It's still the Best Bed in the Word!...
Disembarkation is never really a fun day. There is always a tension and stress associated with it because generally there are some transfers and flights to consider. Also the situation at any airport now is enough to make people stay at home. [Or travel by ship.]
We [Moe, Barb and Fellette and I], were off the ship by 8.50, through US immigration and customs in jig time. We then went and gathered our luggage, 24 tons of it, all handled by a porter, to the FEDEX guys who took nine pieces, checked our paper work and hope that we see it in a week or so. Next to the buses and taxis. We had a limo and Moe and Barb were scheduled for a bus. We asked if they could come and yes. So, the four of us drove through Manhattan in a big black stretch limo. What a way to see New York. It was a gorgeous day and New York was doing what it does best, being New York.
It would have been a nice day to just wander through the streets, that look cleaner than I remember them, but maybe some other time, we were homeward bound. Soon at Laguardia airport and sitting in the lounge waiting in peace and quiet for our flight. 1/ 1/2 hours from stateroom to lounge in New York, not bad.
Our plane to Toronto was late getting into NY, so it was late leaving. This was compounded by the fact that the luggage had to be taken off because somebody did not show. All this resulted in us missing our plane in Toronto to Vancouver. We were soon rebooked, Fellette and I almost immediately, Moe and Barb had a bit of a wait I am afraid.
We arrived home only 35 minutes later than scheduled and it was blue skies all the way home. There, four smiling faces to greet us! All the fussing around that day was soon forgotten.
After a very quick run around the house we soon found ourselves in the best bed in the world!
To answer your question, I gained just under 5 pounds. [Do not expect any more talk about weight gain.]
We [Moe, Barb and Fellette and I], were off the ship by 8.50, through US immigration and customs in jig time. We then went and gathered our luggage, 24 tons of it, all handled by a porter, to the FEDEX guys who took nine pieces, checked our paper work and hope that we see it in a week or so. Next to the buses and taxis. We had a limo and Moe and Barb were scheduled for a bus. We asked if they could come and yes. So, the four of us drove through Manhattan in a big black stretch limo. What a way to see New York. It was a gorgeous day and New York was doing what it does best, being New York.
It would have been a nice day to just wander through the streets, that look cleaner than I remember them, but maybe some other time, we were homeward bound. Soon at Laguardia airport and sitting in the lounge waiting in peace and quiet for our flight. 1/ 1/2 hours from stateroom to lounge in New York, not bad.
Our plane to Toronto was late getting into NY, so it was late leaving. This was compounded by the fact that the luggage had to be taken off because somebody did not show. All this resulted in us missing our plane in Toronto to Vancouver. We were soon rebooked, Fellette and I almost immediately, Moe and Barb had a bit of a wait I am afraid.
We arrived home only 35 minutes later than scheduled and it was blue skies all the way home. There, four smiling faces to greet us! All the fussing around that day was soon forgotten.
After a very quick run around the house we soon found ourselves in the best bed in the world!
To answer your question, I gained just under 5 pounds. [Do not expect any more talk about weight gain.]
The Fat Lady is Singing...
It is 4:30 in the morning April 24th, as I write this. When this is done, my computer will be shut down and soon packed into it's case. It too has a long way to go today, all the way to Langley, B.C.
I should have done this last blog before we got this close to home, and possibly when we were on a very big 'high', like in India. The last few days, particularly yesterday, was a very mixed day. The pressure of packing eight suitcases and at the same time trying to keep up with the procedural notices and documents that kept coming our way made it a pressure cooker. Finally just around 4.30 it was all done. We were as ready as we were ever going to be.
Moe, Barb, Gail and Jim dropped in for a last farewell. Then dinner, where new friends Fred and Luvis joined us. So, along with Chi, that was our table. Lots of laughs the whole time. Soon, back to the room and time to put the last lot of tags and labels on to our cases. That done, they were out the door, [after I took photos of them, just in case!] Then to bed.
So, how do I even attempt to sum up the last 111 days? I don't, I can't. It was not a trip, it was four months of our life, it was one continuing experience. If anybody asks what was the best part I would simply say, 'getting on board the ship and sailing around the world'. There was no one defining moment. Yes, our five days in the heart of India was very, very, memorable. I do not even consider that part of this trip. It was a trip of it's own and really cannot be considered part of this world cruise experience.
The trip is really three things; First is the 'Cruise Experience', just to experience the life aboard the last four months alone is an awesome experience. Second are the places we visit, the Ports as we call them. As different as night from day from each other and shockingly different from life aboard. Third and last are the people that we meet on board, and ashore. Most of the shore encounters are fleeting and have no real lasting impression on you, with some exceptions. Those exceptions can sometimes be profound.
The exposure to and meeting of fellow passengers seems to me to have the most meaning to me. We have met some wonderful people, on previous cruises and a few this time. Who knows if and when we may see them again.
There are people on board that I have never met who will also have a lasting effect on me. Unfortunately, they make me want to be what they are not. I will not end this blog on that note so I will not expand on that aspect of cruising, and life.
