Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tonga
Nuku’ Alofa, Tonga
Tonga is easily distinguishable by its beautiful beaches, clear azure water, bountiful coral reefs and luscious landscape, much like the other Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. This island is called Tongatap;u and is the largest of the 170 islands that make up Tonga (only 36 islands are inhabited) and holds the capital city of Nuku’ Alofa.
The first missionaries arrived in 1798 but it took 33 years before a powerful chief was converted to Christianity. The chief influenced many others to convert so there are many churches on the island. The people are very conservative and we were told not to wear shorts or clothing that exposed shoulders or midriff. Darn, I couldn’t wear my bikini!!!
Our tour was the Scenic Island Tour which was supposed to be 3 hours. The ship was to dock but the sea was too rough so we were tendered in and it was delayed. This tour was not as enjoyable as some as we were taken through some roads that were muddy and rough. There were some 20 or so trucks and busses full of people trying to get through. Some were stuck in the mud and we were delayed in crowded and hot vehicles.
We traveled by fields of taro and kasavi. Taro is a root food and is 50% starch, tapioca is made from cassava. Lu is their traditional food. We were taken by the Royal tombs, the blowholes on the coast, the Royal Palace and stopped along the road to see the flying fox in the trees. It was more than 5 hours before our return to the ship.
After another wonderful dinner, we enjoyed the comedy and magic of Bernard Reid. He has the distinction of performing before the late Shah of Iran, the King of Thailand and Pierre Trudeau among others.
Tonga is easily distinguishable by its beautiful beaches, clear azure water, bountiful coral reefs and luscious landscape, much like the other Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. This island is called Tongatap;u and is the largest of the 170 islands that make up Tonga (only 36 islands are inhabited) and holds the capital city of Nuku’ Alofa.
The first missionaries arrived in 1798 but it took 33 years before a powerful chief was converted to Christianity. The chief influenced many others to convert so there are many churches on the island. The people are very conservative and we were told not to wear shorts or clothing that exposed shoulders or midriff. Darn, I couldn’t wear my bikini!!!
Our tour was the Scenic Island Tour which was supposed to be 3 hours. The ship was to dock but the sea was too rough so we were tendered in and it was delayed. This tour was not as enjoyable as some as we were taken through some roads that were muddy and rough. There were some 20 or so trucks and busses full of people trying to get through. Some were stuck in the mud and we were delayed in crowded and hot vehicles.
We traveled by fields of taro and kasavi. Taro is a root food and is 50% starch, tapioca is made from cassava. Lu is their traditional food. We were taken by the Royal tombs, the blowholes on the coast, the Royal Palace and stopped along the road to see the flying fox in the trees. It was more than 5 hours before our return to the ship.
After another wonderful dinner, we enjoyed the comedy and magic of Bernard Reid. He has the distinction of performing before the late Shah of Iran, the King of Thailand and Pierre Trudeau among others.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Pearls Jan. 28
January 28 A Day at Sea
As part of the Exploration Speaker Series we had a speaker whose lecture was entitled Digital Photography for Beginners. This was educational as well as entertaining. He will continue with a series of talks about digital photography. We also heard David Abbott again who said very little about our next port Tonga, just that Queen Saloti ruled for 47 years and the island still has a royal family. He talked mostly about New Zealand which I will write about when we arrive at that port. Jack went to a lecture about pearls while I went to the bridge lecture. The following was what Jack learned about pearls:
There are basically three types of pearls in the South Pacific. Australian South Sea pearls, black Tahitian pearls and South Pacific pearls. In order to grow pearls you must seed an oyster. The seed oysters are up to as big as a nickel. The seeding process involves opening the shell and inserting a nucleus (which could be various materials) into the sex organ of the oyster and then you close the shell. You then hang the seeded oyster for a month to see if they spit out the seed. After that they are placed in the ocean for 24 to 30 months then removed and the pearl extracted and cleaned for use. Only about five percent are quality pearls.
In Australia during this period the oysters are placed in wire cages and placed deep in the ocean. In Tahiti the oysters are placed on a pole and covered with black plastic and placed in fairly shallow water in the ocean.
