ho-hum

Ho-hum too has mis-read a post: Hydra is not a port of call but where gyroscopic intends to visit after the voyage !

Duhhhhhh ! as Homer would say (not the Greek one who wrote the Iliad: the Simpson one, married to Marge).

Sadly ho-hum must therefore decline offering the Hydra tour.

Anyway Hydra is a place to lose yourself in the quiet, back streets. 5 days......mmmmmm... tavernas serving chilled white wine in carafes, grilled fish, salads, olives, oil, feta....... siestas: great choice.

Sadly ho-hum agrees with gcmv and cannot offer any recommendations for Athens except to "get out as quickly as possible" and if you do stay, follow Commander Courageous's recommendations in hotel but he is no "slouch" either and has "deep pockets" (5 days at those hotel rates: mama mia ! or whatever the Greek alternative is).

The hotel recommended has a great view over the square favoured by rioters (the square not the hotel). Check the riot season timetable though the Greeks appear to have be-grudgingly accepted EU strictures that they "cant spend more than the EU gives them in bail outs on each and every occasion !" (sorry, a bit political there. How the "cradle of Western (and Aussie) civilisation has fallen").

Well thats more than enough from rambling ho-hum. He doesn't usually offer sensible advice and will be returning to pithier and nonsensical offerings henceforth but your supplication for advice touched him.

Finally VISA-JABS-VISA-JABS-VISA-JABS-VISA-JABS !

But before going: you asked about Diana Krall. The lady was brilliant, sheer (Canadian) class, very accomplished and inventive. A complete delight.

But when is Commander Courageous touring next in the piano bar or with Ray on guitar, out on the rear deck at dinner: now those are magical moments. "I love you Bill, I always will".

Aria restaurant (overlooking bridge AND opera house) was brilliant except ho hum was served a mint tea and not the usual Orange Pekoe. Ho-hum let it side, he's cool.

Off to Rockpool restaurant in Sydney to-night with more dear chums, maybe a Curly Flat or Brokenwood tonight: fancy a red tonight.

Your clue response "stinks" by the way (not where DK is playing !). How is that possibly a clue ?

Maybe you live where Mel was born after Ada got ......! !! Cheeky old ho hum.

No it's Perth or you love a punk group from there. The Clash, Buzzcocks & Sex Pistols for old ho hum.

Well forgive me if old ho-hum chuckles at Commander Courageous's offerings on Mumbai. Of course his hotel and room choice is bang on (also the Director of Hotels Worldwide for the Taj group is a very old friend: so ho-hum would always recommend The Taj Palace). But you have booked another, so we'll leave it there. But do pop in for a look around: take tea or have a G&T.

Commander Courageous failed to offer a guide to excursions. Surely an oversight. May old ho-hum suggest options. There are numerous well run excursions. What's your interest ? Temples - Neighbourhoods - Shopping - Food ?

Unless you can tell your Krishna from your Vishnu. Your Vedanta from your Upanishads. Interest in temples is generally just a curiousity seeing the garish statues of the Gods in divine and animal forms. Sorry Hindus but "no do" for ho-hum (even tho' he has drawn much appreciation from Advaita Vedanta). Worth a visit to the nearest temple tho' (ladies must dress modestly).

Neighbourhood excursions are great to see all human life and are a must. Never do them by yourselves particularly for ladies (sorry but dress modestly: legs and shoulders covered). Adventurous friends did a "slum" tour and were pleasantly surprised and well rewarded.

Brits love curry, Aussies less so, but these can be very interesting and great fun. Knowing how to make rice and Dahl is one of the most valuable cooking lessons ho-hum ever had (especially in early years, he could live on them for a dollar a day !). Hindus are vegetarian and the flavours they can create are astounding. So food and cooking excursions are wonderful too, especially for a group of friends.

Shopping excursions for jewellery, fabric etc.. must be done with an independent, experienced guide for obvious reasons. Sharpen your bartering skills.

The concierge at your hotel should be contacted in advance of your visit to discuss and arrange your preferred excursion/s but they will be more expensive than ones you arrange yourself. The best way is through Trip Advisor.

Advice on Athens next time.

Meanwhile start arranging your VISAS & JABS NOW !!!

