SIGHTS and OTHER THINGS
AROUND THE WORLD
AROUND THE WORLD
2015
A cruise around the world was an amazing way to see just a small part of the various countries we visited. I've put together several movies that I hope you find to be delightful, entertaining, and maybe witty.
I decided to create some movies by topic. Also, I attempted to try to keep the movies from being too lengthy; however, in some cases, there is so much to include that it was difficult to shorten the movie; I did my best.
I decided to create some movies by topic. Also, I attempted to try to keep the movies from being too lengthy; however, in some cases, there is so much to include that it was difficult to shorten the movie; I did my best.
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Arriving into a country by ship (rather than plane) is very different. You get to see the coastline, sea life, then the port facilities. Of our 50 ports of call, 13 did not have large dock facilities, meaning that the ship anchored, then lowered tenders to get passengers to shore (and that can be a whole another adventure). Not all ports have luxury cruise ship terminals; in fact, very few do. Often times, we entered the 'container port'. It was very interesting to have the port pilot board the Silver Whisper before entering the port (I would get up early to watch for the pilot boats); enthralling to watch crew preparing to dock; fascinating to observe the dock handlers; amazing to watch the Captain's maneuver the ship (Captain Corsaro is a 'master' and has a fine-touch getting the ship to the dock; I was always on the Observation Deck which overlooks the outside controls for the ship); viewing the government officials as they boarded the ship; and, in several ports enjoying the dancers that greeted us.
Now, let's enter the 50 PORTS that I visited. This movie is longer than others because there was so much to share (just under 14 minutes). Go to this link (or copy & paste in your browser).
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPsj2ch_ICLdV6A7NpqZmu2uaG5gUvo2sv-rcgp
If that does not work, try this link (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
https://goo.gl/photos/V4vHEwropjnBvZBA7
https://goo.gl/photos/V4vHEwropjnBvZBA7
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Bonaire's English paper, The Bonaire Reporter, has a section titled "Picture Yourself with The Reporter In ..." which shows someone pictured in some location holding a copy of The Bonaire Reporter. At the end of each year, the editors give a prize (dinner at Pasa Bon Pizza - the best pizza on the island) for the best picture. Well, I took the late November 2014 copy of The Reporter (with SinterKlass on the cover as he had just recently arrived in Bonaire) along with me and had many pictures taken of me with The Reporter in my hands. I sent the editors a collage of my pictures; I haven't see it published yet.
Here is my movie THE REPORTER (almost 2 minutes). Go to this link (or copy & paste in your browser).
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMOjQNAgLFa4MCZySOMbhZ5yFcwrcRZ10CBVv1p
If that does not work, try this link (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
https://goo.gl/photos/qBsXjzPAqZrVYykq8
https://goo.gl/photos/qBsXjzPAqZrVYykq8
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It was captivating to visit the religious sights wherever we went. You just can't comprehend the similarities and differences between religions (unless one studies each); yet, it was fascinating to hear descriptions and stories from guides. Sometimes, I felt that "I've seen more temples or churches for a lifetime", although each had its own charm.
I took these pictures at the Big Buddha complex in Phuket, Thailand. Buddha of the Week -- If you research what day of the week you were born on, then you have a specific Buddha in your life. I was born Wednesday afternoon. Randy was born on Friday.
The Wednesday Buddha image is standing and holding an alms bowl with both hands.
If you were born on the morning of this day: You are polite, artistic, and emotional; most likely working creatively; Wednesday night is your lucky time; Tuesday is your unlucky day; your lucky color is green; and unlucky color is pink.
If you were born on the evening of this day: You are hard working and honest; likely to be employed in a profession of trust; Monday is your lucky day; white is your lucky color; Thursday is your unlucky day; and yellow is your unlucky color.
The Thursday Buddha image is sitting in a full lotus position with soles upward and visible, the hands resting in the lap, right hand above left hand with all fingers extended, palms upward.
If you were born on this day: You are peaceful, calm, and honest; likely to be a teacher or in the legal profession; your lucky day is Sunday; your lucky color is orange; your unlucky day is Saturday; and your unlucky color is black.
The Friday Buddha image is standing with both arms crossed over the chest with the right hand covering the left.
