TLCOhio

Below continues our "overview" sampling of Singapore on day one. Much to "soak up" and enjoy here. For the Marina Bay Sands, its opening was in 2010 and it is deemed the world's most expensive stand-alone casino property at US $6.88 billion. The resort includes a 2,561-room hotel, a 1,300,000 square feet convention-exhibition space, plus much more. At the top, the Sands Skypark, spans 1,120 feet with a capacity of 3,902 people and a 490-feet infinity swimming pool, set on top of what Wikipedia calls the world's largest public cantilevered platform. Seem big? See below. Plus, more at night later. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,825 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ This section starts with going to the "TOP" of Singapore's most famous icon/landmark. That's the Marina Bay Sands. Over 2,000 rooms in three towers caped by a vast swimming pool, dining, full-sized trees, etc., at the top. Plus, a large casino and shopping area in its lower levels. Shown second is a sample of this hotel's large interior lobby. Kind of cold and sterile, like an airport terminal, in my opinion for this part of the complex. Happy to visit, not sure I would desire to stay here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here's another angle on the pool stretching across the tip top of this Marina Bays Sands.: Here are just three examples of the views for different aspects of this city from this high level. The second picture shows the double-domed Esplanade Theaters, Singapore’s performing arts theatre, plus to the right, our towering JW Marriott Hotel. In the third picture, it gives a small sample for how very busy is this port and the large number of ships loading and unloading each day.: From this vantage point, here is a high-angle view of the famed lion fountain and a nearly, historic bridge that we later walked across.:

Below are few visuals samples from the "Arab Quarter" of Singapore, including a range of different dining places, jewelry and carpet stores, many fabric shops, etc. In one of the pictures, Danny is explaining to my wife some of the history and options here. The "action" started on a "hip and happening" street called Haji Lane. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Super pleased with BOTH Singapore and Danny L. Great time and visuals here. Out now on the 18th floor with its pool, open deck of the JW Marriott South Beach with wonderful views and a nice, cooling breeze. What could be better?? Just walked by after lunch and soaked up some of the rarified air in and around the famed Raffles Hotel that is just across the street from our hotel. Below are some more of the many visuals from our first day in Singapore with Danny. Not too many decades ago, Singapore was just a tiny, nothing "Little Fishing Village". Folks from other countries came, including the British. The rest is an amazing history of change, success, financial power, tourist cross-roads, etc. There are many different "quarters" where people were grouped or segregated, based on their origin. This includes the largest number being from China, plus India, Muslim areas, Jewish, etc. Even among all of the high-rises, both for offices and residential, it is wonderfully refreshing to see how the "old" has been preserved and blended into the fabric of this City-State. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,457 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ This is an example of the older housing that has been preserved and maintained in Singapore. These homes, once very cheap, now cost in the millions and millions of dollars to buy just one townhouse.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) These are some highlights from the various buildings, shops, markets and more in Singapore's "Little India". Quite a wide range of goods, merchandise, services, decorations, etc..:

