Cochin / Mumbai, India and off to Muscat, Oman

Greetings from the Arabian Ocean,

The last two ports were overpowering in many ways. The numbers of people, the poverty, the crowded streets, the driving, the condition of many buildings, the living on the streets, the dirt etc., etc., and so forth.

Cochin is an old city, rather Catholic in number and facilities. But dirt everywhere, people on top of people. My experience was tainted by the heat, humidity and a non air conditioned bus. My clothes were soaked by the end of the day and it was not from rain. I am trying to reflect on what I saw and digested. Overall it was too much for me. The traffic, the very narrow streets and all the shops - everyone selling just about the same items. But the people were smiling, waving, enjoying life and here I am making judgment on their lifestyle. Who was worse off, the people with their smiles and me complaining about the heat and no AC. You learn a lot if you just let yourself enter into each experience. I did hear that there are 5 seminaries in the Diocese of Cochin. Something is going well. I have questions around this number. I'll let it go for now. Overall Cochin was hot, crowded and a quiet lesson for me.

Mumbai is a zoo of traffic, car, scooter, pedestrian all going in every direction and no one looking or caring about the other. Other than that it is a fascinating city. The Brits have left their mark there. There are building upon building with the Brit imprint. Big, very big and very european in style. The hanging gardens are nice, the Gateway to India, a very large arch at in the harbor next to the Raj Hotel, which is a number in itself. Learned more about the many religious sects in India and in Mumbai. Visited a Jain Temple. Jains are small in number, but control a lot of the world of finance, communication and have interest in Bollywood. Yes, Bollywood - India's answer to our California experience. Bollywood is in Mumbai along with everything and everyone else. visited the community laundry. It is on the banks of a river with people beating their garments against rocks or beating them with sticks. The items are then hung wherever there is a spot. It is a sight to see, and one that makes you appreciate what we have at home. Visited Gandhi's place of birth and wandered through his family's residence. As you know Gandhi was a lawyer and he seems to come from a comfortable background. The home is on a nice middle class if not upper class street in the city. Visited his room saw his library, work room etc. It was a nice experience. Saw Mumbai University, very impressive facilities, I believe remnants of the Brits. Over all an impressive, hot environment drenched in smog and loaded with folk running in every direction. It is only the surface, but not overly inviting for a more in depth investigation. Again, people smiling and waving very happy in the mob of life that is theirs. The one thing that is impressive with all the congestion their lives are very colorful with the garments the women wear. The products in the markets are very bright in color. I assume that this reflects the color of their lives, if so, they are a very joy filled people who enjoy every moment that is theirs.

We are cruising at full seed to avoid any pirate attack. I was out on deck before and enjoyed the breeze, sun and relatively mild temperature. Went to a lecture this morning on the upcoming ports of Muscat and Dubai. The Arab world of oil, gas, money, development, money, oil, money, people. It looks like they will be enjoyable ports of call. By the way Oman is over populated with camels. Would you like one or two?

Take care.

Bill

The Pirates are Coming and I do not mean SHU

Howdy Folk,

We are approaching the Arabian Sea and so we get ready. The third deck which is our promenade deck has barb wire across the back. There are plans to put more wire on the railing. Guests are warned not to pamper with the wire. Tomorrow we enter the Arabian Sea where the pirates are at work, we are being prepared.

We now have a security plan to protect the ship. There are security on each side of the ship with glasses looking for pirates. We are now about to have a drill, which means if you have an outside room you are to leave the room and go to the corridor. If you have an inside room stay where you are. Stateroom stewards will check to make sure everyone is accounted for. This reminds me of my days in the Seminary when we had air raid drills because of the missile crisis with Cuba. The sems that were there at that time had a great time watching particular faculty go crazy.

The Captain has just asked all guest to return to the area of their stateroom. Now the fun begins. We have guests that refuse to do anything they are asked to do. I hope the staff is gifted with the grace to handle these stubborn people.

We will have military escort as we head further north, beyond Mumbai. The state of "concern" is from 3/25 to 4/9. As usual I will enjoy all the running around and all the sights offered on the trip.