If you were born on this day: You are fun loving, friendly, and ambitious; probably an entertainer or public figure; Tuesday is your lucky day; pink is your lucky color; Wednesday is your unlucky day; and light green is your unlucky color.
The Saturday Buddha image is sitting in a full position of meditation on the coiled body of the Naga Muchalinda (a snake-like being) that uses its head as a cover against the rain.
If you were born on this day: You are calm, logical, and a bit of a recluse; very likely engaged in manual work of a skilled nature; your lucky day is Friday; your lucky color is blue; your unlucky day is Wednesday; your unlucky color is green.
The Sunday Buddha image is standing with arms crossed in front of the waist with the right hand covering the left hand.
If you were born this day: You are respectable, wise, loved by friends and family; likely to be in a professional occupation. Your lucky day is Wednesday; your lucky color is green; your unlucky day is Friday; your unlucky color is blue.
The Monday Buddha image is standing with the right hand raised to shoulder height with the palm out and the fingers extended.
If you were born on this day: You are serious with a good memory and a love of travel; likely to be in a skilled occupation; Saturday is your lucky day; black is your lucky color; Sunday is your unlucky day; and orange is your unlucky color.
The Tuesday Buddha image is lying on his right side, head resting on his arm, toes even.
If you were born on this day: You are serious, brave, and active most likely in the services. Thursday is your lucky day; yellow is your lucky color; Monday is your unlucky day; and white is your unlucky color.
Now you know more about Buddha than you did 5 minutes ago. What day of the week were you born?
Having visited 50 ports during this world cruise, I saw my share of churches and temples. My movie CHURCHES & TEMPLES (less than 3 minutes) shows the highlights. Go to this link (or copy & paste in your browser).
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP37edMzt7VcU1OJlY04s9mM6BLWrl6gs27dr5J
I took these pictures at the Big Buddha complex in Phuket, Thailand. Buddha of the Week -- If you research what day of the week you were born on, then you have a specific Buddha in your life. I was born Wednesday afternoon. Randy was born on Friday.
The Wednesday Buddha image is standing and holding an alms bowl with both hands. If you were born on the morning of this day: You are polite, artistic, and emotional; most likely working creatively; Wednesday night is your lucky time; Tuesday is your unlucky day; your lucky color is green; and unlucky color is pink.
If you were born on the evening of this day: You are hard working and honest; likely to be employed in a profession of trust; Monday is your lucky day; white is your lucky color; Thursday is your unlucky day; and yellow is your unlucky color.
The Thursday Buddha image is sitting in a full lotus position with soles upward and visible, the hands resting in the lap, right hand above left hand with all fingers extended, palms upward. If you were born on this day: You are peaceful, calm, and honest; likely to be a teacher or in the legal profession; your lucky day is Sunday; your lucky color is orange; your unlucky day is Saturday; and your unlucky color is black.
The Friday Buddha image is standing with both arms crossed over the chest with the right hand covering the left. If you were born on this day: You are fun loving, friendly, and ambitious; probably an entertainer or public figure; Tuesday is your lucky day; pink is your lucky color; Wednesday is your unlucky day; and light green is your unlucky color.
The Saturday Buddha image is sitting in a full position of meditation on the coiled body of the Naga Muchalinda (a snake-like being) that uses its head as a cover against the rain. If you were born on this day: You are calm, logical, and a bit of a recluse; very likely engaged in manual work of a skilled nature; your lucky day is Friday; your lucky color is blue; your unlucky day is Wednesday; your unlucky color is green.
If you were born this day: You are respectable, wise, loved by friends and family; likely to be in a professional occupation. Your lucky day is Wednesday; your lucky color is green; your unlucky day is Friday; your unlucky color is blue.
The Monday Buddha image is standing with the right hand raised to shoulder height with the palm out and the fingers extended. If you were born on this day: You are serious with a good memory and a love of travel; likely to be in a skilled occupation; Saturday is your lucky day; black is your lucky color; Sunday is your unlucky day; and orange is your unlucky color.
The Tuesday Buddha image is lying on his right side, head resting on his arm, toes even.
If you were born on this day: You are serious, brave, and active most likely in the services. Thursday is your lucky day; yellow is your lucky color; Monday is your unlucky day; and white is your unlucky color.
