Didn't get time to drink this in Kalgoorlie (sorry Stew!), but managed it on board. Many thanks to Mike Kaploon - and to Nick for teaching me how to upload photos!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friday March 16 sail away
We cab it to Freemantle and check in. Very efficient, my worst fears not eventuating: "Sorry, Mr McLeod, we don't seem to have a valid booking under your name"
"But, we were offered a refund if we gave up our special cabin and took a smaller one!"
"I can see that you did have a special cabin, but that was cancelled.... Sorry."
Anyway, all went to plan and we are given cabin A002 - the forward-most cabin on the port side, good balcony, plenty of room, fridge, TV, lounge, all the good stuff.
After unpacking all our stuff (Still too much!!), we head off to explore the ship, and later, we go to dinner to meet our new dinner companions. Two nice British couples, one of whom had flown from UK to Perth just yesterday to catch the boat back to Southhampton.
Saturday March 17th - at sea
Bands. Not much to say really... the one duo I've seen so far - guy on synthesizer with electronic backing, woman singing, is of the usual ship standard: awful. 'Nuff said.
Three times around Deck 3 (Promenade deck) is one mile. I manage 9 laps this morning.
Sunday March 18th - at sea
A very good theatre on the boat - plush seats, steeply raked, for good viewing.
Good PA system. Look forward to seeing some shows here.
Promenade laps today: 6 + 85 steps back up to our cabin up on Deck 8.
Monday March 19th 2012 - at sea
Laps:6 Steps:85
Spend the day getting lost on the boat in two of the three dimensions. Up and down the decks, bow to aft is confusing (I have to keep looking out the windows at the water to see which way we are going) - but port to starboard seems to be OK.
Tuesday March 20th 2012 - Bali
Laps:0 Steps:0
We anchor about 20 minutes from the Bali dock. Impressive! P&O have tendered 1200 people from ship to shore by 11:00 am. Very fast. I remenber the Princess took 8 hours to get 1500 passengers from the ship to the Port Arthur dock a couple of years ago. Seems to be quite well organised this boat!
Su decides she doesn't want to go ashore. I grab the tender from the ship to the local port. The free shuttle bus takes us passengers straight past the army of local Bali vendors desperate to prise my money away from me ("Foiled! Ha Ha!") and, after a 20 minute drive, the bus dumps us about two blocks from the beach. It drizzels. After a quick walk along the beach, I return to the shuttle bus and head back to the ship.
Bali - crumbling infrastructure, waterways clogged with rubbish, rotting piles of garbage piled up in tottering pyramids, mad traffic, a few mangy dogs, skinny or ugly enought to have avoided the local delicacies menu.... Not my favourite place in the world.
Wednesday March 21st 2012 - at sea
Laps:6 Steps:85
We check out the bands... there's a very good piano based trio which provides all the strict tempo ballroom music during the day and then lets-off steam at nights up on deck.
Thursday March 22nd 2012 - at sea
Laps:6 Steps:85
Go and watch the "Killer Queen" show, "Spectacular" Music completely studio produced into some kind of musical - OK if you like that sort of thing. Some lead vocals live, but all the Queen multichorus vocals are pre-recorded. A big disappointment. Why did I expect anything else??
Friday March 23rd 2012 - Singapore
Laps:6 Steps:85
Having discounted our fares so heavily, P&O can only afford to pay for a berth at the remote Singapore container port, so we get bussed into a local shopping centre from there....
Managed to buy a few essentials (tonic water, handwash) Didn't find an internet cafe, went back on board fairly promptly. Sigh! Getting bored with visiting Singapore...
Saturday March 24th 2012 - Kuala Lumpur (Hapy Birthday, Olive)
Laps:6 Steps:85
Sigh! Getting bored with visiting Malaysia... we stay on board and read our Kindle Apps.
Sunday March 25th 2012 - Langkawie
Laps:6 Steps:85
Got off today in Langkawie to see if I could find my camera I left two years go in a little bar.
A little bit early for the bars to be open, so we amused ourselves pretend shopping in all the craft shops and then ate a tolerably good pizza, rolled out to the thinnest specifications I have ever seen!
Returned to the bar and told the sorry story of leaving my camera behind two years ago. Surprisingly, they said they didn't have it! The two barmen turned to look at each other, slapped their thighs and even laughed out loud, when I suggested it might be up on a shelf behind them somewhere! Left a very small tip!
Langkawie is a real change from Bali - neat, clean and pretty cheap. Enjoyed the short time here.
Monday March 26th 2012 - at sea
Laps:5 Steps:85 (Deck partially closed off)
Went to the "Live - Swing Music Spectacular" in the theatre, not expecting too much. Surprise! A live swing band - trumpet, trom, tenor and alto sax, bass, drums, piano. Only a little electronic backing in some songs and a good, tight, driving sound.
