Friday - 30 March 2012 - Sydney, Australia

Friday – 30 March 2012 – Sydney, Australia

At 9:25 am today Patte and I are climbing the Sidney Harbor Bridge --- it will take three and a half hours at a cost of $208 each -- no we’re not crazy – just adventurous.   After breakfast with our husbands – we are off.

Arriving at The Bridge Climb office  we check in, are given our “free” hat and told we will be called at  9:25 am.   We  browse around the gift shop  then to the  waiting area where at exactly 9:25 am a door opens.  A young man calls for the 9:25 group -- fourteen of us follow through the door.   We are seated on benches around a room and given a form to complete and a breathalyzer test – my first.

We are deemed fit to climb – not a drunk among us.   Our guide, Pete – in his mid- 50’s -- a true Aussie with a wonderful sense of humor -- joins the group.  Moving on into the next room climbing suits are distributed – including a handkerchief with a wrist attachment.  Once we are suited-up the next step is the “utility” belt which goes over our heads but needs to fit snugly around our waist.   This belt will hold the  tether to keep us safe – radio to listen to Pete – pouch with raingear and anything else that might be needed on the climb.

Now for the practice ---- we already walked over a parapet with mesh floor to get to the equipment room --- it is time to climb up and down ladders – similar to those on  the bridge.  The radios are fitted on to our belts – we put on sunscreen just in case and we’re  ready to climb.   I now understand why this takes more three hours.

Up a short flight of stairs through a yellow door—Voila’ -  we are outside on the lower part of the bridge.   Pete asks if we have a preference of where to be in the group – I opt to be near the front so Patte and I are second and third.  First in line is Alison – a woman from the UK who also has a husband who  is not comfortable with heights.   There is another group of about seven people together – including teenagers – and two separate couples.

Off we go along a very narrow walkway –  a bit disconcerting – since all you see below is water.  We keep moving and eventually come to the first set of ladders   – as long as I go slow and steady everything is fine.    Guides are positioned at the ladders to make certain everyone is doing okay  -- Pete goes ahead to take our photos as  we approach the top of the bridge..  We spend about 45 minutes at various spots on the top of the bridge as Pete explains the sights and takes more photos.   The view from the top is indescribable – such a vast vista to take in.   We all feel very comfortable .

Going down is easier until  the ladders appear  -- this time we are on the other side of the bridge over the train tracks.   A train does come by while I am on my second of four sections of the ladder – but  it doesn’t bother me like I thought it might.   Getting out of our gear takes less time than getting into it.   We are asked to complete a brief survey – and by the time we change to our street clothes – Pete is handing us  our “free” group photo and certificate of completion.

“Bridge Climb Sydney” is a well oiled machine – we were told this would last three and one half hours --  Patte and I walk out of the building at 12:55 pm – with photo and certificate in hand.

Our legs feel a little strange -- we have a wobbly walk to the hotel to meet Phil and Dave who have taken the Captain Cook Coffee Cruise around Sydney Harbor.   

Phil has the afternoon and evening planned and mapped for us.   After lunch at Aurora on Central Quay --- our first stop is the New South Wales State Library – a spectacular building.  It is just as lovely inside – with stained glass in the mammoth reading room – a map on the floor of the entry and beautiful finishes everywhere you look.

Moving on to St. Mary’s Cathedral – which is the Mother Church of the Catholic Community and Australia’s largest cathedral  --  consecrated in 1882.   Since it is Lent – all the statues are wrapped tightly in purple shrouds.   I haven’t seen this done in the U.S. for many years.   It is a beautiful structure --- the enormity of this building rivals  churches several centuries older that we’ve seen in Europe.

Next is a stop at Paddy’s market in Chinatown – purported to be the best place to buy anything.    We stroll through Hyde Park to get the “555” Shuttle bus – a free bus that makes a loop through the shopping areas.   It is a perfect day to stroll through the  park –we’ve been fortunate to have good weather for this entire trip.

The “555” comes right along and after a 15 minute ride we are deposited around the corner from Paddy’s Market which dates back to 1834 as home to traders in hay and grain.    Currently the building has three floors – 1^st floor is stalls where you can buy anything – upper floors have individual outlet stores.    Phil and I go one way and Patte and Dave another with a meeting place and time determined. 

Even for an inveterate shopper such as myself – this is overwhelming – stall after stall with so much of the same merchandise – it is something to see.  

