Madang, Papua, New Guinea Feb.27,2011

After leaving Cairns, we sailed north along the Australian shore and through the Coral Sea.   We passed between many beautiful islands, large and small – very picturesque.  Late this morning we arrived on the south shore of New Guinea, where we docked for a few hours.  I was with Mary and Jim on a four hour tour called “Highlights of Madang.”

Since it was raining,  we left the ship armed with the umbrellas provided.  It was hot and very muggy.  There were 20 mini busses transporting 10 to 12 passengers each to visit the various places of interest on the island.  Our group was fortunate to have one with air conditioning – most of them didn’t.  Today is Sunday,  so unfortunately, the stores and market were not open, because that would have been the first part of the tour. 

Instead we headed off to see the Coastwatchers’ Memorial Lighthouse.  During the war, the locals watched for  Japanese ships and airplanes and relayed information by radio to the allied forces.  The memorial was erected to commemorate those from the country who lost their lives in the war.  There are over 30 sunken Japanese ships in the bay just north of the port where se were docked, but our tour did not take us there.

 

From there we went to the Madang Cultural Centre where locals performed the folk dances of their country in traditional attire -- some of the ladies were naked above the waist.

We then travelled to a village where we saw how the pottery (which was for sale) is made.   Again we were treated to folk dancing.  The natives there were very friendly and most seemed happy to have their pictures taken.

Their homes were rather primitive.  I guess in that hot climate, one doesn’t need anything more substantial.

The people here speak 3 languages – English is taught in school.  The other 2 languages are pidgin English and then their own dialect depending on what part of the country they come from.

I learned this from speaking to a woman who lives in that village.  Her English was not bad, but I had to speak slowly for her to understand me.  She has 4 children between the ages of eight years and her one month old baby.  I didn’t realize it at first, because she was wearing a large heavy shawl over her shoulders, but her tiny baby was in a net hanging behind her back.  It was fast asleep.  She also told me that she was not born in that village, but that she had moved there after marrying a man who came from there.  She said that he used to work on a ship, but that he had given that up to stay at home with her and the children. 

Our last stop was at a butterfly farm.   The man who runs it  showed us on a bush the various stages in the development of his butterflies.   He said that he does not sell his butterflies, but that he does this work to preserve them.  The land on which  the very small tent where his butterflies are on display is found,  had beautifully landscaped flower beds of which he is extremely proud.  It looked like a little park with gorgeous flowers and of course multi butterflies flying about.

Everywhere we went, (except the butterfly place), the locals had some pottery, carvings and trinkets displayed on blankets on the ground which they offered for sale.  Not too many cruise ships stop here so their selling practices are not as sophisticated as  in other less primitive places.  Here, they do not have their wares set up in booths or on tables.

Mary, Jim and I enjoyed out tour very much.  I was very surprised upon returning to the ship to hear a couple of people complain.  They said that stopping here was a waste of time – that there was nothing to see.  They said that the least the locals could do is to set up their wares for display so that people didn’t have to bend down to look at them.   No matter where we go, there’s always some negative person to find fault.  So sad that people cannot enjoy seeing the reality of how others in the world exist, without criticizing.

Cairns, Australia, February 24, 2011

The Australian Bar B Q last night was a lot of fun.  Of course there was food galore and the wine and champagne flowed freely again.  I tried alligator meat, kangaroo and emu.  I was going to try a “BUG”, which is like a miniature lobster, brown in colour, but I left my plate for a few minutes to go and look for my friend Shirley who got lost trying to return to the  table we were sharing with other friends.  When I got back, my plate had been cleared away and my bug was gone.  Oh well—I didn’t really want to eat one – I was only going to eat it in order to be able to say I had done it.

There was limited seating in the dining room last night, because most people went to the Bar B Q, which was really crowded.  Everyone seemed to be having a good time.  A band of 3 local musicians entertained us with Australian  music and song (violin, guitar and bass violin).  A couple of the crew were barefoot in a vat of grapes pressing them for wine. 

The above are some of the Pilipino crew who were serving the food. 

