A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

1 hour ago, JSR said:

@mysty Hi I am enjoying following this thread and learning a lot.

 

And I forgot to thank you for your kind words JSR!  Much appreciated! 🥰

[JSR]

@mysty Thank you for the helpful information. Packing is my second to least part of traveling. It is a constant battle to be practical about we we can reasonably manage. I am looking forward to GV as we will only have a night or two pre-cruise and not a lot of weather to contend with. Our upcoming June trip is two cruise ships, two land parts, and lots of varied weather. A packing nightmare. I do not know how the carryon people do it. 

Best,

Jean

[mysty]

44 minutes ago, JSR said:

@mysty Thank you for the helpful information. Packing is my second to least part of traveling. It is a constant battle to be practical about we we can reasonably manage. I am looking forward to GV as we will only have a night or two pre-cruise and not a lot of weather to contend with. Our upcoming June trip is two cruise ships, two land parts, and lots of varied weather. A packing nightmare. I do not know how the carryon people do it. 

Best,

Jean

 

I try to approach the whole packing thing like a jigsaw puzzle with interconnecting pieces.   Myster's packing is easy for me.   He doesn't need a lot of variety.  I work in colour blocks for my own packing.   A couple different colour schemes and multiple pieces within each colour scheme.  Then when I start the actual packing I can edit within each colour scheme.   Different temperatures introduces a complication but I try to stick with the colour blocks.  It's worked so far. 😁

[mysty]

1 hour ago, JSR said:

@mysty Thank you for the helpful information. Packing is my second to least part of traveling. It is a constant battle to be practical about we we can reasonably manage. I am looking forward to GV as we will only have a night or two pre-cruise and not a lot of weather to contend with. Our upcoming June trip is two cruise ships, two land parts, and lots of varied weather. A packing nightmare. I do not know how the carryon people do it. 

Best,

Jean

 

And for this adventure I'm packing all the cold weather items for both of us into a large ship ahead which will be stored under the bed until needed.  Hiking boots, sweaters, hoodies, mitts and hats, jackets etc.  If there is available space I will add warm weather items that I will unpack on embarkation.

[jpalbny]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

I try to stick with the colour blocks.  It's worked so far. 😁

 

No wonder I can pack less; I only do color blocks. They take up less room without the extra vowel.

[mysty]

6 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

 

No wonder I can pack less; I only do color blocks. They take up less room without the extra vowel.

 

Yes,  that darn "u" takes up valuable space! 😅

[lincslady]

But it is the correct  way to spell this word,  of course.  No wonder I always have too much luggage.

 

Lola

[mysty]

We would be in Lautoka, Fiji on February 5 and 6, 2024.  Apparently it's about a 20 minute walk to Lautoka. The ship usually arranges a bus into the city or there are cabs.

 

We have two excursions booked here.

 

SABETO VILLAGE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Visit the village of Sabeto where giants of men once roamed. The chiefs of Sabeto used to own almost half of Vitilevu (the largest island in Fiji and home of the nation's capital), indicating that they were mighty warriors.

This village has retained many of its old customs and culture. In fact one of the last warriors, who remained undefeated as a wrestler until his death 6 years ago, lived in Sabeto. When you arrive at the village you will be escorted by your hosts to the village hall for a traditional welcome ceremony followed by cultural entertainment. You will then be taken on a guided tour around the village visiting the chief's bure (house), church and the primary school. Get first-hand experience about the daily routine of the native Fijians and learn about traditional ways of life.

 

VEISEISEI VILLAGE & GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT
GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANTS, VUDA DISTRICT, VEISEISEI VILLAGE

Depart the pier for approximately 30-minute drive to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, home to around 2,000 species of orchids. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour and marvel at the exquisite beauty of your surrounds.

Nestled in the cool shadows of the big man himself, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one of the more pleasant discoveries you'll make during your visit to Fiji. In fact, this garden could well be one of the best kept horticultural secrets in the whole of the South Pacific.

The Garden, which contains a vast collection of 30 to 40 varieties of magnificent Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids, was once the private collection of the late American actor Raymond Burr.

 

Following your tour, re-board your coach and continue on for a visit to Veiseisei, a traditional village located in the Vuda District, where the native Fijians settled when they first arrived in 1500 B.C.

WHEN VISITING A FIJIAN VILLAGE, WOMEN ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WEAR SHORTS, AND MEN ARE NOT  PERMITTED TO WEAR CAP/HATS. WOMEN CAN BRING A SARONG IF THEY ARE WEARING SHORTS. 

