Back Home
Home is good! We’ve seen all the kids, spouses, and grandkids (except Jordan @ Purdue). Our calendar is filling up with grandkids’ school, sporting, & miscellaneous events. We’re catching up on paper, house & yard work. So far we’ve seen deer, Turtles, ground hogs, rabbits, squirrels, robins, cardinals, starlings, doves, swan, blackbirds, ducks, and Canadian Geese (with babies) plus maybe others in the neighborhood. Jan came home with 8 Hard Rock guitar pins for a total of 90. She needs one from Seattle, Washington to complete all of USA and Canada.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April 15, 2010 New York, NY, USA
Tuesday was 6th parade of the chefs; meaning lobster & baked Alaska. Entertainment has been good the last few nights. We played a little bingo & casino. Packing has been the order of the day.
We’ve traveled 42790.4 Nautical miles in 101 days. We used 1631 minutes of internet time.
Our 101st we woke up about 5, did necessary things. Room service delivered breakfast before 5:30. Finished packing, were in the Queens room by 6:30, off the QM2 at 7, at La Guardia, and in the air by 10. The plane had the longest & fastest ride taxiing when we arrived at O’Hare. While waiting for our plane we stroke a conversion with a couple from Brisbane, Australia that were traveling to Madison, Wisconsin to visit people that they had met on another cruise. The departing plane was late getting to O’Hare but we still left only about an hour late. Jan was able to move the flight schedule up, therefore we got to Ft. Wayne about 6:00 instead of 9:00. Chris was the one who drew the long straw and picked us up and brought us home. Home was indeed “Home Sweet Home”
Friday we worked only laundry, mowing, banking, getting & sorting mail, garbage & recycling, clothes to the dry cleaners, etc. Oh yes, taxes. Both cars & the mower all started right off.
Tuesday was 6th parade of the chefs; meaning lobster & baked Alaska. Entertainment has been good the last few nights. We played a little bingo & casino. Packing has been the order of the day.
We’ve traveled 42790.4 Nautical miles in 101 days. We used 1631 minutes of internet time.
Our 101st we woke up about 5, did necessary things. Room service delivered breakfast before 5:30. Finished packing, were in the Queens room by 6:30, off the QM2 at 7, at La Guardia, and in the air by 10. The plane had the longest & fastest ride taxiing when we arrived at O’Hare. While waiting for our plane we stroke a conversion with a couple from Brisbane, Australia that were traveling to Madison, Wisconsin to visit people that they had met on another cruise. The departing plane was late getting to O’Hare but we still left only about an hour late. Jan was able to move the flight schedule up, therefore we got to Ft. Wayne about 6:00 instead of 9:00. Chris was the one who drew the long straw and picked us up and brought us home. Home was indeed “Home Sweet Home”
Friday we worked only laundry, mowing, banking, getting & sorting mail, garbage & recycling, clothes to the dry cleaners, etc. Oh yes, taxes. Both cars & the mower all started right off.
Monday, April 12, 2010
April 12, 2010 Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
After leaving Barbados we watched a very good movie: “The secret of bees”.
Saturday night the entertainer was the comic John Evans. Unfortunately he was on earlier in the cruise & last year’s also.
Sunday while eating lunch the Oasis past by on the port side. Last night this group of Cunard singers & dancers did “On the Westside”, their best performance yet.
From New York to Fort Lauderdale we’ve traveled 41783.1 Nautical miles & it’s day 98.
Arrival in New York is approximately 7:00A.M. Thursday on day 101 having traveled 2790.2 Nautical miles.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its expansive & intricate canal system. We went through the long immigration line and caught the shuttle to the Galleria Mall. We met the Webster’s & Strokes there and all had lunch at Seasons 52. We killed the afternoon enjoying some time with Webster’s at the mall. Once back onboard we watched “Recount” before the evening meal and “Overboard” before bed. The best part of the day was talking to the family.
This is properly the last blog update until after we get home as we need to pack, etc.
After leaving Barbados we watched a very good movie: “The secret of bees”.
Saturday night the entertainer was the comic John Evans. Unfortunately he was on earlier in the cruise & last year’s also.
Sunday while eating lunch the Oasis past by on the port side. Last night this group of Cunard singers & dancers did “On the Westside”, their best performance yet.
