Blogs from Atlantic, Oceans and Seas - page 24

Geo: 21.3667, 95.4667Today, we took a leisurely walk in the morning around the base of the mountain with a local guide to learn about the volcanic geology, flora and fauna of the surrounding ecosystem. We then visited a medicinal plant nursery where we learned about traditional herbal medicine preparation using selected forest plants sustainably harvested from our environs. Then, we headed to the town of Popa to visit the fruit and vegetable market where local people come to buy and sell foods and wares. After lunch we departed for Bagan, visiting a toddy palm plantation where we learn how every part of the palm—flower, nectar, sugar—is used to make food, alcohol and handicrafts. Late in the afternoon we reached Bagan, where we had dinner and will spend the next two nights.Bagan was the original "holy land" ... read more

A perfect day for cruising the sea....it's raining. Not hard but enough that you don't need sun block or sunglasses. Cory was up before me (he likes talking a fast walk around the ship) ...actually everyone else was up before me. We headed off to the dining room for breakfast. I ordered scrambled eggs, corn beef hash and a link sausage. But first, I ordered tomato soup! Why not? The waiter brought me a large bowl with only 2 cubes of bread and a half slice of a cherry tomato.....what is this? Are you joking? No...soon he brings a creamer of tomato juice and pours it over my miniature morsels. I'll stick with Progresso's Tomato Basil Soup. In the late morning, we went to a seminar about various excursions you can take at the various islands. ... read more

Geo: 18.6671, -64.325Unlike the rest of the Eastern Caribbean, Anegada is a low lying island, only 28 feet above sea level at it's highest point, which reminded us so much of the Bahamas. (And for the record, we still miss the Bahamas and talk about returning there in the future.) There are only about 300 people living on this island, which makes it much more "our style" - save for the bazillion charter boats. We stayed for a few days, anchored on the south side, but enjoying the beautiful, quiet beaches on the north side of the island. Despite all the charter boats, few people take the time to go to the north side. After beaching it, and getting our fill of soft white sand, we enjoyed a meal ashore and then prepared to make our ... read more

Friday January 29th, 2016. Cruising the Atlantic Ocean After a posh breakfast we amused ourselves until about 10.15 am when we went to the show lounge to get good seats for the 11 am lecture by Clive which was 'The Falklands (Malvinas): The Background'. As usual this was an excellent lecture but we are not sure everyone will agree as Clive put forward his own 'lefty' views on the whole situation - which we agreed with incidentally. Before lunch M spent another hour with Stewart helping him label his photos. After lunch D went to the lecture by a passenger called Jim on 'Sailing on the Northern Coast of Spain: Part 1'. M caught up with the blogs At 4.30 we went to Egg Heads on the pool deck but the show team were absent and ... read more

Sunday January 24th, 2016. Cruising the Atlantic Ocean After a posh breakfast M went to Barbara's craft class. This was a couple of cards using peel off gold and silver stickers that she had made before on the world cruise but was happy to do again (especially as she had already dished it out the first ones). At 11.00 am we went to Sue Walsh's lecture on "How Birds Use Their Feathers". M then spent an hour with Stewart helping him download the photos from his camera. At 15.30 we went to Clive's lecture "Argentina: A Poisoned Chalice?" which was excellent as usual. We spent the rest of the afternoon before dinner reading. After dinner the four of us went to the "Stars in their Eyes" show in the Show Lounge. It was very good, with ... read more