Memories on this Date

[bennybear]

1 hour ago, bcummin said:

Third sea day.  The Maasdam turned around to check out an abandoned boat.  Even sent out a tender to make sure that it was empty.

KiKi gathered The Voyagers for the first time in the lower Atrium.  We got to go see the Zodiac boats that were stored on the bow of the ship.  Impressive.

Tropical fruits were available at lunch in the Lido.

Special talks were about Mangroves and Photography.

Barbara

Love  the Rambutan!  Our grandkids call them the hairy eyeballs!  
 

We never got the chance to try the Maasdam as we had to cancel our Tahitian cruise,  sounded like such a great idea with the zodiacs,  not sure if they were ever used much though!  

[bcummin]

One reason that the Zodiacs were not used more, was that the local governments had to approve.  Many passengers were looking forward to Zodiac excursions in Sri Lanka, but their government  would not allow them.  Possibly they looked too much like military maneuvers???

We got to watch happy drivers test drive and race the zodiacs.  They originally had gasoline engines, which got replaced with diesel engines.  Did not work quite right.  We were told that Capt. Jutten got credit for sorting out those problems.  And he was one happy driver, when it came time to test drive the success. 

Barbara 

[Mtn2Sea]

Two years ago today was one of my most memorable days. On the previous day, we had toured Machu Picchu as part of HAL’s overland tour.  We had arrived back to the hotel in Cusco very late.  After mostly packing up for the return trip to the ship, I placed my passport on a table next to the luggage prior to going to bed. DW decided to take a shower that night so she could stay in bed as long as possible in the morning.  We had a very early start for the next day.  
 

I went to bed and was asleep when DW finished her shower.  Early the next morning, I got up, showered and dressed for the day.  I then looked for my passport to put in my pocket and could not find it.  Knowing I had been really tired the previous night, I started looking in my backpack, then jacket pockets and finally the luggage.  After doing this twice, I was asked by DW what I was doing.  By this time I was getting a bit stressed.  I asked DW if she had her passport and she checked her jacket pocket and said yes.  DW suggested we go to breakfast and then look for the HAL rep who was the escort on the trip.  Although the hotel provided a wonderful breakfast buffet, I could hardly eat anything because I was thinking of what all I would have to do to replace my passport.
 

 After breakfast, I went back to the room so I could get everything to the lobby while DW began looking for the HAL rep.  When I stepped off the elevator, I saw DW and the rep walking towards me.  The three of us went to the lobby and, bless her heart, the rep kept saying everything would be alright, that she had seen numerous people who had stuck a passport away after a long and tiring day, but it was always found.  She asked if she could go through our bags herself and I said if she didn’t mind seeing our dirty clothes, feel free to do so.  While she was looking, she did say she had contacted the ship and they had faxed a copy of my passport’s main page.  She continued to reassure me when I asked questions regarding how I would sort this mess out.  

 

She was almost finished searching through our luggage when she asked DW:  You do have your passport, right?  At that point, DW put her hands in both pockets of her jacket and discovered each pocket had a passport!  Needless to say, I was totally relieved.  I incredulously asked DW what was she doing with my passport.  Apparently, prior to going to bed, she saw my passport on the table, thought it was hers, so she put it it in her jacket pocket to ensure she had it for the next day’s flight to Lima.  After finding my passport, the HAL escort admitted she had begun to panic a little when she was nearing the end of her search and was beginning to believe I would be her first guest to lose his passport during a trip.  Thankfully, her record of always finding a missing passport was not broken.

[bennybear]

43 minutes ago, Mtn2Sea said:

Two years ago today was one of my most memorable days. On the previous day, we had toured Machu Picchu as part of HAL’s overland tour.  We had arrived back to the hotel in Cusco very late.  After mostly packing up for the return trip to the ship, I placed my passport on a table next to the luggage prior to going to bed. DW decided to take a shower that night so she could stay in bed as long as possible in the morning.  We had a very early start for the next day.  
 

I went to bed and was asleep when DW finished her shower.  Early the next morning, I got up, showered and dressed for the day.  I then looked for my passport to put in my pocket and could not find it.  Knowing I had been really tired the previous night, I started looking in my backpack, then jacket pockets and finally the luggage.  After doing this twice, I was asked by DW what I was doing.  By this time I was getting a bit stressed.  I asked DW if she had her passport and she checked her jacket pocket and said yes.  DW suggested we go to breakfast and then look for the HAL rep who was the escort on the trip.  Although the hotel provided a wonderful breakfast buffet, I could hardly eat anything because I was thinking of what all I would have to do to replace my passport.
 

 After breakfast, I went back to the room so I could get everything to the lobby while DW began looking for the HAL rep.  When I stepped off the elevator, I saw DW and the rep walking towards me.  The three of us went to the lobby and, bless her heart, the rep kept saying everything would be alright, that she had seen numerous people who had stuck a passport away after a long and tiring day, but it was always found.  She asked if she could go through our bags herself and I said if she didn’t mind seeing our dirty clothes, feel free to do so.  While she was looking, she did say she had contacted the ship and they had faxed a copy of my passport’s main page.  She continued to reassure me when I asked questions regarding how I would sort this mess out.  