In order to increase the size of the pearl, after the oyster is opened and the pearl removed a new nucleus the same size as the removed pearl is placed in the oyster and it is put back in the sea for another 24 to 30 months. It grows a larger pearl. This process can be done four times in order to get larger pearls.
The quality pearls are graded A through D. (A) pearls are 90% no flaws, (B) 70% no flaws, (C) are 40% no flaws and (D) are 60% or greater flawed. In addition to grading, pearls are valued by 5 additional items. The five are:
luster, size, shape, skin, and color.
Pearls do require some care which involves removing them from the body before cosmetic application or removal of cosmetics. They should be polished with a soft cloth and they should be soaked in water annually. They come from the sea so they last longer if they are put in water.
One of the speakers told us the story about how sailors were treated long ago when the ship crossed the international date line. They were tied to a pole and submerged 3 times in the water. The only way to avoid this was to give up their Grog (rum) for three days. This was called keel hauling.
As part of the Exploration Speaker Series we had a speaker whose lecture was entitled Digital Photography for Beginners. This was educational as well as entertaining. He will continue with a series of talks about digital photography. We also heard David Abbott again who said very little about our next port Tonga, just that Queen Saloti ruled for 47 years and the island still has a royal family. He talked mostly about New Zealand which I will write about when we arrive at that port. Jack went to a lecture about pearls while I went to the bridge lecture. The following was what Jack learned about pearls:
There are basically three types of pearls in the South Pacific. Australian South Sea pearls, black Tahitian pearls and South Pacific pearls. In order to grow pearls you must seed an oyster. The seed oysters are up to as big as a nickel. The seeding process involves opening the shell and inserting a nucleus (which could be various materials) into the sex organ of the oyster and then you close the shell. You then hang the seeded oyster for a month to see if they spit out the seed. After that they are placed in the ocean for 24 to 30 months then removed and the pearl extracted and cleaned for use. Only about five percent are quality pearls.
In Australia during this period the oysters are placed in wire cages and placed deep in the ocean. In Tahiti the oysters are placed on a pole and covered with black plastic and placed in fairly shallow water in the ocean.
In order to increase the size of the pearl, after the oyster is opened and the pearl removed a new nucleus the same size as the removed pearl is placed in the oyster and it is put back in the sea for another 24 to 30 months. It grows a larger pearl. This process can be done four times in order to get larger pearls.
The quality pearls are graded A through D. (A) pearls are 90% no flaws, (B) 70% no flaws, (C) are 40% no flaws and (D) are 60% or greater flawed. In addition to grading, pearls are valued by 5 additional items. The five are:
luster, size, shape, skin, and color.
Pearls do require some care which involves removing them from the body before cosmetic application or removal of cosmetics. They should be polished with a soft cloth and they should be soaked in water annually. They come from the sea so they last longer if they are put in water.
One of the speakers told us the story about how sailors were treated long ago when the ship crossed the international date line. They were tied to a pole and submerged 3 times in the water. The only way to avoid this was to give up their Grog (rum) for three days. This was called keel hauling.
Samoa
January 26
The Amsterdam docked around 7:00 a.m. at Apia on the island of Upolu. Apia is the capital of Samoa and the only place in Samoa that you could call a city. It has modern details such as banks and burger outlets, but seems to still retain the picturesque charm of its history.
Jack and I did not take the excursion to Robert Louis Stephenson’s home, but rather walked the streets and explored. The clock tower in the center of town is a memorial to WWI casualties. Just to the west of the clock tower is the Flea Market which has craft stalls selling everything from lava bowls and siapo (died bark sheets) and jewelry made from coconuts and shells.
There are several churches scattered around Apia. We understand that the people are mostly Christian and very conservative. Everything closes down on Sunday and the people all wear white to church.
It was interesting walking the streets and see most of the people in their native dress. They are very friendly and always smiling. We were told that Samoan people may go to extreme lengths to avoid offending their guests. Rules governing politeness can be carried to such a degree, for example, that the reply “yes” may be given to a question even when the answer is really no.
Local children gave a performance for our enjoyment in the afternoon. The evening entertainment was the return of the past three night’s entertainers. It was an evening of comedy and music with Stuart Gillies, Rick Starr and Annette Wardell.
