Raina's Blogging again - Navigator, Harmony Anthem

[AussieVisi2r]

4th November - Three Sisters

 

It was then off to the Talent Show for our choir performance. We sang Lion Sleeps Tonight and Coming up Roses. It was all very fancy with a four part Harmony. Run by the director of Grease and one of the band leaders so all very flash and correctly done. It sounded pretty damn good. The men section of base singers was amazing.

 

 

Guess I can now say I have sung on a Broadway stage. They kept telling us the stage was the same as Broadway and West End.

 

And then race up to the room to change cameras and out to the balcony to get a spot for the Three Sisters Meet Up. Harmony is the third of the Oasis class of ship and is coming to the USA for the first time. That is why our Trans Atlantic trip was so long. Normally it would take a day or two less.

Royal planned this years ago when working out schedules – and then hoped it all worked out. We arrived mid morning and just hung around! Then the other started to arrive.

 

We were arriving at Fort Lauderdale at the end of our trip – with a day to spare. Allure was leaving Fort Lauderdale on a seven day trip. Oasis is “Dead Heading” to a new port. Travelling with no passengers. So there is a huge party happening on bard tonight. 2000 staff and no passengers. An incredibly rare thing for a ship.

 

 

So this was no cheap exercise for Royal. That and the few helicopters to take the photos. One helicopter worked from 4 pm till well after 8 pm. With refuel stops. Heaps of photos of the sister. It flew around and around and around and around.

 

Thousands of people lined the decks of each ship.

 

 

Water cannons came out and fired!

 

 

We all bobbed around for ages. Then we formed up and the helicopters arrived. The news and the charter.

 

 

Close enough to call out.

 

 

Taken with a very long selfie stick! NOT.

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

4th November - Three Sisters

 

 

The helicopter came back at sunset and took photos of us with the sunset and the Florida skyline behind.

 

 

Then when dark flew around and around taking photos with the lights. It did a few runs straight over the middle of the pool. The photos will be spectacular with all the coloured lights.

 

 

 

 

Will admit the novelty had certainly worn off my 8 pm! Back back he came taking night shots. Some of them were low swoops over the pools and things with all the lights on. They will be spectacular.

 

What a great experience to be part of the historic meeting of the three largest cruse ships in the world.

 

Then time to pack for that horrid day tomorrow!

 

[AussieVisi2r]

5th November – Get off my ship day!

 

Well – this is the third cruise of this trip…..but my first “Get off my ship” day! Cruise 1 – back to back, Cruise 2 – I got of early, and Cruise 3 – Get off day!

 

We arrived at the port at some ridiculous hour. And I was up at 6.30! I booked a ship tour – to get me off the ship. I’ve heard horror stories about it taking four hours for non US people to get off after Trans Atlantic trips. - - - I've since heard that some people were still getting off after 11 and missed afternoon flights.

So had to be in the theatre at 7.30. Took about 25 minutes from the beep out to the bus. Excellent. But we did have a 30 minute wait. 4 people were missing. Two came then two more. They said they had missing luggage…..but what I think was that clothes were in the luggage. They arrived with tousled hair and the guy had dress shoes, long black socks and very thin white shorts that looked suspiciously like sleeping boxers! Maybe someone forgot the alarm and forgot to keep morning clothes out when they put the bags out last night. hahahah.

 

Off to explore the Everglades…well a tiny piece of it. It was an interesting drive out of the city and suddenly into water land. There is water everywhere. We drove past complexes that looked like huge factory warehouses. But they had water ways between them and were inside boat docks. But not for cheap boats. For big fancy ones.

 

Other things I noticed included heaps of ‘Trailer Parks’, permanent parks, like you see in the movies, and heaps and heaps of lawyer and medical billboards.

 

 

We arrived at the air boat place and of course it has some alligators on display. But this place was different. It wasn’t a little zoo. It was a rescue place. Alligators or quick learners. Once they have been looked after by humans – even for a short period of time, learn that we will not hurt them (usually) and that we feed them. So an injured wild ‘gator, that goes to the vet and takes a few weeks to recover can never be re released – both legally and morally. SO its either a rescue home or the ‘green dream’.

 

 

The airboat people had also paired with an organisation “Predators Unlimited” – a not for profit animal rescue organisation. The airboat people give space to the PU people, the animals bring in the crowds. And the animals did not just include Alligators – other reptiles included Caymans, giant snakes etc. They also have a collection of exotic cats – because it is legal to own exotic animals in the state of Florida. And it is not likely to change as the selling of permits is a huge money maker. But so many people o not provide adequate housing and the animals are confiscated. I don’t know how they are failing the housing limits. They are ridiculously small! One pen he showed us for the bob cat – may be three times the size of my cat pen – was legal for two tigers. What a disgrace. So a rescue place where they save animals previously owned by morons. 'Cause it is legal to own a panther or a tiger in Florida.