Appreciate these kind comments and follow-up. YES! Much more to come from Singapore. Below is more from just our first day in the LION CITY as its name means. No lions here, but sounds powerful and strong. True. These are from their highly-rated National Orchid Garden. There are more than beautiful orchids there. Plus, a large, indoor area to have and include orchids grown in higher-elevation, cooler climates. All very spectacular and super well maintained. Amazing!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,889 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Just completed this morning departing the Silver Moon!! What do we do without the excellent staff, our Butler, free laundry (as this cruise marks our 100th day plus sailing with Silversea). All went well (except for the long walks in their terminal) for getting off the ship, going through customs, passports, etc. Got a taxi quickly to the JW Marriott and was able to get in early to relax in our luxury room. Wonderful!! Much exciting in this hotel and its nearby areas. Yesterday was exploring and learning about amazing Singapore with our private guide, Danny, through Tours-by-Locals. Excellent!! Learned so much about Singapore, its history, growth, success, including why everything is so green here and traffic is very flowing and easy. Much more on those details later. Below are only a small sample for what did yesterday with Danny. Then, in the evening there was a ship's tour giving an excellent night-lights tour in the key park, on the river and then finishing with the light and music SPECTACULAR in front of the dramatic Marina Bay Sands hotel. AND, supposedly, the music last night for this program was not just Taylor Swift, but according to local media reports, was sung live by her as we were sailing on this open waterway. She is in town getting ready to do a series of live, mass shows here that quickly sold out in just three hours. Things are alive and happening in Singapore. Loving everything we have seen and experienced so far in Singapore. We have two full days to soak up more for this famed City-State. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 34,619 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 First on our private tour yesterday, we explored various areas, including Little India, the Arab Quarter (including the Mosque shown below), lunch in Chinatown, going to the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel that is the local architectural icon and also pictured below at the top-level pool. Additionally, we are shown in front of a Buddha temple surrounded by nearby newer high-rises in Chinatown.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the evening, it was the Gardens by the Bay and their spectacular light and music show. Look amazing? It was!! At the right lower, is one of the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands complex with their roof-top pool we visited earlier, etc.: Here is one example of the river sailing through and around the Singapore financial district that is now considered third-ranking in the world.: Below was part of the view from our river ship in the Marina Bay area with the Sands in the background. As mentioned, it was Taylor Swift music. Live or recorded? Not 100% sure, but it would be fun if she did do it live, as reported, for us sailing in this dramatic setting.: Finally, here is their famed Lion spitting out water with some of the lighted architecture in the background along their waterfront. Finally, we finished at the historic and highly-rated Fullerton Hotel for drinks (Singapore Sling, of course) before going back to the ship to finish packing and getting our luggage put out in the hallway. Yes, the Singapore Sling was not invented at the Fullerton, but we still felt the history and enjoyed this luxury hotel environment. Our JW Marriott is right across the street from the Raffles Hotel, where the Sling was invented. Lots more to see and explore here.:

From tonight's wonderful entertainment featuring the UK's Martin Kaye doing his wild and wonderful piano salute to Elton John, here are just two fun visuals, including his wild, colorful sox's: Martin is much more than just "color" and rock music. He's the "Real Deal' for exciting entertainment. Plus, here is the Silver Moon Captain leading the salute to the staff for their wonderful performance that makes such a super, positive difference. The third picture shows our excellent Butler, Maricris, in the center, as a part of the group receiving the well-deserved recognition. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,244 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Super appreciate the kind comments from Herman The Cat. Will keep you posted if I can find out if and when Silversea will decided what happens with the Singapore to Mumbai sailing, etc. From reading the news this am, there are still serious "tensions" in and around Yemen, etc. The total uncertainty there is the only "sure thing"! From yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, here are some added visuals to summarize its size, being big and busy, varied new and old architecture, etc. Interesting city!! Clearly, it seeks to be much of the economic and tourism/shopping venue that Singapore has pioneered. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 54,755 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 Here is more of KL's historic train station built during the British era with a nod to Muslin-style design. Plus a couple more visuals to sample the architecture here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This is the tall tower for KL's largest (and fairly new) Mosque.: At KL's Independence Square, here is portion of the field where cricket was played back with the British ruled here, some of their buildings from that era, etc. Second from that same location is another view of the clock tower for the British administrative building with the KL Twin Towers in the background.: From just one quarter of the 360 degree view from the KL Tower, this view gives a wider view of the overall size and buildings in Kuala Lumpur.:

For dining and entertainment last night, it was the Silver Note and the 9:30 pm show featuring CD Jonathan Shade highlighting "New York, New York". Here are two visuals from the Silver Note singer and excellent artist on the piano. Sorry about the red color, but their lighting is focused that way in this fun environment. For the evening show last night, it was very "personal" by Jonathan about his ten years in NYC struggling to reach of the dream of a Broadway leading musical role. He loves being a CD, but the wishes and hopes for that starring role is always there. He closed his set with his great version of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York". THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,835 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

The Silver Moon is now only traveling at a speed of seven knots. Kind of slow, but plenty of time to arrive on Singapore by 9 am on the 28th. It's a sea-day and needing to commence the pack-up stage. That's always the hardest!! Right? From www.cruisemapper.com here is the current position of this ship: THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