At 4:45 pm – we meet and stroll to the “555” bus stop –  buses come fast and furious.  In Sydney you have to hail the bus if you want it to stop – otherwise it keeps going unless someone on board wants to get off.   We don’t see any “555” buses – finally Patte reads the sign which indicates the free shuttle stops running at 3:30 pm.   

It appears we will have the experience of taking a real bus in Sydney.  It’s a process – 1^st –purchase a ticket – not on the bus but in a store close to the bus stop -- in our case a Chemist shop nearby sells tickets. 2^nd –determine which bus to take -there are signs and the clerk in the Chemist shop is helpful.  3^rd –hail the correct  bus  then run for it to be sure to get on.   By the time we were lucky enough to be seated – we are exhausted.  The bus drops us a couple of blocks from the hotel.

After a brief respite in our rooms to freshen up – it’s back on the  streets of Sydney.    The top floor (36) of the Shangri La Hotel is supposed to have the best views of the city – so we go for a drink.   As soon as the four of us walk into the lounge the average age of the crowd increases by tenfold.    But – we order and stay while the sun sets – Phil and  Dave peering out the floor to ceiling windows at a comfortable distance.

Dinner tonight is at The Hero of Waterloo Irish Pub – in the Rocks section of Sydney.  This pub has been serving libations and sustenance for 160 years.   There is music in the bar which we can hear at our table  -- the food is good – the beer is good.   We have had a long, tiring but lovely day.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat

Thursday - 29 March 2012 - Sydney, Australia

Thursday – 29 March 2012 – Sydney, Australia

Up at 5:30 am to go to Horizons at the bow of the ship --  Patte and Dave  are already there as Regatta glides into Sydney Harbor.  Unfortunately it’s dark so we don’t see as much as we’d like – but still a beautiful sight. Regatta docks right downtown across from the Opera House and very near the Harbor Bridge.  The Opera House looks smaller and the bridge is closer to the harbor – in fact this entire area is more intimate than I expected – just lovely.

After breakfast – we disembark --- Patte, Dave, Phil and I go immediately onto the City Tour provided by Oceania – our driver is Damien and our guide is Linda. During the tour we get tips on what to see, what to skip and how to save money.   Sydney may be the most expensive city in the world – at the least it’s in the top five.

This  tour gives us an overview of the city and the suburbs – we follow the harbor going through The Rocks (oldest part of the city) – we stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s chair – a rock formation at a point on the harbor where Mr. & Mrs. Macquarie purportedly  sat 100 or so years ago watching activity in the harbor – Mr. Macquarie was  Governor.   We  pass  Russell Crowe’s condo directly on the harbor and  continue into the eastern suburbs where all the money is – according to Linda.  Our destination is Bondi Beach where  The Surf Life Saving Club was founded – prompted by the frequent riptides in Australia.   Bondi Beach is a  forty minute stop to walk the beach and have a coffee in one of the cafes.  It’s a  pretty beach and looks like it attracts an active crowd in the evenings and on weekends. 

The tour bus takes us back to the hotel about 12:30 pm.  Since our rooms are not ready,  Patte, Dave, Phil and I decide to take a taxi to the Sydney Fish Market – the 2^nd largest in the world – the largest is in China.     We choose to eat lunch at Doyle’s --  recommended by someone but none of us can remember who.  It is a good choice.     After lunch we have a walk around admiring the variety and freshness of the seafood displayed at each stall.

Our rooms are available when we return – we have time for a quick shower as Beth and Lynn are meeting us at 5:30 in our lobby. 

 Dinner is at Sea Rock – a café along the waterfront on the way to the Opera House.  It is delicious – everyone enjoys their meals.  While eating dinner – we watch the Regatta leave port for Melbourne with a new set of passengers. 

After dinner we attend a concert at the Opera House with  Nick Lowe, a British Rock and Roll singer – none of us are familiar with him except Dave – our options were limited.    

As we  enter the Opera House – I am flabbergasted – it reminds me of the inside of Boston City Hall --- for those of you not familiar with Boston – this is not a compliment.    It is all concrete – not very pretty.  However the surrounding  patios provide views that make one forget the stark interior. 

There a multiple venues holding concerts – we are in  Concert Hall  -- the seating is comfortable but there is no middle aisle so people are constantly getting up and down to let audience members through.

At 8:00 pm the lights go down and a gentleman comes onto the stage and sits behind the keyboard.  He doesn’t introduce himself – he just starts singing.  It is obvious that he is talented but he doesn’t say a whole lot.   This goes on for about forty-five minutes.  He finishes and the lights come on for intermission.  We’re not sure if that was Nick Lowe or not.