VUDA LOOKOUT, MOUNTAIN, OCEAN AND BAY VIEWS, REFRESHMENTS, LAUTOKA CITY CENTRE

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Vuda Lookout. Upon arrival, enjoy seasonal fruit and chilled fruit juices to quench your thirst whilst enjoying breath-taking panoramic views of the mountain, ocean and Bay of Nadi. A brief, final stop is made at the Lautoka City Centre for an opportunity to browse for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier, with a scenic orientation drive through Lautoka City en route.

https://gardenofsleepinggiant.com/

 

[lincslady]

That garden sounds wonderful,  Mysty.  As well as all the other marvellous things on your trip.  Oh, spellcheck does not like marvellous with two ls.  Tough luck.

 

Lola

[mysty]

8 minutes ago, lincslady said:

That garden sounds wonderful,  Mysty.  As well as all the other marvellous things on your trip.  Oh, spellcheck does not like marvellous with two ls.  Tough luck.

 

Lola

 

I have the same problem with "marvellous" Lola.   And I ignore the reprimand as well.  😁

[mysty]

Here are a few things that we take with us that have been proven to be useful for us:

 

Sewing kit
Luggage scale
Flashlight
Clothes pins
Folding boxes
Ziplock bags
Batteries AAA and AA
Extra camera battery and charger
Extra pair of glasses
Lint brush
Note Cards & Envelopes
Calendar
Magnets
Scissors 
Scotch Tape
Stapler (small travel size)
Mechanical pencils
Shot Glass
Coffee Thermos 
Binoculars
Travel power bar

 

One of the uses for the Ziplock bags is something I learned from Tracy Fleming on our first big adventure.  To prevent the lens of the camera from fogging up leave your gear outside of your cool room and in the outdoor weather for as little as ten minutes to get your gear and lenses acclimated. There are other tricks you can try too, including keeping your gear in air-tight plastic bags.

[mysty]

This is what the Travel Power Bar looks like....

 

[drron29]

We have been going to Fiji for so long on the first few occasions we visited the Orchid Gardens it was still owned by Raymond Burr. A very good Canadian.

Edited April 29, 2023 by drron29

[mysty]

On March 27, 2024 we would be in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :

 

Larger ships will use their tenders to bring the passengers ashore.
Can passengers walk to town: Yes
Distance/drive time from port/terminal to town center: 2km
Availability of taxis at port/terminal: Yes
Availability of public transport at port/terminal: No
Distance from ship to tour buses: Less than 100m

The city center is quite small, and you can walk from one end to the
other in less than 30 min.

Haggling is absolutely vital in order to get a fair price. Many taxi
drivers in Malaysia are infamous for raising their fare prices, even
after a price has already been determined  thorough prior
negotiation. They frequently attempt to manipulate and deceive
unknowing tourists by feigning ignorance and delivering tourists to
the wrong hotels, which sometimes provide kickbacks to the drivers.
Mentioning a call to the authorities may resolve the situation quickly.

Short fares are around RM10, longer trips around RM20. A whole day
shouldn't cost more then RM300.

 

We have an excursion booked.....BORNEO TRADITIONAL LIVING.  It would take us to:

MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE

Depart the pier for the approximately 40-minute drive to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, situated amidst a remote forest setting and away from the hustling and bustling city.

The village is a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture and features 5 different indigenous ethnic tribes in one village: the rice farmers of Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse residents of Rungus, the hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe, Murut. Explore the various traditional homes of these Sabahan ethnic communities, which have been built by descendants of the tribes which they represent.

Capture the cultural diversity of Borneo's ethnic groups and their simple way of traditional living. Each tribe has found ways to adapt to the living in Borneo such as cooking using bamboo, starting a fire without matches, making rope from tree bark and using local plants to create a refreshing drink. Discover the architectural uniqueness of each tribal house as you walk through the cultural village while enjoying the serene jungle environment

Your visit ends with a simple demonstration of traditional dances with the famous Murut Megunatip, or bamboo dance, as the finale before you travel back to port.

 

 

https://marimariculturalvillage.my/

[mysty]

We would be in Gisborne, New Zealand on February 13, 2024.

 

Gisborne is a small town, and the locals will be all out to welcome you. Larger ships over 180 meters anchor and tender passengers to the marina next to the very small town.  It's relative isolation has helped it develop its own identity and it has the distinction of being the first city in the world to greet the new year.

 

Cruise ships would be met by a number of Waka (Maori canoes) and other vessels, then one of New Zealand's top Kapa Haka (cultural) groups would entertain passengers as the ship docks.

 

Could be a call where its best to book a ships tour as the local infrastructure would not be geared up for handling that many people in one day. Other than that just wander ashore and look for a taxi, to give you an hourly rate and drive around.  The tender wharf is close to town. You can walk around town or take a public bus or rent a vehicle to look around Gisborne’s surrounding regions.