At the King of Malaysia's Palace, below are a few additional visuals. In this country, the Kings do not inherit the position. It is rotated among regional leaders with a five-year term for having the title and position. The Prime Minister, like in the UK, has the government executive responsibilities. Hanging with the Royalty here can be fun!! Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For our day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there was a morning delay getting the ship cleared by local officials and then it over an hour and a half driving through urban congestion and traffic to reach this sprawling city. Then, the PRIZE was there at the King's Palace. We did not get to tour the grounds or be inside the royal rooms. BUT, guess who "visited" us and waved "HI!!"? See below. For real! Fun, too!! Below are some quick visuals of the many tall, historic and interesting structures of their downtown. And, we had a buffet lunch in the upscale Pavilion Hotel that was actually good and enjoyable, unlike those endured in Mumbai. More later for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. This offers a quick summary. More to come tomorrow on our sea-day as we sail closer to Singapore. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 63,540 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 This is the King's Place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is newer, but below you can see part of the official motorcade that greeted us while there. Yes, the guards were impressive and the King rolled down his window and waved at us. Unique experience? It was nice to have such good luck with our timing. Thanks, King!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a small sampling of the blend of architectural styles in Kuala Lumpur. The older and more traditional was Malaysia's "Big Ben" Clock Tower building by the British during their ruling period along with some of their administrative buildings used to rule here. In the background, you can see the famed "KL Twin Towers" that were the world's tallest for a six-year period back in the late 1990's. Tall at the right is KL communications tower from which we later had a 360 degree view of everything in the area. Second is one of their newest and tallest buildings that is being completed now and shown positioned next to the old train station with the Muslim-influenced styles in Kuala Lumpur.: Here are a couple of views from a different angle of their KL Twin Towers. Second is a close-up for the upper part of this amazing structure and design that is 88 floors in height. Third is the KL Tower from which we had that high-angle view of the Twin Towers and other high-rises in Malaysia.: Finally, here is a view of Silver Moon as we arrived back in port after visiting Kuala Lumpur.:

Here was the glorious sunset as we did our sail-away two nights ago from Phuket, Thailand. Wonderful from our sixth floor balcony. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, highly suggest India. Had provided our Golden Triangle info earlier and will post most more later. Been busy, busy! Lots of tours in Thailand and Malaysia, including Langkawi, Malaysia, yesterday. Arriving now for visit into Port Klang in order to allow access to the larger and more famous Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Plus, much on the ship, lots of good food, etc. It's a sea-day tomorrow and hopefully I can catch up much more from earlier port stops and interesting sights/sites and experiences. Appreciate the patience and interest. Let me know any and all questions. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,341 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/ Two nights ago, the on-stage was an amazing Martin Kaye from the U.K. He did some super talented versions of Jerry Lee Lewis and a "Whole Lot of Shankin' Going On", plus much more including from his days touring with the "Million Dollar Quartet" Boardway show.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From visiting Langkawi, here are a few quick samples, including riding up to the top with great views on their cable car, plus visiting a rice production site and museum.:

Appreciate the kind comments and follow-up from Lois. YES, we are having a great trip. Need proof . . . and evidence? In just one afternoon in Phuket, Thailand, and in the evening shore program/show, we were blown away!! In a good way. In the afternoon, we hired a local taxi to give us a sampling away from the port area where the Silver Moon is docked. We sample some of the beach, resort, etc., areas. Then, went to the historic main city of Phuket. Their temple there was impressive and there were streets with very interesting architecture, a wide range of shops and local color. More visuals to be posted later. THEN, the Best of the BEST! The evening Thai Performance at SIAM NIRAMIT was totally amazing. Times three, plus more and more. With a cast of over 100 on stage with incredible costume to reflect the various historic period, it was a TOTAL SHOW that surpasses what you could see on Broadway or London's West End. The stage was more than 100' wide, with a water canal in front of it, etc. Plus, fireworks going off, water shooting up, rain coming down, etc. The sets were dramatic and well done. This specially built theater was air conditioned with super comfortable, reclining chairs, etc. Get the idea? No photographs were allowed in the theater, but some of the performers were available outside after the show. See below a small sampling. Do the costumes look incredible? What made things even better? We were seated front-row center to see up-closer and personal this 80+ minute performance with amazing sound and lighting. But, we did not get wet or rained on. Does this offer an example as to why we super loved this show and such a sampling of Thai history? Now to our speedboat ride, James Bond island, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 111,358 views. On our way into Phuket, Thailand, we cruise by some of the scenic beaches. Below is just one sample for how nice things looked along the coastline here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the older, historic town of Phuket, here is just one visual of their amazing temple there, plus one street food vendor. Lots more to come later from this charming town that is well worth visiting.: From after the SIAM NIRAMIT performance, here are just a few quick samples for the cast costumes. Amazing??:

