Bit of a Blog : Rhapsody : B2B : Singapore - Dubai - Istanbul : May 3rd 2015

[NorbertsNiece]

 

The Big Buddha in the distance

 

 

Tendering was a fiasco.

 

You can see tenders in my previous pic right?

 

We were early so they called those people with tender tickets first. I didn't know I could've tendered with the Diamond Concierge group and had tender ticket 3. Couldn't locate Laura with whom I was to tour Phuket so I headed down when Tender 3 was called. They were holding back the organised tours at this point as they figured they wouldn't be ready on shore for them early.

 

As I got to the gangway they stopped boarding tender 3. Maybe half a dozen of us were held back. So I charged back up to see if Laura was there...... She was actually on tender 3. Hared back down and boarded the next tender. And waited. And waited. They called the ship groups to tender. And we waited. And waited.

 

They were boarding the ship groups on the other side and sending them off. Meanwhile those of us who had boarded this particular tender were getting hot; very hot indeed. Mostly crew but plenty of passengers too.

 

Eventually we were under way

 

 

 

Vendors selling pretty much anything

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Laura negotiated with a taxi driver and we were joined by a couple who had been on the tender with me.

 

Pics from the van which did not have full operational A/C

 

 

 

Yeap. That's an elephant. We're being driven at breakneck speed up the mountain so by the time I see an elephant I'd seen an elephant if you get my drift..... there were others....

 

 

 

We reach the top finally.

 

The gong is making strange sounds.....

 

 

And this is why

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Amazing photos. so worth the wait. Do you happen to know what the pit of coconuts was about?

thanks

 

Am thinking they are what's left after people have drunk the insides..... but then they'd be closed....

 

I'm enjoying your blog. Thanks for all the work you are doing to get the photos uploaded. Perhaps the thing you bought for your cruises is a special bag (purse or tote)?

 

 

Maybe this would be a good idea for onboard the ships. :)

 

BTW, congratulations on your new princess!

 

Nope...... not a bag or tote..... all the guesses have been very good.....

 

Here's my purchase in use helping me keep my stateroom tidy..... one with clear pockets would've been better but couldn't find one.

 

 

We're sailing away imminently..... more tomorrow x

[Setting sail for fun]

Am thinking they are what's left after people have drunk the insides..... but then they'd be closed....

 

 

 

Nope...... not a bag or tote..... all the guesses have been very good.....

 

Here's my purchase in use helping me keep my stateroom tidy..... one with clear pockets would've been better but couldn't find one.

 

 

We're sailing away imminently..... more tomorrow x

 

 

Great idea (the organizer). Do you have it hanging on the bathroom door?

 

 

Debbie

[ringers0815]

I've had the most amazing day. Am currently sat in Izumi catching up with the UK election results.

 

Pinnawala is a long way from Colombo but is so worth the schlep. I'd have stayed longer. We stopped en route on the way up; can't wait to share the pics.

 

Good to hear others have had a great day too. Details of our guide are a few posts back.

 

We went to Pinnawala yesterday also but on the ship's excursion. Went there by train (nice scenic trip of about 2 hours) and back by bus (lots of traffic so took longer than the train but interesting). I agree with Linda, Pinnawala is worth the effort. Loved our day with the elephants.

Edited May 9, 2015 by ringers0815

[NorbertsNiece]

Great idea (the organizer). Do you have it hanging on the bathroom door?

 

Yes..... when the door is closed it's invisible

 

 

Debbie

 

We went to Pinnawala yesterday also but on the ship's excursion. Went there by train (nice scenic trip of about 2 hours) and back by bus (lots of traffic so took longer than the train but interesting). I agree with Linda, Pinnawala is worth the effort. Loved our day with the elephants.

 

Thanks for sharing your day Helene / Jean-Guy.... if you've a pic of the train would love to see it.

 

Am currently sat in the Diamond Lounge...... yesterday really sucked the energy out of me and I had a hard time getting up this morning..... spent some time in the gym to try and kick start the day; my knee is rough.... ho hum. Missed breakfast. Snacking on some fruit and cheese in here. There's a BBQ out by the pool. Uploading more pics for Phuket.... and there's a most unsavoury smell outside my room..... seems there's a leak from the toilet.... maintenance are on to it.

 

Have a couple of Compasses to be getting on with....

DAY 6 RH Cruise Compass, Colombo, May 8.indd.pdf

DAY 7 RH Cruise Compass, At Sea, May 9.indd.pdf

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

How high up are we....

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

I am so intrigued..... each Buddha has a bowl with a number..... and coins in the bowl.....

 

 

A money tree

 

 

I have any cat and dogs pics that I've not posted..... couldn't resist this one

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

Many requests for donations for restoration...... you can write your names on a plaque and then it will be fixed to a column.....

 

 

 

How the site will eventually look

 

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Thank you for taking us along on your wonderful adventure. I'm especially enjoying all the beautiful pictures. :)

[NorbertsNiece]

Immigration was a fiasco. According to the compass I was to attend at 915am, only I was due to meet others for our private excursion at 830. When I joined the line around 745 the line went from the back of the MDR out through the port entry back into and all the way around the casino and out their starboard entrance.

 

Cochin.

 

An absolutely formidable place that had me in tears more than once. We visited a laundry, I don't have the words to describe how deeply I was moved by the plight of these beautiful people. An extremely full morning which had me eventually uplifted by a visit to a synagogue and then a church where a choir was rehearsing. We had a great guide and driver and I am so looking forward to sharing the pics with you.

 

Currently in Windjammer.

[NorbertsNiece]

All aboard was 20 minutes ago...... ship tours are still returning..... we are a long way from Kochi here......

[NorbertsNiece]

 

We head back down the mountain to the temple..... there are elephants on the road but we are breakneck speed again and I'm not able to focus the camera in time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've realised that this has become very picture intensive. As we have a taxi as opposed to a guide we are being transported not guided.... mind you my ability to retain information has diminished immensely anyway. I have to confess that this whole cruise has been a feast for my eyes and nose..... the use of incense pervades many places.

 

There's been a call for a couple of passengers..... I wonder if they are on board..... we should be at sea by now..... am sat on deck 6 overlooking the pier.

[NorbertsNiece]

Today's Compass

 

We are still in port and the same couple are being called.....

DAY 8 RH Cruise Compass, Cochin, May 10.indd.pdf

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to a friend today some 200 passengers had the wrong visas for India and so have been denied disembarking.

 

We're pulling away.......

Edited May 10, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[depplep]

What an amazing journey. I love all the exotic pictures.

[Havin'fun]

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[NorbertsNiece]

2 people have cancelled Valerie's New Mangalore excursion for tomorrow..... very last minute..... get in touch if you know someone still looking.....

[Bimmer09]

Linda, I stumbled upon this today as I don't often visit the RCI board. Thanks for taking the time (and the great photos!) to bring us all along on this amazing exotic itinerary.

 

Following along....

 

Norris

[NorbertsNiece]

2 people have cancelled Valerie's New Mangalore excursion for tomorrow..... very last minute..... get in touch if you know someone still looking.....

 

Managed to fill the spaces by the end of dinner....

 

 

There's what appears to be a funnel shaped 'hut'...... unexpectedly fireworks were let off from within..... a few times.... I think they were to ward off evil spirits.....

 

 

It appeared that people were fixing gold leaf to the altar

 

 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

There will be stairs to climb..... I'm way too hot so I hang around inside for a while....

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We are driven through town on the way back to the tender pier......

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]