tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34119442570905049172024-03-05T05:14:20.899-07:00AcuDoc's Excellent AdventureAcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-38014494461928800532013-04-07T12:03:00.001-06:002013-04-08T19:55:31.706-06:00Catching Up...Just to say GoodbyeCatching Up...Just to say Goodbye....But I am starting a new blog AcuDoc's Excellent YOSEMITE Adventure at acudocinyosemite.blogspot.com<br />
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Here are a couple sneek previews of what is to come...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uaKtYOsRHnGiN8DGM4dS6xD2FroJ1MUI4virY4476YkAxNGk8eTJ9BBxpuP389qvAoMzntizexakpyC1ykwbfReDwu70PGlCWPsHVzd0BVhbpt_Dy00eklS9I62CrVEiNzvZK5tKc_A/s1600/sentinal+_merced+river+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uaKtYOsRHnGiN8DGM4dS6xD2FroJ1MUI4virY4476YkAxNGk8eTJ9BBxpuP389qvAoMzntizexakpyC1ykwbfReDwu70PGlCWPsHVzd0BVhbpt_Dy00eklS9I62CrVEiNzvZK5tKc_A/s400/sentinal+_merced+river+copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Sentinal Rock and the Merced River</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8K0qAYSfAUfC17MJfsYiKxHuKf1OR2r8e5zBAY6OE0JEIr8tVUZAA0RvFCFaCa9Se31xF61abyUZmaRe0v_ZcJNTOEBk70k4NOvy0rbFaIY9tKUqehrhvL9D-mGErZ17PzW9ouFpB60/s1600/P1040605+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8K0qAYSfAUfC17MJfsYiKxHuKf1OR2r8e5zBAY6OE0JEIr8tVUZAA0RvFCFaCa9Se31xF61abyUZmaRe0v_ZcJNTOEBk70k4NOvy0rbFaIY9tKUqehrhvL9D-mGErZ17PzW9ouFpB60/s400/P1040605+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Half Dome</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bg6b1p3zhheLv7GzQqMWqjw0dh0Tc3u4LmA2Hh0kOdkOUwfU-7gVbP1UYQx0aJN7laJ7ZexKb1TAcOau5kciOKbPbvLSTEGR3E-Qqx57H5IIV1ruvizconITSJBbjNRFf8FkW1N91Sw/s1600/moonbow_ul1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bg6b1p3zhheLv7GzQqMWqjw0dh0Tc3u4LmA2Hh0kOdkOUwfU-7gVbP1UYQx0aJN7laJ7ZexKb1TAcOau5kciOKbPbvLSTEGR3E-Qqx57H5IIV1ruvizconITSJBbjNRFf8FkW1N91Sw/s400/moonbow_ul1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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A Yosemite Falls "Moonbow"</div>
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This picture was taken at 1am. The light from the full moon</div>
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casts a "moonbow" in the mist of the waterfall.</div>
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This only happens a few times a years when everything is just right</div>
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I am no longer
working for Steiner and have not been on ships for a few months. I personally
enjoyed my time as an “Acupuncturist at Sea” but for me it was time to move on.
I want to thank Stephanie, Lisa, Natasha and Dan for everything they did for me
over my three contracts. They treated me with respect and I cannot say enough
about my respect for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I get I want
to plug my NEW blog, which I will be starting within the week. It will be
called AcuDoc Excellent YOSEMITE Adventure at acudocinyosemite.blogspot.com. I have moved to Yosemite National
Park to work on my photograph and take a much needed rest. It is a very
different lifestyle. No one is asking me what “my numbers are”, “how many
patients did you book”, “how many packages did you sell”, “how much is your
retail”. It is virtually stress free. In fact my most stressful decision is
what hike am I going to go on. It is what I need at this time in my life. Will
I ever go back to ships…maybe but for now this is where I need to be for “me”
right now.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as ships I
have heard from friends that are still working for Steiner and there have been
some MAJOR changes. For the most part from what I have been told has to do with
pay. It has been cut in half from what it was when I was on board. I know some
of my friends that have left Steiner because of this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So one thing you are
going to have to do is make a determination for yourself if it is worth it to
you. After looking at the numbers and looking at what I considered my bottom
line I felt comfortable with being a $5000 cruise, $4000 service and $1000
retail, it would mean an hourly wage of $14-$15 per hour. Now remember that you
have free room and board and great travel. So it is up to you and if you think
it is worth it for yourself. It is your decision alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I want to do
with this post is make brief comments about where I have been over my last
contract. I will post photographs of where I have been and make some suggestions
on what to do in those ports.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If this is your
first time to my blog by looking back you will find plenty of answers to
probably any question you have about what it is like to work on a ship as an
acupuncturist. Just remember the pay is different now. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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So lets get started…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I left off in
Vietnam where I traveled and had some shipmates meet my when I was on vacation
and the ship was in dry dock. Vietnam was amazing and I’d love to go back.
There are some ships that do travel there but this was a three-week vacation
and I really got to see the country much more then I would have if I were just
in port for a day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I said this post
is going to be mostly photography. In Vietnam I spent time in Hanoi, Cat Ba
Island and Viet Hai, Nha Trang, Saigon and in Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I really enjoyed the
sights and sounds of Hanoi and there is much to see and do as you have seen in my last post....and yes I know it was a year ago...lol<br />
<br />
But here are some photos of the "Hanoi Hilton" that held American prisoners during the Vietnam War<br />
<br />
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Outside the entrance to the prison</div>
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The top of the walls were laden with broken glass and broken bottles to keep you from escaping</div>
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One of the passage ways</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhE6Y2GmeO1L7PElgxXcztWJ5ZLROcnL-VIhXmBVgAv4sExymsY-hxerZR-i3sX4eprah2eB9lmiofmZdfh1SrfZYn82O7w9hnaJryTEjPED2F7WCL2eaOjPBa0TvCKauIPGr5HiLkrs/s1600/hanoi_hilton_mccain3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhE6Y2GmeO1L7PElgxXcztWJ5ZLROcnL-VIhXmBVgAv4sExymsY-hxerZR-i3sX4eprah2eB9lmiofmZdfh1SrfZYn82O7w9hnaJryTEjPED2F7WCL2eaOjPBa0TvCKauIPGr5HiLkrs/s400/hanoi_hilton_mccain3+copy.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The flight suit John McCain was wearing when he was captured</div>
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is proudly displayed behind glass</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KxNfVwD7qf45wUH81w2FzF9idBqmCQk7HWSc8wz8_AowfZLMK3fO8RftoPT8gWDFwOKjynf7gBl-pP8DZ0tVw_hNkRxujjvUCLk1o2krozWR8MwirjE3HR47aMo1NOevA_VTp81fcMQ/s1600/hanoi_hilton9+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KxNfVwD7qf45wUH81w2FzF9idBqmCQk7HWSc8wz8_AowfZLMK3fO8RftoPT8gWDFwOKjynf7gBl-pP8DZ0tVw_hNkRxujjvUCLk1o2krozWR8MwirjE3HR47aMo1NOevA_VTp81fcMQ/s400/hanoi_hilton9+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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a bed inside one of the cells</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xJxWPCx0OGGkdKw5I2TBPG1qeAhINJKHMamTKu_pZBovWjvpYVaYT1nwKeeor9PR3WoU_ctcZivbM38WuxAArAoXZFQviSOSfNKFXnNhYxTnwSJgiZLvbFyhz5AXHe0rwaa9me6rzlQ/s1600/hanoi_hilton7+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xJxWPCx0OGGkdKw5I2TBPG1qeAhINJKHMamTKu_pZBovWjvpYVaYT1nwKeeor9PR3WoU_ctcZivbM38WuxAArAoXZFQviSOSfNKFXnNhYxTnwSJgiZLvbFyhz5AXHe0rwaa9me6rzlQ/s400/hanoi_hilton7+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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the shackles inside one of the cells</div>
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Cat Ba Island is a
two hour bus ride to a boat that takes you a few miles of shore to the island.
David, Maureen and Jessica stayed on the main island and took and over night
excursion on a junk.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tn7Q1-twO4IoCL4R2iuoMl_zTxo4W6lEkPNWz5UFhiwc5aj3tQvyyS1thxwO09vp4L7XM-RA4oBqpIXfmZLCXDvMVj7gW5meEt2DITOnv1HaQggfOy8ekozqtm3RQTSMx32I9dlmnCg/s1600/vn_catba_boatride_djm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tn7Q1-twO4IoCL4R2iuoMl_zTxo4W6lEkPNWz5UFhiwc5aj3tQvyyS1thxwO09vp4L7XM-RA4oBqpIXfmZLCXDvMVj7gW5meEt2DITOnv1HaQggfOy8ekozqtm3RQTSMx32I9dlmnCg/s400/vn_catba_boatride_djm1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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David, Maureen, Jessica and I arrive at Cat Ba Island</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqu8Z-1tF0w_hkO_cu_D2sDdzBVyPjcZhGZwqXVM7YL9yOzjGyXF6B_AvNWwJs-Y0LqFtOmIb1bFT7oWrBkD2mVJ5dal08sB7J1q8OfVvK7KpIVoy9K_iXCAtztf_I5YHQPFnVfU91vY/s1600/vn_catba_snap_djm1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqu8Z-1tF0w_hkO_cu_D2sDdzBVyPjcZhGZwqXVM7YL9yOzjGyXF6B_AvNWwJs-Y0LqFtOmIb1bFT7oWrBkD2mVJ5dal08sB7J1q8OfVvK7KpIVoy9K_iXCAtztf_I5YHQPFnVfU91vY/s400/vn_catba_snap_djm1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next order of business...lunch</div>
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After which we located a hotel right on the main street, several floors up with a view of the harbor and ocean for $6 per night. David, Maureen and Jessica stayed tehre and I headed out to a remote isalnd...I mean a further remote island...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqghOYjeFl82stsGOkNDnffgQ8FJkoWzbOTzz7LfHzECEnYnYtWkMzt-R2ogvIw88ESC6jcQOWsAkY3AAf5-cxbefLctyhWBvMAG482ogRBYfqT-CNsMdxMvc7vuG9YYmdL_PkrvCWgiU/s1600/vn_viethai_boat_self3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqghOYjeFl82stsGOkNDnffgQ8FJkoWzbOTzz7LfHzECEnYnYtWkMzt-R2ogvIw88ESC6jcQOWsAkY3AAf5-cxbefLctyhWBvMAG482ogRBYfqT-CNsMdxMvc7vuG9YYmdL_PkrvCWgiU/s400/vn_viethai_boat_self3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the small boat I took to Viet Hai about 2 hours from Cat Ba Isalnd</div>
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I took a very small
boat on an hour boat ride to another smaller island and to the village of Viet
Hai. I stayed at the Whisper of Nature for a few days and found the people to
be amazing.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrjyw6G1RcpeqFHX-dNWpkQ85reC6IAIvVJ6VcfnFNeKYujyXAgdRPPaLBCFNMQUnYWoZ29N-BCua6q2RzOY6xrZp8mdjD5fxACttdDThsnDVQtiKhc9Ha1Lw5kJj0Ssilqxh1mm-MRQ/s1600/vn_halong_villageC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrjyw6G1RcpeqFHX-dNWpkQ85reC6IAIvVJ6VcfnFNeKYujyXAgdRPPaLBCFNMQUnYWoZ29N-BCua6q2RzOY6xrZp8mdjD5fxACttdDThsnDVQtiKhc9Ha1Lw5kJj0Ssilqxh1mm-MRQ/s400/vn_halong_villageC1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Along the way we passed village after village that is groups of floating houses where peolpe live</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZEvc-SuYz9zScjMkuGGuhXUjLmatrhvM72KNDgNYuIznZsAvQcNcGlRLiGnzMByyeJnb7yi6H-SwlYXRp7SFrip-YDaQimlgdH1FEBK64KuEkfidLGQgqmAa_z2fNql2V6hXoRMlWUI/s1600/vn_halong_village_man_guitarC3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZEvc-SuYz9zScjMkuGGuhXUjLmatrhvM72KNDgNYuIznZsAvQcNcGlRLiGnzMByyeJnb7yi6H-SwlYXRp7SFrip-YDaQimlgdH1FEBK64KuEkfidLGQgqmAa_z2fNql2V6hXoRMlWUI/s400/vn_halong_village_man_guitarC3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here a man relaxes and plays his guitar</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLqWJKf11LREAOBdAmwS2UEu-yD_g6tiSI8zi83_TRlt9LjeTorzNOmryaM34CMb7OyUcMP3mvH03PMlItS8ak7_upqvSzN1tf6dK4aD4eRif-noLzrIyHyEkgneh9M03WtHfb2WkzCw/s1600/vn_viethai_garden21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLqWJKf11LREAOBdAmwS2UEu-yD_g6tiSI8zi83_TRlt9LjeTorzNOmryaM34CMb7OyUcMP3mvH03PMlItS8ak7_upqvSzN1tf6dK4aD4eRif-noLzrIyHyEkgneh9M03WtHfb2WkzCw/s400/vn_viethai_garden21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a 4 mile scooter ride I arrive at the outskirts of Viet Hai</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKCpz0hyrQlE3XDdQWqPlAk3gxcHPbNmV-NcsCFjNCdHZUWQB92w7xrkq5HSMHCviXnwHFKQtO0Qn0xGnyhkK2jrcdWIXc_52PKWgM6bWW8NiphthGzmMtr1gR6iRCOmwpK6y6Y8PbJU/s1600/vn_viethai_lady_waterbuffalo14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKCpz0hyrQlE3XDdQWqPlAk3gxcHPbNmV-NcsCFjNCdHZUWQB92w7xrkq5HSMHCviXnwHFKQtO0Qn0xGnyhkK2jrcdWIXc_52PKWgM6bWW8NiphthGzmMtr1gR6iRCOmwpK6y6Y8PbJU/s400/vn_viethai_lady_waterbuffalo14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Viet Hai is a small farming village nestled in the jungles and mountains</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HjBb04GYwDkYZ8ZCNbMVhRrjkxJqF3TOfv0S2X4fSzTom1dPgMp0euIiaxtQuwuK9PBWXX8Q7ESXuqOc9WyJJMATJxYh_G6OvGmz4GpPsyGQxFr5Ae6C7LQu0xixInwEK0Wu7pNcvKo/s1600/vn_viethai_whisper_peopleC1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HjBb04GYwDkYZ8ZCNbMVhRrjkxJqF3TOfv0S2X4fSzTom1dPgMp0euIiaxtQuwuK9PBWXX8Q7ESXuqOc9WyJJMATJxYh_G6OvGmz4GpPsyGQxFr5Ae6C7LQu0xixInwEK0Wu7pNcvKo/s400/vn_viethai_whisper_peopleC1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The people here use very simple means for everyday life</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Te4lq2EZoFJZAztHPlwdrPNKqe41zlotxeGS0pzbdAC2VBejGjbOakVdMgaXscU8QB_X02aNu8d4sJjPk0LFcimFMNMYWlfX9NR0q1m1yFIcjQ2DMF1SLxPCO0GZxaxzfYSbcgFNuRY/s1600/vn_viethai_whisper3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Te4lq2EZoFJZAztHPlwdrPNKqe41zlotxeGS0pzbdAC2VBejGjbOakVdMgaXscU8QB_X02aNu8d4sJjPk0LFcimFMNMYWlfX9NR0q1m1yFIcjQ2DMF1SLxPCO0GZxaxzfYSbcgFNuRY/s400/vn_viethai_whisper3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the far end of the village lies The Whisper of Nature where I stayed for $25 per night</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wZODNtqx4ZAnmHLFOSInqSLiOcI91uvxSulyuhc9eYCgD-PQ2Kr9wwLxpuCZEeWeQuoG07IzvmKxRqD2yoOaw4Fo28Z3nYsEAts8RreF8QiZ86p_N9NoBGu0Xj_kVUHJqRlICgYQvaA/s1600/vn_viethai_whisper8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wZODNtqx4ZAnmHLFOSInqSLiOcI91uvxSulyuhc9eYCgD-PQ2Kr9wwLxpuCZEeWeQuoG07IzvmKxRqD2yoOaw4Fo28Z3nYsEAts8RreF8QiZ86p_N9NoBGu0Xj_kVUHJqRlICgYQvaA/s400/vn_viethai_whisper8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is where they made excellent meals and I found the best internet since I left the states...better then</div>
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New Zealand, better then Australia....here in the jungles of Vietnam miles offshore of the mainland...</div>
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At one point I took
a hike a few miles back into the jungle and found a deserted village. There was
nothing there but a horse and a man taking care of it from what I could tell.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgv8oliLr5a2j_4Oyfy0xG8Z6f_dvvqFB43b3laIbHcwy4-CowB1aDLXnwSpqnDJ95PxrfQwEzD4ZjdEpeaEBb61RNOATc1fBds_Ij8yxIc5v9aoDphVKCSSIWX9zJWThb9XdXpOYxZc/s1600/vn_viethai_old_village_cokeC5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgv8oliLr5a2j_4Oyfy0xG8Z6f_dvvqFB43b3laIbHcwy4-CowB1aDLXnwSpqnDJ95PxrfQwEzD4ZjdEpeaEBb61RNOATc1fBds_Ij8yxIc5v9aoDphVKCSSIWX9zJWThb9XdXpOYxZc/s400/vn_viethai_old_village_cokeC5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Amazing miles into the jungle in an abandoned village I find an old Coca-cola cooler...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BvH7G2v6Io1t2oIM7fodoNEvoGFGp9ZDT_5qzs24mc9Wj5qvDUS7-a1mHMMLgSvoiEdtu3otvdFT24z32fe55EAO-56T3q5yz0JYhh-E7qR5TulzVFf5VfDRGRkb-i6mmTbbLEx1x2I/s1600/vn_viethai_whisperC3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BvH7G2v6Io1t2oIM7fodoNEvoGFGp9ZDT_5qzs24mc9Wj5qvDUS7-a1mHMMLgSvoiEdtu3otvdFT24z32fe55EAO-56T3q5yz0JYhh-E7qR5TulzVFf5VfDRGRkb-i6mmTbbLEx1x2I/s400/vn_viethai_whisperC3.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Goodbye "Whisper"...Goodbye Viet Hai...note the Communist Flag!</div>
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Next we headed to
Nha Trang, which boasts the best beaches in Vietnam. There we enjoyed dinner
with the locals and walking the streets seeing the sights. We ate at a number
of different restaurants from where the locals ate to a German restaurant
serving some of the favorites of Maureen as she was from Europe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We visited the local
market where David was a standout and many wanted to take pictures with him.
They were amazing but his height of 6’6” and he looked like a giant next to
them.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9stvmgC9d1c0lt61qINnwAypl-5qz-NDT736QQque2mj75r0yK18fyOPYPj7r0C2pi8jP50spjS5i9fmMw2FDDU8GBmsmyznMUZbSArHsq0uzCWEJm-oTAEm44KaBWlIk-32evO8zhc/s1600/marketdavid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9stvmgC9d1c0lt61qINnwAypl-5qz-NDT736QQque2mj75r0yK18fyOPYPj7r0C2pi8jP50spjS5i9fmMw2FDDU8GBmsmyznMUZbSArHsq0uzCWEJm-oTAEm44KaBWlIk-32evO8zhc/s400/marketdavid.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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David and a local "fan" at the market in Nha Trang</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvDFtGU1B-P7_KTQY_0ydXrNjdaYEr66utd2E4gzWTGZr23zxKHYrIkmF_c5kGcAt-3CU9cY9aSbz03Y-0vCMNrtNie8RAXJA15LqBbsa3pv-xy4GkO3-Kj45EVVC4Tct3KzFL6mwqa8/s1600/marketgirl1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvDFtGU1B-P7_KTQY_0ydXrNjdaYEr66utd2E4gzWTGZr23zxKHYrIkmF_c5kGcAt-3CU9cY9aSbz03Y-0vCMNrtNie8RAXJA15LqBbsa3pv-xy4GkO3-Kj45EVVC4Tct3KzFL6mwqa8/s400/marketgirl1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A favorite shot at the market</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5z9D3x60NgF3kerMOK7TQgQ2hVUrymhslDVgeq8ji4SRP7w1NST4u9YDRmfE3BzD9g5867sunz99KCR_LyNqmBJciB5Jt3lEbN3cwD5iKBmzbivJPY1kJowqf04hSA1CO1fqsHiQ5To/s1600/marketgirlwoman1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5z9D3x60NgF3kerMOK7TQgQ2hVUrymhslDVgeq8ji4SRP7w1NST4u9YDRmfE3BzD9g5867sunz99KCR_LyNqmBJciB5Jt3lEbN3cwD5iKBmzbivJPY1kJowqf04hSA1CO1fqsHiQ5To/s400/marketgirlwoman1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One thing that surprised me was everywhere we went people were</div>
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so friendly and flashed the "peace sign"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FCqdK3JgI7qSv3N1UlaBPAHKXwp4yzUfwWZa6gC0nqZMfVgTCgi2kH2F_vt4Jik-_df0tfU9tDiZgCh4qRnVSANqmBAihTBrko-4UPEH_H7LHYAot4t4vcJU5ZlVHZ6APRYMQBWcqjI/s1600/marketwomansleep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FCqdK3JgI7qSv3N1UlaBPAHKXwp4yzUfwWZa6gC0nqZMfVgTCgi2kH2F_vt4Jik-_df0tfU9tDiZgCh4qRnVSANqmBAihTBrko-4UPEH_H7LHYAot4t4vcJU5ZlVHZ6APRYMQBWcqjI/s400/marketwomansleep.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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photo oppertunities were everywhere at the market</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_86HVC1D6Q7L0dWIHlKhsYEI1BLi6s-5R5hGmAIu4HcnowVE65dYDa3oE4dsiw6bzi9t8fOg3IAxGeCySW3luhAMDjTd11tYfG9RNyY-UOYfR-nRwM5hbts5HogHUojycQaWY8u_Cho/s1600/NhaTrang_womanofficer1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_86HVC1D6Q7L0dWIHlKhsYEI1BLi6s-5R5hGmAIu4HcnowVE65dYDa3oE4dsiw6bzi9t8fOg3IAxGeCySW3luhAMDjTd11tYfG9RNyY-UOYfR-nRwM5hbts5HogHUojycQaWY8u_Cho/s400/NhaTrang_womanofficer1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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a woman soldier at the market</div>
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We spent an amazing
few hours at the “mud bath and spa”. You could spend all day there is you like.
They had a number of different mud baths to try. We opted for the personal tubs
and then joined each other in a giant mineral spring tub, stood under a
waterfall and swam in the pool. Next we decided it was time for a massage. This
ran us less then $30 for EVERYTHING.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsxBJAMmEaYAVgqoEK8oKOXF3WkqaFKdP2b8-hpnqw1cLDKyCRCuQWLKb4jB9zINTRqhLUcSV5pxbJhxZrEZA5Kmoevw412hvBhKEl4xJ-pC-ojMHbF8rXUf4YkqBWUbl_h5w4U3h8g8/s1600/nhatrang_snap_mudbath3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsxBJAMmEaYAVgqoEK8oKOXF3WkqaFKdP2b8-hpnqw1cLDKyCRCuQWLKb4jB9zINTRqhLUcSV5pxbJhxZrEZA5Kmoevw412hvBhKEl4xJ-pC-ojMHbF8rXUf4YkqBWUbl_h5w4U3h8g8/s400/nhatrang_snap_mudbath3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The single mud bath tubs...they reminded me of the tubs you see in old westerns</div>
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Maureen and David
went scuba diving and Maureen got certified. One of those days Jessica and I
went kayaking on a river deep in the countryside.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn9axugo-FYVAii0ujh63oZA_jwY_6vGlqtDFqKL103KMbGUKdtNLfMvMngIHoKbP7UbUKvg563fxRHWa3DyjQZA6VzBLsVIBO8Wm_PhvPOzQ-qgoTekQQ0FbeGFetsYt8qO0vKyJ1aQ/s1600/vn_river_rafting_snap_jess7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn9axugo-FYVAii0ujh63oZA_jwY_6vGlqtDFqKL103KMbGUKdtNLfMvMngIHoKbP7UbUKvg563fxRHWa3DyjQZA6VzBLsVIBO8Wm_PhvPOzQ-qgoTekQQ0FbeGFetsYt8qO0vKyJ1aQ/s400/vn_river_rafting_snap_jess7.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Jesscia and I relaxing on the river in our kayak</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgkPEsfzjPEiR-p0cDnxZutRDPrUSJ4nYt09_T_xbwLy4ke6cObLXKV3BKPrCbC_QwlLIDru8j-ZvEx07zkRu5Qg_u6_rUgqzXvd_No9IA9qfi6pNFf5xeTEQRc2U0kTomoj6U4OKml4/s1600/vn_river_lunch_snap_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgkPEsfzjPEiR-p0cDnxZutRDPrUSJ4nYt09_T_xbwLy4ke6cObLXKV3BKPrCbC_QwlLIDru8j-ZvEx07zkRu5Qg_u6_rUgqzXvd_No9IA9qfi6pNFf5xeTEQRc2U0kTomoj6U4OKml4/s400/vn_river_lunch_snap_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the middle of the trip our guides stopped, setup and cooked an amazing lunch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpoF6YL9M-SyVQ-n6sZZrhkDcOre3iykH8H2IxcWOSJgRtuRBZxB4xmECVLygaGrL_TRGpfCmI3AwOGkwlqwHve3cLQEYbehyTFMU7_Di76fDNi1HyMrCUEoWq8bYDMjEVsyb5V_nR6w/s1600/vn_river_lunch_snap_jess5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpoF6YL9M-SyVQ-n6sZZrhkDcOre3iykH8H2IxcWOSJgRtuRBZxB4xmECVLygaGrL_TRGpfCmI3AwOGkwlqwHve3cLQEYbehyTFMU7_Di76fDNi1HyMrCUEoWq8bYDMjEVsyb5V_nR6w/s400/vn_river_lunch_snap_jess5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jessica relaxes on the river after lunch</div>
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On another day I
hired the owner of the hotel to take me on a motorcycle ride. We left around
8am and returned around 5pm. We traveled about 50 miles deep into the country
and to villages that have not seen a foreigner for years. It was a great day
trip and I snapped away taking photos everywhere.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszoJM9Zf0DZPETsASM2_0SCNGnDaTf12hbZw62RX8ywI48lvgHYVPc6YaB4RbASL875naXGz7o6cnt_tY4tyTB3qky7W5xAf-eQMJRf6f0evKqBrpRpwxgBGCEbtP9G2Vh_OqI5MuFMg/s1600/nhatrang_baker_C8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszoJM9Zf0DZPETsASM2_0SCNGnDaTf12hbZw62RX8ywI48lvgHYVPc6YaB4RbASL875naXGz7o6cnt_tY4tyTB3qky7W5xAf-eQMJRf6f0evKqBrpRpwxgBGCEbtP9G2Vh_OqI5MuFMg/s400/nhatrang_baker_C8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A baker making bread miles from Nha Trang in a small village</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XAzk2O2gCpA6TJUpzlEdrxdyWwNMs_VDSEWgVKXPxR3YDhbxmBsmCIuqG1I2GGdutAlGpTnvhdSemjzeNVW7wwc0O79TNGXJBhJD0h0EwiEvrOiSsldlf1mXF4AspH3MG9GeKnpig3g/s1600/nhatrang_kids_C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XAzk2O2gCpA6TJUpzlEdrxdyWwNMs_VDSEWgVKXPxR3YDhbxmBsmCIuqG1I2GGdutAlGpTnvhdSemjzeNVW7wwc0O79TNGXJBhJD0h0EwiEvrOiSsldlf1mXF4AspH3MG9GeKnpig3g/s400/nhatrang_kids_C1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even further inland we came across a lone house in a field...</div>
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you got to love the look on the kids...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQmHjLDHgFXqMUlknT5KN0YJED9KclvVCC6-IPD2FkdNOmyeWy6M3wgjnbpspq6j7wBkuX63vjnUi5FIeXbHyV1ISY0lgD6Lx5OSMn-lqPqpkPxyawVKfwOFynnayNBvfgzSZ7gUWVrQ/s1600/nhatrang_man_house_C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQmHjLDHgFXqMUlknT5KN0YJED9KclvVCC6-IPD2FkdNOmyeWy6M3wgjnbpspq6j7wBkuX63vjnUi5FIeXbHyV1ISY0lgD6Lx5OSMn-lqPqpkPxyawVKfwOFynnayNBvfgzSZ7gUWVrQ/s400/nhatrang_man_house_C1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A great shot of the father</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91RsUAR8oLNLer1ur9WF1obhmDkmgAtRqCHWyYaVTAieBl2ODhbkENQrorWCdw_I4jp74TzNZ3t0YuT1eoNTOmoEIBrgAnKpMkMLZn6mU_yDNYMcHnDRmDl2L1AU3a-Imr3ffyrdD23I/s1600/nhatrang_woman_bike_C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91RsUAR8oLNLer1ur9WF1obhmDkmgAtRqCHWyYaVTAieBl2ODhbkENQrorWCdw_I4jp74TzNZ3t0YuT1eoNTOmoEIBrgAnKpMkMLZn6mU_yDNYMcHnDRmDl2L1AU3a-Imr3ffyrdD23I/s400/nhatrang_woman_bike_C1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A woman rides her bike through the countryside...</div>
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The next stop on my inland trip was a fish market...here are a few of the sights</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_0KzytogUkl9sUVcbkxHyWK9jMJ6DeeDychDuHLBAqZRcaJB2RGgt64iLT0EDpkgUFzBiJfD9Ahp8p9rGIa4v5r72PCmT3CLJMKUZUxSdcyTwA6jypKYJPq08ennSiannW4aViPvyM0/s1600/nhatrang_fish_market_C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_0KzytogUkl9sUVcbkxHyWK9jMJ6DeeDychDuHLBAqZRcaJB2RGgt64iLT0EDpkgUFzBiJfD9Ahp8p9rGIa4v5r72PCmT3CLJMKUZUxSdcyTwA6jypKYJPq08ennSiannW4aViPvyM0/s400/nhatrang_fish_market_C1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdYtU6SNftJmoKhgZ6kTzGMRylJfrxIKyaQN00TUNK4aNV-fhcneA__FmEQiRWSvVXpnKvU2NTrRqxt4LgExMEefT5kXfjilfX2a5oFSnQNwmCbUvu6SbW9YjZTus2mWH58IdWCRNNSw/s1600/nhatrang_fish_market_C16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdYtU6SNftJmoKhgZ6kTzGMRylJfrxIKyaQN00TUNK4aNV-fhcneA__FmEQiRWSvVXpnKvU2NTrRqxt4LgExMEefT5kXfjilfX2a5oFSnQNwmCbUvu6SbW9YjZTus2mWH58IdWCRNNSw/s400/nhatrang_fish_market_C16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGRDW8ROcEvWss9abOy0lrW3w7jW9YPj2q_nwcxSkDT9g2ock6DuGsmlSRAWuLggh0wgyu0HwREwDsHXmvOkN28XfLhxz-22GLyjssI6DA_KHAlN4zQMierrz5QF2Bo8jKRDf1uAj9bc/s1600/nhatrang_fish_market_C21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGRDW8ROcEvWss9abOy0lrW3w7jW9YPj2q_nwcxSkDT9g2ock6DuGsmlSRAWuLggh0wgyu0HwREwDsHXmvOkN28XfLhxz-22GLyjssI6DA_KHAlN4zQMierrz5QF2Bo8jKRDf1uAj9bc/s400/nhatrang_fish_market_C21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSrcdN6MLv9lFW4bruA2LDST11M-AAlPAKRzCtK7RVEKml25J_5fHd03kFITOiM-IDrMFPHSUGUMt3kC78a14Uq1Yb2RDzBe6EIDTHaABCkJ5iibAsgtoKV2dpfcHWr1NdY3-lIIeni0/s1600/nhatrang_fish_market_C18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSrcdN6MLv9lFW4bruA2LDST11M-AAlPAKRzCtK7RVEKml25J_5fHd03kFITOiM-IDrMFPHSUGUMt3kC78a14Uq1Yb2RDzBe6EIDTHaABCkJ5iibAsgtoKV2dpfcHWr1NdY3-lIIeni0/s400/nhatrang_fish_market_C18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDK9CzNinZng04Mv4ZDI2AzfIADL33AJyxXteiaNG9bQYQXz5_I1zdXDig0pVGTq5dIPug4MitSs7w9SEUzgThnexUNO7InC0EdT9zjH1WY-i3D5Tk8JVp0PUbJngLJRFWoHtgtpO7D8/s1600/nhatrang_fish_market_C11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDK9CzNinZng04Mv4ZDI2AzfIADL33AJyxXteiaNG9bQYQXz5_I1zdXDig0pVGTq5dIPug4MitSs7w9SEUzgThnexUNO7InC0EdT9zjH1WY-i3D5Tk8JVp0PUbJngLJRFWoHtgtpO7D8/s400/nhatrang_fish_market_C11.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here are some of the other sights of Nha Trang</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcyBf5SQyz2gly6TmOLb-M9zYl5twBRwSc8utcv49ILbzccwwJRp9eaozIX2zDN7XtxhEZMxFabmHoOczTZmAgINfGLrQ7_zhopsRfFjCxFNNRHd9i_c9BF4Y_EE2HuKaOXWsFguxaOs/s1600/nhatrang_snap_hotel2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcyBf5SQyz2gly6TmOLb-M9zYl5twBRwSc8utcv49ILbzccwwJRp9eaozIX2zDN7XtxhEZMxFabmHoOczTZmAgINfGLrQ7_zhopsRfFjCxFNNRHd9i_c9BF4Y_EE2HuKaOXWsFguxaOs/s400/nhatrang_snap_hotel2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The view from my hotel balcony...$17 per night and right across the street from the beach</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2676lBwi8qkAP6zisKc0eYLaAVVYkvb3cCcaZ7lvJ5XgOfx0_l4xz0GwEkXCK06tukE-qWe9XpJBJiMOdHEiAWzn_-He5fAGQJeQUsSKD0u1ZeU7dvU3w3-sgZGIXZCb6xm9VRvvaRw/s1600/nhatrang_snap_boats2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2676lBwi8qkAP6zisKc0eYLaAVVYkvb3cCcaZ7lvJ5XgOfx0_l4xz0GwEkXCK06tukE-qWe9XpJBJiMOdHEiAWzn_-He5fAGQJeQUsSKD0u1ZeU7dvU3w3-sgZGIXZCb6xm9VRvvaRw/s400/nhatrang_snap_boats2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nha Trang Bay on a walk to town</div>
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Dinner with the locals on our first night...note the size of the chairs...</div>
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A couple nights later enjoys wine and beer...desert was on the way...</div>
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Goodbye Nha Trang...it was great...</div>
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Our next stop was
Saigon. It is like a huge version of Hanoi. Even though there was a lot of
history there and much to see I think we all decided that it would be a good
jump of point for travel to the Mekong Delta. After a couple days we had our
fill of Saigon. This is also where David left us and headed back to the ship as
his vacation was over.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Dinner in Saigon our first night</div>
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The Presidential Palace and the headquarters for</div>
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South Vietnam during the Vietnam War</div>
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The Notre Dame Church in downtown Saigon</div>
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Inside on of the many temples</div>
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Jessica and Maureen at the Post Office...note "Uncle Ho" in the painting on the rear wall</div>
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A tank at the War Museum</div>
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Tiger cages used to hold American prisoners of war at the War Museum</div>
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Some of the sights on the streets of Saigon<br />
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David and Jessica make a new friend</div>
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Beers at midnight on the streets of Saigon the night before David heads</div>
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back to the ship and Jessica, Maureen and I head to the Mekong Delta...</div>
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We visited Ben Tre
in the Mekong Delta and it was one of our favorite places. We stayed at the
Oasis Hotel, which is on the banks of the Mekong River. It was very clean, had
a pool, Wi-Fi and hammocks to just be lazy in.</div>
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Jessica and Maureen relaxing at the Oasis Hotel on the banks of the Mekong River in Ben Tre</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Just a few minutes from the hotel down a small path was a local place to eat. The food was amazing and the entire meal for all of us including drinks ran around $12-$13 total.</span></div>
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Our first lunch in Ben Tre...</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The town in our area was just a short walk and had a market, stores and a restaurant. The town it self was bigger but we found no need to see more then the local area.</span></div>