After a fifteen minute intermission – it’s  back into the Concert Hall.  The lights go down – a different person comes on to the stage --  picks up a guitar and starts singing.   He then introduces himself as Nick Lowe.   He looks to be in his early 60’s – very animated and sings a couple of rock and roll songs before his band joins him.

Nick Lowe is  charming --  all  the musicians in his group are talented – I think they write a fair number of the songs they record.   They put on a great show.

After the concert, we put Lynn and Beth into a cab and walk to our hotel – on a beautiful evening in Sydney, Australia.

We’re off to a good start!

Thanks for Reading!

Pat  

Wednesday - 28 March 2012 - At Sea - Enroute to Sydey, Australia

Wednesday  - 28 March 2012 – At Sea – Enroute to Sydney, Australia

Woke up about 6:30 am – practiced Yoga in the cabin before meeting the group for breakfast at 8:00 am.  We turned our clocks ahead last night so lots of passengers are getting up late.

Bridge at 10:00am – today we are supposed to  play using what we have learned.   Patte, Liddell and I are lucky enough to get Jean-Paul (our instructor) as our fourth.

We enjoy the hour particularly since Jean-Paul analyzes each hand as we play it.

Patte and I head to the pool deck  to view the boat building competition.  There are  eight entries – all very creative.   The boats must float in the pool with and without  cargo.   Cargo consists of six cans of soda.   Nolan is the announcer and the judges are 3 of Regatta’s officers and Captain John Foley – the lecturer.  There is a tie for first place so Nolan asks for  spectator applause to break the tie.   The prize is a bottle of champagne – and of course the prestige.

After lunch at the Waves Grill – I resume packing since we must  put our luggage outside our staterooms by 10:30 this evening.

At 2:00 pm Captain John Foley continues his talk on Mutiny on The Bounty – giving details of what  happened to the mutineers – where they settled and how long they lived. 

Our last Trivia at 3:00 pm – we don’t win anything.  Now the time has come to turn in our  “Big O” points for hats, tote bags, key chains, bookmarks, etc.  I have enough for a Visor.

After a lovely last dinner  in the Grand Dining Room – we  finish packing --  reuniting for our last Brain Teasers at  8:45pm.  The Cape Codders come in third – no “Big O” points – just the prestige.

Off to bed – we have an early start in the morning if we want to be on deck as Regatta  pulls into Sydney Harbor.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Tuesday - 27 March 2012 - Brisbane, Australia

Tuesday – 27 March 2012 – Brisbane, Australia

I wake up to the sound of the ocean about 4:30 am when I quickly realize  our balcony door is open.  Phil has opened the door because the air-conditioning is not working and he is hot. 

Phil leaves  the  cabin to find a cooler place on the ship  to read – he’s back in a few minutes to retrieve his glasses reporting that he has complained at the front desk about the  A/C malfunction.    I fall back to sleep until I hear a knock at the door – I get up and look through the peep hole expecting to see Phil but it is a  maintenance man.  I open the door and he says, “Madam, I am sorry to disturb you but your husband reported a problem and said it was urgent.”  So – I let him in.  He  fiddled with the thermostat – he got into the ceiling and fiddled with something up there – all the time apologizing for the early hour.    After about 20 minutes – he left promising to be back shortly.   At this point I think it wise to get dressed.   Phil comes in about 10 minutes later just as cold air comes blasting  out of the ceiling.   Our maintenance man returns – re-opens the ceiling fiddling with something – apologizing all the time about the early hour.  Finally he proclaims that the problem is fixed – and tells us that he has several cabins with the same issue.

Brisbane is fabulous – we take the  shuttle from the dock  to downtown to  purchase tickets on the City Tour Bus – also known as the Hop On/Hop Off Bus.  Walking along the Queen Street mall Beth, Lynn and I are stopped by four students from Griffith University – Gary – Courtney – Erika – Carly.  They ask if we would give them our thoughts on whether synthetic drugs which have become quite popular with young people should be outlawed – apparently several US states have banned these drugs. We are happy to oblige.    

Moving on – our tickets are purchased and we begin the tour of the city as we make our way to Mt. Coot-Tha where we  hop off for a half hour  taking photos of the panoramic view of Brisbane and browsing in the gift shop.   Back on the bus for a few more stops --- we hop off at the Cultural Center a parkland running along  the Brisbane River.  

