and so it begins.....RTW16

[Wisewoman8]

Will your 14 year old granddaughter be doing the entire 180 days?

 

Yes she will. Hope we will still be buddies after. :). We will be doing a much shorter trip to Alaska July/August on Celebrity. I booked that one first and probably made a mistake booking Aqua class. Now she'll know the difference.

[Baandb]

Yes she will. Hope we will still be buddies after. :).

 

She will be getting an incredible educational experience!

[buggins0402]

Yes she will. Hope we will still be buddies after. :). We will be doing a much shorter trip to Alaska July/August on Celebrity. I booked that one first and probably made a mistake booking Aqua class. Now she'll know the difference.

 

If you want to see pictures of an R class after dry dock...go to the same link but page to their home page and look for their review of their Nautica cruise. On page two and three they have pictures of the ship, however on that cruise they had an outside cabin. They do have some pictures of that bathroom..which should be very similar to an inside's bath.

 

The cabins may be bigger on your Celebrity cruise...but, the restaurants on Insignia will be much better.

Edited April 24, 2016 by buggins0402

[cbb]

wisewoman8--

 

I'll try to get some pictures of an inside cabin, closet, and bathroom for you at turn-around in Sydney.

[Wisewoman8]

If you want to see pictures of an R class after dry dock...go to the same link but page to their home page and look for their review of their Nautica cruise. On page two and three they have pictures of the ship, however on that cruise they had an outside cabin. They do have some pictures of that bathroom..which should be very similar to an inside's bath.

 

The cabins may be bigger on your Celebrity cruise...but, the restaurants on Insignia will be much better.

 

Thank you again for the second link. I am very relieved to see there are hand holds in shower. I was planning on buying one with suction cups. One less thing for my rolling duffle.

I am getting hooked on other people's journals and the fantastic pictures they include. Re: restaurants, I'm afraid Miss A and I are going to enjoy all too much.

[Wisewoman8]

wisewoman8--

 

I'll try to get some pictures of an inside cabin, closet, and bathroom for you at turn-around in Sydney.

"

 

We particularly want to see closet, drawer, and floor space. I thought we might use hampers to corral stuff.

Also how many places we can hang door organizers. Also if there are any other plugs near head of bed or in bathroom. I would like to bring a strong reading (lumens) light if there is any room after Miss A packs. I hope Oceania will store our empty luggage.

I know how much time is spent doing your journaling and your kindness regarding our requests is much appreciated.

[Wisewoman8]

wisewoman8--

 

I'll try to get some pictures of an inside cabin, closet, and bathroom for you at turn-around in Sydney.

 

Also please, what are "zippy" pants"?

[cbb]

zippy pants are pants, both men and women's that are long, but just above the knee are hidden zippers that you can unzip to create shorts!

 

Stores like REI and brands such as Columbia sell them. Many many people on board wear them and they come in a variety of neutral colors.

 

Yes, O will store your luggage, but many people use theirs to put stuff into and shove them under the bed. Mine are too deep to use daily--I can't lift up the bed to get to them easily so that is why i use "blanket boxes" from the dollar store.

 

Mr. Wonderful kept one of his suitcases and keeps things in it under the bed.

 

You can use closet doors (there are 2 long ones and one short one) to hang organizers from, as well as the outside or inside of the bathroom door.

 

there is also a movable reading light that is a high density LED which is beside a standard bedside lamp--both attached to the wall. I brought a small light that clamps on the book--have never used it.

Edited April 25, 2016 by cbb

[Floridiana]

My husband has two "zippy" pants and has never zipped off the legs. When we went looking for this kind of material, it only came with zippers. I bought my 'tropical hiking pants" from L.L. Bean without the zipper. They also sell them as capris and as shorts, all of them with hidden waist expanders. :)

[TenerifeSharon]

Also please, what are "zippy" pants"?

Since you are located in Florida, you can find the Reel Legends brand "zippy pants" at Beall's (very often on sale). Generally only men's sizes, but they may fit.

[cbb]

Tuesday, April 26, Overnight at Bali

 

We arrived right on time at noon in Bali and docked right at the entrance to the terminal. We were greeted by Bali dancers and musicians and of course, the women were absolutely gorgeous as were the silks of their costumes.

 

I heard several passengers complain that the ship could have gotten to the port of Benoa earlier and stayed past 3 pm the following day, but I suppose they hadn't done any research on the port.

 

Benoa is known as a "tricky" port because it is affected by strong tidal currents with numerous shoals, and sandbars and as we watched the progress of the ship on our GPS we noticed a series of turns as we wended our way to the terminal.

 

On Day 2 we saw Princess well off shore and tendering passengers into our pier terminal. That was quite a lengthy tender ride! Yay, small ship Insignia!

 

Oceania had an evening event scheduled for the RTWers so most of us didn't go far from the ship. We were to meet in the Lounge at 5pm and we certainly didn't want to leave the area and get stuck in traffic in a cab....and there is traffic!

 

There is no ship shuttle offered in Bali because there is a strong union here among cab drivers and cab fares are expensive. People who had been here "in the good old days" lamented that they could no longer get into Denpasar City as cheaply as they used to. $30 was what we heard the quote was for the trip in---and $30 for the return trip. Olden days-- the trip cost around $5-$6.