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Visiting the market in Ben Tre</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33TpW3o-ONyRMtXTZc2YaVczdJNnuFCg9GFaqc6YlAPr44yHLJovcUsf4VpMQYTDmF303eMcJdGamfG9rn53fe3AulShAVsxCSauzJjE2YHizHGWFozAk6T8QOJLmJYYC24fFSPwjs-Y/s1600/man_child_scooter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33TpW3o-ONyRMtXTZc2YaVczdJNnuFCg9GFaqc6YlAPr44yHLJovcUsf4VpMQYTDmF303eMcJdGamfG9rn53fe3AulShAVsxCSauzJjE2YHizHGWFozAk6T8QOJLmJYYC24fFSPwjs-Y/s400/man_child_scooter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Street scenes in Ben Tre</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvELTkWdWvpsM4FKVYmi6e9pddr9kKWALbcgu3OdqG_P6lktvEzr5qZTrEfrzrfupEQ7b84CCcz99nOJDS7Dl0_6JFuq6IY0z7WQOM5XdMF8KCsb8pMxLviRPca8GnJ7UJswPoCUwKroo/s1600/girl_yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvELTkWdWvpsM4FKVYmi6e9pddr9kKWALbcgu3OdqG_P6lktvEzr5qZTrEfrzrfupEQ7b84CCcz99nOJDS7Dl0_6JFuq6IY0z7WQOM5XdMF8KCsb8pMxLviRPca8GnJ7UJswPoCUwKroo/s400/girl_yellow.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Girl street vendor</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">One day we hired a boat and guide to see the sights. We travel on the Mekong to a brick factory and then headed down the small inner canals.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqgXUsZA4Jlx1wDS1gs-zAWnyOR3Duh_0siJG5nt2Lk-km7E4jAbuOkQXFPukoJ1sinoDEh6V5Y0e45R5F1jptTKdbBoRVpOxltUBwzJ4YmrYNBQQm_KPpAaIyCRfg9smsf7b9LdZtcE/s1600/mekong_boat_bricks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqgXUsZA4Jlx1wDS1gs-zAWnyOR3Duh_0siJG5nt2Lk-km7E4jAbuOkQXFPukoJ1sinoDEh6V5Y0e45R5F1jptTKdbBoRVpOxltUBwzJ4YmrYNBQQm_KPpAaIyCRfg9smsf7b9LdZtcE/s400/mekong_boat_bricks2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brick boat on the Mekong River</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEEsOfsb3caGXxsDiSrlESLTUNrujb4iYrTIZDoNN8lcVZtf2DI48CngQdQ8HPYb-0qJo1t6N4v8azqbegSYpYx22b5YzX4QtFsnLuKqNHmtw3IPgqkkJjiqJoY-5sJeuDveVmlv67Gg/s1600/canal_boat_woman2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEEsOfsb3caGXxsDiSrlESLTUNrujb4iYrTIZDoNN8lcVZtf2DI48CngQdQ8HPYb-0qJo1t6N4v8azqbegSYpYx22b5YzX4QtFsnLuKqNHmtw3IPgqkkJjiqJoY-5sJeuDveVmlv67Gg/s400/canal_boat_woman2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We hired a guide to take us deep in the canals of the Mekong Delta</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHO6JY9Nl25diAaB1D_sPK-H4VMgKz6fHypjtHp1NmjGSp3Ul31E8jtaqBqd3G129AUHseAqVsOF4gVnsMc9RBn6ci7m1cnn7k2hVBeGUU2ae9A3jsHT3YNRgnMx-xs4EbuNoc-vLlnQ/s1600/canal_boat_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHO6JY9Nl25diAaB1D_sPK-H4VMgKz6fHypjtHp1NmjGSp3Ul31E8jtaqBqd3G129AUHseAqVsOF4gVnsMc9RBn6ci7m1cnn7k2hVBeGUU2ae9A3jsHT3YNRgnMx-xs4EbuNoc-vLlnQ/s400/canal_boat_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56wbxX4D29tdOi5vJZlUNw_znldH0ZEn3MD-4_mEPJloHnLmSeilqe5ZgG4w9aApDRVHxn83JEsl8T4o2kVsBU1cz0dUL4lOQunOxBvVHF4iCYcVzbWbfwY9dny8YdN8QO-9fbSQQihE/s1600/canal_boat_man2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56wbxX4D29tdOi5vJZlUNw_znldH0ZEn3MD-4_mEPJloHnLmSeilqe5ZgG4w9aApDRVHxn83JEsl8T4o2kVsBU1cz0dUL4lOQunOxBvVHF4iCYcVzbWbfwY9dny8YdN8QO-9fbSQQihE/s400/canal_boat_man2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">There we visited a coconut candy factory, a coconut factory and a home-stay deep in the jungle where we had lunch “local” style. There we transferred into a canoe that just barely held the three of the guide and us and headed even deeper into the Mekong Delta.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKKgz_8r3zPGopFfeAqL7Sq6Y_0D3LS6xEciqUNIkYW9TcLjnQGzEakTYxFLSNtcbVXwRAOpWOFfurSyqmsw-ViQXtG-HbXe3xsT7G3-hyPRkc3ZxisI01tsX6d-ZLGmAnxFJqFPUs8c/s1600/coco2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKKgz_8r3zPGopFfeAqL7Sq6Y_0D3LS6xEciqUNIkYW9TcLjnQGzEakTYxFLSNtcbVXwRAOpWOFfurSyqmsw-ViQXtG-HbXe3xsT7G3-hyPRkc3ZxisI01tsX6d-ZLGmAnxFJqFPUs8c/s400/coco2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Were arrived at a coconut factory deep in the Mekong</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGnR-ORdWszk3Rjpg7OuqPgRGjjXb_1z6-8BxDB_UIbAMO_ntNADXxxrMZkZROZRZbKXrNg6na2FiurfYE7iHk9F6ZT8UuDuN9-77B0TOu8XHQ5QIwh7jJVe9ANP5TLXwjAsY-xBRKe8/s1600/vn_bentre_j:m3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGnR-ORdWszk3Rjpg7OuqPgRGjjXb_1z6-8BxDB_UIbAMO_ntNADXxxrMZkZROZRZbKXrNg6na2FiurfYE7iHk9F6ZT8UuDuN9-77B0TOu8XHQ5QIwh7jJVe9ANP5TLXwjAsY-xBRKe8/s400/vn_bentre_j:m3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jessica and Maureen enjopy fresh coconut milk</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMBh37z7C8Gl9fOQ2b-R8Fz0QwIzibxbUwNw6vMTFB5DHHsAQ85IFqqSJu_l9sK6c8sht8pYD7kKeYJwkrBtxXZtE02LkpUePx0Od_Aft4oitc3kz3hVYthbS7Y7oUhFnm8wCfbl4_W0/s1600/coco_candy_girl3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMBh37z7C8Gl9fOQ2b-R8Fz0QwIzibxbUwNw6vMTFB5DHHsAQ85IFqqSJu_l9sK6c8sht8pYD7kKeYJwkrBtxXZtE02LkpUePx0Od_Aft4oitc3kz3hVYthbS7Y7oUhFnm8wCfbl4_W0/s400/coco_candy_girl3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next stop was a coconut candy factory...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid32dmAQMRFRQrkSw18QnrbtVC7s6as8RYXfSEojqhsbxq62q1a-MDRs76i0ZYyQj_rxxFPEr70qgVTR2EVNgNoeHnGFlVHIDpFzpqe-FOtZM7X-dVDy-_rOnZJayV33VtT2Hq-_cFups/s1600/vn_bentre_coconut_candy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid32dmAQMRFRQrkSw18QnrbtVC7s6as8RYXfSEojqhsbxq62q1a-MDRs76i0ZYyQj_rxxFPEr70qgVTR2EVNgNoeHnGFlVHIDpFzpqe-FOtZM7X-dVDy-_rOnZJayV33VtT2Hq-_cFups/s400/vn_bentre_coconut_candy1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...where everything is done by hand</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSbhLLTI1fFy_uUkeCV9aT8vOcKh7JLYgI3SHgU2m24qGo_WqsPOfLTf3s24pCcKpUZnfiXkJWnaN8yJF687uBmNQR_MnHamSmYAic7DF_kjXPcw5PD0bxXv-BtMp1mRwHxft8gwvEgM/s1600/vn_bentre_canal_lunch2j:m.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSbhLLTI1fFy_uUkeCV9aT8vOcKh7JLYgI3SHgU2m24qGo_WqsPOfLTf3s24pCcKpUZnfiXkJWnaN8yJF687uBmNQR_MnHamSmYAic7DF_kjXPcw5PD0bxXv-BtMp1mRwHxft8gwvEgM/s400/vn_bentre_canal_lunch2j:m.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maureen and Jessica enoy a typical lunch at a home stay</div>
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deep in the inner canals of the Mekong Delta</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSByw5Zt3XxSOjSZ4X80ktoAtGZpYiNdpTxVviRfElC1MTkTqR5y7WjGvGWF49xmttztzOxl8n1WHI5JHhdoJ89_ynR75ZXYe8O4bxwt5U5F1K8r6iQJkytZocDWBfUY9BmNV9LGudhUE/s1600/vn_bentre_canal_lunch4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSByw5Zt3XxSOjSZ4X80ktoAtGZpYiNdpTxVviRfElC1MTkTqR5y7WjGvGWF49xmttztzOxl8n1WHI5JHhdoJ89_ynR75ZXYe8O4bxwt5U5F1K8r6iQJkytZocDWBfUY9BmNV9LGudhUE/s400/vn_bentre_canal_lunch4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maureen looks at the whole fried fish for lunch...the food just kept coming</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgV5ABm_LGlWGfHpmeV_jYK-1QY6HUs067Ho4ABB_xJnJKF7AOl3wPlaV7wgyO7TFRfDp78-DYoZqs8HH-Wh7FFB6FHPj3DPZnHZBzxX5qW5y0pPDdySBeSCFQMgNyQrERob7-4IlSPk/s1600/vn_bentre_canal_boat_self_back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgV5ABm_LGlWGfHpmeV_jYK-1QY6HUs067Ho4ABB_xJnJKF7AOl3wPlaV7wgyO7TFRfDp78-DYoZqs8HH-Wh7FFB6FHPj3DPZnHZBzxX5qW5y0pPDdySBeSCFQMgNyQrERob7-4IlSPk/s400/vn_bentre_canal_boat_self_back.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Goodbye to the Mekong Delta...what a fantastic place to visit...</div>
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After our stay in
Ben Tre it was back to Saigon for an over night as we got ready to say good bye
to each other as we were all headed to different areas of the world. Maureen
was headed back home to Europe, Jessica was headed to meet some of our other
friends in Thailand and I was headed to the Philippine to meet some friends
from the states that have family there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day I flew
to the Philippines and ended up with one of my oldest friends, Dean Sberna and his family that were on vacation at Apo Island, which is
a resort off the coast of Negros Island.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zlHs2tVxr7FdT7tPT5ZDZbdYaWVkmPQ-fb_THPCNTL4H4XWIgpeU4blfWpju-s_yu4pBshIK6zyv_LSzFIJvzYtvwo1qMg4eR2GH0_VT5gbstGwOAOCX6QoyRUmvw7ZMR1nath4KGWY/s1600/sberna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zlHs2tVxr7FdT7tPT5ZDZbdYaWVkmPQ-fb_THPCNTL4H4XWIgpeU4blfWpju-s_yu4pBshIK6zyv_LSzFIJvzYtvwo1qMg4eR2GH0_VT5gbstGwOAOCX6QoyRUmvw7ZMR1nath4KGWY/s400/sberna.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Sberna relaxing at Apo Island</div>
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We spent a few days at the Liberty Resort which was a
great place to relax.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu5HaKdGMHzVaWLooZCUNXjdK-9rdKPNv9ZyPM4nTJiKsGUGh8azAmljJTjHMsInw_uN4XnPpmSgxGkOC5qBDZCLsn5ohr6jQS_YPgilBD2IIfCYRi-wnkBxugDo3QtoE55Efctde4n8/s1600/pi_apo_libertyresort1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu5HaKdGMHzVaWLooZCUNXjdK-9rdKPNv9ZyPM4nTJiKsGUGh8azAmljJTjHMsInw_uN4XnPpmSgxGkOC5qBDZCLsn5ohr6jQS_YPgilBD2IIfCYRi-wnkBxugDo3QtoE55Efctde4n8/s400/pi_apo_libertyresort1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Liberty Resort, Apo Island</div>
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I got a chance to take some pictures of the "locals" and here are a couple of my favorites</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhKYjLUg3Vt66M5n_Rjmm7Mf7dwPzWreH1x85HjJkK9b3XuqdziLJKXS31Ag3jxi4KgskqkKmwS2LgzbX0fMo-q8gNCcFIv0Ap_lV58mLTG6UBbNMaY7zMdHp75PbPyoYvStG16Nw9_A/s1600/apogirl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhKYjLUg3Vt66M5n_Rjmm7Mf7dwPzWreH1x85HjJkK9b3XuqdziLJKXS31Ag3jxi4KgskqkKmwS2LgzbX0fMo-q8gNCcFIv0Ap_lV58mLTG6UBbNMaY7zMdHp75PbPyoYvStG16Nw9_A/s400/apogirl.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You have to love the look of innocence in children</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTYxBE8vFpeKD9gX9R9yPQGy9O0DVdVbZogIq70HNSfVvkbOMJF6KkNKf2-S0Ux5klPgRebDfgj8mBay58ue0wiUN6H7eYry7qxWiU_7STTx-FmyjW9drDScKIEPSGOMZnmoQUImKi98/s1600/apoman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTYxBE8vFpeKD9gX9R9yPQGy9O0DVdVbZogIq70HNSfVvkbOMJF6KkNKf2-S0Ux5klPgRebDfgj8mBay58ue0wiUN6H7eYry7qxWiU_7STTx-FmyjW9drDScKIEPSGOMZnmoQUImKi98/s400/apoman.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the character of this older mans face....</div>
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Next it was time to for myself to relax on my last night in Apo Island</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8K2LfIoeOo0hlxybZrJwwQeRDxU9uSCE9qYXU39SfjmQipYu-GpLRp53XXGuHoUq9Dhg9ucFoJxvMd9PDxq_BTRe7cTWI0OjUt3mZV3rRFkua_9Nsw1xtAuJejScQxlZT4UxSWiuPuA/s1600/apo_self_relax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8K2LfIoeOo0hlxybZrJwwQeRDxU9uSCE9qYXU39SfjmQipYu-GpLRp53XXGuHoUq9Dhg9ucFoJxvMd9PDxq_BTRe7cTWI0OjUt3mZV3rRFkua_9Nsw1xtAuJejScQxlZT4UxSWiuPuA/s400/apo_self_relax.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then it was time for
them to visit family and I needed some time to myself. After ship life where
you have no privacy and then even though I love my friends I needed “down time”
before heading back to the ship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I stayed at a place
the Dean suggested called Monarch Resort. It was about a half dozen very clean
huts right on the beach. There was a/c, electricity, flush toilets and a great
restaurant all for $25 a night.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHyPfoLk6Mj9qkqeR4wgCoFrw4rQ0q2jtlHe54s7fxnUfrfGk7Dlg2yA0_87IsbG4o4ZzEWPMIKbtZaEGqH34ZyGdxjhDkiTi3FaSUsJqRaGprx8vZgVPXpgSjhbWStN9q8zQvPoZ7mg/s1600/pi_monarch_hut_ext.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHyPfoLk6Mj9qkqeR4wgCoFrw4rQ0q2jtlHe54s7fxnUfrfGk7Dlg2yA0_87IsbG4o4ZzEWPMIKbtZaEGqH34ZyGdxjhDkiTi3FaSUsJqRaGprx8vZgVPXpgSjhbWStN9q8zQvPoZ7mg/s400/pi_monarch_hut_ext.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My beach hut</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT_96LFT5z0_wMqvoss-PnQ5cs7wr8PCGrJRcFstzYT7J0pcXQuo9zJmRhFbF_E1kBzlp7ypZn4QOLfQ-cHjTWVvmUt5trGXznDwZtndVUxFRZMJ6tnCA3nr2PgveyTxVZ9xYp-xFFDU/s1600/negrosdive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT_96LFT5z0_wMqvoss-PnQ5cs7wr8PCGrJRcFstzYT7J0pcXQuo9zJmRhFbF_E1kBzlp7ypZn4QOLfQ-cHjTWVvmUt5trGXznDwZtndVUxFRZMJ6tnCA3nr2PgveyTxVZ9xYp-xFFDU/s400/negrosdive.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">In the village I came across a few boys perfecting there diving skills in a local river</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrZxk2MBNwMQblsAR2YDoKrfi1C-W8rZxymTEpgYtP7nPO6GYoq3mv8QbKeWLNZGKdrMTYsKlnZ4KA9QefbPg9SMd8yiuYkUNOBY75vqyWspABhUbwbNTQCCozD8g0RMJN58EEz6tEH0/s1600/pig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrZxk2MBNwMQblsAR2YDoKrfi1C-W8rZxymTEpgYtP7nPO6GYoq3mv8QbKeWLNZGKdrMTYsKlnZ4KA9QefbPg9SMd8yiuYkUNOBY75vqyWspABhUbwbNTQCCozD8g0RMJN58EEz6tEH0/s320/pig.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">and a man getting ready for a feast roasting a whole pig</span></div>
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One of the days I
just relaxed and worked on my photographs. The next day I rented a motorcycle
from them and drove around the island. The first thing I came across was a farmer tending his fields.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCLWZQlIPM70CbDvHaXcc5OfGlMQq5JXdH0UcrFh6WUXKmP2SwOqyI2hLZZHkjiYscvmrYn4tG2fENCWL1xZfd9HWbwiMncLqb6BoAUotyBq_t9toqvcgalkVoL3668eUzeeVN_-lqfI/s1600/ricepaddyox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCLWZQlIPM70CbDvHaXcc5OfGlMQq5JXdH0UcrFh6WUXKmP2SwOqyI2hLZZHkjiYscvmrYn4tG2fENCWL1xZfd9HWbwiMncLqb6BoAUotyBq_t9toqvcgalkVoL3668eUzeeVN_-lqfI/s400/ricepaddyox.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And we think we work hard....</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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At one point I took
a dirt road deep into the mountains and through the rice paddies. There I found
a house here and there, and a small village of
maybe six huts and some children enyoying bath time rice paddy style<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCqep87h96O_dKuaF9ev3fPs7ql3mrmPAUxpcSddhm6nb6EL-d9Rj1lTPsu5zES3pRGLIBHY8JIlVT8K1T09dvmpPRwnHGF9fRXtYjhoXWQjrFLb0Q9fJ3qs7VGp6S6bpSUS1FuGYGhU/s1600/rice+bath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCqep87h96O_dKuaF9ev3fPs7ql3mrmPAUxpcSddhm6nb6EL-d9Rj1lTPsu5zES3pRGLIBHY8JIlVT8K1T09dvmpPRwnHGF9fRXtYjhoXWQjrFLb0Q9fJ3qs7VGp6S6bpSUS1FuGYGhU/s400/rice+bath.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the look on the little girls face...</div>
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Still further in the mountains about ten miles back I came across a lake with a number of children escaping the heat</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdmg08BW-ghVoocLNpDwoTKjrtBK0tDlW01gObMjZYMfOUVrPNfrDYYH1DVGNPjqprAyoL5hkwsHyhtYlcbXvkx42FaBj4Ji2kF9UC9Dq8hWFOwwOClBXGE8oKXy4MebIXzzCd4Jj2wA/s1600/boyslake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdmg08BW-ghVoocLNpDwoTKjrtBK0tDlW01gObMjZYMfOUVrPNfrDYYH1DVGNPjqprAyoL5hkwsHyhtYlcbXvkx42FaBj4Ji2kF9UC9Dq8hWFOwwOClBXGE8oKXy4MebIXzzCd4Jj2wA/s400/boyslake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Boy will be boys....</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the way back I passed a number of sugar cane fields</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-MI5oMcnAprfo1avUouJvGLaBGRvyxrO16dDPeNIMH8t2_CZaQVOn6b_aohI6Eq57n9jC1FRaTxH6AxCJ5expINRSwRTw6Js2yct2XvlnP8MoKCHujM2NbGlV6iC5BJwnVLdC0vaTCk/s1600/sugarcane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-MI5oMcnAprfo1avUouJvGLaBGRvyxrO16dDPeNIMH8t2_CZaQVOn6b_aohI6Eq57n9jC1FRaTxH6AxCJ5expINRSwRTw6Js2yct2XvlnP8MoKCHujM2NbGlV6iC5BJwnVLdC0vaTCk/s400/sugarcane.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flashing "sign"</div>
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Finally it was time
to leave PI and head back to the ship in Singapore. It was an amazing vacation
but now it was time to get back to work.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl0h3OeVe7vqrF5s6t3w1ld89aQIXWh3u86VXqgnXAxdocAsKD6owfCQqib3OdQbGBpufPjp1FxRdHLCvUlI4UGZ_nh36McvbJQJwWLm4yZqFXGMroC00iiPbe6vD7YUeqRhbO2Sosuk/s1600/negros+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl0h3OeVe7vqrF5s6t3w1ld89aQIXWh3u86VXqgnXAxdocAsKD6owfCQqib3OdQbGBpufPjp1FxRdHLCvUlI4UGZ_nh36McvbJQJwWLm4yZqFXGMroC00iiPbe6vD7YUeqRhbO2Sosuk/s400/negros+sunset.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Good Philipipines</div>
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</div>
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After a night in
Singapore I joined the ship. During dry dock the ship had been remodeled and it
was like joining a completely different ship expect many of my friends were
still there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For a couple weeks
we again visited Australia, Vanuatu and Bali. Next we headed to Samoa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think Samoa is
very under-rated. It was a very beautiful place and very inexpensive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We then had a very
long cruise headed back to Hawaii. Once there as it most had a lot of time off
due to many “sea days” and we even had a few overnights. One thing I would say
is a must is going skydiving. About ten of us from the spa did this and we all
loved it.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZvHFeGDFvwOg5lR0N3rhts_iq1JOCU9kK_DsRL3JSoNZHjVHOTnXC-wF7AM1ynAr-w8WWJ0rozTc3A_KUaxWVXnakF-2y0gEpSc3IqEA99avICLmZPQ6rQou87bvH1-GSo0gKG2_K2Y/s1600/maui+turtle3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZvHFeGDFvwOg5lR0N3rhts_iq1JOCU9kK_DsRL3JSoNZHjVHOTnXC-wF7AM1ynAr-w8WWJ0rozTc3A_KUaxWVXnakF-2y0gEpSc3IqEA99avICLmZPQ6rQou87bvH1-GSo0gKG2_K2Y/s400/maui+turtle3+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Diving with green turtles in Maui</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJEphts6NOc0jpVUZbnzLc_op2sraXgO6dIampKsl5CiOJpYafH_Sa7gMUM4fwEtsJHTwQSVk6Br4FkzFaKb0Or6YL5tIfXU8jw99TtJ_4IByyexEq4JNB1YGjZA-7failgFTt-PFSX0/s1600/maui_waterfall1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJEphts6NOc0jpVUZbnzLc_op2sraXgO6dIampKsl5CiOJpYafH_Sa7gMUM4fwEtsJHTwQSVk6Br4FkzFaKb0Or6YL5tIfXU8jw99TtJ_4IByyexEq4JNB1YGjZA-7failgFTt-PFSX0/s400/maui_waterfall1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the next day in Maui driving the "Road to Hana"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X27iaAMBgz-F6DqlMgoTo7cpEE_pEJc52qT2Tu2qSGewatu2cu_8k7Cx7r_eGvUEO5A6LnOu1VHnOB4pKen8Riv_WdbABjqrrDiUQh-FnaMcZpysikHg7n4Yugx08LSbwq-wQlgF2lE/s1600/maui_waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X27iaAMBgz-F6DqlMgoTo7cpEE_pEJc52qT2Tu2qSGewatu2cu_8k7Cx7r_eGvUEO5A6LnOu1VHnOB4pKen8Riv_WdbABjqrrDiUQh-FnaMcZpysikHg7n4Yugx08LSbwq-wQlgF2lE/s400/maui_waterfall.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Still another waterfall on the "Road to Hana"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIbNNy9xXLWo8_2eA4aFtj_vHy1NDrf5rhvgQmBGORgu_p5Q9Y4mxo6rJTsHGyL7bln0LhD3nYHTSkF0Fpyj92S9BpXu6vCl0Z8lQdWGtNixRbU5fwCT0PiNyYabMMTCAQz03FSqJ-zc/s1600/kauai_waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIbNNy9xXLWo8_2eA4aFtj_vHy1NDrf5rhvgQmBGORgu_p5Q9Y4mxo6rJTsHGyL7bln0LhD3nYHTSkF0Fpyj92S9BpXu6vCl0Z8lQdWGtNixRbU5fwCT0PiNyYabMMTCAQz03FSqJ-zc/s400/kauai_waterfall.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple waterfalls on Kauai</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpcaMHy-PglB-98JO0EQZlZK46tYrntE9VnTkEqYpyLE8ZqF0vvHMCz_ZkeYKYFFAWRgWBjNaYr9OwWJFZBzLGP8PJ0ca9u2zOTogOojNm_TM_4573qDSes5JilJAFRUwNrdfNfMrzyc/s1600/kauai_waterfall1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpcaMHy-PglB-98JO0EQZlZK46tYrntE9VnTkEqYpyLE8ZqF0vvHMCz_ZkeYKYFFAWRgWBjNaYr9OwWJFZBzLGP8PJ0ca9u2zOTogOojNm_TM_4573qDSes5JilJAFRUwNrdfNfMrzyc/s400/kauai_waterfall1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Kauai Waterfall</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvntIyQqSWkUXD0fWUtjbFBbZ7SfZvwbGfMFwMefR8GufelqclN6rqvbyIPcOBPPCQp2lx4G58FpkL4j97489eEWBIuMRNBl4lmBonsfYd7CcTQVCe06hubjumSkoowuy-oOsRVBj1Q0/s1600/kauai_lagoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvntIyQqSWkUXD0fWUtjbFBbZ7SfZvwbGfMFwMefR8GufelqclN6rqvbyIPcOBPPCQp2lx4G58FpkL4j97489eEWBIuMRNBl4lmBonsfYd7CcTQVCe06hubjumSkoowuy-oOsRVBj1Q0/s400/kauai_lagoon.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kauai Lagoon</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7D4E3NPgQ3WcTTHYN4XzsEJ-8xsQYgfSU6rgWJQzS6JhXsXiwUsgiLYp3vpjgAcTwEsZJwN_YpAvfuZg_2NEV-pK78BIT5tftwGHS06ThIf9ocKq_BgrfbPeyQ6OSMj4DtbpE0PVEDI/s1600/hilo+valcano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7D4E3NPgQ3WcTTHYN4XzsEJ-8xsQYgfSU6rgWJQzS6JhXsXiwUsgiLYp3vpjgAcTwEsZJwN_YpAvfuZg_2NEV-pK78BIT5tftwGHS06ThIf9ocKq_BgrfbPeyQ6OSMj4DtbpE0PVEDI/s400/hilo+valcano.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A volcano on the "Big Island" Hawaii</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGR51JLvCjTKTluZZ6PjZU-UI7LPdLqj5UkcD8Y0Ssyt7fC_949McxONoVvrEz7SxRSvyuOe-JHNiXXlGKyG8C5EOHZ-HeWfRbjnyr3cWYNhR8Z4CsZ7GxniVKVtjB1OjoPyPUc9olls/s1600/hawaii_lava_tube.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGR51JLvCjTKTluZZ6PjZU-UI7LPdLqj5UkcD8Y0Ssyt7fC_949McxONoVvrEz7SxRSvyuOe-JHNiXXlGKyG8C5EOHZ-HeWfRbjnyr3cWYNhR8Z4CsZ7GxniVKVtjB1OjoPyPUc9olls/s400/hawaii_lava_tube.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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The "Lava Tube"</div>
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And a "Must See" with on teh island of Oahu...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_2vvYJYknZkj5hW5p2zjF8fFd1DHZ97nZHXpol0fXcNUWh0yEwSI5tuIsXdSqVwslffv-6f_tojMn533Lxs-lUHd3dfVJbWnJ59MJw7JuLTlmdll-chNhIPjCQgAxP8AxJNKIfDFoBc/s1600/arizona_memorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_2vvYJYknZkj5hW5p2zjF8fFd1DHZ97nZHXpol0fXcNUWh0yEwSI5tuIsXdSqVwslffv-6f_tojMn533Lxs-lUHd3dfVJbWnJ59MJw7JuLTlmdll-chNhIPjCQgAxP8AxJNKIfDFoBc/s400/arizona_memorial.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor</span></div>
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The "Big Mo"...the battleship Missouri where the Japanese signed the surrender of WWII</div>
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Upon leaving Hawaii
it was another long cruise back to Seattle, which is our homeport in and out of
Alaska.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our first Alaskan
port was Ketchikan. I had been there the summer before and knew of a great
place for sushi. After lunch I spotted about a dozen eagles and was able to get
some great shots of them as they we feeding. Many times they were literally within
10-100 yards from me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-VueK6LeDe-FhfuwQ_RNmQ1yKU75yEOr3L33lbBuK0ttH4dJzP1LJaBGEM5grwEsM_uWvWpvS51e1FahmcaDcVZuPJVthOwc7nOGPBCkYH9e0YRelTf8Lix0O5WYmsrnXr2Sm9VwbnQ/s1600/eagle+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-VueK6LeDe-FhfuwQ_RNmQ1yKU75yEOr3L33lbBuK0ttH4dJzP1LJaBGEM5grwEsM_uWvWpvS51e1FahmcaDcVZuPJVthOwc7nOGPBCkYH9e0YRelTf8Lix0O5WYmsrnXr2Sm9VwbnQ/s400/eagle+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a once in a lifetime experience</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzew9k6kWKcaNe-jqkz9U_4k4H_P8gksbHqdpjBpavPrMYdGijQ4yPHi0MGr4iIND4rABGXSFznfsCmZ-naK95kDa4NKBmZQZeqAICX0owhKNid1MpYeLexuouQnM9Iw5o4WRPkhO6pIY/s1600/eagle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzew9k6kWKcaNe-jqkz9U_4k4H_P8gksbHqdpjBpavPrMYdGijQ4yPHi0MGr4iIND4rABGXSFznfsCmZ-naK95kDa4NKBmZQZeqAICX0owhKNid1MpYeLexuouQnM9Iw5o4WRPkhO6pIY/s400/eagle+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one was so close I could not even fit him in the frame</div>
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After that first
week we started our regular run for the summer, the first stop being Juneau.
Juneau is a place where we stock up as there is a Wal-Mart, Costco and Target.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-TTfktHhWNfnX-9x5stUta-67LhM_Bh54sj18a0HV3goBV4rUyx6At6VR8_x9rQ-EJir5QVAYK5dShPzRJWaloesUmIsSX0_MjdpsTNIgBUSRQyrFhXjV8aUGuLvUA16xpoSM7vW-aM/s1600/juneau_mt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-TTfktHhWNfnX-9x5stUta-67LhM_Bh54sj18a0HV3goBV4rUyx6At6VR8_x9rQ-EJir5QVAYK5dShPzRJWaloesUmIsSX0_MjdpsTNIgBUSRQyrFhXjV8aUGuLvUA16xpoSM7vW-aM/s400/juneau_mt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Approaching Juneau</div>
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Once we get what we
need we can climb the mountain next to the ship or take a gondola to the stop
and hike down. Of course there are a number of bars and restaurants and all the
tourist shops.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Overlooking Juneau</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdaNZ63kZBjC0v97AwGb2F5p-oH0b3MOyqsJ0Wn0VIe5kDEPW7nbzvxiwnh__hsXGVBNZIMiKINaBaBXdLEikMbnYSdsPzW8seFGBdXSrdLacTHhp4DO3A896I5Avf1q4C-zuX1hTREg/s1600/gondola.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdaNZ63kZBjC0v97AwGb2F5p-oH0b3MOyqsJ0Wn0VIe5kDEPW7nbzvxiwnh__hsXGVBNZIMiKINaBaBXdLEikMbnYSdsPzW8seFGBdXSrdLacTHhp4DO3A896I5Avf1q4C-zuX1hTREg/s400/gondola.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Taking the gondala up the mountainwith the ships belo...and hiking down...</div>
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You should also stop
at Tracy’s Crab Shack for great crab and crab bisque…it is a must.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Downtown Juneau</div>
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One week I had a
dear friend of mine join me for a cruise and we took an excursion that was not
offered by the ship. We started out with a guide kayaking down a river to the
ocean. We went to an island for lunch after which we were picked up by a small
boat that held 6 people and went whale watching. This in my view was much
better then being pack on the “cattle boats” holding 50 people+ and whale
watching.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pamela and I kayak down a river on the way to the ocean in Juneau</div>
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Next stop...whale watching</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7qa290hBcc2JZbpSukmBoW5eLGBdlVQmtNhdCcz9WwKutqfbk3SJbyOrsopOyZ8Y8J2jJWd0rgkmoG5F-Z50_LF_PvRcCDWirhUoW4IywOcWRwm6igFaDtu_o5rhSxUV8f4Uy8yavw/s1600/whale_tail1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg7qa290hBcc2JZbpSukmBoW5eLGBdlVQmtNhdCcz9WwKutqfbk3SJbyOrsopOyZ8Y8J2jJWd0rgkmoG5F-Z50_LF_PvRcCDWirhUoW4IywOcWRwm6igFaDtu_o5rhSxUV8f4Uy8yavw/s400/whale_tail1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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they were everywhere...</div>
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A typical August day in Juneau</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC4QVX3HXHA2rge_cPvPJv9eZ6Ff4aLUnOgkReGRMn50ivCZp_2WqXop-YMt31TAa51C0M-QSsRLJCAt6FImLPQWB8mURp79sqw4G9Fo8oP_PcIih5zRkYSZ6ceuFTIEAwpV5JzJW2qg/s1600/medicine_wheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC4QVX3HXHA2rge_cPvPJv9eZ6Ff4aLUnOgkReGRMn50ivCZp_2WqXop-YMt31TAa51C0M-QSsRLJCAt6FImLPQWB8mURp79sqw4G9Fo8oP_PcIih5zRkYSZ6ceuFTIEAwpV5JzJW2qg/s400/medicine_wheel.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A trip north of town to the Medicine Wheel...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wo9nzMc3pnnBCYND24-RRsNnvxiQ0rP0m4xPeDlE5eE7EoS8M3-LdO8yx-lrIsAmFX7F6BKxs46WwYKmf2sgtIQ3-Bn5I5LN4T8if4-ERqZQCkaV6fsI9jmosNeDc8aiFmtNEt5oKFo/s1600/mendenhall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wo9nzMc3pnnBCYND24-RRsNnvxiQ0rP0m4xPeDlE5eE7EoS8M3-LdO8yx-lrIsAmFX7F6BKxs46WwYKmf2sgtIQ3-Bn5I5LN4T8if4-ERqZQCkaV6fsI9jmosNeDc8aiFmtNEt5oKFo/s400/mendenhall.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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and the Mendenhall Glacier</div>
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Our next port is
Skagway.<br />
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The channel to Skagway</div>
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The ship moors a ten mintue walk from town</div>
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The creek at the edge of town is stacked with salmon</div>
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Skagway is a very small town but there is a lot to do there.<br />
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Downtown Skagway</div>
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There is
hiking to lakes and trails through the woods.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPhyphenhyphenIYYIDCQXbB3BF9jZWt5Q4PLaMTfRnEcuqwUA0M65mAENrN7vFZ36VSZeQnZzCDHpT2_OTbhNWUm5uZLgb-_c2DLDYPgVUzomJzIDyIKiMPF69pAweqbsIBqFIlScrQcexu-g7Mg/s1600/trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPhyphenhyphenIYYIDCQXbB3BF9jZWt5Q4PLaMTfRnEcuqwUA0M65mAENrN7vFZ36VSZeQnZzCDHpT2_OTbhNWUm5uZLgb-_c2DLDYPgVUzomJzIDyIKiMPF69pAweqbsIBqFIlScrQcexu-g7Mg/s400/trail.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Hiking one of the many trails in Skagway</div>
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Overlooking Skagway</div>
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You can take a ship
excursion to the Canadian Yukon and to a Salmon Feed for lunch.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FCYZqSMfqfKaxmzDXhln7ZVS13G6AtxestZGdL0JTnFdzjfCbIBOoyfSQXjVtZpPsxLRe9iqt_u4CyMjUlAElM-Xzdp5IoLwHY5inbPs7B57r23mfzN8Meqjpooq7vHUsL5Etwar94A/s1600/pitchfork_falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FCYZqSMfqfKaxmzDXhln7ZVS13G6AtxestZGdL0JTnFdzjfCbIBOoyfSQXjVtZpPsxLRe9iqt_u4CyMjUlAElM-Xzdp5IoLwHY5inbPs7B57r23mfzN8Meqjpooq7vHUsL5Etwar94A/s400/pitchfork_falls.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pitch Fork Falls half way between Skagway and the Canadian Yukon</div>
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Lake in the Canadian Yukon</div>
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Taken from the Swing Bridge in the Canadian Yukon</div>
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Bears are also to be seen if you are lucky enough</div>
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You can take a
helicopter to the top of a glacier and go dogsledding. We found this to be over
rated and very expensive, but it maybe something you want to do.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Pamela and I took a helicopter to the top of a glacier</div>
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and went dogsledding...</div>
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Instead I suggest
going for a 90-minute private plane ride to Glacier Bay flying over many
waterways and glaciers. It is less then half the cost and for me it was a much
better excursion. I enjoyed this with my firends Rachel and Judith<o:p></o:p><br />
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Flying over a glacier bay</div>
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Glaciers were everywhere</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8H0BShyphenhyphenCu9Gkdq-G4z86eloISPKJljy14yvGVe32FXG3jfznIZdGa-KWoRohFeOQaXwSbBKFcprOrM6UNt6uv9MMACA5lD5nBo20zqX9CKL1Ar2d8Y_6DsSLNnApGcEYW6BhtoyI8mI/s1600/flight2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8H0BShyphenhyphenCu9Gkdq-G4z86eloISPKJljy14yvGVe32FXG3jfznIZdGa-KWoRohFeOQaXwSbBKFcprOrM6UNt6uv9MMACA5lD5nBo20zqX9CKL1Ar2d8Y_6DsSLNnApGcEYW6BhtoyI8mI/s400/flight2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A lone mountain peak on a glacier field</div>
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I also went on a
non-ship excursion with about a dozen or more zip lines that took almost all
day. This one is less money and more zips then the one offered by the ship.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiuP87uIkUlVqbzcyPiIJ0RqwFdQfMDTc7kspcvEQFoFvfbAcHofcs80HD45YVFBpmSKUDhGO0fhgIt9FJQ88vqH8pqQUqvpwriI3EzU8mdc1IfDy7CuthFLNeRcbkVfp42dD7sT9MAc/s1600/Skagway+Zipline+Rach24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiuP87uIkUlVqbzcyPiIJ0RqwFdQfMDTc7kspcvEQFoFvfbAcHofcs80HD45YVFBpmSKUDhGO0fhgIt9FJQ88vqH8pqQUqvpwriI3EzU8mdc1IfDy7CuthFLNeRcbkVfp42dD7sT9MAc/s400/Skagway+Zipline+Rach24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rachel and I zip lining in Shagway</div>
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Another fun excurison you can line up through the ship is a train ride to the Canadian border.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UlWgyUUnV2bEQA6tsSVhDdFJmgE6W9YLEiH05_99uYOKeTtYi-JccyXI99AqqB37LMij_eyf8DFnDe8AGJqOxt3P2Q7qaKXcD68LX6FIyBD0WbzsNM-IEp0vIiOpybF1wJqKXKZnH7g/s1600/waterfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UlWgyUUnV2bEQA6tsSVhDdFJmgE6W9YLEiH05_99uYOKeTtYi-JccyXI99AqqB37LMij_eyf8DFnDe8AGJqOxt3P2Q7qaKXcD68LX6FIyBD0WbzsNM-IEp0vIiOpybF1wJqKXKZnH7g/s400/waterfall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Passing a waterfall along the way</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtKzS_fv_JYXmTJhH_37YPT5X6DkhXVQSB9YHv-wmSFpZhrYhFQfVed3jVbrOJYCYuh47pNgewuVurcasDc2y9bI0h9gQa7fluTyOHbTyHriClxxqD3_M0X9gaZiXrhJucDvoLv5Za84/s1600/train_bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtKzS_fv_JYXmTJhH_37YPT5X6DkhXVQSB9YHv-wmSFpZhrYhFQfVed3jVbrOJYCYuh47pNgewuVurcasDc2y9bI0h9gQa7fluTyOHbTyHriClxxqD3_M0X9gaZiXrhJucDvoLv5Za84/s400/train_bridge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another train in fromt of us</div>
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About to enter a tunnel</div>
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Of course there are
other things to do in both Skagway and Juneau but this is how I spent my time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We also had a sea
day that we traveled up the Tracy Arm to the Sawyer Glacier. If you have never
seen a glacier up close it is truly amazing. It was a wonderful way to spend my
Wednesday mornings EVERY week for the entire summer.<o:p></o:p><br />
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A different then usual view of the Sawyer Glacier</div>
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This was our typical view every Wednesday all summer</div>
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The view from the upper deck of the Rhapsody</div>
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The Tracy Arm on a beautiful summer day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hw5sRIbIEH1rbSMi68iFv_i2aOUC4YNdrzHX77w97AtX-3iWy0V1TGKUNNAx-bc82yQ6UmDOGxCROqLBN1DFKFhsW9vHOtLMR48h3xMldydFJmuV5iMLxAcq0YnwjBKJ6ocZmmEoal8/s1600/tracy1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hw5sRIbIEH1rbSMi68iFv_i2aOUC4YNdrzHX77w97AtX-3iWy0V1TGKUNNAx-bc82yQ6UmDOGxCROqLBN1DFKFhsW9vHOtLMR48h3xMldydFJmuV5iMLxAcq0YnwjBKJ6ocZmmEoal8/s400/tracy1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Tracy Arm on an overcast day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ2xnvDJTH5psGO0H6FAsxHvbKvqMRSr2joZp4VJe1tWMtSFoOFBmtBNJHkG4go52XD_XbqIjEVi_-_UzIzOO6hwiqdW19SIiGiz7M0ZFoLJq46j-XXM2CeOBK16U1ZcEJogtGG8ZRnM/s1600/sawyer3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ2xnvDJTH5psGO0H6FAsxHvbKvqMRSr2joZp4VJe1tWMtSFoOFBmtBNJHkG4go52XD_XbqIjEVi_-_UzIzOO6hwiqdW19SIiGiz7M0ZFoLJq46j-XXM2CeOBK16U1ZcEJogtGG8ZRnM/s400/sawyer3.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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The Sawyer Glacier</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC9kf0fhlzOF4EDE_v7BPUQdX9N0xxgfP1sWVkcH0C2DDcyVxHd3iwlCPfm1FtRl1lEzoWqKYtOPLnZFIyhxp0KFIl3xs53yYKj-UIFV9IXEzLrIDxNcwPHtU4M4ak8Bj3Xc5lUa_PoI/s1600/sawyer+island.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC9kf0fhlzOF4EDE_v7BPUQdX9N0xxgfP1sWVkcH0C2DDcyVxHd3iwlCPfm1FtRl1lEzoWqKYtOPLnZFIyhxp0KFIl3xs53yYKj-UIFV9IXEzLrIDxNcwPHtU4M4ak8Bj3Xc5lUa_PoI/s400/sawyer+island.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sawyer Island in the left foreground</div>
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We also visited
Victoria, Canada every week. I like Victoria and there was a lot to do there.