The singers and dancers performed solidly, but the singers particularly, were on a hiding to nothing. Trying to emulate the singing persona's of the best vocalists of the 20th century - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jn - was bound to invoke unfavourable comparison. After all, they are really dancers, not singers.
Tuesday March 27th 20121 - at sea
Laps:6 Steps:85
We've decided that we need to get to wherever in Europe we are going to settle, as soon as possible. After all, if we are based in Italy, there are few locations that are more that an hour or two by air.
So, rather than carting 70kgs of luggage around Africa, we can just pack a small case and spend a week or ten days travelling light. So, today was spent looking for a way to get from Capetown to Europe. Managed to find a cruise that leaves Capetown on May 6th and ends at Dover. As our safaris finish on May 1st, this seems ideal. The ship is with the cruise line we all love to hate - Princess line.
As both P&O and Princess cruiselines are owned by Carnaval, I thought that, ever the optomist, it might be possible to book the Princess cruise through P&O. After an hour of trying to link into Princess' system, the Future Sales officer gave up. She did manage to find out that the cruise was fully booked and the waitlist was about 60 people long, but she couldn't add my name to the list, because she could not get the computer past the question "What size dining table would you like to sit at? 2, 4, 6 or 8 people?"
I decided not to bother persuing this line of action. Undaunted, I went on line and booked a balcony cabin direct through www.VacationsToGo.com
Saw the "Merseys" tonight, comprising the lead singers from "The Merseybeats" and the "Rockin Berries" in a nostalgic 1960's concert. Pretty good.
Wednesday March 28th 20121 - at sea
Laps:6 Steps:85
Formal dining dress code this evening. This means we don't go to the dining room as I didn't pack my tuxedo....
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Su's pense
Finally quit the house Thursday 8th March, exhausted and
grubby .... looking forward to having only a couple of suitcases to deal with but mostly dinner with friends.
Last night!
It was great to see Monika and Bill after such a long time, and it goes without saying our favourite playmates and regular international discussion group members Toni and Graeme were with us. Then home to the glamour of bunkbeds at the nearby backpackers hostel at the end of the road. Never let it be said I've forgotten my roots David. No wardrobe thank goodness.
Bus to airport So on to Adelaide to rendezvous with shipmates from our first cruise Barbara and John and Greg Milkins, (sorry to miss you Wendy! ) Lee and Michael Kaploon, Nick and Carol. What a joy to see them all again. Friday dinner with all. Next day market and lunch at Chianti Classico in Hutt St. with Barbara and John.
Fabulous food and company..
Back to hotel to meet Lee Michael Nick and Carol for dinner. Still with John and Barbara. ..
Sunday Carol and I went to the market again but it was closed at 9am so we had breakfast. Hate saying goodbye to family. Waved them off to do some furniture for their new house in Port Pirie.
On Sunday after a few hours in the airport lounge, we headed off to the centre of the goldfields Kalgoorlie.
Here reside our golden boys Tex and Hunter and Stewart and Christina. The Glendevon is looking fantastic, a true labour of love and dedication. What an enormous undertakng! Can't wait to see the next stage at the end of the year.
We had a terrific time with all, far too short as usual, and caught up again with Christina's parents Ann and Kurt, sister Steph, Brad and Zachary.
We took the littlies out for lunch ( lime spiders ) and an 'around the region' local bus trip. No expense spared! It's always hard to leave the family. Hate seeing Stew driving away .... Another visit over.
I booked us into the YHA in Perth because it's good value etc. Close to all we needed. Great atmosphere and such friendly people and fab breakfast for 18 dollars for two.
I know it from taking Su Boyle (our friend from Italy) for the 2008 Hash House Harriers International. So far all splendid.
Having a delayed arrival in Perth and early departure we were not able to catch up with Lochie our staggeringly brilliant grandson, now 14, or Len and Aldy Bagnall. We were disappointed but nothing to be done! See you at Christmas Lochie!
Weigh anchor and Sail Away ...
[Just heard thar there will be no stop in the Seychelles this trip. Demn those scurrilous pesky piratical people.]
Rod is going ashore today in Bali, a last minute decision after breakfast, and I suspect he has a secret assignation with someone in an internet cafe!! I decided not to go thus avoiding having to face the beggars like last time! I know .. I know!!
It's a true Indonesian day, completely overcast, a nice 25, a light warm drizzle to paddle in. It's lovely having the deck windows to myself, lots of quiet and sea-swooshings in the background! I might treat myself to a glass of bubbles for lunch! The house bubbles are a very cheeky Prosecco .. such a happy coincidence. I wish you were all here with us, then all would be perfect!! A few guitars, some good harmonies, Kel the podmaster, et al. Blues Brothers renditions by Joanne ... Ros and Bill jiving. You get the idea.
