Doug's Travelogue

Taj Ma Hal Hotel in Mumbay

2010-05-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is the Taj Mahal Hotel in Munbay and is quite a place with all the bells and whistles. This 5 star hotel is quite different from the outside area surrounding the hotel. Indoor fountains, beautiful swimming pool, and old world dining. With the temperature outside at 90+ degrees the inside was nice and cool.

Mumbay Street scenes

2010-05-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a security guard in front of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbay. As you can see the wire on the windows of the hotel on the ground floor. With so many street people living on the street begging as this very young girl with her baby, there is a need to secure this hotel from the locals. Once inside this place, it is truly luxury. Getting in the front door of the hotel was like checking into any airport departure gate. No one gets into the Hotel with out going through this check point.
Across the street from the Hotel is the waters edge. These are the locat fishing boats tied together.

Mumbay - India Gate

2010-05-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

This young woman and her child are tipical of scenes on the street of Mombay. This was taken steps from one of the finest 5 star hotels (The Taj Mahal Hotel). Across the street from this hotel is a large stone structure built by the British called "India Gate" The gateway to Bombay by water back in the 1930's. The large square in front is filled with people. Mostly familes on this Sunday.

Mumbay - Outdoor Laundry

2010-05-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

What a unique place this was. Here on Easter Sunday at about 11 am I took this photo of some 3000 men doing laundry. They beat and pound the laundry on the cement walls turning out snow white sheets. Familys send there laundry to that place that goes for every in size. Seems this tradition has been around for generations and it is a privillage to work in this place. The work gets passed on to the next generation for a place to work.... No rest for the wicked......

Mumbay - Inside Central Train Station

2010-05-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see the outside of the Central Train Station is quite stately. The inside is another story. People waiting for trains just sit on the cement floor waiting for hours. Most carry there own food as there is not much to purchase to eat while waiting.

Central Train Station in Mumby, India

2010-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

The central train station is the hub of this city. Lots of people coming and going. The trains are very basic and seats are at a premium. Just like the movies, it all about getting on, and being able to be safe. Hanging out the windows and doors is an every day occurrence. The building is very impressive from the street, but once inside its like the rest of the country. Dirty, with many things not working. It was common to see the army standing behind sandbags with machine guns! They didn't care to be photographed.

Mumbay India

2010-04-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

India - Mumbay arrival on Easter Sunday. Just like any other day of the week!

2010-04-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well hear we go! This was my first sight of this crazy city. The driving was a lot like other cities I have visited on the trip. Just get in and drive, hoping you don't hit some one, or thing in the street. Seems you pass all kinds of objects on the road. This is my driver for the day. He would stop off at his friend stores to try and sell me the likes of Rugs, Jewellery, and assorted trinkets. They never stop trying to pick your pocket.

More Pics coming! Sorry for the delay

2010-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have had some tech. difficulities with my camera. Seems it had to be replaced. So I have not been able to set up the new one yet. I have a lot more pics to post. Next will be Mumbay India. Then Dubia. Just to let you all know I am not finished with this Travelogue.

The pics attached at of Cochin, India. Not the cleanest place I have been... With a country with over 1.12 Billion people living in this country, no wonder its so dirty. Wait till you see Bombay. Its even at a lower level of cleanest.

Distance traveloguue from Hong Kong to Dubia

2010-04-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Her we go!

Hong Hong -Da Nang Vietnam 525 nautical miles

Da Nang, Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 529 nautical miles.

Ho Chi Minhm City - Laem Chabang, Thailand 634 Nautical miles

Laem Chabang - Sihanoukville, Cambodia 249 Nautical miles

Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Singapore 615 Nautical miles

Singapore - Phuket, Thailand 546 Nautical miles

Phuket, Thailand - Cochin, India 1477 Nautical miles

Cochin, India - Mumbia, India 647 Nautical miles

Mumbia, India - Dubia UAE 1164 Nautical miles

For a total distance sailed from Hong Kong - Dubai 6386 Nautical Miles.
Our planned arrival was to be at 1 pm today, however a passanger fell ill, and the Captain put the hammer down last night and took the Odyssey up to 20 nauts from the usual 15 nauts. Thus our arrival will be 5 hours earilier.

Next Dubia. Tonight is Dinner in the Desert..............

Crusing on the Ship!!!!

2010-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Public areas on Board the Odyssey

2010-04-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

Cooking Demonstration took place in the Show lounge so all could see the secrets using overhead camera's to view from above. The rest of the pics show how they use natural light to bring the sun down 11 floors using the glass roof and glass staircase.

Now for the Bars and Clubs.

2010-04-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Pools & Spa Areas was well as great places to lay back!

