Asia and Australia: November 2010

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Australia Chronicles

Asia – Australia 2010

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”

- Lin Yutang (all quotes were taken from the packaging of the chocolates left on our pillows each night of the cruise)

Friday, November 19, 2010 – Sydney, Australia – en route home

So here it is… the last installment of the Blog. When we last left you we were in Asia and then it was off to Australia, our first stop Darwin. When touring, we vacillate between seeing the large cities or viewing the wildlife. When you are cruising, you only have time to pick one venue so this port we decided on the Territory Wildlife Park. It was a beautiful area with several different terrains; we saw lovely birds, an aquarium and Australia wildlife (see photos) indigenous to the area. So much to see and really not enough time….

Next was Thursday Island, Australia – now you see it, now you don’t. Not too much to say, a sleepy Island with some pretty scenery. The excursion brochure for this port told it all; there was only one excursion offered and it was an hour in length. So at least I got a pretty picture! The cruising between these ports was delightfully smooth. The water truly was like a sheet of glass reflecting the sky so beautifully and the sunset was extremely dramatic. I just love sitting on the veranda and looking out at the ocean… it totally mesmerizes me.

Next stop Cairns, Australia and we chose the nature route, but had time to see the town when we returned from our tour. We took several cable car rides to reach Kuranda, riding high above the rain forest with stops in the beautiful rain forest en route. Kuranda is a former “Hippie” colony from the 60’s and the craft colony from that generation morphed itself into a town filled with hand made goodies and souvenirs. The day was filled with lovely scenery, the cute town of Kuranda and the bustling city of Cairns.

Whitsunday Island, Australia – We never actually got to see the island because we chose to go directly to the Great Barrier Reef. We took a catamaran (boarding from the side of our ship) out to the reef traveling in extremely choppy water (there were huge storms for several days before we got there). The catamaran takes you out to a floating platform where you can snorkel, scuba and take a glass bottom boat to see the reef. I went scuba diving on the reef and it is an awesome experience. Sorry no underwater pictures, you will have to settle for a picture of me in diving gear.

Our choice was made early on to visit The Australia Zoo when in Brisbane, Australia. Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) and his family created a terrific zoo, including a hospital for injured wildlife. Prior to the hospital, when an injured animal was found there was no place for individuals to bring them without bearing the cost of a veterinarian. Steve Irwin dedicated this zoo to his “Mum”, a great wildlife conservationist, so anyone can now bring an injured animal to the hospital and have it treated free of charge. They had injured Koalas, kangaroos and the cutest bird that had no feathers… so they knitted a “jumper” (sweater, as we say in the USA) for him. We chatted with the handler and birdie; he’s very talkative, learning about his medical condition. Of course there are lots of Crocs (Crikey, they are scary!) along with other Australian animals, reptiles and many other animals including tigers and elephants. Mike had always been a great fan if Steve Irwin and really wanted to see the zoo. While on the ship we read a terrific book written by his wife, Terri Irwin “Steve and Me”. It gives you a great perspective of their love of wildlife and their mission to preserve it. Another wonderful day spent discovering Australia.

Finally our last port… beautiful Sydney, Australia. We had one overnight on the ship and then stayed three additional nights after the cruise at the Harbourside Marriott. On our last cruise day we woke up in port and beyond our veranda door was the view of the Sydney Opera House at daybreak… breathtaking! Sydney is a terrific city; busy, bustling, young, energetic, beautiful, and we just love it. You can travel everywhere by ferry, they leave Circular Quay constantly linking all areas of the city. We spent one day just riding the ferries to various beautiful locations; Manly Beach (surfing competition – not us), Darling Harbor and the beautiful outskirts of the city, along the Parramatta River. We toured “The Rocks”, the oldest original section of the city; went to the ballet at the Sydney Opera House (ballet season – not opera); visited museums and walked through the beautiful Botanical Gardens. The Jacaranda trees were in bloom, brightening up the city with the most amazing color purple. Sydney is definitely a place to put on your bucket list if you haven’t been there!!!

My last story… we were out on the veranda late one evening while at sea. It was a dark, clear evening and the stars were out in the thousands. There are no lights around so you can see an amazing array of stars. I mentioned to Mike that it would be great to see a shooting star as I hadn’t seen one since I was a teenager. Mike told me he never saw one and I said “I wish we could see a shooting star” and there it was flashing across the sky, the most brilliant shooting star – “When you wish upon a star your dreams come true’. It truly was a blessed trip filled with so many beautiful moments.

So that’s the trip… I am now sitting at my computer, in my office after a 25 hour day of traveling (door to door). It is a very long trip… but it was such an incredible journey. Thank you for sharing it with us, blogging made me sit and make note of things that happened along the way, which I probably would not have done without the Blog.

Love,

Pat (the writer and picture taker) & Mike (the editor and blog poster)

Worried snake charmer (check out those eyes-Mike's not the snake)

Nice Legs! (Giraffe?)