 

We have an excursion booked called EXCLUSIVE STEAM TRAIN TO MURIWAI STEAM TRAIN RIDE TO MURIWAI.

 

A short walk from the pier brings you to the station where you will be welcomed aboard one of the restored, heritage carriages for a memorable 40-minute steam train ride down the picturesque Poverty Bay coastline to Muriwai. Travel past the Captain Cook Statue, view samples of the produce grown in this fertile area and views across to your ship and Young Nick's Head to reach Muriwai.

 

VINTAGE RAIL WA 165

Built in 1897 in the Dunedin railway workshops, WA 165 was brought to Gisborne in 1910 to work the steep sections of rail to the north. It worked on that line until 1942, before being turned into the star attraction in a children's playground. But around 1986, this beautiful piece of equipment was rediscovered and fully restored by the local vintage railway enthusiasts.

 

WELCOME DRINK, SCENIC VIEWS, PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES, MAORI CULTURAL PERFORMANCE

Settle into upholstered seats and toast to your good fortune with a glass of bubbles as you sit back and enjoy the scenery enhanced by informative commentary during your ride. Upon reaching Muriwai, as small settlement 25km south of Gisborne, alight on the grass platform and enjoy several photo opportunities as well as a lively Maori cultural performance. This performance features songs and dances of the local iwi (tribe) and often includes school children who bring a special sweetness to the ceremony.

Your train will be turned around as you enjoy the show before embarking the steam train for the final time to make the return journey to the pier.

[spinnaker2]

What’s the shot glass for? Other than the obvious…

Edited May 1, 2023 by spinnaker2

[mysty]

51 minutes ago, spinnaker2 said:

What’s the shot glass for? Other than the obvious…

 

It's for the obvious.  😅  We had problems on the last big adventure getting our hands on a shot glass for the suite.  Now we pack one!  😁

[mysty]

We would be in Semarang, Indonesia on March 19 and 20, 2024.  This is the port from which one of the World Cruise event leaves.  Because the event is billed as starting with a lunch on March 19th we have not booked a ship excursion.  The shortest included excursion is 4 hours 45 minutes.  We are scheduled to dock at 8:00 am.

 

From http://whatsinport.com

 

"The port of Tanjung Emas is close to the town of Semarang in the province of Central Java. There is modern cruise terminal with free wi-fi, souvenir shops, currency exchange, tourist information and a
taxi information desk.

Tanjung Emas is the ideal port to visit Central Java and the temple of Borobudur (100 km / two-hour drive), in the province of Yogyakarta. 

Distance/drive time from port/ terminal to town center: 6 km
Availability of taxis at port/terminal: Yes
Shuttle buses generally provided to downtown.

Semarang is also home to Luwak coffee, the must expensive in the world."

 

For those interesting in exploring Semarang this link might be interesting.

https://www.loveexploring.com/news/92873/things-to-do-in-semarang-indonesia-lawang-sewu-what-is-batik

 

The event includes a visit to Borobudur.  From Wikipedia...

 

"Borobudur, also transcribed Barabudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Magelang Regency, not far from the city of Magelang and the town of Muntilan, in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the world's largest Buddhist temple. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa.

 

Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple design follows Javanese Buddhist architecture, which blends the Indonesian indigenous tradition of ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining nirvāṇa.The temple demonstrates the influences of Gupta art that reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. The monument is a shrine to the Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The pilgrim journey begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument, ascending to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rūpadhātu (the world of forms) and Arūpadhātu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades. Borobudur has one of the largest and most complete ensembles of Buddhist reliefs in the world.

 

Evidence suggests that Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century and subsequently abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, followed by the monument's listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and ranks with Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archeological sites of Southeast Asia. Borobudur remains popular for pilgrimage, with Buddhists in Indonesia celebrating Vesak Day at the monument. Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction."

 

[mysty]

We would be in New Plymouth, New Zealand on February 19, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.  New Plymouth is a city on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for its coastal walkway stretching from Bell Block to Port Taranaki. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge has views of towering Mount Taranaki. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery shows contemporary exhibitions. Close by, Pukekura Park has botanical gardens and birdlife. Subalpine forests and waterfalls characterize Egmont National Park to the south. 

 

https://www.newzealand.com/ca/new-plymouth/

 

 

So far, there are no included excursions listed for this port.  We booked....

 

PUKEITI GARDENS & OKURUKURU WINERY
Explore the beautiful Pukeiti Gardens of New Plymouth and also discover the wines of New Zealand with a trip to Okurukuru Winery. The gardens are renowned for their rhododendron collection and beautiful views. The Okurukuru Winery is a small family operation producing Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.