This has been the longest time that Fellette and I have been away in our lives. We are home-bodies and this body is aching for home! It has been absolutely marvellous, wonderful and all sorts of other good things. It, like all good things has come to an end.
I have enjoyed writing and 'talking' to you through this daily ritual of mine. Your faces flash through my mind as I am doing it, sometimes hoping that a specific person may get a chuckle or say, 'Is that right Dough?'
We face a challenge today, all of us who are disembarking. The logistics is best put out of my mind and realize that every minute we are that much closer to home!
See you folks, the trip is over for you as well, and guess what? You do not have an 18 hour journey to get home!
Time now 5:03 and we can see the lights of the shore, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is looming on the horizon and I have a signal on my BlackBerry!
The photo is Fred, Fellette and I and friend Jim, with our fitness instructor, Adelle yesterday morning after class.
The view from the ship as we enter New York Harbour.
I should have done this last blog before we got this close to home, and possibly when we were on a very big 'high', like in India. The last few days, particularly yesterday, was a very mixed day. The pressure of packing eight suitcases and at the same time trying to keep up with the procedural notices and documents that kept coming our way made it a pressure cooker. Finally just around 4.30 it was all done. We were as ready as we were ever going to be.
Moe, Barb, Gail and Jim dropped in for a last farewell. Then dinner, where new friends Fred and Luvis joined us. So, along with Chi, that was our table. Lots of laughs the whole time. Soon, back to the room and time to put the last lot of tags and labels on to our cases. That done, they were out the door, [after I took photos of them, just in case!] Then to bed.
So, how do I even attempt to sum up the last 111 days? I don't, I can't. It was not a trip, it was four months of our life, it was one continuing experience. If anybody asks what was the best part I would simply say, 'getting on board the ship and sailing around the world'. There was no one defining moment. Yes, our five days in the heart of India was very, very, memorable. I do not even consider that part of this trip. It was a trip of it's own and really cannot be considered part of this world cruise experience.
The trip is really three things; First is the 'Cruise Experience', just to experience the life aboard the last four months alone is an awesome experience. Second are the places we visit, the Ports as we call them. As different as night from day from each other and shockingly different from life aboard. Third and last are the people that we meet on board, and ashore. Most of the shore encounters are fleeting and have no real lasting impression on you, with some exceptions. Those exceptions can sometimes be profound.
The exposure to and meeting of fellow passengers seems to me to have the most meaning to me. We have met some wonderful people, on previous cruises and a few this time. Who knows if and when we may see them again.
There are people on board that I have never met who will also have a lasting effect on me. Unfortunately, they make me want to be what they are not. I will not end this blog on that note so I will not expand on that aspect of cruising, and life.
This has been the longest time that Fellette and I have been away in our lives. We are home-bodies and this body is aching for home! It has been absolutely marvellous, wonderful and all sorts of other good things. It, like all good things has come to an end.
I have enjoyed writing and 'talking' to you through this daily ritual of mine. Your faces flash through my mind as I am doing it, sometimes hoping that a specific person may get a chuckle or say, 'Is that right Dough?'
We face a challenge today, all of us who are disembarking. The logistics is best put out of my mind and realize that every minute we are that much closer to home!
See you folks, the trip is over for you as well, and guess what? You do not have an 18 hour journey to get home!
Time now 5:03 and we can see the lights of the shore, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is looming on the horizon and I have a signal on my BlackBerry!
The photo is Fred, Fellette and I and friend Jim, with our fitness instructor, Adelle yesterday morning after class.
The view from the ship as we enter New York Harbour.
Beautiful Bermuda...
I had no idea Bermuda was like this!
I am not sure what your thoughts are of Bermuda but mine were well off base. Bermuda is not even in the tropics. As you now know [don't forget that there will be a Final Exam of all lessons given over the past 3 1/2 months next week] it is in the Horse latitudes, around 30 degrees north. The tropics [in this case Cancer], do not start until a bit further south of us at 23.4 degrees. There are many many places in the world that SHOULD be as beautiful as Bermuda, but are not. It appears that although many people fault the British for just about everything wrong in the world, they do have a great sense of order and know the meaning of the words upkeep, maintenance and good government. [People in Bermuda have a UK passport.]
Unfortunately we had a short day here and it was made bit shorter by the fact that we anchored in the harbour and were transported to Hamilton, the capital, by a 600 passenger ferry! That took a while to load and unload. The process takes a bit longer because of the age and infirmary of our fellow passengers. [This is a true statement and not meant in jest.] To us, young is age 50 and thereabouts!
The day was as you would expect in Bermuda, blue sky, azure seas and every house and building in sight a bright clean sparkling pale pink or yellow. All roofs are brilliant white. The odd contrarian may paint their abode some delicious light lime or popsicle orange, it is amazing. The passengers on this oversized tender were affixed to the buildings passing us as we took the 25 minute ride to the dock in the smack dead centre Hamilton. It is was if the Chamber of Commerce had told everybody to give their buildings a coat of paint by today, or else!
During our two hour tour of this 20 square mile island that has about 60,000 population, we never saw anything less than top quality homes and buildings the whole time. To say they were well maintained would be an understatement.