 

Many of you will like to know that immediately through the terminal is a line of market stalls. Think "L" shape. At the end of the little bar of the "L" and through the steel fencing is another line of stalls.

 

The "L" markets had lovely gold and silver jewelry, batik fabrics, especially for men's shirts, leather sandals, and the handbags were either leather or were patchwork batik.....I bought 2 of those for $5 each and they had zippered tops which means when I put it down, stuff won't explode out of the bag onto the car's floor!

 

The other line of stalls sold teeshirts, magnets, many carved wood items, sodas, etc. Some folks were able to get 3 tees for $10!

 

When you go shopping, take someone who likes to bargain. Mr Wonderful sat in the shade and collected my purchases and resupplied me with $5US but doesn't like to bargain.

 

Bruce (of Cathi and Bruce) became my shopping "husband." He is a marvel; he would say "my wife wants these....how much?" I wanted a pair of earrings and the woman quoted a price of $45; when I walked away with Bruce, I had 2 lovely pair for $20!!

 

Later Bruce walked back with Cathi who had been using the terminal's wifi and mani/pedi facilities simultaneously (while I was shopping)--don't you just love a multi-tasker?!

 

Bruce told me later that when he took Cathi back to the stall where I bought my earrings, the market people looked confused, but he just told them that she was his "other wife"....couple of guys gave him a "thumbs up!"

 

Like Bogie and Becall, Bruce and I will always have Bali!

 

Some people who had taken cab rides into a couple of towns thought that the shopping there wasn't very good and found items at the terminal they liked better and for good prices.

 

That evening we went to the Lounge at 5 to begin our Royal Balinese Temple Feast Event. We were quickly issued bus numbers as we walked in. The buses were ready for us all and we took off. Great organization Destination Services!

 

We had a police escort for our many buses and roared through small towns on our way to the Taman Ayun Temple. Because the sirens were used continuously and blue lights flashed, many locals came out of the market stalls and homes to see what was going on--the kids were particularly fascinated to see all of the buses speeding through town.

 

At times the ride was pretty exciting as the police motorcycle was weaving his way through traffic preparing a way for us. Sometimes the "way" was in the oncoming traffic lane but never mind.....everyone basically got out of the way of each other! A couple of passengers couldn't watch and stared determinedly out the side windows missing a great show!

 

Arriving at the Temple the people from the village of Mengwi had formed a long line all wearing traditional costumes and many played music, or lifted lit torches or carried offerings in their hands or on their heads. We fell in behind them as they began to escort us through the Temple gates and into the grounds.

 

As we grew closer to the Temple the villagers separated, forming lines on either side of the main walkway, greeting us as we passed. Many of the women and men were about the ages of the passengers on Insignia, others were younger, and some of the torch bearers were about 10-12.

 

These kids were very serious about their responsibilities until we began to take pictures, give thumbs up, or high-fived them and then these huge grins appeared...just another wonderful moment on this adventure.

 

Most of us, however, went straight to the bar where we could order red or white wine or beer--the bar was heavily used and there was no limit on the number of drinks. NOTE: bring water from the bus or ship as the water in the glasses on the table were not refilled very often but did come from a big bottle from a server. This is especially important if you don't drink alcohol--you will get thirsty if you don't BYOB H2O.

 

The Temple was beautifully lit, torches were everywhere and the stars showed in the skies promising a rain-free evening, even though there was a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

 

We were welcomed by a village leader and then a long line of women in full native costume began to approach each table and each carried a different Indonesian dish. She would spoon her food onto a plate and move to the next person and another woman would step forward to take her place.

 

It was a graceful circle dance at each table and was beautifully done. All of us were hugely impressed by how effortlessly they did it but also how efficiently all of us were served. Rice, chicken, shrimp, fish, noodles and vegetables appeared on our plates.

 

Meanwhile there was a performance of Kechak chanting, dancing, and music. Looking around I noticed many if not most of the O women trying to mimic the handwork of the Bali women--we just couldn't get our hands to bend at the angles that these women did. Absolutely extraordinary! I wonder if in later years they suffer from something like arthritis in their hands from doing this?

 

Dessert was brought to our tables in the same circular dance and was half a cantaloupe with black rice and vanilla ice cream.

 

All too soon our lovely night was over and it was back to the buses without the cool village escort. Since it was now about 10:00, traffic was light and we arrived back home to the Insignia about 11:15.

 

We think most of the village must have worked this night...even the little kids were there. Full employment is a good thing! One note: you might consider bringing a small flashlight if you're worried about uneven pavements. The villagers tried to shine lights on the walk or warn about steps but an accident could easily happen in the dark.

 

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Oceania for this event. What a wonderful way to introduce us to Bali and to express their appreciation to us for taking this cruise.

 

Oceania: If you'd just tweak the 2019 itinerary several of us are ready to sign up again!

[cbb]

Wed. April 27, Day 2 in Bali

 

Many months ago, we debated how to see Bali and eventually decided to go on a shore excursion because of what I wanted to see.

 

Each of us may have something they just really want to see when they travel to a new place; it might be something seen in a movie, or something they read about in a book. I don't know why....but I just really wanted to see the terraced hillsides and rice ponds of Bali....so that's what we did.

