Woe is Me!

Today was supposedly an easy day! We landed in Da Nang at 8 this morning, and I had a private Yoga lesson at 9; just because i WASN'T rushed, I took advantage of the occasion and had breakfast, something I normally do not do. Then I wandered out on to the dock, to see what was being offered for sale. I had said right along that I would look for souvenirs when we got here, and sure enough, I looked for bargains of all sorts, trying to keep in mind that my suitcases were already full on arrival. Therefore, I was able to resist a couple of pant suits (because I already have two that I bought last year), and I only bought small items that weighed little, cost little, and take up little space. Whether I will be sorry when I get home, will be another matter. In the middle of the day, I had a hamburger, thinking it would tide me over until I got back from the special holiday celebration in Hue , due to leave the ship at 16:45 and return at 21:30 (that was arranged specially for all the World Cruisers)! It was announced to take place at the Imperial Palace in Hue, with special entertainment and food. Unfortunately for me, I was ready by 16:15 and figured to relax for a few minutes, but woe is me! I fell asleep and only woke up at 17:00h, which means that I am still on the ship and missed the party! There are only two such events on each World Cruise, and this was the second, so I really goofed. There will be a special Hong Kong Kabang party on Wednesday, but that will be here on the ship, so I don't expect to miss that one.
I think I confused the Viet Cong with the Viet Minh in my last blog; the fighting in the tunnels against the Americans was by the Viet Cong, who were victorious in the end. Finally, I was able to upload my pictures from the Tunnels, and from Ho Chi Minh City. They are on Facebook, with labels to explain each photo. I hope you like them.

The Cu Chi Tunnels, Viet Nam

I have just returned from a most interesting and informative tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City. These tunnels were what made it possible for the Vietnamese to conquer the Viet Cong in 1975, and fool the Americans. I will publish the pictures in Facebook. It was an ingenious way to discourage further warfare, as the "guerillas" appeared to come from nowhere, and just as quickly, disappear, but when one views the entrances to this vast conglomeration of tunnels, as well as their booby traps, it is much easier to understand why the Americans were discouraged.
Viet Nam is still a Communist country, but in actual fact, they are very interested in capitalist policies, and the country is developing at a rapid rate; it appears to be VERY Westernized, at least superficially, although all the major industries are owned by the government, and although there is no income tax, as such, there is a VAT that can go as high as 10%, depending on the item. There is a high literacy rate, and although tuition is reasonable, the cost of uniforms, etc. add to the cost, making it difficult for some. Families appear to be close knit, and the favorite mode of transportation is still the motor bike.
The food is very good, everywhere, and the weather has been hot, hot, hot! There is no need for a diuretic in this climate, because the sweat just pours out, and there is nothing left to eliminate.
We are now headed for the central part of the country, which should be quite different from the South, and eventually, we will get to Hanoi, in the north.
There is still more to do on the ship than one has time for, and it's not always an easy choice, but the time passes quickly

The Propulsion Pod is fixed!

