the tour buses couldn't get in,(not sure what their argument was about) The ship anchored on the west side in Patong Bay and we were tendered in to shore.
Resort beach
The west is the resort side with miles of white sandy beaches and calm blue water.Hotels and shops lined the street and our tour buses had some difficulty picking us up.I was on bus number 15(there were 17 in all)and we got little purple fish to pin on our shirts so our guide would recognize who belonged on his bus.We went directly to an elephant camp where two at a time rode an elephant,very rocky,rather like riding a camel.
One mahout fell off his elephant and the elephant just raised a leg and the mahout stepped on it and climbed up.
Elephant ride
We saw a baby elephent and a slightly bigger one perform some tricks and the bigger elephant gave a "massage"A person lay down on a mat,was covered by a small blanket and the elephant moved her foot(they are all female)up and down the back and then put her trunk at the person's neck. this was a kiss.I couldn't believe how many people lined up for this "massage".
Elephant massage
The elephants did not look very healthy,they had areas of depigmentation on their ears and trunks.I felt sad that these magnificent animals were treated like this.
Monkey in elephant camp
We saw how rubber is made.The latex is treated with formic acid to render it malleable.
Formic acid is from bees,unless there is another form,and I wonder if people who are allergic to bee stings are also allergic to latex.
We visited a very ornate Buddhist temple and I climbed to the top and took a picture of a
statue of Buddha on a mountain top.
Buddhist temple
Buddha on mountain
Our last stop was to a cashew factory.We saw the cashew trees with their bright fruit which contains the nut in a hard casing which has to be boiled,dried then cracked open to
extract the nut.
Cashew tree
Cashews,before and after shelling
We sampled every flavour of cashew imaginable.
I couldn't wait to get back to the ship to take off my clothes and put them in the laundry.
We now have two days at sea before we reach Sri Lanka.
written by  edoyle on April 18, 2011 from George Town, Malaysia

Incredible India
Chennai, India
Docked in Chennai (Madras) yesterday,late morning.Had to meet with Immigration officials in the theatre and have our passports stamped.Then we could go ashore.I went on the shortest excursion,a shopping tour.Our bus was stopped outside the port by more officials who checked our passports,comparing either our names or passport numbers to a list.This took some time,beaurocracy being one of the incredible things about India.
We were taken to a shop that sold jewels and pashminas.Most of us wanted to see tops so our guide brought us to a "mall".It had many little shops,not air conditioned.I bought some tops and pants and tops that come with a scarf,good for lounging.We met at the designated place and had to cross a huge intersection to where the bus was parked.I would have hesitated to do this on my own,without the guide.I saw the shuttle parked in front of our bus,so those who took the shuttle in would have to fight the traffic on their own.Our guide never explained any landmarks to us.I took a few pictures,a statue of a man,Indian?English? a large building and the only one with a name,the Acad.of Music.
So many people signed up for the spice dinner that it was held at two hotels,both 5 star,
the Sheraton and the Taj and will be held tonight also.Those who went last night loved it.I am going tonight.
Tomorrow we leave for Sri Lanka where we will have 3 stops.I am not going on a tour tomorrow but doing highlights of Galle(prounced Gaul) the next day and then we dock in Columbo before going back to India,Cochin and then Bombay (Mumbai)
I'll be so glad when we get away from this crushing heat and humidity.
Our bus let us off close to the gangplank but we had to go into the terminal and be screened.This may be the result of the bombing of the hotel in Mumbai.
written by  edoyle on April 20, 2011 from Chennai, India

Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
We did not stop in Galle.We were to anchor and tender in but it was raining and the sea was rough so the lifeboats could not be lowered.Even had they been able to be lowered,we
could not have boarded them as they would have been bobbing up and down in the sea.
The lifeboats carry 100 people when used as tenders and 150 when used as lifeboats.
We arrived in Colombo late afternoon but could only dock at a freight terminal.Some people went ashore that evening.The ship moved to the passenger terminal at 6am the next morning.
It is Easter Sunday.Happy Easter everyone.I had a panoramic tour of Colombo.We got out of the bus only once to see Independence Hall,the other pictures were taken from inside the bus.
Independence Hall
Guarding Independence Hall
Taj Hotel
Gov't bldg.
Several of us wanted to go to Mass so we left the tour a little early and got tuk tuks to the church, which was packed,mostly with Tamils,I think.We then got tuk tuks back to the pier,where we had a long walk to the ship.I think taxis are allowed to drive in through security but apparently not other vehicles.
Street market
Meditating Buddha in park
Outside Chinese Embassy
The pier was lined with little shops but I didn't buy anything.As soon as I was onboard it began to rain heavily.I had lunch and washed all my clothes in the laundromat;they were soaked from the heat and humidity.
It is 6:30pm here and we have already set sail for Cochin,India.
Shops on pier from my cabin
written by  edoyle on April 24, 2011 from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Cochin
Cochin, India
Mon.Apr.25,arrived in Cochin at noon.After all the formalities I did not go ashore.
Tue.26 Tour "Highlights of Cochin and Harbour Cruise" Cochin is built on interconnected
islands and peninsulas.It is in the state of Kerala,a communist state that is democratic.It is one third the size of Canada with four times the population.It has the highest literacy rate of India,more than 96% and the lowest infant mortality.
The Portuguese were in Cochin for over 150 years.They built a palace as a gift for the King in exchange for trading rights.St Francis Church was built in 1503 by Franciscan friars.Vasco Da Gama was buried there but his remains were later returned to Portugal.
Vasco da Gama crypt in St Francis church
Ceiling in St Francis Church
Detail of ceiling painted by friars in St Francis Church
There were many Catholic churches,and there is still a large Catholic population,but when the Dutch ousted the Portuguese in 1666 the church became Dutch Reform.Then when the British ousted the Dutch in 1802 the church became Anglican.
This pattern was followed in most of the recent places we visited:first the Portuguese,
then the Dutch,then the British,each leaving behind remnants of their architecture and culture.
Dutch style house
Engliah style house,now a restaurant
The Chinese fishing nets are a tourist attraction,introduced by the Chinese centuries ago.
They use counter weights and are still in use,though not very efficient.
Chinese fishing nets from our harbour tour
Chinese fishing net
We went on a rice boat around the harbour
Small river boat
and saw our ship docked on one of the islands.
Our ship from the river boat
Santa Cruz Cathedral
Santa Cruz cathedral is the largest church in Cochin,I went there one Sunday on my last visit.
An interesting feature are the gaily decorated trucks.many with saints names or names of Hindu gods.
Decorated trucks
written by  edoyle on April 27, 2011 from Cochin, India

Incredible !ndia.This is their slogan
Mumbai, India
We docked at Indira Dock at 8am Thurs.28.I was on the tour "Highlights of Mumbai"We had to have face to face contact with Immigration first.All this security as a result of the bombing of the Taj Hotel in 2008.
Mumbai is made up of 7 islands and has a population of 18 million.It is the financial capital and is home to Bollywood,the largest film industry in the world.The city never sleeps and teems with people.Traffic is a nightmare but there are very few accidents because everyone knows how to negociate the traffic.240,000 people come in by train every day.
People leaving railway station coming to work
Street scene
The trains are so crowded that commuters cannot bring their lunch so a system has evolved whereby the hot lunch is picked up from the person's home,brought to the railway station,put on a special train,picked up at the other end and delivered to the person in his office.It takes 4 people for one lunch.The lunch boxes have 3 compartments for the curry,rice and vegetables and are identified by a letter,a number and a colour.
The men who do this are usually illiterate and never make a mistake.They can be seen riding their bicycles with trays of lunch boxes all over the city at noon.They have a union and are known by their Nehru caps.
Lunch boxes ready to be delivered
One can be fined for honking without cause.One sees the occasional cow on a grassy plot but it must be accompanied by its owner.A cow alone is taken by police and the owner must pay a fine to get it back.
We visited the Gandhi Museum.It was the home of a good friend and Gandhi used to stay there when in Mumbai.
Where Gandhi lived when in Mumbai
Letter by Einstein on Gandhi's death
Part of Gandhi's library
The gateway of India was erected hurriedly to welcome King George V and Queen Mary in
1911.Artisans later added decorative carvings finishing in 1923.
Gateway of India
Taj Mahal Hotel
Opposite is the famous Taj Mahal Hotel.Construction was present for an upcoming event.
We saw a Jain temple with a lovely decorated ceiling.
Ceiling of Jain temple
The Jain are strict vegetarians,have no priests and when praying cover their mouths with a cloth tied behind the head to prevent any drops of saliva from touching the statue or any bug from entering their mouth.They believe every creature has the right to live and they wont kill anything.
Another group are the Parsi who worship the elements.Tata,the wealthy industrialist is a Parsi.They do not bury or cremate their dead but leave the body on top of a special tower
(there are two)surrounded by trees and greenery.The vultures pick the bones clean which fall into the pit below where lime disintegrates them.
Our next stop was to the Dhobi Ghat.This is the open air laundry for those who don't have a washing machine.The laundry is picked up,sorted,washed in stone troughs,rinsed dried and ironed and returned to the owner the next day.
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat,open air laundry
We went to the Prince of Wales Museum,named for King George V who laid the cornerstone in 1903.One section had miniature paintings,really beautiful.
We then went to the Hanging Gardens,so called because they are irrigated from a reservoir underneath the ground.
Hanging gardens
Home of wealthiest man in India.built according to Feng Shui
While walking through the gardens we were pointed out the home of the richest man in India who built the home according to Feng Shui principles.
It has a glass top and a strange looking base difficult to see from a distance.It looked like an odd apt building.
I took a picture of Bombay University from the coach.
Prince of Wales Museum
The architecture in Mumbai is most interesting.The large buildings were built by the British with Muslim overtones,a style called Indo-Saracenic.The main railway terminus,called Victoria terminus,or VT by everyone has been renamed but noone uses the new name,which is hard to pronounce.It is Victorian with a dome and minarets,very ornamental,technically an architectural nightmare but very endearing.
Marine Drive winds around and is called the Queen's necklace because of its resemblance to a string of pearls when lit at night.
Marine Drive
Getting back on the coach I took a picture of this bright sari.
Bright yellow sari at Gateway of India
The heat and humidity were getting to all of us by this time,I had already drunk 3 bottles of water,so we were all glad to return to the ship where I threw all my clothes into the washing machine (after lunch,of course)
A film of the Royal wedding will be shown this afternoon,so I'll probably watch it.
written by  edoyle on April 28, 2011 from Mumbai, India