The day of the week is printed in very large letters on the carpet in the elevators. We are wondering what will be there tomorrow as we are losing Sunday when we cross the international date line. The priest last Sunday informed us that we were under no obligation for Sunday the 27th, but we could attend Monday’s service. He has quite a sense of humor.
It rained all day but was still warm. This is the only day of rain we have had since we left and they call this the rainy season.
At 6:00 we set sail toward Nuku Alofa, Tonga.
The Amsterdam docked around 7:00 a.m. at Apia on the island of Upolu. Apia is the capital of Samoa and the only place in Samoa that you could call a city. It has modern details such as banks and burger outlets, but seems to still retain the picturesque charm of its history.
Jack and I did not take the excursion to Robert Louis Stephenson’s home, but rather walked the streets and explored. The clock tower in the center of town is a memorial to WWI casualties. Just to the west of the clock tower is the Flea Market which has craft stalls selling everything from lava bowls and siapo (died bark sheets) and jewelry made from coconuts and shells.
There are several churches scattered around Apia. We understand that the people are mostly Christian and very conservative. Everything closes down on Sunday and the people all wear white to church.
It was interesting walking the streets and see most of the people in their native dress. They are very friendly and always smiling. We were told that Samoan people may go to extreme lengths to avoid offending their guests. Rules governing politeness can be carried to such a degree, for example, that the reply “yes” may be given to a question even when the answer is really no.
Local children gave a performance for our enjoyment in the afternoon. The evening entertainment was the return of the past three night’s entertainers. It was an evening of comedy and music with Stuart Gillies, Rick Starr and Annette Wardell.
The day of the week is printed in very large letters on the carpet in the elevators. We are wondering what will be there tomorrow as we are losing Sunday when we cross the international date line. The priest last Sunday informed us that we were under no obligation for Sunday the 27th, but we could attend Monday’s service. He has quite a sense of humor.
It rained all day but was still warm. This is the only day of rain we have had since we left and they call this the rainy season.
At 6:00 we set sail toward Nuku Alofa, Tonga.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
January 24 and 25 At Sea
Today, we attended the bridge lecture and the first of an exploration speaker series. Charlie Urbanowicz, a Ph.D. in Anthropology spoke about where the original inhabitants of the S. Pacific came from and when they arrived there.
The entertainment was an opera star from the United Kingdom.
Jan. 25
We were taught about the stamen convention today at the bridge lecture. We have been amazed at the number of bridge players on the ship and how many have master points. The duplicate players are the largest group with some 15 to 20 tables the days we are at sea. We don’t play with these experts, but prefer the smaller group that play party bridge.
Charlie Urbanowicz continued his series of lectures. Today he spoke about traditions and changing life in Polynesia - especially in Samoa and Tonga.
Another speaker, David Abbott gave his first lecture entitled Treasure Island of the South Pacific - Samoa.
The entertainment was Singin’ Safari by the Amsterdam singers and dancers and a brother and sister dance team.
Today, we attended the bridge lecture and the first of an exploration speaker series. Charlie Urbanowicz, a Ph.D. in Anthropology spoke about where the original inhabitants of the S. Pacific came from and when they arrived there.
The entertainment was an opera star from the United Kingdom.
Jan. 25
We were taught about the stamen convention today at the bridge lecture. We have been amazed at the number of bridge players on the ship and how many have master points. The duplicate players are the largest group with some 15 to 20 tables the days we are at sea. We don’t play with these experts, but prefer the smaller group that play party bridge.
Charlie Urbanowicz continued his series of lectures. Today he spoke about traditions and changing life in Polynesia - especially in Samoa and Tonga.
Another speaker, David Abbott gave his first lecture entitled Treasure Island of the South Pacific - Samoa.
The entertainment was Singin’ Safari by the Amsterdam singers and dancers and a brother and sister dance team.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bora Bora
Novelist James Michener described Bora Bora as “the world’s most beautiful island.”
The arrival at the island was stunning. The coral reef which surrounds Bora Bora defines a spectacular lagoon and a mountain that towers above it. (See picture) The lagoon is full of tropical fish and coral formations. Most of the species live in shallow water from 3 to 9 feet. Manta Rays, Moray, eels, dolphins and (gulp) sharks inhabit the reef.