 

The excursion is "Bali Terraces and Ulun Danu Temple" and lasts approximately 6 hours. We left well before 8am and were in 2 small 10 passenger vans. As soon as we hit the winding roads we knew why we were in vans and not buses....

 

The vans were terrific and had a/c, comfortable seats, and seat belts. We had a guide, who was excellent and very enthusiastic about her job, and a great driver.

 

We did one thing on the itinerary while the other van did another and periodically we'd cross paths. It was very well done, both by the drivers, guides, and Destination Services.

 

One of the people on board later asked me why I was so enthusiastic about this shorex and I said that we drove quickly out of town, away from tourists, and traveled small roads through the countryside. I really felt as if i saw "real" Bali, and not a beach full of tourists with chain hotels in the background.

 

We saw kids on their way to school wearing their batik shirts (some were red, others blue), dogs out investigating what might have occurred overnight, and women putting out the laundry on the clothelines.

 

We made a quick stop at an overlook only to discover that a man and a snake were there. The snake was easily 20 feet long and was probably a boa of some sort. Only after getting off the bus did we discover that a little boy about 18 months was patting the snake, using it as a pillow, holding onto it and generally it was all adorable and horrific at the same time. Donation please, for taking pictures.

 

As we reboarded the van, the snake was moving into a styrofoam cooler and the little boy was right behind...climbing in, and as we pulled out the snake and boy's heads were just visible above the container.

 

There was little traffic on these roads so when we saw something we oohed over, our guide would ask if we would like to stop, and of course, we did. The driver always found someplace safe to pull into, would stand in the street if he had to-- directing traffic so we could cross the street to take pictures and ooohh some more.

 

Our first stop was amazing. The rice fields had begun to turn golden (always nice in the early light) and women were out in the fields harvesting it. Much of it looked like harvesting described in the Bible....chafe and seed tossed in the air and caught in baskets. Simply gorgeous!

 

One older woman seemed particularly adept and from a little distance, I motioned to my camera and then to her, she nodded and kept up her work. I took a couple of quick pictures, then folded my hands together as much in prayer as in thanks to her, and she smiled this great big grin as I did in return. Another wow memory........

 

We then began to pass through tilled land that moved up the sides of the hills. Lush rows covered these sides....my terraces! YAY!! What an amazing display of human ingenuity and labor...carving out usable space from mountain sides.

 

At one of our photo stops I asked our guide Ayu if the walled compounds I was seeing was for one family, or a small village because some of the compounds were quite large. Sticking up in these amazing profiles, were the tops of shrines within the walls. Secretly, I just wanted her to stop so I could peak into these places....

 

Wish fulfilled!! We stopped and got out of the van and walked a short distance down a street with these closed off areas next to and across the street from each other....one after another. These were family compounds with intricately carved front doors, some opened, some closed.

 

We were escorted by our guide into one of the compounds. When we walked in, I discovered a large area; it is hard to estimate the size but may have been 50x100ft minimum but could have been much larger. From the street it is difficult to ascertain how far back from the street these compounds extend.

 

There were several small and large shrines where offerings and prayers were made as well as small baskets with a different flower for north, south, east, and west placed within. At the entrance to every door, there was one of these flower offerings.

 

All of the shrines had small flowers on them and incense burning. The large shrines were painted gorgeous colors with fiber and rattan decorations blowing in the breeze under the eaves.

 

Within the compound there were several homes, one for each of the family members and the spouses and children. The Elder greeted us and told us we were welcome. Ayu told us that we could walk anywhere outside of the homes but not to walk up into the shrines as they were sacred places for each family unit.

 

She told us that the first born son is tasked with the care of the family's land, the planting and harvesting and caring for his parents. His wife becomes part of his family and leaves hers. Other sons and daughters and their children may continue to live in the compound as well, hence the need for many houses within the compound.

 

If there is no son born to the couple, then the eldest daughter takes on the family responsibilities. Her fiance and his family must realize that he will leave his home to come to live with his in-laws and help his wife with her responsibilities. If the young man and his family cannot accept that, then the marriage cannot take place. Her first responsibility is to her family.

 

For some families, they are happy that their son will receive this land and home and their grandson will inherit this wealth...especially if their son is well down in the birth order.

 

The homes were painted white with red tiled roofs, there were small trees and flowers planted and the compound looked as if it was swept several times a day. The walls of the compound were also white with brick trim and the entrances were bricked door frames with the beautiful carved doors. I want a door....how do i get it back to the ship?

 

We all held our hands with palms touching to greet the family members and did so in gratitude on our way out. I made friends with 2 little girls and with dad's permission took their picture and then showed it to the 3 of them.

 

The oldest girl, maybe 5, was particularly taken with the picture of herself and her little sister....dad didn't rate a finger point! Miss 5 and I waved goodbye until we could no longer see each other.

 

Back into the van to begin our climb to 4900 ft above sea level to Bedugul. On our way up we passed a small family plot hacked from the jungle and currently being worked by 2 women. We asked to stop and we took pictures of one of the women steadily working the small plot of land while the other woman walked across the street to aggressively cut down bamboo. She was tiny and amazing....the bamboo didn't stand a chance.