Consult your governments advice on travelling to Mumbai & Athens (specifically). The British FCO is good, as is the US (the people of Mumbai & Athens may think your Americans).

Ho-hum is often mistaken as an Aussie. In Australia he says he's Canadian: it just avoids messy scenes discussing cricket. Congratulations by the way, very well deserved (but David Warner is a yobbo).

Just back from Diana Krall at Sydney Opera House: amazing lady. Dinner beforehand at Aria with champagne and Tyrells 47: all with chums. Cant get any better.

Well friend (if I may),

Noticed you live in Australia: currently travelling around Oz (Darwin, Cookstown, Port Douglas, Cairns, Brisbane: currently in Pyrmont, Sydney) staying with SD chums (again). They are wonderful people !

You may not wish to publicise where you live (quite rightly) but give a cryptic clue only an Aussie would know (if you wish, of course. No offence if you don't).

Right let's start.

Commander Courageous has (as usual) pipped me to the post. Between his performing miracles on the sick, infirmed and elderly wretches in his home country he has summed it up all quite nicely:

"know that you have made a great selection in Sea Dream. You won't be disappointed."

Maybe you can detect on the posting and other postings, there is a warm, friendliness between passengers on SD: not an exclusive stance but inclusive amongst all.

Where SD really excels is the crew (from new engine room "oiler" to Captain: Arneil - Torbjorn), cuisine (chefs Tomasz/Virender), outside dining, intimacy and beauty of vessel and passengers themselves.

On the trip out there were less than 50 passengers and it would be reasonable to expect the same on the return.

The reasons: passengers (especially our US friends) considering it slightly risky, too many sea days and not enough interesting ports of call.

Sea Dream has appointed fully competent British operatives with years of experience to deal with the very faintest of chances that Somali pirates may take an interest in us. The crew were extensively trained first (and the training is unlikely to be forgotten so soon) followed by the passengers, all of whom performed actual drills. Everybody felt assured and the boys commanded the situation masterfully (I even wrote and told them so !).

Sea conditions are unlikely to be an issue due to route however there are drugs onboard and a super-duper syringe shot taken in the derriere (they are expensive I hear but by God they work: the Thai spa ladies are usually are ill as soon as the vessel is un-tied from the dock prior to a Transatlantic x-ing, can be seen happily performing their miraculous, yet expensive, treatments (wait for discounting on day 3 tho').

Ports of Call.

The omission of visits in Egypt is not simply due to elections: they were omitted on the inaugural trip to commence the Asian voyages too. You would know of the violent political unrest that has occurred when the elected "Muslim Brotherhood" were deposed by the people wishing for a more liberal government and now there is military rule (so a complete turn around to position from where it all started from !). The omission of Egypt is for safety concerns however the real problems were confined to the capital. The ports of call that were planned would have been safe but Sea Dream's priority is the safety of passengers and crew. Sad not to visit tho'.

We may visit Solala. It is a nice diversion after days at sea.

Hydra is great (where Leonard Cohen lived for many years). No doubt excursions are planned (to visit where LC lived and wrote much of his famous poems and songs: you have to make your own arrangements. Maybe ho-hum would arrange a tour starting at the taverna he used to hang out in the mornings, taking a drink and cigarette, amble to his modest home and recite the poem Hydra)

"Anything that moves is white,

A gull, a wave, a sail"

Santorini. Magnificent. Great to amble round, take a simple grilled fish lunch with lashings of chilled white wine overlooking the ocean and Sea Dream.

Well that's enough for the moment. Busy day to day, seeing Diana Krall at Sydney Opera House. One of Commander Courageous's countrywomen. Commander Courageous: best singer on Sea Dreamer ever; the old crooner (Sinatra style).

First time cruisers and first post!

Any tips? Any other posters on this cruise?

:)

Out of interest, what made you choose Sea Dream ?

First time cruisers and first post!

Any tips? Any other posters on this cruise?

:)

Just a quick note to acknowledge your posting (currently in airport lounge).

This will be an amazing voyage !!! (Did the Athens- Mumbai in winter last year, so have a bit of experience).

Will reply soon with more info.

Kind regards

Do you need advice on Mumbai & Athens ?

How long are you staying in Mumbai & Athens ?

