Yaya_in_Oz

Yes, its in Europe

Not lake Louise.

Next pic

The Harry Gordon clue didn't help but the pic reminded me of my own visit

Looks like a Japanese Garden, maybe Cowra?

Yes, its Gotland. It would be a bit pedantic to ask the exact location as there about 350 of these stone ship graves scattered all over the island. They are about 3000 years old and for only one person. This one is near the quaint fishing village of Gnisvard. I certainly wish I had more time on Gotland. Your turn.

Looks like Cairns.

Correct, your turn

Only in summer for me 🤠

I love this town, its like a visit to Sovereign Hill 😄

I don't think I've heard of it. I could read the sign Coober Pedy 166, so just looked at a map and it was the the only town about that distance on the way to Lake Eyre.

William Creek?

South Australia?

Loved the Perlan! wonderful nature museum.

Correct, your turn. I didn't even notice the statue 😄

Lazy Thursday afternoon ....

Looks like Heidelberg Castle, Germany.

Its time to get off, probably just as well before I become institutionalised 😄. The time has gone so quickly. I feel blessed that I was able to do a WC segment, ordinarily beyond my financial means. Its very laid back with lots to do. I went to almost all the shows and entertainers at least once. They were all very good having worked in West End, Vegas, Broadway etc. as well as some folkloric groups. I usually went at 9 pm when it was not quite so packed so I missed the show that was shut down. Apparently someone was not as expected, Don't know what happened there. Never heard of it happening before. I also watched the Destination Expert videos at least twice. It was handy that most of them were on the TV already when I embarked at Cape Town. I also bought the Internet for $23 a day for 4 or 5 days so I could also do research on the ports among other things and of course today to check in and print my boarding passes. Most of the ports in Europe had free wi-fi in port or nearby which was well utilised by passengers. So its hard to say how many had packages. I did bring on a few bottles of wine in Cobh but the alcohol person was MIA so the security staff just waived me through and said 'enjoy' as it was only wine not spirits. They certainly put it on for the folks leaving today with a great buffet luncheon then an invitation to a variety show put on by the resident entertainers. Both the CD and her deputy sang. They were very good. I'm not used to CD's singing! We also got a Thankyou cake delivered to our room. At the end Team members came from all over the place to the sounds of "Simply the Best". I really enjoyed it all and they gave everyone a free champagne or whatever you wanted before the show. A nice touch. Now Captain Perra is getting off, the Production Cast is getting off, my steward is getting off and then joining the Sun in a few months and between 500 and 700 of us are getting off depending on who you talk to but ship pretty much full after Dover. No, I did not eat any cake but I couldn't say no to sushi and raw fish! I fly to Singapore on an A380 and then have to codeshare on Q on a Airbus 330 I think but I've bought an aisle seat so I'll be right. Besides Sing- Melb is positively local. Then I'm off on the Diamond again on Sep 4 to defrost after the Melb winter. I wish everyone continuing and those joining a great onward cruise and look forward to reading any updates. A few pics of my last day aboard.

Last Patters and debark info I’m in Silver 1.

Some recent Patters

I hadn’t even thought of it before but some folks like to book a hotel on these overnight stops and do their own thing. Great idea if you can afford it!

Apparently one port required passports so to avoid confusion or inconvenience it was decided it was best we carry original passport. Visby is a hidden gem. I walked a bit in the old walled town then went on ships excursion to old country church, coastal fishing village, interesting boat shaped grave, stone gallows and another walk visiting landmarks in the old town. Fog horn went most of the night or so it seemed, every couple of minutes. I went outside about 2 am and it was foggy. About 5 am You could see the houses etc. on islands that were very close so looking forward to sail away when I should be wide awake. Recent Patters

We had immigration on the ship in Cobh as previously mentioned. Word went out rather late in Zeebrugge so some on shore excursions had to reboard to get their passports. We have been asked to carry them at every port since although they have never been checked. I’ll ask why at some stage. I’m over on the Suomenlinna Fortress giving my ankles a break from the cobblestones. 17K steps in Riga yesterday mainly on cobblestones and Tallinn tomorrow… more cobblestones! Am I having fun yet 😄!

Tomorrows Patter