 

As the first woman turned to work the next row we discovered what we had not seen...a tiny little boy standing in one of the rows just looking at us.

 

Suddenly he began to wave and grin at us and we all waved back....and another round of cameras going "blam, blam, click" ....how can one small island have so many adorable kids?!

 

We climbed windy roads up and up passing more terraced hill sides and rice ponds until we turned into a large parking lot. As soon as we got out we all remarked on how much cooler it was. Cooler was a good thing!!

 

We were there to see Tanu Temple (aka Pura Bratan) a major temple to Shiva. People come there with picnic lunches, to spend a day outside with family and friends. What I didn't expect was how beautiful Lake Bratan is. It is known as the Lake of the Holy Mountain and provides water for the area which in turn helps the fertility of the land. Crops can be harvested all year.

 

Small boats, a large water temple, and little bridges were here and in the background, the Holy Mountain. It was a gorgeous day here, and the water sparkled, the flowers planted everywhere were in full bloom, and people were happy to be outside. Lots of selfies!

 

The two O vans crossed paths here, and all of us just walked around exclaiming how beautiful everything was....really a very extraordinary place and we were so happy to have chosen this excursion.

 

We had heard that some in Destination Services were telling people that this excursion was a long van ride and so might not be a good choice for some people. Well, the people that didn't choose this excursion because of "a long ride" missed seeing what I think is the "real" Bali.

 

On the return trip we saw monkeys and our sweet driver pulled over so we could take pictures. I especially loved the babies.

 

I simply am in love with Bali. Yes, it is famous for its beaches, but I've seen beaches and live by one. I've seen agricultural fields (grew up on the prairie in the US) and I've driven twisty roads. I think Bali is her people--beautiful, graceful, musical, generous, and seemingly, always smiling.

 

I don't know if it is the small offerings given several times a day, if it is living within a strong family, or simply being surrounded by such lush physical beauty that makes the people here so lovely.....whatever it is I wish I could be the same.....Bali, I love you.

Edited April 28, 2016 by cbb

[2552phxcrzr]

Thanks Cynthia for the vivid description of your experience. We have booked a couple of private tours for our overnight stay, and one of them will take us out to the rice terraces, which are a high priority for me in this port. We're lucky that our departure is not scheduled until 8p, so we can really enjoy what Bali has to offer outside of its famed beaches.

[Floridiana]

Cynthia,

What a vivid description again! Thank you so much. It is also very helpful to learn about the shopping at the pier. On our last stop in Bali, the morning excursion was lovely and the afternoon shopping was dismal.

[cbb]

April 28 Day 116

 

Today we sailed by islands that reminded me of Southern California. Brown hillsides interrupted by long strips of green vegetation in ravines where rain would run down. Periodically we could see lone trees silhouetted on the skyline.

 

We anchored offshore of Komodo Island, Indonesia in very calm seas and watched as the tenders were unloaded and one headed to the Komodo Jetty to set up the O tent and water stations.

 

We were sent to the Lounge in about 15 minute increments, given shore tickets, and off we went to the tenders.

 

We all tendered without difficulty to a very dry island. Much of the ground vegetation was severely dehydrated and most of the trees looked stressed.

 

I asked what one of the particularly pretty trees was. The very large canopied and white multi-trunk tree was a cassis and it didn't look as dry as some of the others. However, it often appeared to be in a line with its neighbors and in a more sunken area so I suspect that there is water for the roots.

 

We were all put in groups of about 25 based on shore ticket # and were given warnings and instructions; absolutely no smoking, no loud noises, no wandering off the trails and one must stay with the group.

 

To insure we followed the latter instruction, a guide was at the head of the line, in the middle, and one brought up the rear. There was also an O staff person with us as well.

 

Despite the very easily understood warnings, one of our group strayed off the path more than once and the guides had to get him and bring him back....clueless or ornery?

 

Dragons on Komodo are believed to be a remnant community of monitor lizards that once were more widespread. Today they are sheltered in a national reserve that is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site and an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 

We were told that fewer than 300 remain on the island. They can reach 11' in length and over 300 pounds and surprisingly, given their size, can move very quickly over short ranges and are strong swimmers. (description of alligators as well)

 

They will eat deer, wild boar, people, and each other. A mother dragon will give birth to 15-30 eggs and when they hatch, they head for the nearest trees because other dragons and predators will eat them. Maybe 5 will reach adulthood and can live 60 years.

 

In June and July the Dragons mate with the males engaging in fights to see who is the dominant one who then approaches the female who can accept or reject him. Sister gets to be picky!

 

We could begin to see some of the other Insignia people clustered in front of us and word quickly spread that the Dragons were just ahead.

 

Five Dragons were there: 3 males, 1 female, and one estimated at 8 months old. That was a big baby!

 

Initially they didn't do much...just chillin' at the ole water hole, but all at once one of them lifted his head, came to his feet, and moved in our direction.

 

One of our guides, a pink -scarfed woman with a sharpened stick jumped in front of us and began to wave it.

 

I promise I did not do anything to rile the Dragon nor did anyone near me but I gave her my sincerest thanks for protecting me. Wow!!!

 

By then, the others were on their feet moving around. We don't think it was the sound of the cameras, no one was wearing red, and none of us were bleeding.