Our mission today was to find the beach front home of my Great Uncle William Leveratt Robins, who passed away in Bermuda in 1955. After a few brief sessions with well spoken taxi drivers, [all black] we were on our way to Bermuda Beach Road looking for a cottage with the name of 'Bendcliffe'. We arrived at our map reference [thank you Craig],
and found the site occupied by The Coco Beach Resort. A very nice and upscale resort with access to a lovely beach. It happened to be my Great Uncle's daughter's beach as it turned out.
As I was enquiring at the desk about access to the beach, I mentioned that my uncle lived here in a cottage called Bendcliffe some 50 years ago. Suddenly a tall handsome youngish man called Richard, who was the apparent manager, stepped out of his office and said "Bendcliffe is still here, we have it as a cottage as part of the resort"
Shazoom!! He was kind enough to walk us out and show us the building. He said it was a sturdy building and has survived hurricanes and many storms.
It was a bit of an emotional moment for me at least, as we went and looked at and I actually had to lean against and rub with my hands, this cottage that I had only seen in photos and heard about from my parents.
I hardly remember Uncle Bill, but my parents stayed there and it was sort of a bit of an ancestoral moment there on this beautiful beach so far from anywhere. So sad that I did not know more about those relatives 50 years ago. But, at that time I was too busy with my life getting married, raising children involved in the military and working on my career. Sad.
I was so glad that Gail and Jim were as enthusiastic as I was about experiencing my Bermuda connection today.
After a rather circutious route back to Hamilton, I found out that there are two St. Paul's Churches in Bermuda. Unfortunately I did not find out about the second until we explored the first looking for Uncle Bills Grave at the Black Anglican St. Pauls. Uncle Bill is buried near to his cottage, too far to go and visit again today. Next time possibly!
Uncle Bill's daughter Mabel, married a Frith. My gosh, it seems that the Friths were a very influential family in Bermuda. There are streets and buildings named after them all over the place. A lost part of the family history, sorry to say.
Next we were in Hamilton and a bit hungry, there we were treated to a wonderful lunch in Bermuda's oldest pub by Gail and Jim. We had a delightfull conversation with a British couple who have children and grandchildren in Sussex, England, Bermuda, and California. Talk about trying to keep the family together!
Next back on ms Amsterdam for a Champagne Sail-Away under an absolutely wonderful Bermudian sky as the band played Anchors Away. [Rule Britannia would have been more appropriate but the passengers are about 85% American.] We are bound for New York and the USA!
The world is a strange and wonderful place. As we sail to New York, and later as the ship carries on south to Fort Lauderdale, it will pass over some interesting parts of the Atlantic Seaboard. For there, in the early months of WW ll, German submarines sank hundreds of freighters that were just off the coast of the USA. America was not in the war for the first 27 months of the war. The nazi U-boats would cruise the coast with no threat, and sunk many ships that were silhouetted by the lights of coastal cities. There was some pressure for the cities to turn off their lights, as a black-out or even a brown-out, but because they were 'neutral' this was not done, Thousands of sailors died. It was not until the USA was bombed at Pearl Harbour in December 1941, and declared war on Japan, and Germany by default inasmuch as Germany was an Ally of Japan did the US navy pursue and sink German U-boats. [This is accurate to the best of my recollection without access to reference material.]
The day was all the more memorable to me when miraculously my BlackBerry phone suddenly came to life in the early hours as we came into cell phone range for the first time since Barb brought it back from the repair shop in Vancouver, at Istanbul almost a month ago. I received all 314 e-mails again, during breakfast! However the thrill of talking to Jeanette, Craig and Wally today made it all worth while. Moe was also able to talk to son Rob today for the first time in 3 1/2 months as was Barb. This may not seem like a big thing but Moe and Rob talk every Sunday at home. Little treasures.
Two more sleeps!
It was neat to be here, Peg and Gord, good vibes!
I am not sure what your thoughts are of Bermuda but mine were well off base. Bermuda is not even in the tropics. As you now know [don't forget that there will be a Final Exam of all lessons given over the past 3 1/2 months next week] it is in the Horse latitudes, around 30 degrees north. The tropics [in this case Cancer], do not start until a bit further south of us at 23.4 degrees. There are many many places in the world that SHOULD be as beautiful as Bermuda, but are not. It appears that although many people fault the British for just about everything wrong in the world, they do have a great sense of order and know the meaning of the words upkeep, maintenance and good government. [People in Bermuda have a UK passport.]
Unfortunately we had a short day here and it was made bit shorter by the fact that we anchored in the harbour and were transported to Hamilton, the capital, by a 600 passenger ferry! That took a while to load and unload. The process takes a bit longer because of the age and infirmary of our fellow passengers. [This is a true statement and not meant in jest.] To us, young is age 50 and thereabouts!
The day was as you would expect in Bermuda, blue sky, azure seas and every house and building in sight a bright clean sparkling pale pink or yellow. All roofs are brilliant white. The odd contrarian may paint their abode some delicious light lime or popsicle orange, it is amazing. The passengers on this oversized tender were affixed to the buildings passing us as we took the 25 minute ride to the dock in the smack dead centre Hamilton. It is was if the Chamber of Commerce had told everybody to give their buildings a coat of paint by today, or else!