 

She was almost finished searching through our luggage when she asked DW:  You do have your passport, right?  At that point, DW put her hands in both pockets of her jacket and discovered each pocket had a passport!  Needless to say, I was totally relieved.  I incredulously asked DW what was she doing with my passport.  Apparently, prior to going to bed, she saw my passport on the table, thought it was hers, so she put it it in her jacket pocket to ensure she had it for the next day’s flight to Lima.  After finding my passport, the HAL escort admitted she had begun to panic a little when she was nearing the end of her search and was beginning to believe I would be her first guest to lose his passport during a trip.  Thankfully, her record of always finding a missing passport was not broken.

Quite the adventure! But I’m sure seeing Manchu Pichu made it worthwhile!  It’s high on my list! 

[bcummin]

The Maasdam docked at Trincomalee on the NE coast of Sri Lanka two years ago today.

The migrating elephant excursion that I wanted did not happen.  We took a bus to the port gate, where everyone wanted to hire a taxi or a tuk tuk, but only a few came now and then.  DH's toe started bleeding, so he returned to the ship.   I sheltered from the rain with friendly local women.

I finally ended up hiring a tuk tuk to take me into town.  The young driver and I managed to agree on a good price, but the only destination that he seemed to understand was the Fish Market.  It was an interesting ride into town and back to port.

Our Pinnacle Grill dinner with Crab Legs for me was delightful.

Barbara

 

 

 

Edited February 3, 2021 by bcummin

[rkacruiser]

Grand World Cruise of 2008, we were docked at Wellington, New Zealand.  My first visit to this city and it was a great visit.  The Botanical Garden, the Museum of the City and Sea (small, but an excellent one--and free), the city tour with a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral and passing the "beehive" government building, and the friendliness of the citizens with whom I met:  these memories occupied several pages of my journal for that cruise.  

[ski ww]

The Maasdam was in Armacao dos Buzios Brazil.

 

[bcummin]

On 4 Feb 2019 ms Maasdam docked at Hambantota, where China had built an impressive port in SE Sri Lanka.  A terrible tsunami had destroyed the area in 2004.  We were most fortunate to be included in a private tour to Bundala National Park.  On the way we saw homes flying flags for Sri Lanka's Independence Day.  Safari vehicles took us into the wetlands.  We saw Water Buffalo with Egrets cleaning them, Macaque Monkeys, Bee Eater birds, Herons, Sandpipers, Spoonbills, Black Neck Storks, Cormorants, Parakeets, Peacocks, Cows, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Deer, and more.  Changing back to a small bus, we drove to lunch at the Peacock Beach Resort.  Saw sacred cows wandering in the streets.  Next we visited a museum, closed but interesting outside.  I especially enjoyed our visit to a grocery store.  Bought cinnamon sticks and curry powder.  Our guide told me that roasted curry powder is good for meats.  Unroasted is good for sauces. Finally saw an Elephant.  He was frightened and running along the side of the road, until he disappeared into the bushes.

Our EXC In-Depth Evening Insight talk by Terry Greenberg was about Pirates.

Barbara 

 

Edited February 4, 2021 by bcummin

[bcummin]

One Sea Day between Sri Lanka and the Maldives two years ago today.  (missed the big snowstorm at home)  K K continued to enhance the Maasdam's EXC In-Depth program.  Today she gathered The Voyagers in the Library to see the new section of books that she had gathered for us - chosen for this itinerary.

Talks today were about the Maldives and the ports, photographing dancers, and Whale Sharks.

Enjoyed the Wine Tasting, Gala Dinner, and The Jersey Tenors.

Barbara

 

[ski ww]

The Maasdam was in Ihabela Sao Sebastiao Island Brazil and they were preparing for carnaval.

 

[bcummin]

6 Feb 2019  Male, main island of the Maldives was our tender port.  Looked like NYC crowded onto a small flat island.  

Our private walking tour gathered near the tender dock, where we met our local guide.  He led us to see the President's home, beautiful old homes, tombs, mosques, and wells for fresh water.  Independence Square faced the gold-domed Islamic Center.  Glad I brought my umbrella for the rain.

I enjoyed seeing the waterfront fruit & vegetable market and the fish market.

Nice stop in a restaurant.  The "beer" turned out to be non-alcoholic.  I ordered the milkshake.

Most of us walked to an artificial beach, legendary for requiring covered swimsuits. 

Most Muslim women wore lovely head scarves.  A few had uncovered heads.  Saw only one in a burka with her face covered.  What surprised me was that some women had such poker faces.  Few smiles.

It was a long walk in the wind and rain back to the tender dock.

Barbara

 

 

Edited February 6, 2021 by bcummin

[VintageGeo]

Last year we visited Half Moon Cay, the first stop on our Panama Canal transit cruise.

 

 

 

 

Two views of the Eurodam, with whom we shared the port call that day.

