Facing the biggest challenge of our travels to date…Telling it like it is…Arrived in Sydney to a fabulous vacation home…

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View from the veranda of our new holiday home in Fairlight/Manly, a suburb of Sydney.

As we discussed in prior posts, we never fail to “tell it like it is,” although, at times, we may wait to post a troublesome situation after we know more about it. This was the case when, on March 6th, while already onboard the cruise for six days when Tom received an email from Australian Immigration stating that he violated immigration laws. Oddly, this didn’t include me at that point.

When we met with immigration upon boarding the ship, an issue came up at that time in regard to Tom’s visa, here again not mine. They let us board saying we could deal with it later. Perhaps it was some glitch, one we could deal with after we disembarked the ship on March 13th.

The sky’s been overcast since our arrival yesterday morning. 

We never gave it another thought until the email came through on the 6th. The email requested documentation of our travels in Australia, particularly recent cruises to which Tom quickly responded, providing appropriate documentation.

On March 9th, four days prior to the end of the cruise, the ship’s immigration officer called us in the cabin stating they were putting a call through from the immigration department in Sydney regarding “both” of our immigration violations.

When the rep came on the line, it sounded as if we were in serious trouble. Apparently, according to their records, we’d violated the maximum 90 day period we’re allowed to stay in Australia, thus canceling our one-year visas entirely (our second in these past two years). 

Reef Bay, our views from the veranda.

According to their records, we’re currently in this country illegally. Ouch. Rather than spend paragraph after paragraph trying to explain the immigration laws of Australia, we’ll simplify how this happened, as we’ve now discovered may be entirely our fault from misunderstanding the immigration laws in this country.

As meticulous as we’ve been over these past years to maintain the highest level of compliance for all laws, rules, and regulations, we’re stunned to find ourselves in this predicament.

Bob, our amazing landlord and new friend came running to tell us the Kookarburros were on his veranda. We couldn’t believe our eyes for this up-close view of these huge beautiful birds.

Here’s what transpired in a nutshell. First, we’d assumed (yes, we know the word “assumed” shouldn’t be in our vocabulary) that sailing in and out of various countries during a cruise would restart the 90 days we can stay in Australia. 

How wrong we were. In Australia when sailing from and ending up in the country, its referred to as a “closed-loop,” with none of the countries we’ve visited counting toward restarting the 90 day ticker of time allowed in Australia.

On the phone call with immigration on March 9th, we were instructed to show up immediately at the immigration building in Sydney upon our arrival without stop or delay.

The size of these beautiful birds is astounding when up close and personal. We’d seen them in Trinity Beach in 2015 but never this close. They didn’t fly off when we approached, but they certainly checked us out.

As much as we wanted to comply, it was impossible to bring our three heavy bags and two carry-on bags into the building with us. Surely, security would have had to go through everything in the government building. 

Instead, after disembarking the ship, we decided to take a taxi to the vacation rental (30-minute ride), drop off the bags, and immediately return to Sydney’s center to the Australian Immigration Building. 

By 10:45 am, we were waiting in a queue to speak with someone who’d hopefully help us figure out the best solution to our dilemma.  Our options were few:

1.  Leave the country for good: We’d lose the money for the vacation rental for 40 nights plus a portion of the cruise fare for our return to the US on April 22nd, having to board the ship during a port of call in another country.
2.  Apply for a “bridge visa” only good for a short period while we attempt to find a solution while working with immigration.
3.  Fly out of the country with a “bridge visa” in place and also apply for a new one year visa hoping it would be approved (but not guaranteed) for our return to board the cruise.”

The Kookaburras were squawking at Bob for a treat. He complied while we watched in wonder.

Fortunately, the kindly rep we met with was willing to help us put some of the above options in action. She directed us to apply online for the “bridge visa” and scheduled an appointment for us to return to immigration on March 27th, the last day the “bridge visa” will be valid. 

Yesterday afternoon, after returning to the vacation rental, we spent hours applying for the bridging visa, which was approved later in the day when we received the online confirmation. Unfortunately, this doesn’t warrant or guaranty in any manner that we can stay until the cruise on April 22nd. 

At this point, we have no idea what will transpire on March 27th. We can only be patient and wait and see. In the interim, we’re making every effort to stay upbeat and positive, neither of which will impact the outcome, both of which will aid us in maintaining our sanity in the process.

Last night’s cloudy view in the shopping and dining area of Manly Beach.

As for the property in Manly…its outstanding, as is our fun, funny, thoughtful, and generous property owner with whom we dined out last night and have already spent considerable time hanging out together. Both the property and owner are exceptional.

Tomorrow, we’ll share more photos and details on the fabulous accommodations and surroundings in this very special beach town of Fairlight/Manly. We’ll keep you updated on our immigration status as we learn more over these next weeks.

Be well.

Photo from one year ago today, March 14, 2016:

We never figured out the source of smoke in these photos but the scene was gorgeous none the less. For more photos, please click here.

Final Cruise Expenses – See totals here…Off we go to Sydney/Manly…Favorite cruise photos…

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View of Sydney from the ship on embarkation day.

Let’s start with our expenses for the 12-night cruise on Celebrity Solstice from March 1, 2017 to March 13, 2017 as follows:

Expense US Dollar Australian
Dollar
Cruise Fare-Concierge Class  $            4,505.36  $         5,992.52
Airfare   $                241.68  $             321.46
Taxi   $                  45.11  $               60.00
Cabin Credit  $              (375.00)  $           (498.78)
Wi-Fi          included            included 
Gratuities          included            included 
Premium Beverage Pkg          included            included 
Additional Gratuities  $              100.00  $           133.01
Cruise Bill for Purchases  $                   8.94  $             11.89
Total  $            4,526.09  $        6,020.10
Avg Daily
Cost – 12 days		  $               377.17  $           501.68

This life seldom leaves us feeling sad when one adventure ends, knowing another begins the same or the next day. We never experience that slump that we recall from our old life when we traveled on a rare occasion many years ago.