Well if you must write a writ, please forward the written writ to my solicitors: Dewey, Cheatem and Howe. They will know just what to do with it.:eek::D

ha-ha

Ho-hum, where is the Quebec reference coming from? Are you a member of the Parti Quebecois, and an independiste or separatist? Are you a supporter of the loonie Premier Marois who is trying to outlaw minorities?

Oh illustrious Commodore, supporting any party is far too earnest for old ho-hum !

Being a devotee at the temple of the "Sea Dream crew" is more than enough ! Ommmm.

It's funny though.

It did'nt take long to smoke out James "Budgie" Arbuckle Aviary and Commodore Nelson "Twinkle-toes" Davidos who recently scurrilously alleged that old ho-hum's posts were written soon after either;

- inhaling "those" substances becoming legal in those educated parts of the US !

and

- regularly frequenting the pub/s for long periods until closing time !

Ho-hum has been urged to issue a writ for malicious slander to both "gentleman" by his old family solicitors: Sue, Grabbit & Run but whilst both allegations can be completely defended, examination by any half-competent attorney could discover his love of Burgundy & Bordeaux in liberal measures (but only with chums) and it may be difficult to persuade a judge that any damage has occurred by their remarks when it still gives ho-hum such a good chuckle !

Ive already read all the previous posts lying in bed with a flu bug:eek: Very funny, choked laughing at times. Great sense of humour. Love it:p

Quite a following Ho-hum has now, two old feral tree fellers from the back woods of Quebec, you and the two burly male nurses at my old Victorian secure unit out here on the wolf infested moors ! Aaaaaahhhhhoooooooo !

Not exactly the world sweeping movement that John Lennon & Yoko Ono inspired with their Peace protests, which I am guessing is about the time your hippy parents gave the world: Poppy, who would later go on to add that much needed distinct ray of sunshine and beauty in this world.

They say laughter is the best medicine but if you are choking then either you are reading Ho-hum's old posts slouching in bed or are eating cake or both !

Some care and attention is required when reading these posts: you are obviously vicariously, gorging on these lines giggling along THEN there is a line which is the equivalent of coming across a whole chilli in your meal and hey presto, a series of convulsions ensues resulting in said choking which if not checked may lead to complete loss of bladder control or worse !

Well I'm off for a lower under-garment change of apparel myself, so I wish you all a good day.

"Ho-hum that's twice already to-day !

And I dont think he's done yet !

Stop slouching and put that cake down, God damn it !"

Now P that's really an Eeeeeeekkkkkkkkk !

Get better soon.

Apologies to all serious Sea Dream posters/viewers, a serious interruption to our service has occurred with these unfortunate low tone, self-indulgent Ho-hum posts.

Normal (dull) service will be resumed as soon as possible: our engineers (in Quebec) are working on the problem (as soon as they are back from a huntin').

But at least I do not have the condition of "lacofhumerus"....................you most certainly do not have this condition. I thoroughly enjoy reading and laughing at your posts :).

Now don't go encouraging old Ho-hum !

But thanks Poppy.

Check out his earlier posts especially http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1609753. It should be the one about the Amazon. Alternatively press on name and it shows all old posts beginning with Amazon; that thread was a lot of fun. Hahaha

Ho-hum, most of us on CC are crazy -- get over it!

Haha.......ssshhhhhhh...........dont let WIPER hear "most of us on CC are crazy" !

How nice of you to refer to other posters as crazy. Is that what they do in the posh part of the UK?

Yes that's what we do all the long, long day...........

As Commodoredave kindly attempts to explain; there may be a tad of eccentricity in my short offerings. But at least I do not have the condition of "lacofhumerus".

This manifests in a person taking themselves and life way too seriously and who erroneously feels personally grievously upset by a general (funny) remark that was not actually intended to be directed at that individual or group of individuals but was in fact an attempt at levity/humour/amusement. Refer also to paranoia.

WIPRO: "Oh, so you were trying to be funny"

Ho-hum: "yes"

WIPRO: "it was'nt funny. I thought you were attacking me personally

Ho-hum: "me so soolly: no offence meant. May I buy you drink at TOYB"

WIPRO: "but they're free !"