From New York to Fort Lauderdale we’ve traveled 41783.1 Nautical miles & it’s day 98.
Arrival in New York is approximately 7:00A.M. Thursday on day 101 having traveled 2790.2 Nautical miles.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its expansive & intricate canal system. We went through the long immigration line and caught the shuttle to the Galleria Mall. We met the Webster’s & Strokes there and all had lunch at Seasons 52. We killed the afternoon enjoying some time with Webster’s at the mall. Once back onboard we watched “Recount” before the evening meal and “Overboard” before bed. The best part of the day was talking to the family.
This is properly the last blog update until after we get home as we need to pack, etc.
April 12, 2010 Fort Lauderdale. Florida, USA
After leaving Barbados we watched a very good movie: “The secret of bees”.
Saturday night the entertainer was the comic John Evans. Unfortunately he was on earlier in the cruise & last year’s also.
Sunday while eating lunch the Oasis past by on the port side. Last night this group of Cunard singers & dancers did “On the Westside”, their best performance yet.
From New York to Fort Lauderdale we’ve traveled 41783.1 Nautical miles & it’s day 98.
Arrival in New York is approximately 7:00A.M. Thursday on day 101 having traveled 2790.2 Nautical miles.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its expansive & intricate canal system. We went through the long immigration line and caught the shuttle to the Galleria Mall. We met the Webster’s & Strokes there and all had lunch at Seasons 52. We killed the afternoon enjoying some time with Webster’s at the mall. Once back onboard we watched “Recount” before the evening meal and “Overboard” before bed.
This is properly the last blog update until after we get home as we need to pack, etc.
After leaving Barbados we watched a very good movie: “The secret of bees”.
Saturday night the entertainer was the comic John Evans. Unfortunately he was on earlier in the cruise & last year’s also.
Sunday while eating lunch the Oasis past by on the port side. Last night this group of Cunard singers & dancers did “On the Westside”, their best performance yet.
From New York to Fort Lauderdale we’ve traveled 41783.1 Nautical miles & it’s day 98.
Arrival in New York is approximately 7:00A.M. Thursday on day 101 having traveled 2790.2 Nautical miles.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its expansive & intricate canal system. We went through the long immigration line and caught the shuttle to the Galleria Mall. We met the Webster’s & Strokes there and all had lunch at Seasons 52. We killed the afternoon enjoying some time with Webster’s at the mall. Once back onboard we watched “Recount” before the evening meal and “Overboard” before bed.
This is properly the last blog update until after we get home as we need to pack, etc.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 9, 2010 Bridgetown, Barbados
From New York to Barbados we’ve traveled 40345.9 Nautical miles & it’s day 95.
The exchange rate $1 equals 2.03 Barbados Dollars.
Barbados is an island that is 21 by 14 miles located in the far southeastern corner of the Caribbean islands.
The Noordam (the Holland American ship that was first cruise back in 1994) and the Caribbean Princess were docked on the QM2 port side. We watched them leave shortly before the QM2. What a beautiful sight!
We got caught by downpour going into Bridgetown. After the rain subsided some we continued viewing the city doing window shopping. We didn’t do as much as we had planned because of the rain. Jan got sprayed & soaked from behind apparently by a passing car & had to do laundry once last time. We met some Midwestern folks. They recently opened the Harley Davidson shop. Both had worked at Harley Davidson in Milwaukee. They seemed to be about our age and when they retired, they took on a new enterprise. I think they were glad to have some “local” folks to talk to. Arrival in Fort Lauderdale is approximately 6:00A.M. Look out USA, here we come!! Two more ports (of 34) & then Home!!!
From New York to Barbados we’ve traveled 40345.9 Nautical miles & it’s day 95.
The exchange rate $1 equals 2.03 Barbados Dollars.
Barbados is an island that is 21 by 14 miles located in the far southeastern corner of the Caribbean islands.
The Noordam (the Holland American ship that was first cruise back in 1994) and the Caribbean Princess were docked on the QM2 port side. We watched them leave shortly before the QM2. What a beautiful sight!