Our 2 ½ hour excursion was a relaxing drive around the island in a flower decorated truck enjoying exotic views. The road was the most bumpy we have ever experienced. They said the heavy rains in December caused a lot of damage.
The hotels here are inhabited mostly by celebrities. One unit of 3,000 square feet rents for $15,000 a night. We snapped a picture of where Nicole Kidman stayed. The floors are glass so marine life can be observed continually.
We saw a demonstration of dying fabrics which become a pauseo (sp) commonly worn on the islands. See picture. A large tray of baby bananas, fresh coconut, mangos, grapefruits and other fruit were provided for our tasting.
I will also post the pictures of our stop at “Bloody Marys”. This is where the drink originated. The floor is just sandy beach.
Singer Stuart Gillie was the entertainment. Most of our entertainers are not as well known in the USA. Gillie is from Scotland and has won awards in theater, radio and tv.
Novelist James Michener described Bora Bora as “the world’s most beautiful island.”
The arrival at the island was stunning. The coral reef which surrounds Bora Bora defines a spectacular lagoon and a mountain that towers above it. (See picture) The lagoon is full of tropical fish and coral formations. Most of the species live in shallow water from 3 to 9 feet. Manta Rays, Moray, eels, dolphins and (gulp) sharks inhabit the reef.
Our 2 ½ hour excursion was a relaxing drive around the island in a flower decorated truck enjoying exotic views. The road was the most bumpy we have ever experienced. They said the heavy rains in December caused a lot of damage.
The hotels here are inhabited mostly by celebrities. One unit of 3,000 square feet rents for $15,000 a night. We snapped a picture of where Nicole Kidman stayed. The floors are glass so marine life can be observed continually.
We saw a demonstration of dying fabrics which become a pauseo (sp) commonly worn on the islands. See picture. A large tray of baby bananas, fresh coconut, mangos, grapefruits and other fruit were provided for our tasting.
I will also post the pictures of our stop at “Bloody Marys”. This is where the drink originated. The floor is just sandy beach.
Singer Stuart Gillie was the entertainment. Most of our entertainers are not as well known in the USA. Gillie is from Scotland and has won awards in theater, radio and tv.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Moorea
Moorea is one of the S. Pacific islands that is part of the Society Islands and one of the 5 major island groups that form French Polynesia. It has become a main tourist destination because of its striking landscape and close proximity to Tahiti.
Again, we found an abundance of shopping close to the pier. There was resort wear and again jewelry, mainly using the black pearls. In French Polynesia, there3 are literally hundreds of atolls with pearl farms. The black pearl is the souvenir coveted by most tourists.
Rick Starr was the entertainer, a comic who kept us laughing for an hour.
Again, we found an abundance of shopping close to the pier. There was resort wear and again jewelry, mainly using the black pearls. In French Polynesia, there3 are literally hundreds of atolls with pearl farms. The black pearl is the souvenir coveted by most tourists.
Rick Starr was the entertainer, a comic who kept us laughing for an hour.
Papeete, Tahiti
We docked at Papeete, Tahiti at 8:00 a.m. We walked ashore and visited craft areas and shops. The Tahiti pearl Market is located about a five minute walk from the cruise ship. It is one of the largest pearl stores in French Polynesia with 3 floors of pearls and 200,000 loose pearls.
We returned to the ship for lunch, then met our 1:15 excursion. This was an off the road adventure into the wilderness of Tahita. We rode in the back of a 4-wheel-drive vehicle which was incredibly bumpy. There was a stunning display of lush green exotic tropical plants and trees. The area has over 500 waterfalls with one being the highest in the islands. The rainfall is over 30 inches a year. We were gone for over 4 hours so it was too late for our dinner in the dining room. The Lido was having a barbeque so we enjoyed eating at the pool.
The entertainment was traditional dance and music from Tahiti.
We returned to the ship for lunch, then met our 1:15 excursion. This was an off the road adventure into the wilderness of Tahita. We rode in the back of a 4-wheel-drive vehicle which was incredibly bumpy. There was a stunning display of lush green exotic tropical plants and trees. The area has over 500 waterfalls with one being the highest in the islands. The rainfall is over 30 inches a year. We were gone for over 4 hours so it was too late for our dinner in the dining room. The Lido was having a barbeque so we enjoyed eating at the pool.
