Join us, Bill and Mary Ann, on our 128 day epic journey around the world in 2009

[7toEleven]

I'm with you, can't believe it's been 48 days! Everyday I look forward to reading the wonderful review of the day.

Thanks!

[WCB]

Report # 52 February 23, 2009 Monday Day at Sea

 

The morning started off as usual.......enjoying a great breakfast, and visiting with head waiter, Presti, and Herry, our former waiter. They sure liked talking about their Bali homes and families. The time is getting closer for many of our crew to have family reunions while in Semarang. In fact, our room steward, Bagus, asked if we wouldn't mind if he could clean our room in the evening that day. We told him not to worry, we would take of ourselves for one day! That should give him more time with his family, since many of our friends on deck six have agreed to do the same for him.

 

During the morning, the Captain announced that we are sailing quickly to disembark a severely ill passenger. Then later, at his 1 pm talk,he said a second person was going to be evacuated too. The closest island with medical facilities is Bali, so that is where we are headed.

 

The biggest event happening on the ship was the Academy Awards program. They plan on showing it in the Queens Lounge, Sports Bar, and on the cabin TVs starting at 8 am. We did watch a little of it, but the reception was spotty, losing sound and picture constantly.

 

We are also being taught some basic Indonesian etiquette, such as how to properly beckon someone not using your index finger, not to shake hands with your left hand, and do not put your hands on your hips, it's considered rude. Somehow, we don't think any of this information will help when we are accousted with the dozens of aggressive vendors we will see tomorrow. They do not want to hear the word NO, thank you!! Just how much will you offer for something you really don't want!

 

We started spotting land by 3 pm. And we were sailing by small Indonesian islands by 5 pm. While watching the ship sail into Bali, we spotted the long range acoustical device, or LRADS for short, being installed above the navigation deck. Sure hope we do not need these, as they are used to deafen possible terrorists or pirates. Hope the security team on this ship is packing something more than these devices!

 

We slowed to a stop, and a tenderboat was lowered. We can only assume that the ill passengers were loaded from the promenade deck before lowering. They were taken ashore, and the ship ended up leaving by 6:45pm. We 're sure that the Indonesian crew that came from here were really sad to leave without seeing their families.

 

The sunset was stunning tonight, as we are getting closer to the Equator. It's also getting hotter,if that is possible!

 

Tomorrow, Lembar, Lombok, Indonesia.

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[Aussie Gal]

What a shame that the ill passengers weren't in Australia when taken ill. I certainly would not be wanting to be in a hospital in Bali.

 

I dearly love Bali but if I were taken ill whilst there, I would immediately request an air vac home to Darwin which would be the closest Aussie hospital.

 

When the Bali bombing occurred, all the Australians were evacuated as soon as possible to Darwin and further south.

 

Jennie

[brucory]

What a shame that the ill passengers weren't in Australia when taken ill. I certainly would not be wanting to be in a hospital in Bali.

 

Jennie

 

Some friends of ours visited a Northern Bali hospital, not so long ago, and were surprised to see all the office staff earing their very well starched and vey well looked after ex-TAA uniforms. How wonderful to hear they were still being used!!

TAA changed its name to Australian Airlines, which was taken over by Qantas, over 15 years ago

[WCB]

Report # 53 February 24, 2009 Tuesday Lembar, Lombok, Indonesia

 

The Rotterdam arrived to our first port of Indonesia, the island of Lombok, around 7 am. Lombok has a population of 3 million people, most of whom are Muslim. Mount Rinjani is the third highest active volcano in Indonesia with the elevation of 12,224 feet. It erupted as recently as 1994. This island is advertised as the "unspoiled Bali". Although, we were told that only one cruise ship our size visits the island in a year. Smaller vessels do bring visitors from Australia and Europe.