During our two hour tour of this 20 square mile island that has about 60,000 population, we never saw anything less than top quality homes and buildings the whole time. To say they were well maintained would be an understatement.
Our mission today was to find the beach front home of my Great Uncle William Leveratt Robins, who passed away in Bermuda in 1955. After a few brief sessions with well spoken taxi drivers, [all black] we were on our way to Bermuda Beach Road looking for a cottage with the name of 'Bendcliffe'. We arrived at our map reference [thank you Craig],
and found the site occupied by The Coco Beach Resort. A very nice and upscale resort with access to a lovely beach. It happened to be my Great Uncle's daughter's beach as it turned out.
As I was enquiring at the desk about access to the beach, I mentioned that my uncle lived here in a cottage called Bendcliffe some 50 years ago. Suddenly a tall handsome youngish man called Richard, who was the apparent manager, stepped out of his office and said "Bendcliffe is still here, we have it as a cottage as part of the resort"
Shazoom!! He was kind enough to walk us out and show us the building. He said it was a sturdy building and has survived hurricanes and many storms.
It was a bit of an emotional moment for me at least, as we went and looked at and I actually had to lean against and rub with my hands, this cottage that I had only seen in photos and heard about from my parents.
I hardly remember Uncle Bill, but my parents stayed there and it was sort of a bit of an ancestoral moment there on this beautiful beach so far from anywhere. So sad that I did not know more about those relatives 50 years ago. But, at that time I was too busy with my life getting married, raising children involved in the military and working on my career. Sad.
I was so glad that Gail and Jim were as enthusiastic as I was about experiencing my Bermuda connection today.
After a rather circutious route back to Hamilton, I found out that there are two St. Paul's Churches in Bermuda. Unfortunately I did not find out about the second until we explored the first looking for Uncle Bills Grave at the Black Anglican St. Pauls. Uncle Bill is buried near to his cottage, too far to go and visit again today. Next time possibly!
Uncle Bill's daughter Mabel, married a Frith. My gosh, it seems that the Friths were a very influential family in Bermuda. There are streets and buildings named after them all over the place. A lost part of the family history, sorry to say.
Next we were in Hamilton and a bit hungry, there we were treated to a wonderful lunch in Bermuda's oldest pub by Gail and Jim. We had a delightfull conversation with a British couple who have children and grandchildren in Sussex, England, Bermuda, and California. Talk about trying to keep the family together!
Next back on ms Amsterdam for a Champagne Sail-Away under an absolutely wonderful Bermudian sky as the band played Anchors Away. [Rule Britannia would have been more appropriate but the passengers are about 85% American.] We are bound for New York and the USA!
The world is a strange and wonderful place. As we sail to New York, and later as the ship carries on south to Fort Lauderdale, it will pass over some interesting parts of the Atlantic Seaboard. For there, in the early months of WW ll, German submarines sank hundreds of freighters that were just off the coast of the USA. America was not in the war for the first 27 months of the war. The nazi U-boats would cruise the coast with no threat, and sunk many ships that were silhouetted by the lights of coastal cities. There was some pressure for the cities to turn off their lights, as a black-out or even a brown-out, but because they were 'neutral' this was not done, Thousands of sailors died. It was not until the USA was bombed at Pearl Harbour in December 1941, and declared war on Japan, and Germany by default inasmuch as Germany was an Ally of Japan did the US navy pursue and sink German U-boats. [This is accurate to the best of my recollection without access to reference material.]
The day was all the more memorable to me when miraculously my BlackBerry phone suddenly came to life in the early hours as we came into cell phone range for the first time since Barb brought it back from the repair shop in Vancouver, at Istanbul almost a month ago. I received all 314 e-mails again, during breakfast! However the thrill of talking to Jeanette, Craig and Wally today made it all worth while. Moe was also able to talk to son Rob today for the first time in 3 1/2 months as was Barb. This may not seem like a big thing but Moe and Rob talk every Sunday at home. Little treasures.
Two more sleeps!
It was neat to be here, Peg and Gord, good vibes!
The Fat Lady is About to Sing...
The saying goes that 'it ain't over till the Fat Lady sings'. Well, she is getting dressed and about to sing for at least for 450 people on this ship. [1250 on now]. That is how many are disembarking in New York three days hence.
Apparently about the same amount are getting on later the same day, as the ship changes position to do Alaska cruising for the season. [Does that mean that some strange people will be using our bed Thursday night, and horror of horrors, using our toilet?]
These last few days have been a bit of a holding pattern for some of us who are anxious to get home. Some seem to pretend that it will not end. I suppose that it depends on your make-up. Fellette is both, anxious to get home but cherishing every moment on board. The sign of a well adjusted person. I have done a good job in making her what she is, haven't I? [My mother used to say that God would get me for saying that!]
One thing that these long cruises have taught me is the differences in the lives that people have. I am going to tell a little story, a true story, that happened on this ship on this cruise. There was a couple that got on in Fort Lauderdale the same as we did. We met the lady a few times and went on a couple of tours that she was on, alone. Her husband did not seem to go on that type of thing. The lady was about 65? fun to be with and very pleasant. Her husband died on the ship just before India. A massive heart situation apparently. He was a very large man and I only saw him twice, sitting at the bar.