2010-04-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Marina-

2010-04-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Yes a built-in Marina that slides out fully automated and unfolds into a floating dock with a net that becomes the swimming pool. As well you can see the 3 Zodiacs with 90 hp runabouts, ocean kayak's, and small sail boats.

On Board the Seabourn Odyssey

2010-04-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

I call this a working Breakfast on the veranda. That did not happen every morning but a few times I must say. The next is the main dinning room on the #4 deck where most evening dinners happened. Usually large tables of 8 or 10 people to get to know. These tables were hosted by guest lectures who were on board speaking on many topics. Senators, Retired VP of ABC News etc. My favorite lunch and dinner spot is the Deck 8 Colonnade. This is located aft and you have a choice of indoor, or outdoor tables. The outdoor tables fill the quickest. Deck 7 is called the Seabourn Square, a quiet place to read, use their computers, and of course have your favorate coffee or juice. The final pic is Deck 5 located just outdoors behind the Club, where there are 2 hot tubs and a swimming pool, with a great view of the swirling water the ship has turned up. The ship is so new that the crew have been finishing the teak in the outdoor areas. As you can see this area is only half completed in this photo. Today it has all been finished.

Some of the wonderfull things about the Odyssey

2010-04-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

As this progressed, some things did not!. My camera decided not to function, and that has been the one I have used to load the Blog. So now I have a new camera, but have not been able to load the software on it as yet. So you won't get to see my pics of Mumbay until that happens. And wow are they Good. In the mean time, I have some pics of my home for that 43 days. Yes, on this lovely floating gourmet palace.
There is a 11,000 sq ft spa on the upper aft deck that has a staff of 20 to look after all your body needs. Private spa pool, treatment rooms etc.

Making a purchase

2010-04-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

Street scenes in Cochin ( Kochi)

2010-04-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

Street scenes from Kochi India

2010-04-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

This vendor was one of many Indian's selling their wares. This man had model Tuk Tuk Taxi cabs. Just what I would need! The next man was finishing taking a bath in the temple waters. I will tell you the colour of that water was darker than his skin. Oh well he is now all cleaned up. The entrance to the temple had this colourful gable over the entrance. And another street scene of Tuk Tuk's motoring down the many twisty turnie streets. A look at our ship over the rooftop building in this city. We are saling at 5 pm so its time to get back on board and tomorrow is another day at sea, then Bombay or Mumbia.

View from the roof top of a

2010-04-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

This view is from the top of a store that sold carpets, jewellery,& silks. The temp was 93 degrees and muggy. The bldg was air conditioned.

Chinese fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour

2010-04-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

These fixed, cantilevered structures suspended over the sea and operated from the shore by teams of up to six men. They are fascinating to watch; counterbalanced by stones attached with ropes, the fisherman walk along the beam causing the net to dip into the sea, and after a few minutes it is hauled up. You can buy fish from the catch and have them cook it nearby in street stalls

Elephant chained up at someone's home on the front yard!

2010-04-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

The Tuk Tuk stopped and over this high cement wall peers the head of an elephant. Well the driver takes me through the gates of this home and they are burning leaves brush and the big mean looking thing is lurching and tossing it's trunk in the air. I take some pics and of course the owner comes over looking for rupee's. Why not!

Dutch Cemetery 1724

2010-04-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

This very old resting place is right at the Sea's edge dating back to 1724.

Church of St. Francis

2010-04-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

As today was Good Friday there was a church service going on in the place of worship, so I did not get to stroll through the large old building built in the 16th century. The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried in the cemetery, where you can see his gravestone, - although his remains were taken to rest in Lisbon in 1538.

Doug's first Ride in India, It's a Tuk Tuk Taxi

2010-04-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

I meet my driver who did not understand a word of English, and off we go to the first ATM machine I find. 44 rupee to the dollar. This 3 wheel auto is completely air conditioned with only a front windshield and a side door with a chain to keep you in it. Its seats two pax and off you go. Forget the white line on the road as there is not one. Just beep your horn, and steer where ever you want. I have him for 6 hours and the cost was 1500 rupee or $35. We headed off to the area known as Fort Kochi.

Kochi ( formaley Cochin) India arrival April 1/2010

2010-04-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

As we entered the harbour this city of 600,000 people had the day off work as it was Good Friday. Lots of people gathered to watch our ship enter the river. Many were washing in the river along with the fish nets and old floating tires.

Here are some of the other tour boats we met Canoeing

2010-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

As you can see this is a very popular thing to do, as this area in Thailand, is a National Park.

Welcome Home greeting after a warm day Canoeing

2010-04-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

As we all arrive back from a day in the canoes we are greeted by the ships staff with Ice towels, champagne, and some entertainment. Another tough day!

Canoe tour guides giving us instructions and where we are travelling in this big old tug.