The dreaded pile of unopened mail and unread newspapers, the phone messages on the home answering machine, the unpacking, the mountains of dirty laundry, the immediate need for grocery shopping, and the rotting food in the refrigerator all left the returning traveler in a tizzy upon returning home.

The pastry chef prepared this suitable dessert for me each night.  It was amazing!

The lawn’s desperate need of mowing and trimming or the piles of snow on the steps, walkways, and driveway requiring immediate attention only added to the stress of returning home after a time away.

Another view of Sydney.

In this life, we only need to unpack, wash one load of laundry (as Elite members, we’re entitled to 30 free laundry items on the ship), and grocery shop upon arrival. That’s it. Oh yes…get the WiFi working and familiarize ourselves with our new home for weeks or perhaps months yet to come. Easy.

It was such fun to spend time with new friends Christine and Harold and to be able to enjoy dinner in their Penthouse Suite.

Today, we’ll arrive in Sydney/Manly Beach, where we hadn’t arranged for a rental car. So instead, we’ll use the Manly ferry and public transportation (both walking distance to the vacation property) to take us anywhere we’d like to go. 

Our favorite sea and city photo of Noumea, New Caledonia, from the ship with a rainbow in the background.

Once we’re settled, we’ll head out on foot for the local bus to take us to the closest Woolie’s market.  Most likely, by 4:00 pm, we’ll be back with roasted chickens, fresh veggies, and salad fixings for our first night’s meal in our new home for the next 40 days.

We love this face at Luna Park, located in Sydney Harbour.

Each time we make our way through this exploratory process, we do so with the wonder of a wide-eyed child, eager to know more and more. So, instead of having angst about the vacation/holiday period ending, we’re excited as the new leg of our journey begins.

This sugar-free vanilla latte has been a delicious treat for me.

No doubt, as we mentioned many times in our posts, we love cruising and the outrageous amount of socialization we readily embrace. However, when it ends with a degree of commotion required to disembark the cruise, it’s a bit cumbersome and, at times, annoying.

We can’t wait for the “night at the opera” for which we have tickets on March 18th.

Once we’re on our way in the taxi or rental car, our hearts flutter with enthusiasm. Hopefully, today won’t be an exception. Over time, Tom has experienced less and less “overly grumpy” periods while I’ve maintained my usual “overly bubbly” demeanor, making the end of yet another travel day relatively painless.

We are never tired of the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back with photos of our new location, hopefully at ease and content in all that it has to offer. See you soon!

Photo from one year ago today, March 13, 2016:
Upon arriving “home” after a drive to the countryside in New Plymouth, NZ, we laughed over this photo of Belted Galloway cattle that appears to be what??? A six-legged bull? No. The photo was a fluke with one bull standing behind the other. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay longer for better photos when they began showing signs of aggression. For more details, please click here.

Last full day aboard Celebrity Solstice…Packing day…Saying goodbye to new friends…

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At the end of the day on Mystery Island, Vanuatu, the workers return to their homes at neighboring islands. Unfortunately, there are no homes or overnight accommodations on this island.

Today is the last full day aboard the ship. It’s been a delightful cruise, one in which we’ve been socializing with other passengers day and night. As soon as we mosey off from one venue to another, whether its to dine, buy a drink at a bar or lounge in the cafe, we’ve often and quickly found ourselves engaged in lively conversation.

Close the islands, scenes from the ship are stunning

It continues to fascinate us how often passengers express such a degree of curiosity over our lifestyle. Many are shocked and surprised by the length of time since we left Minnesota (almost 53 months) and others applaud us for our commitment and bravery.

Then there’s everyone in between, asking many questions that we answer with the utmost honesty and sincerity regardless of their nature. It’s not always easy explaining how and why we’re emotionally able to live “in the world” as opposed to the comforts and security of living near family and friends, rooted in one or even two locations.

A tower on a hill in New Caledonia.

We’d spent the first 60 plus years of our lives doing just that, and with my improved health due to a massive dietary change five and a half years ago, we happily continue in our journey, feeling confident this has been the right choice for us, although not for everyone.

During this cruise, we’ve handed out no less than 200 business cards. We don’t push them on anyone, but we are often asked for our web address which is too lengthy to spell. We both keep plenty of cards in our pockets, wherever we may be at any given time.

These ship cabanas are for rent at AU $265, US $200 per day on sea days, less on port days. Unfortunately, very few of these were rented during the cruise.

Making friends aboard a ship is the true highlight of our cruising experiences. Hearing about their lives and travel stories continues to inspire and enlighten us to new opportunities, often providing an entirely different perspective than our own. 

These same differences tend to interest us the most, including never-considered locations for future travel and new insight into areas we’ve previously visited.

Mystery Island, a tourists-only, uninhabited island staffed by sellers and servers when cruise ships arrive in the area.

Ironically, we discover over and over again, that in essence we are all alike in many ways. We revel in quiet unexciting times almost as much as our adventures. We embrace people we meet along the way; we consider good health of the utmost concern as we age.

Many can’t imagine how we can travel the world with my restricted diet nor how Tom has resisted eating bread, toast, cookies, and cakes during the cruise. When we explain that we’ve come to accept “eating to live” not “living to eat” they often shrug at how much a sacrifice such a philosophy entails.