 

All three of HAL's tours were leaving the ship around the same time...... early this morning. This was a tender port, so they do not like people going down to deck A, and blocking the stairway. Don't know if we mentioned this already, but the shore excursion staff has decided to manage the crowd differently on this trip. The "stickers" are given to us as we leave the lounge. In theory, this should work well. However, it causes the crowd to jam the exit, waiting to be first. There had to be at least 500 people cramming in like sardines. We could hardly breathe, it got so close in there. Many of us agreed that the old method worked better. They stickered us in the lounge as we walked in, and exited when they called our group. A staff member guarded the exit.

 

Anyway, when we got off of the tenderboat, a group of native dancers and musicians were there to greet us. There was barely a chance to take pictures, because we were whisked away to board our small buses. Anxious vendors came rushing at us with watches, jewelry, and artwork. There was no time to bargain. Maybe later, we told them. And believe us, they will remember you!

 

We had a good guide for our group of 25 passengers. He talked about his island, while we passed the scenic rice fields and palm tree groves. Joining us, was a fleet of policemen on motorcycles, sirens blaring at every intersection. We figured they kept the way clear for us to get where we were headed and back on time. And it could have been for safety reasons as well.

 

Our first stop was at Banyu Mulek, where we jumped into a traditional horse-drawn cart. These carts, called cidomos, held two of us, or six Indonesians with all of their groceries! Since there were 75 of us in three buses, there was a huge procession of carts going down the small streets. Every resident came outside to greet us. We have never seen such a welcome, especially from the cute school kids who cheered as we went by.

 

We left our carts to go see how the pottery was made by the skilled villagers (all ladies). At another stop, we got to see the school where young kids were learning to make pottery. Finally, we exited the carts for a stop at a large gallery, where we could purchase the finished products. Knowing a large pot may break shipping it home, we just bought a couple of hanging trivets instead.

 

We joined the waiting bus for a ride to the village of Sukarara, where Ikat and woven fabric is made. Young girls were sitting on a raised platform, each weaving beautiful intricate patterns in the cloth. A large complex of stores selling the cloth, furniture, pottery, and carved masks was also there. The prices were high, although we imagine the store owners were willing to bargain.

 

The next stop was at Sade-Rambitan, a village of primitive traditional Sasak houses. These tiny houses were built on a steep hillside. The floors appeared to be made of concrete, but no, they were actually made from clay, dung, and straw. Our guide said they do smell for a while, but the odor goes away in time. The roofs are thatch, and the walls either bamboo, or woven palm leaves. They measured perhaps 150 square feet. While there, we were treated to a performance of Sasak villagers acting out a fighting dance, with a gamelon band playing their music in the backround. The women and young kids watched the dance from behind us. Or maybe they were studying us instead?

 

Our final and most welcome stop was at the Novatel Resort in Kuta Beach. The buses turned off the main road, and headed towards the Indian Ocean where the property was located. We saw herds of water buffalo grazing near the nearby swamps. Our guides escorted us to the beachside thatched-roofed restaurant, where a complete Indonesian buffet awaited us. They had salad fixings, fresh fruit, and an array of chicken, beef, and fish cassaroles. There was plenty of sticky rice, as well as two types of soups. Desserts were a variety of local fruit and sweet tarts, custards, and cakes. We did not leave there hungry!!

 

And the best part was the swimming. We had a private beach with umbrella-shaded lounges. Those who went into the ocean, reported the temperature was at least 95 degrees. We chose to cool off in their swimming pool, which was equally as warm. This unusual pool was above ground, built with walls of stone, and tiled on the floor. It overflowed into a smaller pond with water fountains.

 

Just when we were having so much fun in the water, we had to go. We almost felt like little kids when the moms said the same thing...time is up, we have to leave! Anyway, it was nice going home in damp swimsuits, as it was almost unbearably hot. On the way back, bus # 3 broke down. The police got the call, and stopped our buses to wait for them. It must have taken a half hour before they got going again. Good thing, or else we would have had to split their group into our two buses. The ship was leaving early, and we had just enough time to catch the last tenderboats back. The vendors had followed us all day on their motorbikes. And when we got back to the pier, they had one last chance to make some money off of us. Some of the passengers came back with loaded bags!