 

So this place has rescued….bob cat, panther, puma, and more. So sad to here all the stories of each of there big cats and what they had been through. Yes. Humans can be morons.

 

But…today I fell in love. I always knew I loved the Fennec Fox…but today I interacted with one. And she was beautiful. OMG. Squeal. So tiny. Smaller then a rabbit and about 1kg in weight. The fur is one of he softest furs I have touched. Lucky they are so small – too small for the fur trade.

 

 

And the careers take her home at night to there house. Wow how amazing. But a slight problem. They DO NOT toilet train. Ever. And have very small stomachs. So they may be playing on the bed with you and need to poop. So they poop!!! And they are night creatures. And love to play. And screech to get you to play with them. Like a cross between an insect and a fox. How much fun would that be. Having the glorious little thing racing around the house. Apart from when it poops.

 

 

We then headed out into the swamp to spot Alligators.

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

5th November – Get off my ship day!

 

Fun. Windy and lovely. The Everglades are very pretty. So flat and the swamp just goes on forever.

 

 

We saw some big Gators. But they are certainly not Crocs. We were so close to them. You would never take a boat of tourists within one metre or a four meter wild croc!!!!!!!

 

 

Saw An Osprey take his fresh, wiggling fish up into a tree to eat it.

 

 

The airboats are actually just that. A flat huge dingy with giant fans at the back. Nothing goes into the water. So they skim across anything with a bit of water under it.

 

 

Then back to eat some “gator bites”. Tastier then Croc – not tender but tasty.

 

 

Then off to the airport for my flight to New Orleans. When I was checking in and about to pay for luggage – about $65 – the computer asked me if I would like to upgrade to First class for $100. Took me about 7 seconds to hit the YES button. Nice seat, food, drink, luggage etc.

 

[Coralc]

[quote name=AussieVisi2r;51520021Then off to the airport for my flight to New Orleans. When I was checking in and about to pay for luggage – about $65 – the computer asked me if I would like to upgrade to First class for $100. Took me about 7 seconds to hit the YES button. Nice seat' date=' food, drink, luggage etc.

 

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You bet! Nice upgrade. Congratulations! :D:):D

[terrierjohn]

Really enjoying all your travel stories Raina keep them coming.

Are RCL paying you for your blogs, if not they should because you certainly are providing them with great advertising.

[AussieVisi2r]

Really enjoying all your travel stories Raina keep them coming.

Are RCL paying you for your blogs, if not they should because you certainly are providing them with great advertising.

 

No. I hate blogs that receive a benefit from companies. I like to call it as I see it and owe nothing to anyone.

 

Raina

[heatherb1958]

 

 

 

 

Hey Raina, that is me in black and red in the background !!John as ghost groom is on the edge of the photo. It was a fun night. .

It was great meeting you in Central Park on embarkation day and seeing you on Halloween night.

We got home today from our extended trip. Lots of great memories

[dani negreanu]

Raina, where are you ???

 

Missing you daily :)

[KiwiGal117]

Same! Please come back!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Croozin Soozin]

Have enjoyed your posts so far. I think you were scheduled to be on Anthem now and getting off on Sunday, when I'll be getting on. Will look forward to your future posts.

[AussieVisi2r]

 

 

 

 

Hey Raina, that is me in black and red in the background !!John as ghost groom is on the edge of the photo. It was a fun night. .

It was great meeting you in Central Park on embarkation day and seeing you on Halloween night.

We got home today from our extended trip. Lots of great memories

 

It was so much fun. I loved it. So glad to meet you - a few times.

 

Raina

[AussieVisi2r]

I am SO SORRY! I wasn't sure of people wanted more...then got busy and slack.

 

I shall continue.

 

Next was New Orlean - No cruise but amazing....do you want that part in????

 

Raina

[Coralc]

I am SO SORRY! I wasn't sure of people wanted more...then got busy and slack.

 

I shall continue.

 

Next was New Orlean - No cruise but amazing....do you want that part in????