U.A.E.
Al Fujayrah, United Arab Emirates
Mon.May 2.Docked in Fujairah,one of the 7 Emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates.Population about 2 million,75% of whom are foreigners working here.They get no benefits and living is expensive so they are unable to bring their families.The locals get almost everything free,housing,electricity and education.When a foreigner retires or loses his job he has to leave and receives no pension.Most of the workers are Indian.
I went on a desert safari.We were 4 in each of 25 Toyota Land Cruisers.When we arrived at the dunes our drivers deflated the tyres and off we went! It was exhilarating and somewhat hair raising.
Throwing up sand
Camel compound
Some of the ascents and descents were very steep and a few times I thought we'd go head over heels.I also felt sideways tip overs were imminent.A few women wore sandals and almost burned their feet on the hot sand.It was also windy as well as hot.One car was stuck on top of a dune and had to be pushed back by another car going up.It then had to find a less steep slope to come down.
Land Cruiser stuck on top of dune
On sand dune
The city has some tall buildings and flat arab houses.
Fujairah City through the Land cruiser
Houses being built on way to dunes
I drank 2 ltrs of water on this trip.
Tomorrow Dubai.
written by  edoyle on May 4, 2011 from Al Fujayrah, United Arab Emirates

Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tue.May 3.Docked in Port Rashid in DP World (Dubai Port World)There are many docks here.As in Fujairah,the population is about 2 million,15% of whom are citizens who get all the benefits.Dubai is the second largest of the Emirates,Abu Dhabi being the largest.
Dubai has been ruled by the Maktoum family for decades.Sheikh Rashid had a vision of turning this fishing village into a commercial and tourist attraction in the 1930s.He had the creek dredged to allow ships in, which brought commerce and then oil was discovered and the building frenzy began,only to grind to a halt with the recent recession.Rashid's son now rules and seems to be as visionary as his father.
The city has many tall buildings with interesting shapes.
Interesting high rises
Bank
The streets are wide,3 lanes on each side divided by a median usually with flowers.
Flowers on median
On one side are sandstone apt.buildings and on the other are steel and glass high rises.There is quite a bit of greenery,incongruous in this desert setting.I believe they desalinate most of their water.
Shops
The Burj al Arab is the iconic landmark of Dubai.It is a hotel,321m high and costs $3,000
a night and it is said that they will never recover the cost of building it.It is in the shape of the sail of a dhow,an Arab boat that is still occasionally seen.It has a helipad on top on a projection and a bar and seafood restaurant in a tube-like protrusion from the top.There is also a tennis court on top without any protection.
Burj al Arab
We visited the Dubai Museum which used to be a fort to repel invaders.There is a constantly rotating slide show of Dubai from the 1930s to the 2000s and models of Arab life with figures in different settings.Included were pearl fishers.It is a small museum but
really lovely.
We next visited the spice souk,which sold not only spices but everything else one could imagine.
Spices in spice souk
Largest gold ring in the world
The smell was enticing.We then visited the gold souk.I priced a thin 18" gold chain but felt it was still too much even after the price was lowered $60; it was made in Italy.
We saw a sign for no unloading beside a pile of unloaded stuff.Doesn't anyone read?
Noone obeys signs
The world's tallest tower is here.
Burj Khalifa,worlds tallest building
The heat was getting to us by now and we were glad to get back to the ship,although a few people stayed to shop.
Dubai is a fascinating city, all magnificent buildings but no personality.perhaps this will develop in the future.
The QE2 is docked in Dubai.It was supposed to be converted to a floating hotel but this was put on hold when the Emirate became bankrupt.
QE2 docked in Dubai to be a hotel
written by  edoyle on May 4, 2011 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jordan
Al 'Aqabah, Jordan
Fri May 13. Docked late yesterday evening because the ship had to slow to 16 knots,one of four generators malfunctioned.The part was supposed to arrive in Aqaba but I don't think it did.Noone saw any activity and the part was large,so I'm told.All excursions for
yesterday were transferred to today.I took "Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum"and enjoyed it very much.
Jordan has 6 million people and they love their king,Abdullah,the son of King Faisal and an Englishwoman,Toni Gardner,who became Queen Mouna.She still lives here.
The desert has deep valleys and mountains and it was here that T.E.Lawrence united the Arab tribes to fight the Turks and the film "Lawrence of Arabia" was made in Wadi Rum.
We got into jeeps,4 to a jeep,and were driven across the desert.
Our jeeps
Our jeep drivers doing a song and dance
This was different from
Fujairah which had soft sand dunes.Here the sand was stony with high cliffs all around.It was very romantic.We stopped at a Bedouin camp and several of us rode camels.
Riding a camel
You have to hold on to the front and back of the saddle as the camel stands up otherwise you are pitched forward.It is not the most comfortable ride as the camel moves both legs on the same side together and you have to keep a good grip on the pommel horn.We drove over some dunes and I put some reddish sand in a ziplock bag.
Sand dune in Wadi Rum
Our camel ride was a mile,about 20 mins.We had tea and coffee at a large Bedouin camp where people can stay.The entrance to the tents with the toilets was interesting.
Entrance to women's toilet at Bedouin camp
Entrance to men's room at Bedouin camp
Inside bedouin camp
The face of T.E.Lawrence was carved into a rock and there was some ancient rock painting
Face of Lawrence carved into rock
Ancient rock art
This area was under water millenia ago and there is a water table that the Bedouins know how to tap close to the surface.A project is underway to pipe the water to Amman,which apparently has no access to water.
Before we got back in our jeeps the drivers did a song and dance and invited people to join them.
We saw camels with babies and were able to pet the babies who were curious about us.
Camel and baby
written by  edoyle on May 13, 2011 from Al 'Aqabah, Jordan

