Feb 23rd 2010
Greetings from Queen Mary 2!
Just about on the equator as I write.
This has been a very busy and exciting few weeks visiting so many exotic ports.
Cochin, India where a cruise on the still little known backwaters is a must.
Puket, Penang, Kuala Lumpar, Bangkok – all so colourful and different with, of course, interesting sightseeing and great shopping.
In Singapore we enjoyed a fantastic Cruise Specialists comp tour. A Bum boat ride on the river followed by fun trishaw ride as our drivers or rather peddelers tried to race each other through the busy streets. Then, finally just what we had been waiting for – a Singapore Sling in the Long bar at the world renown Raffles Hotel..
Ho chi minh and the ever vibrant Hong Kong followed.
In Shanghai I participated in a tour to Zhujiajiao a beautifully preserved town dating back 1,700 years! Babbling brooks, rustic bridges and willow trees, as on willow patterned porcelain – just beautiful. This is the China I had envisioned not the tower buildings of modern architecture previous seen on past visits.
I had visited Nagasaki before and its moving Peace Memorial. So this time decided to visit ancinet Samarai houses and the remains of houses nearly covered by lava in the 1991 volcanic eruption. It was very cold so the highlight of the all day tour were the heated toilet seats at the lunch venue!
Next Tokyo where we enjoyed an interesting full day tour with excellent Tapanaki lunch at the Hotel Okura. It had snowed during the night and was threatening to snow again as we sailed away on our wonderful home – the magnificient Queen Mary 2 to warmer climes.
Yesterday we reached Guam where the weather was perfect for a day around the pool of the Hyatt Hotel or for some a day spent on the beach. We can now enjoy 2 days at sea as we head South.
So much to do on board – lectures (on a wide variety of subjects – something to interest everyone) I personally enjoy ballroom dancing lessons while our other guests prefer bridge classes, classical concerts, movies, paddle tennis or practicing their golf swing – just to name a few of on-board activities available.
Must get ready for the Big Band Ball tonight!
Join me on Queen Elizabeth 2011 World Cruise next year!
Deirdre