We got caught by downpour going into Bridgetown. After the rain subsided some we continued viewing the city doing window shopping. We didn’t do as much as we had planned because of the rain. Jan got sprayed & soaked from behind apparently by a passing car & had to do laundry once last time. We met some Midwestern folks. They recently opened the Harley Davidson shop. Both had worked at Harley Davidson in Milwaukee. They seemed to be about our age and when they retired, they took on a new enterprise. I think they were glad to have some “local” folks to talk to. Arrival in Fort Lauderdale is approximately 6:00A.M. Look out USA, here we come!! Two more ports (of 34) & then Home!!!
April 4 thru April 8, 2010, 2010 Sea Days
The night before we got to Rio de Janeiro we saw an oil drilling rig that was lit up like a giant Christmas tree. Another rig could be seen from our foyer in Rio and another out at sea the next morning. An albatross flew along starboard side for several miles as if it was an escort. The temperature has been about 80 degrees lately.
We haven’t had ESPN since the conference tournament week then we got it Saturday night. Unfortunately we didn’t discover this until Butler had already won. We did see most of Duke’s win. Monday we watched Butler’s courageous effort. Close doesn’t count or show how great a game it was.
Our last wine tasting (fourth) was Monday afternoon. We attended our last Captain & Senior Officers’ cocktail party & then attended a new production by the Cunard singers & dancers.
Entertainment has been very good with a comical magician Friday night (& again Monday afternoon) and a comical juggler Monday night. Thursday evening we saw “Rachel Getting Married” until we walked out. Several others walked out before us (it’s a terrible movie). Also Monday afternoon was the Country Fair (a charity event). Jan ran the Second Hand Rose (like a garage sale) & I helped a sport director last year. Several other booths and games are some of the events.
The serving staff sang “Let me call you sweetheart” to Gloria & Lloyd when serving their 62nd non-anniversary cake (their anniversary is in June). Another night we had popcorn served with our deserts for the Stokes since they had never had popcorn.
We have received a couple of E-mails from Mary & Vince, a Chicago couple we enjoyed from last year’s cruise. Vince is originally from Barbados.
The night before we got to Rio de Janeiro we saw an oil drilling rig that was lit up like a giant Christmas tree. Another rig could be seen from our foyer in Rio and another out at sea the next morning. An albatross flew along starboard side for several miles as if it was an escort. The temperature has been about 80 degrees lately.
We haven’t had ESPN since the conference tournament week then we got it Saturday night. Unfortunately we didn’t discover this until Butler had already won. We did see most of Duke’s win. Monday we watched Butler’s courageous effort. Close doesn’t count or show how great a game it was.
Our last wine tasting (fourth) was Monday afternoon. We attended our last Captain & Senior Officers’ cocktail party & then attended a new production by the Cunard singers & dancers.
Entertainment has been very good with a comical magician Friday night (& again Monday afternoon) and a comical juggler Monday night. Thursday evening we saw “Rachel Getting Married” until we walked out. Several others walked out before us (it’s a terrible movie). Also Monday afternoon was the Country Fair (a charity event). Jan ran the Second Hand Rose (like a garage sale) & I helped a sport director last year. Several other booths and games are some of the events.
The serving staff sang “Let me call you sweetheart” to Gloria & Lloyd when serving their 62nd non-anniversary cake (their anniversary is in June). Another night we had popcorn served with our deserts for the Stokes since they had never had popcorn.
We have received a couple of E-mails from Mary & Vince, a Chicago couple we enjoyed from last year’s cruise. Vince is originally from Barbados.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 3, 2010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From New York to Adelaide we’ve traveled 37100.2 Nautical miles & it’s day 89.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.75 Real
Rio de Janeiro means “marvelous city”. Population is approximately 6.5 million.
The shuttle was provided by H. Stern in Ipanema. We were given an enjoyable self-guided tour with head phones, followed by a salesman giving gifts. He didn’t pressure us & showed the retail jewelry shop. After looking around we walked a couple of blocks to the beach. We walked along the beach on the sidewalk with curvy designs and did an about face to take the shuttle back. Gloria & Lloyd were at H. Sterns also. After lunch Jan went out to check out the shops on the dock. Arrival in Bridgetown, Barbados is approximately 9:00A.M.