They have a great China Town, The Butchart Gardens, the Butterfly Gardens, and
the Victoria Hotel, whale watching etc.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6wWGiJ1Ok3K9RMsHlKvyEuSJ4Ifmwa7InronaqBWbPBI56JFfUWyIYAsgz4Ew68HAEVOTkoJjVlgrH9XHELNJ49de-tKiIFXg7N2EY_0oENn5DL0RIBRov8lQVdku4LudTeiuhlBzyA/s1600/butterfly+gardens1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6wWGiJ1Ok3K9RMsHlKvyEuSJ4Ifmwa7InronaqBWbPBI56JFfUWyIYAsgz4Ew68HAEVOTkoJjVlgrH9XHELNJ49de-tKiIFXg7N2EY_0oENn5DL0RIBRov8lQVdku4LudTeiuhlBzyA/s400/butterfly+gardens1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Butterfly Gardens</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh_BRh-aqyU2E5wra49Fch1NsM0PsdmD5zvaoT-14E2YNd84_MRhxPFBVpb0zSdZ820m3y1u3PESBVR3cmi8ctSS4ra0lkp_9e0l0ZpWTLq8Vq26RXCLzUsySfYUK2cm01U10_X15Jio/s1600/butterfly+gardens+flamingo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh_BRh-aqyU2E5wra49Fch1NsM0PsdmD5zvaoT-14E2YNd84_MRhxPFBVpb0zSdZ820m3y1u3PESBVR3cmi8ctSS4ra0lkp_9e0l0ZpWTLq8Vq26RXCLzUsySfYUK2cm01U10_X15Jio/s400/butterfly+gardens+flamingo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Flamingo at the The Butterfly Gardens</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfZAf-jSSgHs4APKm4vF2sizAbJe_42kSDB58UPocRx-fBxbXvORQahxBF2XhNaDzgt4tiPxVFWlURXREkgwSpF_jY0tjqKkuRBS2V8Szif8rf2xz1yL50GVeKR8PMM9fxYtWFKnUe28/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfZAf-jSSgHs4APKm4vF2sizAbJe_42kSDB58UPocRx-fBxbXvORQahxBF2XhNaDzgt4tiPxVFWlURXREkgwSpF_jY0tjqKkuRBS2V8Szif8rf2xz1yL50GVeKR8PMM9fxYtWFKnUe28/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Near Butchart Gardens</div>
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Craigdarroch Castle a 20 minute walk from downtown</div>
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My friend Rachel and I enjoy "High Tea" at the Empress Hotel</div>
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Well that is it for
me. After a summer of Alaska my contract is up and I have left ships…for who
knows how long.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope you have
enjoyed my “Excellent Adventure” as an “Acupuncturist at Sea” and I hope it
gave you a good idea of what life at sea is like and what working for Steiner
is like. </div>
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Please follow my
next adventure in Yosemite National Park. It can be found at AcuDoc Excellent
YOSEMITE Adventure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have lived in
Yosemite thirty-one years ago and left twenty-eight years ago. If you have
never been to Yosemite you will see some amazing photographs. I will speak of
different hikes I take during my time here and what it is like to live in a
national park. In many ways it is like being on board a ship. It is a very
small employee community and a lot of tourists. I hope you enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Look for the blog to
start in the next week or two.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Again thanks to all
that followed this blog and for all your questions over the years.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I want to thank all my shipmmates that made these experiences a wonderful part of my life. I miss many very much and some will be life long friends...</div>
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Larry - “AcuDoc”<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-37048169726786462692012-03-23T02:53:00.007-06:002012-03-23T19:09:57.821-06:00GOOD MORNING VIETNAM-M-M-M....<div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...As Adrian Cronauer would say.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">HANOI</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We arrived at the Hanoi Airport on time and for the most part everything went very well. However we did pay $25 to vietnam-visa.com for the “fast track” service that was to help us get by the red tape at immigration. The representative that was to meet us showed up 35 minutes late and did nothing but make a phone call to someone doing absolutely nothing for us.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jessica and I had already submitted our passport and were just waiting to pay the $25 fee to enter the country. To make matters worst there was a tourist group from France that refused to pay the $25 entrance fee to Vietnam. Because of this there were about 30 angry French people crowding a very small counter area pushing and shoving and being...well French. This made it very hard for those of us that actual read the entry requirements for Vietnam and just wanted to pay our $25 and get on our way. After about 30-40 minutes, which would have been a 5 minute ordeal, we got our visas stamped and headed to customs which took another 5 minutes.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As expected our driver from the Hanoi Holiday Diamond was there waiting for us and we were in the car and headed for Hanoi which was about 45 minutes away from the airport.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Upon arriving at the “Diamond” before we could even get out of our car the entire staff was in the street greeting us and taking our bags into the lobby. I’m going to keep this short but you could not and I have not ever found a more personable, kind, friendly, helpful staff in any hotel in the world. They were there 24 hours a day to make sure you had no wants what-so-ever.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvvgEXmhQU63Czw7pOnpaKQGxZBjKQaR0yxEoss5Z9o7qr0ZrfIwjNBMjL9FvJdPzcAnHFZzraZwjW4FH5whFht_WLlNjylNsZMBkRdk8F9p6Hj4iVqa222a0_USgXSH8CgcDuRMSrD0/s1600/jessdiamond_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvvgEXmhQU63Czw7pOnpaKQGxZBjKQaR0yxEoss5Z9o7qr0ZrfIwjNBMjL9FvJdPzcAnHFZzraZwjW4FH5whFht_WLlNjylNsZMBkRdk8F9p6Hj4iVqa222a0_USgXSH8CgcDuRMSrD0/s400/jessdiamond_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We arrive at the Hanoi Holdiay Diamond Hotel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My room was exceptional clean and had a comfortable bed, huge shower, flat screen tv, refrigerator, fresh fruit and water daily and a computer for my use a long with wifi for my own computer. There was also a great buffet style breakfast included in the price of your room, which was $30 per night.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUxKil3PJtJiE4ULk1KLRN_H4j2hX_tJOj8wfh-qn-8NB4P8UkBtGOESKqQkLfFJ99JuUQAsNdaH9dE5337YWM6J8oWqKoPNHgVgmXoOpr6g17wfA44YjgyTmDhYoGrpkP1pjLp6Deik/s1600/daimondroom_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUxKil3PJtJiE4ULk1KLRN_H4j2hX_tJOj8wfh-qn-8NB4P8UkBtGOESKqQkLfFJ99JuUQAsNdaH9dE5337YWM6J8oWqKoPNHgVgmXoOpr6g17wfA44YjgyTmDhYoGrpkP1pjLp6Deik/s400/daimondroom_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Great room for a great price...$30</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After checking in Jessica, my travel partner, and I went for a walk through the crowded streets of Hanoi.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMuI7BNUxH1ypy_536dfh5dPDSUl1qW9dZLOtGbU1r8tsInZQh1cjleREB-dJd7b-gNZRp7LlroXljO9sCCu8ACfw071qsr5MJuxb1sE7QXoU78U77PDQoXvAU739BsKKEKYW_mnxl0/s1600/jesshanoistreet1_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMuI7BNUxH1ypy_536dfh5dPDSUl1qW9dZLOtGbU1r8tsInZQh1cjleREB-dJd7b-gNZRp7LlroXljO9sCCu8ACfw071qsr5MJuxb1sE7QXoU78U77PDQoXvAU739BsKKEKYW_mnxl0/s400/jesshanoistreet1_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jessica and I begin our Hanoi adventure</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was amazing to see all the people especially the scooters that were everywhere going in every direction. </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We dubbed it "organized chaos." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Traffic just flowed in every direction and to cross the street you did the same. We called it the “zombie walk”. You just looked straight ahead and started walking regardless if it is a red light or not and they dodged you. The same went for the other scooters and the occasional car. They just kept moving and getting out of each others way.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We also noticed that many people both on scooter and walking throughtout the city wore masks covering their nose and mouth, hats and also longsleeves and gloves. This happened even in the southern cities where it was very hot. We were told it was not only for the soot and smog but to keep them protected from the sun.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v66-0TvCgc4s_ysD8u8n77t26zgA3OvSk3p4Qyb7OVph4FJ0Ynx7No5YgmSXHwYx7B2yxzY_cuZN-UbkLBd-mjYmDPDPFlkMt3CFjPXPUrKPcwHIYRiM7Iyup2cC1lFnEw6haJB0hkc/s1600/hanoimask1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v66-0TvCgc4s_ysD8u8n77t26zgA3OvSk3p4Qyb7OVph4FJ0Ynx7No5YgmSXHwYx7B2yxzY_cuZN-UbkLBd-mjYmDPDPFlkMt3CFjPXPUrKPcwHIYRiM7Iyup2cC1lFnEw6haJB0hkc/s400/hanoimask1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We walked throughout most of the afternoon and into the evening hours and found a beautiful lake called Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) to visit that has the Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower) in the middle of it only about 15 minutes from the hotel. It is named so because of a 15th century legend stating that heaven sent </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emperor Le Thai To </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a magical sword</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day after the war </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">a giant golden tortoise surfaced grabbing the sword disappearing in the depths and returned sword to it's devine owners.</span></div></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuLhjSqXbv8dRBaPmj-qKcq-EpQvoVVaV_qciCC42HphJVRowz_LqcVk7mQMLCWNOmMUaQZ764vh1eWeq-rF5O2JDK0csLdaxaYU_dRV_nWGaHu_QY0f58lybXqP1ANkqbiGyLZTnhyM/s1600/laketower1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuLhjSqXbv8dRBaPmj-qKcq-EpQvoVVaV_qciCC42HphJVRowz_LqcVk7mQMLCWNOmMUaQZ764vh1eWeq-rF5O2JDK0csLdaxaYU_dRV_nWGaHu_QY0f58lybXqP1ANkqbiGyLZTnhyM/s400/laketower1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thap Rua in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hoan Kiem Lake</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirorfNLWjazPSouDWCr3rnkhK2mfNJhqiMTpBDgNpESPjfEu5GVIUKpj8mTSi-UNl8TowizVd1afbX2BZHdxaFv2oGJkdwx1gFGV9eIeSXLVALApYOrPwJxpERlydgcZZrALpXFceKGk/s1600/lakecouple1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirorfNLWjazPSouDWCr3rnkhK2mfNJhqiMTpBDgNpESPjfEu5GVIUKpj8mTSi-UNl8TowizVd1afbX2BZHdxaFv2oGJkdwx1gFGV9eIeSXLVALApYOrPwJxpERlydgcZZrALpXFceKGk/s400/lakecouple1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As we walked around we also noticed how the people seem to be drawn to the lake. We visited it many times and it was always the same. People were doing tai chi, exeercising, resting on park benchs, enjoying the lake and each other.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdotL952IAxFlkPH9zaNo8i3jv0SyIYgI0JN_aB7uIwWT02iDltawOXAlnvHqqM-5OaFB4YjVPX2MyOn3P5Hafk6VuVwDhYgHoGR8J_FusaWwvgG1RRYbQkC_DWV8wZZkAeuMvcM-80IQ/s1600/vnkidball1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdotL952IAxFlkPH9zaNo8i3jv0SyIYgI0JN_aB7uIwWT02iDltawOXAlnvHqqM-5OaFB4YjVPX2MyOn3P5Hafk6VuVwDhYgHoGR8J_FusaWwvgG1RRYbQkC_DWV8wZZkAeuMvcM-80IQ/s400/vnkidball1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also noticed across the street from the lake a young child chasing a ball in front of a statue of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Emperor Le Thai To</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and took one of my favorite pictures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHihMfCK_gKmzTQIcQluwP-Hnb9IDjThRQnTXyNU2TmtJvWqkfV5eif8nbimetuhdZiqdwZBLzKTHPQ0PftJK5szXNrSv__Y9vY1l6RblOUbQZMI0-o2hfi2IrO1CMA7pJ8ph8NNRR_Y/s1600/vnglobe1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHihMfCK_gKmzTQIcQluwP-Hnb9IDjThRQnTXyNU2TmtJvWqkfV5eif8nbimetuhdZiqdwZBLzKTHPQ0PftJK5szXNrSv__Y9vY1l6RblOUbQZMI0-o2hfi2IrO1CMA7pJ8ph8NNRR_Y/s400/vnglobe1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A Gesture of World Peace at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hoan Kiem Lake</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0encFgmoK7KSHklVTVC-U-FzbO2EHNnpNs99J7yn88PzT5y86fKxg-d6whnSSnwBYCpq5BmdGVi_e1St6zRJCjkrvDc4jKP0mOnpUoL8rqOFtz3GuoAZ4AJZmZjuMQJHiYOOSCE1pWYw/s1600/jessbridgeself_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0encFgmoK7KSHklVTVC-U-FzbO2EHNnpNs99J7yn88PzT5y86fKxg-d6whnSSnwBYCpq5BmdGVi_e1St6zRJCjkrvDc4jKP0mOnpUoL8rqOFtz3GuoAZ4AJZmZjuMQJHiYOOSCE1pWYw/s400/jessbridgeself_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jesssica and myself at Hoan Kiem Lake</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The bridge leads to the Ngoc Son Temple on the lake</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Near the top of the lake is a building we dubbed "Backdeck" as it reminded us of the back of the Rhapsody where the "Backdeck" Crew Bar is located. It is five stories, each with a restaurant/bar with an outside deck to sit and drink your favorite beer...just like on the ship.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC2ib8hhZLx4UlJsGZmkQ9c0obFHTAJAGOd0wdIbpImnqjAzD75LFgG8NXv_x39KO7StedKZ5LeWqAiMbO1RWqhZ-xwMbzPKwK1aCZLSD7I_FV8dUa_LGgE3MxMmHZ0Y82UdMGr0AfuE/s1600/backdeckside**.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC2ib8hhZLx4UlJsGZmkQ9c0obFHTAJAGOd0wdIbpImnqjAzD75LFgG8NXv_x39KO7StedKZ5LeWqAiMbO1RWqhZ-xwMbzPKwK1aCZLSD7I_FV8dUa_LGgE3MxMmHZ0Y82UdMGr0AfuE/s400/backdeckside**.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Backdeck Hanoi</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the same location each night are the hawkers and vendors all dodging traffic and trying to sell everything under the sun to whomever will buy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This led me to get a couple of my favorite photographs.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KWpE_hfFUIR1nOc0l-Ji2q2biqDHo4C0Hpl-ENiNWX-RVv0gRxaISqmpSovlFZfz9mgzp-uj6dZEPSRmOonfdldYP6ESkPM5N_Jl1x_xCp12kUacgktFh7WY7fAJa9pkLglROMTXqow/s1600/hanoimelons+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KWpE_hfFUIR1nOc0l-Ji2q2biqDHo4C0Hpl-ENiNWX-RVv0gRxaISqmpSovlFZfz9mgzp-uj6dZEPSRmOonfdldYP6ESkPM5N_Jl1x_xCp12kUacgktFh7WY7fAJa9pkLglROMTXqow/s400/hanoimelons+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Hanoi Melon Lady</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6R1HGq5KYFN2ROO3Br6241FRZYCJQYDbR5XPn8UT7EYF0WBMIjGq92ChVKmkVfTtlL9W2AuhQdDl3g8ZkFruY2JjuHIHeaG6SCnfLu8mDWk7etjgrCCalHRIkTA_x9MOFGy12LvzMYo/s1600/hanoiballoons2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6R1HGq5KYFN2ROO3Br6241FRZYCJQYDbR5XPn8UT7EYF0WBMIjGq92ChVKmkVfTtlL9W2AuhQdDl3g8ZkFruY2JjuHIHeaG6SCnfLu8mDWk7etjgrCCalHRIkTA_x9MOFGy12LvzMYo/s400/hanoiballoons2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Hanoi Balloon Lady</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The next day Jess and I went exploring again. This time we went to the shopping streets where each street has a speciality. There is the locksmith street that is block after block of locksmiths, the tin box street, the toy street all doing the same thing. We were told this is because there are no telephone books in Vietnam. So all the same type of stores are in the same location. This way when you need somethng you know where to go. We also went to the silk street where Jess bought a dress and a pair of linen pants that were made for her for $30 a piece. It took just one day to do.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFTbPdRXwx1iyyrAitboQp6JRwEJVFzfze5iaIs9WGlhNpLOjS0JRxNsf6F9sOH2F_wp_8FjqicU8rVq5ZFhXFF6X3e8xBnf4uOiLjoccXRu6vQ6o-1Nv7hP4nYKkI1J81p6s5l3slDo/s1600/hanoisilkworker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFTbPdRXwx1iyyrAitboQp6JRwEJVFzfze5iaIs9WGlhNpLOjS0JRxNsf6F9sOH2F_wp_8FjqicU8rVq5ZFhXFF6X3e8xBnf4uOiLjoccXRu6vQ6o-1Nv7hP4nYKkI1J81p6s5l3slDo/s400/hanoisilkworker.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hanoi Silk Worker</span></div></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After shopping we went to St. J</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">osephs Cathedral which was very old and very gothic. After a few pictures we decided it was time for lunch and we found a place called Pho 24 that we noticed had a few people in it eating. Pho is a type of noodle soup dish and we both had Pho Ga, which has chicken added to it. It was a very large bowl and it cost around $2.50. In fact all or our meals with something to drink and more food then you can imagine ran right around $5 each.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO35mYaWlku_onihiCtQIauPwDNRVb7MAzjgivgI_XZmZs0pSH4dd5KOoHQPURQ-OZO740zmo8m6q_G1cmz722jSX1fLWSWvs06dM5uG1dyYfjQ2A0YxJQrgr2bnS17Uhjf4uV5pKJ9kY/s1600/Hanoinotredamecross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO35mYaWlku_onihiCtQIauPwDNRVb7MAzjgivgI_XZmZs0pSH4dd5KOoHQPURQ-OZO740zmo8m6q_G1cmz722jSX1fLWSWvs06dM5uG1dyYfjQ2A0YxJQrgr2bnS17Uhjf4uV5pKJ9kY/s400/Hanoinotredamecross1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">St. Joseph's Cathedral</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After lunch we made our way to the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” where the American prisoners of war were held. The vast majority of the prison, now a museum, was about how badly the French had treated the Vietnamese during their occupation. There was also a couple rooms that focused on the American Vietnam War. They even had McCains flight suit, parachute and some personal items along with a few others on display. Being a Vietnam Era Vet it was very sobering walking around the prison.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The following day I walked around the backpacker again snapping away while Jess was taking a cooking class. This was a great way to spend my morning as two more of our friends from the ship were arriving that afternoon.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At one point I came across the White Horse Temple and there was a ceremony going on inside. There was a woman being dressed in ceremonial clothes by two men and music played and about six women dancers performed behind her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Once dressed she started to dance as well and other “helpers” handed out candy and 20,000vdn which is about $1US to the crowd. I later learned that she represented and spoke for the dead relatives and blessing those that were there.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Once David and Maureen arrived at the hotel and got settled Jess and I gave them the tour of the backpacker area which we were becoming very familiar. We headed down to the lake and after dinner that night went to the Water Puppet Show. This was a very ancient play performed, yes by puppets in water which was inside of a theater. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The next morning the four of us took a taxi to the Ho Chi Mihn Mausoleum which unfortunately was closed. We still were able to walk around the ground which were huge and the area is very different to the backpacker area. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is a very clean and upscale area. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Right in front of the entrance there was a very large parade ground and Jessica it reminded her of Red Square in Russia. Our timing was great as while we were there we saw the changing of the guard.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There was also a temple on the ground that we visited. From there we walked a fair distance to the West Lake area, also very upscale and where many of the embassies are located.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Next it was time for lunch and we found another Pho 24. This one was located right next to the Temple of Literature which was our next stop. It is literally around 1,000 years old and surround by high brick wall. It contains both the shrine to Confucius named Van Mieu built in 1070, and the university for mandarins called Quoc Tu Giam, literally the "Temple of the King Who Distinguished Literature" built in 1076.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We then took the long walk back through more small streets filled with people, shops and yes scooter and even more scooters. After a snack break at the lake we headed back to the hotel to shower before heading out to a spa for a massage.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a beautiful spa with a wide variety of services being offered. I opted for a 90 minute aromatherapy session and a 30 minute facial that were absolutely great. Even though it is thought of as a bit pricey it still ran only $36. After a late night dinner it was back to the hotel to pack as the next morning we were off to Cat Ba Island.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 18.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We got up and took a taxi to the bus station and bought our transportation to the island. It consisted of a bus, to another bus to a boat to another bus for the 4 hour trip. As scary as that sounds it was virtually seamless and very easy. Except when David noticed he left his passport at the hotel. The Hanoi Holiday Daimond kept shining and sent a drive to the bus station with David's passport. Next stop Cat Ba Island...</span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-50051716590673474542012-03-23T00:51:00.009-06:002012-03-23T02:31:17.802-06:00AND CONTINUES IN SINGAPORE...<div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>SINGAPORE…</b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">After an uneventful process of immigration and passport checks I did some shopping at the airport before my flight. The flight itself was also uneventful and I wrote my blog posting on Bali.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Upon my arrival in Singapore it was a 20-minute taxi ride to the Mitraa Hostel where I was staying with my travel partner Jessica. This was my first hostel experience. We had booked here primarily as it was the only hostel that I found that offered two to a room. That and it received good ratings on Tripadvisor.com.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">When I arrived Jessica was already out and I was given instructions where she was waiting to meet me. It was a 5 minute walk to the Singapore Subway. I had to make three changes to get to Marina Bay where Jessica was waiting at the top of the Skypark Sands Hotel.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMFCalCSYS0elJtTM5UOFC-uavN2ZK1QD1sLLXW33zQz_Ux7tKXGt5PEd67ljWb95GkzawqW5WokojgPy4n_TG552eYE_mdFkWs5YN6HHOgSlIOSXKYVYfc0_K53ITjDHDdWawjj10_E/s1600/singhotel_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMFCalCSYS0elJtTM5UOFC-uavN2ZK1QD1sLLXW33zQz_Ux7tKXGt5PEd67ljWb95GkzawqW5WokojgPy4n_TG552eYE_mdFkWs5YN6HHOgSlIOSXKYVYfc0_K53ITjDHDdWawjj10_E/s400/singhotel_72.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Marina Bay Sands Hotel and "DNA" Bridge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I was told that it was a $20 charge to go to the top of the 57 story hotel but was able to get a free pass with a little finesse<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>but talking to one of the concierges.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">After a ride on the express elevator and out on the outdoor deck I was amazed at the beautiful views in every direction. Within a couple minutes I spotted Jessica and another friend of hers from the ship, Caroline. One of the most amazing aspects of the hotel is their infinity pool also on the very top of the hotel. We were not able to go to go there as it is for guests only but it was close enough to take pictures and understand what the view from the pool must be like.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oris6Vx-vFORjZzMhvZCyA0ynElMzUJ0ZoFGJauVmeF9nRhVhYXAtVPoi0MlpJ4SgwUC95wJej1WG-fItSYVKzeNlJKw37XLQEyVfruuhDQD5wrB-u5oLxR_fXuj0n6F8T-CkpKwvTY/s1600/singhotelpool_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oris6Vx-vFORjZzMhvZCyA0ynElMzUJ0ZoFGJauVmeF9nRhVhYXAtVPoi0MlpJ4SgwUC95wJej1WG-fItSYVKzeNlJKw37XLQEyVfruuhDQD5wrB-u5oLxR_fXuj0n6F8T-CkpKwvTY/s400/singhotelpool_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Infinity pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After taking pictures of the cityscape we left the hotel to get something to eat. Nearby there is a lagoon lined with buildings, amazing bridges one of which represents a strand of DNA, one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels and a football playing field and stadium.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGxFyNtsiZDgD_dXpv-7FXCiNzYRGwjSMU8UoCX7XWxikVSJo9iiBOdlLfDIxsl1wy9DrVG8KwkXi4X459POsqhbtjRrETiPFg5m6lhCOk-4qv115dqKQ2WAFceDuNAvC0S-kMT2RLX8/s1600/singreflection1_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGxFyNtsiZDgD_dXpv-7FXCiNzYRGwjSMU8UoCX7XWxikVSJo9iiBOdlLfDIxsl1wy9DrVG8KwkXi4X459POsqhbtjRrETiPFg5m6lhCOk-4qv115dqKQ2WAFceDuNAvC0S-kMT2RLX8/s400/singreflection1_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marina Bay</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D_-T7EQpxwJzBgvle84qMb_1ZN3g0PtYxUYsA9p5Ob2jT-upVGsZkrKf1EoJnvh-O_tatqXWNWQjsEQTfbnEwf1YwDE51lR4CXblxcCQ6b97st0kBmIp7yMAyiKxTfEHZMv1BYOzM2E/s1600/singdnabridge_72.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D_-T7EQpxwJzBgvle84qMb_1ZN3g0PtYxUYsA9p5Ob2jT-upVGsZkrKf1EoJnvh-O_tatqXWNWQjsEQTfbnEwf1YwDE51lR4CXblxcCQ6b97st0kBmIp7yMAyiKxTfEHZMv1BYOzM2E/s400/singdnabridge_72.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">DNA Bridge at Marina Bay</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Also in this area is an outside food court that was packed with people ordering from one of the half dozen food carts. It was mayhem with people pushing to get their food and food being sent out of the carts cooking area at break neck speed. I had crab rolls and seafood fried rice costing $13 and Jessica had chicken wings and a noodle plate with a fried egg on top for around $5.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">After dinner we said our goodbyes to Caroline and made our way back to the hostel by subway at the cost of $2.40 one way. Once there it was time to shower, double check we had all of our paperwork together for the next day’s flight to Vietnam and to catch up on emails.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">GOODBYE SINGAPORE</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Having left the hostel we headed to the airport by taxi costing $25sgn including the surcharge for rush hour. Getting through the airport was a breeze including immigration, customs and ticketing.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Flying Jetstar Airlines the checking process was very quick but once onboard the seats are very close row to row and a bit cramped. If you are just sitting or reading it is not too bad but to type on a laptop it would be close to impossible. The only reason I am able to do this is there is nobody sitting in either seat in my row and I am using the tray table from the middle seat.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">On the subject of Jetstar they have the WORST possible customer service. No matter what method you choose you can never get in touch with them. And at the airport all they will tell you is you must contact customer service for a refund. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">When my vacation plans changed from Cambodia to the Philippines I had already bought my ticket from Siem Reap back to Singapore to catch the ship. It is absolutely impossible to contact customer service. For two months I have written 6-7 emails to no avail. I have tried to call when on land and you are on hold forever. They tell you to Skype on their website but that doesn’t work either.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">So my advice is if you know for sure that your plans will not change fly Jetstar if you want. But for me I will NEVER give them one more penny. Thankfully the flight I wanted to cancel was only around $100 but still it is the principle involved.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I have however gotten three emails advising me that my flight times have been changed asking me to accept and confirm or contact customer service if this is unacceptable….good luck with that…</span></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-22655720257053383142012-03-16T04:12:00.019-06:002012-03-16T09:08:35.983-06:00VACATION STARTS IN....BALI<div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><div style="font: 12.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">BALI…</span></div></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">It started out what we called in the Navy as a Cluster F**k and turned into F**king Fantastic.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">So lets start from the beginning, as that is always a great place to start. Caroline and I were signing off the ship together and that is when all the trouble started. It seems that because we were staying in Bali a couple days that we had to be “registered” with Immigration.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Nobody in the Crew Office said anything about this and when we arrived on shore nobody seemed to know anything either. M&R did her best but it was not her job and it is my opinion that Crew Office dropped the ball. We were told that when we hit shore that Immigration would have our passports ready to hand over to us, make sure we match the pictures on the passport and check our baggage.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">In reality Immigration was not there and the Port Officer didn’t seemed to have a clue. First after some pressing from Julie (M&R) he said that we would get our passports when we left the country. We all knew better then that and Julie jumped on him. Then he said that it would take an hour. To make a long story short Caroline and I waited 6 hours for our passport to arrive from Immigration. Nobody came and looked to see if we were who we said we were, nobody checked our baggage and nobody checked what we brought off the ship.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLSnpk4RvQlNdB6lITRzoPIpmpDndJXkRFEiB8KDRGGEdhijeKwXKfqmvh6grgYuLaVKEy5lJ-68lXBt9HGOR1vqiWYZ8rDr8xVE6HRPaUKPGM-xouJSGFZIA6JGrlLwxYfnIroM7BCY/s1600/carolinewaits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLSnpk4RvQlNdB6lITRzoPIpmpDndJXkRFEiB8KDRGGEdhijeKwXKfqmvh6grgYuLaVKEy5lJ-68lXBt9HGOR1vqiWYZ8rDr8xVE6HRPaUKPGM-xouJSGFZIA6JGrlLwxYfnIroM7BCY/s400/carolinewaits.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Caroline waiting for her passport</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">One reason they said that it took so long was that they did not know we were staying in Bali or going to an island. They certainly did as the Crew Office gave them a written itinerary that I typed up of everywhere we were going, where we were staying and our flights information.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I also found it amusing that we told them that we had to catch a boat to the island that we were staying at and the last boat left at 2pm. They arrived with our passports at 2:20. I’m really glad I didn’t tell them that the actual last boat left at 4:30pm or I am sure they would have shown up at 5pm with our paperwork.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">WE ARE OFF…LEMBONGAN ISLAND</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">So within a few minutes our ride to the water taxi arrived and we were finally on our way. Once we got to the boat staging area it was about a 40-minute wait and it started to rain. Well it was more like a downpour. We boarded the boat and we were off to the island. It was a 25-minute ride to the island of Lembongan. When we arrived everyone was taken to a road that led to their hotels etc. We were asked to board a small 20 foot boat to be shuttled to up the coast to the Blue Corner Dive Resort. Of course it was still pouring rain so our day continued to be an adventure.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Upon arrival at Blue Corner we were greeted by one of the owners, Andrew. By then the rain had stopped and we were shown to our bungalows. They were large upgraded versions of traditional style huts with wooden floors and thatched roofs. They had a large bathroom, hot showers and large soft towels. The highlight after living on the ship for 7 months was air conditioning and a huge, extremely comfortable bed. We were discounted the rooms for $33 per night which was a great deal.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMhK5WwyLiwc_Snq-q-O2Ksn1QC2jp8kaqI1UBEc0JUguUMHiXpkau64-OqWOu_Rd3vKTkTiZKX0rBggfrunuJJd6XXhB0CeS5zaS4iLZqQwC1wic7sIuD6YlkaerpuknExYKquP7H0g/s1600/bluecorner1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMhK5WwyLiwc_Snq-q-O2Ksn1QC2jp8kaqI1UBEc0JUguUMHiXpkau64-OqWOu_Rd3vKTkTiZKX0rBggfrunuJJd6XXhB0CeS5zaS4iLZqQwC1wic7sIuD6YlkaerpuknExYKquP7H0g/s400/bluecorner1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Bungalows at The Blue Corner Dive Resort</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The grounds have a small infinity pool that doubled as a pool for dive instruction. There is also a “bar” for cold beers and it serves breakfast in the morning. The view is remarkable and it was interesting to sit drinking a beer and watching the local seaweed farmers harvest the ocean during the low tide that night at sunset.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZHOWfm5_ML1S91wtQc-Fy9aYXnPUDiZy6whO84aa8uJZF-H_DSkNTXHezisIYnyrRP6hnJBwA7hQiUP4gRxfKVF_fzOkBidyycaOSLO7Giv78ekBB3jrY5p0AJZ_5103KtreeHArbfc/s1600/baliharvest1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZHOWfm5_ML1S91wtQc-Fy9aYXnPUDiZy6whO84aa8uJZF-H_DSkNTXHezisIYnyrRP6hnJBwA7hQiUP4gRxfKVF_fzOkBidyycaOSLO7Giv78ekBB3jrY5p0AJZ_5103KtreeHArbfc/s400/baliharvest1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Seaweed Farmers in Bali </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3qjjMjwtN1c_5jjZtYD9UBiZgl2iSFbvZDqk7awdnNWIQLZDK1J4Q8ZGKwaROxEctbhpX5n_ZvZwdNktoEKG1VtIYBSjKU7HdFj6Y-PwKSOS3TOP_q7mP0fIAzQiccrNwrhyphenhyphenNpn-DGU/s1600/IMG_0040+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3qjjMjwtN1c_5jjZtYD9UBiZgl2iSFbvZDqk7awdnNWIQLZDK1J4Q8ZGKwaROxEctbhpX5n_ZvZwdNktoEKG1VtIYBSjKU7HdFj6Y-PwKSOS3TOP_q7mP0fIAzQiccrNwrhyphenhyphenNpn-DGU/s400/IMG_0040+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Seaweed Harvest at Low Tide</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">This is a newly opened place to stay and we both found Andrew and his business partner Cody extremely friendly and willing to do anything to make your stay enjoyable. I would defiantly recommend Blue Corner Dive Resort. But do not think of it as a mainland resort, it is not, but it is great for what is and there are many upgrades planned by Andrew and Cody.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">That evening Caroline and I ate at one of the many restaurants, Wurang Made, that line the road and the beach. The food in Bali is very inexpensive. We both ate a large meal, had something to drink and it was still less then $10 for the both of us.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The next day we decided to go to a different hotel that we noticed just down the beach on our walk back from dinner the night before. It was the Tarci Bungalows. Rather then traditional bungalows like at Blue Corner it was the typical white cement, stucco type building you would find anywhere.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The room that I had was towards the back and nice sized with air conditioning and again a comfortable bed. It was discounted to $15 per night. Caroline had a very large room that opened to the ocean and was only steps to the pool. Her room also had a very large bath with a bathtub. It was discounted to $30 per night.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEn28aBBS4kfyv20i4iLA13jw6zbayqINVpsVrjNx8A9ZPG7QIv56BsLQ0nohYWne2rL7qR1dfro-1oyqufkL6dQ2T5QCtZqwbKNydAL_3whSwVGJx5goxyy-QFYQgffLQ1Mh_9MueoA/s1600/carolinepool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEn28aBBS4kfyv20i4iLA13jw6zbayqINVpsVrjNx8A9ZPG7QIv56BsLQ0nohYWne2rL7qR1dfro-1oyqufkL6dQ2T5QCtZqwbKNydAL_3whSwVGJx5goxyy-QFYQgffLQ1Mh_9MueoA/s400/carolinepool.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Caroline at the pool steps from her room at Tarci's Bungalows</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The ground had a medium sized pool, great restaurant with a large amount and variety of food and beverages to choose from. It also had an upper deck with a great view to sit and enjoy your meals, which we choose to do for dinner. The rest of our meals were at one of the tables that literally were at the waters edge. In fact at high tide we were talking and a wave crashed against the wall and soaked both of us. </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbEitq5CWvr67PQcKCYdAO9ozHJcKyr62BkwHFiOR34IoTqy-7C5d5P5j7zKWOEq8dAuVR3pxV8mMCfDVeGY5PL6P0rY4_eQhfGMbTwKjHneAty_wd4UWEsV01mRrHTTEShfSkcGcI3g/s1600/balilunch1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbEitq5CWvr67PQcKCYdAO9ozHJcKyr62BkwHFiOR34IoTqy-7C5d5P5j7zKWOEq8dAuVR3pxV8mMCfDVeGY5PL6P0rY4_eQhfGMbTwKjHneAty_wd4UWEsV01mRrHTTEShfSkcGcI3g/s400/balilunch1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Time to check my email at Tarci's Bungalow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3WtC17_d2ulYJJ_g6f9AgVs2V9U-DBfa_BO_UhFgnQf2OvM9vlua7Esv9dUmUyxl5gbQ8zOHyPGZR0E-25OlyHcNSInnaPH11LHGJSdhWhBTLaoOBqJAkwjlNzmorsTpJE7e_HBHeU/s1600/balilunch2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3WtC17_d2ulYJJ_g6f9AgVs2V9U-DBfa_BO_UhFgnQf2OvM9vlua7Esv9dUmUyxl5gbQ8zOHyPGZR0E-25OlyHcNSInnaPH11LHGJSdhWhBTLaoOBqJAkwjlNzmorsTpJE7e_HBHeU/s400/balilunch2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lunch for me consisted of noodles and veggies wrapped in a giant egg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That afternoon I rented a scooter for the entire day for $6 while Caroline lay by the pool overlooking the ocean. I drove the entire island and found a number of temples along the way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU7garwqsO-PrQZtmtXaP8gT3YlvFIKyJFU9fyRT6KOtOLbW9iz8PCmTGD3pFQ1CwsF6BqlkFD4OLYIoH871jx_vsp3CfdgPl0AdBj8zvAIIR4QuZHhATY9b-MpZlzGNzF6JReqk1rY0/s1600/balialter1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU7garwqsO-PrQZtmtXaP8gT3YlvFIKyJFU9fyRT6KOtOLbW9iz8PCmTGD3pFQ1CwsF6BqlkFD4OLYIoH871jx_vsp3CfdgPl0AdBj8zvAIIR4QuZHhATY9b-MpZlzGNzF6JReqk1rY0/s400/balialter1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the many alters I passed</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">during my exploration of the island</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01OAQIQn6UTtvBE1u88cmw3h8cBmOLnCiqceW7XpEg-RgfK6LWleZAdDTyNjHZtKqWKKrpI545wDEye1EF47bgCwWHZd56_HacwQeU9xZJ3xH1WNyOB15Gqf9S6C9Ml-o81dOBGE0I6Q/s1600/baligod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01OAQIQn6UTtvBE1u88cmw3h8cBmOLnCiqceW7XpEg-RgfK6LWleZAdDTyNjHZtKqWKKrpI545wDEye1EF47bgCwWHZd56_HacwQeU9xZJ3xH1WNyOB15Gqf9S6C9Ml-o81dOBGE0I6Q/s400/baligod.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the "Gods"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I rode along mangrove waterways, rainforests and a number of small beaches. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the far end of the island I came across a bridge that lead to yet another island. The bridge it self was wooden slats and I was told “just do not stop and keep moving.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziLCU1YhzlQUskM-ogQq3adjfwp9u7T88f1uscQCethECmH41gI71kkdGHs9LCG_o4UcCoC-qMQkzgpLFKPMfLJx8q-neWsxPSWTm_WT0nYc8zgAL3b_hFX7UpJE6yUFiDTZZl1cqjS0/s1600/balibridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziLCU1YhzlQUskM-ogQq3adjfwp9u7T88f1uscQCethECmH41gI71kkdGHs9LCG_o4UcCoC-qMQkzgpLFKPMfLJx8q-neWsxPSWTm_WT0nYc8zgAL3b_hFX7UpJE6yUFiDTZZl1cqjS0/s400/balibridge.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">From One Island To Another...</span></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Palatino; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Once on the other island I made my way around a narrow single road. At one point I met a young man named Ariss that acted as a guide for me and took me all over the entire island. He kept saying “good view” and pointed the way as I followed him up an even narrower road. Near the top of the mountain he veered off down a dirt footpath and I kept following him to the very top. From there the view was indeed unbelievable as he pointed to different bays and other sights.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyspakRNqI6wLWZTf12o2eXkKeZrUDaGLh2NITUQ5olPcINGTw0duo-1KAzgpfQ20xMjzUfRK7g6RHVa6tUTA1Pwj2HCqj1yHrajBEcpNdo3nkPG5wMEDRhQCy4UvylGosWnBE2Q71j1w/s1600/balicrystalcove2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyspakRNqI6wLWZTf12o2eXkKeZrUDaGLh2NITUQ5olPcINGTw0duo-1KAzgpfQ20xMjzUfRK7g6RHVa6tUTA1Pwj2HCqj1yHrajBEcpNdo3nkPG5wMEDRhQCy4UvylGosWnBE2Q71j1w/s400/balicrystalcove2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Crystal Bay from a Mountain Top in Bali</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUVth9N4LaHIhl2_W0I5z_Jtgrjb3chjyYuunHCz7WzZJWPaetJf6LpasHLq39yfk0k8L2K4XzA_tfCvw6DIIk7iBosRA109Ne-6gVAtKd95iKd0ucMloSR_U_NFYjbJUcta5y-cLrwg/s1600/baliariss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUVth9N4LaHIhl2_W0I5z_Jtgrjb3chjyYuunHCz7WzZJWPaetJf6LpasHLq39yfk0k8L2K4XzA_tfCvw6DIIk7iBosRA109Ne-6gVAtKd95iKd0ucMloSR_U_NFYjbJUcta5y-cLrwg/s400/baliariss.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">My Guide, Ariss and Crystal Bay </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">from Lembongan Island, Bali</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Next Ariss took me to Blue Lagoon, Secret Cove and a couple of other places to get some photographs before showing me the way back to the bridge where we parted company.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtoTA56XXkLDaI_VSq0Oz7X7BPS8yTNqcx6aAUVOsPtBhXG7OQttvjqotxxo_fNETGEDoy3RlNwBs0MUoX6e0U9KNaIAOFgJx6Bruf4p4ZHaTw2lPoxjOoh8lRvmQRVmS_ZzERJTPaaw/s1600/balibluelaagoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtoTA56XXkLDaI_VSq0Oz7X7BPS8yTNqcx6aAUVOsPtBhXG7OQttvjqotxxo_fNETGEDoy3RlNwBs0MUoX6e0U9KNaIAOFgJx6Bruf4p4ZHaTw2lPoxjOoh8lRvmQRVmS_ZzERJTPaaw/s400/balibluelaagoon.