The entertainment was traditional dance and music from Tahiti.
At Sea
Since we were at sea, we could attend the bridge lecture. It's always interesting and keeps you thinking. We also attended the Gary Pudney lectures on celebrities. Gary is a family friend of the Lucille Ball family, he dated the daughter for two years so he had some interesting information.
We spent the afternoon in the library reading and using the computer. Dinner was informal which meant Jack had to wear a jacket. The entertainment that followed dinner was a comic and a fantastic classic banjo player, Buddy Wachter. The entertainers will depart at Tahiti and a new group will come aboard.
We spent the afternoon in the library reading and using the computer. Dinner was informal which meant Jack had to wear a jacket. The entertainment that followed dinner was a comic and a fantastic classic banjo player, Buddy Wachter. The entertainers will depart at Tahiti and a new group will come aboard.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Nuku Hiva
Jan. 18 Same schedule as before. The temperature is 86 degrees and we are 240 miles from Nuku Hiva.
Jan. 19 The ship anchored at Nuku Hiva around 8:00 a.m. and we were on the second tender boat to explore Nuku Hiva. This island is one of the 15 Marquesa islands of which only six are populated. Nuku Hiva is an example of unspoiled natural beauty. The islands are volcanic so are both mountainous and fertile. They grow breadfruit, coconut and tobacco. The language is Tahitian and French.
We wondered about looking at the native wood carvings and other crafts. We saw beautiful examples of their wood carvings in the Catholic church. I will try to post one of the pictures we took. This island was the site of one of the Survivors shows.
We explored the island in the morning and went back to the ship and played bridge in the p.m. We decided to use room service for our evening meal and watched two movies on TV. The recent movies shown in the ships' theatre are shown the next day on TV. We set sail at 6:00 p.m for Tahiti.
Jan. 19 The ship anchored at Nuku Hiva around 8:00 a.m. and we were on the second tender boat to explore Nuku Hiva. This island is one of the 15 Marquesa islands of which only six are populated. Nuku Hiva is an example of unspoiled natural beauty. The islands are volcanic so are both mountainous and fertile. They grow breadfruit, coconut and tobacco. The language is Tahitian and French.
We wondered about looking at the native wood carvings and other crafts. We saw beautiful examples of their wood carvings in the Catholic church. I will try to post one of the pictures we took. This island was the site of one of the Survivors shows.
We explored the island in the morning and went back to the ship and played bridge in the p.m. We decided to use room service for our evening meal and watched two movies on TV. The recent movies shown in the ships' theatre are shown the next day on TV. We set sail at 6:00 p.m for Tahiti.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Another Sea Day
The schedule is pretty much the same with an exception or two. I went to a flower arrangement demonstration. There are two florists on board who have placed beautiful flower arrangements all over the ship. We will post a picture of one arrangement. Jack went to listen to a presentation on astronomy. We played bridge with Allen and Erika. We elected not to dress formally tonight and went to the buffet and then to a movie, Mr. Brooks with Kevin Costner, a real thriller.
I will try to post pictures of the flowers, the equator celebration and of the kitchen.
I will try to post pictures of the flowers, the equator celebration and of the kitchen.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Equator Crossing
We planned to go to Tai Chai but missed it as we had a wrong schedule. The bridge lecture was interesting as usual.
The speaker at 11:00 was the Hollywood producer again. This time he talked about his relationship and friendship with two of the most famous women in the world, the late Princess Grace of Monaco and her Rohyal Highness Diana Princess of Wales.
All were invited to the Poseidon's Revenge Ceremony to ensure safe passage over the equator. According to Greek mythology King Neptune oversees the equator. This is a tradition of honoring Poseidon in return for safe passage and smooth waters. This was done with costumes and dialog in an amusing way on the Lido deck. The sun was at it's most intense as the equator is crossed.
A wonderful evening of entertainment with Mel Mellers followed dinner. He had a unique act alive with action laughter and intrigue.