The lady had her husband cremated in Mumbai and she continued on the cruise, alone. Apparently the couple had no children and she had 'nothing to go home to'. She has more acquaintances on the ship than at home. I almost cried when I heard that.
We are so fortunate to have a fulfilling home life and can also get away and do such things as we have been doing on the trip.
Change in subject:
Tonight was our last formal night. The end of the 'dress-ups' that I actually enjoy. I rarely wear a tie at home and it is a bit of a treat to put on some fancy duds once in a while. The ladies of course always look smart but on formal nights they really do shine. The attached photos do not really convey the merriment of the night. needless to say it will be a very long time before we have the pleasure of such an evening. The food was great and the conversation was lively and stimulating. After dinner I wanted to get a photo of Fellette, Moe and Barbara. That seemed easy enough but they would not stop laughing and being silly. The pictures I hope convey some feeing of merriment as we approach Bermuda, North America and home.
New Subject:
Tomorrow is Bermuda. We are going to do a little family tree research tomorrow. Well, no research, just a sentimental journey. My grandfather, on my fathers side, Herbert Henry Robins, had a brother that spent the last few years of his life here and his daughter spent all of her married life here. My Mom and Dad, [Frank and Wilda] visited them here once only I believe. I remember the pictures that Dad came home with of their place on the beach. Apparently they had a tea-house and ran a 'changing room' facility for people to put their 'swimming costumes' on.
Son Craig has sent me a map with their exact location so we hope to try and duplicate the photo my Dad took about 50 years ago. Cousins Peggy and Gordy were also helpful in filling me in the details. [Peg is the daughter of Frank's half brother, Bob Graham].
It is sometimes hard for me to grasp that we are 'the older generation'. Our parents are gone and we are the ones who are supposed to know all this 'stuff' about our family that the youngsters may not have an interest in, if ever, for years. How often do I wish I could phone my Mom or talk to my Dad, or an aunt, now gone. At least by putting some of this stuff down in print form it may fall into the hands of an interested ancestor years from now. I find that I think more now of long gone relatives that did not apparently mean much to me as a child, but I wish I could turn the clock back and talk to them now. Wow, the questions I would ask! I remember once my father telling me that his father knew a man who had seen Napolean! WOW.
TRIVIA: Bermuda was first 'occupied' in 1609 by an English settler's ship 'Sea Venture' that grounded on the island that would become Bermuda. They were on their way to the colony in Jamestown, Virginia. Some of them decided to stay there and the rest is history as they say. It is interesting how fate and history work. They were all English obviously, but the ones who went to Virginia turned into Americans and the ones that stayed in Bermuda are still English. Could be a family or two that split up then, who knows?
We have some new friends on board that have relatives that were on Bermuda for some time in a rather precarious way and in threat of live and limb before being allowed to carry on to what is now America. All this about 400 years ago. Their task tomorrow is to find a Square named after them.
By the way for my Acadian relatives, [Deagles etc.], the settlers that came in 1609 were Johnny-Come-Lately compared to our ancestral Acadians who arrived in Canada five years earlier in 1604, albeit it a bit further north.
Calm seas today and a bit hazy, but temperate. 10 Hours till Bermuda.
Apparently about the same amount are getting on later the same day, as the ship changes position to do Alaska cruising for the season. [Does that mean that some strange people will be using our bed Thursday night, and horror of horrors, using our toilet?]
These last few days have been a bit of a holding pattern for some of us who are anxious to get home. Some seem to pretend that it will not end. I suppose that it depends on your make-up. Fellette is both, anxious to get home but cherishing every moment on board. The sign of a well adjusted person. I have done a good job in making her what she is, haven't I? [My mother used to say that God would get me for saying that!]
One thing that these long cruises have taught me is the differences in the lives that people have. I am going to tell a little story, a true story, that happened on this ship on this cruise. There was a couple that got on in Fort Lauderdale the same as we did. We met the lady a few times and went on a couple of tours that she was on, alone. Her husband did not seem to go on that type of thing. The lady was about 65? fun to be with and very pleasant. Her husband died on the ship just before India. A massive heart situation apparently. He was a very large man and I only saw him twice, sitting at the bar.
The lady had her husband cremated in Mumbai and she continued on the cruise, alone. Apparently the couple had no children and she had 'nothing to go home to'. She has more acquaintances on the ship than at home. I almost cried when I heard that.
We are so fortunate to have a fulfilling home life and can also get away and do such things as we have been doing on the trip.
Change in subject:
Tonight was our last formal night. The end of the 'dress-ups' that I actually enjoy. I rarely wear a tie at home and it is a bit of a treat to put on some fancy duds once in a while. The ladies of course always look smart but on formal nights they really do shine. The attached photos do not really convey the merriment of the night. needless to say it will be a very long time before we have the pleasure of such an evening. The food was great and the conversation was lively and stimulating. After dinner I wanted to get a photo of Fellette, Moe and Barbara. That seemed easy enough but they would not stop laughing and being silly. The pictures I hope convey some feeing of merriment as we approach Bermuda, North America and home.