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blue Lagoon on Lembongan Island, Bali</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghGNxMiQ866-UR4YoquQTH8UeYlMBLVb0_7tvTWYkWnDEaHkZLiCYG_Dn3bZYJB5BjrwndixJMQL3OhQNrXHyDgxLzt4ueP-8cRbG_6QpYOImDBG2NkZQlHCXHDBIYA2V_sHo9NEwZcI/s1600/baliocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghGNxMiQ866-UR4YoquQTH8UeYlMBLVb0_7tvTWYkWnDEaHkZLiCYG_Dn3bZYJB5BjrwndixJMQL3OhQNrXHyDgxLzt4ueP-8cRbG_6QpYOImDBG2NkZQlHCXHDBIYA2V_sHo9NEwZcI/s400/baliocean.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Secret Beach on Lembongan Island, Bali</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Next I headed back to my hotel, which was still a number of miles awhile. En route I passed through Lembongan Village and stopped at a couple more temples, one of which was open and I went inside to take some photographs. </span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">After climbing yet another hill and stopping for a couple more pictures it was all downhill to the beach area where I was staying. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeBc8WCMv78AWT9bnNYa9nWBZF9wqu983tGNabG0aW1dixvI0GqYbelErO8vJ23enzgf7fDvmtCqzKrZdAEwjFkL3K6kDc9hGOJj3xpyZ_xcFjHNhoL3_h4xAl_QoCsit42bHjk_s6kw/s1600/baliview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeBc8WCMv78AWT9bnNYa9nWBZF9wqu983tGNabG0aW1dixvI0GqYbelErO8vJ23enzgf7fDvmtCqzKrZdAEwjFkL3K6kDc9hGOJj3xpyZ_xcFjHNhoL3_h4xAl_QoCsit42bHjk_s6kw/s400/baliview.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">View looking down on the beach where I was staying</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnI1TkNdMKPpaFzEhX4kcIELng-p4lM2droCiulpm_Ns6eNwuq8AK5b9xaqzUDnflsSQVpeyHqTTekgZmutdjjIEmwmg5M3kM440wnH1M7nEKepAX63R9ixhWsdSqfkjGILn4zmMj-lY/s1600/balitemple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnI1TkNdMKPpaFzEhX4kcIELng-p4lM2droCiulpm_Ns6eNwuq8AK5b9xaqzUDnflsSQVpeyHqTTekgZmutdjjIEmwmg5M3kM440wnH1M7nEKepAX63R9ixhWsdSqfkjGILn4zmMj-lY/s400/balitemple.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The temple on top of the mountain overlooking the village</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfpC9D2xdv_iai_P7kIrxA7GBl_2AdlQrxV8zipIw4tfhMt1MaXdSmEjVwbkCtRPPePBExXSpNAMIhLVDV0vUupTJM3YA7813SBXFUt_ZdZkUA6dxkvtlVFpLHWaGOCp-HExQMcEZPyQ/s1600/islandstreet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfpC9D2xdv_iai_P7kIrxA7GBl_2AdlQrxV8zipIw4tfhMt1MaXdSmEjVwbkCtRPPePBExXSpNAMIhLVDV0vUupTJM3YA7813SBXFUt_ZdZkUA6dxkvtlVFpLHWaGOCp-HExQMcEZPyQ/s400/islandstreet.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Driving through the village on the way to my hotel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The next day Caroline and I went to see Andrew at Blue Corner and I took my first dive lesson. Caroline had dove a couple times before and even though I have snorkeled many times this would be my first dive.</span></div></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I’d have to say that Andrew was absolutely professional and very encouraging. He took his time, mostly with me, as Caroline was doing fine. After instruction and some “pool time” we headed out into the ocean.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MzRUEYThjCjCzvHoPcnDhy3b3BK4dVBSUD8l271bKQYO6XM6ARMulhZ9hzMbI3nMpXchCFNjbsOxzrXQo3BiwnvQGv6ZIeG8RTfNGnOxn79hAHc-IfCN95ObkfBFv18-GzDzJ_7r_qA/s1600/firstdive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MzRUEYThjCjCzvHoPcnDhy3b3BK4dVBSUD8l271bKQYO6XM6ARMulhZ9hzMbI3nMpXchCFNjbsOxzrXQo3BiwnvQGv6ZIeG8RTfNGnOxn79hAHc-IfCN95ObkfBFv18-GzDzJ_7r_qA/s400/firstdive.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My First Dive...Lembongan Island, Bali...</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The clarity of the water was truly amazing and fish were everywhere. It really is very different from snorkeling and I became quite at easy swimming among the fish. Part of this was I knew that Andrew kept an ever-present vigilance. This first dive with instruction, pool time and one ocean dive was only $60 and I thought worth every penny. It would have been $90 for two dives but I did not have the time as I was leaving that day.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMu0MQheM8wUI5dyLeEzZGf4yo_NbT22yrL6X8e-gl94QZV0Z1W4lm_LDNUUdQueRJK7qgTMIjWmOxOIv1HqCJff2FG6pBoLY2fa-iny4fj2udmZq3JgNC1AAcOvz4q1p3U5MVo7g2QA/s1600/balifish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMu0MQheM8wUI5dyLeEzZGf4yo_NbT22yrL6X8e-gl94QZV0Z1W4lm_LDNUUdQueRJK7qgTMIjWmOxOIv1HqCJff2FG6pBoLY2fa-iny4fj2udmZq3JgNC1AAcOvz4q1p3U5MVo7g2QA/s400/balifish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Bali Underwater... </span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">After my dive, a feast for lunch and getting my laundry that I dropped off that morning I was picked up and taken to the meeting point for the boat back to the mainland.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">All in all I really liked Lembongan Island and would definitely go back to the Blue Corner Dive Resort, the Tarci Bungalows, Wurang Made Restaurant and the Shipwreck Restaurant. I’d also highly recommend Rocky Fast Cruise Transportation, as they were also very professional in every way with both boat and land transportation.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">BACK ON MAINLAND BALI…</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Once the boat arrived back on the mainland I was greeted by my driver from “Rocky” and given a ride to Ellies Hotel in Nusa Dua where I would be spending the night before flying to Singapore the next day to meet up with another friend, Jessica, to begin the next part of my journey.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ellie’s is in a residential area and very simply put a great place to stay. The rooms are nice sized, very clean and air-conditioned. The grounds are filled with plants and a small but very nice pool. There is also an open air dining area and breakfast is included in the price of your room. Also you can arrange for a number of restaurants to deliver lunch or dinner and the staff will set it up for you in the dining area. There is also free wifi available for your use. There is no television other then to use with one of the many DVDs supplied at not charge to you. If you climb to the top of the building you will be rewarded with a very nice view of the surrounding area. It is a great place to sit and relax watching the sunset over the bay.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtX2SGlVMyKuUvuaybZVSYaj0SHEda1FMdxnwmelmXzBQClB1BM-4FMJwoluhjOqlNbtPlRr2X0jJut4gUtCIH3H4cEqYJRswqlxGZdPB3ZrMLkYELmbjmnrSDbXwjR_KOSA_G_3SsoQ/s1600/mitraa+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtX2SGlVMyKuUvuaybZVSYaj0SHEda1FMdxnwmelmXzBQClB1BM-4FMJwoluhjOqlNbtPlRr2X0jJut4gUtCIH3H4cEqYJRswqlxGZdPB3ZrMLkYELmbjmnrSDbXwjR_KOSA_G_3SsoQ/s400/mitraa+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">View from the top of the Ellie's Hotel</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQssSWCyTg0RU34Xz-hmMrjghq6qOhhA2XJRsPSQh9eML0GOWsEF4vG6aUcPZls918VdMmGgVXVPfl29SQC6yBwmK8Q_EAoBXf05y2gCtiYdlULtHZg2_MY44WpdQETy838CvTZnwUyE/s1600/mitraapool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQssSWCyTg0RU34Xz-hmMrjghq6qOhhA2XJRsPSQh9eML0GOWsEF4vG6aUcPZls918VdMmGgVXVPfl29SQC6yBwmK8Q_EAoBXf05y2gCtiYdlULtHZg2_MY44WpdQETy838CvTZnwUyE/s400/mitraapool.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The pool at the Ellie's Hotel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Another nice service is Divspa that Ellies has relationship and you get a 30% discount by staying at the hotel. At a moments notice they came and picked me up free of charge and drove me to their spa. It is located at the home of the owner Ketut and his wife.</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">It is very professional and has a wide range of different massages, facials and treatments available. I choose to get a 90-minute aromatherapy massage, $21 with the discount, that felt fantastic and afterwards I was very relaxed. </span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">When I returned to Ellie’s they had dinner waiting for me from a local restaurant. The next morning the taxi appeared 10 minutes early and I was off to the airport to catch my flight to Singapore.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO5UHy1qXFcCYArpghsqmS6Lh_rJTdrTtl8a8t5d9M9SwMmN9qxzDGADfW7eNVHF-nXhC5L0udOeav90MhlQK74NjUFuM8I9wJJbee4rKJT2rezwdt9db_DjETpB_Py2KDg_KDDM-rUA/s1600/balidinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO5UHy1qXFcCYArpghsqmS6Lh_rJTdrTtl8a8t5d9M9SwMmN9qxzDGADfW7eNVHF-nXhC5L0udOeav90MhlQK74NjUFuM8I9wJJbee4rKJT2rezwdt9db_DjETpB_Py2KDg_KDDM-rUA/s400/balidinner.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dinner waiting...now that's service</span></div></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 13.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Palatino; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I cannot say enough about how friendly and professional both David, the owner of Ellie's, and his staff were. All I had to do was ask and everything was taken care of from the minute I arrived. As many others on Tripadvsor .com have said “I would not stay any place other then Ellie’s while in Bali.” Again note this is boutique hotel not a big fancy resort and to me that is what makes it so great.</span></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-22975267508891116642012-02-23T17:54:00.001-07:002012-03-16T04:14:20.828-06:00HOPE THIS HELPS<div class="MsoNormal">As many of you that follow my blog know when I am emailed and asked questions I post those questions and answer them on my blog. I do this for the simple reason other may have the same questions and hopefully will benefit from my answers. Again I do not have all the answers and some other that work as acupuncturists may have different opinions. I do however answer honestly as to what I have experienced for now a little over a year or working on ships.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also some might find the answers they are looking for already posted in my blog. I know there is over a years material there but hopefully you will not only find what you are looking for but enjoy other aspects of the blog as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve also been asked to call to discuss my experiences but to be honest I really don’t have the time and it would be very expensive. Remember I am on a ship somewhere in the world and probably a long ways from where you live. Even skyping would be expensive for the most part either from the ship or just from my free time when in port. Also in port there really are not a lot of places that have a really fast connection.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that might sound rough and I am sorry but I have other things to do in port then syke with people. I really would like to post more then I do also. I initially wanted to post every week but I find it hard enough finding time to write and post what I do as it is. I hope those that have asked me to call them understand. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d like to state also that some have said that they have read reports from others how hard it is on you. That you may have a tough manager, and believe me I’ve heard the stories to and they do exist. Luckily I have had some really good managers and some not so good. Bottom line is you find that anywhere in any job you have in your life. The upside here is generally speaking managers come and go. You also come and go from ships. So you have to put up with an ass for a manager every now and then.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also read a few things from people on how hard it is working the Steiner and on ships. Well first it is not for everyone. But to be honest on in particular made me laugh as he stated how tough his manager was, that we had to sell herbs and that he had to give seminars and generally market himself. I you come across this post I wrote him back stating “welcome to the real world”. Don’t you think you do that when you open up your practice? People do not flock to you just because you now have an office. You have to do all of this yourself or at least I did and every acupuncturist I know that is successful has done this and continues to do this to keep their practice going. I just felt this was from a person that just got out of school and/or just starting working for the first time in the real world. They call ir “work” for a reason…it’s work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I started on ships I dealt with one for 15 years at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho. It was the only game in town so I put up with it even though everyone I worked with knew the guy did not like me at all. And from what I have heard from friends that are still working there he still has no clue how to run a spa. Well he is still there and I am traveling the world… <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Schedule & keeping boundaries of 52 hours<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the most part it has been my experience that as an acupuncturist you make your own schedule. The only time this doesn’t happen is maybe the first week or two when you first get to your ship. Then you follow the schedule that the acupuncturist before laid out. This is actually to your advantage as he/she already knows the ropes on that particular ship. As long ass you make your revenue I have found the managers pretty much leave you alone to “do your thing”. I have now had five managers and found this to be true with each one.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Best boats/ tours<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is absolutely subjective. It is all about what you are looking for and what you want out of your contract. I am in a moneymaking mode. I want to be as busy as I can be and right now the travel is a bonus. Also I personally like smaller ships as compared to bigger. The Rhapsody has around 2,300 guests and I would not mind maybe another 1,000 but I really do not want a ship like the Dream that had over 5,000 guests. I just find the smaller spa crew fits me better.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As far as tours I want to see it all. On the Carnival Dream I did the Caribbean and saw Cozumel, Costa Maya, St Thomas, St Maarten and Roatan, which I really liked. We also saw Belize and Nassau, which I was not a big fan.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here on the Rhapsody I have spent time in Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and next stop in 4 days is Bali where I end my contract and go on vacation before returning to the Rhapsody again for another contract. Some places I liked better then others but overall I really liked this ship and the places we have gone.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As of now I am confirmed on the Freedom in September/October. We will go to the Caribbean and visit my favorite places there and a few places I have not been yet. The only thing that might change is when the Liberty becomes available. I do not want a lot of time off and if it fits my schedule I might choose it instead of the Freedom.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At some point I will travel everywhere I hope. I want to go to South America, the Mediterranean, the Baltic’s…everywhere. It all depends what ships are available as to where I go at any given point in time.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now on that subject you are able to choose what ship you want to go on for the most part. Stephanie Kimber is in charge of this and will let you know what is available. She will also use her experience as far as what ship she thinks may be a better fit for you and your experience.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you are doing a contract it has been my experience about 2 month before you finish Stephanie will contact you and as k you if you would like to do another contract. She will also let you know what ships are available. It is also important for you to know that the ships you may or may not get depend on how you do during your contract. If you are doing well and making revenue the better the chance of getting the ship you want. It only stands to reason and you cannot fault the company. The most productive acupuncturists go on the ships that have a tendency to be the money producers. After all Steiner is a business. If you are doing poorly and not making any revenue then I am guessing you get a ship that may not be one of the top producers. Or maybe if this type of work is something you are just not cut out for you will not be offered another ship. Fortunately I do not fall into this category and I have been able to get each ship I have requested so far.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Biggest challenges<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The biggest challenge for me was making a switch from teaching seminars to giving seminars. For years I have taught seminars to students and those needing CEU’s but teaching seminars for the specific purpose of booking appointments is different.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now would say it is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy interacting with the guests. I like the challenge of getting guests to become patients. And believe me at times it is a challenge. I’m sure there are those out there on ships that are much better at doing this then I am but I am learning and continuing to do my best. Some days I get a lot of guests, other days I don’t. Some times I get a lot of bookings, some times I don’t. So luck also plays into it a bit.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A good friend of mine who taught college once to me the secret to teaching is first know what you are talking, second be prepared and third make them laugh. That way they are always paying attention and waiting to see what you have to say next. I’ll add be yourself, be genuine and honest. They can tell in a heartbeat if you are in it just for the money and trying to “bs” them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Best take away / learning <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">See the above answer. But I will add that I have made some great friends on the ships I have been on, some for life. I have traveled to some beautiful places and seen other cultures…all that and I am being paid to do so.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve spoken about a past shipmate in my blog, James. He left the ship about a month ago and just finished playing in Rio for Carnival. I remember more then once we would be hanging out say at the pool in Vila or on the beach on Bora Bora or fishing on the Great Barrier Reef and we would look at each other and say…”and we get paid to be here”. On that note I have saved more money working on ships then in private practice too. So that qualifies and a “best take away”.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Male vs female—as employee, for superiors, safety concerns<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">To me none of this matters at all. No matter where you go, what company you work for etc this is going to be in your life. I get along with anyone for the most part. There are good managers and there are bad mangers, there are good coworkers and there are bad coworkers. Just try and stay above the drama that happens in any work place and you will be fine. As far as safety being on a ship is probably the safest place you will ever work. Everyone knows that if you cause a problem in any manner you could loose your job. It really does not seem to be a problem from what I have seen.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Spa workers/ colleagues—friend or foe?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Again see the above answers. It is all up to you. If you have a problem with a certain person just stay away. If it become a real problem talk to the manager about it. This happens in any life situation. Just stay above any drama, be professional. Everyone has their group of “friends” just like anywhere but I will say for the most part I have seen very few problems and even fewer turn into a big problem.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Food and extras – how much $ to budget for 1<sup>st</sup> month and thereafter<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">That really all depends on you and your wants and desires. I have come onto the ship with very little in my pocket or my bank account. You will have cash in your pocket at the end of every cruise with your tips. Many people live on their tips alone and do not even touch your paychecks. On board your room and food are taken care of as part of you contract. You do have to pay $10 a week to you cabin steward. But he/she cleans your room, makes your bed and cleans your bathroom. Here on the Rhapsody it is about every 2-3 days. On the Dream I was spoiled, it was everyday and he would even take my laundry to be clean and pressed. Which is also free as far as you uniforms go. Your “regular” clothes you do yourself and here the use of the washers and dryers are free.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Internet on the Rhapsody is expensive for wifi. It runs in a prepaid package $.18 per minute and on the Dream it was $.10 per minute. In the crew internet it is $.06 per minute. Other then that there are places to buy munchies etc. and beer at the crew bar is around $1 a beer.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Health management and time<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure what you mean by this. There are two doctors on every ship and your healthcare is provided while under contract. Other then that you health really has a lot to do with you as a person doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">•<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Prep prior to boarding—what to pack, types of shoes & outfits <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here you are going to have to do some research. I’ve covered this a few times. Generally speaking bring as little as you can get away with as you can always by more usually for less. Go through the blog and you will find a breakdown probably towards the beginning of the blog. I will at this point state to make sure you have comfortable shoes. You will be standing on steel 10 hours a day. A lot of the spa girls including myself where “crocs”. There are some that look just like work/dress shoes. You will have to find them in a “Croc Store”. I just bought a new pair in Brisbane and they are extremely comfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-87395398999710012492012-02-14T16:25:00.003-07:002012-02-14T16:46:43.091-07:00EXPLORING VILA, VANUATU<div class="MsoNormal">After this cruise we head to Singapore for dry dock. After dry dock we will sail to Sydney for our last time and then head back to the States. On the way we will visit some of the same ports one last time and another new port Samoa.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll be leaving the ship early in Bali for vacation. After 4 days in Bali I fly to Singapore for one night then catch a plane to Vietnam. I’ll be spending 2.5 weeks in Vietnam visiting Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Ming City and Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. After that I will fly to the Philippines for 10 days to visit one of my closest friends, Dean Sberna and his family that will be on vacation there from the states. After the Philippines I will again join the Rhapsody for another contract of 4-5 months.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now on to exploring Vila. Today instead of going straight to the “Vila Hideout” that James and I did every time we were in port I decided it was time to explore a bit of Vila. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So some of the spa girls, Jamie, Charlotte, Caroline, Hailey and I hired a driver to take us around the island. We got a new air-conditioned van with David as a driver and were off for a 5-hour trek for $140.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was the “Blue Lagoon”. This is a natural freshwater spring that is located very near the ocean about 30 minutes from the ship. In fact the freshwater mixes with the saltwater of the ocean and creates an unusual blue color. We didn’t really notice it much as it was an overcast day in the morning. However the water was very clear, just a touch cool and very inviting.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk3FLbjwyvix19qktaAP1QQThPk_cP1mDxPuS3C3AoJC8AkhdQEZfbCvfAbEIkgfLhE2uqHfki1QPt7gVbMWjWI8lVyVoE_DlzDc7j4fR4L7GeIggBi0CzHpWka0t-bhomyTVYzMRiW8/s1600/bluelagoon2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk3FLbjwyvix19qktaAP1QQThPk_cP1mDxPuS3C3AoJC8AkhdQEZfbCvfAbEIkgfLhE2uqHfki1QPt7gVbMWjWI8lVyVoE_DlzDc7j4fR4L7GeIggBi0CzHpWka0t-bhomyTVYzMRiW8/s400/bluelagoon2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Blue Lagoon - Vila, Vanuatu</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The “lagoon” is fairly large and even has a rope swing which all of us enjoyed. We even noticed a couple small fish along with a sea snake. What was also very nice is there were very few people there. On and off maybe 4-5 people would show up and then leave only after a few minutes. We stayed maybe for 45 minutes and took our time. Upon leaving there is a 300 vatu charge, about $3.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQHB_CkWNu9PpPPV_RALmoymXffOio2mlftqHRi8Am88QP090UTIjlv3z7duKEamqoLNjlRmKvmbXh5VjVFeVZVC1wnFeHHfgJ-7VZgKfQEB3NtVmMGaervV4_iOw7bM3k-tu31k2QZQ/s1600/ropeswing1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQHB_CkWNu9PpPPV_RALmoymXffOio2mlftqHRi8Am88QP090UTIjlv3z7duKEamqoLNjlRmKvmbXh5VjVFeVZVC1wnFeHHfgJ-7VZgKfQEB3NtVmMGaervV4_iOw7bM3k-tu31k2QZQ/s400/ropeswing1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charolette on the swing and Jamie and I in the drink</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuurAv976qOr41dDp_SOZWTz4-zJv1bxiN0ptZ4_AI3UKCLwC0DkOPI4Z9jqPdGQifLKx7YTS_VdH6G1xtx8hmkWnfoPAvsBARi2SrdZzZXLE2STilp6evcC4-JSi0Hen-hHaFkpfSfSo/s1600/seasnake72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuurAv976qOr41dDp_SOZWTz4-zJv1bxiN0ptZ4_AI3UKCLwC0DkOPI4Z9jqPdGQifLKx7YTS_VdH6G1xtx8hmkWnfoPAvsBARi2SrdZzZXLE2STilp6evcC4-JSi0Hen-hHaFkpfSfSo/s400/seasnake72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Sea Snake</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our next stop was the Vila Waterfall. It was the opposite direction then the Blue Lagoon location so we had to backtrack 35km to Vila and then it was another 20 minutes further to the trailhead for the falls. Here there is a 1500 vatu or $20 charge.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Off we went up the trail for about 20 minutes. Parts of the trail are very steep with steps cut into stone. Other parts are flat and still others you cross the small stream several times. At first glance the fall look “okay” until you get a bit higher. They are maybe 200 - 300 feet high, maybe a bit more and empty into a pool that you can sit in having the water rush behind you or onto your head. You can even get behind a small section of the falls and be in one of nature’s showers.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwRD9YpY7T_d7oXSaRnrF2j-bltrv6ZQTFeyTwl2j_oI8HsSdBmTQzI8kA0LRvzdnmtOQyZ0tGPNOw8XlXj7XqUf-SKlvw643O-8ozr7PzljG8gEGIRxQx-XVsNbEUJ6y4kMy0BTb6AA/s1600/fallstrail2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwRD9YpY7T_d7oXSaRnrF2j-bltrv6ZQTFeyTwl2j_oI8HsSdBmTQzI8kA0LRvzdnmtOQyZ0tGPNOw8XlXj7XqUf-SKlvw643O-8ozr7PzljG8gEGIRxQx-XVsNbEUJ6y4kMy0BTb6AA/s400/fallstrail2_72.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trail to the Vila Falls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit00H2BlcV_HCOphLdg7heCw-c4UQjU7nZ4n-Yaf1xphOwdFjtmSEjmdbWFotfW_kP3X3w2tdHmW8RChPpN-kkwEqUJBLimrfO5VrxECRl6PSMkkfgoWqfDKli35XFpbhXuecjN3kpzdI/s1600/fallsbamboo_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit00H2BlcV_HCOphLdg7heCw-c4UQjU7nZ4n-Yaf1xphOwdFjtmSEjmdbWFotfW_kP3X3w2tdHmW8RChPpN-kkwEqUJBLimrfO5VrxECRl6PSMkkfgoWqfDKli35XFpbhXuecjN3kpzdI/s400/fallsbamboo_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bamboo Tree on the Falls Trail</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb66V18YGLUN_0uYF6uJLsn8rp5T7RwYTzbeqrZCvMZYfL03rKKY5zKPItv44WeksCg9KAS6HRkALvlMnHAmc5VUAmjpJO411mpT09u8PDuH6mhS6C33Jn50BqeZfljcX_5hTs7SRxHE/s1600/fallstrail3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJb66V18YGLUN_0uYF6uJLsn8rp5T7RwYTzbeqrZCvMZYfL03rKKY5zKPItv44WeksCg9KAS6HRkALvlMnHAmc5VUAmjpJO411mpT09u8PDuH6mhS6C33Jn50BqeZfljcX_5hTs7SRxHE/s400/fallstrail3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hailey, Jamie and Charolette at a stream crossing</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all enjoyed the falls but as you would guess there were a lot of people there. Obviously it would have been nice to have it all to ourselves but that seemed impossible. So after about 30 minutes at the falls we headed back down the trail to the van to go back into town for lunch.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvM_LzEfcwze2axQDp0JLiP5sUped6F-NtpbnbeYOgGQVaWTJiLW9JRhrw7rUC7kNMHPopLzJLr4T-8YlTg95VAA-9SStfzlqvedKDUYRBNgmUKkUBXN7rcspHzE09uFNR8Ti4_i8sZQ/s1600/vilafalls1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvM_LzEfcwze2axQDp0JLiP5sUped6F-NtpbnbeYOgGQVaWTJiLW9JRhrw7rUC7kNMHPopLzJLr4T-8YlTg95VAA-9SStfzlqvedKDUYRBNgmUKkUBXN7rcspHzE09uFNR8Ti4_i8sZQ/s400/vilafalls1_72.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vila Waterfalls</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht03HSsKl1z3Lh800OL6DXWCsURhWGJl175uEkHkNdwO1h2UiJ8xJpckp7H0D43PXJYl4Br3pHtzGYkUwenoS3aN2iOEmFi3njqmGR5qlgSGBcWuZH3tY7nQ5qaz-zZvOLkJ0Io_xuDwY/s1600/all-falls_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht03HSsKl1z3Lh800OL6DXWCsURhWGJl175uEkHkNdwO1h2UiJ8xJpckp7H0D43PXJYl4Br3pHtzGYkUwenoS3aN2iOEmFi3njqmGR5qlgSGBcWuZH3tY7nQ5qaz-zZvOLkJ0Io_xuDwY/s400/all-falls_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Group shot at the falls</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_63t_3Izve-pj24SFQwd6DXLAYwYQ3GQQahFyeJmYBqcodN4Ap6DlhzmpoYNI-e6n8wyGw4Uc57GxN3KaOlOCCfAcLo7Rq_AV6KtyzFWA33SGpMYz9QfXVPWY7AsfD19ZkaBt0QpCaAU/s1600/girls_falls2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_63t_3Izve-pj24SFQwd6DXLAYwYQ3GQQahFyeJmYBqcodN4Ap6DlhzmpoYNI-e6n8wyGw4Uc57GxN3KaOlOCCfAcLo7Rq_AV6KtyzFWA33SGpMYz9QfXVPWY7AsfD19ZkaBt0QpCaAU/s400/girls_falls2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Girls at the base of the Falls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-xChugAS-Avi-B0G5deY2gDX4RZ_sJycs1jAZ9jMLgu8fmrIcqWq_KDTaBV2rPxAeP7hHqMkiA5ClJDdvTQVb5F49wBRrRCT15z0srrRuSvzXzMrMzxt_TkBFraTrGxfLn7mOI5i4Vw/s1600/self-falls_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-xChugAS-Avi-B0G5deY2gDX4RZ_sJycs1jAZ9jMLgu8fmrIcqWq_KDTaBV2rPxAeP7hHqMkiA5ClJDdvTQVb5F49wBRrRCT15z0srrRuSvzXzMrMzxt_TkBFraTrGxfLn7mOI5i4Vw/s400/self-falls_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Self Indulgence</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next stop The Hideout. As mentioned in my last post Caroline has been there but it was new to the other girls. Of course they all wanted to know why I had not told them of the place before and this too was explained in previous posts.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnM8fpghXNbmsTMkmM4iSLwR7_SjYQcS_Cb_BbZw4Y-LKD3ZGOA7OlfJpjE0WOgrVgo6iRVkFwitmh6_ssNHFw9x5ub8Cm68uU_V8SOKcoN5S2d5UQAZ8s8BKB3RmycC8eGGhdkYKnoM/s1600/charjamiehideout1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnM8fpghXNbmsTMkmM4iSLwR7_SjYQcS_Cb_BbZw4Y-LKD3ZGOA7OlfJpjE0WOgrVgo6iRVkFwitmh6_ssNHFw9x5ub8Cm68uU_V8SOKcoN5S2d5UQAZ8s8BKB3RmycC8eGGhdkYKnoM/s400/charjamiehideout1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Charolette and Jamie at "The Hideout"</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So the five of us ate lunch, drank strawberry daiquiris and swam in the pool for about an hour before heading back to the ship. Vila was one of my favorite places on this cruise/contract. However I will have one last visit here on the crossing back to the States in April.<o:p></o:p></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-27345828911083972242012-02-08T20:01:00.000-07:002012-02-08T20:01:25.325-07:00SEE YA JAMES...My running mate for the majority of the cruise, James, left the ship ending his contract...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmx45MdNJ7bHomsnT4YCoZV6OeKycQYr3HQW0eYthOc1YrK1gr2cZiuRhSHgbf3xpCLzhXqF6a34VqC3u45RsVVeZcIweAnoXalLWW593UT9DBS0qj-7EueWCOb-bMMdkbBGE6etZQN8/s1600/james_knee_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmx45MdNJ7bHomsnT4YCoZV6OeKycQYr3HQW0eYthOc1YrK1gr2cZiuRhSHgbf3xpCLzhXqF6a34VqC3u45RsVVeZcIweAnoXalLWW593UT9DBS0qj-7EueWCOb-bMMdkbBGE6etZQN8/s400/james_knee_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But not before I could cause him some pain!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now both of my running mates have left the ship</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN6ScLOX07TlQKdVPclu3dteokXJbp4Tjh82p9yzmnrai5wLlO_xt1DEFfsbEM8UVfvTYDLjeRHDsG9mmxcdTTTBjjvsLTJonFc_BKFmlbJ8RYW2VmL8VIHE4eW0-Z6VRSU4QXBEPjjY/s1600/BigDogs_300+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuN6ScLOX07TlQKdVPclu3dteokXJbp4Tjh82p9yzmnrai5wLlO_xt1DEFfsbEM8UVfvTYDLjeRHDsG9mmxcdTTTBjjvsLTJonFc_BKFmlbJ8RYW2VmL8VIHE4eW0-Z6VRSU4QXBEPjjY/s400/BigDogs_300+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both Irish and James are in Brazil for Carnival!</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-60919216039120290762012-02-08T19:46:00.000-07:002012-02-08T19:46:43.498-07:00JUMPING BACK IN TIMELets take a look at New Years Eve on the Rhapsody<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAf5ZRuNaL8JIIYMB5MPPsA2CoCNRP-9ey69VNwNom97f7L3ySot9M5P12GRB3urxNvTePoWg1SJZj8R4yoBZK2fx93m6eFp-YQfK1Lp3-q35hh7z7YiwpfLJV0yhlKUE5-il1WlX2W4/s1600/nye4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAf5ZRuNaL8JIIYMB5MPPsA2CoCNRP-9ey69VNwNom97f7L3ySot9M5P12GRB3urxNvTePoWg1SJZj8R4yoBZK2fx93m6eFp-YQfK1Lp3-q35hh7z7YiwpfLJV0yhlKUE5-il1WlX2W4/s400/nye4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ground Zero...the Centrum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwDhvQL9tcNMvCwtUcIz1tGLYcsU9JBTl2f9b0VyC5sz8ybb9OeiCQX28JRrZpaxTbuNJi0BcWJaLLnilX2dHD0NNVsjsnP_XK_kKLRQy5JcL-0ZeuSHGuQsOpV_S1mlStAGO8KrAnBs/s1600/nye5_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwDhvQL9tcNMvCwtUcIz1tGLYcsU9JBTl2f9b0VyC5sz8ybb9OeiCQX28JRrZpaxTbuNJi0BcWJaLLnilX2dHD0NNVsjsnP_XK_kKLRQy5JcL-0ZeuSHGuQsOpV_S1mlStAGO8KrAnBs/s400/nye5_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spa Staff</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the rest of the pictures are on the "Backdeck" crew bar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtSvAgKBMfLaPqsWCuHRBqaooUadH4IJ066DDYTJEdwc6ZGVWPoteIhhWP64P69sZtZaQx7uvKSMfnjfSO5s6dRZzOAwrOBE5BJdTkilQshRADlHPDbGb7dxc0wsnNn0zd4tyor2BBoQ/s1600/nye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtSvAgKBMfLaPqsWCuHRBqaooUadH4IJ066DDYTJEdwc6ZGVWPoteIhhWP64P69sZtZaQx7uvKSMfnjfSO5s6dRZzOAwrOBE5BJdTkilQshRADlHPDbGb7dxc0wsnNn0zd4tyor2BBoQ/s400/nye3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maureen and I </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdy_7BXNsLC-yg6qRA9gHByxaxUMHnRuJrZZbrTy3UoWyvY18HZ0VeAHaJhrO8K4_vuSiw_erP4BbIGf2sff62N_ZVuFSFyNnyUXbAdvrANzWSidiV4rb-nMWJEvWAOULFP6P2lUROb0/s1600/nye2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdy_7BXNsLC-yg6qRA9gHByxaxUMHnRuJrZZbrTy3UoWyvY18HZ0VeAHaJhrO8K4_vuSiw_erP4BbIGf2sff62N_ZVuFSFyNnyUXbAdvrANzWSidiV4rb-nMWJEvWAOULFP6P2lUROb0/s400/nye2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James and I</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SzPDcgEqj-CEME19xMmeZovDiv4B35fbN2D9PuOCA4FzK59bcCZENeUp0DAqwLZsIe-sVvW3kZfxzCVdsbKNlxg8UZAA78rgjw8WuB8alIp6FzAByzzH32Jq8_eOA5MqLxkDisYwlIM/s1600/nye1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SzPDcgEqj-CEME19xMmeZovDiv4B35fbN2D9PuOCA4FzK59bcCZENeUp0DAqwLZsIe-sVvW3kZfxzCVdsbKNlxg8UZAA78rgjw8WuB8alIp6FzAByzzH32Jq8_eOA5MqLxkDisYwlIM/s400/nye1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Charolette, Jamie, Carolina and Hailey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!!</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-48495336577321389892012-02-08T19:40:00.000-07:002012-02-08T19:40:37.590-07:00SYDNEY....again...Just a few shots of Sydney. James, Carolina and I decided to climb to the top of the Sydney Bridge Towers to take in the view<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lZAtLYrgVjRboLs2BN0PlWL89dJGGzkPhsxr6hPUkxdr9Lpyj8FLD44fTNUCQoStputHlaZXsqR4QiFNMTwzWpsbGtcmFt3e5KFkmo7TCVA2OnunfHOCbDq4lFGHeZc3G10f8LmSai4/s1600/rahp_syd_2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lZAtLYrgVjRboLs2BN0PlWL89dJGGzkPhsxr6hPUkxdr9Lpyj8FLD44fTNUCQoStputHlaZXsqR4QiFNMTwzWpsbGtcmFt3e5KFkmo7TCVA2OnunfHOCbDq4lFGHeZc3G10f8LmSai4/s400/rahp_syd_2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rhapsody and Sydney Harbor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from the top of the tower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYrDmNb1LbIsJr5NZTm_kcj1pQUEKFDZ9WoXhvstDJJV4CZxxD5r5CmCnIhMl_CZZYpCwxkRdPFOP1LGtTTPpii7u322i2Oq407Z5jctsw4ueDliks-EIezqLH14Rq-rN0DB6Y3p11RU/s1600/self_tower1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYrDmNb1LbIsJr5NZTm_kcj1pQUEKFDZ9WoXhvstDJJV4CZxxD5r5CmCnIhMl_CZZYpCwxkRdPFOP1LGtTTPpii7u322i2Oq407Z5jctsw4ueDliks-EIezqLH14Rq-rN0DB6Y3p11RU/s400/self_tower1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top of the Sydney Bridge Tower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with the Sydney Opera House in the background</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29pS9ZeiaIlfeMcZ34j9XFvMoF57icowEvNaVCYADV3lduXMi33UhD1TzRQjYOpAPswoyzBWCcGxwsfi2aGsaej2nKXaubA3L95GBhHBtWTuj3M1SC43zsW63-MZyip7CeIjcJlbMd4g/s1600/sydbriopnite1_72.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29pS9ZeiaIlfeMcZ34j9XFvMoF57icowEvNaVCYADV3lduXMi33UhD1TzRQjYOpAPswoyzBWCcGxwsfi2aGsaej2nKXaubA3L95GBhHBtWTuj3M1SC43zsW63-MZyip7CeIjcJlbMd4g/s400/sydbriopnite1_72.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pPdsYjKNT_NbwnyHqB1Qp0S5syYrhI2ZJHvxSAGFVQ_cGTqr2V_HIaHldDWYX1EI37BbGqQmTtK3MZIdmVoUw2jSIv63JW1n9jNeN5zBTBuXaoskxYJXn7b_9rST4n-l5P13E_vC_xk/s1600/sydbridnite1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pPdsYjKNT_NbwnyHqB1Qp0S5syYrhI2ZJHvxSAGFVQ_cGTqr2V_HIaHldDWYX1EI37BbGqQmTtK3MZIdmVoUw2jSIv63JW1n9jNeN5zBTBuXaoskxYJXn7b_9rST4n-l5P13E_vC_xk/s400/sydbridnite1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sail Away 10pm that night</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-59911624672483529512012-02-08T19:18:00.002-07:002012-02-08T19:32:53.251-07:00FIJI<div style="text-align: left;">For the most part most of us were disappointed in Fiji. We port in Suva and to get away we rented a car and drove around 200 miles round trip. The island was beautiful but really no beaches to speak of. In order to go to the beaches you have to pay $100 - $150 to get to the outer islands. That is what you see when you see commrcials or vacation pictures of Fiji. Around the main island and ports the water is not clear and there are beaches.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xWvh12DGg4vfdavgUTw2FoHmjsV_9JCdZRfjM4XoxUO_x0a7MNFnaCnkO02kodFCrXmVpGIp6NMXK4jxwn2Cl6krq8HjKAo82aaGckTr8HLC1fM3t3nVv9CSWT00W2Ma89wKfEY2_kY/s1600/suva_fiji2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xWvh12DGg4vfdavgUTw2FoHmjsV_9JCdZRfjM4XoxUO_x0a7MNFnaCnkO02kodFCrXmVpGIp6NMXK4jxwn2Cl6krq8HjKAo82aaGckTr8HLC1fM3t3nVv9CSWT00W2Ma89wKfEY2_kY/s400/suva_fiji2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arriving in Suva, Fiji</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW6x1XyH1PhFhxsdzM5sUs-t-712LF-kJNhRzkdCbSkEKvbV5xQW7AihLjex57DXVASiakqVm-MBXPGcQzrooqegSvH6mJVPGd6jsx9aXFxeoAovMNSys7e68IEClNp2fqyt7XYkMwp0/s1600/suva_fiji1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW6x1XyH1PhFhxsdzM5sUs-t-712LF-kJNhRzkdCbSkEKvbV5xQW7AihLjex57DXVASiakqVm-MBXPGcQzrooqegSvH6mJVPGd6jsx9aXFxeoAovMNSys7e68IEClNp2fqyt7XYkMwp0/s400/suva_fiji1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suva</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the places James, Carolina and I found on our drive</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCJ09z-AtFBJNnM8cPKg8O2_-Gs4rWofo8K1ybUaVu9c_CNuZmk1jGveMsSVQsAEAGkv9Px3kdg1sTvh-GleHeJ2hpIRtUcWPgeWHR9kuAjexrzrxqjP9N1mgc77peg4eYDkBn-zAWWE/s1600/Fiji1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCJ09z-AtFBJNnM8cPKg8O2_-Gs4rWofo8K1ybUaVu9c_CNuZmk1jGveMsSVQsAEAGkv9Px3kdg1sTvh-GleHeJ2hpIRtUcWPgeWHR9kuAjexrzrxqjP9N1mgc77peg4eYDkBn-zAWWE/s400/Fiji1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxBGy0TluIPiIQjTZu9L_Yk4tFNeopLTn2IkTkPf8C9R4_LdCJi3yaEIf0Dl_vBX1_LchVktv8mFLKFNBmuF61OfVAKUNK0Plevicl2hAved5ZXqkJYY3onhsOfW4GmwURyzz5-zmGRs/s1600/Fiji5_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxBGy0TluIPiIQjTZu9L_Yk4tFNeopLTn2IkTkPf8C9R4_LdCJi3yaEIf0Dl_vBX1_LchVktv8mFLKFNBmuF61OfVAKUNK0Plevicl2hAved5ZXqkJYY3onhsOfW4GmwURyzz5-zmGRs/s400/Fiji5_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsrFLRadtEJzB87WKtfJUHFUwntTylVbdoB4o6ZuF8HnMZVwHKY8Ll9pBooaXcFivWTy8r6DMfc4wP3uVvBwJ8z8bnRbR5EWlI9l3-KnEbX4y7KCT3x8IonH9gzSTx1dzWoeCN7ac3ak/s1600/Fiji_hut3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsrFLRadtEJzB87WKtfJUHFUwntTylVbdoB4o6ZuF8HnMZVwHKY8Ll9pBooaXcFivWTy8r6DMfc4wP3uVvBwJ8z8bnRbR5EWlI9l3-KnEbX4y7KCT3x8IonH9gzSTx1dzWoeCN7ac3ak/s400/Fiji_hut3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNgjl0jH3hYqk5qPPtRiG7TEuIdcr4OJ0eCU76uEivZGaPv0t_shY1eN8L_N6E44bW5GEGPW-h4hrCxUlYuTYMUCRtboddpyECXhqGtuNcYJ5_neUXy1O0jFGezQEEiLCRegd1U7kzmg/s1600/fiji_hut1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNgjl0jH3hYqk5qPPtRiG7TEuIdcr4OJ0eCU76uEivZGaPv0t_shY1eN8L_N6E44bW5GEGPW-h4hrCxUlYuTYMUCRtboddpyECXhqGtuNcYJ5_neUXy1O0jFGezQEEiLCRegd1U7kzmg/s400/fiji_hut1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO9n69mz85ukjR2u0nfx6vutkAsbHS0RIKuE3J8qSDNlulQRaIdcoQNwRtgY7vv4R2leIcHRAp80sGFx7w5SyAOlD34zhuFikygNwUIJjvxg7n5pWCg-zxuBkeVASoBdXcwUnAm9RI3M/s1600/Fiji_cafe1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO9n69mz85ukjR2u0nfx6vutkAsbHS0RIKuE3J8qSDNlulQRaIdcoQNwRtgY7vv4R2leIcHRAp80sGFx7w5SyAOlD34zhuFikygNwUIJjvxg7n5pWCg-zxuBkeVASoBdXcwUnAm9RI3M/s400/Fiji_cafe1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And we found a great place to eat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Lakeside Cafe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The next day we were in Denauru and we did find a place to hang out though and enjoyted teh pool and cold beers for a awhile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68zNpy-hVxOYLwu0Bfufw29vFVtRa7wFbaapb5Bs7limXTAxVWwyS0_ccvNKlkNxwoKLo8CSO17iQZg2w0kEiGJo6cFh94Z_ZcQ1bXpXrkxxbvF2O7gyBZz0CKgnG2bkKVX34lDaWViw/s1600/fijislide_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68zNpy-hVxOYLwu0Bfufw29vFVtRa7wFbaapb5Bs7limXTAxVWwyS0_ccvNKlkNxwoKLo8CSO17iQZg2w0kEiGJo6cFh94Z_ZcQ1bXpXrkxxbvF2O7gyBZz0CKgnG2bkKVX34lDaWViw/s400/fijislide_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kat, Jessica and Dana</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypTFaAj7tNBxLj8aQnC7ogyayrnpiMEEKlwomDR4ebaBJtUB394hXwcwdzciLss98GF7PLb81MdEGxLkcTqzPAJz7wu-K__6ZudNtXZBYE4PzrdvZCtFTWArUM-vRyd9rzeV-1XM-G-s/s1600/fiji_gang1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypTFaAj7tNBxLj8aQnC7ogyayrnpiMEEKlwomDR4ebaBJtUB394hXwcwdzciLss98GF7PLb81MdEGxLkcTqzPAJz7wu-K__6ZudNtXZBYE4PzrdvZCtFTWArUM-vRyd9rzeV-1XM-G-s/s400/fiji_gang1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James, David, Dan and Dana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way back to the ship I did do a little shopping and watched a the local dancers perform</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyedUHTl2hDu2YHSIy7IcZSClT5oAtw19ytkS-qfBeHvs4gUdgMpjFWAL5GM9SM3KAeTj29bBqHMb7nW8nYftxRl235r9NReXby1OvqmbCUYDr6jeIUYo2B2DSHP4Oadrgb-6ycjeZN0/s1600/fiji_dancer_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyedUHTl2hDu2YHSIy7IcZSClT5oAtw19ytkS-qfBeHvs4gUdgMpjFWAL5GM9SM3KAeTj29bBqHMb7nW8nYftxRl235r9NReXby1OvqmbCUYDr6jeIUYo2B2DSHP4Oadrgb-6ycjeZN0/s400/fiji_dancer_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Portside local dancers</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-89717717811120743682012-02-08T18:50:00.005-07:002012-02-08T19:31:34.530-07:00CATCHING UP AGAIN!!!