2010-03-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the old boat, Here is a pair of old deisel engines that have been running for 20 years. Wide open and noisey. The canoes are all loaded and the staff are describing our destination for the day.

Canoeing in side the cliffs lagooon area

2010-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Once inside these caves is become very dark and quite smelly. You aim your flashlight to the ceiling and yes, 100's of Bats hanging from the rock above. Once you have cleared the cave area and make it out into the lagoon area there are wild monkeys feeding on the natural trees and getting fish from the sea below.

Entering the Limestine caves in Canoes

2010-03-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

This area of Thailand is called the "Pearl of Thailand" regularly voted one of the world's top holiday destinations. It lies just off the southwest coast, surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Phuket is the country's largest island some 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, and home to 30,000 people. At the north end of the island there is a road bridge that carries traffic across the narrow strait that separates it from the mainland.
The Island is rich in tin deposits. Tin was the major source of wealth until 1980's but now tourism and the production of rubber, from trees planted at the beginning of the 20th century are the mainstays. Rubber plantations everywhere, their little black cups hanging from the bottom of the trees. Just like back home collecting syrup from our maple trees in spring.

Arrival for the trip out to the Limestone Cliffs

2010-03-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

This was our starting point for the day trip up to the limestone towers and spires in Phang Nga Bay. These towers starred in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Theirfame made them first choice of the day trippers from Phuket. Some rise sheer out of the sea, others have low lying land, beaches and villages. A narrow boat takes you past island honeycombed with caves through tunnels hollowed out by the tides. The more intrepid can take an escorted canoe trip to discover hidden lagoons, inaccessible by any other means. The first two pics will show us boarding the boat about 10 am with high Tide, and the next pic is returning from the day tour at about 4 pm. Now that is a big tide. It was also a full moon night which meant the tide is the highest. So getting in the caves depends what time you arrive at the caves. The tour boats have a complete staff to paddle your canoe with flash light strapped to there heads like the old coalminers, and they serve you lunch traveling back. The side view of the tour boat has a banner with its web site. www.seacavecanoe.com so you can check it out.

Security Check on arrival at each Port.

2010-03-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

On every arrival at a port on the world cruise before anyone is allowed off the ship the crew do a complete search under the motor coaches and taxis waiting to take us out for the day, This big banner was attached to both sides of the ship when we left Hong Kong, along with the installation of the Blasters.

Prior to sailing from Singapore

2010-03-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

The ship invited the local native chinese dancers to perform around the pool before sailing off to Thailand. The Champagne flowed as we watched this young amazing group entertain.

Building in this fine city of Singapore.

2010-03-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

This bridge was built in Scotland in the 30's in sections and shipped here by this fine city. The next building was built as a grand residence in early times, and then converted to a school. As the school grew, it became too small, so the owners of the residence donated it to the city, and now it is the Paranakan Museum. The next pic is the 3 hotels under construction. Just the roof top garden is left to be completed. There are many palm trees on the roof top already. The last is the Singapore Hyatt Hotel. Very modern inside.

Singapore's Statue's and Street Scapes

2010-03-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

These pics are of various items in and around this fine city. This is a flower used for a round-about in the area of the cruise terminal. At night it lights up to a wonderful bouquet of flowers. The next is a closed street in China town with columns up the middle of the road with the old buildings of the street completey covered as a pedestrian mall. Very modern, with the old buildings intact. Great idea! The rest are of statues in and around the Paranakan Museum area.

Chinatown

2010-03-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Go figure, there was way more to do and see in Chinatown!! This area was where the street tailors started the custom made suit's on the streets of Singapore. Get a suit in 2 days. Well now you can get a custom made suit in 6 hours. I visited a family's home that is preserved from the early days of the 50 & 60's where the front of the store was the shop, and the rear was a row of sewing machines, ready to serve the buying public, and further back was the residence where they cooked and slept. Very primitive with those same old hard beds.

Singapore's Little India

2010-03-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well forget Singapore's little India, just go to Brampton! This city was smart to clump the different cultures in different areas. They were all fighting with each other back in the earlier times, so the powers to be, decided they should keep their traditions, but not have to live together. So they have little India, China town etc.

Some of the new buildings in Singapore

2010-03-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see this a very modern city. The building with 3 towers and the roof joined together is 3 hotels being built next to a new convention centre. The roof has a complete garden area with palm street bars and restaurants. It will be open in April. Orginally it was only three towers but to make it look more the South-East Asian style they joined them up. Very different.

Arriving in Singapore

2010-03-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

This is were East meets West. Between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, at just 1 degree of latidude north of the equator, Singapore basks in a high year-round temperatures and an impressive prosperity. The Island covers an area of about 245 sq miles a figure that grows year by year as new land is won from the sea. No conservation authority! This is a very busy place with almost 5 million people living in this small place. Everything has to be imported in, even the water. But that has not stopped them from being the place to call home.