Sun glare on the sea at the day’s end.

In reality, for us, it’s just the opposite…without this year’s long philosophy, I may be like my dear elder sister spending 24/7 for the past 12 years suffering from the same painful spinal condition I’ve had for the past over 25 years.  

Now pain free (except for last June’s injury, since healed) since 2011 when I adopted this way of eating, I’ve been given the opportunity to travel the world with my love, companion, husband and best friend. So who’s to argue with this way of life?

Cruising passed islands on a cloudy day.

When we often read the blogs or articles by other world travelers including many comments from “haters” on their social media, we are in awe of how we don’t hear such negative comments.

On a few occasions in the long-ago past, few readers wrote negative comments or sent us negative email messages. In both cases, we chose not to respond. But, as we always say, this is not a place for us to be “right,” “to prove a point,” or “espouse controversial views.” 

An old building in Noumea, New Calendonia.

For us, this place continues to one of sharing love, joy, and wonder. After each cruise, we’ve added another layer to our continuing awe of this world when so many beautiful people embrace us. They seem to accept our personal choices, and then, when back home, begin to “travel along with us” on the day-to-day journal of our lives on the move. 

For this, we thank every one of our readers and every one of the new friends we’ve made along the way. And, dear folks, hang on, much more excitement is yet to come..an upcoming 40-nights in Sydney/Manly; a 24-night cruise to Seattle (via Hawaii); an Alaskan cruise; a nine-week USA visit including Minnesota and Nevada; holiday home in Costa Rica; Antarctica cruise; a month in Buenos Aires; several South American cruises; and a much-awaited return to Africa and so much more.

Grafitti on the side of a building in New Caledonia.

Thanks to new friends Sam and Phil for inviting us to “High Tea” in their Penthouse Suite yesterday afternoon. It was a beautifully presented and hosted special event for us and seven others, adding to our diverse cruise experiences. 

Whether it’s a special event such as this or dinner in the included Epernay Dining Room with a couple from a small farm in Wollongong, AU, we’ve loved meeting all of YOU! 

Tomorrow’s final cruise post will include all of the expenses we incurred on the 12-night cruise including cruise fare and extras as we make our way off the ship to our next destination. Please check back!

Photo from one year ago today, March 12, 2016:

Trish and Neil named this cria after Minnesota on behalf of Tom since we”d watched over his birth while they were on holiday during our three months stay on the alpaca farm in New Plymouth, New Zealand.  For more photos, please click here. In February, they named a girl Miss Jessica after me, a female birth we’d also observed, as shown in prior posts.  What a glorious experience!

Two days until cruise ends in Sydney…Wrapping up the good times…

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While visiting New Caledonia, we stopped in a fabulous French patisserie taking photos of their fine offerings.

After many nights of staying up rather late dancing and carrying on, last night we wrapped it up before 9:00 pm and headed to our cabin. By 9:45, I was sound asleep, not awakening until my usual 3:00 pm, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Luckily, I was able to fall back to sleep after reading the news on Tom’s phone, which I keep tucked under the pillow for exactly such circumstances.  “They,” say checking digital equipment during the night impedes the ability to return to sleep, but I, like many others, find it does just the opposite. It lulls us back to sleep.

There was nothing, in this case, I wouldn’t have loved in my old life. But, now, they’re only for viewing and drooling.

I’ve been without my own phone for the past few months when mine died, after which we purchased a new phone yet to arrive in the package of supplies we’d sent from our mailing service in Nevada to Tasmania on February 11th.

Of course, we’re tracking the package, but it sits in limbo, not seeming to move along since it cleared customs a month ago. So today, I contacted our mailing service to see if they could somehow track it further.

The visual is breathtaking.

Once the package arrives in Tasmania, Anne, the owner of the last property in Huon Valley, will ship it to us in Sydney/Manly after we’d left her plenty of cash and the address to forward the package. It’s a shame we had to incur additional costs plus the inconvenience for Anne, but there wasn’t another option.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, the ship is out to sea on the final leg of the cruise heading back to Sydney. Every venue is hopping with activity with plenty of passengers milling about, ordering coffees, teas, and cocktails, while loud chatter permeates the air. But, as always, we’re firmly implanted in our usual spot in Cafe Al Bacio, as we have every morning over these past many days.

Oh, my!  Check out these caramel pies!

Several passengers we’ve met have referred to our familiar spot at one of three tables and chairs for two along the railing as our “office” as we sit here every morning busily preparing the days’ post.

Often, during this period, people stop by to chat. We never mind being interrupted and welcome passersby to grab a chair and join us. Unfortunately, as a result, on a few occasions, we’ve been late in uploading the post by an hour or two.

By the time we approached these cream puffs, I was drooling.

The atmosphere in the cafe is comparable to that which one may find in any fine coffee establishment with the constant hum of conversation, considerable comings, and goings, along with the luscious smells of coffees and sweets wafting through the air.

The bakery case is filled with delectable sugary confections, none of which either of us partakes, me for obvious reasons, and Tom; well, he’s picky when it comes to his choice of sweet treats. 

Even these less decorative sandwich cookies looked excellent.

Nothing in that bakery case ever appeals to him, and yet, there’s no charge for any of the items, all of which are included in the fare. Good thing I can’t eat them. In my old days, I’d have had a heck of a time resisting a few of those each day.

As for today’s activities, we’ll continue to socialize once we’ve uploaded today’s post. At 4:00 pm, by coincidence, we’re invited to the “other” of the two Penthouse Suites by a charming British couple we met in the Elite Club at happy hour a few evenings ago. 

There were numerous savory items in the case, but I easily walked by these without a notable response.