 

We had been asked by our guide if any of us were menstruating, and after we picked ourselves up off the ground from laughing so hard, we assured him that wasn't likely to happen again in our life times! (one of the great benefits of getting old!)

 

After we had our photo time with the dragons it was time to move on....to shopping! The water hole was only about 300 yards from the market stalls set up by the villagers.

 

Many people bought strings of freshwater pearls for $10 and there were many Dragon tee shirts for sale in all sizes. There were wood carvings of Dragons with magnets on the bottom of some, as well as postcards, wooden bowls, and other items to tempt the tourists.

 

Some people had taken tours of handicraft areas in Bali the day before and a few thought that they were simply bused from store to store, whether it was shorex or private tours, and they were very disappointed.

 

I heard many say that the pearls were of the same quality and much cheaper in the Komodo stalls than they were in the cities where the handicraft shops were. I did see many women wearing pearl necklaces tonight at dinner!

 

It was a very hot day and some people whined about the heat, which makes me wonder why they would take a cruise segment that was mostly in the tropics and why, if heat bothered them, did they leave their air conditioned cabins to go outside to see giant lizards?

 

Others complained that there were bugs bothering them and I asked nicely if they had used or brought insect repellent with them and ....no, they hadn't.

 

Maybe they'd be happy if a Dragon or two were herded on to a ship's tender and brought to each side of the Insignia so that everyone could look down from their verandas and say "oh, so that's what they look like" and return to the a/c. I wonder how they could ever get anyone to volunteer for the herding or the piloting! (ok....done with my rant!)

 

We tendered back to the ship, again the seas remained gentle, so there was no drama coming back aboard. The tender guys are terrific pilots and the gentlemen who help us on and off have to be saints to put up with us.

 

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see Komodo Dragons. I don't know if I would go out of my way to see them again, but I'm thrilled I was there -- another cool adventure going around the world!

[cwn]

cbb, what a wonderful post...brought back so many memories. Thanks!

Since I noticed several comments from people about gathering info from your blog for their up coming trips, I thought the things we did might offer some more ideas. Based on the time it took us to drive to the various places, Tenganan could be done in a full day or the Ubud area in less time. We also did basically your tour....loved the every bit! Please forgive me for hijacking your thread. But there are so many wonderful places in Bali that are not crowded beaches, I just had to share.

Carolyn

 

From our 2015 blog....

Sunday, March 15 - Day 40 - Manggis

We arrange for the hotel car and driver/guide to take us to the weaving village of Tenganan Pegringsingan. It cost $20K IDR to get in the gate, all of $1.51. This village is over 1,000 years old and has very unique customs. Villagers must marry within the village or leave if they do not. The real estate is communally owned and if someone dies without an heir, the village gets the house and assigns it to a new owner/family. The village is known for its weavers and that is the reason we are here.

 

We stroll through the village with our guide, Pudi, who seems to know many of the people and who gives us a running commentary. Other than people talking on cell phones and the occasional motorbike, we seem to be walking through almost a stone age village. Everything is made from black, volcanic rock and carved wood. Doors are rare with hanging cloth a more common door covering. The people are smiling and welcoming to us although outsiders of any sort have only been allowed into the village in the relatively recent past.

 

Pudi leads us to the back of the long, narrow village enclosure and up many levels, by way of stone ramps and the occasional concrete stair, to Morinda Art. We are invited into the family compound and introduced to a young couple. The Resort helps the village and the villager's beautiful work displayed and used throughout the resort so we assume Pudi has a connection with these people, like guides everywhere, but we can see the quality of the work and the couple patiently explain the process of producing the ceremonial weaving known as “Greingsing (No Sick) - Double Ikat.”

 

It takes four years to make a skein of yarn with which to make one of the weavings. Talk about labor intensive! The lady is the wife of the man and shows us her work. But the highest quality work they show is produced by her mother-in-law, his mother. She modestly explains, when asked, that she is not yet capable of producing that quality; maybe in another ten years or so, she says! Regardless, it is all uniquely beautiful!!

 

With our usual exquisite taste, we immediately spot an older piece made by the mother-in-law some ten years ago. It is long and narrow and perfect for a table runner. (Be sure to put glass over it, never wash and cool press only!) We ask the price and there are not that many zeros on the computer keyboard! Oh, that’s right, we are talking about Indonesian Rhupia (IDR)! Ok, so if there are 13,000 rhupia in a US dollar, how many dollars is .................? Still ouch but doable for our one big purchase of the trip but we do not have anywhere near that much cash.

 

“Not to worry, we take credit card,” says the man!

 

“Deal! says the shopper And, by the way, how much is this smaller piece? Did your mother do this one too?”

 

“Yes, my Mother made.”

“So, how much for both?," replies the shopper?

 

“Make you special deal for both and throw in these carved wall hangers for the pieces!”

 

And so, international trade is increased. We make new friends in a strange society in a far away land and the man comes out with a WIFI CARD SWIPE MACHINE AND HAND HELD CALCULATOR! To business!

 

Pleased with our purchase of this highly collectible fabric, we take a different route back toward the village entrance and our car. Along the way we sample red, “Hairy Fruit” right off the tree, photograph the buildings, the fighting cocks in their cages, tiny chicks following their mother about and generally enjoy the place and the people that we have all to ourselves!