Singapore, Our arrival at 7 AM throught the maze of ocean freighters in the harbour.

2010-03-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sound Blasters

2010-03-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

These things arrived on the decks of the ship today. They are called sound blasters, that produce a very high loud sound if the ship is being attacked. The sound is so loud that a human can not stand the noise. Guess we are getting into hijack territory.

There is alway two sides to a story. This is paradise just down the road!

2010-03-27T06:57:00.001-07:00

Just minutes from the city centre is this 5 star hotel is located on a spectacular beach. As we arrived we were greeted by these young boys playing local music. We spent the rest of the day using the Hotel's facilities. The pool was large and full of fresh water, then down to the beach for a walk and swim. Wow the water was over 90 degrees. We sailed at 6 pm for Singapore.

Getting around town is as easy at 1,2,3. The local Tuk Tuk.

2010-03-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is fun, hop on this Taxi and hang on to your hat as well. It will hold 4 pax. and they are everywhere. The best pics. are of the drivers sleeping in there hacks. They strap a 2 wheeled cart on the backseat of the Honda 160 cc and they are in business. No life like it!!

Cambodian - Market Hang on to your noses!!!

2010-03-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is a very large market located in the city centre. Very busy place where you can only use the local currency. Oh ya you can bargain like crazy! This lady is cooking fresh baby crab in a very large wok using lots of garlic, green onions, and her very own secret sauce. Must of been Colonel Sanders first wife. She is cooking on an open fire and serving up large portions for $2. In the market there are many stalls selling local fresh fish, vegetables,& fruit. Now if you want to do take-out KFC style, you can pick up a fresh chicken for the family. Many choices for your taste buds.

Temple and what's in it.

2010-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

As mentioned earlier this Temple has wild monkeys running around,(not friendly) They are to hungry and only come around when there is food. This beautiful young girl is what you see everywhere on the grounds, begging for $$.

Cambodia- Visiting with the Monks in there sleeping quarters. The Floor or a Mat!

2010-03-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

Cambodia - Temple the home of the Monks

2010-03-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

This is what makes this country tick. The last pic. was 3 Monks having lunch. Well Lunch is dinner. They only eat breakfast, and lunch. No dinner. Lunch is a very big feast. The food is not cooked at the Temple. They get in a van and drive down to the local market. (Wait till you see those pics.) The Temple is not a lavish places to live. I was surprized at the living accomadation. The washrooms are from the dark ages. But they all have a TV. (No Video games) I asked!. Sleeping accomodation is beyond belief. And to top it off there are wild monkeys running around the grounds eating their scraps. This Temple is actually a orphanage for children who have lost their mothers and fathers to AIDS. Pretty sad.

Cambodia School

2010-03-26T03:11:00.001-07:00

Our first stop was at a school for 6, 7 & 8 yr olds. Notice the desks. Very basic. These children attend school in the morning and the afternoon the older ones use the school. The school yard was littered with garabage everywhere including a pile of rubbish burning with tin cans etc. and they kids are in there bare feet.

Port Authority - Departing Pattaya

2010-03-26T01:53:00.001-07:00

This is the terminal we docked at for two days. Very organized. The port is a deep water port that handles large container ships as well as car ships. The container ships were unloaded and reloaded in less that 24 hrs. As many as 125 containers on a ship. This country makes many pieces of equipment for heavy excavating work. And for cars, well Frank Stronach would like to be here. There are hundred of cars ready for export. Makes like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc. They are ready for shipment to New Zealand, Australia, Borneo, Singapore.

Thailand Different modes of Transporation

2010-03-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

This is a broom lady travelling the streets selling big and small brooms as well as dusters. There are many types of boats to charter for the day. Here is a sampling of some of the new and old ones. And of course you will find people resting on the streets, just like this one. I think I woke her up.

Thailand - Feasting on the Beach

2010-03-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

Another day at the beach. Since we are still forbidden to travel to Bangkok due to the political unrest, it was a trip in the ships shuttle bus to the City of Pattaya located south and east of Bangkok. I got a lounge chair on the beach in the morning and didn't move till 2pm. The vendors just kept coming with different dishes fresh from the sea. Did some shopping from my chair as well. All that for $2.00

Sanctuary of Truth - Thailand www.sanctuaryoftruth.com

2010-03-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, This is quite a masterpiece. A team of wood carvers have been working on this temple for 37 yrs. and expect to be working for another 10 yrs to finish it. Seabourn surprised us last night by putting together a private dinner party for 400 of us, serving up a 5 course meal with a 11 piece band with local flavour, including the Elephants! This was served up by 50 chef's and 75 waiter staff. Some of the wood carvers were on hand to show their work. I joined in and gave them a hand. Go to their web site. www.sanctuaryoftruth.com for a more complete look at their work.