The lovely British couple is hosting “high tea” in their suite at 4:00 pm today, graciously inviting us to attend. We have no doubt this will prove to be one more delightful experience aboard the Celebrity Solstice with more gracious, lovely people we’ve been fortunate to meet along the way.

Tonight’s dress-up night, and again we’ll do our best to dress as well as we can with the clothing we have on hand. Tom will wear his usual white dress shirt and pants while I’ll wear my fast deteriorating black skirt, now becoming somewhat misshapen after too many washings. 

Oh well, the days of dressing “to the nines” are long past, and we make do with what we have on hand. But, then, isn’t that the same for all of us, “making do with what we have?” That’s life. Be happy.

Photo from one year ago today, March 10, 2016:

We often stopped at this favorite spot for photos of Mount Taranaki while living in New Plymouth, New Zealand, one year ago.  For more photos, please click here.

Hard to resist…Rocking the night away…Lautoka, Fiji…

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Freighter beyond a peninsula while docked in Lautoka, Fiji.

I can’t recall the last time we danced as much as we have on this cruise. Oh sure, when we first started dating in 1991, it wasn’t unusual for us to go “on a date” to end up on the dance floor rocking the night away. 

Again, last night there was another “silent disco.” Immediately after dinner, both exhausted from too much fun, we walked past the event on the way to our cabin, hoping to turn in early for a change.

Many Fijian islands are small, as shown here.

Alas, Tom grabbed two lighted headsets off the DJ’s table, plopping one on each of our heads. Our instantaneous response was to immediately start dancing while the 1965 Four Tops song, “I Can’t Help Myself” was blaring on the “red” channel.

Once we started moving, it was nearly impossible to stop.  When Tom left for the restroom, I continued to dance by myself until some 30 something guy grabbed my hand and twirled me around, suddenly my new dance partner until Tom returned. Oh, good grief!

There are hundreds of islands in Fiji.

It’s easy to remember music from “the old days,” especially when today’s younger generation has a profound interest in music from our era in the ’60s, ’70s, and 80s when some of the best dance music rocked the radio waves and sound systems in our cars and homes. In addition, we often hear the old songs in movies, TV shows, and at a variety of venues.

Sure, most of our dance moves are still the same as our distant past. But, hardly ever does anyone adopt a new style of dance when, as amateurs, we kind of “loved the one we’re with” in more than one way…our personal dance style and our preferred dance partner.

The industrial port held little interest for us in getting off the ship.

Isn’t it funny how we each think our style is still upbeat and trendy when we’re dancing? Any yet, as we looked around, it was easy to tell how old the dancers were, besides inspecting the laugh lines on their faces and crinkles around their eyes. Their dance style gave it all away, and we were no exception to the rule.

It’s during the gyrations on the dance floor that suddenly we become young again, energized, hopeful for a long and healthy life and overall grateful to be alive and able to move about to the fast-paced thumping of the music. 

Buses were lined up at the port to take passengers on a variety of tours.

A variety of songs played on the three colored lighted stations consisting of red, blue, and green lights on the headset. One need only notice the color of their own favorite song on their headset to dance with someone else listening to the same station, same color. 

Although many couples and groups didn’t seem to care if their partners were listening and dancing to different songs, everyone, regardless of the songs, couldn’t seem to stop dancing, laughing, and interacting.

Booths were set up along the port for tourists to shop.  No interest in that!

Perhaps the average age in the overall group was probably around 50, with many of the dancers were well into their 70s and some into their 80s. There was only a handful of 20 somethings.

What great exercise! I wish I could have kept up with Tom, who has proven he can dance non-stop for hours. Maybe by the next cruise, I’ll have recovered sufficiently enough to keep up with my five years younger husband. In any case, I did my fair share on the dance floor.

Many passengers enjoy cruising for the shopping.  For us, we’re only interested in spending our remaining AU 133, US $100, non-refundable cabin credit. 

Hoping for an early evening, Tom didn’t get to sleep until well after 1:00 am, and it was 2:15 am the last time I looked at the time on the phone. So today, another sleepy day, we’ll attempt a short nap at some point. 

Neither of us is good at napping when it’s hard to turn off the “music” in our heads. But, I suppose, in essence, that’s a good thing!

May you have music in your head today and always!

Photo from one year ago today, March 9, 2016:

Could this face with grass in her mouth be any cuter? Nothing can compare to the charm of these gentle animals. For more adorable alpaca photos, please click here.

Food aboard the ship….Being “real”…

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Each night my meals consist of salmon or chicken breast with prawns and a side of spinach and mashed cauliflower. This cruise, I’ve avoided salads and beef.

OK, dear readers, bear with me for a little whinging (complaining). We’ve always stated we’ll “tell it like it is,” although, at times, we may postpone our whining for a day or two while we await what hopefully proves to be a good outcome to further share with our readers.

It’s one thing to moan and groan which may become more tolerable to the reader when a resolution has been implemented to defray the negative chatter. But, ah, living in the world is beyond our expectations, but it can be a huge struggle when one isn’t feeling well.

While recovering from this dreadful gastrointestinal bacterial infection lasting 15 months, on top of the back injury in Bali last June, it’s been one tough past year. The back injury healed totally by November, but without mention here of the raging intestinal infection until this past month, I feel as if I haven’t been “telling it like it is” as much as we might have intended.

Even Tom has been extra careful during this cruise, eating less bread, starch, and sugar. Here’s his Chateaubriand with asparagus and potato.

Why we kept it under wraps was more due to its vague nature than admitting to my vulnerability. When it finally reached its full-blown level with medical care required, we didn’t hesitate to post it here.

