Sandy and Jim WC 24-25

  SEMARANG, JAVA, INDONESIA FEBRUARY 24, 2025 The island of Java is the center of Hindu-Buddhist empires and a repository of history and cultures.   Semarang, a very busy port, was founded by the Dutch and hints of the island’s colonial past dot the cityscape although much of this city is in disrepair.   The traffic is so intense, several tour buses to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, take 9 hours by police escort!!!  But much of the population travels by scooter! Our tour took us to Kota Lama, the old town of Semarang, to the Blenduk Church dating back to 1753.  An enormous baroque organ resides inside. The second stop was to a railroad museum, but it was somewhat less than captivating. It contained mostly before-and-after photos of old train stations. Jim was notably unimpressed. Our final stop was to Sam Poo Kong, a multi-faith temple built in honor of the famous Chinese Admiral, Zheng He.  We were treated to a colorful and very p...

  BALI, INDONESIA FEBRUARY 21 – 22, 2025 With a thriving arts scene and lush seaside paradises, Bali has long beckoned travelers in search of ultimate beauty – AND here we are!!!!  This island’s rich Hindu culture has held that gods live in all natural things – from mountains to streams to pebbles on the beach – lending the island a  peaceful and serene air as our private local guide for this next two days described (Komang Sherif).   On the first day, we visited artisan villages and chose to explore the workshops of Batik and Silver.   Of course, there were purchases of intricately patterned Batik men’s shirts and ladies wear and hand-made silver jewelry!!!     We then visited the breathtaking beauty of Tegenungan Waterfall.   There was a glass bridge over this valley that we chose not to experience! Our next visit was to a Balinese Family Compound to experience the traditional Balinese way of life. AND our last visit of the day was to a N...

  KOMODO NATIONAL PARK (RINCA), INDONESIA FEBRUARY 20, 2025 THE RULERS OF RINCA ISLAND Part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing 29 islands, Rinca Island is home to about 2,000 of the legendary Komodo dragons. Relatives of the dinosaur, they are the world’s largest reptiles able to reach lengths of more than 10 feet and typically weighing about 150 pounds.   Their tails are as long as their bodies and can take down their prey with one powerful swipe!    If these dragons bite their prey, the bacteria and venom in the saliva will kill the prey within a few days.   After the animal dies, like the water buffalo or deer or wild pigs, the Komodo uses its powerful sense of smell to locate the body.   Komodo dragons can devour a whole pig in about 20 minutes.   We set off on our walk on specially elevated platforms that allowed us to observe these amazing creatures.  

  SEA DAYS ACTIVITIES – (A Snapshot) People love to ask “What do you do with all those sea days? Doesn’t it get boring?” Well, the answer is NO! There are plenty of things to keep us busy and occupied. ART WORKSHOPS Watercolor paintings of the Native New Zealand Tui Bird. Dot Painting of a Kangaroo. Master Layering Techniques of the Golden Wattle Flowers, Australia’s National Floral Emblem. Thursday Island Sacred Barn Owl with its large head and heart-shaped face.  Boomerangs and Sea Turtles. GUEST LECTURES (most recent) A Pilot’s Life on the Reef – An overview of marine pilotage in the Great Barrier Reef NIGHT TIME ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment every evening after dinner includes guest entertainers from recent ports as well as in-house talent. DINING EVENTS Executive Chef Alistair and his team dream up new ways to tempt passengers almost every day. There is a special food station, event, or culinary related theme. This particular event was a wine and cheese tasting, com...