After the meal, there was a live show in the Queen’s Lounge, a movie in the theatre, singing in the Piano Bar and dancing to live music until 11:30 in the Ocean Lounge and until midnight up above on the Sports Deck.  Lots of fun to be had.

This morning I was on a tour called  “Tropical Rainforest and Aboriginal Adventure.”   It poured buckets of rain all day long – - how appropriate.  There were clear plastic umbrellas available for all of us as we left the ship.  We are certainly well looked after here.  We boarded a bus which should have taken a half hour to reach our destination, but on the way, we were stopped for about 45 minutes, because a large tree had fallen across the road and we had to wait until a work crew could come and clear this up. 

The location where we went, is  also  an animal preserve with native Australian animals on display, so we saw kangaroos, alligators, emus, dingoes and koala bears.  Those animals are so beautiful and the kangaroos were so tame that we were feeding them again.

A dingo.  Looks so beautiful but is quite wild.

Fortunately the paths we followed to get to see  the displays were all covered, so we didn’t get wet, even though the rain never let up.

After  visiting  the animals, we were led to the location where some male aborigines put on a show which was meant to give us an idea of their dances and the sound of their musical instruments – all very touristy.  They then showed us how to throw boomerangs and people were given a chance to try it.  It’s not as easy as it looks.

The final part of our visit there took us onto amphibious vehicles for a drive through the rainforest.  ( These vehicles are like the ones used to land troops during the second world war.)   The man who drove spoke with a broad Australian accent and the vehicle made so much noise, that even though he used a microphone, it was difficult to hear his comments.  From what I could make out, when we stopped to view certain things, he had a great sense of humour.  We drove up and down steep hills through the jungle and then into a body of water.  All the time the driver was giving a commentary about the beauty and magic of the rainforest.  Too bad I couldn’t hear a lot of it.

This was a five hour tour and the only food available was cookies, chips and drinks.  My lunch was a cookie made with macadamia nuts and a mango drink.  I  really looked   forward to our evening meal.   During the ride back ,  we passed through the main streets of Cairns which were in very close proximity to the ship and I would have loved to go for a walk and explore, but it was still pouring buckets, so I opted to stay inside. 

Cairns is our last stop in Australia.  Now we are heading for Asia

At Sea, February 23, 2011

At present, we are at sea sailing along the east coast of Australia.   The sea is not rough because we are between the continent and the Great Barrier Reef.  It rained heavily today – the first time since the voyage began.  So far we have been blessed with perfect weather.  Today is day 49 of the trip.  In six more days, we will reach the half way mark.  I can’t believe how quickly the time is going.

Yesterday, we heard the terrible news about the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.  We were visiting that city about a week ago.  Our guardian angels must have been looking after us to have this happen after we left.   I feel so sorry for those poor people.   A lot of us were visiting the beautiful church which was destroyed.  This could just as easily have happened the day we were there.

Our departure from Sydney was celebrated with a big party.  We left there around 2:30 p.m. The C E O of the Holland Lines and his wife came  aboard for a couple of days - -  only until we reach the next port -- so a big party was given as we sailed away. The wine and champagne was free of charge and finger food was also in abundance. A brass band from Sydney was aboard to serenade us as we left. This company sure knows how to give a good party.

Until the C.E.O. leaves everything is celebrated in style.  Yesterday evening we had our eighth formal evening and before diner all were invited to the Queen’s Lounge to be introduced to him and his wife and this was followed by free drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dancing.   An elegant and delicious diner followed with complimentary wine. 

Today at mid afternoon, the C.E.O. gave a talk which gave us an overview of the Holland America Company and its plans for the future.  This was followed by a question period.  The topic came up about the situation in Egypt and the Suez Canal.  He assured us that at present unless the situation changes, we will pass through the Suez Canal.  He also said that it is quite possible that the tours we have booked in Egypt will take place, but that they are monitoring the situation carefully and that the safety of the passengers is of prime importance.  People were concerned with our safety while passing through that region, but we were told that there are many ships from many nations in these waters at all times and that they belong to an organization which binds them to come to each other’s aid if necessary.  The captain is constantly in touch with this organization and safety is of prime importance.