Now totally done with the two-week course of powerful doses of two antibiotics, I’d hope there would be no more to say on the topic. But, life isn’t always what and how we’d like it to be. I still have to watch what and how much I eat and drink while I’ve been dealing with the worst sore throat of my life for the past week, a side effect of the medication.

None of this has kept me down. On the contrary, we’ve continued to thoroughly enjoy ourselves, taking advantage of every moment aboard the ship with little time spent in our cabin except for a few short rests we’ve allowed ourselves on occasion.

Last night, I was served two almond flour cakes, a bigger portion than I needed, but it was impossible to resist when I hadn’t had a suitable dessert in so long I couldn’t remember. They were both delicious, although those on “regular” diets may not have thought so. Also, I’ve been drinking a half glass of red wine each night which has been proven to aid in killing off residual Helicobactor Pylori bacteria, as shown in this study. (Please check with your doctor for appropriate treatment if you have this infection or others).

Today, for the first day in a week, my throat feels a little better, and yet I’m still not my usual self. Thus, while aboard ship, I preferred to keep my meals simple, easy to digest, and of course, easy to swallow. 

As a result, I asked the restaurant manager to have the chef make the same meal for me each night, only alternating chicken and salmon as the main entree items, including a few prawns, spinach, and mashed cauliflower, all easy to digest and swallow. This would ensure I was getting adequate protein and other nutrients.

With the restrictive diet I’ve followed for the past five and a half years, I’ve been able to avoid constant pain from the spinal condition that I’ve had for almost 30 years. This has enabled us to travel the world. There’s no way I’ll ever stray from that plan. Unfortunately, however, some of us fall prey to other conditions layering one condition over another from time to time. It’s the way it is.  No one is exempt.

Tom’s chocolate mousse dessert.

A huge aspect to our intent in sharing our site, now almost five years in the making (our fifth anniversary of posting is next week), has been to avoid glamorizing this life and to be “real.” “Real” is not always pretty. “Real” is not always fun and playful. “Real” doesn’t always result in interesting reading for our much-appreciated world audience.

Today, we’re in Lautoka, Fiji. Neither of us desires to exit the ship for the endless touristy-type shops along the way. So instead, we’re content to stay onboard, mingle with our newly made friends and continue to read and relax.

That’s as “real’ as it gets aboard a ship. Happy day to all!

Photo from one year ago today, March 8, 2016:

While driving along the coast in New Zealand, we often attempted to take photos of these sun-drenched scenes of the waning sun peeking through dense clouds. For more photos, please click here.

A fun video on “silent disco” night!…The unreality of life on a cruise…Routines become all encompassing…

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 This was a “silent disco” so you won’t hear much
in the way of sound.
Living aboard a ship is comparable to living in a world far removed from day-to-day reality, not unlike that for other passengers who have left their homes to travel on a ship for weeks or more.

Having spent 198 days cruising since the onset of our travels, beginning on October 31, 2012, it served us well to roll into the comfortable routine. Moreover, doing so provides us with a sense of a home during these extended periods.

The ease with which we move from activity to activity, area to area, and a variety of dining and drinking venues become somewhat of a routine for other passengers and us as well.

Christina hung out with us on disco night along with many other new friends we’d met aboard the ship.

This becomes particularly evident when we visit areas we tend to frequent each day or evening at certain times. As a result, our daily routine looks like this:

6:30 am – One of us gets out of bed to shower and dress, with the other immediately following behind. 

7:30 am (8:00 am on sea days) – Arrive in Epernay dining room for served breakfast at a shared table from six to 10 passengers.

The lighting was not conducive to taking photos, but it’s evident that not everyone listened to the same channel.

9:00 – 9:30 am – Return to the cabin to collect laptops and head to Cafe Al Bacio to begin posting. Often, I’ll go directly to the cafe to secure a seat at one of our favorite of three tables situated along the railing overlooking the centrum while Tom dashes to the cabin to get the laptops and the camera.

12:00 – 12:30 pm – Return laptops to the cabin to recharge. If one of us didn’t eat breakfast (I’ve had smoothies most mornings), we might wander to the 14th deck to the Oceanview Cafe, a buffet, where each item offered lists the following, if applicable:  gluten free, sugar-free, vegetarian, lactose-free. This only helps me choose items to a degree since nothing is notated for “low carb” or “starches,” neither of which fit into my diet.

Sorry for the blur; I couldn’t resist including this dancing photo!

1:30 – 2:00 pm – On sea days:  Return to the cabin, collect laptops, and return to Cafe Al Bacio to work on the next day’s photos and post, respond to email and of course, chat with an endless array of friendly passengers.  Some passengers have giggled with us when labeling our seats in the cafe as our “office.” So true. On port of call days: It’s during this period, we may walk off the ship (or take a tender) to explore the port we’re visiting.

4:00 pm – Return to the cabin to relax a bit, later dressing for the upcoming evening’s activities. Most nights are “smart casual,” with no dressy clothing required. However, when “chic” is listed, people tend to wear dressier clothing, although it’s not required.

5:00 – 5:30 pm – Wander to the Sky Lounge for “Elite (or higher) members free happy hour during which we always sit with other passengers shooting the breeze while we share our collective travel experiences as lovely appetizers are servers by wait staff along with cocktails and beverages of our choice.

Our adorable new friend Christina (of Harold and Christina) also “rocked the night away.”

6:30 – 7:00 pm – Happy hour in the Sky Lounge ends at 7:00 pm, after which we wait in what is usually a short line to be seated for dinner. Since we enjoy dining at a shared table, arriving later than 7:00 may prevent the opportunity to dine with others since most passengers dine early to make one of the two shows presented at 7:00 and 9:00 pm. We rarely attend the shows when variety-type shows hold little appeal to either of us.