 

Back in the car, refreshed by a bottle of water and a cold towel from an ice chest in the back, we head back to Alila Manggis. We have been gone all of two hours and the charge is only $18US per hour for the car and driver/guide. Well worth the price of admission for an incredible experience!! (Note: This would be a full day from the port, but there is so much to see just from the car it would be a great trip. Around trip from the airport ~ 2 hours each way, the port is little more.)

 

Monday, March 16 - Day 41 - Alila Manggis to Alila Ubud

Our host today is Putu Arnawa who is Balifriend Tour. He came to us by recommendation and we pass him on to our readers as patient, skilled, knowledgeable, fun, careful, courteous, etc. Use his services when you are in Bali!

 

Carolyn and Putu had worked up a full day seeing the salt making village and a temple on the East coast and then going up to the Mountains for a temple and the World Heritage Site rice terraces and finishing with a coastal temple. It sounded good on paper...but things change namely festival time!

 

We are on our way by 8:30 and drive back toward Denpasar on the coast road and decide to turn up into a village that we noticed yesterday preparing for a local festival. We drive into the village area and stop to get some pictures of the street decorations. Our stop happens to be right in front of an elementary school. The children are out in the yard on snack/recess break and, like kids everywhere, are anxious to say hello and have their pictures taken.

 

Leaving the village and turning back on the main road, we drive several miles passing rice and vegetable tracks that stretch to the sea before Putu asks if we would like to see a “sea purification festival?” Bali is approaching its new year on March 21 and each village is getting ready for the celebration and preparing for the Hindu purification festival all in preparation for the new year. Since the festivals are colorful and interesting, at least one is must see! So, down a narrow, paved track toward the sea. He lets us out to walk to the beach while he turns the car around, no mean feat on this narrow track, and says he will catch up. Sure enough, he is up with us soon after we come to a low seawall covered with parked motorbikes and some cars. We walk toward the sound of bells and oriental music while taking in the black sand beach and arc of the bay.

 

Without being intrusive, we can take some photos of the prayers and gathered crowd. There is everything from kids flying small kites, to food vendors selling Sate up to and including the devout following the lead of their priests. It is quite a party! From here we drive further West and then turn North and begin climbing up into the hills in the center of the island passing through one small village after another and by many rice fields.

 

Traffic is very heavy on this narrow main road but soon we turn left onto an even more narrow road to head to one of the lakes. We pass by a small quiet water temple and stop. Putu likes this small temple because it seldom has anyone visiting. It is a simple temple, but looks nice sitting out in the small green lake. The sky is getting grey and looking like rain so our pictures aren’t the best. Across the street is a spring and people are gathered there filling five gallon jugs with water and a little further on there is the bathing pool with men bathing in the all together...reminds us of India.

 

Onward climbing all the time though many small villages and past more rice fields, we turn on the main road to Pursa Duna Bratan. This is a very busy area, But the temple is not too crowded. Putu has been racing the afternoon rain and it hits just a we arrive. Fortunately it doesn’t rain long or very hard so we tour the temple without getting too wet. This one is famous because part if it is in the lake and looks like it is floating. It is pretty and after a look around we move on to the main stop of the day the World Heritage Site, the 1000 year old Jariwith Rice Terraces. Just before we get to the Terraces, we get caught up in a purification festival parade of one of the small villages. We follow the parade to the temple and then on to the Terraces, The clouds have lifted some and the terraces are spectacular, flowing down one hillside and up the next as far as one can see, the misty like sky just adds to the beauty. Putu even gets into the act with his camera and all three of us work the terraces over. It is now after 3 and it is an hour and a half direct to the hotel in Ubud. We finally arrive at Alila Ubud at 5PM after 8 and a half hours with Putu seeing pure Bali!

 

Tuesday, March 17 - Day 42 - Ubud

We catch the 10:30AM shuttle into town and are dropped off at 11AM. There

are many interesting places to visit in and around Ubud as the area is known as the cultural heart of Bali. Carolyn is looking for local crafts and fabric and a shop called “Threads of Life.” It is a co-op that buys from female craftsmen all over Indonesia and plows the sales proceeds back to them to help them build sustainable lives and businesses.

 

We find the street we are looking for after a long block’s walk and turn up it while dodging cars and motorbikes. We have a map from the hotel that indicates it is just a short walk up on the LEFT side of the street. After a longish up hill walk, several hundred yards in the heat and humidity is a long walk, we have not found it. Dick strikes up a conversation with three ladies sitting in front of a shop while waiting for Carolyn to catch up. They indicate that our target is just a few doors down on the RIGHT.

 

Having found it, the next obstacle is the rise on the steps in front of the store. There is no standard here and one of these has to be 15 inches if not more. Once inside Carolyn finds several small pieces of jewelry and some finely woven, tiny baskets. Thank heaven for Mastercard!

 

Back down those steps, we head back the way we came and promptly stop at another fabric shop where Carolyn buys some silk fabric. It is very colorful and so soft. Next we go to the shop of the lady who gave us directions and buy more fabric, cotton this time. That is it! We are out of cash except for the necessary 400,000 rupiah to pay the airport tax so we can leave the country.