From the last posting at the bottom of the third page, this is a follow-up with much more from our first full day in India when we explore Old Delhi. At the bottom is a short video while riding around on a rickshaw in and near this market area. This is along a little wider road than some of the very narrow passageways. This posting starts at the Haveli Hotel where we had lunch at the Lakhori dining area at the center of this facility's large, open central courtyard. Lahore means small kiln-fired bricks as used by the Mughals to build their vast palaces and fortresses. This live/blog is now at nearly 4,300 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, asked questions, made comments. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 249,173 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ This the colorful cover of our menu for our first lunch in India at the Lakhori in the Old Delhi market area. The second picture gives an example of the dining courtyard's overall look and appearance. A real "feel" for India and its history. Plus, several other visuals give a sample for a portion of the good we enjoyed.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a short video from riding in a short rickshaw ride through part of the less crowded market areas of Old Delhi.: IMG_9674.mov

For those needing some "food porn" pictures and/or wondering how we are doing with ship dining. Here's a double update. Last night was La Dame!! Quick summary? Super excellent. Maybe better? Even including the two weeks in india prior to boarding the Silver Moon in Mumbai, this might have been our "Best of the Best" for the entire trip. So far. Need proof? See below. Fortunately last night, we were at one of only sixteen tables occupied for the evening. That made this event ever more special with superb service, plates served hot, every detail in place, etc. We last dined at La Dame back in the "olden days" on the Silver Cloud for 2010 along the Norway Coast and in 2015 while sailing on the Amazon. Things change, but mostly all for the good based on last night's great experience at La Dame. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 250,568 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Decorated with the custom-made interior panels created by Lalique, I shared earlier on this live/blog some La Dame visuals of those varied glass expressions that bring nice class to this refined, French-inspired setting. Below is just one of example of the special glassware and at each table. Yes, if fully booked, some of the tables can be a little close compared to how they had this room on the Silver Cloud.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At La Dame, here were my Nos Escargots de Bourgogne.: After some sorbet to clean up the taste buds, I had the Bouillabaisse. I love seafood!!: For my main at La Dame, I had Carre d' Agneau a la Fleur de Thin or rack of lamb. Excellent! So many nice choices and options. Had to pick. Might have to come back if time allows. Also at dinner, had a small sharing of their wonderful Risotto, plus Soufflé a la Pistache for dessert. Customize and sample. Many options and potentials at La Dame. Still need to do the S.A.L.T. dining experience. Lots of dining to experience on the Silver Moon.: Here is our super-star waiter Rupesh pictured as he was serving us lunch at poolside yesterday. He so expertly serve us at La Dame last night, helping guide us through the extensive menu and making the best choices. He has been on the Silver Moon since August 2023, starting in Iceland. He will be completing his contract on February 29 as we complete our voyage in Singapore. Then it will be back to eastern India for some well-deserved R&R. Do other recognize or remember Rupesh? He was back at this morning serving us on the outside deck of La Terrazza for breakfast. He is so very good, thoughtful and responsive.: Here are two highlight visuals from last night's dance-focused music program. Hot and flashy!! In a good way.:

For Dr. Ron, YES, I shared your greetings to CD Jonathan Sade yesterday afternoon after he completed Trivia. He smiled and replied “A real character." My guess is he meant that in a good way and that you would take it that way. Right? Jonathan joined the Silver Moon in Cape Town along with 72 other crew members who were boarding at that point in this adjusted sailing to Mumbai. This CD will be on the ship through June in the Med. Jonathan, like other staff on the Moon, still do not know what will happen with the return Singapore to Mumbai schedule, if and if. Clearly getting the Moon to the Med for that prime later Spring and Summer schedule is super important. BUT, past Yemen and up the Suez as currently planned? Doing that route without passengers and limited crew? Or, another Africa circumnavigation? All unknowns at this stage!! We are getting ready to arrive in Phuket, Thailand, at noon today. In early 2018, we visited and super lover Bangkok during a SE Asia exploring that including a Mekong River cruise, plus all of the key locations in Vietnam, plus Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Hong Kong. In 2010, the NY Times summarized: "The teardrop-shaped island of Phuket has long been known for its dazzling beaches and naughty night life. But for many, it was the catastrophic Asian tsunami in 2004 that finally placed Phuket on the map. Recovery has been swift, and in recent years the island has firmly reasserted itself as a premier beach resort in southern Thailand, with a growing crop of luxury hotels, top-notch restaurants and even a thriving art community." Tonight, we are doing a ship's tour for "THAI PERFORMANCE at SIAM NIRAMIT" and then for tomorrow, it is "PHANG NGA BAY by SPEEDBOAT" to see some of the most distinct landmarks of the area including to the island where the finish for the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Catching up to our earlier "Golden Triangle", pre-cruise exploring in the Delhi areas, below are some of visuals that focus on the amazing market areas of Old Delhi. Much of it is wholesale that supplies companies all across India. A few supply local retail buyers. What do they offer? Almost everything, including brass, crafts, wedding dresses, food, spices, etc., etc. More from this fascinating area in a later posting from Old Delhi. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 258,043 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ In this historic area of Old Delhi, there are many old mansions converted to retail, first-floor locations with varied housing in the floors above. This first picture illustrates the quality/class of the designs/style when many of these areas where occupied earlier by those of the Muslim faith. Also, shown are the challenges with having tangles of wires and more wires running up and down the passages.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This shows the wide variety of brass options displayed in just one store window. Plus, there are many, many brass shops and such a range of other sales options. Second illustrates that a wide variety of "services" are offered in the market areas. This one is "while you wait" shoe repair.: Many small, individual stands are open and offering a wide variety of street foods.: The passageways are very narrow and do not allow cars and trucks. Scooters, carts, porters having bundles carried on tops of heads, etc., are utilized to move merchandise in and out. You see it ALL here in this famed part of Old Delhi that is busy, busy, busy.: Some doors and buildings in these markets are both old and needing repair and upgrading. The history is real and long here in Old Delhi.: In this fabric/embroidery small shop, the hand-crafting was taken up to an amazing new level. Different patterns and colors were created on each of the two sides of these light-weight cashmere items. These are machine produced, nor just printed on a design. Very finely detailed!!: Here my wife is greeted as we prepared to enter the restored mansion that served us an amazing lunch in their open, historic interior courtyard at a location that is also a hotel. Notice the design details around the doorway?:

Below is added visual sampling for more of Galle, especially its historic fort dating back to the 1500's. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums At lunch in the Galle area, here is the beach view of the Raddison Blu hotel where we had a buffet. Here we sampled the local beer (in large bottles) called Lion. The Lion is the symbol for this country, but they do not have lions here. Go figure?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a sample within the walled area for the mostly white buildings, churches, temples, etc., in Galle.: Here are some visuals samples from the impressive, large and major Galle Fort. In the second photo, you can see how a cannon overlooks what is now their local cricket stadium. As in India, the sport of cricket is BIG, BIG here, too.: This is another beach example for the excellent shore views in this area of Sri Lanka.:

To continue with more of the highlights from our second day in Sri Lanka, below are added visuals. Pretty, nice country. Cleaner and less litter than seen in parts of India. This island nation only has a population of 22 minion. From the Lonely Planet travel book, they summarize Sri Lanka with a few of these highlights: "Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, rolling surf, cheap prices, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. It may only be small, but thanks to its jungle-clad mountains, golden sandy beaches, abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, and spice-laden cuisines, the island nation ensures visitors are never bored." About Galle, it is on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast and displays its long history proudly. Windswept beaches and nodding palms surround its colonial-era showpiece, a 16th-century Portuguese-built fort, that is walled around for over 3 km around its outer walls. While the rest of the city is trimmed with Dutch-style houses, shops and whitewashed mansions, churches and buildings. Given the long, long drive back to Colombo, our time was very limited for Galle. Next there will be a sammpling of visuals from there in historic Galle. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,825 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ Here are a couple of more views from the river/lake cruise, plus the Sri Lanka flag that features the Lion symbol and then a visual where the river approaches and goes into the Indian Ocean.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) How does Sri Lanka produce some of the world's best cinnamon? Slowly! Very much of a hand-process, peeling off a thin slicing of material right below the bark that is scrapped off.: Just south of Galle, the stilted fishermen are an interesting highlight. AND, while here, one of these fisherman got a catch!! A big fish? Sorry, not exactly. But, it was fun to see this local color and action that goes back hundreds of years.: Here is one of the colorful temples in Galle.:

YES, still on-board the Silver Moon and did check as to your good question for getting off of the ship early, early morning in the middle of night. As an example, in Singapore on the 28th and early, early on the 29th that can and will happen by certain passengers. BUT, in other ports, such as Mumbai, that is very much, maybe, a different situation. WHY??? In Singapore, they have local immigration and customs staff there and on duty . . . 24-7. In many other Asian and Middle East ports, however that is not always the case. In most of Europe's port, they are like Singpore in being fairly flexible. The bottom line, in addition to the serious question of whether that Singapore to Mumbai sailing will happen, is the degree of local staffing/hours provide by Indian officials there for being able to depart the ship. Hope this helps clarify?? You know more now, but not with 100% certainity. Keep the good questions rolling along. Don't be shy!! The only "dumb" question is the one you do not ask. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia. This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc: Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

We are now more than half-way across the vast Bay of Bengal on our way to Thailand. Soon to enter the Andaman Sea. Sound exotic? Sailing speed at 17.4 knots. Good, solid pace across this vast distance in two and a half days. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,457 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ Circled in red shows the good progress as we approach our port in Thailand. Lost an hour with the time zone change.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From last night's excellent program with this Italian baritone opera singer, here are a few visual highlights, including when the assistant cruise director joined in for two different songs. Nice sound track by the orchestra in Sicily. Sorry no recorded video. He was really first-rate!!:

On Sunday, Feb. 18, got up early, early to depart from the ship at 6:25 am for doing a Silversea tour titled "GALLE'S GEMS--THE FORT & MADU RIVER". This includes exploring various waterways, mangrove-lined passages, seeing flora and fauna of Sri Lanka, many birds, etc.. The bad news? It required a two-hour drive from Colombo for the nine of us on the bus to reach this waterway and then more to see the old Portugal and Dutch history in Galle, etc. While I was not able to capture a picture in the thickly-wood trees, the highlight was seeing a group of about six to seven monkeys playing up and down, back and forth among the tree limbs, etc. But, they moved too fast and were hidden from my camera lens. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,889 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 Here was a typical river view that morning in southern Sri Lanka. Nice white bird with its image reflecting in the water below. Plus, this wild lizards that was small, but did not seem welcoming to us.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here was a sampling of bird observations, including this black cormorant spreading its wings to dry them out after firing for fish. As I recall, the blue bird is a kingfisher.: There were a variety of religious set-ups along this waterways.: In the middle of one large lake was this mini-fruit market. Float up and shop? A couple of ladies from France wanted to stop and purchased some of their offerings. The young lady supplied back with a friendly smile as the bag of goods were delivered into our boat.:

Not very confident that I would want to bet my wife and/or huge mega-million-dollar, fairly-new ship to take that "RISK" in sailing through that type of danger zone. Then, there are insurance restrictions that Silversea and Royal Caribbean must consider seriously. If something bad or tragic would happen, the law suits could be many and long. It still takes a number of key crew members to be on-board if attempt to navigate those waters. Need more visuals? Below are a few from La Terrazza at lunch. Next more from time and locations in and around Sri Lanka. Then, back to "catching up" from our earlier travels in India's Golden Triangle. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 34,619 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 At lunch on the Silver Moon, La Terrazza is popular for both breakfast and lunch. It ia mostly a variety of buffet option, but also some custom orders are available, including in the mornings for eggs, including such specialties as Eggs Benedict. At lunch, special carving are offered, including for this kingfish being offered. As shown below, many dessert options. And, we have dining outside to enjoy the weather and sea breezes.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

From this morning's lecture, the speaker was Gustavo Cruz, the S.A.L.T. Chef with a MA in Food and Anthropology. He spoke on "More than Food: How Food and Cooking Made and Define Us." Interesting history, insights and background, with "fire" being one of the key factors as to how human development evolved. Clearly "food" defines us in many ways, but also outlined recent society changes as to how people want it "faster" and now always willing to invest the time required for its fixing with many families being smaller, etc. As mentioned earlier, Silversea had cancellations and visa challenges in getting speakers scheduled and re-scheduled for this sailing with ALL of its various logistical challenges getting to Mumbai. Missing that intellectual "stimulation"!!! Silversea has had many excellent speakers and experts in the past who have added so much for the enjoyment and learning during such sailings. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,815 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337 From last night's evening entertainment program, it was titled "Casino" with much from the Vegas scene with Elvis. Not much of the "Rat Pack" hits were done as promised, but they had the main focus being on the James Bond 007 music and hits. Love that music, too!! Here are the two singers in action.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)