Paddy Wagon - Thailand

2010-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yes,many of you have read the newspapers. At the present time there is significant political unrest in Bangkok. A number of very large demonstrations are currently underway in the city. Certain areas have been affected with the occasional and unpredictable stoppage of all traffic. There have been instances of violence and on occasion explosives have been used. We have been advised by Seabourn that all the Bangkok tours have been cancelled to the city. So we have been spending time in the Seaside resort of Pattey City Beach. This Paddy wagon has been parked in a area to make a statement. As you can see, it looks more like a school bus inside.

More than a scooter

2010-03-24T02:37:00.000-07:00

This is just a sample of the modes of transportation in this country. They have a propane kitchen on board, as well as ice cold beer, soft drinks, and all the fresh seafood you can eat, right beside your favorite roadside stop. I have many more pics of these machines, but it is taking me so long to load them on my site, I have restricted the # of pics. Seems everyone on board has a Blog, and the ships server is working overtime.
Sad news! In my mail box tonight, the ships staff delivered my return DHL luggage tags to my suite. So it looks like I am getting off this gourmet floating palace, sorry to say. And in many ways, not sorry, as I a looking forward to seeing my many friends.
In the foreground of the last pic is a truck with racks. Well that is a local taxi, which you just jump on and off the back as it moves along the street. About 30 cents for a ride.

Thailand. Pattaya City

2010-03-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

This city is 80 miles from Bangkok, and unfortunately we were not allowed to visit the city as the natives are restless! Demonstrations that have become very violent have taken place recently. So we are spending time at this Sea side resort. Very busy place with all the new Big Hotels being built. The water is very warm as the air temp. this morning was in the 90's.

Village life outside Di Nang - Vietnam

2010-03-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

These are more pics of the small village outside the city of Di Nang. The old ladies smoke cigars. Some have teeth and many have none. The ones with have black teeth. Very charming!

Village market

2010-03-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is the local market for this small village. Very few people have fridges, so it's off the the market every day.

Small village on the outskirts of Ni Nang - Vietnam

2010-03-22T19:53:00.001-07:00

These pics are some of the people I met walking through the village. I stuck my head in a doorway and I found this lady getting her hair done. Some of the children followed me around the streets as I brought candy bars with me from the ship.

Di Nang - Vietnam

2010-03-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Di Nang is located on the coast of the China Sea. This is another fast growing city like the rest of Vietnam. I took a trip out to the country side and visited a small village. This is a school for 4 & 5 year olds. It was lunch time, which meant the teachers feed the kids rice and more rice for lunch.

City centre of Siagon

2010-03-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

These pics of bldgs in the city centre are 1st the Palace with the flag flying high.
Next is the front entrance of the Rex Hotel as well as the last pic of the roof top restaurant and bar at the Rex Hotel. This hotel is where the American Officers stayed during the War. Across the street is the classic Continental Saigon Hotel built in the 1920's. and the statue is another statue. (sorry I can't remember the name)

Weddings- Sunday is the day.

2010-03-21T22:12:00.001-07:00

The weddings were happening all over the city yesterday. As I was sitting in a street cafe I watched the guests arrive on their scooters. Ladies all dressed up wearing mini skirts, high heels with crash helmets and masks. Toting their children on the front of the bike's they would park it, and undress the gear puting it under the seat. As they make their way into the receiving line they look like they stepped out of a taxi. The little girl wearing the lady bug helmet was so cute.
The weddings are not small. A small wedding would have 500 guests, but most have 1000 guests. They start at noon and I sorry I had to get on the ship for a 5 pm sailing, so I couldn't tell you when they end.

Different modes of transporation & a master piece of electrical work

2010-03-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

As you can see the hydo poles are a masterpieces of work. Each and every pole has about the same amount of wires strung pole to pole. I was told by our tour guide to stay inside when they get a big rain fall as many people are killed when the rains come. The modes of transport are all quite different as you can see.

Traditional Evening of Music & Dance Vietnamese Style

2010-03-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

This group of locals put a show on for us at the roof top of the Majastic Hotel, warm summer breezes with cool cocktails. After the show we bused to a local restaurant for some local food. Another feast. Tomorrow is get some more clothes that fit.

Night Street Racing - Siagon

2010-03-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yes and its legal. No police needed. Very few accidents, No traffic lights or very few.

Travelling the streets of Siagon

2010-03-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Your very first experience of turning onto the road in this city is very scarry. Thousands of motor bikes or scooters and NO traffice lights at 80 % of the intersections. Its amazing how they wind and twist there way though this steamy road network. Ladies driving in high heels, white gloves, and a mask over their face.. I thought it was for the smog but no, it is to keep the sun off their tiny bodies. They like white skin. Most scooters have anywhere from 2 to 4 passengers on board. Infants sitting on the handle bars and anything from boxes to chickens on the back. Didn't see any signs of an accident. Few cars, some trucks, very few buses.