Didn't have bubbles .... Rod came back early and so we had lunch instead. He's at the movies now (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy). It was such a dark (in colour) film I went home so that Rod could relax. Not having to explain everything to me.
No extravagant sunset tonight ... We've been spoiled so far. Impossible really to capture but I keep trying. Rod took some good shots.
I can't describe how wonderful it is to be rocked to sleep by the ocean! I haven't slept so well since the last ship.
Our cabin is nearly at the top of the ship and so far, there's not a single thing wrong with it! No noises above or discos all night. We are right at the pointy end so may yet get some 'pitching' if it gets rough .. and Rod can't wait! 'Bring on the weather!' he cries gleefully, tugging on his sou'wester and buckling on his iPod.
I'm happy to wait, it's too hard to walk about when the floor keeps dropping away. Then abruptly the knees are up under the chin. A bit like learning to trot standing up!
It's all about rhythm.
xxxx Su
Finally quit the house Thursday 8th March, exhausted and
grubby .... looking forward to having only a couple of suitcases to deal with but mostly dinner with friends.
Last night!
It was great to see Monika and Bill after such a long time, and it goes without saying our favourite playmates and regular international discussion group members Toni and Graeme were with us. Then home to the glamour of bunkbeds at the nearby backpackers hostel at the end of the road. Never let it be said I've forgotten my roots David. No wardrobe thank goodness.
Bus to airport So on to Adelaide to rendezvous with shipmates from our first cruise Barbara and John and Greg Milkins, (sorry to miss you Wendy! ) Lee and Michael Kaploon, Nick and Carol. What a joy to see them all again. Friday dinner with all. Next day market and lunch at Chianti Classico in Hutt St. with Barbara and John.
Fabulous food and company..
Back to hotel to meet Lee Michael Nick and Carol for dinner. Still with John and Barbara. ..
Sunday Carol and I went to the market again but it was closed at 9am so we had breakfast. Hate saying goodbye to family. Waved them off to do some furniture for their new house in Port Pirie.
On Sunday after a few hours in the airport lounge, we headed off to the centre of the goldfields Kalgoorlie.
Here reside our golden boys Tex and Hunter and Stewart and Christina. The Glendevon is looking fantastic, a true labour of love and dedication. What an enormous undertakng! Can't wait to see the next stage at the end of the year.
We had a terrific time with all, far too short as usual, and caught up again with Christina's parents Ann and Kurt, sister Steph, Brad and Zachary.
We took the littlies out for lunch ( lime spiders ) and an 'around the region' local bus trip. No expense spared! It's always hard to leave the family. Hate seeing Stew driving away .... Another visit over.
I booked us into the YHA in Perth because it's good value etc. Close to all we needed. Great atmosphere and such friendly people and fab breakfast for 18 dollars for two.
I know it from taking Su Boyle (our friend from Italy) for the 2008 Hash House Harriers International. So far all splendid.
Having a delayed arrival in Perth and early departure we were not able to catch up with Lochie our staggeringly brilliant grandson, now 14, or Len and Aldy Bagnall. We were disappointed but nothing to be done! See you at Christmas Lochie!
Weigh anchor and Sail Away ...
[Just heard thar there will be no stop in the Seychelles this trip. Demn those scurrilous pesky piratical people.]
Rod is going ashore today in Bali, a last minute decision after breakfast, and I suspect he has a secret assignation with someone in an internet cafe!! I decided not to go thus avoiding having to face the beggars like last time! I know .. I know!!
It's a true Indonesian day, completely overcast, a nice 25, a light warm drizzle to paddle in. It's lovely having the deck windows to myself, lots of quiet and sea-swooshings in the background! I might treat myself to a glass of bubbles for lunch! The house bubbles are a very cheeky Prosecco .. such a happy coincidence. I wish you were all here with us, then all would be perfect!! A few guitars, some good harmonies, Kel the podmaster, et al. Blues Brothers renditions by Joanne ... Ros and Bill jiving. You get the idea.
Didn't have bubbles .... Rod came back early and so we had lunch instead. He's at the movies now (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy). It was such a dark (in colour) film I went home so that Rod could relax. Not having to explain everything to me.
No extravagant sunset tonight ... We've been spoiled so far. Impossible really to capture but I keep trying. Rod took some good shots.
I can't describe how wonderful it is to be rocked to sleep by the ocean! I haven't slept so well since the last ship.
Our cabin is nearly at the top of the ship and so far, there's not a single thing wrong with it! No noises above or discos all night. We are right at the pointy end so may yet get some 'pitching' if it gets rough .. and Rod can't wait! 'Bring on the weather!' he cries gleefully, tugging on his sou'wester and buckling on his iPod.