It is here that we spot The Wheel of Brisbane – a huge ferris wheel  offering a 12 minute narrated ride for $15 pp.  Beth, Lynn, Patte and I are all for it – the boys decide to stay on the ground.  Each cab is air conditioned and fits the  four of us with room to spare – the narration describes the sights we are seeing as  we go around.

After this delightful ride – we walk through the cultural center to the next bus stop  where we hop on staying until the last stop  – basically we have  traveled a loop. 

Beth and Lynn go off on their own – Patte, Dave, Phil and I walk towards the Brisbane River where we stop at the Bier Garten  for lunch.   Then we walk through the Botanical Gardens which are truly magnificent from the old banyon and unusual pine trees to the variety of plantings. 

Then it is off to the Cat Ferry which will take us to the ship docked on the Brisbane River – the ride is free with our ticket from the City Tour Bus ticket.   We have some confusion finding the dock and almost get on the ferry going the wrong way but we eventually end up on the correct ferry in the right direction.   The ride is  most pleasant --- the people watching is nothing short of  pure entertainment.

We complete our 15 minute walk from the ferry dock to the cruise ship terminal just as the rain comes pouring down – perfect timing.  

Trivia at 5:30 – no wins for the Cape Codders.   After a  lovely dinner on the back deck of the Regatta  everyone goes to the show.  Phil and I get our last load of laundry done and pop into the show for a few minutes.

It is hard to believe we’re almost to Sydney.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

 

Monday 26 March 2012 - At Sea - Enroute to Brisbane, Australia

Monday 26 March 2012 – At Sea – Enroute to Brisbane, Australia

Up at 6:00 am after a very rocky night on rough seas.    After breakfast – it is off to a 9:30 am lecture on the real story of Mutiny on the Bounty by Captain John Foley – then to Beginners’ Bridge.   Our group is dwindling – people may have lost interest.

At 11:00 am there is a fashion show outside the boutiques followed by a big sale – with 50% off.  The models are the entertainment staff so everything looks good on them and with Nolan as the announcer – it  is a fun event.

Lunch at Waves Grill on the deck – Dave and Patte have procured a nice shady table.

After lunch as a way of  easing myself back into the real world – I return all the books I have borrowed from the library.  But I cannot resist checking the swap corner to see if anything  piques my interest – of course I find a couple.

High Tea today is “The Gala Tea” – Phil reports that people started lining up outside the Regatta Lounge 20 minutes early.  By the time Phil, Patte, Beth and I arrive after 4:00pm  the line is still there.  With no place to sit,  guests leave with plates of food to enjoy elsewhere on the ship.

The Gala Tea is a sight to behold – from the “Castle” made out of chocolate to the “Lobster” made out of nougat and all the delicacies in between. Just a walk through  is enjoyable enough.  

Trivia is next  – we miss 3^rd place by just ½ point.   After Trivia I have a nice chat with Chuck and Mary – and George and Hillary whose daughter just got engaged so they are celebrating.

Dinner is in Toscana – wonderful as usual.  At this point in the trip --  I am never hungry so eating has become a pastime that has nothing to do with nourishing my body.

At 9:30 pm – a singer, Donald Cant, performs show tunes – particularly Phantom of the Opera and a medley written and recorded by Anthony Newley.  This guy is terrific – he has a distinctive voice and quite a presence -- he is 6’5”.  His engaging personality adds to the package – he relates his recent experience in Regatta’s  laundry room which has the crowd howling.

Another full day at sea – we are looking forward to Brisbane (pronounced Brisbin) tomorrow.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Sunday 25 March 2012 - Hamilton - Whitsunday, Australia

Sunday 25 March 2012 – Hamilton – Whitsunday, Australia

Walked at 6:30am just as the sun is rising into the clouds and Regatta approaches the Whitsunday Islands – a group of islands near the Great Barrier Reef.   Patte, Beth and Lynn are booked on a halfday tour to snorkel in reefs just shy of the Great Barrier Reef.    Phil, Dave and I plan to walk around Hamilton hoping to find an  internet café.

We anchor outside Hamilton and are told  the tender trip will take  30 minutes and that the seas are rough. We notice the three tenders next to the ship with no passengers bobbing in the water.   Then an  announcement is made that the Captain does not think it safe to run the tender service from our current location.  He is  going to move the ship to look for a more sheltered area with calmer seas.   He is successful.