From New York to Adelaide we’ve traveled 37100.2 Nautical miles & it’s day 89.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.75 Real
Rio de Janeiro means “marvelous city”. Population is approximately 6.5 million.
The shuttle was provided by H. Stern in Ipanema. We were given an enjoyable self-guided tour with head phones, followed by a salesman giving gifts. He didn’t pressure us & showed the retail jewelry shop. After looking around we walked a couple of blocks to the beach. We walked along the beach on the sidewalk with curvy designs and did an about face to take the shuttle back. Gloria & Lloyd were at H. Sterns also. After lunch Jan went out to check out the shops on the dock. Arrival in Bridgetown, Barbados is approximately 9:00A.M.
Friday, April 2, 2010
March 30, 2010 Jamestown, St. Helena, UK
The exchange rate $1 equals .62 Pound.
St. Helena is an island of volcanic origin & is a UK territory. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and is about 12 by 7 miles and has a population of 4255 (2008 census) which is about the QM2 has with staff & passengers. This was where Napoleon Bonaparte was last exiled & first buried. A tender was needed to get ashore. Since there was only one place to dock, it took more time to get passengers to shore. Staff was not allowed off to allow the passengers to have more time. We first went to a distillery & tasted 3 small samples. Next we started up Jacob’s Ladder. We did approximately 300 of the 699 steps before deciding to save our legs & retreated back down. We then walked around the quaint town that resembled an early settlement. Jan bought post cards & mailed them at their post office. We’ll probably be home before the mail since the mail ship (no airport) only comes every 3 or 4 days. We also visited the museum, church, and some shops. At night Rondell Sheridan, a comedian, was one the entertainers we’ve had. In a few days we’ll be on the QM2 for 6 months out of the last 15.
We’ll arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil approximately 5:00A.M. Saturday (4:00 A.M EDT).
The exchange rate $1 equals .62 Pound.
St. Helena is an island of volcanic origin & is a UK territory. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and is about 12 by 7 miles and has a population of 4255 (2008 census) which is about the QM2 has with staff & passengers. This was where Napoleon Bonaparte was last exiled & first buried. A tender was needed to get ashore. Since there was only one place to dock, it took more time to get passengers to shore. Staff was not allowed off to allow the passengers to have more time. We first went to a distillery & tasted 3 small samples. Next we started up Jacob’s Ladder. We did approximately 300 of the 699 steps before deciding to save our legs & retreated back down. We then walked around the quaint town that resembled an early settlement. Jan bought post cards & mailed them at their post office. We’ll probably be home before the mail since the mail ship (no airport) only comes every 3 or 4 days. We also visited the museum, church, and some shops. At night Rondell Sheridan, a comedian, was one the entertainers we’ve had. In a few days we’ll be on the QM2 for 6 months out of the last 15.
We’ll arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil approximately 5:00A.M. Saturday (4:00 A.M EDT).
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26, 2010 Cape Town, South Africa
After a good night rest we were entertained by the local naval band followed by breakfast with 3 couples that got on yesterday, we took the shuttle and hopped on the “Blue tour” bus for the approximately a 2-1/2 hour trip with the running commentary of several highlights. One of the sites was the hospital where the 1st heart transplant was performed. This was also very beautiful & informative. We then did a short shopping walk. After a late snack back onboard there was a very entertaining local bagpipe & drum corp. At the program, there was an exchange of gifts between Captain Bates & Cape Town reps since was the inaugural visit of the QM2.
Day 81 is complete, leaving a mere 20 days left. The internet did not work while we were in port.
We’ll arrive in St. Helena approximately 9:00A.M. Tuesday (3:00 A.M EDT Tuesday).
After a good night rest we were entertained by the local naval band followed by breakfast with 3 couples that got on yesterday, we took the shuttle and hopped on the “Blue tour” bus for the approximately a 2-1/2 hour trip with the running commentary of several highlights. One of the sites was the hospital where the 1st heart transplant was performed. This was also very beautiful & informative. We then did a short shopping walk. After a late snack back onboard there was a very entertaining local bagpipe & drum corp. At the program, there was an exchange of gifts between Captain Bates & Cape Town reps since was the inaugural visit of the QM2.
Day 81 is complete, leaving a mere 20 days left. The internet did not work while we were in port.
