drron29

That German flag was because New Guinea was a German colony until WW1 when Australia invaded and occupied New Guinea. At the Treaty of Versailles it officially became an Australian protectorate. Really good to see that they are improving the things that could bring tourists to Rabaul.

We had been here 6 months ago so decided togo ashore and just wander the old town. A good decision as we found many parts we hadn't been to before. First a tiny Noble Caledonia ship had pinched our place at the pier so it wasatender to shore.

An MSC ship already at anchor.

Thursday morning and we are steaming in to Kotor. The Wind surf follows us in.

Night lights of Bari.

La Terraza for dinner tonight. Their menu really only has minor changes throughout the cruise. As always an antipasti platter served first. Italian wines are always offered and this was the red for the night. Rojaan started with the carpaccio and I had their vegetable soup. Always a favourite. For mains Rojaan had the pappardelle with duck ragu. and I had the chicken parmigano. The chicken dish was no different from that served in most pubs in Australia. For desserts Rojaan had coconut ice cream. I had a plate of Gorgonzola. Both of those had to be sourced downstairs but that was no proble. I really love Italian gorgonzola.

On the current cruise sector there once again quite a few guests in wheelchairs. One is left out in the corridor but folded up and not in the way. One gentleman has his own mobility scooter with him and is still able to go ashore at tender ports. The crew lift his scooter on to the tender and then help him get to a seat on the entry level of the tender. The reverse when leaving the tender. Once again all embarking/disembarking is being done from Deck 3.

The new staff who boarded in Kotor 2 days ago have not had to wear masks at all. Seems anew policy as previously new crew had to wear a mask for a few days after boarding.

Being well known in Atlantide and Kaiseki Rojaan has a private stash. But in Bari Tiki must have been loaded as it is now in every restaurant.

It is better if it remains a secret.

The birding and wildlife lodges in Ecuador are in remote areas a long way from the larger cities where most of the unrest is.They are basically safe. Though I have to be a bit naughty and say if I was going to do another Galapagos cruise I would once again go on a 16 passenger boat and not SS. The reason is that basically 16 people at a time allowed onto various areas on the Islands so great when you can all go together. The wildlife experiences we had were better than a David Attenborough documentary. We used this cruise operator. https://www.luxuryandboutiquehotels.com/portfolios/haugan-cruises-galapagos-islands-ecuador/

I always remember Pia going out and buying enough coconut crabs in Vanuatu for all of us to enjoy in Vanuatu. Rabaul is a magic place. I was lucky to visit in 1969 before the volcano acted up. And yes in 1969 I was able to speak to a tribal elder who was able to tell me which body parts were est to eat. Was amazing to me that cannibalism had existed until then.

Flowers refreshed.

Back aboard the Moon to dry out and have a Kaiseki lunch.

A lot of the Government buildings built in the Mussolini era.

Old shelters for the shepherds. A lot of other crops under cover as well because hail is common in summer.

The last of Polignano. So back on the shuttle and then the bus back to Bari. Naturally the rain now stopped. Many of the vineyardsare under cover here.

Back into the town.

A service was taking place. The singing was very good.

The weather now was terrible. Heavy rain, cold and a strong wind. Our guide suggested we go back to the main square and those that wanted to stayed in a cafe and she would lead the others on a walk. The going was so slow I decided to go on my own. I did miss Mr. Volare's statue but saw a lot more of the old city. I went into the church.

We soon came to the first balcony. The Red Bull high diving competition takes place from the oof of the last house in the last picture.