The tender ride is about 20 minutes and not bad at all.  Hamilton is a lovely place a true resort town – golf carts are the vehicle of choice  with rentals available for  tourists.    Several free shuttle buses also service the island.

Beth, Patte and Lynn are not going snorkeling since the tour company could not promise they would be back in time for the last tender at 4:30pm.  Once on the island we go in different directions.  Dave, Beth and I to an internet café – free in the Reef Hotel lobby – Phil walks around  – Beth checks her email than goes for a manicure --  Patte and Lynn go to the beach.

When Dave and I finish at the hotel --- we are walking to the village when who is coming the other way but Phil.   The three of us have a browse through  the village  stopping for lunch at the Marina Café – it is good – not cheap—but good.  There is a Casino upstairs – now I know why Phil suggested this place.

While eating lunch – it starts pouring rain --- by the time we leave it is a drizzle.   As we arrive near the tender dock – Patte and Lynn appear – a few minutes later Beth appears – apparently we are all on the same wave length – no cell phones needed.

Back on the ship --- we relax until time for High Tea at 4:00pm. – it is so lovely and civilized. – before going to the competitive atmosphere of Trivia,    Today we come in third. 

Dinner in the Grand Dining Room – slow service  tonight.  Beth, Patte, Lynn and I are off to see the comedian ---  we don’t last long  since we keep falling asleep.

To bed by 10:15pm ---

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Saturday 24 March 2012 - Townsville, Australia

Saturday 24 March 2012 – Townsville, Australia

As I walk at 6:30 am we arrive in Townsville – it is fun to watch the tug boat push and pull the Regatta into position.    Regatta docks  in an industrial part of town with shuttle service to downtown Townsville.    The bus drops us at an odd place  requiring  20 minutes to walk to the attractions and shops.

Our goal is  Reef HQ  Great Barrier Reef Aquarium – on the way we make a stop at the Information Center so Patte, Beth and Lynn can make arrangements to go snorkeling tomorrow.  There are several tours  --  not all go to the Great Barrier Reef  -- many options to sort through.   A decision is finally made and a tour is booked so it’s off to the   Reef HQ Aquarium.

Reef HQ is a great place with lots of activity – feedings take place frequently and there were two divers in the water during our  entire time.    I am  amazed at the various types and colors of the fish – particularly the sea horses  – so tiny.

After  ninety minutes we’ve completed the tour of Reef HQ – some of our group take a taxi to Billabong Sanctuary – an animal park allowing visitors to feed the animals while walking among them.   Phil and I stay in Townsville.  

Wandering around the shops – I spot a nail salon that Beth  noticed earlier.   - Kitty and her husband run the shop.  Their three month old baby boy is in the shop and so adorable – and good.   Kitty did a nice job –  originally from Saigon she  was  raised in Australia . 

I stop at the outdoor mall where dealers selling their wares set up when a cruise ship comes to town.   I purchase a couple pearl necklaces from  Alexis Melvin, a young woman who makes the jewelry --- both necklaces are $11.70 AU.

On my way to the shuttle bus pick-up point I pop in to Woolworth’s – here it is a grocery store –  I buy a  magazine and some gum.

Tonight we dine with two of the ship’s officers – Soledad (Destination Services) and Paola (Purser’s Office) – with Beth and Lynn, an Australian couple and a French Canadian couple.  It is a fun dinner with good food,  wine and  conversation.

Beth, Lynn and I go to the movies tonight to see “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” but only last about half way through – we keep nodding off.

Good Day in Townsville!

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Friday 23 March 2012 - Cairns, Australia

Friday 23 March 2012 – Cairns, Australia

Walking at 6:05 am --- lovely view with a marina and mountains in the background as we approach Cairns, AU.   The tug boats are so skilled at positioning the ship just right. 

We breeze through Australian Immigration on the ship – walk directly to the Information Center to  book a round trip to Kuranda – a village in the rain forest.  Going up  we will take the Skyrail (rainforest cableway) coming back  on the Kuranda Scenic Railway.   The cable car was wonderful --- even Phil and Dave enjoyed it.  There were two stops --- one allowed us to walk through the rain forest on a boardwalk – at the second stop we had a close-up view of the Barron Gorge Water Fall --  spectacular.  