Ho-hum: "me trying to be funny"

WIPRO: "still not funny"

THE END

But (a bit) seriously I consider there are a significant number of (mainly regular) posters with years of great experience, that have considerable business expertise as well as life experience and numerous cruising days who also love the Sea Dream experience (especially the marvellous crew).

I generally value their contributions and look out for their postings.

Sadly CC does not have a spam filter that you can use for my generally very short offerings.

So live and let live: maybe move to Colorado and lighten up bro'

On a brighter note than the SDI troubles, we heard from our friends on SDII in Asia. Other than the non existent internet, they report a fabulous trip. All appears well on SDII.:D

Yes, Jim, Asia's still there.......from what I can see thro' the rain.

I am emailing this very ssssslllllloooooowwwwwlllllyyyyy because of the internet speed (or lack of it: should have got cable !).

Most of the ports are twinned with Chitole......but the beaches and islands are wonderful. Better than Caribbean ! But I still love the Caribbean ( from the boat).

The crew are marvellous. Some are transferring to SDI and are limbering up for rowing practice !

But seriously, its great. Bogdan keeping this beautiful lady going (I dont think he's in charge of internet tho' otherwise I would be downloading Downton Abbey: gritty life drama of people a lot less fortunate than me don't ye know ! Guffaw, guffaw.

Yes Shaun, I'd love a glass....

........now you're completely crazy !!

......Are you crazy !!!'m

..........not enough engines !

Only two comments:

 

One, I've never had a Long Island Iced Tea in my life.

Two, I leave this thread to the members of the Chicken Little Club.

Vandrefalk

OK, got it wrong, now your sounding more like Lady Windermere "a hand baggg !!!!" ("I've never had a Long Island Iced Tea in my liiiiiffffffffffe young man !)

Hey Zoltan, I think Lady V is more of a "whisky sour" kinda gal (heavy & sour)

Have another little chicken club sandwich me' Lady (steady on gal: we are on for another 10 days and I can see how much you love Garfield's deserts. Just looking after your back: (sides and front). Only saying girlfriend.

We can chat about the gay times on board and the crew we love.

OK so GoRRRdon may be in the corner listening to Joy Division or Leonard Cohen (The Disco Years) but provided we dont look at him directly in the eye, check it's not a Full Moon and DON'T mention the loss of his pin-up Pam or the Kids or anything really. Careful stepping by him as you might snag the intravenous drip of Laphroaig fed into both of his arms !

Come over Lady C, goRRRdon was only kidding, he's safely comatozed. What's your tipple ? Spell it for us.

Where's that Andreas ? He said he would be up here ages ago. Typical, he promises you one thing and then nothing...... Guess he's busy again. Such an important guy in the office, serving those Aquavits around all day.

Hey Jim, spare Long Island here just made by Zoltan, come and join us and regale us with your many, many ventures upon the High Seas with Sea Dream ! (and your favourite meals onboard). Are you a menu degustation kinda guy: I see you as more a Surf' n Turf, if there was a straight fight). There were no double entendres during this last paragraph.

Respect Jim. Seen it all, done it all.

ho-hum.... ;)

 

Host Dan

You called ........(6 times a week you work out ! oh my !)

How can I help you sweetie ? Just back from a Sea Dream voyage and nice and chilled but will these offerings do ?

Pam Conover; met her a couple of times and was really impressed. Sad for everyone she has gone (tho' would love to know the real reason....dah-dah-dah-dah).

Commodoredave: you seem like a really decent guy AND you've got to give Sea Dream a go ! You will definitely find out why folks love the crew and ship so much. It's made for you (but buy your taser at home as the on-ship prices are a lot higher !)

goRRRdon: I feel your passion, you crazy old coyote. Do all your postings coincide with a Full Moon ? Am I right or am I right ?

Dont forget tho', they say "worse things happen at sea" (oops ! sorry that doesn't really help, does it ?).

Loved the rebuke by the self-proclaimed president of the senior ladies, appeasers wing of the etiquette committee, which can be summarised as we shouldnt be uppity passengers, we should know our place, always believe our betters in Miami, never rock the boat (geddit) and return heads back into sand of complacency (I think that's where it was).