<div class="MsoNormal">PLAY HARD<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well it has been some time since my last post and it is time to catch up. First let me wish everyone a happy new year and thank those of you that are following my blog for your support.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have been seeing the same ports over and over like a lot of us do working on ships. I will say that for towns Cairns, Australia and Noumea, New Caledonia have been my favorites with Cairns topping the list. Although I found a great place in Noumea called Rimba Juice for chicken quesadillas right across the street from the beach and I eat there every time we are in port. The down side is that being a French island everything is very expensive. For a great quesadilla and a couple beers it is $30US.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwixZVcQP0yahfvDH-f918BwlCCuhzFvpxKoMHrLywRvP9y9P71SbyNfqK1zXs5lDpWmJ2S2ov8jFeuI7_55pbVNEv8wJ-vJzPN3ccaLTbk2BaREqjzf3lp6LwGh7rtWXmlEhpsq-f3EE/s1600/rimba1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwixZVcQP0yahfvDH-f918BwlCCuhzFvpxKoMHrLywRvP9y9P71SbyNfqK1zXs5lDpWmJ2S2ov8jFeuI7_55pbVNEv8wJ-vJzPN3ccaLTbk2BaREqjzf3lp6LwGh7rtWXmlEhpsq-f3EE/s400/rimba1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rimba Juice in Noumea, New Caledonia</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d also have to add Vila, Vanuatu as favorites as well. James and I found a great place to hang out and hide from the rest of the crew on the ship. Neither of us has told anyone because if a lot of crew show up the owners of this hideaway will not let us use the pool etc. as their “paying” guest might get upset. It is located right on the water, has an infinity pool, great food with a $10 lunch special and beers are $3 a piece. So the name of the “hideout” place is the Casino Hotel Just keep it for yourself or chance not being able to go there at all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxszcfTwQ-3CKzT3sWFtq4HxTvapaKwGmNbQ2P1Iqol9QA31-AEGIbPPM583BM2Cx_jQh-OzAG_9MF7fn8ZRKBPkwCe3fAhj-c6cxs-G5Ccfgrsr8SJ19NbhD8LHjxGBsDBPY0XwRVRU/s1600/self_pool_vila_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxszcfTwQ-3CKzT3sWFtq4HxTvapaKwGmNbQ2P1Iqol9QA31-AEGIbPPM583BM2Cx_jQh-OzAG_9MF7fn8ZRKBPkwCe3fAhj-c6cxs-G5Ccfgrsr8SJ19NbhD8LHjxGBsDBPY0XwRVRU/s400/self_pool_vila_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' at the "Hideout" in Vila</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceAtJ2Spf_cieDU43zlx70b0Kg6ym7ALy-9T091R6XHQnFdWg4HtgxJwQknHOEetdp0dzVSDMkIskk0SSW43VwJlIFrzCsJBBp_j4t8dfrUiZ_RPCj9WWo4FC74WRQrJYnR4SmlwgfA8/s1600/vila_cas1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceAtJ2Spf_cieDU43zlx70b0Kg6ym7ALy-9T091R6XHQnFdWg4HtgxJwQknHOEetdp0dzVSDMkIskk0SSW43VwJlIFrzCsJBBp_j4t8dfrUiZ_RPCj9WWo4FC74WRQrJYnR4SmlwgfA8/s400/vila_cas1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Hideout Pool</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJwwItV9JIMM2QgA6DvSn2mLG-tHhrU4zcOz4KRsEHP_oscLCh51p8l8vAhhQQ4wL1hwFyWVLJOMoruqiBcOxmoD47vWRy8jeciH6ysFSg4lwmnQpDrLq3g545YWZ7qMvuk-S0aJsgAY/s1600/vila_sail_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJwwItV9JIMM2QgA6DvSn2mLG-tHhrU4zcOz4KRsEHP_oscLCh51p8l8vAhhQQ4wL1hwFyWVLJOMoruqiBcOxmoD47vWRy8jeciH6ysFSg4lwmnQpDrLq3g545YWZ7qMvuk-S0aJsgAY/s400/vila_sail_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the Hideout</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In fact the last time we were in Vila we took someone with us, Caroline. It was hilarious as James and I prodded her saying “I wonder what this place is” as we drove by. We had the taxi driver stop and we read the sign outside “$10 lunch” and we said let give it a try. So we walked in like we had never bee there before and walked straight out to the pool. We sat where we have sat a half dozen times before underneath a veranda right next to the pool. Caroline said, “let go in the pool.” So of course James and I replied, “maybe we should see if it is okay, it might be just for hotel guests” although we have swam in it numerous times. Next James spoke out “I wonder if Samson is working today?” Samson was the usual waiter that took great care of us never letting us run out of cold beer. Eventually Caroline caught on and James and I had a great laugh. She would say, “how do you guys know the name of the waiter?” Later she stated that everyone was always asking where we disappeared to in Vila. Well now one person knows.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqHPj6eJ3Han7TbA6M_K-SHZnmNKQ2kI1xSK4_pkfdyIJF-BVu7hQvnzonSmHXS5B2i0a2_vyk_PV2XCXBgnlJJrnPyVL3W2NyG1BjZa4Yd3ISfVV2viWkFcWFUPJ_EIUuLetuZpCTCQ/s1600/ja_ca_72_vila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqHPj6eJ3Han7TbA6M_K-SHZnmNKQ2kI1xSK4_pkfdyIJF-BVu7hQvnzonSmHXS5B2i0a2_vyk_PV2XCXBgnlJJrnPyVL3W2NyG1BjZa4Yd3ISfVV2viWkFcWFUPJ_EIUuLetuZpCTCQ/s400/ja_ca_72_vila.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After we let Caroline in on the joke....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next time I am in Vila I’m hiring a driver to take some of the spa girls and myself around the island. We are going to the waterfalls and the blue lagoon. I’ve heard great things about these places and will of course post the pictures I take. James has left the ship as his contract is up and he is with Irish in Brazil for Carnival.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are also visiting many places that there is really nothing but beach. That is the case with Mystery Island, Vanuatu, Isle of Pines and Lifou in the Loyality Islands in the Coral Sea. These are great places to just relax and enjoy the beach. There is real not much to do there other then lie on the beach and of course snorkel.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu3lDJyyAI1PUrXJ8gkb3l5XakOy-zbWCVsqTbyPiB1btRxG_Lyha_qi58Qss-LPTLpNhaHVjxcN_LlKf8lZ4u56uR02ANz1lNKSUixG6zGLKV8_sY0td0MaRm7yCeW2VgKdlUzmJ-W8/s1600/self_coco_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguu3lDJyyAI1PUrXJ8gkb3l5XakOy-zbWCVsqTbyPiB1btRxG_Lyha_qi58Qss-LPTLpNhaHVjxcN_LlKf8lZ4u56uR02ANz1lNKSUixG6zGLKV8_sY0td0MaRm7yCeW2VgKdlUzmJ-W8/s400/self_coco_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The local drink on the way to snorkeling</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCzdVHHIgNLjdm3edMTf6-lNwbTQZ1_BNLqSPOEMJ_a-HeJFXbnetJQaZCu64zvKCCw5S9e1_iDKomBf46tmGjj-GU1LW_kqyV6VRtx1WuXMn4yeqvWvDY2_xNi88Nkj9TttO94PHFw/s1600/lifou1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NCzdVHHIgNLjdm3edMTf6-lNwbTQZ1_BNLqSPOEMJ_a-HeJFXbnetJQaZCu64zvKCCw5S9e1_iDKomBf46tmGjj-GU1LW_kqyV6VRtx1WuXMn4yeqvWvDY2_xNi88Nkj9TttO94PHFw/s400/lifou1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The backsidie of the island in Lifou</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where you snorkel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been having a great time snorkeling and my favorite place is Lifou by far. The water is extremely clear and so many fish you would think you are in an aquarium. It really is amazing and so very beautiful.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OJQ001WhkE2JtP_lBR-i8aPx-hajpNHsy3-F-ZDPJtdWkRmudC4WcNtKrnfJIpkDvZOC1VIt-ekrcVIu9_5FCu2EnEqfdz-zzMwEyXZLmEAo3Tnu_ITWYfxjJFt7Z72SpwVXlUDlBks/s1600/Lifou_fish10_72+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OJQ001WhkE2JtP_lBR-i8aPx-hajpNHsy3-F-ZDPJtdWkRmudC4WcNtKrnfJIpkDvZOC1VIt-ekrcVIu9_5FCu2EnEqfdz-zzMwEyXZLmEAo3Tnu_ITWYfxjJFt7Z72SpwVXlUDlBks/s400/Lifou_fish10_72+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05uk89O6DhnxDH11iIdxCT1EMdQ1qsWv4Z0GoaAUh9pnwVLiQHA_hcpUedYnEVg2rNsmHzSCXKRpSDtswwg7l_JpSncPr-VM-mWgORZ0ybpmBq9SI_QjKkw00Erxvj_v00MFxDptHxaw/s1600/Lifou_fish5_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05uk89O6DhnxDH11iIdxCT1EMdQ1qsWv4Z0GoaAUh9pnwVLiQHA_hcpUedYnEVg2rNsmHzSCXKRpSDtswwg7l_JpSncPr-VM-mWgORZ0ybpmBq9SI_QjKkw00Erxvj_v00MFxDptHxaw/s400/Lifou_fish5_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNXTWS9QxL8X3nKoYgoEWk30ToZ9D6kNM2indcMABLakZXZHZXpqFcWZ371LtKCPmV7mubr5R0Cw0eTOKIaMzuFDhJPmhcgX26dyIwI0dKkuh9IKxb6C85NCCfg1YYjbXmr4Xsp46zjM/s1600/Lifou_fish8_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNXTWS9QxL8X3nKoYgoEWk30ToZ9D6kNM2indcMABLakZXZHZXpqFcWZ371LtKCPmV7mubr5R0Cw0eTOKIaMzuFDhJPmhcgX26dyIwI0dKkuh9IKxb6C85NCCfg1YYjbXmr4Xsp46zjM/s400/Lifou_fish8_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LQaD7RdKUwhBbJGfXDFpanPKKsiFUpsL2EOe0YQqLfE1rvTNL8luVmDR7lPxapRhwGIcPe6jWtaAqZpSN759H0eKEgjPv9dKvshyphenhyphenN13dTVkqSm8M0rFlWzaRNgHUN1kodqds6PCT-RQ/s1600/Tangs_1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LQaD7RdKUwhBbJGfXDFpanPKKsiFUpsL2EOe0YQqLfE1rvTNL8luVmDR7lPxapRhwGIcPe6jWtaAqZpSN759H0eKEgjPv9dKvshyphenhyphenN13dTVkqSm8M0rFlWzaRNgHUN1kodqds6PCT-RQ/s400/Tangs_1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoufCn1jOWrTl4T4TyIXq0enkX0z2i7SfPtQvyO6u4wzICR7KpMwDvyuBOR9qljDHuA7wSQdAu5Ij-Sa18JpWayeIMtOrEUBnKHUwWg_j33IJJMUy10nqAEbIGE1qa1_lXzozLf_eOMg/s1600/tangs2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoufCn1jOWrTl4T4TyIXq0enkX0z2i7SfPtQvyO6u4wzICR7KpMwDvyuBOR9qljDHuA7wSQdAu5Ij-Sa18JpWayeIMtOrEUBnKHUwWg_j33IJJMUy10nqAEbIGE1qa1_lXzozLf_eOMg/s400/tangs2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even followed this school of tangs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for about 15 - 20 mintues</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On the subject of snorkeling I would advise you to buy at least a very good mask and snorkel before you board the ship. I didn’t do this but was lucky to find a great dive shop in Cairns that was having a huge sale and I bought around $400 in top of the line gear including a great pair of fins for around $200. You don’t need to go all out like I did but do make sure that the mask fits perfectly or you will have problems and get discouraged.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDw8fYpXO3Bu32LiA_Aeev-xF0LjEyZ8BP914suJrYqQR12OVmiib9P3jnmE7PJT058IYOq3uE7G4kGNy_cFRCy_nkzEIFBqqNtasd6SSCGFrF4RJggShkotGHW_Zd6y8_WN9pa6APDQ/s1600/vilasunset1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDw8fYpXO3Bu32LiA_Aeev-xF0LjEyZ8BP914suJrYqQR12OVmiib9P3jnmE7PJT058IYOq3uE7G4kGNy_cFRCy_nkzEIFBqqNtasd6SSCGFrF4RJggShkotGHW_Zd6y8_WN9pa6APDQ/s400/vilasunset1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way to Isle of Pine after a day in Lifou</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6Lg_gtgzjiB_E8OxhAM1yNXX1ZaIRBZOWtRAz3l4FKW6R4EVy2r6st8qsGCJf0h1DZWGmva-AAxwPMtuL00lYrn803moPPn0Y5bBpZJnd0O9LjZU_-jxu2ihQGd05-EYwg_clovaJIY/s1600/pines_fish1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6Lg_gtgzjiB_E8OxhAM1yNXX1ZaIRBZOWtRAz3l4FKW6R4EVy2r6st8qsGCJf0h1DZWGmva-AAxwPMtuL00lYrn803moPPn0Y5bBpZJnd0O9LjZU_-jxu2ihQGd05-EYwg_clovaJIY/s400/pines_fish1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Hze1ttUfRnBtc59XVwoUGtuqGsdS42aT_7XPEto3keQoKPsGKUJDQfQkRe8ByyqJlPeFb_xIz6FZN-TPebbbLMACyPzqE2HJ2scFIXRnT_OzvoGnP644tt_pX4vkNYDwJog61HGRvs/s1600/fish_school1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2Hze1ttUfRnBtc59XVwoUGtuqGsdS42aT_7XPEto3keQoKPsGKUJDQfQkRe8ByyqJlPeFb_xIz6FZN-TPebbbLMACyPzqE2HJ2scFIXRnT_OzvoGnP644tt_pX4vkNYDwJog61HGRvs/s400/fish_school1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the Isle of Pines had good snorkeling, though nowhere near that of Lifou</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMJa9LZx3W7Ww3bt0yVxMavHzrwued6gDD2THI2JqV_HND5vPBqErt1wkW7Uxorzt4EG4-QrabzMorr8cW7lBPb3iNEJaGKzx4dPOVNeTSDFFSVHK3zt6oT87UMEchxtDx3gl_dQWKt0/s1600/pines_sailboat1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMJa9LZx3W7Ww3bt0yVxMavHzrwued6gDD2THI2JqV_HND5vPBqErt1wkW7Uxorzt4EG4-QrabzMorr8cW7lBPb3iNEJaGKzx4dPOVNeTSDFFSVHK3zt6oT87UMEchxtDx3gl_dQWKt0/s400/pines_sailboat1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sailboat at the Island of Pines</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you have all your gear then it is “free” in every port you visit to go snorkeling and enjoy yourself. Even if you only have a few hours off it is well worth a trip to the beach and to relax in the water swimming with the fish. It really is one the best investments that I made.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The other is an underwater camera. Some of you know I used to be a professional photojournalist so I did a lot of research to get the best underwater camera for the money without spending a lot of cash. I also wanted something small enough to carry around with me because at times I don’t want to carry my Canon D60. Also I wanted something that I could use kayaking etc. I chose the Lumix TS3, which has a Leica lens and can be used 40 feet below the surface without a case. The picture quality speaks for itself. I found the camera at Amazon for $250 plus shipping.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So that is it for ‘play hard” and now I should spend a little time writing about a few things that I have discovered along the way as far as work goes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">WORK HARD<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well it has been a bit different then I hoped this last month. I’ve always heard that over Christmas it was extremely busy. This was not the case at least on this ship. I did stay busy but nowhere near the numbers I hoped for and/or heard of happening at this time of year.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also we had a Greek Charter Cruise since my last post and it was absolutely horrible. Hardly anyone showed for seminars, very few booked and nobody at all rebooked. I also did not sell even one thing for retail and I am usually #1 in all of Steiner for retail. I’ve been very honest with all of you and told you some of my highs so I’ll be consistent and tell you my low, which was the Greek Cruise where I did 9 patients for around $1300 for the entire cruise. The next week, this cruise things went right back to a good week and I stated out with $1100 on the first sea day and $3200 in the second sea day. It just goes to show that some people will not come to at all and this was the case for my worst cruise ever. I ended the cruise right around $8000.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t remember if I have touched on this before but it helps me a great deal for seminars. Have a box with everything you need for your presentation. I know all I have to do is gave it and go and everything I need is there. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKUiWd9QVOvaNNaumDkOVtHIGy4C1iHxi_8Ck0g0yeUhxAkhgCjDQry4E8HAtVjuYstJ2dm7eVCQwL8f9hMxpFh2D1CcCeX2uPdrzbD0s5LXO9NWZlbfDjswuazsl8ABstltlaBVl6XU/s1600/sem_box1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKUiWd9QVOvaNNaumDkOVtHIGy4C1iHxi_8Ck0g0yeUhxAkhgCjDQry4E8HAtVjuYstJ2dm7eVCQwL8f9hMxpFh2D1CcCeX2uPdrzbD0s5LXO9NWZlbfDjswuazsl8ABstltlaBVl6XU/s400/sem_box1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">In mine I have 4 bottles of herbs included are Why Weight, Sweet Enough, Back and Knee and the Joint Remedy. I include a bottle of Super Soak and Instant Refreshing Gel. I also have a clean needle surface, Serin needles, alcohol pads, cotton balls and handouts such as the Herb Brochure. I also carry the adapter, cord and remote that I need for the projector. I bought the box I use from Staples. It looks professional and holds everything I need.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also have a clipboard that has a pencil/pen box on the bottom and an inside compartment. I use this to sign patients up and when doing so give them an intake form to fill out and bring back to the appointment.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like to sign patients up right after the seminar and not leading them out to the computer for a couple reasons. One being they may change there mind out to the desk and the other being peer pressure. If they see a number of people signing up for appointments they are more likely to do so. It is just human nature not to be left out of anything. I do see the difference in the number of people making appointments when I use this method verse when I didn’t sign patients up right in the room. I am lucky enough that I usually have a fairly high sign up rate after my seminars and I believe this is one reason. The fitness trainer also confirmed this and it is the way he signs people up as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I guess that is it for now. I’ll post again after Vila taking pictures around the island.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks again for all the interest and your questions. I hope you have found my answers to be helpful<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-larry<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">VACATION IN 18 DAYS<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay I have not had time to post the above so here is an update to my update. I am now on my second to last cruise. I am also leaving a few days earlier then expected. What does this mean? I have to spend 4 days in Bali before flying to Singapore where I was initially suppose to debark. I know poor me, 4 day in Bali…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After that I am on vacation and flying to Vietnam for 2.5 weeks. This is a bit strange as being a Vietnam Era Vet 40 years ago I was doing everything I could to stay away from Vietnam, now I am going on vacation there. Now it is also very important to me to clarify something at this point. I stated that I was a Vietnam “Era” Vet. That means I was in the service, actually the US Navy” during the time of the Vietnam War but I do not go “in country”. I would never take anything away for those that served in country, they are Vietnam Vets.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay now that is cleared up. I am going to Hanoi, Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Mihn City (Saigon) and Ben Tre and My Tho in the Mekong Delta. After that I am joining one of my closest friends and his family in the Philippines for 10 days.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I will return to the Rhapsody for another contract. After the $65 million refit in dry dock we take one last cruise through Australia and then head back to Alaska. Stopping first in Samoa, French Polynesia and Hawaii on the way.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
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</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-78391969981740271402012-02-06T23:21:00.002-07:002012-02-06T23:21:55.620-07:00QUESTIONS and ANSWERS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>1632</o:Words> <o:Characters>9308</o:Characters> <o:Lines>77</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>18</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>11430</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Now I want to answer some questions from some of you that I have not had time to address. I am posting them here, as there might be others with the same questions. I also want to make it absolutely clear I do not know everything by and stretch of the imagination. I write about my experiences and I tell the truth in what I find good and bad. It may seem like a lot of good but I enjoy this and it is a good fit for me. It may not be for you but there is only one way to find out. Also there are many acupuncturists that are far better at their profession then I am and know far more then I do again I can only write about what I find and know.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">FROM HEATHER<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure if you are asking about being an acupuncturist. I am answering question as if you are.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“How formal is the group interview?” “At the group interview they mentioned a theory and trade test--what is it like?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I went to the training in LA it was in a classroom situation. We listened to the information given to us from Stephanie, were allowed to ask questions and then gave our presentation. Everyone critiqued the presentation and constructive criticism was welcomed, as that is how we all learn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Any recommendations for the interview?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just be yourself and have confidence in what you already know. Take any constructive criticism and learn from it. Nobody there is there to tear you down. They are all supportive, especially Stephanie.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“How quick is the hiring process?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">You will generally know within a week. I think I heard in 3 days that I was hired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Can you pick the time when you want to start training?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">If it has not changed in LA Stephanie had the training course once a month. I’m not sure about other locations.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Can you choose where in the world you want to work or are you put where you are needed?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes and Yes….kinda. With me what happened was I was given a choice of different ships in different locations throughout the world that an acupuncturist was ending their contract from Stephanie. Then I decided which ship I wanted to go on and let Stephanie know. She then assigned me a ship.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">A couple months from the end of my contract Stephanie contacted me about my plans and if I wanted to extend or when I wanted to come back. At that time she would also let me know what ships were becoming available around the time I was looking to rejoin the work force.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also you should know the better you do with revenue, getting along with everyone etc the better chance you have of getting the ship or ports you want. It stands to reason. If you are “bringing in the numbers”, doing a good job, have no complaints from patients or coworkers Steiner wants to keep you around. If not or if you are just not cut out for this type of work why would they? They also realize it may take a bit for you to “get your sea legs” so if you are trying hard you are more then likely to get a ship maybe just not the big money ships. But then again when you improve so do your chances.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Do you get paid for the training while in the UK?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure if you are asking about being an acupuncturist. If you are an acupuncturist you already have your license and you degree, either a Masters or PhD. The training I refer to is the 3-4 day “acupuncturist at sea” training. This is just about teaching you the ins/outs of working on ships. Also for the person thinking of hiring you to see if they might think you would be a good fit. And no you do not get paid for this.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Any recommendations for the interview?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dress professionally, act professionally and be yourself just like you would in any interview. Pay attention to what the person giving the training is saying and do you best.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“How long have you been working on the cruise ships?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I am just about to end my second contract. I have done a year as I did 4 months on my first and 7 months on this contract. Then I am vacationing in South East Asia and have already been approved to come back to the Rhapsody, the ship I am currently on and the ship I requested for my next contract, after vacation.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">FROM IRINA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">1.) “What do your cruise clients want from acupuncture?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">The vast majority of patients I see are for pain. Most of that is for low back and hip pain. Then it is neck/shoulders and then knee pain. After that it is rotator cuff, elbow, wrist, ankle, arthritis etc. not in any special order. After pain syndromes it is weight loss and some seasickness. I do see some neuropathy, tmj and a same variety of things.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">2.) “Is it true that you have to sell Steiner or be pushed out?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">You have to sell yourself and your practice just like you do in any practice if you want to be successful. If you are not successful in any field why should an employer keep you around? If you are talking retail yes you are expected to retail and your target form Steiner is 20% of your service fees. Again don’t you already do that with your private practice selling herbs for your patients? First it is good TCM to sell herbs as your patients generally need them and second it is good for your business.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I have been very lucky in retail and usually have a very high percentage, over 40% for the most part. Maybe I am just lucky I don’t know. I know some struggle with retail and I did when I first started and then I embraced it, only sold what I truly believed what my patient needs and it has flourished.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">As an example right now I am on my second day of a cruise so yesterday was embark and spa tour. I booked one person last night for a package of three and a bottle of joint remedy. That is my goal on ships, a package of three and a bottle of herbs for each patient, which gives me revenue of almost $500 per person.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">Today I had two seminars, Introduction to Acupuncture and Acute and Chronic Pain Management. Some seminars I’ll get 20-25 guests and some were like today. The Intro Seminar had 6 guests and I booked one person. That one person after the treatment booked a package of five for $525 and bought $593 in retail for herbs etc. Now this was the exception but I stated it just to let you know it can happen. I’ve also had patients that only get one treatment and no herbs but thankfully that is the exception as well. For my Pain Seminar I only had five guests and booked on person for an herb consult as she had macular degeneration and not much I could do as far as acupuncture goes. But I know that Longevity being a good liver yin formula would help her eyesight so she bought three bottles of herbs for a retail of $285. When I do herb consults my goal is 2 bottles of herbs minimum. So today was an exceptional day only having two patients bringing in $1493 in revenue and with only three patients so far I have $1876 in revenue. It is not the norm but it does happen, usually I can be very busy but it really depends on the luck of the draw. As an example of that the fitness trainer had over 40 people in his seminar yesterday and nobody booked. If this happens just roll with the punches and do your best. And yes it happens to me and did two days ago, nobody even showed up for the seminar. If they don’t show it is hard to book them in…just roll with it and get it during the next one.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">3.) Does the Acupuncturist need loads of experience before joining a cruise ship?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I’ve heard of acupuncturists that are just out of school or with minimal experience working on ships. I think what Steiner is looking for is just someone that want to learn and to work hard. And yes you work hard but then again you also get a fair amount of time off to visit ports all over the world. This is not for everyone I just find it works very well for me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">4.) How many other acupuncturists work on one cruise ship (given size, of course)?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I don’t know for sure, I think it is just one per ship but I seem to remember something about maybe tow on a ship here or there. I do know that it is one probably 99% of the time. Which is good, I personally want to bet he only one on board and I run two rooms.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">5.) Age as a barrier to getting clients? How likely is it that I get hired by Cruise ships? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">There is no age barrier that I know of and in fact was told that it works to my advantage. TCM is a foreign concept to many and if you are a little older the public has more of a tendency to trust you in the medical field. Far or not it’s true.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">About getting hired there is no way to tell. It’s up to the person hiring you to look at your qualifications and after the interview process to deem this as a good fit. It that happens there is no reason one should be hired.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">FROM CHERYL<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“I read your blog about some of the ports you visited, but how was your experience treating patients?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I think if you start from the beginning you would see that I cover much of this. Probably not as much now as when I started but I should probably revisit some things every now and then. Hopefully this post will clear up some things for you.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“Did you work for Steiner?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">Yes, virtually every ship and the spas are run by Stiener. There are a few out there that do not but that is a very small number. Steiner is on over 100 ships that I know of throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“I heard they really hassle their employees about making more sales.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">That maybe true on some ships. It probably all has to do with whatever spa manger that you have. I’ve heard of some that I really hope I never work for. Personally I’ve had four managers so far. One was exceptional and I’ll mention her name Raj. She is now in upper management in spas. Of the others some have been good some not so much but hat happens in and business. Also can you fault Steiner for wanting to be a successful business? As I’ve written above you are expected to work, promote acupuncture and retail herbs. To me isn’t that what we all do anyway? Please look above in this post and I think that you will find your answers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“What was your living space like?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">On the Carnival Dream my room was very big and on this ship the Rhapsody of the Seas it is very small. You have a bed, desk, tv, closet and bathroom. Look back in the blog as I have posted pictures of my room on the Dream. I have not here but will soon.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“How expensive is the ship WiFi?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">On the Dream it was 10 cents per minute for wifi and here on the Rhapsody much more expensive, almost double. But they have crew internet for 6 cents a minute.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">“How much money did you actually make on a cruise?”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">I’ve posted these numbers before but not recently. I am taxed being American so I’d say between $1000-$1500 a week on average AFTER taxes and sometime closer to $2000 or a bit more. My record for a 7 day cruise was $8570 in treatments, $7649 in retail for $16,219 overall revenue with $1286 in tips. After taxes all said and done it was $2643 clear for the week. Not bad when you take into account my lodging is paid for, my meals are paid for, business expenses are paid for and my travel around the world is paid for. I’ve also had very slow weeks as well. Over all I don’t do bad and my first three months out of 100 ships I ranked 17<sup>th</sup>, 28<sup>th</sup>, 23<sup>rd</sup>, 13<sup>th</sup>, 15<sup>th</sup>, 12<sup>th</sup> and 40<sup>th</sup>. I try to stay in the top 1/3 of the ships with really wanting to be in the Top 20 and an ultimate goal of getting in to the Top 10.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">So I hope that answered some questions for everyone. Keep them coming and I’ll do my best to answer when I can.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">Enjoy - larry<o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-85119238683775844102011-12-19T18:32:00.005-07:002011-12-19T18:53:49.164-07:00FISHING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF...Who da thunk it….certainly not me but there I was fishing the Great Barrier Reef!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On our previous trip to Cairns James and I booked a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many boats that do this and fish the estuary but the last thing I wanted to do was fish a “party” boat with people that did not know how to fish.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As many of my friends know I’ve been fishing the vast majority of my life, it is a passion with me. I’ve fished rivers for trout, lakes for trout, bass and pike and the ocean for marlin, dorado (mahi mahi), tuna, roosterfish, yellowtail, sierra, bass, halibut and whatever happens to bite. Most of my fishing in the ocean has been off the coast of Southern California and Catalina Island. I’ve also had one fishing trip to Costa Rica and I’ve fished for 20 plus years in the Sea of Cortez both from the Baja side and mainland Mexico. As I said it is my passion.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And now I find myself fishing the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns, Australia. The boat and guide James and I hired was exactly what I was hoping for, an experienced guide and a 20-foot center console Southland, which is very similar to a Boston Whaler.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOZgadwNfwDSvAjUE9rCbMyqAjTnF8wKLE9ICe4cN6465oRnk0H8SL-h8H4Rpam2EouZnoh2M5oEdqgBwKhyphenhyphen82Ztk6auwjANHbpp-dm9E_Mz2qfrisWgAk-_E15K3ib-Zo4nNBjYrecA/s1600/cairnsship_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOZgadwNfwDSvAjUE9rCbMyqAjTnF8wKLE9ICe4cN6465oRnk0H8SL-h8H4Rpam2EouZnoh2M5oEdqgBwKhyphenhyphen82Ztk6auwjANHbpp-dm9E_Mz2qfrisWgAk-_E15K3ib-Zo4nNBjYrecA/s400/cairnsship_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rhapsody of the Seas...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My house is Cairns, Australia</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It took about 45 minutes to reach the fishing grounds. James had never fished before and it was my hopes that he would tie into something of descent size. At our first stop it would use an “iron” and jig in approximately 90 feet of water. It did not take long for James to get the hang of things.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As luck would have it I was hit first. It happened just as I felt the bottom and lifted my jig. I knew it was a fish immediately and could feel the head shake from side to side.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I called out to James this one is yours. It took a few minutes or so for James to get rigged with a fighting belt and during the time the fish took two or three very nice runs and the line screamed off the reel. As soon as he was ready I handed the rod to James.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BIPLeqMCPODijh6Je1SLOetuI2sRVkdB_JkDGRjr0xx0TXuPvUrOq8GgFO70Zb_z1fFOKqmYH4b_3xaRI5xLbUhU24kflOhV7CvTNmGQIEGgy_6hkHcpm2ff83AwM0LZmkvlL5cUARc/s1600/james%253Afish1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BIPLeqMCPODijh6Je1SLOetuI2sRVkdB_JkDGRjr0xx0TXuPvUrOq8GgFO70Zb_z1fFOKqmYH4b_3xaRI5xLbUhU24kflOhV7CvTNmGQIEGgy_6hkHcpm2ff83AwM0LZmkvlL5cUARc/s400/james%253Afish1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fish On...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">James fought the fish for a good ten minutes and brought a nice sized Blue Trevally onto the boat. It weighted about 17 pounds and the guide said it was the second or third biggest Blue he had ever brought on board. It was a really great fish to be James first and it put up a good fight even making a few more runs for James.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xUkHTPezFgyruyiu5KnfomBx8a9hXwG7Jg3rcPGBOrmMBsWBIxzy5L6xxkTR9NQWyGJIva194XZqwu1TIpjipEznY6JJRoXAbLsVtgtNnPe-QmnivbP3YRJNn8m3KtQ_yojDG9pF4-s/s1600/jamesfish3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xUkHTPezFgyruyiu5KnfomBx8a9hXwG7Jg3rcPGBOrmMBsWBIxzy5L6xxkTR9NQWyGJIva194XZqwu1TIpjipEznY6JJRoXAbLsVtgtNnPe-QmnivbP3YRJNn8m3KtQ_yojDG9pF4-s/s400/jamesfish3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">17 pound Blue Trevally...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James first fish ever</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think now James has a better idea how hard it can be to land a “good” fish. The one he fought was nice size but there are, as the saying goes “much bigger fish in the ocean”. James also confided that it was harder then he had expected which is the case for most people. Many think you just reel a fish in and bring on the boat.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Those of us who are hardcore fisherman, and fisherwomen know this not to be the case. My largest fish was a 200 pound stripe marlin off of San Carlos, Mexico. My longest/hardest fight was a 70 pound yellowfin tuna that took me over an hour to land on 30 pound test line. Fishing is a skill and hard work. It is also known as hours of boredom broken up with minutes of chaos.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little later in the day I was hit another time with a Bludger Trevally while jigging and a Gold Spot Trevally on the troll, which I also handed off to James. They were nice fish but neither was near the size of the Blue Trevally we landed earlier. I also miss a strike from what seemed to be a very large Coral Trout or what we call a Grouper. That came while popping a lure in shallow water over the tops of reef structures.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a bit more fishing it was time for lunch. So it was sandwiches and what is better to drink then an ice-cold Mexican beer when in very hot weather on the water. As we drifted around the reef during our lunch the reefs beauty and the clarity of the water amazed us. There is an old saying of something being “gin clear”. This is absolutely the case for the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKY2FdL4B20S3MPa3_wH7t-KuNdC0yod9TTeloCSZS0ZuKZODlnOKZRe0XPJB0sYgZk6LgoTlL7lRWb8Nvi4Punvq46y-XtzbeJh571yStMCyf8OJpklykL7vDJnVkza4UhzJN11MQKg/s1600/beersGBR_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKY2FdL4B20S3MPa3_wH7t-KuNdC0yod9TTeloCSZS0ZuKZODlnOKZRe0XPJB0sYgZk6LgoTlL7lRWb8Nvi4Punvq46y-XtzbeJh571yStMCyf8OJpklykL7vDJnVkza4UhzJN11MQKg/s400/beersGBR_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coronas on the Great Barrier Reef</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpWhOpc9dux16hyphenhyphenHv3co1Xl_IP19wW_m5E0zTYndOmUr-v6HxBEQ4h2srQhQKjyktbGKQ9DeDwIhudoQkPQKxKw3zT6urQrpCI8SR0xkT6VvGEHcehKTgjX9SCNGOcnFYLa45Tw6jQ6o/s1600/reef1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpWhOpc9dux16hyphenhyphenHv3co1Xl_IP19wW_m5E0zTYndOmUr-v6HxBEQ4h2srQhQKjyktbGKQ9DeDwIhudoQkPQKxKw3zT6urQrpCI8SR0xkT6VvGEHcehKTgjX9SCNGOcnFYLa45Tw6jQ6o/s400/reef1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great Barrier Reef</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-3F7epGwktlmzUTWd3LxUkdwKK2k6T5Qz-w7brtoVLtI7DLaxf3tZX-6NWfRisv-fsSPFWF7KIQFiW_o0h9eK6VnJnn28qjsx0LsDEyjBNkDqCPuTa3O6Xa3RR-j7hUbBwrw8jd6qqY/s1600/jamesreef2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-3F7epGwktlmzUTWd3LxUkdwKK2k6T5Qz-w7brtoVLtI7DLaxf3tZX-6NWfRisv-fsSPFWF7KIQFiW_o0h9eK6VnJnn28qjsx0LsDEyjBNkDqCPuTa3O6Xa3RR-j7hUbBwrw8jd6qqY/s400/jamesreef2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James doing what he does best...nothing...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After the day of fishing was complete it was another 45 minute run back to the boat. Luckily the seas were relatively flat though there were some nice bumps along the way and to definitely had to hold on. When we returned to the bay our guide Brendan took us through a side channel right across from the ship. His reason for doing so was another thing James and I were hoping to encounter and we were not disappointed. Within minutes we spotted a 10-foot saltwater crocodile sunning himself on the bank. This is the reason why nobody in Cairns and Airlie Beach swim in the water…there are things that will eat you!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ9Il7m2y8FTlFOuVbyRXh5mZwnmVXSzLM25vDPp5cwtjTr6A6WNZ676OScF-moDjFMPw-NEFbT0v_nGFdrVmyS_KdtHP_rvaSaIsIuEzS3JutJPwEDvT-eHrQurXAsfkb4Q-Y-SuLLQ/s1600/croc_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ9Il7m2y8FTlFOuVbyRXh5mZwnmVXSzLM25vDPp5cwtjTr6A6WNZ676OScF-moDjFMPw-NEFbT0v_nGFdrVmyS_KdtHP_rvaSaIsIuEzS3JutJPwEDvT-eHrQurXAsfkb4Q-Y-SuLLQ/s400/croc_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10 foot saltwater crocodile</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that was my day on the water and yet another thing that can be checked off my bucket list…fishing the Great Barrier Reef!<o:p></o:p><br />