New Subject:
Tomorrow is Bermuda. We are going to do a little family tree research tomorrow. Well, no research, just a sentimental journey. My grandfather, on my fathers side, Herbert Henry Robins, had a brother that spent the last few years of his life here and his daughter spent all of her married life here. My Mom and Dad, [Frank and Wilda] visited them here once only I believe. I remember the pictures that Dad came home with of their place on the beach. Apparently they had a tea-house and ran a 'changing room' facility for people to put their 'swimming costumes' on.
Son Craig has sent me a map with their exact location so we hope to try and duplicate the photo my Dad took about 50 years ago. Cousins Peggy and Gordy were also helpful in filling me in the details. [Peg is the daughter of Frank's half brother, Bob Graham].
It is sometimes hard for me to grasp that we are 'the older generation'. Our parents are gone and we are the ones who are supposed to know all this 'stuff' about our family that the youngsters may not have an interest in, if ever, for years. How often do I wish I could phone my Mom or talk to my Dad, or an aunt, now gone. At least by putting some of this stuff down in print form it may fall into the hands of an interested ancestor years from now. I find that I think more now of long gone relatives that did not apparently mean much to me as a child, but I wish I could turn the clock back and talk to them now. Wow, the questions I would ask! I remember once my father telling me that his father knew a man who had seen Napolean! WOW.
TRIVIA: Bermuda was first 'occupied' in 1609 by an English settler's ship 'Sea Venture' that grounded on the island that would become Bermuda. They were on their way to the colony in Jamestown, Virginia. Some of them decided to stay there and the rest is history as they say. It is interesting how fate and history work. They were all English obviously, but the ones who went to Virginia turned into Americans and the ones that stayed in Bermuda are still English. Could be a family or two that split up then, who knows?
We have some new friends on board that have relatives that were on Bermuda for some time in a rather precarious way and in threat of live and limb before being allowed to carry on to what is now America. All this about 400 years ago. Their task tomorrow is to find a Square named after them.
By the way for my Acadian relatives, [Deagles etc.], the settlers that came in 1609 were Johnny-Come-Lately compared to our ancestral Acadians who arrived in Canada five years earlier in 1604, albeit it a bit further north.
Calm seas today and a bit hazy, but temperate. 10 Hours till Bermuda.
Special Blog...
Interesting or not, you decide...
Early this morning, while was still dark out I stumbled out to our luggage-strewn balcony to check the weather. The sun was starting to make it's presence visible through a beautiful pink and blue panorama behind us.
I asked Fellette to come out and witness what could be the last sunrise of this trip. She reluctantly put on her dressing gown and came out beside me.
I mentioned the lack of wind and waves because we were in the Horse Latitudes. Then proceeded to spiel off what I think is some interesting data: The Doldrums are 10 degrees wide, therefore they are [about] 10 x 60 knots wide or 660 miles deep. And the horse latitudes are 5 degrees wide or about 330 miles wide. Therefore the diameter of the trade winds would be the area between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, or 25 degrees, or about 1650 miles in diameter.
I then said "Isn't that interesting?" She looked at me and said one word, NO!
It is possible that I have been spouting what I thought were some interesting bits and pieces of newly acquired knowledge for the last quarter of a year and it has been falling on completely bored ears? But I know enough about human nature to know that some of you who are 'seekers of knowledge' got a bit of something out of all my scribblings.
I sure hope all of the foregoing is correct, if not perhaps my friend Ian, or others, may correct me.
Early this morning, while was still dark out I stumbled out to our luggage-strewn balcony to check the weather. The sun was starting to make it's presence visible through a beautiful pink and blue panorama behind us.
I asked Fellette to come out and witness what could be the last sunrise of this trip. She reluctantly put on her dressing gown and came out beside me.
I mentioned the lack of wind and waves because we were in the Horse Latitudes. Then proceeded to spiel off what I think is some interesting data: The Doldrums are 10 degrees wide, therefore they are [about] 10 x 60 knots wide or 660 miles deep. And the horse latitudes are 5 degrees wide or about 330 miles wide. Therefore the diameter of the trade winds would be the area between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, or 25 degrees, or about 1650 miles in diameter.
I then said "Isn't that interesting?" She looked at me and said one word, NO!
It is possible that I have been spouting what I thought were some interesting bits and pieces of newly acquired knowledge for the last quarter of a year and it has been falling on completely bored ears? But I know enough about human nature to know that some of you who are 'seekers of knowledge' got a bit of something out of all my scribblings.
I sure hope all of the foregoing is correct, if not perhaps my friend Ian, or others, may correct me.
Horse Latitudes and the Doldrums...
Have you ever heard of or wondered what is meant by The Doldrums, or the Horse Latitudes. Not likely but here it comes, like it or not.
The Doldrums are or is a strip of ocean five degrees north and south of the equator where there is basically no wind. It is the area between the circulation of the trade winds that are in both hemispheres. Above the equator the winds travel in a clockwise direction and in the opposite direction below the equator, with the Doldrums in between.