 

We walk back to the main street, sit on the edge of a raised flower bed and drink a bottle of water while waiting for the shuttle to arrive at 1PM. It is going to be a dead heat as to whether the rain or the shuttle arrive first. The shuttle wins by a few minutes and we are in it when the first drops fall. It is only a brief shower but is a foretaste of what the afternoon will bring. When we arrive back at the hotel it is pouring rain.

 

We have a room service lunch of club sandwiches. Carolyn reads and works on the 2000 pictures from yesterday while Dick works on the blog. It rains hard most of the afternoon, but that is fine with us...we have a wall of glass overlooking the gorge and the forest and have a great time watching the monkeys play in the trees just off the balcony.

 

The pictures for these days can be found on our blog:

http://www.rtw50thanniversary.blogspot.com

Go to the bottom of the screen to the Blog Archive and click on 2015 then on March and finally on March 15 to get started.

Edited April 29, 2016 by cwn

[4Lakes Lady]

cbb, I have to think you were a professional writer in your past life! Your wonderful descriptions make me believe I am there with you. I've been reading them aloud to my hubby and we both send our thanks for the time and effort you have put in to allow us to come along with you on this world adventure![emoji173]️

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[cbb]

4lakeslady,

 

thanks for the kind words but no professional writing! Just a retired history teacher! I'm so glad you're enjoying our adventures with us.

 

Now, we're about 3 hours away from Darwin, Australia. We love Australia and NZ and can't wait to arrive!

 

btw, in one of my Bali posts I spelled "Bacall" incorrectly...sorry about that!

 

for the newbies to this thread;

 

http://www.drdavebradley.blogspot.com is where we're posting pictures and he writes a few comments. They usually match well with what I write here.

Edited April 29, 2016 by cbb

[cbb]

some friends were on the snorkeling trip that Wayne wrote about on his blog; just want to pass on their warning...

 

Be really careful because the water is deceptive. Several of them are very strong swimmers and they got caught in the currents and needed help to get to the boat.

[Emma Chisit]

Now, we're about 3 hours away from Darwin, Australia. We love Australia and NZ and can't wait to arrive!

 

 

Have been following along and enjoying the Indonesia posts - we lived there in the early 1980s and have never been back. Doubt we will return. (Did not get to Komodo Island though saw the dragons in Jakarta zoo. They were not at all lively there - but can of course be dangerous and have killed humans. Wish I could chat into you again in Terrace to do some eye-rolling about people who know better than the guides.)

So...you should be in Darwin by now. (somewhere we also lived until a Cyclone called Tracy on Christmas Eve 1974 moved us out of there.)

 

Welcome to our country. xx D & D

[cbb]

EmmaChisit:

 

Girl, you and I would have a seriously excellent time rolling our eyes if I could only relay my adventures to you and yours to me!!!

 

We walked all around Darwin today visiting the historical sites, primarily the early ones, the WWII ones and the aforementioned, Tracy ones.

 

Poor Darwin, what the Japanese didn't destroy, Tracy did. It is remarkable that people dug out and rebuilt....hardy people these Aussies!

 

miss you and wish you were back on board. Or at least send D--the couch is still available although my D is currently sitting on it editing Darwin photos.

 

all is well and we love Australia and NZ so we're excited we get to be in country for a while. Thanks for the lovely welcome via ccritic message boards! hugs, c

[cbb]

April 30 Day 118

 

Today we sailed into Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin which has a very nice terminal building and waterfront apartments make it a lovely area. Nice place to live!

 

We were warned, repeatedly by Ray Carr, not to take food ashore. He told all of us to take the apples out of our backpacks, empty the beef jerky out of our handbags, and never ever take bananas off ship. "No bananas" became the ship's shorthand for just leave everything to eat on board!

 

The Australia officials cleared us quickly and we were off the ship shortly after 11am. As you exit, you will see tables set up with things to buy--wait to buy until your return to the ship. One woman stopped and she and her husband missed the shuttle bus....he was not happy.

 

We took the free shuttle which took us into town at an excellent drop-off location.

 

Cross the street and we were on Smith Street Mall, the main pedestrian mall, and 2 ATMs were immediately on the right...as I said-- the perfect location.

 

The "Mall" is not what Americans refer to as a "mall." This was an outside, wide pedestrian walkway, covered with architecturally-designed clear roofs, and shops on either side. The light came through, flowers and trees had been planted and there was a water feature built into the street with several holes that shot water into the air.

 

Two little kids, under age 2, were getting absolutely soaked playing in the water and almost everyone passing watched them...they were pretty funny! One leaned forward to see where the water was coming from and got nailed right in the face. She wiped her face and grinned--tough girl!!!

 

We headed immediately to the Camera House, which Mr. Wonderful found online, to buy a replacement lens for his camera. We had double checked with the Aussies on board who all said it was a very reputable chain and that if there were problems with the lens, it could be replaced in several stores in other ports in Australia. A shout-out to Kaitlin in the Darwin Camera House--great service!!

 

He immediately tested the lens after we left the store and we posted some of those pictures on the blog so all is well in his world now.

 

We decided to save the rest of the shopping for later in the day so that we could go on a walking tour I found online. We visited a wide variety of places: early Darwin buildings, WWII sites, and places with tablets that said "here was.... before Cyclone Tracy."