9:00 – 9:30 pm -Leave the dining room we make our way to one of the many bars where we’ll listen to music, chat amongst ourselves and others to relax and enjoy the remainder of our evening.

The “Ice Bar” is just that, covered in ice. I couldn’t resist making this heart shape as a remnder of our 22nd anniversary the following day.

11:00 pm to ???? – Head to our cabin for the evening hoping for a good night’s sleep, only to begin the same highly enjoyable routine all over again the next morning. 

A few nights ago, a disco event was listed on the program, referred to as a “silent disco.” This is the point when each passenger dons a lighted headset with three channels, each colored coordinated for three types of music being broadcast.

With all the party-goers wearing their headsets, those not wearing them didn’t hear a sound. This is a hoot, especially when a good song is playing and we all go nuts encouraging each other to change the channel for the better dance song via the use of a little button on the side of the headset.

More new friends from Australia, Corinna, and Beau, with whom we’ve had a great time.

As it turned out, at times, Tom and I were dancing together with each of us listening to a different song. This was hysterical. And proved to be more fun than we can describe. 

Tom danced for two hours non-stop, standing next to me at the “Ice Bar” while I joined him in dancing as often as I was reenergized, later sitting for a short recovery period only to begin again. (After all, I’d been sick for the past three months and hadn’t yet had quite enough time to recover after months of lounging. Now, vigorously walking through the ship each day, I’m beginning to feel a slow return to my old self).

We both had messy hair from taking the headsets on and off throughout the night. Tom’s was especially messy from sweating. His shirt was soaked by the end of the evening.

Gosh, we had so much fun. We were reminded of our “hay days” of carrying on in our younger days dancing in a variety of bars and discos. Wow! What a fun activity, especially when we were with friends we’ve made aboard during the entire evening.

Today, the ship is docked in Suva, Fiji. Having spent four months in Fiji over a year ago, plus considerings its where I contracted the infection, neither of us has any desire to get off the ship. 

Eventually, Tom had to remove his glasses. He was sweating so much!  I love this photo!

No offense intended for Fiji. We had a good experience on both the islands of Vanua Levu (Savusavu) and Viti Levu (Pacific Harbour) during the extended period. Today we’re content to stay on board in air-conditioned comfort, continuing to revel in our highly pleasing routine and visiting with the wonderful people we’ve met along the way.

Have a pleasing day, hopefully, spent in the presence of YOUR wonderful people!

Photo from one year ago today, March 8, 2017:

The sun was peeking through the clouds casting this glow at the beach in New Zealand. But, of course, the scene would have been more impressive had it not been so late in the evening. For more photos, please click here.

March 7th…Our 22nd wedding anniversary…History of New Caledonia…Two fun photos from one year ago…

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Do you see the rainbow in the background in this shot of New Caledonia?
Today is a sea day.  The Wi-Fi signal is marginal due to the number of passengers on their phones, tablets, and laptops. I attempted to speak to my sister on Skype, but I could not hear anything on this end, although she could hear me. 

Having ended the antibiotics last night while increasing the dose of the PPI, which I’ll continue to take for two months, I’ve definitely had a good result. 
I’d been suffering from Helicobactor Pylori for the past 15 months. Still a little sluggish from the meds, I’m not missing a beat of the varied activities we enjoy aboard ship, often hanging out with our new friends.

We inquired as to the cost of renting one of these little vehicles in Noumea, New Caledonia, the capital city.  At AU 132, the US $100 per hour, we decided to walk, which certainly was more beneficial.

Speaking of not “missing a beat,” last night, we danced the night away. Tom was doing his usual “dancing to the music” for a solid two hours standing by me while occasionally I had to sit down to recover. 

The boat harbor in Noumea.

After lounging for many months to get well, my energy level wasn’t my usual 100%. On the other hand, Tom never ceases to amaze me with his relentless enthusiasm and high energy when it comes to any activity.  For a guy that likes to lounge, he sure can kick it up a beat when needed.

Tomorrow, we’ll share a video on the post, including photos and stories of an exceptional night we’ll always remember, spent with many of the new friends we’ve made during this cruise.

Freighter in the port in New Caledonia.

Today is our 22nd wedding anniversary. In actuality, we’ve been together almost 26 years. What a fabulous way to celebrate…on a ship with my renewed health as I continue to build back my strength more each day.   Happy anniversary to my lively, energetic hubby, who never fails to make me laugh, smile, and feel in awe of our great relationship.

Local catamaran.

With a one-hour time change last night (loss), little sleep from staying out late, we’re glad to have a sea day. We missed breakfast in the dining room but will soon head in for a light lunch. Now that I can eat a little more, having two meals a day is appealing, especially while on the ship with someone else preparing it.

Last night, the pastry chef made me a dessert..an almond sponge cake made with eggs, almond flour, vanilla, cream, and chopped nuts. It was absolutely unbelievable.  It was the first time in over five years I had a “cake feel” in my mouth with ingredients acceptable to my way of eating. I wonder if I can get the recipe from him.

Our ship, Celebrity Solstice, after we returned from walking through the small town.

Tonight, I’ll bring the camera to dinner to take photos of our meals and my dessert. Alfredo, a restaurant manager, has gone over the top to ensure I’m happy with my meals, typically salmon or chicken, prawns, spinach, and mashed cauliflower. 

Views out to sea from Noumea.

I’ve avoided beef and salads while recovering to keep the volume of food and digestibility under control. Perhaps soon I’ll be able to add a small green salad with a steak.