Sailing ships were sometimes forced into that area by storms or accidentally. They could be without wind for long periods of time and often they actually rowed the ship looking for wind, being towed by their small boats. Not a pleasant situation.
We now use that term 'in the Doldrums' to mean a low point in your life or lack of enthusiasm.
The Horse Latitudes is a similar situation. They are two strips of ocean between 30 and 35 degrees, again, north and south of the equator. In that area there are weak winds, not really ideal for speedy sailing and again ships could spend long days and weeks caught in them.
They got their name by the fact that in some cases they would throw the horses [and other livestock] overboard to conserve the drinking water aboard. Terrible to even think about it.
That is today's trivia folks!
We have one more sea day before we go ashore in Bermuda. The weather today was mixed, and even a rainstorm. It was like a Sunday at home, raining and a good thing to curl up with a book. Only we did not, we finished our packing today.
Eight suitcases are sitting on the balcony and one more under the bed ready to pack our few days of clothing that we have laid out for the remaining days.
Please remember that there will be a Final Exam of all lessons given over the past 3 1/2 months next week. Please review your notes.
The Doldrums are or is a strip of ocean five degrees north and south of the equator where there is basically no wind. It is the area between the circulation of the trade winds that are in both hemispheres. Above the equator the winds travel in a clockwise direction and in the opposite direction below the equator, with the Doldrums in between.
Sailing ships were sometimes forced into that area by storms or accidentally. They could be without wind for long periods of time and often they actually rowed the ship looking for wind, being towed by their small boats. Not a pleasant situation.
We now use that term 'in the Doldrums' to mean a low point in your life or lack of enthusiasm.
The Horse Latitudes is a similar situation. They are two strips of ocean between 30 and 35 degrees, again, north and south of the equator. In that area there are weak winds, not really ideal for speedy sailing and again ships could spend long days and weeks caught in them.
They got their name by the fact that in some cases they would throw the horses [and other livestock] overboard to conserve the drinking water aboard. Terrible to even think about it.
That is today's trivia folks!
We have one more sea day before we go ashore in Bermuda. The weather today was mixed, and even a rainstorm. It was like a Sunday at home, raining and a good thing to curl up with a book. Only we did not, we finished our packing today.
Eight suitcases are sitting on the balcony and one more under the bed ready to pack our few days of clothing that we have laid out for the remaining days.
Please remember that there will be a Final Exam of all lessons given over the past 3 1/2 months next week. Please review your notes.
The Earth Really is Round!
I received this e-mail from Dad last night and thought it was just too interesting not to share...
Craig, I took some pictures of the ocean toady, clear, calm, blue.
I was actually trying to see if I could see the curvature of the earth. I found out that if I had the horizon on the lower 1/3 the curve was actually concave. If on the top 1/3 it was a pronounced curve. To do with the lens I assume. This one is about in the middle just a tad above. If you blow it up on your screen and place a piece of paper left and right you can actually see the curve.
Dad
Craig, I took some pictures of the ocean toady, clear, calm, blue.
I was actually trying to see if I could see the curvature of the earth. I found out that if I had the horizon on the lower 1/3 the curve was actually concave. If on the top 1/3 it was a pronounced curve. To do with the lens I assume. This one is about in the middle just a tad above. If you blow it up on your screen and place a piece of paper left and right you can actually see the curve.
Dad
What Fellette is looking Forward to at Home...
[in no particular conscious order]
I am like Maria in 'The Sound of Music'. When Doug Says "What are you looking forward to?" The whole song goes through my head:
• Raindrops on roses - Well maybe hold the raindrops and make it Dew on Daffodils
• Whiskers on kittens - I'll settle for the Grandkids old barn cats
• Bright copper kettles - How about my own kitchen and stainless steel pots
• Warm woollen mittens - Might need those when we visit good friends at Buffalo Creek
• Wild geese - Canada Geese will do, I'm sure they're all flying home for the summer too
• Girls in white dresses in blue satin sashes - Obviously the 4-A's [Grand-girls] in blue jeans and tees will suffice
• Snow drops that stay on nose and eyelashes - I can do without, but maybe a few snowdrops under the big maple tree at the farm will still be blooming
• Brown paper packages tied up in string - I'll get to hand out a few packages to special people, but don't expect them to be wrapped!
The rest of the song escapes my mind right now, but I can add a few more favourite things:
Grubbing in the gardens.
Chopping wood.
My favourite recliner chair at Langley.
Saying "hi" to the exercise class, the quilters group, the church choir, our neighbours, the folks at work and most of all the family.
I look forward, also, to entertaining friends who are travelling from abroad to visit with us this summer.
Below is a photo of The Amsterdam Choir That gave a performance the other day. Fellette is that lovely lady in the front row, long dress.
We have two more sea days before Bermuda. 4 1/2 suitcases now packed. The sea has been like a mill-pond. Where is that wild Atlantic Ocean? Bathing suits out today, hard to believe.