We’ll arrive in St. Helena approximately 9:00A.M. Tuesday (3:00 A.M EDT Tuesday).
March 25, 2010 Cape Town, South Africa
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
The QM2 was welcomed by a naval band playing patriotic songs for several countries. We caught the shuttle to the V & A Waterfront where we bought 2 day tickets on the Hop On double decker bus, Hop Off which we rode to the Table Mountain Cableway. The cable car rotates on the way up. Even though it was overcast, we enjoyed the tremendous view on top. The bus gave us ear buds with a running commentary of several highlights the entire 2 hour “Red tour” round trip. This was much better than ship sponsored excursions. Cape Town is a beautiful, very clean, & modern city. Fox news broadcasted that Cape Town is the 3rd most dangerous city (behind 2 Mexican cities) with 6 deaths per day, but we’ve felt very save in both of the South African Cities. Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and largest in land area.
The World Cruise Banquet started at 5:30 in the evening with a cocktail party in the Queens Room followed by an hour journey by bus (8 in our convoy) to the Vergelegan Wine Estate accompany with police escort. Once there we waited another ½ hour to get off the bus. Actually, we did better than others who had longer times. They started serving before many voyagers arrived. At our table only 3 of 9 were seated. Our table included 4 passenger couples plus Social Hostess, Freda Singleton (she did the most work to making the banquet as pleasant as it was). Our table was in the center and behind the table with President & Managing Director Peter Shanks, Desmond Tutu (who gave the opening prayer) & his wife, and the balance of that table were passengers who had the most time traveling with Cunard. Captain Bates’ table was to our left. The food was the poorest we’ve had of the cruise. The wines were good and plentiful. Ray Rouse, Captain Bates, and President Shanks gave brief speaks. I enjoyed having a classy, elegant, and beautiful date in Jan! The entertainment was good and many danced to the orchestra.
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
The QM2 was welcomed by a naval band playing patriotic songs for several countries. We caught the shuttle to the V & A Waterfront where we bought 2 day tickets on the Hop On double decker bus, Hop Off which we rode to the Table Mountain Cableway. The cable car rotates on the way up. Even though it was overcast, we enjoyed the tremendous view on top. The bus gave us ear buds with a running commentary of several highlights the entire 2 hour “Red tour” round trip. This was much better than ship sponsored excursions. Cape Town is a beautiful, very clean, & modern city. Fox news broadcasted that Cape Town is the 3rd most dangerous city (behind 2 Mexican cities) with 6 deaths per day, but we’ve felt very save in both of the South African Cities. Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa and largest in land area.
The World Cruise Banquet started at 5:30 in the evening with a cocktail party in the Queens Room followed by an hour journey by bus (8 in our convoy) to the Vergelegan Wine Estate accompany with police escort. Once there we waited another ½ hour to get off the bus. Actually, we did better than others who had longer times. They started serving before many voyagers arrived. At our table only 3 of 9 were seated. Our table included 4 passenger couples plus Social Hostess, Freda Singleton (she did the most work to making the banquet as pleasant as it was). Our table was in the center and behind the table with President & Managing Director Peter Shanks, Desmond Tutu (who gave the opening prayer) & his wife, and the balance of that table were passengers who had the most time traveling with Cunard. Captain Bates’ table was to our left. The food was the poorest we’ve had of the cruise. The wines were good and plentiful. Ray Rouse, Captain Bates, and President Shanks gave brief speaks. I enjoyed having a classy, elegant, and beautiful date in Jan! The entertainment was good and many danced to the orchestra.
March 24, 2010 Sea Days
We attended Ray Rouse’s questions & Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s answers in the
Royal Court theatre. Very interesting. Jan played bingo unsuccessfully but an acquaintance was 1 of 4 to split the $1600 (she taking winnings & getting off in Cape Town. We had dinner with Cunard’s President & Managing Director Peter Shanks and Social Hostess Freda Singleton. How we keep getting these invites we don’t know. We enjoy the social with nice people from other countries, the food, and the overall experience.