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh Cith

2010-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Entering the Mekong Delta, home to over 25 million people

2010-03-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

The trek up the river is 50 miles and a pilot is a must. He joined us at 5:30 am and we docked at 10 am. Very busy body of water. This is the main transporation of goods to and from this country. Off in the distance you will notice our sister ship the Seabourn Pride. She docked next to us. Smaller in size about 250 pax. Everything from ocean going freighters to barges, to little fishing junks we passed along the way. And of course lots of rice paddies. There is a ferry service up the river via Hydrafoil boat that just flys by at top speed. Not sure what the stops are, but we passed 4 or 5 along the trek into the dock area.

Leaving Hong Kong 7 PM.

2010-03-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

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Too bad it's foggy as this place lights up like no other. Lots of names we all know.
Now its off to Vietnam. That should be fun!

A work day in Hong Kong

2010-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Many modes of transportation in Hong Kong. Star Ferry that runs across the Harbour with no schedule. They load both decks at the same time, once full they blow the horn and stand-on-it. Had a scarry experience returning on the ferry at night in thick fog. You can hear fog horns everywhere but see nothing, until all of a sudden right beside you is another loaded ferry.
Then there is the Red & White Toyota Taxi Cabs. You never know where you will end up as most do not speak english. The driver passes his cell phone to you and you speak to a person that in turn tells the driver where to go. Bus transporation is everywhere. New double-decker buses that hold 100 pax are very plentiful. Then there is the tunnel that runs under the harbour along with the subway. The roads carry cars on one level, and people on another level. A very young crowd.

Night shopping in the outdoor markets

2010-03-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

Spent an afternoon and evening in a street market. This market goes pretty much all night long. Most of the stuff is junk, however there are some good knock offs. When the police are walking trough the vendors scramble to hide there knockoffs. It's the old story. Take their price and take 25% off and that's what you can buy it for. The best neg. power is to start to walk away, and then they get serious fast about the price.

Shopping for custom made suit

2010-03-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Nothing would be complete without a custom made suit. Met Peter the tailor in the morning and picked it up in the afternoon the next day. It seemed every 10 steps you take some East Indian picks you out of the crowd trying to sell suits or watches.

Hong Kong Hotels

2010-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

The last two are of the famous Peninsula Hotal. This very grand hotel is quite possible the most expensive one in the city. Great location close to the Star Ferry Terminal and lots of shopping. The next is the lobby of the Lehman Hotel. Also very fancy and well located. And first is the old standby Holiday Inn which is well located for shopping

Hong Kong Hotels

2010-03-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

This Hotel is called L-Hotel and is located in the New Territories, some 5 miles from downtown. This one is 1 yr old, and has 77 floors. The pics are shot from 55th floor of the harbour and traffic patterns.

Hong Kong

2010-03-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

Arrival in Hong Kong 7 AM in the fog and mist

2010-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Ship that is docked in the photo is a Chinese gambling ship that leaves in the evening and returns the following day with the gamblers.
We all were quite looking forward to a early morning arrival. The observation lounge was full, and the bridge was full at 6:30 AM. The night before the Captain described the arrival into Hong Kong Harbour as one of the best sights when entering a Harbour in the world. Well as you can see it was rainy and very foggy. I should of known when at 2:30 AM I heard the sound of a fog horn every 2 minutes all night long.

Afternoon with the natives

2010-03-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

More fish and a great afternoon with the natives singing and dancing (not me). Set sail at 5 pm for Hong Kong. Here are some Distances sailed from Sydney to Hong Kong.
Sydney-Cairns 1255 nautical miles
Cairns-Darwin 1221 nautical miles
Darwin-Bali 965 nautical miles
Bali-Brunei 1440 nautical miles
Brunei- K.K. 148 nautical miles
K.K.-Hong Kong 1111 nautical miles

Total distance 6140 nautical miles

Market in Kota Kinabalu

2010-03-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Every city has a market. This one was quite big and had everything if you can stand the smell. Especially in the meat & fish area. Lots of fish! I passed on ordering any suits at this tailor as the sign might suggest.

Kota Kinabalu - Boreno

2010-03-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

With an over night sailing Kota Kinabalu or as they call it K.K. which was 148 nautical miles we arrive in a city that looks like most Asian cities. Motorbikes, taxi, etc. They also have a Water stilt city which you will notice a water taxi loaded, as well at the good old Hyatt Hotel. I counted 17 pax and no life jackets for anyone. Guess if you live in a water house you can swim.