We were somewhat delayed in getting to Cambodia, due to testing the pod, but finally, it is up and running! Actually I was personally not disturbed because of all the schedule changes, but obviously, some people were. What has made a difference to me, is that the Computer prof. offered me an hour of personal help in the morning, before we landed in Sihanoukville, and I opted to skip bridge lessons that day, and gratefully accepted the offer of help. I knew he would go over the same material with the class the next day (yesterday), but figured it certainly couldn't hurt, and might help me in the long run (and I think it has!). Now, I feel more confident about using the Adobe Elements 7 book by myself. Since I did not go on land, I had a leisurely afternoon here on the ship, going to the afternoon tea in the Palm Court, and socializing, in general. In the evening, there was a so-called "Jade Harbor Fair" with all sorts of booths at which to try one's luck. I managed to win at the wheel of fortune, followed by hitting some balloons with a dart; then I managed to get a ball into the basket, etc. I can't really remember everything I tried, but I ended up with 14 winning tickets, which I gave away (mostly because I really wasn't interested in any of the prizes). The prizes at last year's Fair were more interesting.
However, it was a fun event.
Yesterday was a regular sea day with all my usual schedule of classes, etc. but in the evening I went to the Silk Road with Stan and Mary Leja, and it was very enjoyable and good, as always.
We have now (11 a.m.) landed at Ho Chi Minh City, and I am only scheduled for a night tour of Saigon which means that I am free for the next 7 hours. I will probably (FINALLY!) take some time to go up by the pool. The tour tonight will take us to the Rex Hotel roof for cocktails, followed by a regional music and dance show featuring Viet Nam costumes, etc. I still remember that it was from the roof of the Rex that so many people desperately tried to get on helicopters to get to safety at the end of the Vietnam War. We will then go somewhere else for a typical meal.
For tomorrow, I have nothing special planned, except for a private Yoga lesson, but I will probably check on the souvenir items that I see are being sold on the landing just outside the ship. So far, I haven't bought anything, because my suitcases were already FULL when I arrived, so I have no space for anything else!
On Saturday, we leave here at 15:00h so there is time for an early Countryside Drive, and visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, used to such success during the war. One can enter the tunnels, but I am afraid that would be too strenuous for me, so I will probably do what I did at the Salt Mines in Poland (buy a picture book of the area and enjoy it at leisure while the rest of the group struggles in the low ceilinged and narrow tunnels.
I have seldom gone to any of the nighttime entertainment on board, because by the time we finish dinner, it is usually about 22:30 h and I am too tired. However, recently I attended a "mind reading" demonstration, and was truly impressed! There MUST be a gimic or an explanation, but I surely don't know what it is.

More of the same

Yesterday, I took two different cultural tours in the vicinity of Pattaya, Thailand. The ship is docked at Laem Chabang , not too close to Bangkok. However, since I spent some time in Thailand about 10 years ago with Marlyse and Ludy, I was not interested in going all the way to Bangkok from here. Today, we are still docked at LC, but I am spending the day trying to do the things I can never do when there are classes. I even have hopes of playing bridge this afternoon, if I don't get too bogged down with Adobe Photo Elements #7. I think I am the only one in the class who cannot seem to follow those directions, and it really frustrates me.
The tours yesterday included an entertaining elephant show, and a dance extravaganza on the history of Thailand, etc. but it was extremely hot, and I finally had to remain in the bus when it was time to walk around the orchid exhibition. My age gradually catches up with me (sometimes).
The story with the left propulsion pod is still not over; apparently it should be O.K., but now needs to be tested, and that will delay our arrival in Cambodia for tomorrow. However, since I don't have a visa for Cambodia, I won't go ashore in any case (and the ship is offering a free tour as recompense for arriving late).
Marlyse wanted me to do something special, yesterday, as it was the 56th anniversary of my marriage to Marcel, so I went to the Sushi Bar (at Silk Road) for dinner, and enjoyed it very much. I love to watch the preparation of all the delicacies they make, and certainly enjoy eating them!
Now, I have an hour to try and tackle the Photo assignment; wish me luck!

Too Much to Remember!