A walk through Kuranda takes us to the  Kuranda Koala Gardens where visitors are encouraged to have a photo taken holding a Koala Bear.  These animals sleep 18 to 20 hours a day.   One of  the  Aussie passengers on the ship told me  the reason they sleep so much is that their only food is Eucalyptus leaves which ferment in their stomachs --  they are in a perpetual state of drunkenness.   There were other animals in this park such as kangaroos, lizards, wallabies – all were pretty calm as we walked right by them. 

We went in different directions  through town – with plans to meet at the  station for 2:00 pm train.  Beth, Lynn and I browsed through the shops – Phil went to Fannie O’Reilly’s Irish Pub and Patte and Dave wandered through town.

Once on the train – we wished we’d taken the cable car back.  This was like the “slow boat to China” and it was hot and humid.   The views were outstanding  but we’d seen it  from the  cable car.  We had snacks from the grocery store  ---  there was one stop  to take photos so for two hours we made do.

Back in Cairns –  Phil, Lynn and Beth went for a walk around town.  Patte, Dave and I retrieved our computers and went in search of an internet café.   We found the Coffee Café.    Free internet as long as we purchased something  -- which we were happy to do.  Dave and I were there for two hours walking back to the ship after dark – back on board time is  7:30 pm.

The Terrace Café is having Indian food tonight so Patte, Dave, Phil and I opt for the Grand Dining Room – can’t complain we had another great meal.

Another good day Down Under!

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Thursday 22 March 2012 - At Sea - Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Thursday 22 March 2012 – At Sea – Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Very rough seas when I wake up at 4:30 am – read for awhile before falling back to sleep until 6:30 am.  Breakfast at 8:00 am – seas are expected to be rough all day.

Bridge at 10:00 am – continues to befuddle us but we keep coming back.  Today Patte and I play with Liddel and Gerry (my Queens Harbour neighbor) – I think Gordon has given up.

Lunch again in the Grand Dining Room – so much quieter than the Terrace Café on sea days – in fact the dining room is practically empty.

Nice afternoon of reading  --- when about  3:00 pm Phil suggests we check the laundry room and lo and behold there are two washers available – we rush down and claim them.   That laundry room is such a vicious place  -- we are reeling in our good fortune to find those empty washers.   Phil offers to stay on laundry duty while I represent both of us at Trivia.

Hillary is back to Trivia – she had a flu for a day or two – and interestingly enough George reported that people in cabins around them were sick as well.   Our score is good today but not good enough to place – we are back in our slump.

An invitation for Phil and I to dine with the Purser on Saturday evening arrives today – Beth and Lynn receive the same --  should be interesting. 

Dinner this evening in the Polo Grill at 7:30 pm – we have the “Captain’s” table and a wonderful meal. 

No show tonight – we are all exhausted from another sea day – and tomorrow we arrive in Cairns  ---  looking forward to getting off the ship.

Thanks for Readng!

Pat

Wednesday 21 March 2012 - At Sea - Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Wednesday 21 March 2012 – At Sea – Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Up at 6:45 am – read and practiced some Yoga before breakfast at 8:00 am.

Bridge at 10:00 am with Jean-Paul, our  instructor and  Gordon and Liddel.  This is a very complicated game but Patte and I are committed to  keep plugging.

At 11:30 am there is another cooking demonstration with our Executive Chef and Pastry Chef – they seem to enjoy doing this and it is fun for the audience as well.  Samples of the dessert are distributed – and a glass of wine is presented to anyone with a correct answer to their questions.    

Lunch again in the the Grand Dining Room – since it is another sea day we expect the Terrace Café to be packed.   We meet Susan and Gerry Bott waiting outside the dining room so they join us.  Susan and Jerry live right down the street from us in Queens Harbour – it is sheer coincidence they we are all on this ship. 

One of the news items in the USA Times (delivered daily) notes that the King of Tonga died on Monday, March 19^th – less than a week after our visit.  He could’ve been lying on his death bed  as we surrounded the Presidential Palace taking photos.

Trivia today was interesting – we thought (as we always do) that we had all the correct answers  --  we  got 10 out of 15 points – however  everyone else did better – we weren’t even third. 

This evening at 5:30 is Oceania’s thank you party  for  guests who have previously sailed with them.   Since Phil, Beth and I have sailed five times with Oceania – they  call our names and a bronze pin will be delivered to our cabins.   It is a lovely time – all drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres are complimentary.     Shane, the Oceania Club Ambassador is the host --- he notes that 386 of the 678 passengers on board have sailed with Oceania before. 

Dinner tonight is in Toscana (the Italian restaurant) – we are all pleased with our meals and the service.