Shirley and Eugene, we appreciate your comments. We are having trouble getting the e-mail to go while we are at sea. We'll be sending some later. Sandra and Sheri, good to hear from you also. Sandra, I will send you a letter with all our ports listed.
The speaker at 11:00 was the Hollywood producer again. This time he talked about his relationship and friendship with two of the most famous women in the world, the late Princess Grace of Monaco and her Rohyal Highness Diana Princess of Wales.
All were invited to the Poseidon's Revenge Ceremony to ensure safe passage over the equator. According to Greek mythology King Neptune oversees the equator. This is a tradition of honoring Poseidon in return for safe passage and smooth waters. This was done with costumes and dialog in an amusing way on the Lido deck. The sun was at it's most intense as the equator is crossed.
A wonderful evening of entertainment with Mel Mellers followed dinner. He had a unique act alive with action laughter and intrigue.
Shirley and Eugene, we appreciate your comments. We are having trouble getting the e-mail to go while we are at sea. We'll be sending some later. Sandra and Sheri, good to hear from you also. Sandra, I will send you a letter with all our ports listed.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Continued Days at Sea
We set the clocks back again so we were up early, to the gym, showers and then to mass.
We tried the dance lessons and then to the bridge lecture, always interesting. We also went back to the gym and listened to the personal trainer talk about toxology.
The evenings entertainment was Renato who is counted in an elite group of the best tenors in the world which includes such international stars as Pavorotti, Placido Dominga and Marios Lang. He is also somewhat of a comedian and was very enjoyable.
We tried the dance lessons and then to the bridge lecture, always interesting. We also went back to the gym and listened to the personal trainer talk about toxology.
The evenings entertainment was Renato who is counted in an elite group of the best tenors in the world which includes such international stars as Pavorotti, Placido Dominga and Marios Lang. He is also somewhat of a comedian and was very enjoyable.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Days at Sea
We are finding it difficult to post our pictures because of limikted band web on the ship. We were advised to reduce the density or compress the pictures, but this made the pictures very small. We will be experimenting!!
Jan. 11 This is our first day fo the 8 continuous days at sea.
We worked out in the gym, had breakfast then attended a bridge lecture. Jack is really enjoying this. Aren't you surprised?
At 11:00, I participated in a hands on culinary arts activity (cooking school). There were 12 of us involved in chopping, sauteing, mixing and cooking. We enjoyed our meal in the privacy of the Pinnacle Grill. Our instructor, Shawn, is the head chef in the grill. In the afternoon we spent some time in the library and on the computer, then to the gym again. We are trying to keep the pounds from piling on. After dinner we elected to go to the movie instead of listening to the classical pianist.
January 12
We started the day at the gym, showers, then breakfast. We attended the bridge lecture again which will probably become a daily activity until we start the excursions. There was also an interesting presentation by a Hollywood producer on the life of Elizabeth Taylor. He is a personal friend.
The ocean temperature is 82 degrees, a few degrees warmer than the atmosphere. The depth of the ocean here is 9,000 feet. We are now about 200 miles from the Galapagos islands.
The dinner was a black and white formal followed by a black and white ball. We set the clocks back tonight.
Jan. 11 This is our first day fo the 8 continuous days at sea.
We worked out in the gym, had breakfast then attended a bridge lecture. Jack is really enjoying this. Aren't you surprised?
At 11:00, I participated in a hands on culinary arts activity (cooking school). There were 12 of us involved in chopping, sauteing, mixing and cooking. We enjoyed our meal in the privacy of the Pinnacle Grill. Our instructor, Shawn, is the head chef in the grill. In the afternoon we spent some time in the library and on the computer, then to the gym again. We are trying to keep the pounds from piling on. After dinner we elected to go to the movie instead of listening to the classical pianist.
January 12
We started the day at the gym, showers, then breakfast. We attended the bridge lecture again which will probably become a daily activity until we start the excursions. There was also an interesting presentation by a Hollywood producer on the life of Elizabeth Taylor. He is a personal friend.
The ocean temperature is 82 degrees, a few degrees warmer than the atmosphere. The depth of the ocean here is 9,000 feet. We are now about 200 miles from the Galapagos islands.