I'm happy to wait, it's too hard to walk about when the floor keeps dropping away. Then abruptly the knees are up under the chin. A bit like learning to trot standing up!
It's all about rhythm.
xxxx Su
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday 16th - sailing day!
Arrived in Perth last night, after a few days in Kalgoorlie with Christina, Stew and the two boys, Tex and Hunter. It was great catching up - the boys have grown in lots of different ways and each of them are developing real, distinct, personalities.
The Glendevon project has momentum now, with the upper internals being close to completion and other heritage works progressing well. Handrails, along the first floor decks, have added a dimension and depth to the outdoor area. See http://theglendevonhotel.com/
We stayed at the Youth Hostel in central Perth last night - great place at very good rates, a private room with en suite, quiet - what more could you ask? http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/perth-surrounds/perth-backpackers-hostel/
Looking forward to checking in at the ship at midday today. We are curious to see what sort of cabin we get assigned, after giving up our superior balcony cabin.
The Australian Waterside Union is on strike today - we didn't miss their stoppage as I had initially thought we would.
And there is a cyclone developing up the West Australian coast - our itinerary is supposed to take us right through that area - could be interesting....
Internet access will begin to be a problem from now on, but we will gallently push on through turbulent, unchartered waters.
Communicating with us:-
Email addresses are extant, so please continue to use those....
Telephones: to avoid Telstra's exhorbitant international dialing charges, we are planning to purchase local sim cards wherever possible, and I will post the new telephone numbers to this blog as appropriate.
Until later!
Arrived in Perth last night, after a few days in Kalgoorlie with Christina, Stew and the two boys, Tex and Hunter. It was great catching up - the boys have grown in lots of different ways and each of them are developing real, distinct, personalities.
The Glendevon project has momentum now, with the upper internals being close to completion and other heritage works progressing well. Handrails, along the first floor decks, have added a dimension and depth to the outdoor area. See http://theglendevonhotel.com/
We stayed at the Youth Hostel in central Perth last night - great place at very good rates, a private room with en suite, quiet - what more could you ask? http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/perth-surrounds/perth-backpackers-hostel/
Looking forward to checking in at the ship at midday today. We are curious to see what sort of cabin we get assigned, after giving up our superior balcony cabin.
The Australian Waterside Union is on strike today - we didn't miss their stoppage as I had initially thought we would.
And there is a cyclone developing up the West Australian coast - our itinerary is supposed to take us right through that area - could be interesting....
Internet access will begin to be a problem from now on, but we will gallently push on through turbulent, unchartered waters.
Communicating with us:-
Email addresses are extant, so please continue to use those....
Telephones: to avoid Telstra's exhorbitant international dialing charges, we are planning to purchase local sim cards wherever possible, and I will post the new telephone numbers to this blog as appropriate.
Until later!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Leaving Melbourne
Wednesday March 7th 2012.
Finally, the ardous task of boxing up all our worldly possessions is complete and today, the movers (Little Red Trucks) came to cart everything to Fort Knox, the self storage place. Both the 3x3 metre lockups are jam packed. My back is seriously complaining. Tonight we move into the backpackers motel on Fitzroy St, exhausted.
Thursday March 8th
We clean and clean and clean. Midday, the steam cleaning man comes to do the carpet, and at 4.00 pm, I hand over the keys to Lynne, the managing agent. The place looks very good - miles better than when we moved in!!
Another night at the backpackers, this time with our noise cancelling earphones on, to cancel out the incredible noise of the St Kilda rabble that roam up and down the street at all hours.
Don't they have a home to go to??
Then I get a call from the travel agent, telling me that our superior balcony suite has been over-booked and would we like a downgrade to a standard balcony suite?
"Not really" I answer.
"How about if we offer you a discount on your fare?"
"OK then"
The McLeod luck has struck again!! The money we saved on the fares will (go towards) paying off the bar bill! Ripper!
A rip roaring night that evening with friends the Eddie-Pows and Monika and Bill, just down from Qld.
Friday March 9th
Waving goodbye to Melbourne, we jet off to Adelaide and for dinner, join Greg, Mike and Lee, and Nick and Carol, down from Port Pirie where Nick now works. A good night.
Saturday March 10th.
Join old friends John and Barbara for lunch at a good Italian restaurant called "Chianti Classico" in Hutt St. As it turns out, it is John's 85th birthday, so celebrations continue on, into the night. Fall into bed around midnight.
Sunday March 11th.
A little hungover, we take it easy in the morning and spend the afternoon in the Qantas lounge writing up these notes. We fly to Kalgoorlie this evening.
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