Now you know more about Buddha than you did 5 minutes ago. What day of the week were you born?
Having visited 50 ports during this world cruise, I saw my share of churches and temples. My movie CHURCHES & TEMPLES (less than 3 minutes) shows the highlights. Go to this link (or copy & paste in your browser).
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP37edMzt7VcU1OJlY04s9mM6BLWrl6gs27dr5J
If that does not work, try this link (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
https://goo.gl/photos/DbKUqD6D2mFZpmka7
https://goo.gl/photos/DbKUqD6D2mFZpmka7
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I also put together a few movies to show FACES - some faces in the crowds that stood out (just over 1 minute), MARKETS -several interesting pictures of shopping (almost 3 minutes), GROUPS - shots of people having fun together (just under 3 minutes), and SIGNS - a picture can tell it all (1-1/2 minutes). Go to the links for each (or copy & paste in your browser).
FACES https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNVrPiIlod4CTQWmy0_5mCIWtW-w2JeE8hJk_5a
MARKETS https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNP8YaUNA65kVl3DmDtKLXc8vRLckfqz91iLU0S
GROUPS https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipN_1BX5ZsLEI5_1rGPjErFEXi2fJB9TSNiS0KKG
SIGNS
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMRbyLQzCmNjXZXP3vIVEXl_zw97xdoo1Ew7bpA
If those do not work, try these links (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
FACES
https://goo.gl/photos/CwbXsjdnwRwfk8io7
MARKETS
https://goo.gl/photos/pWzbf8wZVxeknmfF7
GROUPS
https://goo.gl/photos/cPbyGGL4kYttFPBA9
SIGNS
https://goo.gl/photos/W4bd4FHMauZ9hjBw9
FACES https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNVrPiIlod4CTQWmy0_5mCIWtW-w2JeE8hJk_5a
MARKETS https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNP8YaUNA65kVl3DmDtKLXc8vRLckfqz91iLU0S
GROUPS https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipN_1BX5ZsLEI5_1rGPjErFEXi2fJB9TSNiS0KKG
SIGNS
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMRbyLQzCmNjXZXP3vIVEXl_zw97xdoo1Ew7bpA
If those do not work, try these links (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
FACES
https://goo.gl/photos/CwbXsjdnwRwfk8io7
MARKETS
https://goo.gl/photos/pWzbf8wZVxeknmfF7
GROUPS
https://goo.gl/photos/cPbyGGL4kYttFPBA9
SIGNS
https://goo.gl/photos/W4bd4FHMauZ9hjBw9
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On a World Cruise, or even shorter cruises, you are never bored, unless you choose to be bored. The ships have all kinds of activities 'everyday' - shuffleboard, table tennis, water volleyball, exercise classes (Pilate, yoga, lectures), fitness room with all kinds of equipment, cards, puzzles, books and movies, foreign language lessons, photo lessons, napkin folding,
afternoon tea, martini tasting, boutique shopping, spa treatments, cooking demonstrations, dance lessons, Bingo, golf putting, movie matinee, Team Trivia, ice cream social, boat building,
(this couple spent 2 weeks building this ship in their bathtub), hat making, art projects, casino lessons - the list is endless; so if anyone is bored, it's by their own choice. At times, the staff offered a bridge tour (Colleen and I got a personal tour with Captain Corsaro) or galley tour. Of course, the schedule varies when the ship was 'at sea' or 'in port'.
If that does not work, try this link (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
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| FROG |
The guest lecturers covered numerous topics from Chinese medicines, African History, marine biology, Pacific explorers, movie producers, world affairs, politics (past and current), TV show host, ex-ambassadors, journalist, music teacher. Again, you had your choice to attend or not. I loved the cooking demonstrations by Silversea chefs, as well as guest chefs; the best part was being able to taste the food that was prepared. There was one hilarious cooking competition. I attended the wine lecturer who explained the 'world of wine', with samples. The most enjoyable was a "learn n' lunch" presentation/participation event.
