Recrossing the Equator at the Country Fair

Bali, Indonesia

We anchored off Padangbai in Bali at noon on Feb 25. Our trip to the Four Seasons Sayan departed at 3 pm. Our guide, Wira, and a driver, took us to a village of crafts and also several stops along the way. We arrived at the resort around 6 and hurried to get ready for the show and dinner. Our room was a luxurious suite and the resort was built in a rain forest. We really didn't have enough time to fully explore the resort, but we managed to get into the swimming pool and check out the two shops. Big purchase.....Mike's hat. We have 3 sea days ahead and then we arrive in Manila, where the family's of the crew will spend the day onboard the ship.

Fremantle/Perth, Australia

The weather was nice and hot when we arrived in the port of Fremantle. We had a private car and driver provided by our travel group. We had a list of sights as well as the driver's recommendations, so off we went. Four hours of touring both cities and we loved everything. There were many parks, pedestrian shopping streets, restaurants by the water and houses on the Swan river that were unbelievable. We visited several war memorials, but mostly we drove around in the nice air conditioned car. The cities were clean and people were out and about. The city planners really did a good job with the lay out of Perth. There are lots of new high rises being built and both cities appear to be healthy, economically. It was a very enjoyable day.

PARTY PICTURES

Albany, Australia

Our stop in Albany was very short. We arrived at 7:30 and departed just before noon. The shuttle took us into the small city and we managed to walk it in less than an hour. They had a $2.00 store (inflation) and that was fun to go through and buy some stuff. Mike got some fashionable sunglasses. We were back at the ship by 10:00 and I managed to get into the pool for 45 minutes, even though the outside temp was barely 70 degrees. Tonight we will be joining a celebration for our friend, Lloyd's, 99th birthday. WOW!

Adelaide, Australia

I knew we had been to Adelaide before, but couldn't remember anything about it. Once the shuttle bus dropped us off in town, my memory came back. We walked the pedestrian mall and went in and out of the many, many stores. Bought a book and some hair products, which is ironic, since I don't have much hair. The weather was in the upper 80's, so it felt good to hop on the air conditioned free city tour bus. We rode with Rudy and Shirley and did a circle of the city. Took about 25 minutes. Back to the ship, which took about 40 minutes, so we saw most of Adelaide. Two days at sea, across the Australian Bite, which is fairly calm now, and then to Albany and Perth.

Valentine's Day and Melbourne

We celebrated Valentine's Day at sea. Mike and I actually exchanged gifts, which is unusual for us. I gave him a nice long sleeve shirt and he gave me a gorgeous Swarovski Crystal Bracelet. A cuff about 3 inches wide. It was the hit of the evening. We dined in Prime 7, the new steak house onboard and it was delicious, as always. Before dinner they had dancing in the theater and gave all the ladies a red rose.
Feb 15, we arrived in Melbourne. We took the shuttle bus into town and then took the tram to the Queen Victoria Market. A huge swap meet with lots of "stuff". We bought some small trinkets and headed back to the ship to have lunch with Shirley's sister and her two daughters. It was lots of fun. In the evening we ate dinner with the General Manager and his wife and then went to the Beatles Show put on by the singers and the band. They were really great.
Today we are at sea and it is a beautiful day. Tomorrow we will be in Adelaide, Australia.

Sydney, Day 2

We awoke to pouring rain, so we decided not to rush off the ship. It stopped raining about 11, so out we went. Caught a cab to the CYCA....Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Met Kevin and Susan and explored a bit and then had lunch. We opted for fish and chips, which is always delicious. The skies started to darken, so we taxied back to the Rocks area, where they were having a very small farmers market. Looked at the beautiful fruit and vegetables and realized it didn't make sense to bring anything food related back to the ship. We can eat 24/7 if we like.
Walked thru a small mall and I bought a tiny Koala door hanging.
You will notice that I have very short hair in the picture. Yep, I cut it all off. Trying to go natural and not color it anymore.
We are at sea today and it is fairly calm. Melbourne tomorrow.