We attended Ray Rouse’s questions & Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s answers in the
Royal Court theatre. Very interesting. Jan played bingo unsuccessfully but an acquaintance was 1 of 4 to split the $1600 (she taking winnings & getting off in Cape Town. We had dinner with Cunard’s President & Managing Director Peter Shanks and Social Hostess Freda Singleton. How we keep getting these invites we don’t know. We enjoy the social with nice people from other countries, the food, and the overall experience.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 20, 2010 Durban, South Africa
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
We started the day with breakfast in the Britannia. When we were entering the port there was about a dozen kayaks plus other small boats observing the QM2 arrival and when we left there many boats giving a big send off. Everyone had to go through immigration starting at 6:45. We finally got through after 40 plus minutes and went to shore. The queue was worst than last year in L.A. Durban is a beautiful & clean large & modern city similar to Hong Kong but better & wider rode & streets. We took a taxi ride to & from Moses Mabhida Stadium. While there we rode the Sky Car to the top over the stadium. It’s a wonderful view form there over looking the city. The stadium is very new with canvas removable top and will host some preliminary matches for the World Cup (soccer). The finals will be in Cape Town. The stadium is in a large sports complex with a separate stadium for rugby and another stadium for something. There are cricket fields and other sports fields. We got back for lunch and Jan took the shuttle to the shopping mall. Our evening dinner table helped the Stokes celebrated their 53rd anniversary. We then enjoyed “the Blind Side”. We’ll arrive in Cape Town, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Thursday (2:00 A.M EDT Thursday). .
The exchange rate $1 equals 7 Rand
We started the day with breakfast in the Britannia. When we were entering the port there was about a dozen kayaks plus other small boats observing the QM2 arrival and when we left there many boats giving a big send off. Everyone had to go through immigration starting at 6:45. We finally got through after 40 plus minutes and went to shore. The queue was worst than last year in L.A. Durban is a beautiful & clean large & modern city similar to Hong Kong but better & wider rode & streets. We took a taxi ride to & from Moses Mabhida Stadium. While there we rode the Sky Car to the top over the stadium. It’s a wonderful view form there over looking the city. The stadium is very new with canvas removable top and will host some preliminary matches for the World Cup (soccer). The finals will be in Cape Town. The stadium is in a large sports complex with a separate stadium for rugby and another stadium for something. There are cricket fields and other sports fields. We got back for lunch and Jan took the shuttle to the shopping mall. Our evening dinner table helped the Stokes celebrated their 53rd anniversary. We then enjoyed “the Blind Side”. We’ll arrive in Cape Town, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Thursday (2:00 A.M EDT Thursday). .
March 21 & 22, 2010 Sea Days
More socializing, attending lectures, movies, and other miscellaneous activities. We went to another wine tasting. They explain taste, clarity, and smell about 3 white & 3 red wines. Also explained is where, history, and miscellaneous information about the wineries. Monday Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu spoke to an overflowing packed Royal Court theatre. His presentation was also show live on TV. His talk was very informative and humorous as he told it like it was. We ate at Todd English for lunch. Food was very good & plentiful with a nice atmosphere. We sat by a window overlooking the pool area on deck 8; the view away from the atmosphere.
More socializing, attending lectures, movies, and other miscellaneous activities. We went to another wine tasting. They explain taste, clarity, and smell about 3 white & 3 red wines. Also explained is where, history, and miscellaneous information about the wineries. Monday Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu spoke to an overflowing packed Royal Court theatre. His presentation was also show live on TV. His talk was very informative and humorous as he told it like it was. We ate at Todd English for lunch. Food was very good & plentiful with a nice atmosphere. We sat by a window overlooking the pool area on deck 8; the view away from the atmosphere.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 20, 2010 Port Louis, Mauritius
The exchange rate $1 equals 31.44 Rupee (day 75).
We had breakfast in our stateroom thanks to room service. We took the complimentary shuttle to Cauden Waterfront and walked through many shops of which many took the U.S. dollars & many didn’t (this saves money). We tried to mail post cards but couldn’t buy the necessary postage stamps. One vendor was trying to charge $15 for 9 stamps. Most vendors would negotiate prices. Temperature got up to 87.8.
A couple more days at sea before arrive at Durban, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Tuesday (2:00 P.M EDT Tuesday). Then we’ll be only 6 hours ahead of the home time down from the maximum of 18 hours not that long ago.