I believe I mentioned that I was going to change tables again for the diner seating when we reached Sydney.  I am now at a table with six other people – 2 couples from Canada and 2 single ladies from the U.S.  So far so good ! ! !   With 2 men at the table, the conversation is more interesting.  One of the men is very interested in History and is quite knowledgeable.  One of the American women is a singer and she performed opera in her home town.  I’ve only been there twice so far and the first time, three persons were missing, so I can’t tell you much more about them yet.  More to come later.

Tonight, instead of diner in the dining room, there is a big Australian Bar B Q in the Lido Grill on the 8th floor.  The staff has been busy for two days preparing and decorating.  I’m looking forward to that and will write about it next time.

Sydney, Australia February 20, 2011

Our ship entered Sydney Harbour around sunrise and fortunately, I was awake to see it.  What a beautiful sight to see the Opera House, Sydney Bridge and all the sky scrapers appear.

The above  is a photo of the Opera House taken just after sunrise, and here is the bridge.

We are docked within  walking distance  of each and from my cabin window, I can see the opera house.  It is such a thrill for me to be here – a dream come true.

After breakfast this morning around 8 a.m.,  I went on a little  walking tour of the area.  It was too early for the shops to be  open and since I had forgotten my map of the city, I returned to the ship to get it.  Every Sunday, there is a large Market in the close vicinity, so I went back out to spend the morning wandering through there.   It was really hot and muggy, so I was in my element, but I made certain I walked in the shade.

In the afternoon, I went on a tour of the city which took us to the  beach where there must have been thousands sunbathing and swimming.  I was wishing I could join them, but we only stopped there briefly for picture taking and a snack.  Then it was on to the opera house where we were given a tour.  What an extraordinary building that is ! ! ! Acoustically, I think  it is probably the best of all opera houses in the world.  It is huge.  There are several concert halls, large and small.  The Symphony Hall holds over 1700 people and the one for the opera holds over 1500.

At 5 p.m.  Mary and Jim met me there and we went to a Rock and Roll concert.  You are probably wondering why I would go to a rock and roll concert when I am at the Sydney Opera House.  There are no operas presented there on Sundays.  Mary and Jim were planning to go to the rock concert and when they invited me to join them, I readily agreed, because I really wanted to see a performance there.  As it turned out, it was a wonderful 2 hour  concert.  A group of excellent Australian musicians were performing the music of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.   As the story goes, these 4 musicians one day just happened all to be in a recording studio at the same time, and as musicians the world over do when they get together, they began a jam session, each trying to out do the other and this went on for a couple of hours.  The owner of the studio, without their knowledge, turned on his recording equipment and taped the whole session.  These musicians were not famous at the time, so the tape was stored away with others and never played again until many years later when someone else purchased the studio. The concert was soooooo good and everyone there came out of it all charged up.

The concert was over at 7 p.m.  and we were hungry so we decided to walk to an Italian restaurant that Jim and Mary knew from one of their past voyages.  It took us about a half hour to get there so we worked up a good appetite.   By 9:30 we were on our way back to the ship, walking along George Street, one of the main streets in Sydney.  There were crowds of people out and about --  everyone appeared to be having a good time. 

I was a bit weary from this long day and would have liked to go straight to bed, but Sallie, one of the ladies who loves to dance, and who I got to know quite well,  is leaving the ship here in Sydney and I wanted to go and say my farewell, so I took a quick shower and went up to the Ocean Bar where she was having a final evening aboard.  Sallie is from Virginia.  She is considerably older than I am, but she is a good dancer and loves to dance.  I don’t think she missed a dance session during the entire time she was aboard.  Clothing wise, she came well prepared.  Every evening was formal night for her.  She had beautiful outfits the likes of which you see in the musical movies we went to in our youth.  She wrote a beautiful thank you note and gave it to each of the dance hosts.  (James showed me the one she gave him and it was very gracious and written in beautiful hand writing)  What a lovely lady she is ! ! !   We exchanged calling cards and I hope that we will keep in touch.  That is one of the perks of taking a long cruise like this – you get to meet such nice people and make life long friends.