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And the net result of the day...a few nice fish, cold beers, James face looked like a tomato and my forehead looked and felt like leather...we got fried on the GBR!</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-18000183150978794932011-12-05T17:16:00.000-07:002011-12-05T17:16:44.196-07:00HANGING WITH SHAGGY...During our last stop in Noumea James and I were literally sitting with our feet in the sand only feet from the waters edge catching up on emails.<br />
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As it turns out James noticed a couple feet away was rap star Shaggy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGhnwrs86_sN7a24DwmQQCwP76bXHP667XYmFRP4nuM6S_DE5h9Csz0LE3AKTpc_QoS6y90o-gjf1-BmZoCeCXPtXzpCaaVddlQKIoRBXKXBlDhJYsvBPKFjmkWMXNYyGS0n6-4AiEbE/s1600/jame-me-shaggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGhnwrs86_sN7a24DwmQQCwP76bXHP667XYmFRP4nuM6S_DE5h9Csz0LE3AKTpc_QoS6y90o-gjf1-BmZoCeCXPtXzpCaaVddlQKIoRBXKXBlDhJYsvBPKFjmkWMXNYyGS0n6-4AiEbE/s400/jame-me-shaggy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James, Shaggy and I hanging on the beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in Noumea, New Calendonia</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-6765999594590515262011-12-05T16:36:00.009-07:002011-12-05T17:12:36.770-07:00SOMEWHERE NEW....VANUATU...<div class="MsoNormal">Well this week we went to a couple new places one being Vila, Vanuatu and the other Mystery Island, Vanuatu.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vila, Vanuatu<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">James had the day off as well so we headed to town to explore. From the ship it was a $3 taxi ride per person after you told them you would not pay the $10 they were asking. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANi1ioIsVgUQY9PGWTjglEKQHYi182pjjwvBGws_CeJR6sXcNiwJSljWvpr0M6Sy-oU9c9rpIXldPQyiGQNlFxIsZuEQ7g1hyqZqySFuTko3erfQ7U4u5lD6FD_cRDRvpZOPy0x2CPow/s1600/vilashipstalls1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANi1ioIsVgUQY9PGWTjglEKQHYi182pjjwvBGws_CeJR6sXcNiwJSljWvpr0M6Sy-oU9c9rpIXldPQyiGQNlFxIsZuEQ7g1hyqZqySFuTko3erfQ7U4u5lD6FD_cRDRvpZOPy0x2CPow/s400/vilashipstalls1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stalls filled with the typical tourist stuff right at the dock.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vila reminded me a lot of some of the places I’ve been in the Caribbean. It happened to be a rainy day or at least on and off. It was not a hard rain but enough to muddy the roads. James also commented that it reminded him also of the Caribbean and Jamaica in particular.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing we did find is Vanuatu is not nearly as expensive as New Zealand or Australia. This was great news as it has been some time where getting something to eat and/or a beer did not cost you an arm and a leg.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We first stopped at one cafe in hope of getting internet and a descent meal. They did have wifi but it was extremely slow and not worth dealing with although the $4 beers were great.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also came across an open air market filled with all types of fruits and veggies. Also one the the strangest things we had ever seen...coconut crabs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLACA7vKPYLCypFgrjHBVstmw82bduqE1hyphenhyphen6uk9rdZhCE8QjPxUPxeqy5MXYs53hzi31dFdJF5t9wd3ONLkgxSAoiq9M0LeewrbRs1raO8OFXY9vd_vhEcZCWIx8caPvBfkE_ywZacR6E/s1600/vilajamesmarket1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLACA7vKPYLCypFgrjHBVstmw82bduqE1hyphenhyphen6uk9rdZhCE8QjPxUPxeqy5MXYs53hzi31dFdJF5t9wd3ONLkgxSAoiq9M0LeewrbRs1raO8OFXY9vd_vhEcZCWIx8caPvBfkE_ywZacR6E/s400/vilajamesmarket1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">at the market<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmdtTLi9uFII5imbevcUtwKGO03TlO5JEjyYgOlREjIW9j5_ZM51qoyQ9PKFc6NEySkxp_2fimEiagcEPr0LT7qnX1CBl8gYXj-Jq6lLv4dzRUYaBxFcoSMkEg6iaO52-8Cg3b1Eg1ck/s1600/vilacococrab_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmdtTLi9uFII5imbevcUtwKGO03TlO5JEjyYgOlREjIW9j5_ZM51qoyQ9PKFc6NEySkxp_2fimEiagcEPr0LT7qnX1CBl8gYXj-Jq6lLv4dzRUYaBxFcoSMkEg6iaO52-8Cg3b1Eg1ck/s400/vilacococrab_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">coconut crab!</div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After looking at a handful of other restaurants we ended up eating at one of the first places we checked out and had a great lamb wrap that included a beer for the lunch special. For both the entire cost was $15.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next we decided to try and find a place on the water and have a couple more beers. Luckily we were able to do just that. It was a great place, right on the water and ice-cold beers. What made it even better is the beers were only $# and they had a swimming pool…SCORE<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26E_TB68ih3tUOZvnX_tSOEVxldwMJgMe296kBVuJGsUk1BIRHPJj3qrypA6hTtZ266VRTtke4lup6ncQmePlDNavFmtGpONE_32sr9h8RRd9rt5wiCKF6FTldGJd0duldtgfH_CzJsE/s1600/vilachillin_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26E_TB68ih3tUOZvnX_tSOEVxldwMJgMe296kBVuJGsUk1BIRHPJj3qrypA6hTtZ266VRTtke4lup6ncQmePlDNavFmtGpONE_32sr9h8RRd9rt5wiCKF6FTldGJd0duldtgfH_CzJsE/s400/vilachillin_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chillin' in Vila....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">After enjoying our beers and the view we headed back to the ship after I made a couple quick stops to pick up a couple presents for my grandkid.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am looking forward to coming back to Vila to have a couple cold beers, good food at a very reasonable price and to relax in the pool.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">MYSTERY ISLAND<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mystery Island is a very small island that in the past has been covered by the occasional tidal wave. It is a tendered port so I was not able to get ashore until noon but it was worth the wait.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuHm2NJidu5z3Yz2Jwc9eARvSrWUJlAms5ps6GRi_Zi-MISHhilSM-OpeaAX3XgtWo0XzXSvQuEOmY7boMB759FCpLGqtUiRBX0eCyoTUr-KN77wvQze1TpJs_gGXu5ZAa_69Ej1TgLs/s1600/mystery1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuHm2NJidu5z3Yz2Jwc9eARvSrWUJlAms5ps6GRi_Zi-MISHhilSM-OpeaAX3XgtWo0XzXSvQuEOmY7boMB759FCpLGqtUiRBX0eCyoTUr-KN77wvQze1TpJs_gGXu5ZAa_69Ej1TgLs/s400/mystery1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mystery Island</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is very little to do there other then to shop at some of the stands the natives have erected to sell their wares. Of course much of it is the “tourist” stuff you expect from every port but I was able to find a few presents for my grandkids, a close friend (you know who you are) and a new hat for myself.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LKBnmi-V400W4EjznJBxeVGSbTJQRXnmyLvD4GjBAyKhYDKKWRO5fDomYymfDzKQRuthSiB6PET5Qw5cksG690eabrPImQ7DkkAvCGslS-Y7msF3tttloLaCfnr4N_1qaQ-QbNGe6v4/s1600/mysteryhomies_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LKBnmi-V400W4EjznJBxeVGSbTJQRXnmyLvD4GjBAyKhYDKKWRO5fDomYymfDzKQRuthSiB6PET5Qw5cksG690eabrPImQ7DkkAvCGslS-Y7msF3tttloLaCfnr4N_1qaQ-QbNGe6v4/s400/mysteryhomies_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mystery Island Home Boys....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSImJzMaM2rSosdXCajwtrikUMpwBkHIEvmlAwPpvPmNF_OaXPBLFME71ADvZvvpBrN88zvApXMgPm7WxWA2hJkmmAr1YPCEv2Xa_v1daDWYiYVqQQM28m5ka8msLz8Wv-md8OxVZqEDs/s1600/mysterylob1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSImJzMaM2rSosdXCajwtrikUMpwBkHIEvmlAwPpvPmNF_OaXPBLFME71ADvZvvpBrN88zvApXMgPm7WxWA2hJkmmAr1YPCEv2Xa_v1daDWYiYVqQQM28m5ka8msLz8Wv-md8OxVZqEDs/s400/mysterylob1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lobster anyone?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After my shopping spree I took a walk around the island, which can be accomplished in just 2-3 hours if that. Other friends went snorkeling and I was told it was a good place to do so.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6H8AEM9Et-iAdOqGEufNvNzhIsJW2nA1zerb7ZgaOt7KcRk-3QTUuIo5Fo5VcduMOREqhltqpAOSngEjGkK8IPhq1E0iXgYjVooO9Xjo-P2quDaZuyiqYV6vqj3mdBr-2EgFl-yIgg/s1600/mysteryair1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6H8AEM9Et-iAdOqGEufNvNzhIsJW2nA1zerb7ZgaOt7KcRk-3QTUuIo5Fo5VcduMOREqhltqpAOSngEjGkK8IPhq1E0iXgYjVooO9Xjo-P2quDaZuyiqYV6vqj3mdBr-2EgFl-yIgg/s400/mysteryair1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mystery Island Airport</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">After my walk I decided to befriend a couple natives and here was the end result…almost the end of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmF7_4VOI5OqIYSVyWgeuRoYPXq7ue_OWWRKKJOpxIO4Gnbkac4HDwesitoDsagv_fCCzAICWJaMMLi3Op6M7YAHXXdCOfkgeT2dW7po9ZzSQKU2vKzMkTYVPa0STGKdK_5atx0jO3go/s1600/mysterysoup2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmF7_4VOI5OqIYSVyWgeuRoYPXq7ue_OWWRKKJOpxIO4Gnbkac4HDwesitoDsagv_fCCzAICWJaMMLi3Op6M7YAHXXdCOfkgeT2dW7po9ZzSQKU2vKzMkTYVPa0STGKdK_5atx0jO3go/s400/mysterysoup2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR_rK_lLEDx584hpz0s9Ka8ZJUeEspu4pZmaw9xfkt3Y_WTzFlQ953rW-OkyKff7wujMHqzOTuNgz2Ahj8sBlaYpsakoGk5jMw5ZhqsLLEWzkUBzowXGBgyw8DQwNkQmDeLmV_ehuWQc/s1600/mysterysoup1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixR_rK_lLEDx584hpz0s9Ka8ZJUeEspu4pZmaw9xfkt3Y_WTzFlQ953rW-OkyKff7wujMHqzOTuNgz2Ahj8sBlaYpsakoGk5jMw5ZhqsLLEWzkUBzowXGBgyw8DQwNkQmDeLmV_ehuWQc/s400/mysterysoup1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soups on...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all Mystery Island is a great place to kick back, relax, go snorkeling, take a quiet walk or to just sit on the beach.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXd19yyg5NdXiRPKQJH3veHRK7eiG7r_WUrAYS78QDRNoGA7XF5P1M1A4jJ5pv20aux-_WLVbVlVLbBDuaE08p0mxpJdjSJglh6DubdkzFLlvZnvYibqhXF9_UNSmu1_mOMLou9BbfTU/s1600/mysteryrock1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXd19yyg5NdXiRPKQJH3veHRK7eiG7r_WUrAYS78QDRNoGA7XF5P1M1A4jJ5pv20aux-_WLVbVlVLbBDuaE08p0mxpJdjSJglh6DubdkzFLlvZnvYibqhXF9_UNSmu1_mOMLou9BbfTU/s400/mysteryrock1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWuAqTPiejqOIT1_1ZP4rz78ZAhuHyk4IgJCJOmlH15nXaVh_sQKXRbqrlw3_S-LdAr_Lm6H1YfYjJJg_c2_SoVyYegVILSZA7clGPAYzcy3o3s7pwB_KsXzRWh3l7uqYkii04pPysYY/s1600/mysterytrees1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWuAqTPiejqOIT1_1ZP4rz78ZAhuHyk4IgJCJOmlH15nXaVh_sQKXRbqrlw3_S-LdAr_Lm6H1YfYjJJg_c2_SoVyYegVILSZA7clGPAYzcy3o3s7pwB_KsXzRWh3l7uqYkii04pPysYY/s400/mysterytrees1_72.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMlreZsmH4TG31AM9jPJsQdkceyMFUQ0jIqoIZBFOT3qreAqc4Hg4vAS7nRpFZiaNpDqKqccX6vgVKas_LJSFpU_99w62Ncwvz674f8ueNniXAJ1TY7aYCqoy4iGlaotMm70p6-VzI8I/s1600/rhapmys1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMlreZsmH4TG31AM9jPJsQdkceyMFUQ0jIqoIZBFOT3qreAqc4Hg4vAS7nRpFZiaNpDqKqccX6vgVKas_LJSFpU_99w62Ncwvz674f8ueNniXAJ1TY7aYCqoy4iGlaotMm70p6-VzI8I/s400/rhapmys1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rhapsody of Mystery Island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next cruise is back to Sydney, Airlie Beach, New Castle, Brisbane and an overnight in Cairns. I can’t wait for Cairns as James and I chartered a private guide to fish the Great Barrier Reef and to do a little snorkeling.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy…<o:p></o:p></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-23010771397540401402011-12-02T18:20:00.007-07:002011-12-02T18:55:41.291-07:00MORE AUSTRALIA TRAVELS<div class="MsoNormal">First a couple more shots from Sydney<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsQiFUlwIQQGE-bKCwP73Mf27wDAgaYZMX2SxGxBqtmQJ94zSpqQjE_SIGsuAyZn3v3Icbp9c8ecCAqz8JHJ_Y1AKkq1eJl6lIgtwcoRS40uFdSJPj-p-jdMm6wOb9sXCUVK80s8hes8/s1600/ophouse1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsQiFUlwIQQGE-bKCwP73Mf27wDAgaYZMX2SxGxBqtmQJ94zSpqQjE_SIGsuAyZn3v3Icbp9c8ecCAqz8JHJ_Y1AKkq1eJl6lIgtwcoRS40uFdSJPj-p-jdMm6wOb9sXCUVK80s8hes8/s400/ophouse1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqnsbQh6LsGf3x6k5MPOQwtRexD9AkiwxjBkftl_JzQATvR-NOOuSZJ0oGoZpDmWpk4kzNjSZ-4raNrkIlUX1UV3cWyHodGPAXczdmePlSwAJ0lAedBN1ETJmNh88TO2yE2xVD0rd15o/s1600/ophouse2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqnsbQh6LsGf3x6k5MPOQwtRexD9AkiwxjBkftl_JzQATvR-NOOuSZJ0oGoZpDmWpk4kzNjSZ-4raNrkIlUX1UV3cWyHodGPAXczdmePlSwAJ0lAedBN1ETJmNh88TO2yE2xVD0rd15o/s400/ophouse2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAAhyjOQorKrsPnv_RXOReYqeMAptoqRnFxKiHuni0JEMLOsQrYY_H-z-XEDmD38L8NppiN-kBNvour-nKhNpm5HkYCrTGfwpK3jfiOrHo3NK7XRXRXSRflqv9BybW3kS7v-j8d9juOo/s1600/sydrhap1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAAhyjOQorKrsPnv_RXOReYqeMAptoqRnFxKiHuni0JEMLOsQrYY_H-z-XEDmD38L8NppiN-kBNvour-nKhNpm5HkYCrTGfwpK3jfiOrHo3NK7XRXRXSRflqv9BybW3kS7v-j8d9juOo/s400/sydrhap1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rhapsody of the Sea</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from the Sydney Opera House</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>NEWCASTLE</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another place we have visited in Australia is Newcastle. It is mostly a coal-mining city on the outskirts but coupled with a nice town. Again I only had a handful of hours off so spent it walk through the small shops near the wharf area where the shuttle buses dropped ship passengers off. The area was very nice with shops interlaced with a handful of cafes. It is much less money to eat here then Sydney. It reminded me a lot of Victoria and of Seattle in some areas.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV5-0Yt4s0l4Jkq9irXrl8gHCo_b6EnaBjWfu75eIrk8luXtQuQZWBpMoSzw9MWZl1ifONF9iYdx6EbVyIYnYqh7WRz-yZtB6y34g-BaERkoYOagz2ob_9VtI1bX8d2tqwSZr0PLjUqM/s1600/newc1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV5-0Yt4s0l4Jkq9irXrl8gHCo_b6EnaBjWfu75eIrk8luXtQuQZWBpMoSzw9MWZl1ifONF9iYdx6EbVyIYnYqh7WRz-yZtB6y34g-BaERkoYOagz2ob_9VtI1bX8d2tqwSZr0PLjUqM/s400/newc1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQHLLS0TPcnYClGjhfvpYG4oAIojsF495Fgqp7Ce0YwX5VsgS55srByo9gUwiniSuoeXTP6OCFIGwKtw02Fh-Cf_9QQ8bla4cYY7e75MxyJGkpDN51UqieKJPjMAse0OK7cWq6wOGBqo/s1600/newc2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQHLLS0TPcnYClGjhfvpYG4oAIojsF495Fgqp7Ce0YwX5VsgS55srByo9gUwiniSuoeXTP6OCFIGwKtw02Fh-Cf_9QQ8bla4cYY7e75MxyJGkpDN51UqieKJPjMAse0OK7cWq6wOGBqo/s400/newc2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF46M2fUiUjxQSOpaObOESEo8xmQHod53JV1TBJrFnU7Yg8qilGK3ziE7FoGyCEwG4sDeyIGZ6nxsZe2hxm5n1sbje-gnJNY5Fs5DPgEbimfVIRCF-P4Lv6o7Erv9IKnEkXhjzTPWYJ0/s1600/newc3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF46M2fUiUjxQSOpaObOESEo8xmQHod53JV1TBJrFnU7Yg8qilGK3ziE7FoGyCEwG4sDeyIGZ6nxsZe2hxm5n1sbje-gnJNY5Fs5DPgEbimfVIRCF-P4Lv6o7Erv9IKnEkXhjzTPWYJ0/s400/newc3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did enjoy what time I did have off the ship here and will venture into Newcastle again. You could actually find a number of small cafes that had good food for a fair price, much less then Sydney and New Zealand. There were many places to get free wifi, which is always highly prized by the crew as it is so expensive on the ship.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">CAIRNS<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cairns is hands down my favorite port so far, especially as far as a city goes. It is not a large city from what I can tell but a city just the same. You cannot put it into the same category as Moorea and Bora Bora as they are tropical islands, but as far as New Zealand and Australia goes Cairns absolutely my favorite.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mGIbwH2s-1LQeLod0D_zwbXW-Lj-QJ_aXXC0P2NqhSysZysKWPZ5kyd3viRjVMs6DjMMHNkJpShYdHB-NAVho9NLsqUVFMSz_04SFRhF3wA6zozhU6on53dtiFWztB7JlLPs2KrM8Hc/s1600/car3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mGIbwH2s-1LQeLod0D_zwbXW-Lj-QJ_aXXC0P2NqhSysZysKWPZ5kyd3viRjVMs6DjMMHNkJpShYdHB-NAVho9NLsqUVFMSz_04SFRhF3wA6zozhU6on53dtiFWztB7JlLPs2KrM8Hc/s400/car3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shot from the ship of the bay</div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To make it even better we did an overnight in Cairns. The first day of any port for me is more about exploring to find out what to do next time. This was no different.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I left the ship after seeing patients around noon. Another nice thing about Cairns is that everything is walking distance from the ship. It was only a few blocks to the center of town near the beach. Here the street was lined with many places to eat. What made it so great was the food was actually affordable. You could get just about anything you wanted from $10-$15.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am always on the hunt for a place to do free internet as well because it is so expensive on the ship even for crew. I did find a nice place that served coffee, smoothies and a few food items. It was air conditioned inside and had outside seating as well with fans overhead, which was nice in the 91f degree weather (33c).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">James joined me shortly after 1pm and we both caught up with emails etc. Then it was time to get serious. Literally steps away in the same building was a pub. It also had outdoor seating and what really made my day was Coronas for $3.50 “all day/everyday”. Corona is not my favorite by any means but as far as beers go I love Mexican beers. There is just something about Mexican beer in a hot climate, it just tastes so good. Maybe that is from the 30 years I’ve been going in and out of Baja.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-YZlzWhE8QvbkFMGg_ELtRMa7evzVrNK_6s5TpHsYb9S6UgLR6YCB-c7pJh3sJJK0rwcB1lHoj3V0ogL4EhtQAMb01oAHhVkgsh8oilcUEeIQDZpe8sZQe1k5flQNidm876YxLsA_oE/s1600/jamescairns_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-YZlzWhE8QvbkFMGg_ELtRMa7evzVrNK_6s5TpHsYb9S6UgLR6YCB-c7pJh3sJJK0rwcB1lHoj3V0ogL4EhtQAMb01oAHhVkgsh8oilcUEeIQDZpe8sZQe1k5flQNidm876YxLsA_oE/s400/jamescairns_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coronas and tequillas with James...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heres to ya Irish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">After our first beer it was time to salute our past running mate Irish. So we raised a shot of tequila and slammed it down. It is a running joke with us as I always made Irish do a shot of tequila and he hates it. From that point it was beers for the rest of the day…and night for that matter.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We seldom get overnights in the same port so it was out to one of the local clubs for yes more cocktails and dancing with some of the spa girls. This of course was after a stop back to the ship to shower and a trip to the crew bar for an hour or so.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now back to Cairns itself. The next day James and I got together at the place we found for the internet. After that we decided to take a hike down the water front.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUpLbVQrrZ8lqQJNvMlFqVfoERtJHBlvyRSK_5D-UgEyFDGBKZCK38eLswaMllrFtAU4BVFrhmrb_aS7W94AklSEAOtAZPHOrlEF4CMOhzTv44csA36JkEt9RywhMJmyRZva1LR1yxHY/s1600/car2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUpLbVQrrZ8lqQJNvMlFqVfoERtJHBlvyRSK_5D-UgEyFDGBKZCK38eLswaMllrFtAU4BVFrhmrb_aS7W94AklSEAOtAZPHOrlEF4CMOhzTv44csA36JkEt9RywhMJmyRZva1LR1yxHY/s400/car2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boardwalk in Cairns</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">The sidewalk was right on the water and was about 2 miles long. It was lines with a beautiful park on one side a narrow strip of sand and the ocean on the other, actually a huge bay.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At one point James said how great it would be just to throw a towel down and lie on the beach at the waters edge. Literally within 50 feet of making that comment we discovered why nobody was doing this. We came across a big yellow sign stating “Do Not Enter the Water, Do Not Go To the Waters Edge, Do Not Clean Fish…Saltwater Crocodiles Have Been Sighted in This Area”. What I thought was strange was it was the only sign on the entire beach. Later we were told that the locals already know this. But it is my contention now with cruise ship starting to come the area, we were the first, and they need more signs!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCO17duwbJwUjXbfznpLXMchyphenhyphenN5-IzmXLMFnwCWlMtH-esXeKiJhdQNplMAYijvO6B8RyUE26rVlnR8QSbApTmd-iLrfvRjY-U-DMG2VNY2m5s_ql_zTc-GWvo8CnZHJN3LPOKFiW53c/s1600/carsignjames_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCO17duwbJwUjXbfznpLXMchyphenhyphenN5-IzmXLMFnwCWlMtH-esXeKiJhdQNplMAYijvO6B8RyUE26rVlnR8QSbApTmd-iLrfvRjY-U-DMG2VNY2m5s_ql_zTc-GWvo8CnZHJN3LPOKFiW53c/s400/carsignjames_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James right before a swim...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0w43zJkmhGVg8U70c_oLDTC0IJkpj1vZdgmdjlRApGzknfnR70OW5qky0kUxFQ8r5DTdZdQ_1iTMXG44qyisrkG1J7SRqpp3BuaZoxgNKDB_s2GG8MZuO1JAzIaReL5aua1MBuXwdWk/s1600/carsign1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0w43zJkmhGVg8U70c_oLDTC0IJkpj1vZdgmdjlRApGzknfnR70OW5qky0kUxFQ8r5DTdZdQ_1iTMXG44qyisrkG1J7SRqpp3BuaZoxgNKDB_s2GG8MZuO1JAzIaReL5aua1MBuXwdWk/s640/carsign1_72.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well maybe later...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">After our hike we were back again near the town center at the beach. It was very hot and we were grateful that there is a huge public swimming pool right on the water. So we decided the thing to do was to sit in the water for about an hour before heading back to the ship.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1BXkGKBtwd0MTvEDGD-n6RuS0Vb6uRWrPkzWXi2qyk5miXthbR5SlGMbkFlPD748KvG6F7DI46jwlAomMSDQ-Cj4oUlhWQQ2LW1utf-CczclBdeY8NZRYQ-WhHbRLEy5NJOBF5ttOQ/s1600/carpool_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl1BXkGKBtwd0MTvEDGD-n6RuS0Vb6uRWrPkzWXi2qyk5miXthbR5SlGMbkFlPD748KvG6F7DI46jwlAomMSDQ-Cj4oUlhWQQ2LW1utf-CczclBdeY8NZRYQ-WhHbRLEy5NJOBF5ttOQ/s400/carpool_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">public pool on the bay</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all it was truly a great day and a great port. I can’t wait to come back again. James and I have a fishing trip lined up. We are fishing from 6am-1pm and doing the trip stopping to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. How cool is that? I sure hope the rumors are true and we will be here a lot, I really like this place and it would be very easy to live here. If it wasn’t so far from my grandkids that is.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">AIRLIE BEACH<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Airlie Beach is a ‘tendered” port which means that the ship is too large to dock close to shore or the port does not have mooring facilities.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIM4FAFyMWRmSgDCPOeZlDQMVTTZAVfUBsZztgm8UmE2mHqyGbmWR9lWdKQ2DLfqpSdjSMnF5JLmrxQNtXbBXrl_EyNALmUQ5BQwghjxYQZlJRhhy44DgEDK9ycXF7M6gB1uaATinqzI/s1600/airlie1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIM4FAFyMWRmSgDCPOeZlDQMVTTZAVfUBsZztgm8UmE2mHqyGbmWR9lWdKQ2DLfqpSdjSMnF5JLmrxQNtXbBXrl_EyNALmUQ5BQwghjxYQZlJRhhy44DgEDK9ycXF7M6gB1uaATinqzI/s400/airlie1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Offshore Airlie Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">This also means, at least on this ship, that essentially guests leave first and then crew can board the tenders to go ashore. Because of this we usually don’t get off the ship until around 11-12pm maybe later. I can understand this as the guests are paying to be here and it is their vacation. This also happens in port on this ship. One thing that was nice about the Carnival Dream when I was onboard was they had a separate crew gangway. We could leave at will when it was our time off.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now back to Airlie Beach. This was a very typical beach town with places to eat, shops and the like. As in most ports I try and find a to get free internet. By free I mean a place such as a café that once you buy something to eat you are given their password, which is fair enough.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After I ate and finished catching up with emails I walked around the town a bit to see what there was to do the next time I’m in port. Just like in Kauai I found a place to rent scooters and the going rate is $45 for 4 hours, which is a good deal. I will either do that or rent a car for just a bit more with a couple friends and explore the immediate area the next time I am here.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The town itself is right on the water. But one thing I am trying to get used to is nobody goes into the water. Why? Crocodiles! Here just like in Cairns there is what they call a “lagoon”. It is really a large wading pool that is 1.5 meters deep and usually just back from the waters edge and surrounded by grass and some trees. It is also filled with saltwater. Having grown up in Laguna Beach, Ca. it is nothing like what I would call a day at the beach.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzxLsXG95hAdQxqWdHOhxywFD0nzD2Z17KGvDY4e9SNa1dg8YqDAxXrRQ3AubVJNfrLvjYPJIT7WKsqY-775xdYyJpbUYfpz7Xo__ISU4YiKxj-nALRyvaYNlzfg40tt9EyzLLKv9RfQ/s1600/airlie2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzxLsXG95hAdQxqWdHOhxywFD0nzD2Z17KGvDY4e9SNa1dg8YqDAxXrRQ3AubVJNfrLvjYPJIT7WKsqY-775xdYyJpbUYfpz7Xo__ISU4YiKxj-nALRyvaYNlzfg40tt9EyzLLKv9RfQ/s400/airlie2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A day at the beach...Airlie style...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After a few hours on shore it was time to catch the tender back to the ship. I am looking forward to coming here in a couple more weeks and exploring, having something good to eat and enjoy my time away from work. Something all of us need to do whenever we can.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BRISBANE<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Brisbane we dock approximately 45 minutes from town. Top that with the fact that all guests are to be shuttled in before crew and then top that with this morning we had a very long crew drill it is almost not worth getting off the ship.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did leave the ship this time as I had booked an excursion to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I spent a little over 2 hours going through the grounds.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the reasons to go to the sanctuary is obviously to see the large number of koalas there. But the highlight was actually being able to hold a koala. How many people actually get this chance?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another part of the sanctuary I enjoyed was the free roaming area, though relatively small, of kangaroos. You entered a gated fenced area where there were many kangaroos and you could feed by hand. Again how often to you get to do something like this.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But this too had a sad aspect as most of the kangaroos were so used to people that they just sat on the ground after being hand feed mouthfuls of store bought kangaroo food which were pellets resembling rabbit food. Some of them didn’t even eat and were very lethargic seemingly bored with the “tourists” that came to visit them, myself being one.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overall I was somewhat disappointed as I was expecting more of a preserve then a zoo atmosphere. In California there is the Wild Animal Park in San Diego and in the past the Lion Country Safari near my hometown of Laguna Beach. At both of these places the animals roam free more huge areas in their natural habitat. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of the animals were in small cages and enclosures as in any other zoo. I’m not really a zoo person, as I believe the animals should not be confined to small cages. Still for what is was and for what they are doing to helping out the species at the “zoo” it was a good thing.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In closing about Brisbane unless some of the staff come back from the two hour round trip shuttle ride to the city from the dock and say this is somewhere you have to see I think I’ll just stay on the ship in Brisbane. From what I did see on our bus ride to the koala sanctuary through the city last time I see no need to go….a city is a city to me for the most part and I am more of a country boy.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Pictures from the Koala Sancturary</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoieiorxu7bHkhzEWIkK5pomCdN1k8-2bMJhd-LvTAdSFrU01gJHzkPXYr2q_Px-FczujiQd_3Ftl5tu2mZ469BsBB4t6O744_5h2SyWd1dY8knD6BrRhhbKDFitc0xxAOL29zELsxWNM/s1600/emu1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoieiorxu7bHkhzEWIkK5pomCdN1k8-2bMJhd-LvTAdSFrU01gJHzkPXYr2q_Px-FczujiQd_3Ftl5tu2mZ469BsBB4t6O744_5h2SyWd1dY8knD6BrRhhbKDFitc0xxAOL29zELsxWNM/s400/emu1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emu</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1tiCpLEzOauGjyo2WxVa9spyHR8cKPvRwLAqx5I1_dzGxUB4CWYzBMsXPSupALGCqWOMPx80l19NRuY5AIH3zAbs6QrjcVKgZyIvI_xSXCJwRJtrJSkRv_qb6MGpYxs1Kse5e3zveRs/s1600/emu2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1tiCpLEzOauGjyo2WxVa9spyHR8cKPvRwLAqx5I1_dzGxUB4CWYzBMsXPSupALGCqWOMPx80l19NRuY5AIH3zAbs6QrjcVKgZyIvI_xSXCJwRJtrJSkRv_qb6MGpYxs1Kse5e3zveRs/s400/emu2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emu</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrxqVHnUhINtp0a94j0TFaLGDE3POzIi3zEOloxZnYbzxzNbvMbyivmN53JHY-nKP5HG45ac4DBSRb-HSi012sRw4fhMo6Zl4SrlsUXEyOR_CCbSRCinZtfSd7AgrVorsKYgpUNJ-_tA/s1600/goldposs_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrxqVHnUhINtp0a94j0TFaLGDE3POzIi3zEOloxZnYbzxzNbvMbyivmN53JHY-nKP5HG45ac4DBSRb-HSi012sRw4fhMo6Zl4SrlsUXEyOR_CCbSRCinZtfSd7AgrVorsKYgpUNJ-_tA/s400/goldposs_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Golden Possum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDITHaKsy63l9SKeGdZL4buibc6fJS7Mvm_BvwkQchDPXthxgj8i7XV8CxkiagF281FLY9tOILq_MYfw8Tszk5yfANH4DI-qJP9v3OqcJCCnjz0BSbnIDcuLvmm8ZtZ3kbWoGgxA2wrE/s1600/koos1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDITHaKsy63l9SKeGdZL4buibc6fJS7Mvm_BvwkQchDPXthxgj8i7XV8CxkiagF281FLY9tOILq_MYfw8Tszk5yfANH4DI-qJP9v3OqcJCCnjz0BSbnIDcuLvmm8ZtZ3kbWoGgxA2wrE/s400/koos1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19sqT4KedbARmBp9yhpmcFn2YXX1ruRYB6PJyIXyehobvr9kkfnO_zr9ATLWcd5vj5RVhFfYLw4PhugCSWT6Xs_pu1cKAA2wPntPqFMI7JOdGIhzcc2TqMisxF-6IAUuF-Ytbg1jBrMU/s1600/roossmall_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19sqT4KedbARmBp9yhpmcFn2YXX1ruRYB6PJyIXyehobvr9kkfnO_zr9ATLWcd5vj5RVhFfYLw4PhugCSWT6Xs_pu1cKAA2wPntPqFMI7JOdGIhzcc2TqMisxF-6IAUuF-Ytbg1jBrMU/s400/roossmall_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kangaroos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and of course....KOALAS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy and teh next stop is VILA and MSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU!!!!!!!!!</div><br />
</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-4603654922880550442011-11-17T19:12:00.002-07:002011-11-17T19:12:35.935-07:00FINALLY A WORK HARD AS PROMISED<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>665</o:Words> <o:Characters>3793</o:Characters> <o:Lines>31</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4658</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">WORK HARD...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve been asked to share some of the things that have made me successful over the last few weeks especially with getting high numbers. As all of us know it can really be just the luck of the draw with the guests that are on board.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The last two cruises I’ve really I’ve done great and my numbers have reflected it with over $16,000 on one cruise and $11,000 on the next. But on this cruise it has been really tough. I’m at $4,500 with two sea days, which sound good but in reality I’m bothered by it. But then again it is just the luck of the draw.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Usually I have great percentages booking from my seminars around 60%-70%. But this week in two seminars I’ve probably had close to 50 guests and only booked 8 or 9. Again as we all know luck has a great deal to do with things. This cruise has been a really hard sell not only for bookings but also for retail. I usually have high retail almost always in the high 30%’s and even as high as 47% at one point. So far this week I am at 17%. Then again I still have to give my herb seminar and my number usually go up afterwards. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the most part what works for me is I’m told I’m a likeable guy. I do my best to be honest with my guests and tell them the truth about if I feel I can help them or not. I never push herbs on people I don’t think that will benefit from them. I never tell someone I can help them if I don’t think I can. And I never tell anyone that I can cure them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In fact during my seminars I make a point of telling them that “anyone that says they can guarantee you 100% that they can cure you is lying to you. I don’t care if it is a western md or an eastern physician, nobody can promise you 100% they can cure you. But I can promise you 100% that I will do everything I can think of to help you.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A good friend of mine used to teach college. One thing he told me about teaching is to know what you are talking about, be prepared and make them laugh. I do my best to keep this in mind and practice it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d like to think I know what I am talking about, I am always prepared and I make a point of tossing out a couple laugh lines that are relevant to the subject being discuss.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A case in point is when I am discussing weight loss and the herbs in my seminars I use to help them I will say, “you might be wondering why someone out of shape is discuss how to lose weight”. This always gets a laugh and then I will add “in the last six weeks I’ve lost 22 pounds by taking herbal formulas and the detox program offered by James (the trainer).”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On that subject James and I give a seminar together combining eastern medicine and western medicine. I talk about how by using Chinese herbs you can strengthen your digestive system and by using the detox system James promotes detoxify your liver.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Essentially I tell them that I am the mechanic that rebuilds your motor. And just like when you rebuild the motor in your car it just runs better. I explain this using 5 elements theory of how the liver and spleen function have a great deal to do with either weight gain or weight loss. How your emotions of stress and over thinking/over work inhibits the digestive system. Then I tell them that even when you rebuild your motor it is a good idea to clean the fuel filter and oil filter and that is what James does. By doing this your entire digestive system is working at 100% and you not only lose weight but you keep it off.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">James and I work very well together and book many guests after this talk. We make a point of saying it is important that you see both of us. We also give them nutritional guidance and talk about exercise. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also share in the income. Whatever herbs I sell from people that have come to the seminar I spilt 50/50 with James. Whatever he makes from selling the detox program he splits with me 50/50. Sometimes he sells more detox then I do herbs, other times I sell more herbs then he does detox and we have found that for the most part it evens out in the long run.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another person I will cross promote with is the ionitherapist. I’ve done this on every ship I have been on. I also make a point of saying during my seminars that “if massage is warranted for your condition that we have highly trained therapist on board and I will suggest that you see them in conjunction with your acupuncture treatments.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In closing I guess what I am saying is be honest, they can tell when you are not and will run away, be prepared for your seminars and know that if you have a bad week with the numbers it can all just be the luck of the draw and there is always the next week to come. Don’t beat yourself up…<o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-84279088086913887342011-11-16T22:59:00.000-07:002011-11-16T22:59:23.959-07:00SUNSETS AT SEA...HARD TO BEAT....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gE7W-wZ2Xc2Sfh7iGcV8fvYZyWOWvrCxcOlBVBi_PgF2EHtsD5dCV0KtpQybEBCXo2xGuss50x90H3SxA0QRw_4C8wxPPX1ANm5zljqAlrfcStMj9QiM-x0eJw1axfmU1QZ81e-J3m0/s1600/ocean1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gE7W-wZ2Xc2Sfh7iGcV8fvYZyWOWvrCxcOlBVBi_PgF2EHtsD5dCV0KtpQybEBCXo2xGuss50x90H3SxA0QRw_4C8wxPPX1ANm5zljqAlrfcStMj9QiM-x0eJw1axfmU1QZ81e-J3m0/s400/ocean1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">not bad...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQn-d7z8fpbnNMPe8r7qWlr3_QaPcufP5a2ZA7IPR6a9wiWuEFlQG5pstDgbtAqr3bPsOGo0siBRNIiUu5v-BAMk1SQoP1I3H80k0wPDmkEUueMUUAx5vQRGTM1-Ql_6hr6FkWbffXk4/s1600/ocean2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQn-d7z8fpbnNMPe8r7qWlr3_QaPcufP5a2ZA7IPR6a9wiWuEFlQG5pstDgbtAqr3bPsOGo0siBRNIiUu5v-BAMk1SQoP1I3H80k0wPDmkEUueMUUAx5vQRGTM1-Ql_6hr6FkWbffXk4/s400/ocean2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and minutes later....</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-11548983079114578192011-11-16T21:53:00.008-07:002011-11-16T23:20:54.115-07:00WELCOME TO THE DOWNUNDER<div class="MsoNormal">Well the World Cup is over and we have left New Zealand behind. It’s a Catch 22 as I really liked New Zealand but then again I was really ready for something and some place new…next stop Sydney, Australia.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">SYDNEY<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I woke on the first day I found we were moored right next the Sydney Opera House. I’ve seen pictures but to be right next to it is a whole different thing all together. I also on one of my mornings off I took a tour inside the Opera House. I found the tour interesting but more then that the Sydney Opera House is one of the world iconic buildings and how many chances does one have to explore any of the world best known buildings.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoOJWAdOh1Ztrtb29bwwcZde3Sd-j3OJ32Cvt87rUf_RjvZG_VTeZIDKLjsaiuZtlxGrTX53XNtVOeck9oy3GUCtOr7BqiBDIAhapZu5uhVpTheAc3sx-HJJQqNzMo1RqB0sbMNkVrTU/s1600/rhapopera1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoOJWAdOh1Ztrtb29bwwcZde3Sd-j3OJ32Cvt87rUf_RjvZG_VTeZIDKLjsaiuZtlxGrTX53XNtVOeck9oy3GUCtOr7BqiBDIAhapZu5uhVpTheAc3sx-HJJQqNzMo1RqB0sbMNkVrTU/s400/rhapopera1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rhapsody in Sydney...Opera House in the background</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbFaK7jHvRYZJUSsnsZMoEXHwY6whIn8lXCT_eLDcvnpsPl2qOVgvkZdUs4Keq9dVAkIb7AST-5Y4GzC43axuE02ED3fx0fi4gKjXSRyoFgZfTxNC3ICXGJgmXIgHWdE2hauZT68QtFw/s1600/opera2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbFaK7jHvRYZJUSsnsZMoEXHwY6whIn8lXCT_eLDcvnpsPl2qOVgvkZdUs4Keq9dVAkIb7AST-5Y4GzC43axuE02ED3fx0fi4gKjXSRyoFgZfTxNC3ICXGJgmXIgHWdE2hauZT68QtFw/s400/opera2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House from the ship</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_50aiRCVhLJfrGg4RTBKhKWVTsDn9F5VMlVdZc8lOGZYVvM3G-BWyb_D64cwu7SDiwamu7pHAXomBwmPlst7An40TJ9nLKJawPy1QE2iL9VzEOPo9MQwhYgc2yGnhv_OBUyV0p-dJfsY/s1600/operain1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_50aiRCVhLJfrGg4RTBKhKWVTsDn9F5VMlVdZc8lOGZYVvM3G-BWyb_D64cwu7SDiwamu7pHAXomBwmPlst7An40TJ9nLKJawPy1QE2iL9VzEOPo9MQwhYgc2yGnhv_OBUyV0p-dJfsY/s400/operain1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A shot from the tour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsYhjAdkgKpcv5Qy7uyp6yWJFoRnY-iGLjP-nOqsj1RQ_iX68Aff_0T8YJGULAu22NIe_sLDcK_qORUTybMLfmBfObI0WIIDT3z8wgq0iyF5Hjkgit1fa7d5_yuvAr0kuIcsTWZlzIQ/s1600/operain2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsYhjAdkgKpcv5Qy7uyp6yWJFoRnY-iGLjP-nOqsj1RQ_iX68Aff_0T8YJGULAu22NIe_sLDcK_qORUTybMLfmBfObI0WIIDT3z8wgq0iyF5Hjkgit1fa7d5_yuvAr0kuIcsTWZlzIQ/s400/operain2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another tour shot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvBUHzjonYNX6F2cG5QOGu9Q7XQgK1K4j7FTuOkSHTnaG3UjHcbYeQuHFyqULJ6tdTcxs3XoRzEhG6TpKO93jt65oOQHOCcGnDbF0-BmIsLeYDQHDyP2xcJ9XcZw_oCz5gYZBh9X9KwU/s1600/operain3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvBUHzjonYNX6F2cG5QOGu9Q7XQgK1K4j7FTuOkSHTnaG3UjHcbYeQuHFyqULJ6tdTcxs3XoRzEhG6TpKO93jt65oOQHOCcGnDbF0-BmIsLeYDQHDyP2xcJ9XcZw_oCz5gYZBh9X9KwU/s400/operain3_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and still another</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are also right next to the Sydney Harbor Bridge and downtown. I’ve had a few hours off here and I’ve found the city very busy and alive. One day I walked through the streets and it was lunchtime on a weekday. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PTyXSSo1LWiVD8dbO1pNUknXCpFT3fgN8yPqzuGxw08oC48N5314w2DO8AfoVi9Kl39WQiF77KqGibDRAquknp3yPhTD6fm7_ODU_L3nz3qR7Isr20ojcpVe4b742qDjEyaaKpP4eMw/s1600/synbrid_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PTyXSSo1LWiVD8dbO1pNUknXCpFT3fgN8yPqzuGxw08oC48N5314w2DO8AfoVi9Kl39WQiF77KqGibDRAquknp3yPhTD6fm7_ODU_L3nz3qR7Isr20ojcpVe4b742qDjEyaaKpP4eMw/s400/synbrid_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sydney Harbor Bridge from the ship</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just like cities everywhere I suppose the place was a buzz with young executives hurrying from point a to point be in their suits for appointments and to lunch. It really makes me appreciate the time I spend in the mountains and in Baja where there are very few people.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">NOUMEA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Noumea is very much a seaside city. After taking a shipside shuttle into the bus area you are swamped with hawkers trying you to get to go on their tour or bus line into the tourist area of the town. It is $15 for guests and $10 for crew to ride the bus and you can get on and off where every you want. Just like most ports we only have a handful of hours here.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26Bg2jIl7CHzlbnG3bNk-MVyzBR_C1zCnnl-G_Eb2x7IL120_C42CjmOG9LZQZ47epQyZetFUHryXOWnmZ1hmnI1vdB8IFhV0QZBQaUE2g68d8IUI4Ca3mI94W4UpWhdK0mHQvyS9vfg/s1600/nooumea1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26Bg2jIl7CHzlbnG3bNk-MVyzBR_C1zCnnl-G_Eb2x7IL120_C42CjmOG9LZQZ47epQyZetFUHryXOWnmZ1hmnI1vdB8IFhV0QZBQaUE2g68d8IUI4Ca3mI94W4UpWhdK0mHQvyS9vfg/s400/nooumea1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Main Beach in Noumea</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Both times I’ve been here I have gone to the main beach area of the town. It is very narrow with grass right up to the sand. I’ve found a great place to eat called. Zimba Juice. They not only have fresh smoothies but a varied menu and one of the best chicken quesadillas I’ve every eaten. Of course being a French town it is very expensive, but not as much as Tahiti. Lunch with a large beer ran $30us.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also found that you could connect to the internet across the street from the restaurant and sit at a picnic table right on the beach checking your email and catching up with friends.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9nRjlIysv5EZiVivwPw6aG2yGn9vHOgNWUzQPRKoEnYJyUxL1KLTBGJwSOpUjI6wHisaUqWnqWQg9MzTKChF6TANHEedoSu-XTIQ9sSsJ-yqYkMyPlJ7HTg6q8V010eZwXeUteH6pxI/s1600/beach_mac_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9nRjlIysv5EZiVivwPw6aG2yGn9vHOgNWUzQPRKoEnYJyUxL1KLTBGJwSOpUjI6wHisaUqWnqWQg9MzTKChF6TANHEedoSu-XTIQ9sSsJ-yqYkMyPlJ7HTg6q8V010eZwXeUteH6pxI/s400/beach_mac_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not a bad place to catch up on things...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a number of things to do at the beach in Noumea including windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and a shuttle to near by Duck Island. I’ve have not gone there yet but it looks like it has a great beach. Maybe I should give it a go next time we are there.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJn23FIg-sNhEybZGiKgkSU-Bd7UiPA9biVBxhd4Sx4bxVgiB42qs0aJBHyk_gEHHBSrWXg9Qg2gG1zv3Q-qH1qSugYflAt2cCdHJwmW8UeR9cAM0wmg-aKqA3VWwYI57132xNNlX3Fs/s1600/noumeaboard1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJn23FIg-sNhEybZGiKgkSU-Bd7UiPA9biVBxhd4Sx4bxVgiB42qs0aJBHyk_gEHHBSrWXg9Qg2gG1zv3Q-qH1qSugYflAt2cCdHJwmW8UeR9cAM0wmg-aKqA3VWwYI57132xNNlX3Fs/s400/noumeaboard1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">ISLE OF PINES<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Isle of Pines is absolutely beautiful and has one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. There is not much to do there other then go to the beach and swim in the warm waters. At least if is convenient and only a few minutes walk from the tendering dock. There is a restaurant that opens at noon. Other then that there are a few stand to buy gifts as well as a place to buy grill chicken and another for lobster at $20 which a friend told me was okay, not cleaned properly and really not worth the price.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p82KJtWhOLVzciRQFN7qZkEn7AWqgBZnHb1zFIFrb9XRMgIfcfOIeSPgWmnuz1_dxbc74JSZuYhzWDeKQclgv9LyRZBGGsFtJgF3x54rNnLwX4k7s3euFQrfIyazqwoPDq5pFDy96EY/s1600/iop2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p82KJtWhOLVzciRQFN7qZkEn7AWqgBZnHb1zFIFrb9XRMgIfcfOIeSPgWmnuz1_dxbc74JSZuYhzWDeKQclgv9LyRZBGGsFtJgF3x54rNnLwX4k7s3euFQrfIyazqwoPDq5pFDy96EY/s400/iop2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cruising in the Isle of Pines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdCPHC3VZIgoIkkfQRwGfUC5Okc_lYd0L1Gltd5q9GugVmdoM1b_ES4ApQj5A7uxDEZlBkbSH7I7v36eq-Smb7OGapZaMrtAYvONjtP2sGf1WxuN1hgIr2ALZieEJFqkOS-_C-XYKdhw/s1600/rhaptenderbayisle_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdCPHC3VZIgoIkkfQRwGfUC5Okc_lYd0L1Gltd5q9GugVmdoM1b_ES4ApQj5A7uxDEZlBkbSH7I7v36eq-Smb7OGapZaMrtAYvONjtP2sGf1WxuN1hgIr2ALZieEJFqkOS-_C-XYKdhw/s400/rhaptenderbayisle_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big Boat...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eUTWORoylCAg_4QCEAdOQZqkixWfCi2hQVhIq-WDMBbnWSvli3qBoR6-hIsjoOug98Xh8yE_geeZw_SUZsxqwZvD7DPY9oF48m8yjyQ2AwJVpbrnDaL0TF1ofdT3-KZYQNLK3VsvlO0/s1600/iop_sail_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eUTWORoylCAg_4QCEAdOQZqkixWfCi2hQVhIq-WDMBbnWSvli3qBoR6-hIsjoOug98Xh8yE_geeZw_SUZsxqwZvD7DPY9oF48m8yjyQ2AwJVpbrnDaL0TF1ofdT3-KZYQNLK3VsvlO0/s400/iop_sail_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Boat...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rN8_YOa-VUOM4Z97MO1EfoD2f-KKgRjq0RZURcGKSNqRBAD5MFWj65B476O9mP3Nkt_8RSbPTtaF3PZk13biPW5VOgKYcxSp5osWI_xMtqH1mobSc89Oc7ENZH-_bDxKUVmwPFLU6AA/s1600/ipo3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rN8_YOa-VUOM4Z97MO1EfoD2f-KKgRjq0RZURcGKSNqRBAD5MFWj65B476O9mP3Nkt_8RSbPTtaF3PZk13biPW5VOgKYcxSp5osWI_xMtqH1mobSc89Oc7ENZH-_bDxKUVmwPFLU6AA/s400/ipo3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way to the beach, minutes from the ships</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwnBGZU3qD3Mx1dQqxilnDEGbhvlrsHPpTvFDP0feh2fwjYMUgee5ECbpjsLI5yX6DSBWHogQ0soAQ5Fb-MDdgSl3AyYn57UikR7MhW_7Y7IsWoQ2q7Qpo0100eKsALi8HhYqy0m4ACE/s1600/iop6_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwnBGZU3qD3Mx1dQqxilnDEGbhvlrsHPpTvFDP0feh2fwjYMUgee5ECbpjsLI5yX6DSBWHogQ0soAQ5Fb-MDdgSl3AyYn57UikR7MhW_7Y7IsWoQ2q7Qpo0100eKsALi8HhYqy0m4ACE/s400/iop6_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hard to beat this...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zWMXzBPTwuOuF38nZkgnz8MejB5bABrCniEQjDDRFbAQTOz7kZPps94iucfc0TAAr16yQZ7FakCmGrfEFiEaS8DMZ_YGcsgqaGhxP0mdskf5X5wjSOOui_l0PZ76CcDZTVSWDC4TBMY/s1600/iop5_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zWMXzBPTwuOuF38nZkgnz8MejB5bABrCniEQjDDRFbAQTOz7kZPps94iucfc0TAAr16yQZ7FakCmGrfEFiEaS8DMZ_YGcsgqaGhxP0mdskf5X5wjSOOui_l0PZ76CcDZTVSWDC4TBMY/s400/iop5_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or this...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoFJ_3AlFQ-fxlHo_R9s9WQutOZyCiAvadGK4UTaPyyIzBV9rQACY08k6fVYyesI5xSQzOkQHRrzat504oR7Z6GDW30EVfTb-_xoZtH7umI-Exki_DMHPcPcTuYcGnwCUHFiZblB_O4U/s1600/iop4_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoFJ_3AlFQ-fxlHo_R9s9WQutOZyCiAvadGK4UTaPyyIzBV9rQACY08k6fVYyesI5xSQzOkQHRrzat504oR7Z6GDW30EVfTb-_xoZtH7umI-Exki_DMHPcPcTuYcGnwCUHFiZblB_O4U/s400/iop4_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or this!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did however take a tour into the village. It was hard to even tell it was there though there were a handful of buildings including a church.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAOpOFONFdAunjHI633NmNYZOiplFKyBW-GbhALVc0_rmQmvpNmHM_XntPBfUb_PCnfz02HNzKIpvgveQGE6H7kqhhMGFxTm07i_qDydQD0zvJcMb8jVPO6fv2KZ2JT0JVcEUpeG7FLQ/s1600/nouchurch_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAOpOFONFdAunjHI633NmNYZOiplFKyBW-GbhALVc0_rmQmvpNmHM_XntPBfUb_PCnfz02HNzKIpvgveQGE6H7kqhhMGFxTm07i_qDydQD0zvJcMb8jVPO6fv2KZ2JT0JVcEUpeG7FLQ/s400/nouchurch_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">village church</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0oy6_81-10N_IPiSgZOD-aTHYWSH_-AP7_9oQahLX1g7lrUVVRJ2ncsWObml-gZZIeqSKLtcJHBifZl7huuFiUir3gRHY9GBIydq0Q7F8uPp634unjVbwoUYp8cYYZZPdxdWQmL4nhU/s1600/noufence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0oy6_81-10N_IPiSgZOD-aTHYWSH_-AP7_9oQahLX1g7lrUVVRJ2ncsWObml-gZZIeqSKLtcJHBifZl7huuFiUir3gRHY9GBIydq0Q7F8uPp634unjVbwoUYp8cYYZZPdxdWQmL4nhU/s400/noufence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fence in the village</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjoenCLVvxnSzAPQ1eAnEkks7y1eHBpwp3KZz2oZf8b8dyrGSVTk04R5mTNCfSDih2kTLMHbMnMwDXU4_0gWKry4-IZLKrlGwwpCDscOIqIQCo4sebQu76XvcdG3cMnCBWTjwE-YDtJs/s1600/nounet3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjoenCLVvxnSzAPQ1eAnEkks7y1eHBpwp3KZz2oZf8b8dyrGSVTk04R5mTNCfSDih2kTLMHbMnMwDXU4_0gWKry4-IZLKrlGwwpCDscOIqIQCo4sebQu76XvcdG3cMnCBWTjwE-YDtJs/s400/nounet3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fishermans nets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">We also passed a shine of Christ surrounded by native totems. Once again showing how the Christians pushed their religion on every culture…and continue to do to this day.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKbktdd5RbS4OwzE3TBCN-dwDL-WxuYZS2xvecwi_eqDnaxyK7I1Hl2LLAe5vAAVPxEwGSr0UdWIuGZwiEnTxZd_bSPAoX51iLWZpDVxTzsOmGseva9EN2aNe36Wks9OEcSbZHtKmuVg/s1600/nouchrist2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKbktdd5RbS4OwzE3TBCN-dwDL-WxuYZS2xvecwi_eqDnaxyK7I1Hl2LLAe5vAAVPxEwGSr0UdWIuGZwiEnTxZd_bSPAoX51iLWZpDVxTzsOmGseva9EN2aNe36Wks9OEcSbZHtKmuVg/s400/nouchrist2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueMRiL-p0Zo1OgZRKaDbP7fl_JSy04F_qyyIHeXYuDKOtlRltB3xabzP9AInHDnH8P0jgZpcANeZBmpnJ6wvDzLtZ0gnyxSiy2jnY8wMBDozwjZ3r11Mndn0jVGN46X0I3G2I6u7fDNI/s1600/nouchrist3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueMRiL-p0Zo1OgZRKaDbP7fl_JSy04F_qyyIHeXYuDKOtlRltB3xabzP9AInHDnH8P0jgZpcANeZBmpnJ6wvDzLtZ0gnyxSiy2jnY8wMBDozwjZ3r11Mndn0jVGN46X0I3G2I6u7fDNI/s400/nouchrist3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-10667065318299583472011-11-16T21:35:00.004-07:002011-11-16T21:47:49.900-07:00SAYING GOODBYE TO NEW ZEALAND...<div class="MsoNormal">We have had many port days, at times multiple port days, in Auckland because of the Rugby World Cup. It almost feels like I live in Auckland I’ve spent so much time there.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhNhT2TLJo0ihcQrZT5LMiT4cdHmqDwtxqqdIN_F3w2k1sDLFBcHzZ5DQhhn_T5b_x_7zT5_bAX7IQve85LdbXAN2BIh7IxATRQcHCILe9sQEwjzxAHtEQO5Qt5_j8u69QwsBfNWjtfY/s1600/auk_movie_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhNhT2TLJo0ihcQrZT5LMiT4cdHmqDwtxqqdIN_F3w2k1sDLFBcHzZ5DQhhn_T5b_x_7zT5_bAX7IQve85LdbXAN2BIh7IxATRQcHCILe9sQEwjzxAHtEQO5Qt5_j8u69QwsBfNWjtfY/s400/auk_movie_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Movie theather in Auckland</div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve gone to four movies, eaten at restaurants, walked around the town and of course gone to the Rugby World Cup. I attend two games, one in Wellington where South Africa lost to Australia in the quarterfinals. Then to the Wales verses French in the Bronze Cup game. I went with my two running mates, James the personal trainer that is from Wales and Stephen simply known to everyone as “Irish”, obviously from Ireland. Unfortunately Wales lost, James was rightfully upset but the played a hell of a game and fought to the last minute.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhduUCcflKt9IkwXLM9YHpgEnxYOLattf4HgxYKiKmFVR_3Z9PQbk2yUsvOYCxCmy9yR0Jz2lN-WiOUq7TUbBL0ihDH-AwO-SKoMw_DbWK8TLU-dPUBYE2bGhLGxrq66GGzPCK0iAQFA/s1600/bronzetic_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhduUCcflKt9IkwXLM9YHpgEnxYOLattf4HgxYKiKmFVR_3Z9PQbk2yUsvOYCxCmy9yR0Jz2lN-WiOUq7TUbBL0ihDH-AwO-SKoMw_DbWK8TLU-dPUBYE2bGhLGxrq66GGzPCK0iAQFA/s400/bronzetic_72.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjAvP_mgbRLMT8ovg79g_PSzSWVLXd2Jlar5yjvjD7uL-wmZcQNVoIM1cYhHoH-pvcW3aLVCjgbhjxC871ZxrOX3vh45FNVpRx0_TgM_EOobP-T_7hQRQ8XNRCnLQtDlDM-D1pja_OvA/s1600/game_j_sing_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjAvP_mgbRLMT8ovg79g_PSzSWVLXd2Jlar5yjvjD7uL-wmZcQNVoIM1cYhHoH-pvcW3aLVCjgbhjxC871ZxrOX3vh45FNVpRx0_TgM_EOobP-T_7hQRQ8XNRCnLQtDlDM-D1pja_OvA/s400/game_j_sing_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James airs out the Wales National Anthem</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74_W6svou9xdoUtr8xyG0t5tdVd59pO9covitBW7Ovufckmv3f10H1-XpPqOgROYwcC-s0GahRi3eBIhpLnggWQvc3NgzkxKOYlP8J_W7D5UXP-7l-ZaVD27HXM1aIxpcifLy3tbPoug/s1600/BigDogs_72+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74_W6svou9xdoUtr8xyG0t5tdVd59pO9covitBW7Ovufckmv3f10H1-XpPqOgROYwcC-s0GahRi3eBIhpLnggWQvc3NgzkxKOYlP8J_W7D5UXP-7l-ZaVD27HXM1aIxpcifLy3tbPoug/s400/BigDogs_72+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">After the game we were told that the first bus would leave the stadium at 30 minutes after the game was over. Later we were to discover, as did some of the guest from the ship that the last bus left at 30 minutes after the game. I was told by one of my patients the next day that she heard the bus drivers decide just to go as they did a head count showing there were only 2 people missing. We that definitely was not a true head count as I know of 8 people that were at the bus stop looking for a ride back to Bay of Islands 3 hours away.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh500CVRJWuN5V41QilMj3z8AmvMff2v8yrZouNqxuGpELtfXpfXDIwmo5NhU5Xl-yGvTzdUcmV34ZGVVGjeH2LHN4h9Tp-zqcCIksdkEH7SMA5io6jhkNwuycWMC018KsCUxlmmRmV_AQ/s1600/gamewales_i_j_k_72+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh500CVRJWuN5V41QilMj3z8AmvMff2v8yrZouNqxuGpELtfXpfXDIwmo5NhU5Xl-yGvTzdUcmV34ZGVVGjeH2LHN4h9Tp-zqcCIksdkEH7SMA5io6jhkNwuycWMC018KsCUxlmmRmV_AQ/s400/gamewales_i_j_k_72+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Game Beers with Irish, James and Kay</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To make a long story short the four of us, James, Irish, Kay (our spa manager) and myself talked a taxi driver into taking us back to the ship for $400. What is even more ironic is that once we were on board the ship was setting sail for Auckland!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It really didn’t matter much to me as I had the entire next day off but everyone else had to be back on board throughout the day. We did get back around 5:30 am only to have to wait for a “tender” (water-taxi) back to the ship.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What makes the entire trip even more ironic then that is the taxi driver was caught speeding and given a $350 ticket. With that and gas he actually had a 7-8 hour drive and lost money on the deal…easy to laugh about it now but at the time it was not so funny…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we got back to Auckland it was all about the Finals. New Zealand had made it and was playing against Australia their arch rivals. The entire town was in a festive mood. Streets were shut down and thousands of people walked to and from the game and the various pubs watching the game as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbxX9aV0yqgxexRitPkxhtKdd7t5uwcNiTY2qKuJQI3ZDdgxmrtlafhuiZtdJs6MQ7ugLAiar7Vidc0gzzMI_ppOaeqSvxjH4AGRYpDUlvtGus_RQSDI-4W2jduFISLhSBnxV_6xaUVM/s1600/auk_game1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbxX9aV0yqgxexRitPkxhtKdd7t5uwcNiTY2qKuJQI3ZDdgxmrtlafhuiZtdJs6MQ7ugLAiar7Vidc0gzzMI_ppOaeqSvxjH4AGRYpDUlvtGus_RQSDI-4W2jduFISLhSBnxV_6xaUVM/s400/auk_game1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pre Finals Game Celebration in Auckaland</div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After the Final was over all hell broke loose….New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup. For those in the states this is like the World Series and the Superbowl combined. It was a huge party the main street was closed for over a mile and people were chanting the name of their team…All Blacks…All Blacks…All Blacks…Fireworks were shot from the roof tops that towered over the waterfront, people cheered, people cried….<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnqbhWx55jjCXSoyvFUAbbjH1vKa-2o07ael7dXpJorVqgqbE8xj69tG95YgcGbkdMlqzXBnLVj9kT_Twm21ZOBTpRARSQYWBdCWLYpZuIoq0Bfg5bctN71BvPm0B21URRrBiAc9eb8Q/s1600/auc-rhap-Firewk_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnqbhWx55jjCXSoyvFUAbbjH1vKa-2o07ael7dXpJorVqgqbE8xj69tG95YgcGbkdMlqzXBnLVj9kT_Twm21ZOBTpRARSQYWBdCWLYpZuIoq0Bfg5bctN71BvPm0B21URRrBiAc9eb8Q/s400/auc-rhap-Firewk_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Post Game Celebration in Auckland</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New Zealand All Blacks WIN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rugby World Cup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fireworks next to the ship</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I consider myself so lucky to have been able to witness this celebration. Not only that but to be able to go to my first rugby games and have them actually be for the finals. What even made it better was FREE tickets for the guests on board for the Bronze Cup!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all New Zealand was great. The place was beautiful and the people were all very friendly.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7thrPe9HBlmdcuJzKbXK_HjEQHO-Le2-ZxKKcsrt_8oGPWFVIOkdG5al9sYn9Jan7jD5E8sYv3gq9AQjt7UALXKXlYfQN5bjiO99xOC6V7zxi9pIsUoQ_uxWn1BZsTf7ob4vaddQcXv4/s1600/auc_sail2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7thrPe9HBlmdcuJzKbXK_HjEQHO-Le2-ZxKKcsrt_8oGPWFVIOkdG5al9sYn9Jan7jD5E8sYv3gq9AQjt7UALXKXlYfQN5bjiO99xOC6V7zxi9pIsUoQ_uxWn1BZsTf7ob4vaddQcXv4/s400/auc_sail2_72.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GOODBYE AUCKLAND...it was great!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-4243498125856891002011-10-19T19:17:00.014-06:002011-11-16T22:57:00.752-07:00RUGBY WORLD CUP and NEW ZEALAND...<div class="MsoNormal">FIRST AND FOREMOST<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The one thing I highly suggest if you are headed to these buy whatever you are going to need for the long haul before you leave the states. EVERYTHING is VERY expensive, most of the times twice if not three times more money here then in the states. For protein powder that I buy in the states it is around $20, here it is closer to $70-$80. And from what I understand Australia is going to be the same.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">RUGBY WORLD CUP…NEW ZEALAND!!!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQGEuuzUSsz8MIEzrUTxeBugb2eoEnExW2wtmfQpUKq9CbsdvptFqmRXUQM0zEDHNh0ILPn3Bq2dyc6Fsk52ONgiZybu9LbcO4HdkuYRy_VuTR7twKpvoidbY3_JAZvRUOqa_VahxTcE/s1600/ticket_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQGEuuzUSsz8MIEzrUTxeBugb2eoEnExW2wtmfQpUKq9CbsdvptFqmRXUQM0zEDHNh0ILPn3Bq2dyc6Fsk52ONgiZybu9LbcO4HdkuYRy_VuTR7twKpvoidbY3_JAZvRUOqa_VahxTcE/s400/ticket_72.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ticket to my first rugby game</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the World Cup Quarter Fianls to boot...</div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again I am trying to catch up on my blog. That could be a good thing as it generally means I’ve been busy.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today is October 20<sup>th</sup> on this side of the International Dateline and still the 19<sup>th</sup> at home in the states. I am sitting in my office waiting for “liberty call” in order to go ashore.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We arrived in Auckland on October 6th and are here for the Rugby World Cup finals. The ship is a charter cruise and following the rugby tournaments. We have been bouncing from Auckland to Wellington and back to Auckland with a few ports of call in-between.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIeuoPAn2wbt7AtwBAh8XtINF6vkwSV3Eznjai0tDMRkqy44kUR0qNMzFJUpAjoQynFnYdSigxGJij5s7juDh1dlXx6gDHlife9ERoYSs-0T4Na3qNHTRWaH8ysHcAvrIO2ZmrqK0_JI/s1600/Auck1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIeuoPAn2wbt7AtwBAh8XtINF6vkwSV3Eznjai0tDMRkqy44kUR0qNMzFJUpAjoQynFnYdSigxGJij5s7juDh1dlXx6gDHlife9ERoYSs-0T4Na3qNHTRWaH8ysHcAvrIO2ZmrqK0_JI/s400/Auck1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">downtown Auckland from the ship</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0U6-ykc7ucBq3ZG5j679I7nWxmiM7XpnfBQsjLECOGzn8qq0AcbyXyygxgR6AwUJY083SmVRdt4NJ10rQBTk5F7oI6sRX8qL7GrfWsmhI3ud4wO22BpLq5WXtGA3R-iPwPlotpbQxeA/s1600/Auckvert1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0U6-ykc7ucBq3ZG5j679I7nWxmiM7XpnfBQsjLECOGzn8qq0AcbyXyygxgR6AwUJY083SmVRdt4NJ10rQBTk5F7oI6sRX8qL7GrfWsmhI3ud4wO22BpLq5WXtGA3R-iPwPlotpbQxeA/s400/Auckvert1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another shot from the ship</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Other then the cities where rugby is being played we have been in Picton, Bay of Islands, Napier and today we are back in Tauranga.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After 5 sea days our first port of call was Auckland. We didn’t have much time there as it was embark and I only got off the ship for about an hour. Since that first visit we have spent a fair amount of time in Auckland. We spent 3 nights there for the semi-finals and next week we will be back again for two days for the finals.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I found Auckland to be a very nice place for a city. Everyone seemed very nice and friendly and the city itself was very clean. Maybe this was due to the World Cup just like in LA when the cleaned the place up for the Olympics. Maybe not as on a whole the country seems very pristine and everywhere I’ve been it is remarkable clean, even in the cities.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Here are four shots of the Sky Tower. It is the highest building in teh lower hemispere and located in Auckland.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOydkgYHhI_YDqUyF002k6TYkJWk2itEdOnOqyKC8JLTHbow4jzpwbDhLj8oiu-cEtoOeS9Ug7oiVjmwD_m3p3LnyqJSWvuuaSd8y6p8xdMwY4KXx-b9ODtjzFJNeJtZdXRZiGpxeCes/s1600/towervert1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOydkgYHhI_YDqUyF002k6TYkJWk2itEdOnOqyKC8JLTHbow4jzpwbDhLj8oiu-cEtoOeS9Ug7oiVjmwD_m3p3LnyqJSWvuuaSd8y6p8xdMwY4KXx-b9ODtjzFJNeJtZdXRZiGpxeCes/s400/towervert1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqP_y8RVgoZqL7-PIDkdhEApGzDKF7YEKaBoVxGAe6RIRGbdlQyhBKuPNyL5IRCTB3rbGHtcPNbDaP1ZW4DWqL7swK5WEFS7pK_pN4223dgvbMHggx41F7tsCJFfLIW7y59aClc-b9j4/s1600/towerglass1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqP_y8RVgoZqL7-PIDkdhEApGzDKF7YEKaBoVxGAe6RIRGbdlQyhBKuPNyL5IRCTB3rbGHtcPNbDaP1ZW4DWqL7swK5WEFS7pK_pN4223dgvbMHggx41F7tsCJFfLIW7y59aClc-b9j4/s400/towerglass1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I have said this trip has focused on the Rugby World Cup. There are many people both in the city and on the ship from the different countries involved. Most are sporting their countries colors, waving flags and generally celebrating the entire event.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The stadium in Auckland is about 5 kilometers from the ship and there is an official “fan walk”. This route takes you through the heart of the city lined by store, cafes and bars along the way. At on intersection a group of dancers waits for the light to change and traffic to stop. At that point the run into the street and do a dance for the fans and as soon as the light changes race back to the sidewalk again. This went on for hours each day of the tournament.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The night of the New Zealand All Blacks verses the Australians Wallabies the town went crazy. These two are archrivals and both played a great game. Afterwards I walked a mile back to the ship. The All Blacks won the game and for the entire mile the streets were backs and everyone was chanting “All Blacks…All Blacks…All Blacks” nonstop.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that I have skipped a head let me back track a bit. I went to my first rugby match in Wellington. We were there for a couple nights also and the city again was amped for the games.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I also found Wellington to be a great place. The first night in port was Ireland verses Wales. It was a bit much as my two closest friends on the ship are both huge rugby fans and one is from Ireland the other from Wales. James team, Wales won the match and after the game we met up at the “Fan Zone” in downtown Wellington.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXZx8YpeAqQrWfOdjpPgs5t1GS66o1LhOM_wWpak5i3y340dCgkmaQYrY0E7I3Y3GoiOC2-SzwUoJnCetvGqWpUUWvg46ihyphenhyphenAdqZA6wWG_KnfQaKHwYDDIs5TPj2PP2lop8pdJ88wZYw/s1600/Wellboat1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXZx8YpeAqQrWfOdjpPgs5t1GS66o1LhOM_wWpak5i3y340dCgkmaQYrY0E7I3Y3GoiOC2-SzwUoJnCetvGqWpUUWvg46ihyphenhyphenAdqZA6wWG_KnfQaKHwYDDIs5TPj2PP2lop8pdJ88wZYw/s400/Wellboat1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wellington from the ship</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xTpGIgRJ8KZuLlrsYOiQhD-DsClBSXbMDzuhzbDY-g6bErk2Uj7QbSRrBPrJJ7gWaRamQ3wwt4HZUFJTM5E9TtdkCWWpw66SVI0hqz349PABkIC3x4ZAxiCIxGJZEWZpgxyXSShfua0/s1600/WellingotnBay1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xTpGIgRJ8KZuLlrsYOiQhD-DsClBSXbMDzuhzbDY-g6bErk2Uj7QbSRrBPrJJ7gWaRamQ3wwt4HZUFJTM5E9TtdkCWWpw66SVI0hqz349PABkIC3x4ZAxiCIxGJZEWZpgxyXSShfua0/s400/WellingotnBay1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the bay at Wellington from the ship</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQGOErbjV7AjXam7bB9Va_46zx36GNqRsLfy642bStjKj0y3m7EGALLHMj8_mc_7PPaD0rBQCOJlZEhihkYJJU29exLJ3nOybOYMqCajQMgHCecU5RxO6e97qjlRcc4XM6oA_sm_kXgA/s1600/Wellington1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQGOErbjV7AjXam7bB9Va_46zx36GNqRsLfy642bStjKj0y3m7EGALLHMj8_mc_7PPaD0rBQCOJlZEhihkYJJU29exLJ3nOybOYMqCajQMgHCecU5RxO6e97qjlRcc4XM6oA_sm_kXgA/s400/Wellington1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">looking toward downtown Wellington from the ship</div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The city closed down an area of 6-7 blocks, added a few big screens on the streets and the bars were filled to the brim. There were hundreds of people filling the streets if not more. It was a huge party zone that lasted well into the early hours of the morning.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next night it was South Africa verses Australia. Here the ship was moored directly across the street from the stadium. I’ve heard from a number of friends that they actually saw the ship during the televised event.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLx7-RtdR2LtUw3PP45o5mHuFuGwolt9MxO4vWlggfk2bQtA4C8BNhwkvRfTxh-8j4lH0JDhj8F1ZD6fiTT-UShwdsYHVm000vXKK8hcY1I-595Spa9suYhkWgWIwOROkAd_Ao2c_7go/s1600/Stadium1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLx7-RtdR2LtUw3PP45o5mHuFuGwolt9MxO4vWlggfk2bQtA4C8BNhwkvRfTxh-8j4lH0JDhj8F1ZD6fiTT-UShwdsYHVm000vXKK8hcY1I-595Spa9suYhkWgWIwOROkAd_Ao2c_7go/s400/Stadium1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwldcXI1m-g-qkcZURTQnmGVyYcS1Dou0QUkLMqIKldxTo6aPcgXGPvU6JM76dNz5qLdIf8S8uhqFvN_LYdfnm49A2rZywcQvXPiSkPCg0MKpgvoDoKdVcUsWmmXdJ4nhzq8RTOdqm8Y/s1600/Stadium2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwldcXI1m-g-qkcZURTQnmGVyYcS1Dou0QUkLMqIKldxTo6aPcgXGPvU6JM76dNz5qLdIf8S8uhqFvN_LYdfnm49A2rZywcQvXPiSkPCg0MKpgvoDoKdVcUsWmmXdJ4nhzq8RTOdqm8Y/s400/Stadium2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Wellington Stadium from the ship</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was my first time at a rugby game and I was backing South Africa as many of the crew and spa staff that I went with was from there. Unfortunately South Africa lost but it was a very good game. I really enjoyed the match and had a fairly good understanding of the rules as James watched a couple games on the ship with me explaining the rules.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZF-jPQQ_TJTwFleYfFxtIQk3uxTAr_O9RQheU5-q8GPQ714_H8s2wlx1K43YTimN1pRAFP_SrZGWrnkah1A9kX0ePlWaqLFNh_JZEPEqFUfxI3ZuL7PkpkVyfSGLu_8y5tAPiaOeJLY/s1600/gamesign1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZF-jPQQ_TJTwFleYfFxtIQk3uxTAr_O9RQheU5-q8GPQ714_H8s2wlx1K43YTimN1pRAFP_SrZGWrnkah1A9kX0ePlWaqLFNh_JZEPEqFUfxI3ZuL7PkpkVyfSGLu_8y5tAPiaOeJLY/s400/gamesign1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rugby World Cup...New Zealand...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_87L6IFQ91i-A0vWSfnMTPZczKTHZ-sahDBXWgfX5SAiMDub4bp-RBsW-Lb1OBAkBPWwUEx6OyLp-OLvSTCuVtN2awX7aPfPhH4IjXqrktZ9lY4eJxUwayRKGflhkOj1riBM56k9S9k/s1600/gameteams_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_87L6IFQ91i-A0vWSfnMTPZczKTHZ-sahDBXWgfX5SAiMDub4bp-RBsW-Lb1OBAkBPWwUEx6OyLp-OLvSTCuVtN2awX7aPfPhH4IjXqrktZ9lY4eJxUwayRKGflhkOj1riBM56k9S9k/s400/gameteams_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quarter Final Match...South Africa vs Australia...Australia wins...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhDWCx0bNOj87gceQ7FgfBriDvIyb64d2YmY0ZneKChidyyFoSA21dejnqzkf0P7le6tDQQR5BqqAXOF7FaLjyH90Q2kj2bLAKCqsTsJWmBf5FnqGtj58s5almUI3gc0OFnBNVYknYYI/s1600/game_jamescrowd_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhDWCx0bNOj87gceQ7FgfBriDvIyb64d2YmY0ZneKChidyyFoSA21dejnqzkf0P7le6tDQQR5BqqAXOF7FaLjyH90Q2kj2bLAKCqsTsJWmBf5FnqGtj58s5almUI3gc0OFnBNVYknYYI/s400/game_jamescrowd_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James, Paulisa and Amelia</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe8E92OMuqeZ8mHmkwe6z7LesxZDujFSg-417hLOzYVjMlUHibU4_n6Qe6FJtCubpPebIew_tUXvRzzPP-qKSAtc5AVhcyrOn2E8-fZa8DT1QvmNnxiAjIMPAsy-T6yFLob5t6Z-dYdY/s1600/game4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe8E92OMuqeZ8mHmkwe6z7LesxZDujFSg-417hLOzYVjMlUHibU4_n6Qe6FJtCubpPebIew_tUXvRzzPP-qKSAtc5AVhcyrOn2E8-fZa8DT1QvmNnxiAjIMPAsy-T6yFLob5t6Z-dYdY/s400/game4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spa staff at the South Africa game...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uRfi-aTLrQHQSi1qVXnf9b89ODbAdRKIoz0wgRSCdk9Q28aj_8Gc_twxOWW_BTOAjFDEiuVv6Dtz5ItzVQjvd8mUMEofMKpOUGJbhvCNzpRxGMZKl91WTaBy2fAhmkd-ZerzlJDUMb0/s1600/game_danalexs_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uRfi-aTLrQHQSi1qVXnf9b89ODbAdRKIoz0wgRSCdk9Q28aj_8Gc_twxOWW_BTOAjFDEiuVv6Dtz5ItzVQjvd8mUMEofMKpOUGJbhvCNzpRxGMZKl91WTaBy2fAhmkd-ZerzlJDUMb0/s400/game_danalexs_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dan and Alex</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I still maintain though rugby is a very hard hitting game that American football is harder hitting mostly because you are allowed to do so. There is no blocking etc. in rugby. James would tell me that football was just a bunch of guys wearing pads, which they don’t do in rugby. I’d come back and say that they don’t wear pads in rugby because you don’t hit hard enough to need them…<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">This week we will again go to Auckland for the finals. It will be New Zealand verses France. I’m sure once again the town will go crazy, probably even more so as it is the final.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a side not there is a building in Auckland called the Sky Tower. It is the highest building in the southern hemisphere and looks very much like the Space Needle in Seattle. It was walking distance from the ship and one of its claims to fame is the bungee jump from near the top. The cost $250…no thanks…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">NOW FOR THE REST OF NEW ZEALAND…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">NAPIER<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of our ports of calls has been Napier. This is also a city but much smaller then Wellington or Auckland. Napier has a beautiful waterfront lined with a small park as well as a very long beach. There are a couple main streets that go a handful of blocks back from the beach lined with shops, restaurants and café.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve been to Napier twice on this cruise. The first time it was raining and I left the ship with Amelia. We went to lunch and then to a couple bars looking for a few of the others to no avail. We ended up having a beer and shooting pool at a local pub called “The Rose”.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfo0fpyFlmTNsD-I85wcphNNYu7U3f6wYifPfImjp_VYWeUlsqggeKlJAsB4N7U1r_OAO9abUxaVSzEKCgnF7BYozSS9JXsdnGKn1u8gLlgCJbGwy4ioi2rsXku5jSRpGNDattniGeBo/s1600/Amelia2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfo0fpyFlmTNsD-I85wcphNNYu7U3f6wYifPfImjp_VYWeUlsqggeKlJAsB4N7U1r_OAO9abUxaVSzEKCgnF7BYozSS9JXsdnGKn1u8gLlgCJbGwy4ioi2rsXku5jSRpGNDattniGeBo/s400/Amelia2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shooting pool with Amelia at "The Rose"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50YlkbnqiovfyVFTH8MpsqiJZAgfjR1HNgv7IjZgTAY3cyZEcEbHHI0zM0dSsQOOJ5vqTf4bORv7h7RwLpUOhyoyqv0QCW4q4O2bx876Ss0HPeZz_RaPRuTUe2d37QJDxuYVGEH8MIbw/s1600/Amelia3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50YlkbnqiovfyVFTH8MpsqiJZAgfjR1HNgv7IjZgTAY3cyZEcEbHHI0zM0dSsQOOJ5vqTf4bORv7h7RwLpUOhyoyqv0QCW4q4O2bx876Ss0HPeZz_RaPRuTUe2d37QJDxuYVGEH8MIbw/s400/Amelia3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amelia is one of my travel partners to</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cambodia and Vietnam in March</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was our next and last visit to Napier. I only had a couple hours off and I went back into town to take some pictures that I was not able to get last time due to the rain. The sun was out and the weather was warm. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After getting the shots I wanted I traveled down one the streets in hopes of finding a rugby world cup shirt at a fair price. Most everything in New Zealand is much higher priced then in the states. And because of the World Cup anything to do with the games in also very expensive. I have not bought a shirt yet because they are priced around $100 for official shirts and I refuse to pay that much. Today was my lucky day. I defiantly wanted a shirt having been here and actually having gone to a game. I found a store with official rugby items on sale and got the shirt I wanted to $40 New Zealand that is $33 American. Still pricey but at least I can justify that amount, after all it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience for me.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PICTON<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Picton is one of my favorite ports in New Zealand. Picton is a very small town with a beautiful waterfront. On our first visit there was an arts and crafts show in the park located on the water. There are many shops that offer tours to different areas of the many bays that surround Picton.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I met up with Jessica that is one of the dancers from the ship. Jessica is one the two girls that I’m traveling with to Cambodia and Vietnam in March while the ship is in dry dock in Singapore.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We decided to go for a short hike to the top of one of the hills. The views were really nice of the bay and of the town below. Afterwards it was back to town for a bite to eat before heading back to the ship.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wobi8XfrPeZ7fSmdi2nz2LCu5_KgtpJLkgRBdimavcYc4obEk1cEQm653FpququbnUst1Q0jzicRt239XCddiaILY_RkQ5orc8uetNrayz-OpkaySQgwS4O4a5jgHDGvgiz2ryhN3aE/s1600/picton1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wobi8XfrPeZ7fSmdi2nz2LCu5_KgtpJLkgRBdimavcYc4obEk1cEQm653FpququbnUst1Q0jzicRt239XCddiaILY_RkQ5orc8uetNrayz-OpkaySQgwS4O4a5jgHDGvgiz2ryhN3aE/s400/picton1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Port of Call...Picton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtf9pt7tliPUH9Dho2kQjJV1Ep0bFXqpyIOR-xigj-i1LKCkAkjWfCNS1EjKcfKYA2P_57Iyo4K-fpZ8nIsvDRTttOS_XndqVEn8K6rWvKh8tyCdfVbStcj-O7Q4FULarQqdTyS4Hy4/s1600/picton2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtf9pt7tliPUH9Dho2kQjJV1Ep0bFXqpyIOR-xigj-i1LKCkAkjWfCNS1EjKcfKYA2P_57Iyo4K-fpZ8nIsvDRTttOS_XndqVEn8K6rWvKh8tyCdfVbStcj-O7Q4FULarQqdTyS4Hy4/s400/picton2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGE6QAwf2sIT9oUoy26zjqTUwE0CfB9o4geODgJE8TMQ5dzvFHeRiKeYVGVMl4rpH8lIa8uXcPgjI7LFF0diCWZekHxNSvdkU0XPhvYQHauUgZYb4aBYIGKj9gxrZVGIXxgQS3-fNPF4/s1600/picton3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGE6QAwf2sIT9oUoy26zjqTUwE0CfB9o4geODgJE8TMQ5dzvFHeRiKeYVGVMl4rpH8lIa8uXcPgjI7LFF0diCWZekHxNSvdkU0XPhvYQHauUgZYb4aBYIGKj9gxrZVGIXxgQS3-fNPF4/s400/picton3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNzmQAEOVwFD2wN0HwRC11hvcD25B2mjf2wnRICxTct02L84K4rR9cKhX4sGZjKCWJjuov5rwLzUjOzO9NNh-FkzsRAGS_5fazx7Yd5kBpknR9F3OAf2vGxXAXL1bIg-_rzIqVlLnXK8/s1600/pictonjess2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNzmQAEOVwFD2wN0HwRC11hvcD25B2mjf2wnRICxTct02L84K4rR9cKhX4sGZjKCWJjuov5rwLzUjOzO9NNh-FkzsRAGS_5fazx7Yd5kBpknR9F3OAf2vGxXAXL1bIg-_rzIqVlLnXK8/s400/pictonjess2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessica above Picton on a hike together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Four months to go and we are headed to Cambodia and Vietnam</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BAY OF ISLANDS...PIAHIA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bay of Islands is another favorite of mine. It is a small area filled with, yes islands. It is also where the Maori culture hails at its birthplace. We will be there tomorrow for an overnighter and I plan on going to the Maori Cultural Center for its show that night. The next day I want to go and explore the area a bit and go for a hike.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week there was an arts and crafts show and farmers market. The town itself is small in size but there seems to be a lot of nature in the area if you choose to explore a bit. There are many shops that offer everything from diving, fishing and boat rides to helicopter rides.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9AMLrmVO9FOBzZwZC6LSBgTYl59VkhZCCR95C8qL5KmexyPBsXU578zrfEasb4tOwT5H2InAmViZUCMXG5euAcBPUbDADPTrp9-YLfIUc_KnVve99Y4NeMxqzJCSXPeU0t_C-GT6g_4/s1600/bayisland1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9AMLrmVO9FOBzZwZC6LSBgTYl59VkhZCCR95C8qL5KmexyPBsXU578zrfEasb4tOwT5H2InAmViZUCMXG5euAcBPUbDADPTrp9-YLfIUc_KnVve99Y4NeMxqzJCSXPeU0t_C-GT6g_4/s400/bayisland1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Entering the Bay of Islands region</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__torpP0oohUUznDLYZ9FpkhX8hzCxt1kkF5ujdBdgJhxdeZiG6nEsCF5qY6yXIJ2CNZ20YeGYqsLdpM4DwvcHDtpt9BFTeHff_R20g7K-HdmJboVM49oyFmPonw7931Zem4Y9Q_ecu0/s1600/bayislandssail_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__torpP0oohUUznDLYZ9FpkhX8hzCxt1kkF5ujdBdgJhxdeZiG6nEsCF5qY6yXIJ2CNZ20YeGYqsLdpM4DwvcHDtpt9BFTeHff_R20g7K-HdmJboVM49oyFmPonw7931Zem4Y9Q_ecu0/s400/bayislandssail_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxx3or-W8QiI4bBdqoYfqIShFT939efjS7oxXOXEqU5UpISZLl6w1vercaFK8IXm4pxFZH_rHkcwYJzDlGbbQc0Wv8Z0thqgg-VWzgHCyhbrfeSQfNbiRhhIjDMtPDo0DqQUo0Ghkr2w/s1600/boi_pier_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxx3or-W8QiI4bBdqoYfqIShFT939efjS7oxXOXEqU5UpISZLl6w1vercaFK8IXm4pxFZH_rHkcwYJzDlGbbQc0Wv8Z0thqgg-VWzgHCyhbrfeSQfNbiRhhIjDMtPDo0DqQUo0Ghkr2w/s400/boi_pier_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVLsGaE-HDI4zzE38RhhHfsu4euDHiYqbgpzBT8ru_KF4IxQclQT9YTRZ5crDuwao-umgGg_EdNR1A4i-s7uJzgbzQa0O84_qAvqTcDxsZ3lCddFkAQs1VARFYdILGmStI4Qp9K4iGOI/s1600/boi1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVLsGaE-HDI4zzE38RhhHfsu4euDHiYqbgpzBT8ru_KF4IxQclQT9YTRZ5crDuwao-umgGg_EdNR1A4i-s7uJzgbzQa0O84_qAvqTcDxsZ3lCddFkAQs1VARFYdILGmStI4Qp9K4iGOI/s400/boi1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">TAURANGA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today we are back in Tauranga. It is also a small town with a main street filled with shops and restaurants. By walking a few blocks through town you come to a great beach that stretches for miles.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The downfall to being on ships is most of the time you don’t have days on end to explore the true beauty and nature of these areas. Most what we see is the town and maybe a bit of the area. Still all in all it is a great life and I feel very fortunate to be able to travel and make money to boot.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A week from today we will be in Sydney, Australia and explore new areas.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-35735598398107486992011-10-09T19:35:00.020-06:002011-10-09T21:05:52.802-06:00NEXT STOP…FRENCH POLYNESIA<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TAHITI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KgtN80Az66uBiiNfNvMDyNzdiy5rDY3s90gA7TT4f6FLA57p4IMF8fT8QcMA_-rTlWGXF_I_5Agg9E3jyCsiVNnPjioo6AA3HWJLaYLjjVp4cfc_IO6MelCo1qKV43ZmIWrfLJ3f_kA/s1600/tahitiplane_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KgtN80Az66uBiiNfNvMDyNzdiy5rDY3s90gA7TT4f6FLA57p4IMF8fT8QcMA_-rTlWGXF_I_5Agg9E3jyCsiVNnPjioo6AA3HWJLaYLjjVp4cfc_IO6MelCo1qKV43ZmIWrfLJ3f_kA/s400/tahitiplane_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tahiti beautiful yes but...</div><br />