 

We called it an early night after dinner, since tomorrow will be another early start time for touring. Komodo is our next stop!!

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[DFD1]

Thank you again, Bill and Mary Ann: I have a National Geographic World Map and a yellow highlighter....and I'm having a blast!

[RuthC]

This makes for wonderful reading. I can't wait to see what you have to say about Komodo.

[sppunk]

I haven't mucked up this thread with a THANK YOU! post, but decided I should, indeed, do so.

 

I cannot thank you enough for taking the time out of your trip to share your wonderful experiences with lowly ol' us. Each day you post, I get a chance to to daydream and be jealous!

 

Thank you, so much, for this "service" you provide.

[penk99]

I am really enjoying reading about your adventure. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! :)

[DeepWaterMariner]

Great stuff! Your accounts are a must read for me every day. The stories get retold to my wife at dinner time.

[redhead1944]

Kudos from a cruise rookie - my dh is one of the people from Fedex that developed the HAL luggage program - he loved your comments - hope it is as smooth when you end your voyage.....I come here daily...CJ in the PacNW:)

[polar1]

Bill & Mary Ann:

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your comments about the ship and crew and your writing style make reading your reports the highlight of our day as we anticipate our trip. Karen and I will be on the Rotterdam May 16 for a "short trip" of 27 days. You realize of course, that you are now famous! Who needs Fodor's Travel Guides when we have Bill & Mary Ann!

[WCB]

Report # 54 February 25, 2009 Wednesday Slawi Bay, Komodo, Indonesia

 

The seas were smooth, and the temperature was already soaring when we reached the island of Komoto early this morning. It was surprising to see a village situated on the shoreline near Slawi Bay, where we were to tender. Can you believe living in the vicinity of hundreds of lethal dragons? A new floating pontoon was just completed for our arrival. Only it got a bit scary, when too many passengers stepped on it at once. We thought it would sink!! Oh, they must be feeding us too good on the ship!!

 

The island of Komodo is a mere 60 square miles. Along with several nearby islands, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. But it is famous because the fierce Komodo dragons live here. Actually, the giants are huge monitor lizards, measuring up to 11 feet and weighing up to 300 pounds. These carnivores live on deer, wild pigs, and goats that inhabit these islands. They will also eat carrion and even their own young when hungry. For that reason, the small ones climb trees to survive. They have killed people and children that live here as well. Just recently, one came into a man's house, and bit him while he was cooking dinner. He had to be taken to the hospital for surgery. The dragon's bite is so toxic that eventually their victims die. No, this is not a place we would chose to live!

 

Our tour began right after we left the pier. Two park rangers and two hired guides took us in groups of 25. We hiked a narrow muddy trail, which was surrounded by a grassy forest of strange-looking trees. Our native guide pointed out two squawking cockatoos perched high in a tree that looked dead, although it was not. The birds eat the fruit, leaving the trees looking bare.

 

As we approached an open area with a man-made rock pit, the guides cautioned us to be silent. Two large nasty-looking dragons were being held by rangers, keeping them in place with their little sticks. They appeared to be agitated and aggressive towards the guides as we got near. We highly suspected that these two dragons had been lured with food to this viewing area, so we would be assured of at least one sighting. We should mention that this 2 to 3 hour tour was $99. each, which we all considered pretty pricey. However, without booking the tour, we would have been denied access to the island. Period. And who knows if we would ever be back.

 

Well, group # 2 appeared from the brush, and surrounded the dragons across from us. Since the animals looked really stressed, we continued on our way after taking hundreds of photos. We were fairly certain that we would see no more dragons on this tour. And we were right.

 

The guide took us past fields of lemongrass filled with large bees and butterflys. Further into the jungle, we saw blooming orchids growing from the trees. We were always keeping an eye out for more dragons, but also snakes which could be in the grasses too.