 

Raina

 

Well, of course we do!!!! :D:):D

[SenatorsFan]

Well, of course we do!!!! :D:):D

 

Agree!!!!:D:):D

Heather

[OceansOfTravels]

Raina,

 

I thoroughly enjoy your writing style and your pictures. They are very clear. But I want to thank you for taking time out of your vacation to write this review, I know I personally could not do that. As for New Orleans, I would love for you to insert that part, anxious for the Anthem portion of this review as well! :D

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

5th November

Then off to the airport for my flight to New Orleans. When I was checking in and about to pay for luggage – about $65 – the computer asked me if I would like to upgrade to First class for $100. Took me about 7 seconds to hit the YES button. Nice seat, food, drink, luggage etc.

And the sites over the Gulf of Mexico were pretty fantastic. Then Uber to the hotel. The hotel is lovely. Right in the centre of the attention and very nice.

 

 

 

 

For dinner I went to a bar nearby. The big footy match was on – THE big game. LSU (Louisiana State Uni v Arkansas. The bar was a footy bar. It had 15 TV around the walls – showing about 8 different sports channels. 4 of them, all different of THE game. And hundreds of screaming shouting people. Much fun. Dinner was great.

 

 

 

Then sleep.

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

6th November.

My hotel has the best bed!!! Amazing. Like sleeping on a cloud. So after a slow start I wandered around. Looked around the water front area.

 

Music is everywhere. Buskers. Musical play equipment. Every food place. Even the paddle-steamer plates music from a huge pipe organ up on the roof.

 

 

 

 

Seriously - it was so exciting and infectious. I was dancing a jig and jumping around singing the songs.

 

 

 

Then I found a Chinese massage place and had a very much overdue, and much appreciated massage. Yay.

Dinner at the Crazy Lobster Cajun Shrimp.

Then a Paddle-steamer Jazz river trip. Lovely.

 

The blade parts on the wheel are as big as two sleepers next to each other. The paddle weight 55 ton. Ginormous.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

6th November.

The river cruise was great. I didn't do the dinner part. I ate before I got on board.

The blade parts on the wheel are as big as three railway sleepers next to each other. The paddle weight 55 ton. Ginormous.

 

 

You got to go down into the engine room and see how it all worked.

 

 

What an amazing place this is. The locals are really friendly. And love to chat.

Amazing stuff everywhere you look. And the best place for people watching.

 

Great place.

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

7th November.

 

A walk down to the riverside to meet up with my first tour. Down Canal Street various places were closed off for the filming of a movie – ‘Shock and Awe’. Milla Jovovich, James Marsden and Jessica Biel were filming.

 

 

New Orleans was founded in 1718, on the bend on the Mississippi, by the French. Then it was given to the Spanish, then back to the French. Then in 1803, the French sold 827,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River, to the US for $15 million. Pretty good deal. It doubled the size of the US. New Orleans was strictly a Catholic town.

 

It is a deep water port so very important. It was built on a grid pattern with all numbers starting at 100 at Canal Street. So if a building is number 626 it is six blocks from Canal St. The original part of the city is called the French Quarter. That’s where I’m staying.

The highest part of the city is….the river bank. The “sliver of river” is less then 5 metres above sea level. Half of the city is at sea level or below. Mississippi river is 5,960 kilometres long. It is the watershed for 31 states and parts of Canada, and 42% of the water in the USA drains here. For a long time 75% of all the worlds cotton came from here. The city is set between the river and giant lakes.

 

 

First visit today was to the visitor centre were we saw a map of New Orleans then a map of where Hurricane Katrina flooded. I don’t know how anything is still here. The population is still nearly 100,000 people less then before it hit.

 

 

 

Terrifying!

 

Saint Louis Cemetery No 1. Really interesting. It’s a crypt graveyard. For the first 100 years they buried underground but…..with no levies, poor drainage and frequent floods…there were often dead people floating around. So they started to put the coffin on the ground and build up tiers of brick or cement over the body. Then crypts became the fashion.

 

 

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

7th November.

 

Marie Laveau (1794-1881) was a freeborn creole known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, and famous for her turban. Her crypt is haunted and people leave offerings for her hoping that she will give them a supernatural blessing. People make wishes, and if granted come back and mark the crypt with three X’s.

 

 

 

Voodoo came form Africa with the slaves, who on arrival where christened as catholics. Apparently Voodoo and Catholicism work well as a parallel?????? BUT the slaves did manage to keep their beliefs alive with help from the masters. Law meant they got Sunday afternoons off. Since none of the masters spoke African, they thought they were just singing and dancing, but in fact were practicing their Voodoo. (The voodoo they brought with them was not dark hexing religion.

Also saw the crypt of Homer Plessy – a man of colour who was the beginning of the Civil Rights movement when he defied segregation laws in 1892.