Safaga
Bur Safajah, Egypt
Sat.may 14. Docked in Safaga.Took excursion to the Sheraton Soma Beach Resort.It is in the middle of nowhere,a huge hotel,marble Interior and lovely beach but nothing around.
The road was excellent but hardly any traffic.The hotel looked new but we were told that it is 13 years old.
Entrance to Sheraton Soma Bay
Sphinxes guarding entrance to Sheraton
There was a large infinity pool
Infinity pool at Sheraton
and plenty of space for sunbathing
Place to sunbathe
Beach at Sheraton
Several of us returned on the early bus,while others stayed the whole day.
On the way back there was a mermaid with 2 fish in a roundabout
Mermaid in roundabout
Sun 15th. Took the shuttle to Hurghada,a resort town almost an hour away.It is bigger than Safaga,looked at some shops and got the next shuttle back.
There is so much unfinished building around,hotels,apts.etc.The recession hit hard here.
Tomorrow we arrive in Sharm-el Sheikh.I am not going on any excursion.Mubarak is in hospital here,so I'm sure there will be a lot of security.
written by  edoyle on May 15, 2011 from Bur Safajah, Egypt

Muscat
Muscat, Oman
Thurs.May 5. Arrived in Muscat.I took the tour "Splendors of Muscat"We saw the glitzy palace of the Sultan which is used for State occasions only.
Main walkway to palace
Walkway to Sultan's palace
The Sultan,Qaboos bin Said,is visionary but wants to preserve the culture,language and architecture of his ancestors.
He was born in Salalah and lives in Muscat but has a palace in every city.
We visited a private museum where I took a picture of a letter written to Pres.Andrew Jackson by the then Sultan.I am unable to reduce it to add it to the blog.
Private museum
Oman is the size of Kansas with a population of 2.7 million.Our guides all wore the long white robe,the dishdashi and on their heads wore the embroidered cotton cap.For official functions they have to wear a turban,the shade and design of which is left to the wearer.
The women wear a long black robe called an abayah and wear a veil,a hijab,covering their heads and most of their faces.
Our last stop was to the Souk where a friend and I bought spices,500gm, for a dollar each.
Entrance to souk
written by  edoyle on May 6, 2011 from Muscat, Oman