Ancient Water village

2010-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

A group of us stopped for Tea at one of the water village homes (remember no booze so tea). Very large inside with TV, flush toilets, Hot water. Not cold water since the temp. is 95 degrees.
Had lunch at one of the local restaurants and noticed going into the building the Canadian Flag on the roof. It was the Canadian Embessy. (this was in the modern city folks on in the water village. Harper would have that),
Here is a pic of the long nose Monkey. He lives in mangrove thickets and nipa palm swamps along the rivers deep in the jungle. Its great sport is to dive from the trees into the water with a great splash and cool off by swimming. The infants have slate-blue faces and snub noses, but with age their noses swell to monstrous size. By the time they are old, male monkeys have such huge noses they have to be held to one side when the monkey wants to put food in its month.

Still in Boreno - Bansar

2010-03-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

From a glossy city with modern gilded buildings and teems of sleek cars you can look across the river at the ancient water village where 30,000 people live in wooden houses, overhanging the Brunei River. Leave the city and most of the country is a tropical jungle where you will find old tribal villages, where you find up to 100 people living in communal long houses of bamboo and thatch. You will also find the Monkey with the long nose called proboscis found only in Borneo.

More of the Sultan's work

2010-03-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

The photo of the Gold Dome from the distance is the Sultan's Palace. He has it protected from everyone. Only his family & friends get to take a look, oh ya also Hyatt Hotels who run the palace form him. From kitchen to the table Hyatt look after him. They have 1700 rooms to make up and clean as well. The river in front winds past the palace and up to the ancient water village which will be my next post. The rest of the pics are of Mosques

Borneo what a surprise

2010-03-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Bandar is the capital. The Sultan King runs this place with a iron rod. Not a bar or liquor store in the country. Imagine a country with no Income tax, universal education, free medical care, and pensions for the old and needy. It's not Utopia; it's reality in tiny, tropical Brunei, on the northwest coast of the island of Boreno, extravagantly enriched by oil discovered in 1929. So much so the Sultan lives in a 1700 room palace recently built in the 1980's.

Bali

2010-03-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Bali is rimmed by coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches, deep ravines and fast flowing rivers. Great river rafting here. Lots of rice terraces that soar up to a volcantic chain topped by Mount Agung at 10,000 ft. More than 3 million people share this space on this 50 mile x 87 mile island. As you can see if they are not in their outrigger boats fishing, they are standing on the rockey shore casting their rods into the sea. Some get wet bring home the catch of the day. This island has many beautiful resorts and quite inexpensive. Shopping techniques are a must. The price that they ask should be a quarter of the ask price. After a while its a pain in the ass. Don't bid for anything you don't want, or you may get stuck with it.

Bali - Nice little jewel

2010-03-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

We were greeted by the local Band on the Dock. Then instantly bomb-barded by the hucksters. Got a hack and went into town on my own. No big tour for me. As we approached the island I saw lots of little floating outrigger boats fishing for their food. When driving though the country side at all elevations you could see Rice fields everywhere. Driving is very scary. There is a white line in the middle of the road, but that means nothing. Passing buses up hill meeting oncoming traffic is the norm. Hang on to your hats when driving in this place. Not to mention the motor scooters which out number the cars 20 to 1.

Darwin Filler her up!

2010-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

One good thing about Darwin is cheap fuel. We drained these two puppies then off to Bali.

Darwin, Australia Now why would anybody live here!

2010-03-14T01:17:00.000-08:00

Hot, That's not the word for this place. Just when you think Darwin's weather is at its most sweltering - a dip in the sea ought to be just what the Doctor ordered, right. Wrong, fatally wrong. Nature has played a very unkind little trick on this part of the Timor Sea. Throngs of sinister sea wasps, otherwise known a box jellyfish. They can kill or at least cause a most unpleasent shock.
This city also had it problems on Christmas eve 1974 Cyclone Tracy Devastates Darwin, killing 50 people, 35,000 people had to be evacuated in Australia's biggest airlift. The City is totally rebuilt.
This Aboriginal Tribe did a little performance for us.

Special Galley Luncheon today on the Odyssey

2010-03-14T01:01:00.000-08:00

Today we were treated to a Luncheon served from the kitchen in the Ship. Got to see how big and clean the operation is. Lots of Stainless steel.

Great Barrier Reef

2010-03-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

Here is an example of other dive boats in the area, as well as the glass bottom boat attached to our raft. The raft also had a chamber you could walk down into and see the Sea life. The reef is much longer than I imagined running over 1200 miles long in the Coral Sea. We travelled right up through it from Sydney. Off the coast of Australia the landscape is quite mountainous and large white sand dunes. No evidence of life most of the way up except for Brisbane and a few small centres.