 

Our group began to ascend a steep hillside, which eventually led to a beautiful view of Slawi Bay and the Rotterdam anchored there. The climb was too steep for some guests, who opted to go back to the shoreside. We sort of wondered why some physically-challenged passengers would attempt a difficult tour such a this one. We learned later when we asked Leslie at the shore excursion desk, that they cannot deny anyone access to most tours, due to the disability act. Common sense does not always prevail with some people.

 

Once back down the hill, we came across a building used for guest quarters. Furthur on, we saw a gift shop with a porch filled with picnic tables, restroom facilities, and more ranger lodgings.

 

Nearby, was a Timor deer, laying in the grass, showing no fear of us. We knew that wasn't normal, so later we asked a ranger about it. He told us the deer had been injured by a dragon, and it would soon be their meal. Gruesome, but necessary.

 

We were surprised to see a group of natives, who had come over by boat to sell their trinkets. Exiting through a long tent, the vendors offered us their goods for our best prices. Of course, we bought a wood-carved dragon, and not a small one at that! I picked up some "precious" pearl earrings, and a few pricey postcards.

 

It was a relief to get back to the air-conditioned ship! The oppressive heat and humidity really took a toll on most of us today. We couldn't wait to jump into the refreshing water of the aft pool.......us and dozens of others who had the same idea. Then, out of th blue, a dark ominous cloud covered the park area, and it poured. It sure felt good, cooling the breeze off instantly.

 

Later on, we heard a terrifying story about the Komodo dragons being out of control on the 8:30 am tour, right after ours. Remember we noticed that the dragons were irritated? Well, one of them charged at a guide, and they had to grab it by the tail, and poke it with sticks to calm him down. Needless to say, group # 4 went running for cover! Our friends Glenda and Ron told us that the ship's video staff had filmed the whole incident. Hmmm, isn't that convenient? Now they will probably sell a lot more of the trip's DVD's!!l

 

We sailed away by 5 pm, glad to be headed towards our next stop in Semarang, Java.

 

Barbie invited Ellen and her new friend, Wolfgang, a host accompanying a German group, who will be leaving in Hong Kong. He seemed like a nice fellow, but spoke little English. George, our tablemate, was happy, since he could converse with him in German and translate for us. Interesting evening.

 

The variety showtime included Craig Halliday, a violinist, and Larry Linkin, the clarinetist. We were way too tired to even consider attending, even though Mr. Linkin will be joining us for dinner in two days, compliments of Barbie and George. Hey, never a dull moment!

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[WCB]

Report # 55 February 26, 2009 Thursday Day at Sea

 

When we went to breakfast this morning, we found the dining room brightly decorated for the Indonesian dinner tonight. At each entrance, were Balinese puppet dolls, and one gigantic Balinese firgurine, that would scare the living daylights out of you!

 

Our big bargain of the day was purchasing a t-shirt at the 2 for $20. deck sale. A few days ago, we had bought a HAL world cruise segment t-shirt for $17. in the store. Ther salesgirl promised us that when they held the next deck sale, we could get the second t-shirt for $3. Sounded good to us.

 

Naturally, the young clerk at the deck sale knew nothing of this, so we had to get a note from the store's manager. Then it worked. It was nice of the original clerk to let us know.

 

Other activities of the day included learning the Viennese waltz at dance class. The Grand World Voyage DVD was previewed in th Wajang Theater, while Allan Hutchinson gave a lecture concerning ethics with lawyers. In the afternoon, Joseph Daley spoke about Semarang temples.

 

At dinner tonight, we were greeted with all of our waiters dressed in traditional Indonesian outfits. They were very proud to show off their colorful sarongs and headresses. You could feel their anxiety as they will be able to see their family members tomorrow in Semarang. A darling little girl was dressed like a Balinese princess. We figured she was the daughter of a crew member. Speaking of Indonesian crew, we heard that there are two Indonesian women working in housekeeping....a first for HAL!

 

We also had company again.....Wolfgang, the German host. He seems quite taken with Barbie and Ellen! Another interesting dinner!

 

Tomorrow, Semarang, Java!