Sharm-el-Sheikh
Nabq, Egypt
Mon.May 16.Arrived at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula.Some went snorkling,some went on a glass bottom boat and some just took the shuttle into town.I did the latter.This is a big resort area but not much to see.Quite hot in the sun.Saw the hospital where Mubarak and his wife are,though she has been released now.When she was arrested for using her position to enrich herself she developed heart symptoms.
Tue.May 17 At 6am we entered the Suez Canal.It is now 2:30 here and we will reach Port Said in about half an hour.We will stay until evening to pick up the people who flew to Cairo from Luxor.They will be exhausted.This was an expensive trip but these were people who had never been to Egypt and didn't want to pass up the opportunity to see the Pyramids.Some just went on a long day trip to Luxor,3hrs there and 3hrs back and then visiting all the temples.They couldn't see everything and even that was expensive.
We arrive in Ashdod,Israel tomorrow and the next day those of us on the world cruise have our complimentary overnight in Jerusalem.We will have 2 full days and will rejoin the ship in Haifa on the 20th
We have had Israeli soldiers on board for some days now.They are not in uniform and are inconspicuous.They walk the deck with binoculars.They don't show any weapons but I know they have them.I feel really safe with them on board.
Security was strict in Egypt and I expect it will be more so in Israel.
written by  edoyle on May 17, 2011 from Nabq, Egypt

Israel
Ashdod, Israel
Wed.May 18. Docked in Ashdod,largest port in Israel.There are plans to enlarge Haifa which will then be the largest,but this is in the future.
Israel has a population of 7.7 million.Almost 20% are Arab and of that 20% 95% are Muslim
and 5% Christian.The Christian Arabs are mostly in Bethlehem.
I took a 5hr excursion to Tel Aviv-Jaffa.Tel Aviv is a lovely city,high rises,a lovely opera House.I saw the plaque marking the spot where Itzak Rabin was assassinated after he stood on a balcony and announced to 400,000 in the square,the news of the Arab-Israeli accord.As he walked from the rear stairs to his car a man came from the crowd and shot him in the back.(Where were his bodyguards?)I took a picture of the plaque,hope it comes out.There is broken rock behind it.Rabin was The Rock,now broken.
Our guide was very proud of the Law of Return.Any Jew born anywhere in the world can come to Israel and be accorded full citizenship.He is not immigrating but returning home.
If necessary he receives assistance with Hebrew,housing and anything else to ease the transition.
We drove to Jaffa and saw both the modern and old city.Jaffa used to be the port where pilgrims came to the Holy Land.Then Haifa was built and the port has plans to be enlarged.
We saw hundreds of cars on the dock and were told that they are either being sent to Eilat and from there to Africa,etc. or came from Eilat and were going to Europe.This avoids the expense and long wait transiting the Suez Canal.
Tomorrow we have the complimentary overnight to Jerusalem.
written by  edoyle on May 22, 2011 from Ashdod, Israel

The Holy Land
Jerusalem, Israel, West Bank
Thurs.May 19.Still docked in Ashdod.Met at 7:45am for our overnight in Jerusalem.Drove around the city.Saw the wall separating the Jewish and Arab areas.Our guide,jewish, has
Arab friends and said it was now difficult to visit each other.Saw the Dome of the Rock, the 3rd holiest site in Islam.
Dome of the Rock
Via Dolorosa
Walked the Via Dolorosa where the Stations of the Cross are marked on doorways.It is very narrow and crowded and we were told to stick together with our guide.The whole is a vast bazaar and we would have liked to have spent some time there.I took a picture of a handprint on a wall where Jesus is said to have leaned when carrying the cross.
Handprint where Jesus leaned with cross
We went to the Western (Wailing) Wall.Men and women have separate areas separated by a wall.The square was set up for a ceremony for the new graduating recruits.
Wailing Wall,women's side
Square where recruits will graduate
We visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on the hill of Golgotha,site of the crucifixion,
burial and resurrection.
Site of Crucifixion
We had lunch,then drove through the Judean Hills to Bethlehem.Our Jewish guide could not enter so had to leave us and a Christian Arab guide took over.We visited the site of the manger in the Church of the Nativity.
We then returned to our hotel,the Leonardo Plaza,where we just had time to shower,change and were off to another hotel for dinner.We were shown into a lovely garden where there was a table of middle eastern hors d'oeuvres,delicious.That would have been enough for me but we were escorted to an open area beyond the swimming pool
where there were tables for 8 and a stage.We sere served a lovely dinner,too much food.
We were happy to learn that left over food is given to the poor.We had an M.C. who was a
terrible commedian and 3 wonderful musicians,one of whom sang.The last event was a pyrotechnic display which was magnificent.This was quite unexpected.
Day 2 Fri May 20.We left the hotel at 7:30am,drove through the Judean desert and Jordan valley to Tabgha where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.We saw the Mount of Beatitudes in the distance where the Sermon on the Mount was preached. We saw the Sea of Galilee which is quite a resort area.We had lunch in Galilee then went to Yardenit where
the River Jordan separates from Galilee and where Jesus was baptized.Many people come here to be baptized.
Where baptisms take place in Jordan river
Sign for baptismal site
We went to Nazareth,to the Basilica of the Annunciation,largest church iin the Middle East.
Church of Annunciation
Our last visit was to the church of St.Joseph,built over his carpenter's shop.
We arrived back to the ship in Haifa,had a tour of the city,saw the large Baha'i Temple
and magnificent gardens.
Baha'i temple and gardens
Haifa
We were all pretty tired.Now 2 days at sea and then Sorrento,Italy.
written by  edoyle on May 23, 2011 from Jerusalem, Israel, West Bank