I'm sure she is a lovely lady and her favourite tipple is a Long Island Iced Tea or a Bloody Mary (or a bloody anything with alcohol ! Oh my oh my ! Just my kinda gal. I imagine the five of us at the TOTYB, Ho-hum, the lady in question, commodoredave, Mrs.commodoredave and GoRRRdon, all having a rare old time. That's what being onboard does to you).

Must run. Back on Sea Dream very soon.

Get some decent rose Miami !

Oops , sorry nice lady president. May I re-phrase that.

"Miami would you please kindly consider purchasing some half decent Provencal rose wine to accompany the al fresco lunch time dining experiences on your beautiful classic boat, ship "thingy-me-jiggy". I would be so awfully grateful but never mind if you cant, I completely understand and just apologise for even bothering you. Mea culpe, mea culpe, mea maxima culpe." (Sound of a very large Splash !)

Disclaimer: no drugs, alcohol or any artificial mood enhancers were taken during the consideration of this post or during this posting.

My name is Ho-hum and I approve this message.

God bless America, God save the Queen (Elton...) and the rest of you's....

No animals were harmed during the writing of this post (except when I tripped over my old labrador while getting a tea and trod on his foot: shouldnt have been in my way anyway).

I so really want to use a Smilie or Icon thingy but dont know how, so just imagine me smiling throughout this humbug of a posting. Smile back.

Dear Ho Hum,

 

With due respect to you and your beautiful wife, unless you are from Texas or

your daddy is in "oyl", you are neither the cigar chomping oaf nor is your

wife the trophy bride. Sorry!

 

Anyway, do you not agree that often the adults are worse offenders than

the children can ever be? Wish I had recorded some past experiences with

the offending yahoos.

Dearest esteemed Commander Courageous (CC),

Well you have seen straight through me haven't you !

May I rush to join you on the cherished middle ground of reason and balance.

I almost align with you about the behaviour of abhorrent adults over unruly children but unfortunately this thread is about "Kids on Sea Dream" not "Texan, cigar chompin' oyl men" (is it just Texans you cant abide ? May I remind you that several US presidents came from Texas. OK that's a bad example. To all you good old Texans out there, I'm just joking (fingers crossed).

May we at least conclude CC that the problem (and sadly there is a big one) relates to irresponsible parents exercising no control of their unruly children.

I have witnessed many examples of good parents exercising control of their children even when their behaviour has been vexing and I am sure our sympathies go out to the parent on these occasions; thats life, we must just get on with it.

However the general feeling in this forum is that there is less sympathy when an unruly child appears abandoned by an irresponsible parent and the resulting cacophony ensues.

I also must confess to inappropriate behaviour onboard through sheer exuberance of being on such a wonderful ship with such an amazing crew and generally delightful passengers (except for the cigar chompin' kind whether from Texas or Middlesex, whatever sexuality and whichever variation that has been God given). It's the reason we keep going, is'nt it ?

I just trust my sporadic outbreaks of exuberance are tolerated by more world wisely guests such as yourself, oh illustrious Commander Courageous.

Your simple admirer,

Ho-hum

This thread is "getting a little long in the tooth".

 

Frankly, in the 20 odd trips trips we have enjoyed on Sea Dream, we have felt

far more disenfranchised by loud, unruly, cigar chomping guys and their trophy wives, than we have ever been annoyed by children.

 

Now, should we not expect Sea Dream to rein in these obnoxious guests or

must we continue to tolerate this behaviour from those who feel they paid

their fare so caveat emptor?

Its the contributor who sounds "long in the tooth" (I'm right am I not ?).

For my part I admit I am loud (only in the praise of the crew) and definitely unruly (thats why I like Sea Dream for the casual atmosphere except when it comes to life boat drill of course) but I would never "chomp" a Cuban cigar (they are to be savoured). The great thing about a Havana is the beautiful earthy aroma which also repel children; the best of both worlds, you see.

And my wife is beaming that she is considered a "trophy" wife ! You are too kind.

And yet we agree, there is reason to be cautious these days.

Snakes don't poop in the pool and hot tub.:eek::eek::D

Ouch ! (But I get you buddy)

Ouch ! (but I get you buddy)

Which is scarier ?

SNAKES ON A PLANE

or

KIDS ON SEA DREAM !

Aaaarrrgggghhhhh !

Well at least we all know what the poop deck is now ?

Costa Rica - costa how much ?