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[boards]

So in truth you did not find Komodo, "just crawling with these dragons", you saw only "two". Was viewing just "two" worth the expense other than to say you visited the island? This stop is part of our Cruise next March 2010 and I want to do it but would hope there is something really worth seeing.

[ger_77]

Oh my goodness, komodo dragons, snakes in the grass . . . you're brave souls - I wouldn't have gone near them as I'm terrified of both. I can't even watch tv documentaries, etc. if they have snakes or komodo dragons in them, they give me nightmares. I must have been traumatized as a child or something because I certainly can't explain the phobia!

 

I am thoroughly enjoying your experience though, you go from komodo dragons to the Viennese waltz all in a 24 hour period - talk about variety! Thanks for spending the time, energy and $ posting here for those of us who will likely never have the experience you are.

 

Smooth Sailing! :):):)

[candbgirl]

So in truth you did not find Komodo, "just crawling with these dragons", you saw only "two". Was viewing just "two" worth the expense other than to say you visited the island? This stop is part of our Cruise next March 2010 and I want to do it but would hope there is something really worth seeing.

 

 

You are much braver than me. I wouldn't get off the ship. But here is a link for some pictures taken on the same day. The author is on the same cruise and posts numerous pictures. It's fun to read Bill and Mary Ann's journal and then look at the pictures. Look for day 51 for the komodo dragon pictures. Very scary indeed.

 

http://amazingvoyages.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks Bill and Mary Ann. I love your reports and have for so many years. :D

[WCB]

Report # 56 February 27, 2009 Friday Semarang, Java, Indonesia

 

The ship arrived very early to the industrial port of Semarang, Java, the fifth largest Indonesian city. The skies were overcast, the air heavy with humidity, and we knew sometime today, it would rain.

 

We booked a tour with our travel group, CS, today. It turned out to be an excellent choice for many reasons.

 

As soon as the ship was cleared, our group of 49 boarded the two waiting buses. But not before squeezing through a sea of vendors selling their treasures. There was no time for shopping, which was too bad, because we never did see the large amount of sellers the rest of the day. Our talented driver stormed out of the terminal, getting ahead of every HAL bus. Now for the good part....we had the help of a highway patrol car in the lead, who must have been a daredevil! This ride was going to be an adventure to remember. The police car drove down the center of the road, playing chicken with oncoming cars and trucks! We're sure the driver was going twice the speed limit, weaving around the skidding vehicles. Don't know why, but we took the second row front seats this time, and almost wished we didn't. We all agreed it was a treat feeling "presidential", despite the danger.

 

Once we left the outskirts of the city, we were passing through villages flanked with small shops and food stalls. They were bustling with people and kids going off to school. It was a miracle that we did not hit anyone, especially those crazy kids on the motorcycles.

 

Within an hour, we arrived to the Ambarawa Antique Train Museum. In order to beat the HAL crowd also taking the train, we were expertly hustled into the two waiting train cars. The old refurbished antique steam locomotive was fired up and ready to take us on a delightful scenic journey to the town of Bedono. The train's whistle blew, and were were off and running! How cool was that? This railroad, among others, was built in the late 1800's by the Dutch East India Company, a major presence in much of Asia. They were used to transport tobacco from the plantations, which the company had planted. Our particular car had been built in 1907. It was open-air, no windows, but nicely furnished in mahogany wood. We believe the engine was also fueled by mahogany trees.

 

As we climbed the hillsides, we saw the mahogany and teak trees grown here. Teak growing is a big industry in Java, which is imported worldwide. Other native species include nutmeg, clove, and mace trees, as well as banana, papaya, and coconut trees.

 

The most impressive sight unfolded to us as we entered the rice paddy fields. Some were terraced, others were fields. In spots, we saw many field workers standing in the fertile mud, planting the shoots. In Java, as in all other Asian countries, life is all about the food, in particular, the rice. A good year is having enough rice to eat, and having excess to export.