Portovenere
Portovenere, Italy
Wed.May 25. Three of us took a tender in for about an hour and a half.Portovenere is a lovely little village.Small boats and cafes line the waterfront.We changed some dollars into euros and entered the village through a brick portal.The one street was narrow and uphill.I bought a pair of sandals,which I needed,in the only shoe shop.
The sky was blue and there was a gentle breeze.It was really lovely.
We got a tender back in time for lunch.
What a time I'm having with this blog.I wrote about the two days in Jerusalem and it wasn't saved so I had to rewrite it.There is also a problem with the pictures.I write down the numbers but often different pictures are reduced.I may have to limit the number of pictures I get reduced for the blog.
I'll have to think about packing soon and I dread this.
Times of arrival in various ports and excursions have been changed so we don't always know what's going on until almost the last moment.
written by  edoyle on May 25, 2011 from Portovenere, Italy

Marseille
Marseille, France
Thurs.May 26 Docked in Marseille.The old port was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC and now is only for small boats.There are so many it looks like a parking lot.One large boat is a restaurant
Boats in old port of Marseille
There is a free ferry which goes from one side to the other.There are many high rises and new construction.Notre Dame de le Garde Basilica sits on La Garde hill,a former lookout.
Notre Dame de la Garde
I took the tour "Marseille Highlights and Cassis"We were driven to Cassis,a popular resort town.We had to take a little train as the bus could not negociate the narrow streets winding down to the town.The train stopped above the town as it couldn't go further and we walked the rest of the way.There was a nice beach and little streets off the main square with lots of cafes.
Cassis,a popular seaside resort outside Marseille
I had a cup of coffee at one cafe and then we returned to the ship.A fairly relaxing day.
Fri.May 27. Docked in Barcelona.This is a very large port and there were several large ships docked.We saw our sister ship,the Mariner docked.We had a quick tour of the city,
leaving the bus to see the famous church designed by Gaudi,Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family)He died in 1926 and his work is now being recognised.He designed many buildings in the city,all very ornate.The church is unfinished and is taken over by a contemporary of Gaudi who is adding the back in a simpler style.It wont be finished for decades.It is quite extraordinary looking.
Sagrada Familia
We were driven to Torres winery where saw a film about the founding in 1870.The 5th generation have a winery in Chile and one in California.They don't use pesticides or fertilizer and support the environment.The top of their cellar,which is barely higher than ground level,is painted white to reflect heat.We got into a little train which took us around the vineyard and then into a dark building where we had a display on a wall of rotating slides and these were shown through three simulated porticos.
The train then took us into the cask area with hundreds of casks on their sides and finally into the bottling area.
We returned to the main building for a tasting and then back to the ship.
We had a surprise event after dinner,a flamenco performance by a man and two women,
in the theatre.A wonderful show with several changes of costume.
Tomorrow we are in Malaga.
written by  edoyle on May 28, 2011 from Marseille, France

barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Fri.May 27. Docked in Barcelona.This is a very large port with several big ships docked.Had a quick tour of the city by bus.Saw the church designed by Gaudi,the Sagrada Familia (Sacred family)Extremely ornate,just the front finished.
Sagrada Familia
Gaudi died in a car accident in 1926 and a designer who admired Gaudi's work took over.He is doing the back in a simpler style,representing the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ.The church was visited and consecrated by Pope Benedict but it wont be finished for decades.
We drove past Las Ramblas,the main shopping street which has a statue of Christopher Columbus at one end.
Las Ramblas
We then went to a winery,saw a film and got on a train for a tour of the vineyard.They are very "green".The cellar roof is just above ground level and is painted white to reflect the sun so less energy is used to keep it cool.The train went into a pitch dark building where we saw slides projected onto a wall.There were 3 porticos projected on the wall with different slides in each,telling the history of wine in the region.It was very well done.
Tomorrow is a day at sea and I have asked my stewardess to bring my 3 suitcases in so I can begin packing.We have no more formal nights so I can pack my formal clothes.
written by  edoyle on May 30, 2011 from Barcelona, Spain