The nightly entertainment varied throughout the cruise. The premiere show each night was at 10pm (I'm not one that can stay up that late, particularly after dinner that always included plenty of excellent food and wine). The entertainers varied from magician, speed-painter, mentalist, comedian, singers (pop, country, opera, Broadway), pianists (classic and modern), juggler, instruments (violin, cello, flute, harp, guitar, dulcimer). At times, there was a Big Screen showing of a currently released movie (yet being aboard for 4 months, how many times can you watch the same movies?). Besides the pre-dinner cocktails & dancing in several locations, there was an occasional special show by the current guest entertainer on aboard. And, late-night entertainment was karaoke, disco dancing, as well as the rare Majority Rules, Liar's Club, or Name That Tune.
In my opinion, the absolute best evening show was the Crew Show - a variety show where the crew presented their true talents. These are people from Housekeeping, Bar Team, Guest Relations staff (including Fernando, Cruise Director), Galley staff (including Anne-Marie, Executive Chef), Spa staff, as well as participants from Engineering and Deck crews. It was a great show with lots of talent and laughter. Delightful!
The actual show was an outstanding 75 minutes. I made a movie that has a few snap shots of that wonderful show. Take a look at CREW SHOW (less than 15 minutes). Go to this link (or copy & paste in your browser).
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMVWRRBgixzLqiJn3rtPHGBb2_yWTZcgfsXp8RC
If that does not work, try this link (copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK)
https://goo.gl/photos/FAv7VMz12gBumxs77
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If you have trouble watching this video, copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK.
https://goo.gl/photos/JSPqH8k2XhF8yC2C6
Just another example that the 'electric slide' is a dance step known around the world.
Something else to share -- I arranged with Silversea to have family or friends come aboard in a few ports; not only to see them but for them to see the Silver Whisper, my 'home away from home'. My nephew, Kevin, and his family visited for lunch on the day I boarded the ship in Los Angeles on January 5 (Randy's birthday). My friend, Elaine (aka Chilli Kippen), joined me for Afternoon Tea while the ship was in Melbourne, Australia (her home town) on February 1st. *** see my notes at the end of this blog about Chilli. And, my former neighbors in Bonaire and dear friends, Zoa and Orestes,
(who now live in the Dominican Republic) joined me for lunch while the ship was in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 28th.
I was happy that I had visitors.
I'll break at this point. My next post will include movies and pictures of specific locations and some special excursions.
***Let me put in a plug for a whimsical book about cruising on a ship (cruisers, you will know exactly what is being told). This was written by Chilli Kippen, a fellow cruiser that Randy and I met on our South America cruise in 2013. She has become a good friend, is a charming person, and now a published author. The book is:
I'll add a video here of Sherrie Baker (another World Cruiser) doing the 'electric slide' with a few ladies on the beach at Nosy Be, Madagascar. It wasn't the drum beat that she recognized, it was the dance steps (as compared to the Housekeeping Team at the beginning of the Crew Show).
If you have trouble watching this video, copy the next line, right click, select OPEN LINK.
https://goo.gl/photos/JSPqH8k2XhF8yC2C6
Just another example that the 'electric slide' is a dance step known around the world.
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Something else to share -- I arranged with Silversea to have family or friends come aboard in a few ports; not only to see them but for them to see the Silver Whisper, my 'home away from home'. My nephew, Kevin, and his family visited for lunch on the day I boarded the ship in Los Angeles on January 5 (Randy's birthday). My friend, Elaine (aka Chilli Kippen), joined me for Afternoon Tea while the ship was in Melbourne, Australia (her home town) on February 1st. *** see my notes at the end of this blog about Chilli. And, my former neighbors in Bonaire and dear friends, Zoa and Orestes,
I was happy that I had visitors.
"Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes."
Henry David Thoreau
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I'll break at this point. My next post will include movies and pictures of specific locations and some special excursions.
Even with all of the hard work to put these posts together, it's a pleasure for me to share my adventures.
Enjoy, Lourae
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***Let me put in a plug for a whimsical book about cruising on a ship (cruisers, you will know exactly what is being told). This was written by Chilli Kippen, a fellow cruiser that Randy and I met on our South America cruise in 2013. She has become a good friend, is a charming person, and now a published author. The book is:
The Captain Loves Caviar
Below, are several links for digital versions. Have a nice cruise!
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