 

The villagers came out of their modest abodes to greet us. For heavens sakes, we were literally cutting right behind their backyards. You could almost reach their laundry drying on their clothes lines! A few of our passengers had brought their pillow chocolates to toss to the waving children. With perhaps 5 more HAL buses taking the train ride, these kids should have a good day candy-wise!

 

It was neat watching the huge butterflies and dragonflies following the train as it chugged by the homes and rice paddies. They just came right into the cars. I did spot a spider in a web near the huts. It must have been 6 inches across.

 

Vendors appeared out of nowhere when the train stopped. It was necessary to transfer the engine to the back, in order to push us up the steepest grades. During that 10 minute stretch, we ended up buying a pair of puppet silhouettes, and a carved set of bow and arrows. What we will do with the archery set once at home is questionable! But hey, the price was right at $5.

 

We arrived to the village of Bedono, where we had the chance to buy some cloth cards before boarding the bus once again. Bill tried bargaining for a metal version of a bicycle, but ran out of time. We had a short ride to the exclusive Losari Coffee Plantation Resort and Spa. While on the 2007 world cruise, we had lunch here, but never had a tour of the property. Today, we had a guide who took us to see one of the individual private villas. It was complete with an elaborate 4 poster king size bed, a dining area, and a bathtub with a view. This suite cost about $450. a day, including breakfast, a plantation tour, PM tea, and yoga session. The only downside was a 21% tax and service charge. Our tour guide said the resort caters to many Japanese families and is booked solid for a year in advance.

 

He took us by a jamu juice hut, where our guide offered us a taste of this medicine. We could compare it to Geritol in the states. It was reportedly bitter and muddy-looking. Needless to say, we passed up the offer.

 

Lunch was served buffet style in an open-air pagoda, which overlooked the volcanoes in the distance. They offered chicken sate, red snapper, sticky rice, bok choi in oyster juice, and fried noodles. Special sauces on the side included a red catsup (not like ours), peanut dip, and a fiery hot Indonesian sauce, called sabul bajak. Steamed carrots and green beans were offered, with freshly sliced fruit and tapiocas for dessert. Their special grown coffee was delicious, as were the sodas, Bintang beer, and bottles of chilled water. We all drank heartily because it was so warm and sticky.

 

A small shop on the plantation had nice items for sale, but as always, these were pricey. It's no fun unless you can bargain too. When we got down to the buses, we were disappointed to find absolutely no vendors. They must have followed the HAL buses instead.

 

Now we were ready for the hour and 10 minute drive to mysterious Borobudur, the famous Buddhist temple of Java. The actual age of this monument is a mystery, but scientists have guessed it to have been constructed around 800 AD, when Java was ruled by Buddhists kings. For over 1000 years, this temple had been hidden under the jungle vegetation, until Sir Stamford Raffles discovered it in 1814. It took 100 years to restore the two million pieces of volcanic stone. The temple itself is composed of 65,000 square yards of lava rock, erected in a the form of a stepped pyramid. There are six rectangular levels, with very steep steps, most with no handrails. Then there are three circular terraces, with the central dome-shaped monument forming the summit. It is there that the Buddhists believe one can reach Nirvana. This lotus-shaped sacred temple has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

We have had the opportunity of two visits to this site in the past. It still strikes us as a wonder to behold. As we were walked the grounds before climbing the steep steps, we could hear thunder in the distance. The sky was slate black, and we knew it would be a short time before this storm would reach us. Only one of us decided to go to the top, because those stairs do not cooperate with bad backs. I was quite content to walk the two lower levels, learning about the multi-cultural carvings in the rock walls. It was very evident that the artists came from Persia, Greek, India, possibly Europe, and Java, of course.

 

Our guide had told us to meet her at the restaurant down below the monument by 3:15pm sharp. The staff had food out for us to eat, like the sate and fried noodles and rice. Trays of local fruit and Indonesian desserts were offered. We were allowed one drink of soda, water, or beer, which was gratefully received. Just as we were ready to depart, it started to rain. And not light rain.......torrential rain! Thank goodness we packed those umbrellas, or else we would have been soaked in the short run to the bus. At this rate, we can understand how this area flooded just two weeks ago with 2 meters of rain. Our guide said the airport had to be closed for three days, and there was much damage to houses and businesses. We did notice slides of rocked walls along the railroad route we took.