Malaga
Malaga, Spain
Sun.May 29. Docked in Malaga.This is a large port with 2 warships in.This is Armed Forces Day and there will be a parade and crowds of people visiting the port to tour the warships and tanks etc.The King,Juan Carlos will come.Many of us took the tour "Marbella and Puerto Banus"
Marbella is an exclusive resort,once a fishing village until the tourists came because of the weather.Many wealthy Arabs bought land and built large mansions.Jose Banus was a friend of Franco's and was given permission to develop a port.We saw many expensive
yachts,most registered in the Cayman Islands.We were told that some were so big they had to dock in Malaga.Talk about "conspicuous consumption".The town was attractive with wrought iron balconies and several small squares.
written by  edoyle on May 30, 2011 from Malaga, Spain

Cadiz
Cadiz, Spain
Mon.May 30. Docked in Cadiz,3rd largest city in Spain,population 2 million.Went on a tour to Jerez de la Frontera.This is where sherry gets its name.A lovely little town with several squares.The main square is large with a huge fountain, in the middle of which is an equestrian statue,that invariably has a pigeon on the rider's head.It rained briefly,the first rain we've had.
We went to the Gonzalez Byass winery where they make Tio Pepe sherry.The founder of the company,Manuel Gonzalez,was funded by his uncle,in 1835, and named his best sherry for him,hence Tio Pepe,(Uncle Joe)They use only two types of grape and three types of sherry that vary from very dry to very sweet and in between.The founder joined with his English agent,Robert Blake Byass to form the winery.He later bought his partner out but kept the name bacause Gonzalez by itself is a very common name.
A tradition began when someone left out some sweet sherry and mice drank it.Now they put a glass of sherry on the floor with a little ladder against it and another glass with snacks for the mice.I took a picture of a photo of a mouse climbing the ladder.
I learned a lot about sherry today.
written by  edoyle on May 30, 2011 from Cadiz, Spain

Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Tue.May 31. Docked in Lisbon.Took the tour "Highlights of Lisbon"Lovely city,many wide squares.We visited the maritime museum which is part of what was a monastery.
Former monastery now a museum
The church is still there with lovely stained glass windows but it was never finished.There are marks on one wall where an addition was to be,but never was,and all the niches are empty,no statues.
The maritime museum has replicas of the ships used in the days of exploration and naval
costumes of the periods.
We drove by a tiled wall of various shades and I took a quick picture from the bus.
Tiled wall
There was a statue of Christ,arms outstretched as on Corcovado in Rio,on a tall pole.Apparently
the Bishop of Lisbon visited Rio and wanted to have a similar statue.
We visited the monument to Portuguese explorers which has figures carved on each side,
including the figure of King Henry the Navigator.
Monument to exploration
Closeup of monument
The weather was lovely,warm and sunny, but not too much so.
Several people got off in the main square off which is a pedestrian street.
Main square with pedestrian street off it
I am having a problem downloading photos.Only a couple of the last lot took.I am going to download some of Lisbon but if you don't see any you'll know that the problem is still there.
The internet is excruciatingly slow.I log in and the page disappears and I have to redo it all over again.
I may be able to write another blog or maybe not.I'll see how things go with the packing.
I am really anxious to get home now.145 days is a bit too much,although it has been very
interesting.
written by  edoyle on June 1, 2011 from Lisbon, Portugal

Elvis impersonator

Polynesian dancers on board Voyager

Hot pool

Aborigine playing a didgeridoo

Corner of the exhibition hall,

View of Melmourne from the Eureka tower

Eureka Tower with gold leaf tip

Kilauea Volcano

Growth on volcano

Entrance to tunnel

Taps in Melbourne pub

Bird in Featherdale Park

Cockatoo in Featherdale Wildlife park

Native birds

Cassowaries

Featherdale Park

Wallabies in Featherdale Park

waterfall in Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Wildlife safari

Sign in Antarctic centre

All terrain snowmobile

Antarctic Centre

In Botanical Gardens

Orchid house in Botanical Gardens

Flooded cemetary

Paddlewheeler Kukabarra Queen

Gaol

upended trees

waterlogged bush

Dancers on the pier

Skyscrapers from the bus

Globe opposite Mall of Asia

View from the bus

Lyceum in old city

Tourist horsedrawn cart

Figure of dog on a roof

101 Tower

A busy street in Taipei

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

Entrance to palace

Changing of the guard

Drum and bugle players

Changing of the guard at the palace

Carvings on wood outside palace

Busy street market

Market

Strange monument

Difficult side of great Wall

Apt.bldg.