Great Barrier Reef

2010-03-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

This facility is located right out in the open Sea 15 miles out, with no protection from mother nature. It is a large raft with washrooms, kitchen, and a full range of diving, snorkling gear. Also there are glass bottem boats for the faint hearted. The sun is strong and hot. The water is over 80 degrees. The snorkling was amazing. I had the bjesus scarred out of me when a 10 footer swam right up to me for a pet on the fin. Got a pic I will send later.

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef Arrival of Pilot

2010-03-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Its been 3 days at sea to get from Sydney to Cairns which is located on the north east coast of Australia. Didn't see much sign of life most of the way up. Once we arrived in the Barrier Reef area we started to see lots of private yachts and other cruise ships. The Queen Mary was at anchor along the way up, also P & O Arcadia was in the area. This shot is the pilot boarding our ship at about 12 knots at the entrance to Cairns. I did not get to see anything of Cairns as when we docked a large caterman pulled up along side us and the ones going diving and snorkling on the reef jumped on. This trip was 1.5 hrs each way.

Entrance to Sydney Harbour

2010-03-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

The entrance to Sydney harbour is called the GAP. For many years ships have come and gone through the entrance. The cliffs are high and sharp. Not a place to swim. The ocean swell is very high through this area and makes for a tricky voyage in a small craft. On the way to Manley you noticed quite a difference in the swells on the ferry. You are asked by the captain to hang on as he passes close by it but he does not go through it. The lighthouse is the old orginal one that no longer functions. It would keep up most of Sydney at night. The middle pic is looking south from the gap and you can see lots of homes high on the cliff. Just beyond the homes the land sweeps in to lovely Bondi Beach. The last pic is looking north up to Manley Beach.

Manley Beach Sydney

2010-03-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

This was a great day trip leaving the main ferry terminal on the government run ferries that hold some 300 pax and leave every 45 minutes. Upon arrival you enter on the Sydney harbour side which is fairley calm waters. You will notice a small beach which has a net in the water which protects the swimmers from the sharks. Then once off the ferry you enter the main promanade to the famous beach which is filled with restaurants and shops. Notice the water fountains rising up from the ground. These are very usefully for walking through on your return from the beach as it cleans your feet of sand. The Beach is large and has a great boardwalk all along it. By noon the beech gets very busy. Had lunch in this seaside bistro. Arrived back in Syd by 4 pm.

Nothing Like a Trip to the ZOO

2010-03-11T17:59:00.001-08:00

Well done Zoo right on the water reachable by water Taxi every 20 minutes from city centre. I did get right in the area of the Kanagroo's, and didn't get nipped.

Everythings More Fun at the Beach

2010-03-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing would be complete when visiting Sydney than a visit the famous Bondi Beach. It is located just south of the city centre in Sydney. Such a great setting with pure white sand and a board walk that is filled with restaurants and shops. Just hop on the Blue Explorer bus that runs every 20 minutes all day long.

Cruise Ship Capital of the Southern Hemisphere

2010-03-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

These big gas guzzlers are a common site in Sydney Harbour in Feb & March each year. Most are on World cruises from either Florida or England. Saw the Queen Mary & Queen Victoria as well in Australian waters head up the east coast of the Big country. Nothing would be complete without an Australian Sun Rise. Which bings up another matter. If you are buying Real Estate below the Equator look for a house that faces NORTH. Strange to watch the sun rise and then go north. It sure threw me off. Got parked at the Beach making sure I was in the right spot for the sun to move through the day and it tricked me, and went north. What was I thinking.

Finally Sydney.

2010-03-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

This Great City has it all. With a harbour that is as busy as they get. The weather is superb. Tons of restaurants everywhere you look. You will notice a pic of the Opera House with a roof top swimming pool in front. Well that's the roof top pool at the Holiday Inn (The Rocks)Great location as you can see, but very expensive. I talked to fellow guests and the room rate can vary as much at $200.00 a night more than the next guy down the hall. So Best bet is book on line and do not pay more than $250 a nt. They got me good. Must of had a big L on my head. The first morning I woke, I could no longer see the Opera House. Just a big honken Diamond Princess Cruise ship. The same one Brent and I saw in Auckland. The next Day another Big Cunard ship the Acadia which we saw in Christchurch New Zealand.

This Guy is Everywhere & of course some want-a-bee's

2010-03-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here he is the traveller of travellers. Captain Cook looking very dapper and one of his wannabees. This guy wearing a kilt and juggling knives was one the many street entertainers along the way.

The next Blog will start with Sydney after I arrive in the country. Its a 3 1/2 half hr flight from Christchurch. Brent has left and has flown up to Cairns, Aussie land to do some diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Harley Davidson Store

2010-03-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Lots of Hoggs in town on the weekend. They had a Harley feast on the weekend. Didn't see many Hoggs in the North Island, that's because every Harley was in Christchurch.