 

Now the ride back was even more thrilling, because the streets were wet, and there was more traffic. With their sirens blaring once again, we navigated our way around solid traffic on both sides of the road. It was obvious that the only way to do this tour and get back on time was to drive like maniacs. And it must happen every time a cruise ship comes into port, since the local seemed used to it.

 

We had one quick stop at Eva's Coffee Plantation, basically a reststop with a cafeteria and small shopping area. We were intrigued with a bamboo instrument called an anglung. Ellen was buying one, so we thought it was quite a novelty for $15, we bought one also. I should be able to easily play it, because it contains the notes of one scale.

 

On the way back to Semarang, our two buses passed five of the HAL buses with the help of the police car. Oh boy, that will be hard to explain when we get back. We did have fun waving to them as we flew by! The buses arrived at the pier by 6pm, just in time to join the medium-sized line to board the ship. It took a long time to get all these people through the xray machine, but not as long as it could have been, if the other 5 buses had beat us there!

 

Just before dinner, we sat for awhile on our verandah. At 7 pm, we could hear the call for prayer from the minarets in the city. Strange chanting and singing came from all directions, making it seem surreal. Our guide had told us that over 55% of Java is Muslim, while the others are Christian and Buddhist.

 

We could have skipped dinner, since we were pretty tired. But we knew we had company joining us tonight.......the clarinetist, Larry Linkin, Wolfgang again, and Ellen, our host. We were happy that our waiters were able to serve us all and have us out by 9:30pm. No show for most of us tonight!

 

Now we will have four days at sea to relax before we reach.......Hong Kong!

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[DFD1]

Wonderful telling of an amazing adventure!

[Ready4Cruise]

Mary Ann & Bill,

 

My father was born in Semarang, Java in 1922 when it was the called the "Dutch East Indies". Thank you for description of your day there. Now I want to book a cruise that has Semarang as a port of call.

 

Your daily accounts of your world cruise are great.

 

Thank you

 

Art

[Ready4Cruise]

Mary Ann & Bill,

 

As a follow-up to my previous reply, my grandparents were imigrating from Holland to the U.S.A. by ship when they decided to remain in Java for awhile. My dad was then born in Semarang in 1922. After a couple of years my grandparents and their children continued on to San Francisco.

 

I have a dutch last name "van der Linden".

 

 

Art

[WCB]

Report # 57 February 28, 2009 Saturday Day at Sea Crossing the Equator

 

Even though we technically crossed the Equator the same time we crossed the International Dateline back in January, we shall be celebrating the event this morning at 10:30. "King Neptune" aka Steve, the assistant cruise director, and "His Queen" aka Jackie, the social hostess, entered the scene to be seated at their thrones. Captain Olav, Henk Mensink, our hotel manager, and two of the top officers sat in the jury. In order to ensure a safe passage for the Rotterdam, "sacrifices" must be offered to the king.

 

Luckily, the chosen prisoners were all from the crew staff. Two at a time, they were slathered with tinted and whipped egg whites, then either found innocent or guilty. The guilty were thrown in the pool, clothes and all, much to the delight of the watching passengers! Gosh, what a sadistic crowd!! We noticed that they were not using the spaghetti, fruit, and rubber chickens this time. It did leave one awful mess in the Lido pool when they were done. Hopefully this satified King Neptune for the rest of our journey. We will be crossing the Equator two more times, once in the Indian Ocean, and once again crossing the Atlantic.

 

It was very hot today, of course, being so close to the Equator. Despite the breeze on the aft deck, we had to be very mindful of the time we spent in the sun and pool. We have just met a nice fellow from Texas, who actually sets an alarm clock to remind him when to turn over on his lounge. This is smart, because if you are as fair-skinned as this gentleman, you would burn quite easily. The funny thing is that he has trouble hearing the alarm dinging, so all of us around him tell him it's time to roll over!!