Below, we’ve included some information about New Calendonia and photos we’d taken both on and off the ship for our history buffs in cyberspace. As always, thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you again tomorrow with our fun video and photo of us on anniversary night.

New Caledonia consists of several islands in the archipelago.

Happy day to all!
New Caledonia (French: Nouvelle-Calédonie) is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, 1,210 km (750 mi) east of Australia and 16,136 km (10,026 mi) east of Metropolitan France. The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. The Chesterfield Islands are in the Coral Sea. Locals refer to Grande Terre as Le Caillou (“the pebble”).

New Caledonia has a land area of 18,576 km (7,172 sq mi). Its population of 268,767 (Aug. 2014 census) consists of a mix of Kanak people (the original inhabitants of New Caledonia), people of European descent (Caldoches and Metropolitan French), Polynesian people (mostly Wallisians), and Southeast Asian people, as well as a few people of Pied-Noir and Maghreban descent. The capital of the territory is Nouméa.

History

The earliest traces of human presence in New Caledonia date back to the Lapita period. The Lapita were highly skilled navigators and agriculturists with influence over a large area of the Pacific.

Two Kanak warriors posing with penis gourds and spears around 1880. Duh, not our photo.

British explorer Captain James Cook was the first European to sight New Caledonia, on 4 September 1774, during his second voyage. He named it “New Caledonia,” as the northeast of the island reminded him of Scotland. The west coast of Grande Terre was approached by Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse, in 1788, shortly before his disappearance, and the Loyalty Islands were first visited in 1796. However, from then until 1840, only a few sporadic contacts with the archipelago were recorded.[ Contacts became more frequent after 1840 because of the interest in sandalwood from New Caledonia.
 
As trade in sandalwood declined, it was replaced by a new form of trade, “blackbirding,” a euphemism for enslaving people from New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, New Hebrides, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands to work in sugarcane plantations in Fiji and Queensland. The trade ceased at the start of the 20th century. The victims of this trade were called “Kanakas,” like all the Oceanian people, after the Hawaiian word for “man.”

The first missionaries from the London Missionary Society and the Marist Brothers arrived in the 1840s. In 1849, the crew of the American ship Cutter was killed and eaten by the Pouma clan. After that, cannibalism was widespread throughout New Caledonia.”

For more historical information, please click here.

Photo from one year ago today, March 7, 2016:

Tom was holding a gold Oscar statue look-alike at Everybody’s Theatre in Opunake, New Zealand. Click here for the story and more photos of this quaint movie theatre.
Sitting in the “photo booth” on our first visit.  Shortly after our first visit, we returned for a second visit on a special movie night with photos we’ll share shortly as the one-year-ago post approaches.

Swoon worthy photo from friends…Yesterday’s stop at Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia….

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Two newly born bush babies peering out at the world awaiting them In Marloth Park, South Africa. This photo was taken by friend Mick Dryden (wife, Lynne), both extraordinary photographers and birders. We hope to see them next February when we return to Marloth Park.

Yesterday on Facebook, Lynne and Mick, friends from South Africa, posted today’s main photo and the photo below, both of which sent us swooning.  I couldn’t take my eyes off these exceptional sightings and subsequent photos taken in the yard of their home in the bush in Marloth Park, where we’ll be living next February for my birthday and for months to come. 

As the time nears for the upcoming Antarctica cruise in a mere 10 months with the return to Africa thereafter, our enthusiasm is over the moon. However, we easily find ourselves living in the moment, embracing that which surrounds us at any given time.

Two more little bush babies were photographed by friend Mick in Marloth Park, South Africa. Thanks to wife Lynne for sharing these on Facebook and allowing us to post them.

As we continue to build our repertoire of worldwide experiences, we’ve learned to pick and choose what appeals to us the most. Since our site here is less of a “tourist travel log” and more of a “world travel journal,” we feel confident that our preferred experiences enrich us and hopefully for our readers.

Church on the Hill in Lifou.

The social aspect of cruising is the most appealing to us since we’re often isolated from many social interactions in some locations we’ve visited. For example, most recently in Tasmania, the little oceanfront town of Penguin met all of our needs for socialization.

Thanks to our landlord and new friend Terry, who diligently orchestrated many social events on our behalf, the experience proved to be rich in local culture and people, one we’ll never forget. 

Pier in Lifou where the ship’s tenders docked to unload passengers anxious to get to the beach.

During the second half of our three-month stint in Tasmania, in the lovely holiday home on the Huon River in the Huon Valley, we were a little more isolated during that period, especially since I wasn’t quite up to par during the six weeks in this gorgeous area of Tasmania. 

Aboard the Celebrity Solstice, and on other ships, we become entrenched in socialization well beyond our expectations. If it quiet for longer than we’d prefer, all we need to do is to head to a meal in the buffet, main dining, or one of several busy bars or lounges. 

Lifou is a popular island for snorkeling and swimming with its crystal blue waters and white sand beaches.

There, we discover other passengers anxious to interact, and lively and animated conversation ensues from the first moment we all introduce ourselves. There’s been few, if any, exceptions to this scenario as night after night, we’re thoroughly entertained and delighted by the people we meet.

Usually, when dinner ends, and we finally go our separate ways, Tom and I head to the Ensemble Lounge, where there’s live music, a long friendly bar, an easy spot to meet even more people. 

Beautiful scenery along the shoreline.

Often, we become equally engrossed in chatting with one another, possessing a degree of pleasure comparable to our early dating days when we couldn’t get enough of each other. 