 

PUKEITI GARDENS & MORNING/AFTERNOON TEA

Board your coach for a short, 30-minute ride to the gardens located on 360 hectares (889 acres) of rainforest grounds in the foothills of Mt. Taranaki. Established in 1951, Pukeiti offers extensive gardens and plant collections with numerous short walking paths and vantage points offering splendid views. Explore your choice of trails after you have been greeted and introduced to the gardens with a brief history.

OKURUKURU WINERY & WINE TASTING

Re-board your coach and make your way to Okurukuru Winery, a brief 15-minute drive away. Owned by Peter and Chris Hayward, who live locally, the winery is a father/daughter venture with Kate Acland based in Marlborough, who owns the Sugar Loaf Winery, and is the wine maker for both Okurukuru and Sugar Loaf companies. There is approximately 7 acres (2 hectares) planted with Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views from the vines rolling down to the Taranaki's surf coast across the stunning Tasman Sea. Sample a selection of four wines with lite bites, including cheese and grapes to compliment your tasting selections.

https://www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/pukeiti/

https://www.okurukuru.co.nz/

[drron29]

We had dinner last night with a couple that did the world cruise in 2019 and will be on the 2024 world cruise with you.

[mysty]

6 hours ago, drron29 said:

We had dinner last night with a couple that did the world cruise in 2019 and will be on the 2024 world cruise with you.

 

Cool!  I wonder if we know them from 2019.  Which country are they from? Thank you @drron29!

[drron29]

They are from California. If you have met them it’s likely you will know straight away when you see them.

[mysty]

3 hours ago, drron29 said:

They are from California. If you have met them it’s likely you will know straight away when you see them.

 

Thanks drron!

[mysty]

We would be in Chan May (Hue/Danang), Vietnam on April 1 2024.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :

 

This port is mainly used for excursions to Hue the former Vietnamese capital.  It's about a 1.5-hour drive to both Hue and Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Closer to the port is Da Nang and scenic China Beach, where soldiers went to relax during the war.

 

This would be a new port for us.  We have booked ANCIENT HUE & PERFUME RIVER.  It is an 8 hour tour and is currently listed as included.

 

Relive Vietnam's royal grandeur and become immersed in her culture as you visit the imperial city of Hue (pronounced 'whay'), with a cruise on the Perfume River. Adding to your experience is a stop at a lively marketplace and a visit to the magnificent tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

Begin your day at the pier in Chan May, where you board an air-conditioned coach for the approximate 1.5-hour journey to Hue.

HUE

Located eight miles (thirteen kilometers) from the coast and close to the Laos border, Hue has long been known as the 'Imperial City of the Nguyen Emperors'. The Emperors rose to glory during their reign from 1802 to 1945 and were the last ruling family of Vietnam. The city's fascinating treasures include the Imperial Citadel, Kings' Tomb, temples, and pagodas.

ROYAL CITADEL

Functioning as the center of imperial activity for 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the city boasts impressive buildings and a sense of history. Gain an appreciation of that history with an exploration of the Royal Citadel. Built by Emperor Gia Long in 1804, the citadel features what is called the Noon Gate, or 'Ngo Mon'. This is the spot where kings announced the yearly calendar and the names of new doctors of philosophy.

The Palace of Supreme Harmony and adjoining Esplanade of Great Salutation were equally important in imperial life, hosting coronations, emperors' birthday parties, and court proceedings. Having been restored, the early-19th-century palace retains much of its original grandeur.

Continue your walking introduction of the Citadel with a look at the Imperial Enclosure. The Citadel's comparison to China's Forbidden City will be apparent as you observe this intriguing citadel within a citadel.

THIEN MU PAGODA

Next, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, located a short drive from the Citadel. Founded in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang, the governor of Thuan Hoa Province, Thien Mu is the symbol of the city and one of the holiest pagodas in all of Vietnam. With its days as a hot-bed for antigovernmental protests long past, the pagoda today is a serene place where novice gardeners tend bonsai and monks deliver incantations.

DRAGON BOAT CRUISE

Awaiting you in front of the pagoda is your dragon boat. Climb aboard and cruise on the Perfume River in a similar manner to that of the kings who travelled this route before you. Take in the sights and savour tranquillity as you relax. Afterwards, travel to the lunch venue, where Vietnamese cuisine is offered.

 

 

EMPEROR'S TOMB

There is one more stop on your comprehensive itinerary: a visit to the magnificent tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Considered the most brilliant emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Minh Mang had his tomb built on the west bank of the river. The tomb features unique green and yellow tiles.

From this picturesque spot, begin your return journey to Chan May.

 

 

[Stumblefoot]

8 hours ago, drron29 said:

They are from California. If you have met them it’s likely you will know straight away when you see them.

Here they are on formal night, Mysty.