The dinner was a black and white formal followed by a black and white ball. We set the clocks back tonight.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Costa Rica and Panama
We docked at Costa Rica and took a 4 1/2 hour excursion on jungle boats to cruise through the canals of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.
The main exports are coffee, bananas, pineapple and macadamia nuts. Their major industries are tourism and the manufacture of computer chips. Costa Rica has an annual rainfall of 156 inches which fills the area with orchids, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and toucans.
On this excursion, we stopped at a banana plantation and a process plant for a close up of the delicious fruit.
The evening show was a hilarious ventriloquist.
Jan. 9
We were up at 5:15 to be first at the bow to see the ship pass through the locks. We had a good up close view as the ship entered the lower chamber and the gates closed. We continued until we navigated into Gatun Lake. The entire transit time until we dropped anchor at Panama City took about 12 hours.
The trip through the canal is at a cost of over $200,000. for our ship.
I will post some pictures that we have taken the past few days.
The main exports are coffee, bananas, pineapple and macadamia nuts. Their major industries are tourism and the manufacture of computer chips. Costa Rica has an annual rainfall of 156 inches which fills the area with orchids, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and toucans.
On this excursion, we stopped at a banana plantation and a process plant for a close up of the delicious fruit.
The evening show was a hilarious ventriloquist.
Jan. 9
We were up at 5:15 to be first at the bow to see the ship pass through the locks. We had a good up close view as the ship entered the lower chamber and the gates closed. We continued until we navigated into Gatun Lake. The entire transit time until we dropped anchor at Panama City took about 12 hours.
The trip through the canal is at a cost of over $200,000. for our ship.
I will post some pictures that we have taken the past few days.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Arrival on the ms Amsterdam
We were welcomed aboard the ship around noon.The veranda suite is quite comfortable and has adequate storage and closet.
The buffet was ready for us as was the champagne which flowed freely for hours.
Our luggage started to arrive one at a time so we chose to unpack rather than participate in activities. Of course, there was the mandatory lifeboat drill.
We have early seating and met our table companions from Nebraska and Illinois.
Jan. 5
We attended a lecture on the Panama canal and went to the gymn. The highlight of this day was entertainment by Regis and Joy Philbin.
Jan. 6
The ship anchored off George Town, Grand Caymen. We went ashore to shop and do some exploring.
We enjoyed the gym again and an aroebics class. We attended a 5:00 p.m mass.
The entertainment was a classic guitarist.
Jan. 7
Instead of going to the gym, we walked the deck.
One of us attended a bridge lecture. Guess which one??? We also attended a lecture on the upcoming ports.
The entertainment was Europa performed by the Amersterdam singers and dancers.
Tomorrow I will try to post some photos.
The buffet was ready for us as was the champagne which flowed freely for hours.
Our luggage started to arrive one at a time so we chose to unpack rather than participate in activities. Of course, there was the mandatory lifeboat drill.
We have early seating and met our table companions from Nebraska and Illinois.
Jan. 5
We attended a lecture on the Panama canal and went to the gymn. The highlight of this day was entertainment by Regis and Joy Philbin.
Jan. 6
The ship anchored off George Town, Grand Caymen. We went ashore to shop and do some exploring.
We enjoyed the gym again and an aroebics class. We attended a 5:00 p.m mass.
The entertainment was a classic guitarist.
Jan. 7
Instead of going to the gym, we walked the deck.
One of us attended a bridge lecture. Guess which one??? We also attended a lecture on the upcoming ports.
The entertainment was Europa performed by the Amersterdam singers and dancers.
Tomorrow I will try to post some photos.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Arrival in Ft. Lauderdale
The temperature was in the 50s upon arrival in Ft Lauderdale around 7:00 p.m. Early that day the temperature hit 39 degrees here. The iguanas were falling from the trees when the cold swept across the region. They say the iguanas' bodies shut down during chilly weather so they fall into a deep sleep. Some reach 6 foot in length and they maintain a body temperature similar to the air around them. It has warmed up so they should wake up and be okay.
We did arrive at our hotel in time to see the Orange Bowl. Yea! Jayhawks!
We will be sailing later today.
We did arrive at our hotel in time to see the Orange Bowl. Yea! Jayhawks!
We will be sailing later today.
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