That magical element has remained with us as we’ve traveled the world, although we’re together 24/7, year after year. There’s no pool table on this ship, but we’re easily able to experience exceptional evenings, dancing, chatting with one another and other passengers, and; wandering throughout the ship.

Native Church Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia.

Tonight, if we can manage a short nap today, we’ll head to the “silent disco,” an event we’ll share in our next post.  We stayed up late last night, and both of us had trouble falling asleep. As a result, we’re both a bit sluggish.

Currently, on the last day of two full weeks of antibiotics and PPIs, I’m feeling better with a few modifications; small meals and consuming liquids slowly over a period of time. However, in a month, I’ll have to be retested for the bacteria we’ll arrange while in Sydney.

Small boats owned by locals.

As for the remainder of today’s photos, they’re from yesterday’s port of call in Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. Here’s a little information on Lifou, but more may be found online at this site and others;

“Ten thousand people live on Lifou, and the island is divided into three customary districts: Wetr, Lösi, and Gaïça. Traditions and customs are very much alive here. Celebrations and daily tasks (such as hut construction or agriculture) are permeated by tradition. Wé is the administrative center of the Loyalty Islands as it is the biggest tribal village. Located by gorgeous Chateaubriand Bay, Wé counts the island’s main commercial and administrative facilities. 
 
Lifou was officially discovered (and mapped out) by Dumont d’Urville in 1827. Rapidly, Catholic and Protestant missionaries flocked to the island. They fought to convert local populations, thereby echoing the more prosaic competition between the British Empire and France.”

The town is quiet and peaceful, with locals dedicated to providing positive tourist experiences.

As for the remainder of today, we’re content to “see what transpires” when each day, planned or not, proves to be filled with wonderful surprises.

May your day bring you many happy surprises! Thanks for “visiting” us!

Photo from one year ago today, March 6, 2016:

A few roses remained in Trish and Neil’s garden a year ago as summer comes to an end in New Zealand. For more photos with subjects we consider beautiful, please click here.

Part 2,…Oh, What a Night!…The fun continues…Photo of us and our new friends…

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Our new friends, Christina and Harold, enjoyed dinner in their Penthouse Suite, which is the size of a typical one-bedroom condo.

Cruising is so far removed from most people’s reality that many are disappointed to return to everyday life by the time it ends. However, for us, as constant world travelers, it becomes a part of our daily lives.

We do all the same things when staying in a location; posting each day, searching for photo ops, relaxing, walking, and dining on great food. The bonus for us is fewer ports of call, many of which are too “touristy” for us, and more about the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world.

We have a US $375, AU $494 cabin credit that we’ve had to “use it or lose it” resulting in a bit of shopping. 

Many we’ve met are not a lot different than us, except they have a home to which they return now and then to regroup, repack and recharge for the next adventure. So, for example, last night, we met a lovely couple who are on the move for most of the year, often for six consecutive months in their caravan/motor home.

This common theme among many passengers creates considerable chatter and enthusiasm for where we’ve all visited in the past and anticipate for the future. Many are well into their 80’s which we hope will work for us as well. One never knows.

We never gamble although we could use the cabin credit. However, once one starts, it’s hard to stop.

Yesterday and this morning, we spent more time with new friends Christina and Harold as shown in the above photo sharing travel stories and discussing possibilities of meeting on a cruise or on land sometime in the next year or so.

Yesterday, we disembarked the ship taking a shuttle to the small town of Nuoma on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Walking up and down the city’s streets for a few hours we took many photos we’ll share tomorrow.

I purchased a few casual items on sale as did Tom.

Today, we’re docked in the island of Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. However, we may decide to stay onboard based on several reviews we read on Trip Advisor such as the following:
“Great if you like snorkelling”

2 of 5 bubblesReviewed one week ago

If you are a swimmer or snorkeler this island would be fantastic. However, if not, then there is little or nothing at all to do at this location. We had to tender to the island from the ship, then walked in each direction for 1/2 hour or so only to be drenched in sweat. There were no open toilets available.”

For those who enjoy lying on a towel on a beach or snorkeling this may be an ideal location. Unfortunately, Tom has no tan base whatsoever, and my tan was brought about via a self-tanner which does not protect me from UV rays making the idea of baking in the sun unappealing.
Jewelry is a popular purchase among passenger. As a result, there’s now a Tiffany store (not shown here).

Some has asked why we don’t snorkel and for us the answer is simple; we’re worried about my lousy spine if somehow I was startled or jerked in a certain way. Besides, Tom has no interest in snorkeling.

I was seriously injured in the pool in Bali last June taking five months to recover. We don’t want to have to end our journey due to an injury that could quickly have transpired over this past year along with the recent gastrointestinal illness from which I’m now recovering a little more each day.

This was my first cup of coffee in month; a sugar free vanilla decaf latte with lactose free whole cream.  Amazing! 

How can we travel the world and not swim in the ocean, snorkel, scuba dive, zip line, climb mountains, bungee jump or jump out of airplanes? We can. We do. And yet, we’re supremely content meeting people, learning a wide array of cultures, seeing some of the gorgeous scenery on earth, and immersing ourselves in wildlife, vegetation, and nature.

Then, of course, there’s the infinite joy of sharing the most infinitesimal details of our day to day lives. Wow! That in itself is a huge privilege.  Thank you to all of our readers for sharing this life with us!

Photo from one year ago today, March 5, 2016:

Trish and Neil had acquired these two pink cockatoos, a mating pair, from a elderly couple who’s health is failing. This pair was living in a chain-link cage on the grounds of the alpaca farms with lots of space and plenty of food. To get this photo, I placed the camera,between and touching the closely woven chain-link cage. For mo0re images, please click here.