Make it last! We have lived our world cruise vicariously through your blog! It can't end!! Would you mind going around again? It has been a great pleasure to share in your adventures and knowing the players and the ship has made it very special. Thank you for excellent words and pictures. Enjoy the rest of the trip and STAY IN TOUCH!!
Tessa and Henry
We've enjoyed every word of every blog!!! Hi Kevin and Susan, Lee and I were just leaving our twin great grandchildren's play school near the water in San Francisco as the Voyager sailed off last January. It was really exciting to get to see you head out to sea and we loudly wished you "Bon Voyage". It would seem that our wish for you came true and that you have had a really good trip. It has really been a joy to sail along with you via the internet. Our very best to both of you! Fondly, Sandy Warren
Floating in the Dead Sea So wonderful to read your amazing descriptions and photos of a place I recently visited: you brought it all back to life for me. I also stayed at the Mount Zion Hotel, was there for five nights. What a beautiful setting and perfect place for your excursion dinner.
All the Best,
Stephanie
Shalom Israel So wonderful to read about a country I recently visited and so thoroughly enjoyed. I was surprised to be as enthralled as I was with Israel. The history, as you point out, is magnificent, but so complex. I look forward to hearing about your visits beyond Tel Aviv. (Don't you love the public "gyms" along the sea side there in Tel Aviv.)
-- Stephanie
What an incredible visit to The Holy Land (a part of the Holy Crescent) Years ago we had several escrows fall out and we couldn't go with the Reverend Brad Hall where you have been. I was so pissed off, I stormed home and pouted with beer in hand. I finally calmed down and called Brad to ask him if we would bring me a Jerusalem cross, silver, about the size of a quarter. He was with Leonard Firestone so I left a message with his secretary. Weeks later, sure enough - he brought me a cross as I wanted. A few months later, I was meeting with the architect who was working on the new church (St. Margaret's Episcopal) and he said, no one is going to know this is a Christian house of worship ... no sign of faith attached. So, I reached under my shirt; pulled the new cross I was given, and now - it is right before me when we are there, 10' by 10'. I no longer am angry about missing the trip, even though I wished we could have gone. Yep - lots of issues between those two countries, side by side, and a Priest at St. George's Episcopal College writes frequently how Israel is not treating their neighbors well. Sad, but - it's all over the Middle East. I'll show you a picture of what I've written - not a faith issue but even Grace Cathedral has the same cross I wear and what's in St. Margaret's. I read The End of Faith by Sam Harris (professor emeritus at Stanford) a while back (Glen suggested I read it) and it put some questions in my head. But, we still enjoy attending Grace if for no other reason, the music. I sure wish we were there with you, experiencing history. Carol is out of the hospital again - no surgery (Thank God) and she is doing well, having adjusted her diet needs and wants. I'm still recovering from my surgery but we're both doing well. Sure do miss you two! Our love to you both. Alan & Ms. Carol
Oh, for the beauty of the Red Sea Glad you were/are safe. Your account of your time and your photos make me lonesome for you and that part of the world both!
So glad you made it through! Nothing like a little excitement! Glad we didn't have that much excitement when we went through this area last year.
We're enjoying your blogs...keep up the good work!
Exciting moment Firstly, we are glad to know that both of you look good.
Although you should be scared to see the action of pirates but it must be so exciting moment. Seeing is believing, isn't it.
It is slow but North East Japan has been recovering. Enjoy your rest of trip. SOU-sou, Miyoko and Masa
A fascinating glimpse Dear Susan & Kevin,
Your blog has afforded a fascinating glimpse of your world cruise over the last five months and knowing so many of your fellow-cruisers and most of the ports you've visited has given me a splendid vicarious trip. Thank you. Your easy, yet informative style; gentle political 'digs' and warm humour have made your blog a read I've eagerly anticipated.
I embrace you both and ask that you convey my salutations to those who may rememeber me. Big Hugs, Glenmore
We love reading about your adventures and wish we were with you. Our son Jordan is getting married in two weeks in Las Vegas and then we are off to Italy for a driving trip for 5 weeks. Lets get together when we are all back in the bay area this summer. Travel safe.
trip Wow, guys!! What a time to be in that part of the world!! It looks absolutely wonderful! I am enjoying your trip VERY much!
Maybe when you get home, we can connect. Larry and I are going to do wind country with my cousin and his wife in late August. Love, Jan
Love reading all your blogs. Such fun to sort of be along on the trip. Enjoy the rest of your jouney and say hi to those we know on the ship.
Hugs,
Tweedie and Mac
Arabian Nights Per usual, I truly enjoyed reading every piece of your story. I can almost feel I am there. Thanks for your sharing a bit of Arabia in writing and photos.
Misc Loved the India blog. Kevin's pics are great. The agressive peddler was of particular note, for we sure experienced our share in Viet Nam/Cambodia. Maybe those folks are learning from the Indians.
Cheers!
From white ship to rust bucket Interesting to hear your story about the coal port and it's effects on the ship and passengers. Several years ago we had a similar experience in Venezuela. We were in an iron ore port where we were to visit Angel Falls. Our ship (Oceania Insignia) was gleaming white when we entered the port. All around us were ships being loaded with iron ore. As you can imagine, the dust was powerful. Many passengers had breathing problems and everything was covered in dark red dust. The crew assigned to issue passes on the gangplank had to wear masks. When we left port the following day we looked like an old rust bucket. Needless to say, I have not noticed Oceania using this port again.
More great recollections!
thanks for another jealousy-producing chapter! We loved Bangkok and we got our tropical downpour when we were in an open rooster boat cruising the Kwai River on our day trip to the Bridge at the river Kwai. Nowhere to go, no way to hide. But then the sun came out and after an hour or so you had steamed Goldsmiths ready for more!
Henry and Tessa
non-member comment
Make it last!
We have lived our world cruise vicariously through your blog! It can't end!! Would you mind going around again? It has been a great pleasure to share in your adventures and knowing the players and the ship has made it very special. Thank you for excellent words and pictures. Enjoy the rest of the trip and STAY IN TOUCH!! Tessa and Henry