We are doing an "Anti-piracy Exercise". As you can figure out I am sitting in my stateroom writing you. The Captain is talking to the guests giving directions. He just told us that 11 cargo ships have been taken. He believes we are comfortable in that we are big. But there is a chance the pirates could take pot shots at the ship thus everyone is inside. No one is allowed on the open decks while this is going on. He just told us that if a pirate ship comes alongside we can take evasive action and we can gun the engines, which means we will out run the pirates. I can just hear what is going on in the minds of our elderly guests. Great time for a therapist to be on board!!!

I am fine and am enjoying the activity around me. I hope they finish soon, I have not had anything to eat today. As I head upstairs I'll probably climb over fainted guests.

Just want to let you know all is well and we are well prepared for what ever if anything comes our way. Next stop Cochin then Mumbai; Muscat, Oman; Dubai; Salalah, Oman; Jordan; Suez Canal and then Greece. The days ahead will be fun.

Take care.

Bill

En Route to India

Greetings One and All,

I have just finished three days in three different Malaysian ports. The first port of call was Kuala Lumpur. i did not see much. We arrived late in that four guests did not turn in their passports as requested when we left Singapore, we thus delayed two hours until they finally gave in. The Singapore government is strict and would not let us leave port until they has seen the missing passports. As a result of all this we were late in arriving in Kuala Lumpur. The tour I was to escort had a 9 hour time frame. If I went I would not return until after 6pm and Mass was scheduled for 5:15, as it is every day we are in a port. Instead I took the shuttle to a mall. I spent 10 minutes there got back on the bus and returned to the ship. I hen took a nap. May have been the best thing to happen. I did miss the twin towers of Lumpur that I would like to have seen.

Next port was Penang. Enjoyed the tour, visited a few more buddhas, hotels, beaches and met interesting people. It was a low key visit.

Yesterday was a tour from HELL ! The guide was very good and informative. We spent time in a rice filed where he explained the process of growing we rice. Got to meet a few water buffalo and rice farmers. This was educational and hot. From there we went to take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Bad mistake !!!! We waited 75 minutes to get on the cable car. You can just imagine my blood pressure by the time we got to the car. The car held six people that went up in two stages. The view was nice, saw water falls and the rock of the mountain. Then came the rain, while in motion up the mountain. Got to the top and decided not to get out. If I had to wait on the bottom I was not going to wait on the top of the mountain. Next stop was a yacht club. I could not wait to get back to the ship. Langkawi is a relatively small island, surrounded by 90+ smaller islands. It is really a beach resort with beautiful 5 star plus resorts. I found the island to be hot, humid and far to far for me to ever consider vacationing on it. As you can sense, nice but, for me. The island is very close to Thailand. I assume folk from Bangkok or Singapore would enjoy a visit.

I am now off to Cochin, India then Mumbai. I believe these stops will be filled with people, noise and lots of action. I look forward to these visits. After that Muscat, Oman and then Dubai for two days. I can almost sense the end of this segment of my cruise. Remember though after Southampton, I am off for the Canary Islands for 11 more days. I look upon those days as vacation. Someone has to do it ! ! !

I have three days at sea right now and you know what I love them. May I share a typical day at sea I celebrate Mass at 9am and then off to the Lido for a bight to eat. At 10,11,12:15 there are distinct lectures, if you want to listen. Today I went to the 11am on India, given by an professor of modern history. It was good and informative. I have attended a number of such lectures given by experts on the country we are about to visit. There was a lecture today given by a pilot who flew concordes. He was to explain the plane, service, technology etc. There was another given by Brian Ford on broadcasting. Lectures like this happen in the morning while at sea. I had an appointment at one pm to . get a hair cut that took all of ten minutes. Then went to the Red Lion to grab a bight. I have a number of venues to choose from for a meal. There is the formal dining room, the Lido, which is a buffet rich in diversity, the Golden Lion Bar and Grill which has a standard menu of fish and chips etc., but every day they have a special - today was chicken pot pie which is delicious and the Corinthian Cafe. Today, it was the Golden Lion. I then wandered to the Queens room where at 2pm there was a classical concert. Today a pianist by the name of Dominic John played a piece from Hayden, Liszt, Schumann and Gershwin.

The lectures and the concerts have a max time of 45 minutes. This is true for the evening shows as well. I have finished listening to the concert. I am writing to you all. I may take a nap before cocktails in the Commodore Club. I have dinner each evening at 8:30pm. Again, I have choices. For the most part I eat in the Britannia (formal dining room), the Lido or the Verandah, which is a gorgeous room, that you pay extra for, or one of the specialty meals from South America, Mexico, Asia, I forget the fourth which are served on the Lido deck. When ever we leave a port there is a sail away party on the aft deck, which is hugh with live band etc.