 

 

Lori & George

 

 

 

[bcummin]

The Maasdam tendered to Utheemu, a remote island in the Maldives in 2019.  Not as primitive as Kiribati, but simple life.  Its claim to fame was the birthplace of their national hero, who had kicked out the Portuguese in 1573.  A replica of his boat greeted us onshore.

Two schools.  No shops were open.  One enterprising artist had set up shop in a shelter.  Three children and their mothers had displayed sea shells on a chair seat to sell.  I bought one for $2, and they gave me a second shell.  So I gave them a hometown postcard that seemed to puzzle them.  We crossed the island to the distant beach, then wandered back.  Saw the tiny cowrie shells that had been historic money.  Friendly women waved and smiled.  Nice boat with huge outboard engines.

Our Zodiac boats took passengers to a resort or snorkeling.

EXC In-Depth events were gathering with Naturalist Kristy at 6 am to look for whale sharks (none seen) and the Evening Insight.  Ashok Ferrey talked about "Antiques of Sri Lanka" which were Portuguese, Dutch, and British pieces of furniture.

Barbara

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Super Bowl party on the Amsterdam ...

[VintageGeo]

On this day last year we had the first of two sea days. The highlight was sailing past the end of Cuba.

 

'

 

 

 

Lori & George

 

 

[kazu]

On this day last year, we had no choice but to cancel our upcoming cruise in April.  Our Government had just issues travel advisories against cruising and Italy at the time 😢. Sad to think that it has been a year and we are still in the midst of all this pandemic.

[bennybear]

27 minutes ago, kazu said:

On this day last year, we had no choice but to cancel our upcoming cruise in April.  Our Government had just issues travel advisories against cruising and Italy at the time 😢. Sad to think that it has been a year and we are still in the midst of all this pandemic.

Sorry I can’t like this,   But I do share  your pain.   😓

[ski ww]

The Maasdam arrived in Rio yesterday in 2016 and last night we went to the carnival parade returning very early this morning. Carnival in Rio has been on my bucket list since long before I ever took my first cruise. You have to experience the the sound of the parade as much as the sights.

 

[bcummin]

In 2009 the good Captain Halle Gundersen anchored the beloved ms Prinsendam in Cumberland Bay  off South Georgia Island.  Crew members enjoyed photographing each other.

We tendered to the old Grytviken whaling station.

A low white fence around the cemetery (where Ernest Shackleton was buried) seemed to keep the King Penguins, Fur Seals, and Elephant Seals off the graves.

We walked up to the old church from Norway.  Rusting ships, buildings, tanks, and whaling machinery caught our eyes.  Visited the museum and gift shop.

Stacks of provisions on the tender dock were good insurance, just in case changing weather caused us to spend the night ashore.

Treasured memories.

Barbara

 

[VintageGeo]

Good afternoon!

We had a sea day last year on our way to Aruba. Just a peaceful relaxing day on the Oosterdam.

 

 

 

 

Visiting new places is fun, but it might be days like this we miss the most.

 

Lori & George

 

[rkacruiser]

On this date during the Grand World Voyage of 2008, we were approaching Sydney after a bumpy transit of the Tasman Sea.  This was the end of the first segment and I had decided to offer whatever additional gratuities I was going to offer at the end of each segment.

 

Providing such to my Cabin Steward, my Dining Room Stewards and Wine Steward, I remember them being very surprised.  "You are not leaving us?  Are you?"  That was the response from all of them including the Crow's Nest Bar's staff where I was a "resident" for Happy Hour.  I assured them that they would have to put up with me for awhile longer.  But, I thought they might appreciate having some "spending money" during the cruise, if they chose to use my gratuity for such a purpose.  

[bcummin]

The Maasdam docked in Colombo, Sri Lanka two years ago today.  

We took the tour to Galle, two hours south.  ".  .  .  a thriving port since long before colonial times.  The Old Town is one of the best examples of a fortified city built by the Europeans in southern and Southeast Asia.  It attracted Arabs, Persians, Romans, and Greeks.  .  ."

On the way back, we stopped at a tea plantation.

Barbara

 

[VintageGeo]

Good morning. This day a year ago we sailed into Oranjestad, Aruba. A small rain squall was moving through, but it passed as we docked and produced a beautiful rainbow.

 

 

Lori wasn't feeling well so we relaxed on our balcony. We were joined in port by a Norwegian ship.

 

 

That afternoon we watched as the Koningsdam sailed out ahead of us.

 

 

 

We enjoyed a lovely end to the day.

 

 

 

Lori & George

 

 

[rkacruiser]

After a day using the services of the Sydney's HOHO bus to visit a variety of places in Sydney (with the best being the Australian Maritime Museum where I found a book in their book store that was unobtainable in the United States/Canada), I returned to the Amsterdam to prepare for a night at the Opera at the Sydney Opera House.  La Boheme was the performance.  Excellent seats; an excellent performance.  A "Night to Remember"!  

[VintageGeo]

Last year we were sailing toward Panama. The day began quite nice, but as the day went on the seas got a bit rougher. Just enough to make getting around somewhat entertaining. We're sure others got a chuckle as we made our way to dinner and back.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a nice day!

 

Lori & George