 

Exploration speakers, Nello Angerilli, spoke about spices and Indonesian food, while Joseph Daley lectured on the Dutch East Indies to Indonesia and how 17,000 islands became one country.

 

Since we are getting closer to th end of a major segment, the snowball jackpot bingo continues to grow. Today may be someone's lucky day. We have never played, so we guess it won't be our lucky day! Can you imagine if we did play, and won? We would be hated forever!!

 

The dance teachers, Ron and Sharon, are teaching the rhumba today. That should be very interesting to watch the students practice the dance in the Crow's Nest, although we haven't been going there before dinner this last week. It's been kind of nice to watch a movie in our stateroom in the late afternoon. Sometimes they are not over until 7pm or later.

 

A public forum was held in the Ambassadors Lounge by Ruth Heidrich, PhD, the subject being Growing Older is Mandatory: Going Downhill is Optional. We bet the room was full to capacity!

 

Since Margaret and Keith were going to the Indonesian Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, Barb had invited tai chi instructors, Robert and Bronwyn to join us once again. Because our table is large enough for 10 or 12, when we have only 6 or 8, it is hard to converse with each other. We're too far apart, and some of us can't hear well, while others speak so softly, it's hard to hear. We wonder if we will get new passengers when Keith and Margaret leave in Hong Kong? It will be sad to see them go!

 

Three more sea days to go!

 

Mary Ann & Bill

[WCB]

Report # 58 March 1, 2009 Sunday Day at Sea

 

As we sail in a north-easterly direction, it was necessary to set our clocks forward one hour last night. This is the first time we noticed that we slept late, which is not a big deal for us. But for the crew, it is. Our poor waiters were sleep-walking at breakfast this morning. The only positive thing they have going for them, is the fact that they are pretty young and will bounce back sooner than us!

 

Barbara, the port lecturer, gave an imformative talk on Hong Kong. She has been very good about posting large maps of the areas we are about to visit. If we need help finding something, she has helped us while at her desk. When we get to a port, she is stationed at the gangplank in order to give further directions. It's a big help, we think.

 

Allan Hutchinson spoke about legal systems, while Beverly Myhal talked about her life in the cockpit. We can only assume she was a pilot.

 

After a short time at the pool, we ate lunch, then headed to our room to watch the movie "Body of Lies". It was good enough to keep us on the edge of our seats.

 

During the same time, the HAL Chorale group of passengers were practicing for the upcoming talent show. We bet they are good.

 

At 7pm, we were invited to the CS party in the Crow's Nest. It was our second gathering since we left Los Angeles. Fourteen of our group will be leaving the ship in Hong Kong, our tablemates Keith and Margaret among them. We all toasted their safe return home. We asked the front desk girls how many were leaving and joining in Hong Kong. We were told that 200 were getting off, and 55 were boarding. Ellen and Barbie's friend, Wolfgang will be disembarking with his German group as well.

 

We spent the cocktail hour visiting with friends, sharing our recent stories about our tours and ship gossip. That's always fun!

 

Two more days at sea until Hong Kong!

 

Bill & Mary Ann

[Petronillus]

The character Fyvush Finkel portrayed on Picket Fences was named Douglas Wambaugh. I don't recall that he was a judge. (Judge Harry Bone, as someone has already noted in this thread, was played by Ray Walston.) Doug Wambaugh was the slightly larcenous, shyster attorney with the heart of gold. The memories I have of Picket Fences are very fond. Thanks for all who helped stir them up! And I hope someday to have the good fortune to hear his son perform on the piano!

[Petronillus]

I'm awfully sorry about that! I'm new to CC and new to the boards. I'm enjoying immensely the process of catching up with the chronicles of their world cruise, and was only at installment 14 when I blurted out my thoughts about Fyvush Finkel -- obviously way out of the fleetly moving context! Again, my apologies to all!