I sometimes will hit one of the bars for a late night cordial and usually hit the sack by midnight. Such are the days of this traveller at sea. There are many a moment that I find a deck chair to contemplate, unfortunately that usually means a nap. The Lord understands. By the way there are usually 35 - 45 guest at Mass each day and about 200 for the weekend. I say Mass for the crew at 10:45pm each Sunday on deck "A". I enjoy them very much, they bring life to the Liturgy with their music. The majority of those in attendance are Philipinos.

Guess that is it for now. I'll be in touch.

Take care.

Bill

Pictures I Hope

Thailand / Singapore

What a whirl wind,

Greetings from Singapore,

I'll begin with Bangkok. It was a two hour drive from ship to Bangkok. The sights were educational. The city is big, growing, crowded and loaded with mopeds - again. I am becoming a buddy with Buddha. I got to see him and her in various settings, climbed a lot of stairs as well. The temples are ornate and covered in gold. We had a great lunch at a 5 star Ramada on the river. Beautiful setting and the food was great. Did some shopping, as usual and was overwhelmed a lot. the draw back to this day was the guide. He spent a good bit of his monologue telling us of his displeasure with the monarchy. He is entitled to his opinion, but he does not need to force it on us. There is a sharp difference between the haves and have nots. The people are very pleasant and welcoming. It is a city on the move. Will be hearing more from this city in the future.

The next day we went to a quiet island called Ko Samui. It is beautiful and is a great resort environment. The beaches are beautiful, one more attractive than the other. The morning visit was great and then the rains came from who knows where. The down pour was overpowering. I sat in a bar drinking Tiger beer and watching the rain and the folk on mopeds get soak. Did this for well over an hour and a half. It was great fun and quite a sight to behold. Then I had to head for the ship in the rain and wait in the rain to board the tender. Great fun !!! The bay was rough and very wavey- great fun again. Got to my suite and took the best shower I have had in quite some times. The clothes were on the floor soaking wet. Left them there until I was back in shape. Great day for a number of reasons.

Singapore - what a country !!! 63 islands make up this country. We docked at the largest the main island, in the midst of hundreds of container ships. It takes at least 10-15 minutes just to get out of the container yard. It is massive. There are ships all over the place. But once you are out of the container world you come into a magnificently planned city that only began coming into its own in 1965. What a city. A planners dream world. there are elevated roads to enable rapid drives through the area. The architecture is spectacular. There are tower after tower more beautiful than the one next door. There are curved buildings, buildings connected by bridges, an hotel that has twin towers and on the top a connection that looks like a ship 50 stories up in the air with trees and plants and who knows what else. The city is an architectural wonderland. and yet there is a mixture of the old. We took a cruise on the Singapore River that showed us the old town with restaurants/bars etc. on the river including another Harry's Bar - you know Venice, Paris etc. We saw great hotels, offices, monuments, soccer field on an island with the stands on dry land overlooking the field. We then took a ride on what they caller the Flyer - in London they call it the eye. A thirty-five minute ride up and around. the view was great. We could see the dragon boat races going on below in the river. Everywhere one looked there was a fascinating sight to behold. I loved it and fell in love with Singapore.

I got off the bus in Chinatown and grabbed a cab to Ruffles Hotel. Names after Sir Thomas Ruffles, founder of Singapore and a member of the East India company. What a place. You need a tour guide just to get through. Those who know yours truly I found the Long Bar found a seat and had two Singapore Slings along with three mini-burgers, got to through a ton of peanut shells on the floor along with the rest of the gang. I felt so much at home here. It was fantastic. Had a hard time leaving there. Got back to the ship after a taxi ride, a bus tour of the containers and a hike up the gang plank. Been a great day, I do want to come back to Singapore and Hong Kong as of now. Still have more country's to conquer.

The next three days I will be in three different ports in Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Penang and finally Langkawi. I am not sure if there will be time to fill in write after each visit. But you will hear eventually.

All of these days have been great. I feel I am learning a lot, seeing a lot and changing a lot - for the better, I hope.

Take care. Will be in touch.

