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| Rasnesh, our driver, took this photo of us in front of the Vuadomo Waterfall. We were hot and sweaty, but the long trek was worth it! |
Today’s photos are from the post on this date in 2015 while living in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji, continuing our past two posts from our visit to the Vuodomo Waterfalls. For more from this date, please click here.
Last night, while watching The Walking Dead, around 10:00 pm, we heard several loud blasts. Jumping up, Tom looked out the window, not expecting to see much from our poor view of an industrial/construction area. But, we were surprised when he saw a distant flash of fireworks.
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| Vuadomo Waterfall was more significant than it appears in these photos. |
Indian people, predominantly Hindu, celebrate several holidays with fireworks. We’re a little surprised fireworks are allowed based on air pollution in India. But the devout Hindu citizens continue to incorporate the light show celebrating several holidays.
Yesterday was Dussera, described as follows:
“Dussehra or Vijayadashami is an important Hindu festival that signifies the victory of good over evil. This annual festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by Hindus worldwide on the tenth day of the Navratras, which falls on the tenth day of Ashwin or Kartik months as per the Hindu calendar.”
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| We didn’t see any other tourists walking to or from the falls. |
Soon, on November 14, the five-day celebration of Dawali will commence, which is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu faith. At that time, we’ll share more information on this sacred celebration. We’ve been living in many countries throughout the world when these holidays have been celebrated, and we certainly appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by the Hindu devotees during these celebratory periods.
On another note, over the past week, both Tom and I have stumbled across numerous articles about the cruise industry and what to expect for the future. For us, our cruising days may be over when we consider the primary reason we enjoyed cruising so much was the opportunity to socialize.
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| An orchid was growing in the rainforest. |
Sure, we enjoyed the ambiance, seeing many ports of call, the festive activities. However, everything will be different from now on, eliminating our desire to continue to cruise during times of COVID-19. If this virus and the extreme precautions are eliminated, we will consider cruising once again.
Yesterday, the CDC issued this warning at this link:
“CDC typically posts travel health notices for countries and other international destinations, not transportation, such as ships. Because of the unprecedented nature of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 on cruise ships, the US government is advising US travelers to defer all cruise travel.”
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| The creek on the return walk. |
Here is a list of some of the precautions cruise lines will strictly adhere to on future cruises from this site:
- Passengers are to be tested for COVID-19 between five days and 24 hours before sailing. Those testing positive would not be allowed to cruise. OK, this makes sense.
- Passengers to wear cloth face coverings or masks on ships in accordance with CDC recommendations. This would require passengers to wear masks at all times during the cruise. The thought of wearing a mask non-stop for one or two weeks or longer, other than in our cabin, is unappealing.
- Cruise lines only allow indoor excursions during port stops if physical distancing, use of masks, and other recommended protective measures can be implemented. What about the cramped vans and buses transporting passengers from the ship to the point of interest? From what we’ve read so far, self-arranged tours will no longer be allowed. Only those costly tours offered through the ship will be possible. If a passenger goes off on their own, they won’t be allowed to return to the ship and will forfeit the balance of the cruise.
- Cruise lines to modify onboard facilities so passengers can remain socially distanced in accordance with CDC recommendations (at least six-foot separation). This includes during dining and priority club free drink periods, which was our primary means of socializing.
- Daily temperature checks for all passengers. Fine, we don’t mind this.
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Tima and Rasnesh, long-time friends, after many hikes with tourists to the waterfall.
As you can see, these requirements eliminate all of our reasons for cruising. Instead, we’ll continue to enjoy possible future holiday homes in locations we find desirable, on or near the ocean, and in cultural and wildlife-rich areas. Only time will tell when we can pick up where we left off, with the thought in mind that cruising may not be a part of our means of transportation from one part of the world to another or a means of meeting new people along the way. Disappointing, for sure.
Stay healthy.
Photo from one year ago today, October 25, 2019:
There was no post one year ago on this date due to a poor WiFi signal on the ship.
My husband and I are avid cruisers. Our last cruise was on Norwegian Bliss the first week of March 2020. We were cautious and concerned, and took extra measures to carefully sanitize and wash our hands frequently and avoid handshaking, but we really had no idea of what was about to happen in the world. Now we, too, wonder when and if we will ever enjoy cruising again.
Laura, it’s a disappointing situation for cruise enthusiasts like yourselves and us. I can’t imagine when it will ever be safe again. You are fortunate to have made it through your March cruise without getting the virus. But, now, it may not be possible to avoid the virus if going on tours even through the cruise line.
Hopefully, someday this will resolve and we’ll be able to head back out to sea.
Thanks for writing and stay healthy!
Warmest regards,
Jess & Tom