It is now an entire week since I last wrote, and I was under pressure the whole time! We are now in Singapore, where I can finally relax somewhat, having passed the computer test as well as all the assignments, yesterday, and the only other stop was at Bali. Three of the scheduled stops were canceled, due to a defective propulsion pod on the ship, such that our speed was slowed down considerably, and it was impossible to stop at Broome, Australia and then Semerang and Komodo in Indonesia. For me, personally, it didn't make any difference as I was not planning to go ashore in any of those places, and I needed the time to do the homework for the Computer Course. On this segment, we were learning about digital photos, and it was quite interesting, but rather complicated to learn to use the software. I was constantly trying to memorize the material, and stressed because my short term memory is practically useless.
I enjoyed the cooking course in Bali, but I don't think I will ever make any of those specialties, as it is too work intensive for the results, but it was quite interesting to see how the Balinese prepare their food for special occasions. The demonstration was deliberately for "showing off". The food market we visited beforehand was huge, and I took some pictures there.
I have been fascinated by the sunsets as we again approached the Equator, and of course, the weather has become much hotter. After the cold gray weather and high seas around Australia, it is nice to have the calm, clear days and nights as we approached Singapore.
Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day with all sorts of celebrations, including the Rites of Crossing the Equator. Our "table" ate at the Prego to celebrate the end of the segment. One of the Ambassador Hosts is leaving, and the other one will have to shift to an earlier mealtime, so we are again wondering who will join us for the next segment. We are the same three ladies each time, and always on the lookout for some male conversation. After dinner, I went to the evening entertainment (an opera singer) and then went to the St. Patrick's sing along in the Avenue Saloon at 11 p.m.; that was followed at 11:30 by Karaoke in the Pulse Nightclub. Usually, I fall asleep right after dinner, but yesterday I really enjoyed the night life.
I will take a night tour of the City later today, and this morning I went out to the Terminal Mall and was able to find a carry-on suitcase for the return trip. It should hold more than my carry on bag did on arriving, and even better, it has wheels, so I can drag it, and don't have to carry it!
Tomorrow is almost entirely "free" except for my Yoga lesson (same as today). We will still be in Singapore, but I hope to use the time to catch up on emails, etc. and hopefully, get a headstart on the computer assignments for the next segment.
Now, I want to post some pictures on Facebook, since it is still impossible on this blog.
Best regards to all my friendly readers. Ann

Another delay!

It seems that the propulsion pod has NOT been repaired, and now we will spend another day at sea before reaching Bali, now scheduled for 15 March, and skipping Semarang altogether in order to reach Singapore on the 18th. Crystal is offering compensation for the inconvenience, etc. but , I have to admit that for me, I am such a poor sightseer, that I don't mind spending another day at sea. I was not interested in the dragons on Komedo (really very overgrown lizards), and had not yet signed up for anything in Semarang, but many other passengers are quite disappointed.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful these past couple of days, and I did manage to get a short bit of fresh air and sunshine in between my regular schedule.
We celebrated Purim today (also a day late) with a wonderful skit (mostly ad.libbed, and quite funny, especially when one knew the cast of characters!) The Hamantaschen were also very good, and I managed to get enough extras so that I can offer it to my table mates at dinner this evening.
I still plan to upload more pictures on Facbook (eventually).

Catching up

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Dear Friends,
I wrote some of this last evening just before going to dinner at the Silk Road (Japanese Restaurant) with a fellow that I had met last year. That is only to say that coming back a second time is quite different than being here the first time. One already has a base of acquaintances, and just keeps adding to it.
Yesterday was the first absolutely beautiful day (weatherwise) that we have had in a couple of weeks, and today looks like it will be a repeat. Unfortunately, I spent most of the day in the computer lab, and am still not where I would like to be with the assignments. I have trouble following the directions for the Adobe 7 Photoshop Elements, which is actually written for Mac users.
The fact is that I am overwhelmed by this computer course, and my feelings of inadequacy when trying to do the homework for it. I spend hours each day trying to catch up on assignments, and thereby miss out on bridge and any other activity (like answering emails) that I might like to do.
As for Yoga; I could not get up off the floor at the outset, and it was rather embarrassing, but now I can. Also, most recently, I have even been able to do the position that is called "the dog" where one goes from all fours on the floor (hands and knees) to just hands and toes with the rear end up in the air. At first, I couldn't even attempt it, and suddenly I have been able to do it (sometimes).
Our schedule this past week has been completely scrambled, first, on account of bad weather and very high seas, and second, due to some malfunction of the propulsion system. The result is that we were a day late getting to Adelaide and to Perth, and have had to eliminate the stops at both Broome and Komedo, such that we have now landed in Perth and will sail directly to Bali from here. Nothing in life is ever absolutely certain. I have signed up for a cooking course in Bali.
I will have loads to tell you about, once I am home, and I have signed up for next year, also!
That's about it for now; I have a Yoga class today at 09:30, computer help at 10:30 and a tour of Perth/Fremantle Twin Cities with a cruise on the Swan River scheduled for this afternoon berfore leaving for Bali.
Our Purim Party has been postsponed until tomorrow.
Good wishes to all; if I don't answer your emails directly, please make due with my blogs. Thanks, Ann