The exchange rate $1 equals 31.44 Rupee (day 75).
We had breakfast in our stateroom thanks to room service. We took the complimentary shuttle to Cauden Waterfront and walked through many shops of which many took the U.S. dollars & many didn’t (this saves money). We tried to mail post cards but couldn’t buy the necessary postage stamps. One vendor was trying to charge $15 for 9 stamps. Most vendors would negotiate prices. Temperature got up to 87.8.
A couple more days at sea before arrive at Durban, South Africa approximately 8:00A.M. Tuesday (2:00 P.M EDT Tuesday). Then we’ll be only 6 hours ahead of the home time down from the maximum of 18 hours not that long ago.
March 15 thru 19, 2010 Sea Days
Its 5 days of socializing, attending lectures, and other miscellaneous activities. I saw flying fish while doing my walking on deck 7. On the 16th, we were invited to a dinner with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse & his lovely wife, Lise, plus 3 other couples. This was a very enjoyable evening. New entertainers (minus one) got in Fremantle. They were very good. The fifth performance was presented by all 4 (super).
Its 5 days of socializing, attending lectures, and other miscellaneous activities. I saw flying fish while doing my walking on deck 7. On the 16th, we were invited to a dinner with Entertainment Director Ray Rouse & his lovely wife, Lise, plus 3 other couples. This was a very enjoyable evening. New entertainers (minus one) got in Fremantle. They were very good. The fifth performance was presented by all 4 (super).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 14, 2010 Perth (Fremantle), Australia
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
We took the free shuttle to Norfolk Hotel in downtown Fremantle and stroll around a bit. Then we jumped on the free city bus for a tour around the town. We got off by the train station. None of the ticket machines worked so we got a free ride to Perth. Perth is the capital (at the mouth of the Swan River) of the Australian state of Western Australia. We talked to an informative but young man on the train getting advice about Perth. When we got off the train he and his senior citizen parents walked us several blocks to a bus stop so we could catch the right bus to Kings Park. Very helpful, nice and friendly people. We decided to walk after they left. It’s a beautiful park with a wonderful view of the bay from high up. We walked back & bought tickets to catch the train. We got off the train near the QM2 & enjoyed the partying of the locals & others from near by areas. We’ve never seen so many people giving the QM2 a salute on the departure.
The exchange rate $1 equals 1.03 Australian dollar.
We took the free shuttle to Norfolk Hotel in downtown Fremantle and stroll around a bit. Then we jumped on the free city bus for a tour around the town. We got off by the train station. None of the ticket machines worked so we got a free ride to Perth. Perth is the capital (at the mouth of the Swan River) of the Australian state of Western Australia. We talked to an informative but young man on the train getting advice about Perth. When we got off the train he and his senior citizen parents walked us several blocks to a bus stop so we could catch the right bus to Kings Park. Very helpful, nice and friendly people. We decided to walk after they left. It’s a beautiful park with a wonderful view of the bay from high up. We walked back & bought tickets to catch the train. We got off the train near the QM2 & enjoyed the partying of the locals & others from near by areas. We’ve never seen so many people giving the QM2 a salute on the departure.
March 12 & 13, 2010 Sea Days
Friday: I met Cheryl Sinclair who sang last night and I told her she was the best performer of this year’s cruise. We were invited to eat at the hotel manager’s (David Stephenson) table. He canceled but the Chief Purser and her superior the Purser Quest Services were very good hostesses. It was a very enjoyable evening with the two ladies. One couple was form Maryland & Rhode Island. The other couple was from Sydney are a Prince & Princess. He is of Russian royalty & she by marriage. The Purser Quest Services got engage of New Years Day to the First Officer who was driving the QM2 at the time.
Friday: I met Cheryl Sinclair who sang last night and I told her she was the best performer of this year’s cruise. We were invited to eat at the hotel manager’s (David Stephenson) table. He canceled but the Chief Purser and her superior the Purser Quest Services were very good hostesses. It was a very enjoyable evening with the two ladies. One couple was form Maryland & Rhode Island. The other couple was from Sydney are a Prince & Princess. He is of Russian royalty & she by marriage. The Purser Quest Services got engage of New Years Day to the First Officer who was driving the QM2 at the time.
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