The girls decide to go to the show featuring Karen Beckett – a terrific Australian singer  we heard  a couple of days ago. 

By the time the show is over – we’re exhausted and ready for bed – these sea days are killers.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Tuesday 20 March 2012 - At Sea - Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Tuesday 20 March 2012 – At Sea – Enroute to Cairns, Australia

Up about 6:30 am – seas not as rough as predicted but it is raining.   After breakfast I attend a lecture on Townsville, Australia – then Phil and I purchase wine at the on board sale. 

At 10:00 am it’s off to Beginners Bridge – Patte and I are scratching our heads during this class – it is becoming more complicated but we still enjoy it.  Seas are relatively calm but it is pouring rain.  The Terrace Café is packed  with no place to sit so Patte, Dave, Phil and I have lunch in the Grand Dining Room – very civilized.

I spent a delightful afternoon reading, writing and organizing my photos until Trivia at 4:30pm.   We tied for first place today – we’re coming back!

Dinner in the Grand Dining Room – all six of us – then to the show which includes Kyle, Kelly, Emmanuele and Steve – otherwise know as the Regatta Entertainers. They all have great singing voices as they put on a Las Vegas Show –

At 10:30 we try “Name That Tune” –  not our forte’ – we only get five points.

We’re in bed by 11:15 with the ship rocking just enough for a restful sleep.

Thanks for Reading!

Pat

Monday 19 March 2012 - Noumea, New Caledonia

Monday 19 March 2012 – Noumea, New Caledonia

We dock in Noumea, New Caledonia about 6:30am.   At breakfast Patte says  Dave isn’t feeling well so he probably won’t be getting off the ship today --- but he rallies -- has breakfast and gets off the ship.   The  shuttle bus drops us in Coconut Square downtown.

After a stop at the Information Center – we are told that most attractions are closed on Mondays except  two musums and the Public Marketplace – which is open from 5am to 11am.  The marketplace is closed when we arrive – we can’t figure it out.  Moving on to the New Caledonia Museum – it is open but they only take French Polynesian Francs to the equivalent of about $4 US – not worth changing money since this is our last day in New Caledonia.  In Lifou US dollars were readily accepted.  When the Destination Manger said Noumea had not been discovered by tourists – she was right.  There are three cruise ships in town today – we are the smallest with 678 passengers – and yet attractions are closed and there is no flexibility on acceptable currency.

Noumea was originally called Port-de-France when settled by the French in 1854 – the name changed in 1866.   This area first served as a penal colony – then as a center for exploitation of the nickel and gold mined nearby – and in World War II it served as the headquarters for the United States military.  French is the first language here and many people  speak  very little English.

Our next stop is St. Joseph’s Cathedral on the top of a hill – originally designed by an ex-convict  alterations needed to be made before it could be completed  in 1890.   St. Joseph’s replaced St. Clotilde’s Church after it was damaged by a cyclone in 1880.  It is a lovely cathedral with a vista looking over the city towards the Pacific Ocean.

Then it is back downtown on our quest  for an internet café --  along the way we stop in a kitchen shop – I purchase a teapot and Lynn finds ramekins identical to those used on the ship that she admired.     We  find an internet café – for  $8 US per hour – I am on for a little over an hour posting the blog/photos and checking e-mail. 

Back on board Regatta in time for lunch – there is “never miss a meal” mentality going here.  After lunch Beth, Patte, Lynn Phil and I venture out to see what we can find near the ship.  There is an arts & crafts market across the street from the ship.   It should be open according to their sign -- but like the public market it is closed with no explanation..  We wander around the area where the ship is docked but nothing piques our interest so it’s back on board for three days at sea.  Rain comes torrentially late in the afternoon --  we’re glad to be undercover.

An explanation as to why the two marketplaces are closed -- we find out later  is that  attractions normally open on Mondays are closed on the 3^rd Monday of each month.

 Dinner is in the Grand Dining Room tonight and Brain Teasers at 8:45pm – we come in 2^nd.  Tonight Nolan Dean, our Cruise Director puts on a one man show as a stand-up comedian and singer.  He’s pretty good keeping our interest for an entire hour – amazing.

It’s off to bed – we have been warned that rough seas are ahead.

Thanks, for Reading.

Pat

Sunday 18 March 2012 - Lifou, New Caledonia

Sunday – 18 March 2012 – Lifou, New Caledonia

Sunrise at 5:53 am –  got up at 6:00 am – read for awhile before breakfast.  We tender to Lifou, New Caledonia – which looks lush and green from the ship.  