...I’m sorry to disappoint all of you that have heard so many great things about Tahiti. I was one of them and like many on board could not wait to get there. And like many on board, both crew and guests we came away with a bitter taste in my mouth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking for my shipmates that I go ashore with and myself everyone was extremely rude, from the taxi driver to the waiter to shopkeepers that we encountered. I hate to say it but it was the French, they were all the “stereotypical French” that you always hear about. They were rude, nasty and thought they are doing you this great favor in every situation including if it was just a question you were asking them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The only people that were not were the actual native Polynesians themselves. Those that worked at the resorts or beaches we went to were very helpful and pleasant.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tahiti was also extremely expensive. The first place we stopped and tried to go to the beach one of the workers at the hotel told us it would be $77 per person to go into the ocean! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfll9_8ILIu3hEbF6zigQU8ra6KgHR9TyG-XMEGQ1Dlwwk7Wh4ZUzc4bxrvv7MYmKfDgzivfkGeWpyI9_KF1xpewELCK5nXAidlMBsJBVwm-bowN_cr0XKyPwBWibS6xuwPVCQr8irPTg/s1600/tahitiboys2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfll9_8ILIu3hEbF6zigQU8ra6KgHR9TyG-XMEGQ1Dlwwk7Wh4ZUzc4bxrvv7MYmKfDgzivfkGeWpyI9_KF1xpewELCK5nXAidlMBsJBVwm-bowN_cr0XKyPwBWibS6xuwPVCQr8irPTg/s400/tahitiboys2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">$77 per person to go to the beach....next....</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Needless to say we went to a hotel just down the beach where going into the ocean was actually free. We did however enjoy drinking $6 beer while sitting in the ocean that they actually brought right to us. We were also able to enjoy using the resorts pool…free.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNiDs4HF07yKNkAAXgILOJg1x7qqlfAcgNdJ-vXIylCKhrQjCKrZu7wPZ4uKljQquA8JkiN_q2JXZgLHD2ohCbZDWxHpTmJEtlt_ewX2bF_CcZAkhWV2F0MRRbEsYITTVGVy5h6opl5A/s1600/tahiti_self_boys_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNiDs4HF07yKNkAAXgILOJg1x7qqlfAcgNdJ-vXIylCKhrQjCKrZu7wPZ4uKljQquA8JkiN_q2JXZgLHD2ohCbZDWxHpTmJEtlt_ewX2bF_CcZAkhWV2F0MRRbEsYITTVGVy5h6opl5A/s400/tahiti_self_boys_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is more like it...free beach and $5 beers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZdinzgHC4uy0zFD7nEOCc74O_XcSuCCdnwQ3JhMKL5bVR3Ed56tzuEtfPWTquLMkdQCBNbBklXScNZDXa1-v3G66Q_hl5DgYG6xq9i0ZK-FkE4qxCmQec2BDwu0Cel3r7YDuDGaGqS8/s1600/tahitijamesirish_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZdinzgHC4uy0zFD7nEOCc74O_XcSuCCdnwQ3JhMKL5bVR3Ed56tzuEtfPWTquLMkdQCBNbBklXScNZDXa1-v3G66Q_hl5DgYG6xq9i0ZK-FkE4qxCmQec2BDwu0Cel3r7YDuDGaGqS8/s400/tahitijamesirish_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Boys, the Beach and Beer...James and Irish</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIUkx6o_x4SW-N-nZYJ5WqIK8d9h4jVQru_FAHHwW0U3jYZpwwJcLsaUF5w-of_xr_sk0LsHyWrP0YMlqC0dGOyb6MZu36xgFO7eYBcXP6tSUOj7nv0a6ZSDwFIetV5vmfQRb-v_UCeA/s1600/tahitijames_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIUkx6o_x4SW-N-nZYJ5WqIK8d9h4jVQru_FAHHwW0U3jYZpwwJcLsaUF5w-of_xr_sk0LsHyWrP0YMlqC0dGOyb6MZu36xgFO7eYBcXP6tSUOj7nv0a6ZSDwFIetV5vmfQRb-v_UCeA/s400/tahitijames_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Football Tahiti Style...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXVZEPkrRHddSEiLIPYNoIJ-w9lTq9AejlqMZypJJUzR3f4DQ8URq_72rD5_lEtfAFTpJoyNBNIWaRw5qFXNgOpM64pdIS1qlNHBQmzXnEWXck-IePduG9Il2cuQkZoW58_m6UBFo3jQ/s1600/tahiti_score72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXVZEPkrRHddSEiLIPYNoIJ-w9lTq9AejlqMZypJJUzR3f4DQ8URq_72rD5_lEtfAFTpJoyNBNIWaRw5qFXNgOpM64pdIS1qlNHBQmzXnEWXck-IePduG9Il2cuQkZoW58_m6UBFo3jQ/s400/tahiti_score72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Craig scores...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TIME FOR MYSELF TO SCORE....WITH PICTURES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrFzZUL0kJOn0h2VZOJ9KKLUdrAYEUuFokOlQmIvsThag1hbshVGSCHvkQfjUHDQHOGPpn045FgucC5pJhhnEsMY5IPi_vmOXZuosaGefsV4Ccx__zeTMdOse53Vw-vC_6azOCYilCLg/s1600/tahitiboats1_9_11_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrFzZUL0kJOn0h2VZOJ9KKLUdrAYEUuFokOlQmIvsThag1hbshVGSCHvkQfjUHDQHOGPpn045FgucC5pJhhnEsMY5IPi_vmOXZuosaGefsV4Ccx__zeTMdOse53Vw-vC_6azOCYilCLg/s400/tahitiboats1_9_11_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkENCX7RbgfbC3keIhsvYjbxyYhrg6_LfSNUvJacDa0sJyUxedizRQjAljU6qHvyJR9EvRRpzbvwAEvSzbW23212btDFlNHUqOyf27YaMq1-Xa-Mlkh7xJ8LMqr7SQONmtF0zg5XlGbkY/s1600/tahiticanoe2_9_11_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkENCX7RbgfbC3keIhsvYjbxyYhrg6_LfSNUvJacDa0sJyUxedizRQjAljU6qHvyJR9EvRRpzbvwAEvSzbW23212btDFlNHUqOyf27YaMq1-Xa-Mlkh7xJ8LMqr7SQONmtF0zg5XlGbkY/s400/tahiticanoe2_9_11_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsPeFeyPpmTsbGwqG0XFsmhgrJO_8nwL9xm-Esc5T7QIuDTFmow3KEiMqhDnmZfFULaNfVziHmZ-qn3vPDb85HocxpDLZ1vyQOFAZLu03LcfPQ4W5vPyV7j2Pm-gRlMg96T1Ha6aqgdg/s1600/tahitisunsetbeach1_9_27_11_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsPeFeyPpmTsbGwqG0XFsmhgrJO_8nwL9xm-Esc5T7QIuDTFmow3KEiMqhDnmZfFULaNfVziHmZ-qn3vPDb85HocxpDLZ1vyQOFAZLu03LcfPQ4W5vPyV7j2Pm-gRlMg96T1Ha6aqgdg/s400/tahitisunsetbeach1_9_27_11_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">It didn’t seem to matter what you had to eat, a burger to pasta everything was $20 plus. Then to top it off if you wanted a cocktail it was $20 and above too. Even a small place that I would have considered a dive bar in the states that we ran into a few blocks back from the “tourist zone” was still $19 a drink.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know if this was true on the backside of the island but it was certainly true around the town of Papeete.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">MOOREA<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFjTR9Wzb00vO8dN4dtpDkGKk807IoKbVgYjOHDj4x9qHBnYO2FuwhyMpr9v25iN7rsGxRVGxnX2imaVWlM8MhZM0F78xJuYqVx2sCoEVL02V9UXQn_pe4cBwVpa_rMfpVkQQDAAcZ9o/s1600/moorearhap_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFjTR9Wzb00vO8dN4dtpDkGKk807IoKbVgYjOHDj4x9qHBnYO2FuwhyMpr9v25iN7rsGxRVGxnX2imaVWlM8MhZM0F78xJuYqVx2sCoEVL02V9UXQn_pe4cBwVpa_rMfpVkQQDAAcZ9o/s400/moorearhap_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Rhapsody of the Seas...Moorea</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day we found ourselves in Moorea. Although still expensive the people of the island were all very nice. I decided to take a tour of the island, which cost me $40 and well worth the price.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The tour took us inland to historical sights, pineapple farms and through the mountains.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJsCCPBo71KJB3pHIvzw7LS6yG4f9JY5NHQcp-sU6htBoqOol5CcilNGv4B_3mkW7SFL1oqMe6wBtasjERrLY39adRXSMAgbPMFf-pJUjarqPBxoA9dKLwRTL3PwISkCCBkyJhPfeSyo/s1600/mooreacook1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJsCCPBo71KJB3pHIvzw7LS6yG4f9JY5NHQcp-sU6htBoqOol5CcilNGv4B_3mkW7SFL1oqMe6wBtasjERrLY39adRXSMAgbPMFf-pJUjarqPBxoA9dKLwRTL3PwISkCCBkyJhPfeSyo/s400/mooreacook1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cook Bay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPinOtOuoKAlKQfw03wr_sh5Vzj3o4tJOzWHwUPzoqKh7FZwi8qWkIkMIwcDfo_Krngp-pE60Nr4-bWS_RU2fHfkP0ANTIxZLqI5QjYYiLzt7u8qUwI-eFlrw9UoqCwcd7LIS4uBvFY0/s1600/mooreamt4_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPinOtOuoKAlKQfw03wr_sh5Vzj3o4tJOzWHwUPzoqKh7FZwi8qWkIkMIwcDfo_Krngp-pE60Nr4-bWS_RU2fHfkP0ANTIxZLqI5QjYYiLzt7u8qUwI-eFlrw9UoqCwcd7LIS4uBvFY0/s400/mooreamt4_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdvcfDbzuccShydzWCu1IaiplXBkiJvHL4FoVqWg7X9UeMmtaoWOyMfdp-tJcngRFN-EZwI-FXxrkB-4sSIAIux93hL4QGyVPF7IYDEHcmUjiC74jW_Yq14ynLKnJR_SQvTUob-v_Zxc/s1600/mooreawaverunner1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdvcfDbzuccShydzWCu1IaiplXBkiJvHL4FoVqWg7X9UeMmtaoWOyMfdp-tJcngRFN-EZwI-FXxrkB-4sSIAIux93hL4QGyVPF7IYDEHcmUjiC74jW_Yq14ynLKnJR_SQvTUob-v_Zxc/s400/mooreawaverunner1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVAquF55KyH8Klxdq5SeQZEFYSnpEZV_-dPKkDs7AEwBWtEbmH2kK8eNub7DHJVqbF97M5sXNFjJK1nARXF8rN98er22hFY0ZXjmRPi8PwpbXs4ryGS90bfCYtbC70kTkrrIgFWODZvs/s1600/mooreashipmt1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVAquF55KyH8Klxdq5SeQZEFYSnpEZV_-dPKkDs7AEwBWtEbmH2kK8eNub7DHJVqbF97M5sXNFjJK1nARXF8rN98er22hFY0ZXjmRPi8PwpbXs4ryGS90bfCYtbC70kTkrrIgFWODZvs/s400/mooreashipmt1_72.jpg" width="265" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BORA BORA<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last day in French Polynesia was on the island of Bora Bora. At first it looked like it was to rain most of the day. James, Irish (Stephen) and Hadder and myself rented a car for $75 for the day and drove around the entire island. We stopped here and there to take pictures and ended up at Mitira Beach for lunch and the obligatory beer…I mean beers…<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lR_XfognKsSzeE505sUpvsR0_4JZJ_nh-q3bmvAvwb3kv_3_IrM6oXhrRFBVq3jgDWMUfS7lWN9TIOUxX73SUxLNcJ2AUB5d4739u3xy8b_bDiSerksmKnnyCtH6vmjYtsgGlKqeSPw/s1600/BoraBoys72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lR_XfognKsSzeE505sUpvsR0_4JZJ_nh-q3bmvAvwb3kv_3_IrM6oXhrRFBVq3jgDWMUfS7lWN9TIOUxX73SUxLNcJ2AUB5d4739u3xy8b_bDiSerksmKnnyCtH6vmjYtsgGlKqeSPw/s400/BoraBoys72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bora Bora with The Boys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James, Hadder and Irish</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt72pa4lPOifEaUUM3hM-ignnpCkMOOWhKtuWeT-Eil-p4fmRZKbAWX1Lz71G1KWpy6sDimhr3-TWMDzVTzzmczBy0lw9srJA7vyux3eXkgSau1gr0Yc_SH37_fB00WwuxOAN_AG66bo/s1600/BoraSelfBoys_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipt72pa4lPOifEaUUM3hM-ignnpCkMOOWhKtuWeT-Eil-p4fmRZKbAWX1Lz71G1KWpy6sDimhr3-TWMDzVTzzmczBy0lw9srJA7vyux3eXkgSau1gr0Yc_SH37_fB00WwuxOAN_AG66bo/s400/BoraSelfBoys_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Myself, Hadder and Irish at Mitira Bay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqS8xLt92sHTnoGXi5dF9gveZqK7uLK3z5GLkERsFY9qI1S8R9ItBprsr-0DENVV2FxfDLW7VMNf9cgTix9Dnbj-A8mgMRlQg1NGPdyTWhJ5kqGYuL9QXvyUudvXmxHin65ZZaASMepM/s1600/BoraLunch_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqS8xLt92sHTnoGXi5dF9gveZqK7uLK3z5GLkERsFY9qI1S8R9ItBprsr-0DENVV2FxfDLW7VMNf9cgTix9Dnbj-A8mgMRlQg1NGPdyTWhJ5kqGYuL9QXvyUudvXmxHin65ZZaASMepM/s400/BoraLunch_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crew Lunch at Mitira Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdGnIAHPgCeIw3T6hy5zlwfOJf4nDCIKfqr7J_Dtdj9NowRGSmqrLczpuG1wiyuoyfkWynjwpbJT3EgQUjLAmvh77tmb2PrfNJcB4y4ceMXARMyEGORnP2SifQhBDjoe3tb_eF1q6WIo/s1600/BoraMitira1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdGnIAHPgCeIw3T6hy5zlwfOJf4nDCIKfqr7J_Dtdj9NowRGSmqrLczpuG1wiyuoyfkWynjwpbJT3EgQUjLAmvh77tmb2PrfNJcB4y4ceMXARMyEGORnP2SifQhBDjoe3tb_eF1q6WIo/s400/BoraMitira1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mitira Bay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_4Y4nYCBCN7bzV-tYgkhNRxCY-ooY2Kd0h9VQGdRsDGGKsIKvXI5z1bAUZmTOa6mL2o0G1Sso-fXg5yAgHNbT5hF_yWalnmCZR-lPcdY5Fy-MJWxTRhKUEbpPgINEtNp2fXVDx_Z81g/s1600/BoraPier1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_4Y4nYCBCN7bzV-tYgkhNRxCY-ooY2Kd0h9VQGdRsDGGKsIKvXI5z1bAUZmTOa6mL2o0G1Sso-fXg5yAgHNbT5hF_yWalnmCZR-lPcdY5Fy-MJWxTRhKUEbpPgINEtNp2fXVDx_Z81g/s400/BoraPier1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr4_oOkzTusEjqhstvldBW3eBMjRI_E4MExFHXx8uctV5zWzXwnDTdiNHsXo4_cCxJZx2FI1d475duGzUixQ0fScw-4-jWO-J9KY4shkwX_rCLntfuSVPXRT8hByZR7aWef5QqdeaN4g/s1600/bora1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJr4_oOkzTusEjqhstvldBW3eBMjRI_E4MExFHXx8uctV5zWzXwnDTdiNHsXo4_cCxJZx2FI1d475duGzUixQ0fScw-4-jWO-J9KY4shkwX_rCLntfuSVPXRT8hByZR7aWef5QqdeaN4g/s400/bora1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunset in Bora Bora</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBkyAa0_AR07h-5v3LyqU0UI8OTm-HxVtYzOv1k7sqw3oygC-y9i3G0mOT9nPi0LU1gW99gQ55nJIyoSZNoVPAoYn1r8Bty6pWNSjQfDSZLlZQ0xtr7I7ZK1u_Fnlkvklmj24vDxbQow/s1600/BoraHuts1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBkyAa0_AR07h-5v3LyqU0UI8OTm-HxVtYzOv1k7sqw3oygC-y9i3G0mOT9nPi0LU1gW99gQ55nJIyoSZNoVPAoYn1r8Bty6pWNSjQfDSZLlZQ0xtr7I7ZK1u_Fnlkvklmj24vDxbQow/s400/BoraHuts1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As an overview although it was very expensive I’d go back to Moorea and especially Bora Bora. As far as Tahiti goes I don’t care if I ever go back, the French can keep it and their crappy attitude!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-42471613650287838812011-10-09T19:00:00.007-06:002011-10-09T19:23:07.371-06:00PEARL....<div class="MsoNormal">To those in the Navy it is known simply as “Pearl”, throughout the world it is known as Pearl Harbor.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw1MvXtRjN6hx2T_yDfsSlxlEM6Plpo0wylqs_bugVk3gcZWvyHPkA8Vlmy0Pq6sLyuHdbDZwdKTJAveWsNkeQgiePN5xK2nHsUDbCiffnE8fJ-blxXaYXmbMGP0iKfHIFL68T_Tx5A/s1600/ArizMem1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogw1MvXtRjN6hx2T_yDfsSlxlEM6Plpo0wylqs_bugVk3gcZWvyHPkA8Vlmy0Pq6sLyuHdbDZwdKTJAveWsNkeQgiePN5xK2nHsUDbCiffnE8fJ-blxXaYXmbMGP0iKfHIFL68T_Tx5A/s400/ArizMem1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last time I was at Pearl was in July 1976 when I was in the Navy as an Aviation Electrician Second Class Petty Officer stationed on the USS Enterprise. We stopped at Pearl on the beginning of a WestPac headed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, Hong Kong and then Hobart, Tasmania. Then I was flown home as my hitch was up in December.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember as we made our way through the channel to our mooring near the Arizona Memorial how seemingly quiet it was. The flight deck was lining with sailors in their dress whites out of respect for the fallen. Those that were there that day December morning had a blank stare come over them. My Chief was one of them. I remember him pointing to where the planes came from and what was happening during the attack. It was both interesting and eerie to hear the details from someone that was actually there when the attack occurred.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing that I have regretted over the past 35 years was not going to the Arizona Memorial and I was not going to make the same mistake twice. While waiting for the launch to go to the Arizona there were three survivors of the December 7<sup>th</sup> attack. They were their signing autographs and handing out on page biographies of their story of that day. I had all three sign copies for my grandkids Basil and Dionisia.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LL22mPYwPdeE9zTCFqg9gVCALxLpX8rKY3Hoq2dVCo0HS4zMACN6x6J8BsRYpNul0kLeEE4POe_KvOsTPM77ElWcKdYa3-85Bn9VpZESFcjj4_3xLg7S7zF1_xTs8VF64nA0nH1dX-M/s1600/ArizMem5_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LL22mPYwPdeE9zTCFqg9gVCALxLpX8rKY3Hoq2dVCo0HS4zMACN6x6J8BsRYpNul0kLeEE4POe_KvOsTPM77ElWcKdYa3-85Bn9VpZESFcjj4_3xLg7S7zF1_xTs8VF64nA0nH1dX-M/s400/ArizMem5_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before you go to the memorial itself there is a short film that explains the reasons for Japan attack. There are film clips from both the Japanese and the Americans and it gives insight from both perspectives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once at the Arizona you are asked to keep the talking to a minimum out of respect. This isn’t really necessary as everyone seemed to do so naturally. A quiet calm and reverence was apparent as visitors from all nations looked at the names of Arizona’s fallen listed on the white marble wall at the far end of the memorial or as they looked into the water at the encrusted hull.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbN4ldnfpXNAr9K8lvpGziq7wH3bTELuz3u62s3ignwFqw1yQYDQU-vQDZjwHpANbFwF8-rv-oF-WxxNzhrIqS8fkUCa5n8a6WucdhZUX11oV5HptS8KlmERQ2yhi_OyAmm6gtgFtiaU/s1600/ArizMem3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbN4ldnfpXNAr9K8lvpGziq7wH3bTELuz3u62s3ignwFqw1yQYDQU-vQDZjwHpANbFwF8-rv-oF-WxxNzhrIqS8fkUCa5n8a6WucdhZUX11oV5HptS8KlmERQ2yhi_OyAmm6gtgFtiaU/s400/ArizMem3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another reminder of the war was the battleship Missouri known as “Big Mo” that looked over the fallen Arizona just a stones throw away. On the deck of the Missouri is where Japan signed its unconditional surrender on September 2, 1945. by surrender was conducted by the Supreme Allied Commander General Douglas MacArthur.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3Vz1kXRredXJMAmPKPOl3UnZ7EnjmJVaXT4KkNYIa5za7Yf8Rey7CQE-KkJrtZzT3_LOixDpM4cpOT68ZVd6XLAcnZsW85WGbJNC9F-q3zQmcSdSKUn_6u72XLzCQC0jmy3KAgOQg_A/s1600/ArizMemBigMo_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3Vz1kXRredXJMAmPKPOl3UnZ7EnjmJVaXT4KkNYIa5za7Yf8Rey7CQE-KkJrtZzT3_LOixDpM4cpOT68ZVd6XLAcnZsW85WGbJNC9F-q3zQmcSdSKUn_6u72XLzCQC0jmy3KAgOQg_A/s400/ArizMemBigMo_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m glad I went to the Arizona to pay my respects.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now it is five sea days until we reach French Polynesia…<o:p></o:p></div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-67277909412927414572011-09-20T16:31:00.001-06:002011-09-20T16:37:18.060-06:00MORE HAWAII PICTURES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmanyAj7eE6Cykai1UWUDcU7ePEpsKzgDXi2C4fjF1j3pJLbPkMW1HAddO_2PT_KmEWscjl6AGOCxE6ugie_C-CwFowa4i4jVCjKK1CJOOv7iaM9jWWUFohfFFVufVADuPsUg9TeulpY/s1600/mauirhap2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmanyAj7eE6Cykai1UWUDcU7ePEpsKzgDXi2C4fjF1j3pJLbPkMW1HAddO_2PT_KmEWscjl6AGOCxE6ugie_C-CwFowa4i4jVCjKK1CJOOv7iaM9jWWUFohfFFVufVADuPsUg9TeulpY/s400/mauirhap2_72.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rhapsody of the Seas off Lahaina, Maui</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVS6nYA2i6ibknCCLPuWtjy2Eqx50DqkNPKmOvHTsKqRKljH6_oksqF6FoBBFwyyLnfsP2U-XrczvGRxE-n6cy8tsDDtyUVEdBrFYAZBHzBV9fY2eq3bIkqeD57RF9cPGPT3Rs1ZO0FM/s1600/mauiwreck1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVS6nYA2i6ibknCCLPuWtjy2Eqx50DqkNPKmOvHTsKqRKljH6_oksqF6FoBBFwyyLnfsP2U-XrczvGRxE-n6cy8tsDDtyUVEdBrFYAZBHzBV9fY2eq3bIkqeD57RF9cPGPT3Rs1ZO0FM/s400/mauiwreck1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shipwreck off Lahania, Maui</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I rented a moped on Kauai for $10 per hour and went to a couple waterfalls and a ride through the mountains...enjoy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAppFZOPRiuuVarMr_S3DYnsxbzwfdbI2VKSY7xr3dYRh_0zIf6fwz27Q5wO1f1HlnFDz0nDKN6jxogl02siQbgMr57hiZ3onHoYnbjuVtv5jbC9FqFxqo6l5HBugaTEgu2GXCq6xl7vE/s1600/kuauifallshort1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAppFZOPRiuuVarMr_S3DYnsxbzwfdbI2VKSY7xr3dYRh_0zIf6fwz27Q5wO1f1HlnFDz0nDKN6jxogl02siQbgMr57hiZ3onHoYnbjuVtv5jbC9FqFxqo6l5HBugaTEgu2GXCq6xl7vE/s400/kuauifallshort1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CYrP2sC4Xhf3IUYaQ6E4v4MQXAG_Ke7KsCGYBwN5PUX9ykvZxDVPguEdzoGtnqVtvs19ZF1jxSJzxZna0KKP82-3-Zg0x84VGnpAv1yGovgCg3iFRumxqSsugiQgR-ccJQYnN0ANVnM/s1600/kauaifalls2_hort1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CYrP2sC4Xhf3IUYaQ6E4v4MQXAG_Ke7KsCGYBwN5PUX9ykvZxDVPguEdzoGtnqVtvs19ZF1jxSJzxZna0KKP82-3-Zg0x84VGnpAv1yGovgCg3iFRumxqSsugiQgR-ccJQYnN0ANVnM/s400/kauaifalls2_hort1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yet another waterfall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSbJwXoZcYQ4i5H4-09_3-L6Bge4OlUvKy2jzpNtw6_V_Knntc-gCcujUsSsT2nulPpGUfM41Tw0jKtjA5XPuX-G5r79YHGMILVsh02Ceo2LqXyBBj2P9WBLr5rEnubkgDrWQfyzmOvY/s1600/kauaifalls2_vert1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSbJwXoZcYQ4i5H4-09_3-L6Bge4OlUvKy2jzpNtw6_V_Knntc-gCcujUsSsT2nulPpGUfM41Tw0jKtjA5XPuX-G5r79YHGMILVsh02Ceo2LqXyBBj2P9WBLr5rEnubkgDrWQfyzmOvY/s400/kauaifalls2_vert1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bwiuzSzroiFWpButhDgj6V7OZDJE_ToIw8rk_0i1bar2Kpa081WA7HxOhVeDkXuVtlwPeb202tKVScbNMPfnx3fCyzkPCnIWdxl-pCepthFl-9ay0DXlwek0X2ZfvET_q4nwJHtaQO0/s1600/kauairiver2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bwiuzSzroiFWpButhDgj6V7OZDJE_ToIw8rk_0i1bar2Kpa081WA7HxOhVeDkXuVtlwPeb202tKVScbNMPfnx3fCyzkPCnIWdxl-pCepthFl-9ay0DXlwek0X2ZfvET_q4nwJHtaQO0/s400/kauairiver2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and a couple river shots</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoWihVJ8squGcLNxnaeySgbv-ehSq1K4EQVR4hOfTn0kS1VNyAmK7rKCA8o1xCuDay2_H9WWvnmCbITws3GFkHHr0L8aCmnjiIKZ2kCZikNfJEavYBrUGGCA8M7EYoSQVEHHbmLj3yi8/s1600/kauairiver1_vert_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoWihVJ8squGcLNxnaeySgbv-ehSq1K4EQVR4hOfTn0kS1VNyAmK7rKCA8o1xCuDay2_H9WWvnmCbITws3GFkHHr0L8aCmnjiIKZ2kCZikNfJEavYBrUGGCA8M7EYoSQVEHHbmLj3yi8/s400/kauairiver1_vert_72.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ENJOY!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411944257090504917.post-23894705736830584882011-09-18T15:58:00.014-06:002011-09-18T16:48:35.771-06:00HEADING SOUTH...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Here I sit in my treatment room waiting for my next and only patient of the day. It’s 4pm local time in Hilo, Hawaii and our first port day after a five days at sea traveling from Vancouver, Canada.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvdpIKZqUNTYjoUId5VtD8yiq0xp846HqFPUEquiudU34c17ry6Wn6y4o-u2CQxtgxGpfzokHP0VOPY3ian9dt5mOUtItvxWwaMxB6MQiS1fnalLTA6lEMYgy1euwLCpsDpfGQoj-XtM/s1600/rhapoffice1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvdpIKZqUNTYjoUId5VtD8yiq0xp846HqFPUEquiudU34c17ry6Wn6y4o-u2CQxtgxGpfzokHP0VOPY3ian9dt5mOUtItvxWwaMxB6MQiS1fnalLTA6lEMYgy1euwLCpsDpfGQoj-XtM/s400/rhapoffice1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from "my office" as we travel near a glacier</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The voyage was nice but uneventful for the most part. As those of you already on ships know it’s the sea day that are the long days and in turn where the revenue is made.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyljXEpaaU109h-BQPHVZ1WvgHug3e9pQCyUB7kW32edP9RuYQqnK6r5vStmIPL_I9UxQ5-C8idkYqSWPLT9NgF5d4pHcDOyST-zeZaTfU9mukU0xPR1fhosBooko3HvfPg_6a6QilEVs/s1600/rhapstern1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyljXEpaaU109h-BQPHVZ1WvgHug3e9pQCyUB7kW32edP9RuYQqnK6r5vStmIPL_I9UxQ5-C8idkYqSWPLT9NgF5d4pHcDOyST-zeZaTfU9mukU0xPR1fhosBooko3HvfPg_6a6QilEVs/s400/rhapstern1_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My treatment room is the top left corner of dark windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This shot was at the dock in Vancouver, Canada before we leaft for Hawaii</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinynUUrfbg-kkwBIDP2Wp02cL83y4IJCBLKUZQMozpNPXLlkI2Rd8bnvWvkhFiT5GRc-e6TWaA2pCK8Q_AuwRDc_DlvQWepG16e5kA_7SCBCraAlTjSDcYsTZmCiA80MhF6r_3_I2SSEg/s1600/vancouver1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinynUUrfbg-kkwBIDP2Wp02cL83y4IJCBLKUZQMozpNPXLlkI2Rd8bnvWvkhFiT5GRc-e6TWaA2pCK8Q_AuwRDc_DlvQWepG16e5kA_7SCBCraAlTjSDcYsTZmCiA80MhF6r_3_I2SSEg/s400/vancouver1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a shot of Vancouver from my office</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On this cruise that was the case for the first three days though I was busy on my fourth as well finishing packages that patients had previously booked. Usually my seminars have between 12-20 people but the last two have had a total of one person, which did end up booking an appointment. I also had a walk-in consultation that ended up a package of three and that is who I am waiting for this evening and then she will finish her package tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rest of the cruise is island hopping the Hawaiian Islands. I am not expecting any treatments if at all as the ship is basically deserted for this next week. Still I am near $8000 for this week. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did have a few hours off today to visit Hilo. There is not really much you can do with only a few hours off between “drill” this morning and work this afternoon. That will change somewhat tomorrow as there is no drill and I do not have to be back onboard until 3:30pm to get ready for my one lone patient yet again.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After that it changes as I have two full days off in Maui where we have an overnight stay. Next is Kauai and then Honolulu, Oahu before heading to French Polynesia.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Now lets catch up with pictures on how I got to where I know find myself...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe2nOWJ6Eb4moHBRvDTrrgHdcsDmgj9D_Ch56H4TQysB9-33wnpErAuOzu0nNOs6ak1SHN9gNKmoM8O74zogzcvvNBQQMvtY-blttsDT7Y1znfcHGE5Gb0CRyPuJbY6XJOc-UQwVzdxk/s1600/seattle1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe2nOWJ6Eb4moHBRvDTrrgHdcsDmgj9D_Ch56H4TQysB9-33wnpErAuOzu0nNOs6ak1SHN9gNKmoM8O74zogzcvvNBQQMvtY-blttsDT7Y1znfcHGE5Gb0CRyPuJbY6XJOc-UQwVzdxk/s400/seattle1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From our mooirng in Seattle before heading to Alaska</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOM4ysbjpSH7cS4Kg7JMdq2QKRe-uMUXCY_bgIWyoCc9L6XaOYg66kKWLc5hKp2qRPYOjVpJhTjUyCNdYeskCEBPGc3wWpZ9yRCZwZWdw5sfMKZ9adn4_YDYFUXexbOQamnFviz7bwtg/s1600/juneau1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOM4ysbjpSH7cS4Kg7JMdq2QKRe-uMUXCY_bgIWyoCc9L6XaOYg66kKWLc5hKp2qRPYOjVpJhTjUyCNdYeskCEBPGc3wWpZ9yRCZwZWdw5sfMKZ9adn4_YDYFUXexbOQamnFviz7bwtg/s400/juneau1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First port of call - downtown Juneau, Alaska</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YP2dPZO1r7LXK-8Gji8PoUDRgUw-ST1FXcS8YAPa5iI7adXhTtS1AVejuASDffX2eUZbDmv2ZPG65eeY6bqzKiEhjR4Jjv1Ls0NhDZ26LUEXS2aHJvvU1i5ROzYeuOJIaNayLUaTOdY/s1600/mtnfog1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YP2dPZO1r7LXK-8Gji8PoUDRgUw-ST1FXcS8YAPa5iI7adXhTtS1AVejuASDffX2eUZbDmv2ZPG65eeY6bqzKiEhjR4Jjv1Ls0NhDZ26LUEXS2aHJvvU1i5ROzYeuOJIaNayLUaTOdY/s400/mtnfog1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from Juneau</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7BQjUClHF3SG_KucvVWTmOAFbpTJpcqDlwlWCppENfYwY4Xw0MwTbOCAvMwdB92ZM0sHhYO72rcjGTbD96TFqeNMXamrMT9URd8rsxm_t39TKKF12olYFdxJTJJ4vyn5GgBcuLMZ4BI/s1600/juneauhill1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7BQjUClHF3SG_KucvVWTmOAFbpTJpcqDlwlWCppENfYwY4Xw0MwTbOCAvMwdB92ZM0sHhYO72rcjGTbD96TFqeNMXamrMT9URd8rsxm_t39TKKF12olYFdxJTJJ4vyn5GgBcuLMZ4BI/s400/juneauhill1_72.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another shot of outside Juneau</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10s_L_qOCqnjPnoAvBDcBc_OOyx7DQDgHdILQtCIOwhvatNVvAIKAXSH4wD3NDIuRzv61e7y9GTATmKJHxPVqQtzFoV2Lh_sYBQ1m6XD5cjjmhAoPHBfuduToGGtQCOKTSB17V_-dfWg/s1600/skagrhap1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10s_L_qOCqnjPnoAvBDcBc_OOyx7DQDgHdILQtCIOwhvatNVvAIKAXSH4wD3NDIuRzv61e7y9GTATmKJHxPVqQtzFoV2Lh_sYBQ1m6XD5cjjmhAoPHBfuduToGGtQCOKTSB17V_-dfWg/s400/skagrhap1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moored in Skagway, Alaska</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs-C_xw34knXT7lQ8mnmYeR2YDq96LmToeq9qPoSuLI5-18FyLgy8ZVZ5OzzzvcX1qi5c7iStD9dSehSLiznpm85RFqg4aKmi0MgPWeOkin4aGL775F8863drceIuRr20KYRXBCzCZDI/s1600/skagwayjunc1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs-C_xw34knXT7lQ8mnmYeR2YDq96LmToeq9qPoSuLI5-18FyLgy8ZVZ5OzzzvcX1qi5c7iStD9dSehSLiznpm85RFqg4aKmi0MgPWeOkin4aGL775F8863drceIuRr20KYRXBCzCZDI/s400/skagwayjunc1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just at the edge of Skagway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o9Ya3p5Hd5aRFTmbRZEPAtkphSPkc0qMygM2V-7TzJry4l0X6mWtctC_fLhXP7SWJ0YZyLcKezWvELkpTUkopie_fwqmdMBIn8EDjQOZTqsQkUT458fSphG2DaFJYpr09bxoF9Nf9Jo/s1600/skagwaysalmon1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8o9Ya3p5Hd5aRFTmbRZEPAtkphSPkc0qMygM2V-7TzJry4l0X6mWtctC_fLhXP7SWJ0YZyLcKezWvELkpTUkopie_fwqmdMBIn8EDjQOZTqsQkUT458fSphG2DaFJYpr09bxoF9Nf9Jo/s400/skagwaysalmon1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The creek running through town was loaded with salmon....100's of them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDwPdOh5fpdiJGIXzTZSNkGMmIF-B0WYJJfDCmUev1Kfm3SnQSClIPZXcldJWbldfmFWFJLO_wdWyUQ-aTs_KKiZvL4BeRfgfSbdDslReMIXiYnAG2X2hHSA_N9oXgCiT7AEyCsm-7dc/s1600/skaggraff1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDwPdOh5fpdiJGIXzTZSNkGMmIF-B0WYJJfDCmUev1Kfm3SnQSClIPZXcldJWbldfmFWFJLO_wdWyUQ-aTs_KKiZvL4BeRfgfSbdDslReMIXiYnAG2X2hHSA_N9oXgCiT7AEyCsm-7dc/s400/skaggraff1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A billboard Skagway style...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">yes graffiti even here in Alaska</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gyfo8MYYQMVLTpJ3iis3hahyphenhyphen5eKvW7phckT1rjUqV1nqVptCJV5tUm_E7aybUlisTjp3MFZ8z5uHWnAv56pCi4QksqHnVfkQYAeFtHdiv0S5hmKgqaiE_rNJb2XJY00VuP1flZx1ZiQ/s1600/glacier2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gyfo8MYYQMVLTpJ3iis3hahyphenhyphen5eKvW7phckT1rjUqV1nqVptCJV5tUm_E7aybUlisTjp3MFZ8z5uHWnAv56pCi4QksqHnVfkQYAeFtHdiv0S5hmKgqaiE_rNJb2XJY00VuP1flZx1ZiQ/s400/glacier2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way to a glacier in the Tracy Arm Fjord</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ33NqJUhI0Lpbjs8EfQSr7jjCKMpHwJxy4TtYY_s-q8s_U-0Fn1J1Lsgk09uMCnTSj4ny_oPWc1ZRuDb_ceE-xvwH-dHcn_Db4d7n-rBbfk3Zru6AnB3ivdloVHZYMQAc-58HI1RUoY/s1600/glacier4_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ33NqJUhI0Lpbjs8EfQSr7jjCKMpHwJxy4TtYY_s-q8s_U-0Fn1J1Lsgk09uMCnTSj4ny_oPWc1ZRuDb_ceE-xvwH-dHcn_Db4d7n-rBbfk3Zru6AnB3ivdloVHZYMQAc-58HI1RUoY/s400/glacier4_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting closer...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAAJkoAnqKlTqUFi2vHG01KvXbQHFT27kCYZZ8XKucMtbUiYCwJbNCjTi0ZEXWDpT4WF4z5RaC1BRopdav7GbNR7oSR38s9JWYoAXLjVvPIuK6Zv43C3fYXOBGXi5MVpUitckZcN67Vg/s1600/glacier3_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAAJkoAnqKlTqUFi2vHG01KvXbQHFT27kCYZZ8XKucMtbUiYCwJbNCjTi0ZEXWDpT4WF4z5RaC1BRopdav7GbNR7oSR38s9JWYoAXLjVvPIuK6Zv43C3fYXOBGXi5MVpUitckZcN67Vg/s400/glacier3_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Closer....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS0yOUi1ztf7MsU8tVd1K40-xPjTFM1eZ4CUJa_R12r-m2L5OtrcTX0rpqM8-mLlfI-t6oMmRajTwHloenmJ_QkVUMuL3WGEDHf8oAbRS8DKGFsI8wEF_lDHM20oabVq5WlDkyuoqriQ/s1600/glacier1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS0yOUi1ztf7MsU8tVd1K40-xPjTFM1eZ4CUJa_R12r-m2L5OtrcTX0rpqM8-mLlfI-t6oMmRajTwHloenmJ_QkVUMuL3WGEDHf8oAbRS8DKGFsI8wEF_lDHM20oabVq5WlDkyuoqriQ/s400/glacier1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">GLACIER!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6SEGOHTVI-uxRbFuRZrasD1aNqtJ-FRs8piObYHEY45e9FreOdUnE_66nGG8kP0IVcHqQrWbo6tzdocZzd7af_MCcKf1wHVu8Olh0AYdD4Lf2YxTfqKpQjM4bnWKGilPSksVyPVcaU/s1600/insidepass1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi6SEGOHTVI-uxRbFuRZrasD1aNqtJ-FRs8piObYHEY45e9FreOdUnE_66nGG8kP0IVcHqQrWbo6tzdocZzd7af_MCcKf1wHVu8Olh0AYdD4Lf2YxTfqKpQjM4bnWKGilPSksVyPVcaU/s400/insidepass1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Headed back to either Seattle or Vancouver</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">along the Inside Passage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpreTA9A2R_aBvVnyAAwJLTZq2oOglqk4m-2sHST62vj3CScUkBfEB5WLuUuqZ9QHSVHoMYWWs8wHbDxZYoOYZg7Hy5B0qVdvKU4JtxMJumIvXS5Xci-EGvZ0JYdkwgE01p1UKoLN0C0k/s1600/insidepass2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpreTA9A2R_aBvVnyAAwJLTZq2oOglqk4m-2sHST62vj3CScUkBfEB5WLuUuqZ9QHSVHoMYWWs8wHbDxZYoOYZg7Hy5B0qVdvKU4JtxMJumIvXS5Xci-EGvZ0JYdkwgE01p1UKoLN0C0k/s400/insidepass2_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along the Inside Passage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMbekrIxPnkZdUSlf2bCe8oflBPCXBvUT-dxsLqd5GNT6q9Zbz8FB6CmnKESVgQLi0U_A8phdiU9eOHwRAYID040jIL1K4GmgbbrZfyZcxh32pX9hEwuD9LogU8-TxC3lFBvqvnbaJZQ/s1600/insidepasssunset1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMbekrIxPnkZdUSlf2bCe8oflBPCXBvUT-dxsLqd5GNT6q9Zbz8FB6CmnKESVgQLi0U_A8phdiU9eOHwRAYID040jIL1K4GmgbbrZfyZcxh32pX9hEwuD9LogU8-TxC3lFBvqvnbaJZQ/s400/insidepasssunset1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunset in the Inside Passage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg11Un-r_hK4W3ZDzAjl5PNIJqPR9-DZBHKths8Zj_stssKhPweXVJB7nkppoyzNan5N77B9mZcPupCZ7BNaxeZPYgqzQ7mPDTDqb_KaL9Bt9ZuI1LVUT4tZlF66KlRZAtkboYPxrKGqs/s1600/vancouversunset1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg11Un-r_hK4W3ZDzAjl5PNIJqPR9-DZBHKths8Zj_stssKhPweXVJB7nkppoyzNan5N77B9mZcPupCZ7BNaxeZPYgqzQ7mPDTDqb_KaL9Bt9ZuI1LVUT4tZlF66KlRZAtkboYPxrKGqs/s400/vancouversunset1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving Vancouver for Hawaii!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">WORK HARD<o:p></o:p><br />
First let me mention a little of what I have discovered about working with patients and improving the numbers of packages sold and my retail. I think on my first contract of four months in retrospect I held back somewhat. Since then I have more have become more direct in some ways. Rather then talk to them about coming in for a treatment and then deciding how many treatments you would like or how many bottles of herbs they should buy I firmly state that “you need 3-5 treatments and 2 bottles of herbs and one instant refreshing gel.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When Stephanie first approached me with this method of treatment procedures during training and again by Lisa during a fleet visit I just thought it’s not my style. I’m not about pushing treatments or retail on anyone and I’ll suggest what I feel they need.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That has not changed but what has changed is my confidence in the products Steiner offers. I have not only used but have had enough feedback from crew members and by patients that I now know the quality and the results possible if the patients follow through and do what I suggest.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is an example. Last week I had a patient come in for low back, upper back and hip pain. I told him that for best results he needed 3-5 treatments, as this worked on the root cause of the problem not just the related symptom and he agreed to 3 treatments. After the first treatment using the below points he felt 40% better.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I typically use a lot of needles for this treatment but I am also doing three separate treatments at once. I have found for years these points to be very successful. For upper back/neck – SI 11, SI 13, SI 14, Bl 11, GB 21 and occasionally GB 20 depending on the amount of pain in the cervical spine. For low back/hip I use Bl 23, Bl 25, Bl 32, Bl 33, Bl 34, Bl 53, Bl 54, Bl 40 and GB 34. At times I will also use GB 30 if more hip is involved or GB 36 and GB 37 if the pain extends down the back of the leg. I may also use Bl 18 for the livers side function of nourishing tendons and Bl 20 for the spleens side function of nourishing the muscles plus these point are on the erector spinea and pairs well with Bl 23 and Bl 25.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I then stated that he should get one tube of instant refreshing gel and 2 bottles of herbs that he bought. I explained this by stating the homeopathic arnica is quick acting and the herbal formulas are long lasting. I use this rational on every patient. If they are unable to use herbs due to meds I then say they need supersoak and musclease for the long lasting results as they also treat the root cause.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day the patient returned for his second treatment. After the treatment he now stated that he was 60% better. He then express that he came on the cruise to get healthy again. I then suggested if he wanted quicker results he should get the supersoak and musclease as well as they soak right into the skin at the exact location of the problem. Again he took my advice.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day when he came in for his third treatment he told me he felt so good after the treatment the previous day that he and his wife went dancing until 2am. He also stated that he woke an hour later and his legs really hurt and he was in a fair amount of pain. He then applied the essential oils and the instant refreshing gel and woke the next morning and felt 85% better. He was so impressed with the results of the treatments and products he booked two additional treatments.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After his fifth treatment he said he felt so good and had no pain for the first time that he could remember. He then asked even though he felt better if there was anything I could do for his energy levels and he booked two more treatments for a total of seven in all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I changed the point prescription to raise the body’s qi and after the last two treatments he stated along with no pain he now has more energy then he ever has. I also sold him musclease synergy to follow up at home along with his other products.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now I admit this is the exception but it goes to show that if they follow your advice they and you can achieve amazing result. But I will say that if you are firm, talk to the patient with confidence and in a professional manner as a physician they will take your advice and the numbers of packages you sell and your retail will increase also.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is really no reason why the majority of the patients should not receive a package of 3 treatments, a bottle of instant refreshing gel and 2 bottles of herbs or a bottle of instant refreshing gel, supersoak and musclease. This is my goal per patient. Does it happen with every patient, no, but it does happen with the vast majority.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Using this method I have had my best numbers yet for 7 day cruises, two near $8,000 with retail averaging around $3000 and one at $11,103 with $4500 in retail since my contract started a month ago. I did have one low week of $4100 from a charter jazz cruise where nobody showed for seminars and the entire spa was very slow as there were many events and concerts for them to go to…they just were not spa people. Still over $31,000 in revenue for my first month back is not bad.<o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">PLAY HARD<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Day 1 – Hilo Hawaii</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As soon as I stepped outside I was sent back to 1976, which was the first time I was in Hawaii. It was the smell, I remember that smell. The South Pacific has a distinct smell. It’s the fresh air, the humidity, the type of rain and the heat combined that makes it unique.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As it was raining and I had to be back at work a few hours later it was just lunch and catching up on the internet. So much for Hilo.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Day 2 – Kona<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are tendered in Kona so we were not able to get off the ship until 11am.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I headed to a beach a few miles south of the town with friends. Once there here myself and a couple ended up at the resort next to the beach and had a great lunch in an outside style bar/restaurant. After that it was sitting in the pool enjoying the afternoon, sunny skies and a couple beers.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did decide to venture out for a few pictures of the palm trees. I was about to walk through some bushes when I stopped just in time. They were loaded with huge spiders. They were everywhere and only a foot apart. I would have been covered with them. Sure glad something stopped me.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT9urLajzw3UZronjPNMkN3Wwgxknyk6l3WRIB0UgHV6TqgA27TCvNTCfrgii8FC2kCgLNerZgqeiHyXnyO4k6zWmDslbSPxHlG2PnOUJddkAUYiIK3iMDpoeYFAzhKxxFdyGcgYOCYs/s1600/konapalms1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT9urLajzw3UZronjPNMkN3Wwgxknyk6l3WRIB0UgHV6TqgA27TCvNTCfrgii8FC2kCgLNerZgqeiHyXnyO4k6zWmDslbSPxHlG2PnOUJddkAUYiIK3iMDpoeYFAzhKxxFdyGcgYOCYs/s400/konapalms1_72.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the resort/beach in Kona</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTh80k_6hvI_9ZRJlxOWNRhKOWW1rlOn-PgytgFayJZBQchAr65caIXyUpF8m0oHK2rpetv3LGBElckJKMgjuGjOZxs-Tq3M-KFyMvM7poJ9cmT7PkmGSmlECZdnXLZiaGyFqkx1fp4/s1600/konapalms2_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTh80k_6hvI_9ZRJlxOWNRhKOWW1rlOn-PgytgFayJZBQchAr65caIXyUpF8m0oHK2rpetv3LGBElckJKMgjuGjOZxs-Tq3M-KFyMvM7poJ9cmT7PkmGSmlECZdnXLZiaGyFqkx1fp4/s400/konapalms2_72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Kona palms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGvBEZAlY75sWU64GvhUGVFt6e2NfYfF3VitC77xdcuWK9-yvh6hiKt3C3G6zpMLs-Lh8WfWg7ZaJBj1zIb1hIgn3V-WergPfmf8OXYqXG_gDULjlH5ryyEk1Ys4BvxuR9FQtxJNxK_w/s1600/konaspider1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGvBEZAlY75sWU64GvhUGVFt6e2NfYfF3VitC77xdcuWK9-yvh6hiKt3C3G6zpMLs-Lh8WfWg7ZaJBj1zIb1hIgn3V-WergPfmf8OXYqXG_gDULjlH5ryyEk1Ys4BvxuR9FQtxJNxK_w/s400/konaspider1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A the Kona spider</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Day 3 and 4 – Maui<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight is the first time I do not have to be back at work. I left with James (trainer), Irish (bartender), Hadder (bartender) for a $20 taxi ride, which seems to be the norm everywhere we go, to a beach to relax. We are also in town overnight and plan on going to one of the clubs later tonight when Irish gets off work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We ended up at the Maui Westin Resort and relaxed on the grounds and on their beach. We also enjoyed a couple beers at the resorts bar as well and just said we’d rather pay cash then put it on our room.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnECa-nUgQXodOuQ0ESLyAflwk0ZhDV9WGD3yIk3-dg2cPeLXwrAcMRXf-7zbMEBmBHTx6oN1j_pUPh_DToBOr-qoBCo4Yi4gOfPpIKfztZJs2FU4sIgG70eK7m0AJAIfajLqIQbCfeDI/s1600/mauiboys1_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnECa-nUgQXodOuQ0ESLyAflwk0ZhDV9WGD3yIk3-dg2cPeLXwrAcMRXf-7zbMEBmBHTx6oN1j_pUPh_DToBOr-qoBCo4Yi4gOfPpIKfztZJs2FU4sIgG70eK7m0AJAIfajLqIQbCfeDI/s400/mauiboys1_72.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the boys crashing the Maui Westin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Irish, Hadder, James and myself</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal">After the Westin we headed back to town to find a place for the internet and lunch. This too seems to be the norm as none of us are really up for playing tourist at all the high priced shops and bars.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended up with the spa staff at Bubba Gumps for a bite to eat and then to Moose McGillicuddy’s for a few beers before heading back to the ship around 2am. It was very strange being off the ship at night.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is now our second day in port in Maui and I plan on playing tourist, looking for the odd tidbit here and there for a couple people that are special to me and posting this blog and pics.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry it has been so long between posts and keep your emails and questions coming and I’ll do my best to answer them from my experiences. But know I still have a great deal to learn myself about this life but so far so good.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>AcuDocTCMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211492265614637498noreply@blogger.com0