Sea of Glass

Thursday Island, Australia

Another Great Sunset

Kuranda Rain Forest

500 year old tree

Karunda, Australia

Ready for my dive on The Great Barrier Reef

Crocoseum Show at

Australia Zoo

Crikey!

What a Face!

A Lovely Roo

Steve Irwin's Dream

Bird with Jumper

Sydney Opera House at Daybreak

Sydney Skyline

Sydney's Jacaranda Trees in Full Bloom

Regent Navigator and Harbour Bridge

Harbour Bridge Climb -That is NOT us on top of the bridge!

Opera House at Night

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Buddhas and Dragons

Asia – Australia 2010

“It is better to travel well than arrive.”

- Buddha

Sunday, November 14, 2010 – At Sea between Brisbane, Australia and Sydney, Australia

The quote above is a perfect start… our friends Jule and Neil asked us to blog about the ship experience, so here goes. Regent is really terrific! It is so nice to have everything included (no additional fees for anything). Unfortunately, the wine, drinks and food flow so easily that you don’t even know what is hitting you. The food has been excellent; but believe or not it is the fresh fruit that has blown me away. I have eaten more mangos, papaya and berries in the last several weeks than in my entire life (healthy but still fattening). Prime 7, the specialty restaurant (also included) is very intimate with superb food, they will even take the lobster and king crab out of the shell for you (I may even be shell fished out by the end of the cruise). The Regent Navigator accommodates 490 passengers with a crew of 345, always there for your pleasure! There is nothing like sitting at the pool, with drink in hand when someone offers you a frozen towel to cool you down. Those of you at FSML (our development) let’s put that on the agenda for the next board meeting. Oh, and it is Sunday morning… can’t forget about the champagne and caviar. The ship itself has very simple décor and not glitzy at all like the newer large ships… comfortable but elegant. So I guess you figured out that we like it; I think that sums it up pretty well.

On to our cruising ports…. After Singapore we were on to Semarang, Java, Indonesia the home of “Fascinating Borobudur”. Who knew, not us, never even heard of it? Borobudur is a Buddhist Shrine built approximately 800 AD and abandoned about 900 AD for reasons unknown (possibly volcano eruptions or earthquakes). The site remained buried under volcanic ash and vegetation until it was rediscovered in 1896 by Sir Thomas Raffles (of Raffles Hotel fame) and restored in the 1970’s. It is a World Heritage Site and compared to Angkor Wat, Machu Pichu and Chichen Itza. It contains 504 life size Buddha’s, 72 covered by huge structures called Stupas. There are 2067 Base Relief Wall Carvings and there are 10 levels leading up to the huge Stupa at the top. Next fact… WOW. It was an amazing site to see and experience. I believe I have included too many pictures, but that is the only way I can even give you an idea as to its grandness.

Borobudur is only 20 miles from Mt. Merapi (Holy Mountain with Fire) which has been erupting for the last month. We were incredibly lucky to see Borobudur as it was closed for several days, due to volcanic ash, until the day before we arrived and was closed again the day after we left because the volcano started erupting again and has been closed ever since. We had a fascinating guide and it was an unexpected thrill to see this site.

After a relaxing sea day we arrived in Bali, Indonesia, spending two days there. I absolutely loved Bali… we all kidded we were on a Bali High (Hai). The architecture is amazing, the people so unbelievably kind and gentle with an amazing Hindu calmness. The Balinese Hindus are different from India’s Hindus; their religion is much more relaxed with acceptance of all and they even eat meat (Mc Donald’s abounds with the Golden Arches hindering the beautiful architecture). We visited a typical Balinese home; it is a compound housing the entire family, with many generations living together. Several structures are scattered within the courtyard with each area open to the main courtyard. The only thing that separates the bedroom from the courtyard is a curtain around the bed. You step out of bed and into the courtyard… better have your bathrobe on! There are always temples within the home unit and everywhere else on the island; temples for the community, temples in front of each home or business, on the beach, etc. They are an extremely religious people with the island being 90% Hindu. We toured several Balinese hand crafted areas; Batik, wood carving and of course the obligatory jewelry. The Batik and wood industries profited by the Scimeca’s wish to help the local economy!

Our guide told us about the wish for the government to help curtail the birth rate. It is suggested that you only have two children and to help they distribute condoms on the weekend. They are dispensed at the community center (always adjacent to a temple area) which is the social gathering place. This adorable little Balinese tour guide proceeded to inform us that they only like it when condoms are from Asia… those European ones are much too large. Everyone on the bus almost fell off their seats rolling with laughter. He was so matter of fact and at ease with life and all situations. Bali was definitely a high point for me.

Now the high point for Mike… Komodo, Indonesia. Mike has always wanted to see Komodo dragons and we definitely saw them. Komodo dragons are the world’s largest living lizard averaging 13 feet and 200 pounds. They are carnivorous and can smell blood from seven miles away, run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour, with toxic saliva able to disable its prey. We were informed we should not enter the island if we had any open wounds at all, even a cut from shaving, as they could smell the blood and possibly attack. They are very impressive creatures, very scary looking and when they moved so did we. A very interesting experience and Mike can check that one off his bucket list.