Bill

Viet Nam Now

Howdy Travelers,

My days in Viet Nam were overwhelming. I visited two ports, Nha Tang, and Phu My which enabled me to visit Saigon. Nha Tang is a beach resort filled with hotels, such as Sheraton, many European facilities, Russian interests as well as local backing. The "new" Viet Nam is a strange place. It is a socialist society with the ability of local people being able to invest and make profits. Their is a great gap between the rich and the poor. It is real, dramatic and very visible. Poverty is all around as are thousands of mopeds. The city is being rebuilt with beautiful buildings. The beach is beautiful with parks along the street next to the beach. Our guide said it was too cold for the natives to be on the beach; it is winter. The day I toured it was 86 degrees. We were also told women do not sun bathe on the beach. To be dark skinned is unsightly. The beach had caucasians soaking up the sun, and there were enough there. Tourism is a growing industry for the natives,as well as the Chinese, Russians, Europeans, Americans, for anyone who is investing in what is growing before the eyes of the world.

There is a national pride, at least indicated by the display of the red flag with the gold star in the middle. Almost every building had the flag flying. It was so much that one got the impression it was an artificial display of support.

The native women are gorgeous. Their pants covered with a silk top are colorful. I do not think they make these outfits any larger than a size 6, if that.

W visited an embroidery workshop. The workman ship was magnificent, as were the women workers. I seem to be getting hung up on the women. They are beautiful.

Yesterday I escorted a group to Saigon. It was a two hour bus trip from the ship. The sights along the way were overwhelming. Shack after shack, dirt, moped after moped. I was told there are 8 million living in Saigon and there are 5 million mopeds there. You can not believe the chaos. I think the driver gets on turns on the bike and goes, while closing their eyes. One hand on the bike the other on the phone. Children of all ages in the lap of the driver. Cargo
from live ducks to a refrigerator balanced as the drive dodged buses, cars and trucks. To cross the street, I think one crosses your fingers, close your eyes and walk. the rest is in the hands of God.

Again the stark contrast of wealth and poverty. There are the Majestic Hotel on the Saigon River, opened in 1925 - old world but beautiful. Had a great lunch here with enjoyable entertainment. Visited the Rex Hotel, something out of 5th Avenue, NYC. Sheraton, Marriott, European Hotels, designer shops like Gucci, Chanel, Polo,Cartier, Etc. The stark poverty around each corner.

The public buildings many built during the French occupation. The old American Embassy, I could recreate in my minds eye the sight of people storming the compound to be air lifted out of the city at the end of the war. The facility now owned by the local government. I was told they have an election every five years just for the fun of it. there is only one party running the country. The average income is just under $1200 a year.

This vist is well imprinted in my mind. I do not think I will forget it soon. I am glad I came and experienced what I did. It helps make me thankful more than ever for all that I get to share on board the luxury of this ship and the beauty of home. Thank you for your love and support. I love you all.

Take care.

Bill

Hong Kong was Great

Hello One and All,

Spent two exhausting days touring Hong Kong. There are 8 million people in this world. They live in high risers that reach for the sky. It is a busy world with people running everywhere. Many look like they just came out of surgery with their masks covering their mouths and nose. There is so much to describe soI will just mention a few sites visited. Went to the Peak (twice); road their escalators, which are all over the city; went to the Stanley Market; the mid-night market; the Pennisula Hotel; the antique district; visited a taoist temple; had lunch at the Heritage Hotel; had a peking duck dinner; road the star ferry a few times; visited the finacial district and the IFC tower (International Financial Center) tallest building in Hong Kong, etc, etc.

Hong Kong consists of over 200 islands. Central, which is where the business district is and the mountains that are covered with condos to the sky and then there is the Kowloon section where the shopping takes place. There are malls here that rival Short Hills - even bigger. One designer after another, I was worn out just walking through the area. Then their is Nathan Street lined with more designer shops. they actually repeat shops with the same designer.

There is only one terminal for ships to dock, with only one spot. It is strange for such a large city. As a result the Queen Elizabeth was docked the first day until 4 am, then we moved and dropped anchor in the harbor. What a trip it was from the ship to the shore by motorized vessels, which they called junks, but really are ferries.