The tender drops us at a long wooden dock – at the end we see a path to an area of tents up a set of stairs built into the hill.   On the right is a tent with native women and a sign  advertising massages for $20 US.   A second tent has tables with native arts and crafts and a third has natives offering driving tours around the island at various prices.  Even though this is a French island -- as is all of New Caledonia – Lifou seems to be more native than French.

Walking to the Church where Patte and Dave have gone ahead to attend Mass – we  admire the lush foliage and note the various types of housing materials from stone to metal to straw huts.  About 15 minutes into our walk -- who should appear coming towards us but Patte and Dave – we wonder why the Mass was so short.   There is no Mass – incorrect information was given by the Concierge on the ship as to the time of the service.   

Dave and Patte report there is nothing to see but the Church  which is primitive and empty – so we walk back to the tent area realizing that we need to hire a car and driver.  We opt for the 45 minute tour – it’s a small island --  for $15 pp.  

Isabella is our driver – she takes us to see a Chief’s Hut in a village – apparently there are several villages on the island each with a Chief and a hut.  Next stop is a picturesque  site   which Isabella tells us was the very first wharf on Lifou. –  she is not sure of the year.  When we arrive there is a man and a small child about to go swimming – then a small group of   young girls arrive – towels and in hand.  As I look closer I notice one of the girls sitting on the bridge with and ipod or iphone.

After taking photos we  move on to Our Lady of Lourdes Church built by missionaries in 1898.   Isabella parks at the bottom of a hill – we climb up half a mile through an area  resembling a rain forest.   Once at the top – the view is spectacular -- well worth the climb.  The small church is under renovation but  wide open for us to see.  The climb down is harder than the climb up --- very slippery.

Isabella brings us back to the dock area where the tents are.  We notice a group of natives dressed in their garb and also some officers from the Regatta.  Then we realize that a ceremony is about to begin. 

On the occasion of Regatta’s inaugural visit to Lifou a commemorative plaque is presented to the  Head Chief for the island.   Several natives   perform a number of tribal dances --  speeches by the Chief and one of the Ship’s Officers take place with translators.   This ritual takes about 30 minutes –  it was fun to watch  -- we are glad we caught it.   

Phil goes to the ship – Patte, Dave, Beth and Lynn go to a beach by the dock and after a turn through the arts & crafts tent – I get on the tender – riding back to the ship with Gordon and Liddell –  part of the Beginners Bridge Group.  The temperature and the humidity are very high  – the cool air on the ship feels good.

Back on board – while eating lunch in the Terrace Café --  Shane, the Ocean Club Ambassador parades  a large group of natives led by the Chief on a tour of the ship.   Amazingly nobody from Oceania said word one about this ceremony taking place – or the inaugural visit by Regatta to Lifou.

That afternoon --  I answer a knock at the door of our cabin .  Porfirio, our Cabin Steward, stands holding a white seat that one might see in a handicapped bathroom.   He says, “Good Afternoon, Madam.  I am here to bring you this bench because of your comment on the mid-cruise evaluation.”  I just have to laugh as does he  and his assistant who is standing behind him in the hall.     I had put on my evaluation a suggestion that perhaps the next time the ship is renovated – a  small ledge could be installed in the back of the shower to facilitate shaving one’s legs since these showers are so small.   I suggested that  Porfirio to bring in the bench and I  would  try it out .  The bench takes up more than half the shower  with no room for me.

About 15 minutes later – another knock at the door.  This time it is the young woman who is Head of Housekeeping.  She says, “Good Afternoon, Madam.  I am here to address your concern about the shower.”  Again – I smile --  invite her in and we have a nice chat about showers, bathtubs and the difficulty of shaving one’s legs on a ship.   I thank her for her concern and agree to try the bench.

I must say  -- on Regatta  attention is paid to all comments made by passengers – sometimes there is nothing that can be done but they address each and every comment.

Moving on to Trivia at 4:45 pm – we are terrible with a score of  5 out 15 points – clearly not our finest hour.  However, the first place team only made nine points.  

After a marvelous dinner on the back deck of the Terrace Café  -- we are feeling a bit blue from Trivia  so we go  to the movies – “My Week With Marilyn” – which none of us have seen.  Lynn convinces  Vincent (our favorite cocktail waiter) to get us some popcorn for the viewing.

A fitting end to a much fuller day than expected.  

Thanks for Reading.

Pat