Well, of course it is time for another meal, so I will sign off for now. Our trip is winding down and we will be in Sydney tomorrow, spending a few days there and then home. There are still a few ports to write about so you will receive one more blog. Thank you for following our incredible journey, it is wonderful to share our experiences with you.

Pat & Mike

Indonesia Dancing Lion to welcome our ship

Borobudur

Borobudur Skyline

Base Relief Panels

Buddha Walking on Water (see fish at his feet)

Buddha's Wedding

Alcove with Buddha

Stupas with Buddhas inside

Steps between levels

Wood Carving from Thailand

Balinese Dancers

Bali Sunset - Great color from volcano ash cloud

Balinese Bedroom

Home Worship Area

Street Vendor - $5.00

Balinese Hindu Temple Worshippers

Balinese Temple

Komodo Dragon on the prowl

Will this umbrella help?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Temples Everywhere

Asia & Australia – 2010

“It is not enough to say I have been there.

A voyage is not just a journey.

It’s a period carved out of time,

when the impossible can happen.”

- Unknown

Sunday, November 7, 20110 – At sea between Darwin, Australia and Thursday Island, Australia

Well it’s Sunday morning and I am sitting on our veranda with Champagne & Caviar. A Sunday treat on this ship… they really have spoiled us for going back to Carnival (beer drinking contests poolside anyone?). Enough silliness; the ports are amazing (I think I said that already) and the experiences priceless.

When we were in Viet Nam we traveled along Halong Bay and it is just beautiful. The Limestone Mountains jut out from the water in beautiful shapes and formations. We stood on the front deck for almost two hours oohing and ahhing at them. There are mountains in the mist behind the more defined front ones forming wonderful trace mountains in the background. Each formation was more beautiful than the next… candy for the eye!

When you approach Thailand you get a glimpse of what is to come. The shore line is scattered with temples – the front of a temple should face the water with the back towards the mountains for the best feng shui. The bridge you travel below has golden spires with the royal crest gleaming out at you. You know immediately you are going to be in for a treat. The Grand Palace, home to the King (you remember The King & I) is dazzling. Everywhere you look there is gold, carvings, paintings and statues. It is almost too much for the eye to process and then comprehend. Even “The Queen of Glitz” aka Pat was overwhelmed. The pictures speak for themselves without any additional explanation. The current King (he is over 80 years old and sickly) is revered and loved by everyone. The people have such respect and admiration for him; it is so refreshing to hear of a leader so well liked. BUT… the next generation doesn’t sound like it will have the same effect. People do not like the Crown Prince and are concerned as to what will happen when the King dies. The politics were interesting along with the amazing architecture.

We were then on to Ko Samui, Thailand… it was our first day of pouring rain. We had several stops on our tour and the rain managed to subside while we were in the bus and pour every time we got off the bus. We were fearless in our plastic rain jackets (great if you like saunas) and didn’t miss a tour spot covered. We watched the demonstration of the working monkeys who climb the trees to gather the ripe coconuts. The monkeys go to school for six months to learn how to climb the trees, detect the ripe coconuts, spin them so they drop to the ground and then return to their master on the ground. They then frantically pick off the ants from their bodies… they were probably getting bit by the little buggers. It was really interesting but it did disturb me wondering how they were “trained” and what their life is like (slave labor?). We were told they were treated as part of the family (they are the major bread winners) and when the monkey retires, because he is too old to work, they still live with the family.

We were then off to the Big Buddha on top of the mountain in the rain with lightning and thunder. One of my biggest fears in life is lightning… so here I am standing barefoot (I hate walking barefoot) in ankle deep water on top of a mountain with a HUGH Buddha all gold and spiky. Oh, the adventures of traveling! It was actually a fun experience and Mike got to hit all the gongs in the shrine which guarantees us a return trip someday.

Next we were on to Singapore; you could not imagine a cleaner, more pristine city… maybe that caning works. The buildings were fantastic, each one more artistic and beautiful than the rest. The city has distinct areas, one being Muslim. The interesting part about the Mosque was the fact that they wanted all the people to feel like they contributed to the building even if they did not have money to donate. They designed the building with an area made of the bottoms of soy sauce bottles so the local poor people could save the empty bottles, donate them and feel like they were contributing to the building. We went to the famous Raffles Hotel and had Singapore Slings at the Long Bar. We saw the safe where the recipe for the drink was kept for years so no one could duplicate it. Then a waiter was bribed and the recipe became common knowledge.

After our tour we ventured out on our own and decide to ride the Singapore Flyer (several feet larger than the London Eye). The views of the city are breathtaking, the ride smooth and comfortable. It is a continuous motion wheel but it stopped momentarily twice and we held our breaths… our ship leaves in two hours and what if it got stuck. Luckily it didn’t and it was a wonderful end to a terrific day.

I know it sounds like I just had breakfast but I have been writing for awhile and it is almost lunch time so I will end the blog for today. Hope you enjoy sharing our journey and it really is fun remembering the stories to share with you.

Pat & Mike