Street in old part

Shop in old part

In hotel lobby

Shanghai Museum

Ming Dynasty bed in museum

Doorway framing greenery in temple of jade Buddha

Sons of dragon who protect house

Interesting pattern of pathway in Yu Yuan Gardens

Chairs made from banyan root

Magnolia that never has leaves,only flowers

Mythical creature on roof

Mythical creature on eave of temple roof

Jade Buddha

contrast between old and new

Oriental pearl TV Tower

The ubiquitous McDonald's at the river's edge

At Four Seasons reception,Akimi,Arthur and Edna

Dragon

Masker

Night view of the city

Hong Kong at night

Small street off main shopping area

Braised snake soup

Shopping

Shopping in a side street

Shopping in Hong Kong

Temple in a small park

Marble horses

Pedicab in Saigon

Street scene

Street market

Flowers in street market

Tuk tuks

Gilt temple

Monkey guard in front of shrine

Jeweled shrine

Close up of gilt tiles

Inlay

Mythical creature guardine a shrine

Roof detail

Detail at base of a shrine

Ornamented shrine

Detail of shrine in Palace compound

Part of Palace

One of many canals now being filled in

One of many photos of the king throughout the city

Chinese temple,no nails used in construction

At Raffles long bar having a Singapore Sling

Blue mosque

Blue mosque at a distance

At palace gate

Three siblings at palace

Skyscrapers from bus

Sidewalk in Indian section

Buddhist temple

Hindu temple

Ceiling of Hindu temple

Interesting bridge

Monument to WW11 fallen

Cricket field with large television screen opp.Sultan Abdul Sawad Bldg.

Sultan Abdul Sawad Bldg.,a heritage site

Our tour boat

River boats

High rise

Statue of boys jumping into the river

Riverside shops and cafes

Statue of Raffles

Governor's house

Raintree with epiphytes

Houses and high rises

View from coach

Greeting outside pier

Part of island from the ship

Water buffalo pulling cart

Elephant ride

Elephant massage

Monkey in elephant camp

Buddha on mountain

Cashew tree

Cashews,before and after shelling

Resort beach

Small dwellings

Meditating Buddha in park

Gov't bldg.

Outside Chinese Embassy

Plaque on Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Guarding Independence Hall

Taj Hotel

Shops on pier from my cabin

Decorated trucks

Modest home

Santa Cruz Cathedral

Ceiling in St Francis Church

Detail of ceiling painted by friars in St Francis Church

Engliah style house,now a restaurant

Dutch style house

Vasco da Gama crypt in St Francis church

Middle class home

Chinese fishing nets from our harbour tour

Chinese fishing net

Small river boat

Bridge to mainland from where ship docked

Another view of rice boat

Rice boat

Our ship from the river boat

People leaving railway station coming to work

Prince of Wales Museum

Marine Drive

Dhobi Ghat

Dhobi Ghat,open air laundry

Part of Gandhi's library

Where Gandhi lived when in Mumbai

Letter by Einstein on Gandhi's death

Ceiling of Jain temple

Hanging gardens

Home of wealthiest man in India.built according to Feng Shui

Lunch boxes ready to be delivered

Hanging Gardens

Bombay University

Gateway of India

Taj Mahal Hotel

Bright yellow sari at Gateway of India

Cars on safari

Land Cruiser stuck on top of dune

On sand dune

Throwing up sand

Camel compound

Fujairah City through the Land cruiser

Bank

Burj Khalifa,worlds tallest building

Interesting high rises

Shops

Burj al Arab

Personal care ctr

Sign outside main mosque where foreigners are allowed

Some shops

Building with hole

Bank building

High rises

Flowers on median

Boat on creek

Noone obeys signs

Spices in spice souk

Largest gold ring in the world

QE2 docked in Dubai to be a hotel

Main walkway to palace

Houses

Walkway to Sultan's palace

Private museum

Entrance to souk

Golden amphoras in roundabout

View from above beach

Blow hole at Mughsail beach

Village houses

Sign on door of tomb

Job's tomb

At Job's tomb

Hospital sign

Tallest buildings in Salalah

Salalah mosque

Souk

Site of Crucifixion

Passing through Bethlehem

Dome of the Rock

Israeli commandos

Via Dolorosa

Handprint where Jesus leaned with cross

Wailing Wall,women's side

Square where recruits will graduate

Yardenit

Where baptisms take place in Jordan river

Sign for baptismal site

Ancient olive press

Church of Annunciation

Shop in Nazareth

Baha'i temple and gardens

Haifa

Museum of Via Ostumi

Colisseum

Victor Emanuel monument

St.Peter's Basilica

Outside St.Peter's

Inside St.Peter's

Inside St peter's

Door of St Peter's Basilica

Cassis,a popular seaside resort outside Marseille

Notre Dame de la Garde

Statue to Columbus

Sagrada Familia

Las Ramblas

Cemetary on a hill on way to winery

Rear of replica of galleon that fought at Trafalgar

Boats in Puerto Banus

Part of University of Malaga

Main shopping street in Marbella

Port of Malaga

Street in Jerez de la Frontera

Main square with pedestrian street off it

Tiled wall

Former monastery now a museum

Closeup of monument

Monument to exploration

Contrast of old and new