We left Hong Kong around 6pm and are now approaching Viet Nam. We have two ports to visit here over a two day period. I have a strange feeling as I approach this country. While at sea yesterday we had a lecture from a retired professor from Old Dominion, Va. She was thorough in giving us an historic background on the country. She explained the terrain, the industry, the people, their history of being colonized by foreign powers etc. She mentioned the war, we the USA were involved and looking at what the people of the country had been through I wonder why? Just a question, nothing more -

Today I am escorting a tour to give us highlights of Nha Trang. This part of the country is considered a resort community, right on the water with resort hotels etc. We will also visit the Long San Pagoda, Xam Bong Bridge, Po Nagar Cham Tower and so forth. It will be a very informative day for me.

The weather will be warm, 86 and I am afraid humid. Hope the bus is air conditioned. Take care will be in touch after Viet Nam. I should know by then where I am off to next. This is a fantastic experience. one I would never want to trade.

Will be in touch.

Bill

En Route to Hong Kong

Hello Fellow Travelers,

Had a great day in Kota Kutabalu. I went to a hotel called Pan Pacific introduced myself as a guest on the Queen Elizabeth asked if I could use their facilities. In response I was given a red carpet welcome. I had full use of their beautiful pool, changing room, beach front on the China Sea, umbrella, palm trees and a magnificent view of islands off shore. There was a pool bar with 12 stools in the pool. What a day!!!! Grabbed a cab back to the ship to call it a perfect day.

We were late in leaving, one of the guests was removed from the ship in an ambulance. Things like this happens when the ship is a floating senior citizen complex. I am among the younger guests - I think.

I am looking forward to the next stop. I have been told I will not be able to use my computer while in the area of China. It seems the local government controls even satellites and there is no communication available for anyone.

Speaking of governments, we are still scheduled to go through the Suez Canal. Like other things that too can change. I have a lot to see before that day comes round.

Take care, Spring is on it's way.

Bill

Night under the Stars

Greetings,

I tried a different yesterday. Had a snack for breakfast at the Corinthian Cafe. Met folk and gabbed. Was invited for lunch at the Verandah, great service and food. I had dinner in the Lido, which is a cafeteria with a great selection of foods. Went to the evening show in the theater,ok - nothing great. I do enjoy the dancers (12), but I do not warm up to magicians. At 10pm went to the 9th deck aft. One of the bridge officers walked those present to the stars in the sky. It was a fantastic experience. The stars for all aglow. The ships lights were turned off, so we could see the stars clearer. It was spectacular. I even got to see the Southern Cross, a unique grouping in the southern hemisphere. It was just great to be officially star gazing. I do it enough, when I get lost in thought. It was fun.

Two more days before we reach "KK" Kota Kinabalu. Two more days at sea and then Hong Kong. All is well and I am busy enough, with meals, lectures, movies, conversation, reading, sleeping.

At Sea

Howdy,

I have a couple of corrections to make. One there are only four theaters in the Opera House, I said five. Perth is not the capital of Australia. It is the capital of Western Australia, and I do not know the name of the state. Another correction, we are not visiting Indonesia at all, with our bypassing Bali. We are of to Malaysia to a town named I do not know. The one thing I am confident about is that it will be hot. Tomorrow, Perth with a forecast temp of 97 degrees. I am sure it will be a warm welcome.

I have been doing a lot of reflecting the past couple of days. I spend time watching the water roll by. Their varying shades of blue, at times it appears black. At times as calm as a lake and at others white caped. Whatever, the sea is vast, breath taking, spectacular, overpowering, magnificent and beautiful. 70% of this planet is covered by water. What an insignificant piece of reality am I. It is humbling and exciting. I watch people run around the ship, conversing, enjoying what is offered, some complaining about everything and others wrapped up in the beauty of the world they are able to experience and enjoy.

At Sea for Four More Days.

Greetings Mates,

These days give me time to relax, think and enjoy the Indian Ocean air. I finally found out where we are heading. We are going to Kota Kinabalu, the capitol of Sabah, which is an island in Malaysia formerly known as Borneo- I think. This should be a visit and a half. From here we are off to Hong Kong for two days.

The next week or so will be at sea outside of these two stops. This time I can watch the initiation of other guests. This whole experience of loosing a day, crossing the equator, going north to be warm and south for a cool temp. It is all upside down. But I am enjoying every moment of the changes. It helps me realize that I do not control the world I live in, I am merely a guest passing through.

Take care.

Bill