And a Jazz Musician crypt. When a musician dies, their funeral procession has a band marching behind he coffin. The band plays dirges, but then get into jazz. This large crypt is for all musician (who want to go there). A Jazz funeral is a common thing here.

And of the man who developed granulated sugar.

 

 

 

 

After the tour I jumped onto the Streetcars and went out through the Garden District. The fancy rich area.

 

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

7th November.

 

The Garden District

 

 

 

And then back to the river for my afternoon tour – swamp and bayou tour. We drove about an hour out of New Orleans into the Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve for a boat trip. We saw lots of the flood levies and storm walls being build. This is where all the shrimp come from. So far I have had – boiled shrimp, Creaole shrimp, Po Boy Shrimp, Shrimp Omelette…….

 

 

 

The trees covered in Spanish Moss were amazing. I loved it. In this area Hurricane Katrina hit with 150 MPH winds. After the trees did not have a leaf on them. And many had the bark stripped off!

 

 

Out here is where two of our common saying supposedly come from.

Spanish Moss hanging from the trees was used to stuff mattresses among other things. What they didn’t know was that 20 different biting bugs lived in the Spanish Moss – thus “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”.

 

This Bayou - is where they took the render images for the swamp scenes in "The Princess and the Frog".

 

[AussieVisi2r]

NOLA – New Orleans, Louisiana. N’awlins.

7th November.

 

The boat trip was fun – but it started to rain. Really rain.

 

 

 

As we came back into town the rain really hit. My hotel was about a 15 minute walk to where the tours go from. I walked back through rain like I have never seen before. It was like Armageddon. All the drains were spewing water. Down pipes were shooting water up. The roads had 100mm of water on them. It was amazing. Talk about being wet. Lucky I had my bright orange poncho – to keep the good camera dry.

 

 

 

 

 

But I did laugh the whole way. I poured water out of my shoes. Probably will not be laughing in the morning when I put on my soaking wet shoes. My room looks like the Chinese Laundry with things hanging up all around the air cond. I watched the weather channel and we got 6 inches in two hours! Cars were in water up to the doors.

 

So I had to miss my Ghost tour in the evening. It was still raining and the roads were a mess. And my shoes are very wet!

A fun day in New Orleans.

[AussieVisi2r]

New Orleans

8th November

Today was a trip out to see some plantations. The drive was great. In a different direction to yesterday's trip. This was out to the north west along the river, about 70 minutes out. There are now large levy banks all the way along the river. Huge mounds. Some places have walls built, but locals are worried that if water gets in in may take months for the parishes (counties) to pump it out.

 

 

Lots of interesting things – giant oil refineries, natural gas plants, nuclear plant. A prison that takes work gangs out and signs warning us to NOT pick up hitch hikers.

Small towns are quiet close together, and are the 1/4 acre block style.

 

When the land was divided up, it was done in long thin blocks from the river back to the swamps. All the houses were build a few hundred meters back from the river. I guess to be back from the floods and the mossies. Now the road is in, so the grand houses are up near the road. Great for tourists. We drove past plantations that were used in the filming of Django Unchained and of 12 Years a Slave.

 

 

I was visiting two plantations. Both the places were and still are sugar cane plantations. Each had their own mills. The huge pots and for processing the cane juice into granulated sugar. A hugely dangerous task when down with an open fire, by candle light, with hand held dippers.

 

 

Whitney Plantation was the first we visited. It is the only plantation museum in Louisiana to focus on slaves. It has a number of memorials to the thousands of slaves from this district. The names of many of the slaves are on the memorials. That information was easy to get…as being possessions and valuable, excellent records were kept.

 

 

In the 1930’s the Federal Writer’ Project was launched. This project tracked down people who had been slaves prior to their emancipation in 1863. These people were all children when freed and were in their 60’s when the project happened. Statements were taken and used for many things. Many of the statements were put on the memorials. It as so sad!

A number of art works were commissioned, one being a series of sculptures of the children.

 

 

[AussieVisi2r]

New Orleans

 

8th November

 

Some of the building are not the originals from this property. They are from neighbouring properties. Others are original.

 

 

 

 

We saw a ‘pen’ that slaves were kept in before auctions. Small metal or timber holding boxes – sometimes they were in them for weeks. This is where I was most effected. I felt physically sick and so ashamed of how disgusting the human race can be. It was like a smack in the head – these people were bought and sold, beaten and raped, the mules were regarded higher. And to make it worse it is still happening in part of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stood there and wept. From deep within my soul. It really hurt.