 

A brief history of Darwin: the harbor was "discovered" by British Captain John Stokes in 1839 and named for Charles Darwin, a former shipmate of his. Gold was discovered in 1871 some miles south of it which hastened settlement of the area.

 

Darwin was the first place in Australia to be attacked by the Japanese. On Feb 19, 1942, 188 Japanese aircraft dropped bombs on Darwin killing 243 people. The raid destroyed many public buildings, 8 ships were sunk in the harbor and 24 planes were destroyed. A second raid at noon took out the RAAF base. Between February 1942 and October 1943 the Japanese launched more than 60 raids all over Darwin.

 

After the war, the population quickly began to rebuild and by Australia Day, January 26, 1959 Darwin was granted city status because of its population and economic growth.

 

Christmas Day, 1974 the city was almost wiped out again by Cyclone Tracy. It killed 66 people and injured thousands. The largest airlift in Australian history began and more than 30,000 of the 43,000 people living there were evacuated to other towns throughout Australia.

 

It is now a very interesting town. As you walk around, you see buildings with wide verandas built of local stone by early settlers next to those needed by the military in WWII, and modern hotels looming over both. Everywhere you see historical markers; it's great to see a city love its history!

 

We had been to Darwin before but it has changed. Smith Street Mall is new for us and a great idea, especially during The Wet. I didn't remember any of the development around the pier and there is a new elevated walkway and an Esplanade, a leafy walkway along the waterfront.

 

We had seen the Botanic Gardens, some WWII sites, the Military Museum, sailed the harbor, and had made the trip to Kakadu which reminds me of the Florida Everglades only with crocodiles, so we were thrilled to be able to just walk around the town and see the historical sites and visit shops.

 

After our walking tour of the city we returned to Smith and Mitchell Streets to do some shopping. We found the Coles and bought some greatly desired but not needed snacks. (Suddenly the weight has crept up so we have to really watch what we eat--still in case of famine aboard ship one needs to have a supply of food in the room.)

 

The Smith Street Mall is a wonderful place to shop for tees and other clothes, souvenirs, and especially great shops for aboriginal artwork.

 

One of these stores, Mbantua Fine Art, had lovely original wall art with cards posted identifying the artist. Everything in the store was based on aboriginal designs: stationary, bowls, small art prints, textiles and.....yay....earrings! I bought 2 pair.

 

Each design in the earring represents something important in the Aboriginal society and I asked for, and received, information on the designer.

 

We ate lunch at Shenannigan's on Mitchell Street, an indoor/outdoor pub serving a wide variety of foods and drinks as well as having several big- screen tvs. We watched rugby highlights while dining and watching the locals! We ate inside since outside was for the smokers. Great fun place!

 

We continued on with souvenir shopping and bought a few Aussie things for the munchkin at a corner store on Mitchell Street, one street over from Smith Mall. Coles Supermarket is located just up the street from the pub.

 

We love Darwin. The people are extraordinary; blown up by the Japanese, and leveled by a cyclone, they rebuilt their city and their lives. Well done, Darwin!

[cbb]

CHANGE IN RTW ITINERARY:

 

for those of you following along, I thought I'd share the news today from the Captain.

 

We were scheduled to have Friday May 6 and 7 as sea days and Newcastle, Au on the 8th.

 

Evidently there is a large group of kayakers that aim to block the harbor and keep all fossil-burners from coming in. While I understand their cause, I wonder what the people who were looking forward to making some money from us think about the protest.

 

In consultation with the locals and with Miami, this is the new itinerary:

 

May 6 remains a sea day, Brisbane from 10am-7pm has been added, and May 8th becomes a sea day. Poor folks in Destination Services must be madly trying to reserve excursions for us in Brisbane.

 

Evidently, one woman in Terrace danced in jubilation when she heard the news!

[cwn]

Sounds like great day...you must have had a "dry" day. We were there in 2009 during the WET. Wet or dry, Darwin is a great place to visit. We also ate at Shenannigan's.

 

I am really enjoying your post and the blog. Thanks so much to both you and your husband for taking the time to post.

 

Wow...but Brisbane has a nice downtown district. Don't know where you will dock, but it was a ways into town from our docking spot.

Edited May 1, 2016 by cwn

[2552phxcrzr]

Brisbane is on our 2017 itinerary, so I have done some research. Cruise ships apparently generally dock at Portside, but if port is busy then the Multi-Use Terminal is used. There is also Fisherman’s Island in the lower reaches of the river; about 25 km from town center ... but this is usually for the larger ships that can't clear the bridge. I checked the port schedule and there is already another ship scheduled to be docked at Portside on May 7 ... not sure how many ships Portside can handle, but the list I looked at never shows more than one at Portside.

 

Aside from the Lone Pine Koala Center, which you can get to by boat (M/V Mirimar), there is plenty to see and do in town. They have an Explorer Bus (hop on-hop off) -- here's a link to the brochure. The City Hopper is a free water taxi that runs on the river ... nice way to see Bribane from the water. There's also the CityCat ... another way to enjoy the city by way of the river.

 

Hope this info helps you and others to plan your time in Brisbane.