Port Arthur, Tasmania February 18,2011

Very early this morning, around 3:30 a.m.  I woke up and was wide awake.  I decided to take that opportunity to go to the laundry room and do my laundry.  At this hour of the night, I had the entire place to myself.  The last time I went there, during the day, 3 of the 4 machines were out of order and the other one was in use.  Last night 3 were in working order.  It costs us $2. to do one load of laundry.  We put 8 quarters in the washer.  The dryer is free.  That room has to be one of the busiest places on the ship.  After finishing the laundry, around 5:30, I went back to bed and slept like a log for another couple of hours.

Around 9, I took the tender to go ashore where I met up with Mary and Jim to take a self guided tour of  Port Arthur.

Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, is a small village which in the early 1800’s, was not only a  convict settlement, but also a complete community  -- home to military personnel and free settlers.   It is one of the World Heritage Properties and is an open air museum.  As one walks through the grounds, one can visit more than 30 historic buildings, extensive ruins and beautiful grounds and gardens.  I spent about 4 hours there with Mary and Jim and it was interesting to see the well kept old buildings as well as the ruins of the jail.  It was a hard life for all, but especially the convicts, some of them who had done no more than steal to stay alive.  It was easy to take a self guided tour, because there were plaques in front of all the sites of interest telling the history of the place.

Upon return to the ship this afternoon, I visited my neighbour in the cabin next door.  Her name is Jaina.  She and her husband lived in Toronto for many years and have grown up married children there, but they now live in Mazatlan, Mexico.  She is an excellent and graceful dancer, especially the dances with a Latin rhythm.  She also dances Flamenco.  In Mexico, she teaches dancing and gives performances for groups that are trying to raise money for charity , both free of charge because she loves it so much.   I know that my foot work and arm motions in Latin dances leaves a lot to be desired and in the course of the conversation, she said she would tutor me – so we had our first lesson right there.  She told me that any time I wanted more coaching, just to knock on her door.  What a nice lady ! ! ! !  Her national origin is Filipino.  She is 62 years old and very petite.  She looks as though she was in her early 20’s.   I guess dancing does that for you. 

Around 6 p.m., the captain made an announcement that we were ready to off toward Sydney, Australia.  Instead of sailing directly there, he decided to take a detour.  We cruised around the southern tip of Tasmania to pass by Cape Raoul.   What an awesome, beautiful sight that was ! ! !

Tonight, the dance hosts in the Ocean Bar, (where a trio of piano, drums and bass play), were very busy.  At one point after diner, there were 8 single ladies and 2 dance hosts.  After having a dance with each, I didn’t feel like waiting for my turn again, so I went up to the Crow’s Nest on the 9th floor.  The 2 dance hosts there were just sitting around waiting for customers, so I got a few good dances in before a couple of other ladies showed up.  We danced until the band stopped playing at midnight.    Ahhh  life on a cruise sure is tough ! ! ! !

At Sea February 16, 2011

Everyone said that the Tasmanian Sea was very rough and to be prepared.  Lucky for us, the opposite was true.  The captain said he had to check the navigator’s charts to make sure we were actually there.  We had about 3 meter swells, but that just produced a gentle rocking.  I must have found my sailor’s legs – I haven’t had any ill effects since the first week or so.

Tonight I had booked to go to a Murder Mystery. This mystery was written by our Entertainment Director, Ron and it was really cute.  Members of the crew were the main characters .  All who attended were supposed to be going to their High School reunion.  We all wore name tags with a name of our choice and the year we were supposed to have graduated.  I was “Lucille Finetime” (as in “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille”) and I chose 1987 – the year I retired -  as my graduating year.   The crew had done a great job of decorating the Hudson Room (to resemble a High School Reunion) and this is where we met before dinner for a champagne cocktail.   After this we were led to the Pinnacle Grill for the dinner.  Just before we were served, the lights went out, we heard the sound of a gun and after the lights went on again, it was announced that one of our group had been murdered.  It was our job during the evening to figure out who the culprit was.  (The murdered man was supposed to be one of the graduates who was attending the reunion with his new wife.)  The Entertainment Director played the part of the policeman who interviewed each of the suspects – the crew members – during the gourmet diner which followed.  The wine flowed freely and the noise level rose with each new wine that was introduced - 4  in all plus a liquor  with the dessert.  At the end, each table had to decide who the culprit was.  I still l haven’t figured out what clues led to the arrest of the wife.  but anyhow, a good time was had by all.

