bobpatj

Continuing February 12th, from our Westerdam cruise, last year, even though we headed to port in Thailand, with a navy vessel escort, we saw them change direction and so did we.  We were no longer welcome to dock inThailand, and waited to hear what’s next!  At last we heard that we would be able to dock in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.  We sailed offshore and waited a while before being able to dock.  We watched as it really happened before the sun set.  After dinner, we found two folded pieces of heavy cloth on the bed with the towel animal.  We received no instructions about disembarkation, yet.

February 12th, a year ago, was on a Wednesday,  and at last on our Westerdam “non cruise “ we had word that we would be able to dock in Thailand!  We would arrive there sometime tomorrow, and flights would be scheduled out of Bangkok.  We were so glad we booked our flights with HAL, as they took care of all our scheduled changes.  We were not planning to fly home, but to Seattle, to visit our son and family President’s Day week.  In the morning,  a Westerdam Crew Farewell show filled the stage with everyone, except the Captain, who had had so much to deal with!  Let’s admit that it was quite emotional for staff and passengers.  We’re sailing in a southerly direction with somewhere to go!

Feb. 8th a year ago on Westerdam, we are somewhere at sea, calm seas too, and have lots of activities scheduled for the day.  Performances go on as scheduled, in the evening.  The Future Cruise Consultant has been very busy booking cruises at 50% off!

Feb. 7, 2020 was the day our Westerdam cruise officially ended.  The Captain sent everyone a letter that began with Japan will no longer permit us to call there.  Our cruise was now canceled and we would all receive our money back - cruise fare, taxes, etc.  We have plenty of food!  We’ll now be in a search for a port to take us and give us time to make flight changes.

We know where we are, but we don’t know where we’re going!

My Westerdam saga continues at sea, a year ago.  They’re still selling shore excursion tickets, for Japan, though some dates have been changed.  We are well occupied with activities and a big map shows a line as to where we are, and where we’ve been. Hoping Japan happens as we’re scheduled, still to fly back from Tokyo.

On the Westerdam a year ago today, our shore excursion group got together and waited for word of when we’d be able to leave.  Instead we got a announcement from the Captain that we will have to leave the port, as it’s closing to all cruise ships.  The Chinese ship that sailed in and out yesterday, had sick passengers onboard.  So the next stops in Taiwan are all cancelled, too.  There’s still hope that we might be able to go to Japan,  so Shore Excursions are busy selling tours.  We’ve already heard that South Korea is canceled.

Last yea,r on this date  aboard Westerdam, we did sail into the port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan!  We will be here overnight, so our much anticipated private shore excursion is on, for tomorrow.  We couldn't stay at this location for too long, as another ship would use it later this morning.  Room for us was just behind, so we backed into the new space, before noon.  We were able to see the ship sailing in, a huge Chinese ship. Later in the afternoon, the ship left, which was a surprise.   We planned nothing ashore today, because of the tour we'll take tomorrow. 

February 3rd,  last year,  Westerdam was at sea. For once we heard some encouraging news that we might be able to dock in Kaohsiung, Taiwan tomorrow!  We are originally scheduled to be there on the 5th, so we’ll see what happens.

Looking back on this day on Westerdam, we were at sea, but will also be at sea tomorrow instead of enjoying our scheduled private tour of Manila.  The Captain is unsure if Taiwan will allow us to dock in any of the three ports we’re supposed to visit next!

I learned to say “Rabbit Rabbit “ from a college friend our Freshman year.

February 1st a year ago was turnover day in Hong Kong, on Westerdam.  We stayed onboard and had a wonderful city view from our balcony.  We will not end the cruise in Shanghai but will now be in Tokyo.  Tomorrow is a sea day as we sail our way to Manila.

Last year on January 31st, the first segment of our 30 day Asia cruise was coming to an end in Hong Kong.  We had wonderful tours and experiences in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.  We got an extra day in Halong Bay, Vietnam as Hong Kong was closing down most everything, due to the riots and a new virus that we haven’t encountered anywhere else.  We had made no plans to tour Hong Kong, so will stay onboard, as passengers come and go.

We were on the Singapore to Hong segment of the cruise and we’re looking foreword to the Hong Kong to Shanghai segment.  We arrived in Hong Kong a day late, because of the riots, there, and COVID closing everything down, including New Years.  The first segment went without too much thought about the virus in China.

We’ll we got our first Moderna shots this afternoon.  All went well and for spouses day, we got to do it together in the same small room.  It was very crowded, long line outdoors first and long line inside.  I don’t know how it’s done inyour car, as there were stations to take your temperature and places to sit and answer questions about your state of health and enter information into a computer.  After getting the vaccine, we sat in another room for 15 minutes before being able to leave.  In four weeks we’ll probably be back again with all this same group!

Thank you for the Daily, Rich and Roy! We have good news to report, as we were able to make our vaccine appointments for this Tuesday and for the second one in February.

January 16, 2020 we were at last on the ms Westerdam, sailing away on our 30 day adventure in Asia.  Tomorrow will be a sea day and then we’ll begin our private shore excursions, beginning in Thailand.

This date, January 14th, did not happen in 2020.  We flew from San Francisco, on Jan. 13th, to Singapore, arriving on Jan. 15th.  The following morning we would board ms Westerdam for our 30 day Asia cruise.  

Go Browns!  We must be dreaming, but we love it!

We’ve been able to register for getting our shots, but that’s all we know so far.  Ohio has been slow, so far.

Fell asleep before midnight, but Bob was awake to see the ball drop and hear fireworks in the neighborhood.  Tonight’s dinner is our traditional pork & sauerkraut!  Happy New Year.

For years we have spent NYE with friends, going out for dinner late, so we would watch the ball drop viewing the TV in the bar.  This year it will be just the two of us with an earlier take-out dinner at home.  HAPPY NEW YEAR  everyone!

So sorry to hear this, Ruth.  Our thoughts are with you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all on the DAILY!

Thank you all for the Daily!  Love the masks to wear on Gala nights.

To those of you celebrating tomorrow, a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Stay safe.

Thanks again for the Daily, Rich!  It’s a beautiful sunny warm day in NE Ohio.