Hobart, Tasmania, New Zealand Feb.17,2011

Today we finally reached our first port in Australia, which is Hobart on the island of Tasmania.  I didn’t have a tour in the morning, so I went ashore and using the shuttle bus went down town in search of a beautician that does gel nail fills – my finger nails were beginning to grow out and needed some attention.  This resulted in a very nice walk through this lovely clean city. From the tourist information centre, I was sent to a location where there was no time on their schedule for me, but they directed me to another nail specialist.  There I had better luck and in about three quarters od an hour, my nails looked like new.  In Canada, it is customary to give a tip, but when i attempted to do this, the girl refused to take it, saying, “We don’t do this in Australia – here the wages are high enough and we don’t rely on tips”  What a surprise ! ! !

Everywhere I go I meet interesting and helpful people.  I was standing at an intersection looking at my map, trying to decide in what direction to go, when an elderly gentleman stopped and asked if he could be of help.  We perused the map together and decided on the correct route and then proceeded to have a conversation.  I asked if he had lived in Hobart all his life and he replied that he didn’t live in Hobart at all, but that he was a resident of Sydney, here for a few days in charge of a tour from Sydney.  As it turned out he was originally from Germany.  We proceeded to converse in German and told each other a bit of our life story.  It was a lovely 5 to 10 minute interlude.  There truly are lovely people everywhere.

I had my computer with me and had hoped to get on the internet down town.  They had told me at the Information Centre that in a certain street, I could get free internet.  I didn’t have any luck so I returned to the ship for lunch because I had an early afternoon tour booked to go to the animal preserve.

The animal preserve tour was wonderful – a dream come true ! ! !   I got to hand feed a kangaroo and pet a koala bear.

 

There were hundreds of kangaroos and we could approach almost all of them all if we wanted to.  They are accustomed to having humans around so they we really docile.  Most of them were just lazing around.  Only a few of them did we see running and jumping around.  Some of them had the heads or feet of their babies sticking out of their pouches.  It was really neat to be able to get so close to them. 

We saw all sorts of birds and animals, but one really interesting one was the Tasmanian Devil.  The ones we saw were quite small and they were so busy running around that it was difficult to get a good picture.  We were warned to stay clear of them and not to put our hands or fingers into their enclosures, because they bite and when they do, their jaws lock up and you can’t get away.   They also make a horrible noise.  They look so cute, it’s hard to imagine  that they are so dangerous.  When you see them you just want to pick them up and hug them.

Upon leaving the animal preserve we drove to the town of Richmond, a former penal colony.  All of Hobart was a place where the British sent their prisoners in the early 1800’s.  First they were sent to mainland Australia, but if they were considered incorrigible, they were sent to Hobart.  There they spent their days, cutting trees for lumber to build homes and making bricks.  At night they were returned to tiny cells, smaller than most of our bathrooms.   Richmond also boasts the oldest bridge in all of Australia that is still in use.  It is really a piece of art, built in stones.  Unfortunately we didn’t stop to take photos, so you’ll have to take my word for it.

We returned to the ship around 5 p.m.  After a quick shower I got dressed and had time to go to the pre diner dancing between 7 and 8 p.m.  Our dance hosts are very good dancers and they give good tips and provide practise for those of us who need improvement.  I feel that I have improved a lot since the beginning of the cruise.

After dinner there was a show in the Queen’s Lounge featuring the Hobart Police Corps Piper Band – Bagpipers dressed in kilts.  For anyone who likes bagpipes it was a great show.  This group has performed at Edinburg, Scotland for the tattoo four times already.  They were invited to Nova Scotia, Canada last year but because of other commitments, were unable to come.  They hope to come in the near future, though.  Also on the program was a group of 6 young ladies doing Irish dancing.  They were really good too.

After the show, I finished the evening with more dancing and then went to bed a very tired but happy person.  what a great day it was! ! !