I am like Maria in 'The Sound of Music'. When Doug Says "What are you looking forward to?" The whole song goes through my head:
• Raindrops on roses - Well maybe hold the raindrops and make it Dew on Daffodils
• Whiskers on kittens - I'll settle for the Grandkids old barn cats
• Bright copper kettles - How about my own kitchen and stainless steel pots
• Warm woollen mittens - Might need those when we visit good friends at Buffalo Creek
• Wild geese - Canada Geese will do, I'm sure they're all flying home for the summer too
• Girls in white dresses in blue satin sashes - Obviously the 4-A's [Grand-girls] in blue jeans and tees will suffice
• Snow drops that stay on nose and eyelashes - I can do without, but maybe a few snowdrops under the big maple tree at the farm will still be blooming
• Brown paper packages tied up in string - I'll get to hand out a few packages to special people, but don't expect them to be wrapped!
The rest of the song escapes my mind right now, but I can add a few more favourite things:
Grubbing in the gardens.
Chopping wood.
My favourite recliner chair at Langley.
Saying "hi" to the exercise class, the quilters group, the church choir, our neighbours, the folks at work and most of all the family.
I look forward, also, to entertaining friends who are travelling from abroad to visit with us this summer.
Below is a photo of The Amsterdam Choir That gave a performance the other day. Fellette is that lovely lady in the front row, long dress.
We have two more sea days before Bermuda. 4 1/2 suitcases now packed. The sea has been like a mill-pond. Where is that wild Atlantic Ocean? Bathing suits out today, hard to believe.
Things we are looking forward to...
Packing has started in earnest and we only have 6 more sleeps. We are beginning to seriously consider the fact that this Fairy Tale Voyage may actually end and our mind now drifts to home and what we are looking forward to that we have missed in the last few months.
[This is Doug's list.]
These are not in any conscious order.
Seeing the Kids and Grandkids.
Seeing relatives and friends.
A lunch of a peanut butter sandwich and cold milk.
The home in Langley, and only two of us.
Walking through Canada Ticket.
Coffee and the newspaper in bed at home.
Walking around the farm.
A quiet time at 100 Mile.
A computer that has a fast connection, [not shared with 400 other users].
Going shopping at the super-market and picking out the fruits and vegetables.
Starting my truck up.
Unpacking at home.
Having a dinner alone with Fellette.
Sorting the mail.
[Fellette was supposed to do her list but she is gadding about somewhere in the ship!]
Barb and Moe are having a really good time together. A bit too much of a good think I think. Here is a recent picture of the two of them in Madeira...
[Special effects by Ruth, of George and Ruth Fame.]
Clear blue skies and smooth sailing again today. Clocks back another hour tonight.
[This is Doug's list.]
These are not in any conscious order.
Seeing the Kids and Grandkids.
Seeing relatives and friends.
A lunch of a peanut butter sandwich and cold milk.
The home in Langley, and only two of us.
Walking through Canada Ticket.
Coffee and the newspaper in bed at home.
Walking around the farm.
A quiet time at 100 Mile.
A computer that has a fast connection, [not shared with 400 other users].
Going shopping at the super-market and picking out the fruits and vegetables.
Starting my truck up.
Unpacking at home.
Having a dinner alone with Fellette.
Sorting the mail.
[Fellette was supposed to do her list but she is gadding about somewhere in the ship!]
Barb and Moe are having a really good time together. A bit too much of a good think I think. Here is a recent picture of the two of them in Madeira...
[Special effects by Ruth, of George and Ruth Fame.]
Clear blue skies and smooth sailing again today. Clocks back another hour tonight.
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who is The Fairest of Them All?...
You all are!
The two pictures taken of the mirror in our cabin are about 3 1/2 months apart. The first was taken the day we boarded January 4th, the other two earlier today.
As you may know I get some prints made of relatives and friends and tape them to the mirror. That way I am constantly 'in-touch' at least visually, to a great deal of you. Some I accidentally forgot. As we progressed through the weeks I added other pictures that I had 'developed' and bits and pieces of other memorabilia of our experiences. [This includes a couple of good bottles of beer by the way.]
As the trip winds down and we commence packing and saying farewells to friends and acquaintances, all of the the memorabilia and 'personalization' of our cabin will disappear, and it will soon revert to it's original sterile state for some other people to enjoy.
It is somehow easier for me to express myself in this electronic way as opposed to face to face or verbally on the phone while at home. I only have a few more days of 'talking' to you this way and I, for one, am going to miss it. In advance I want to state that just because I do not talk to you while at home it does not mean that you are not on my mind. During the past few months I have bared my soul to you and hopefully you understand a bit more about what makes me tick. I agree, this is not the most pressing issue in the world today, but if you have peeked into the Blog once in a while that means there is at least a wee bit if interest there.
A quiet day at sea today. The motion of the ocean has picked up again as we lose any protection from continents and land masses. The skies were cloudy and we are pitching and rolling a bit now. Just enough to ensure a good nights sleep.
Clocks back another hour tonight. I believe it is now only six hours ahead of Vancouver time.
The two pictures taken of the mirror in our cabin are about 3 1/2 months apart. The first was taken the day we boarded January 4th, the other two earlier today.
As you may know I get some prints made of relatives and friends and tape them to the mirror. That way I am constantly 'in-touch' at least visually, to a great deal of you. Some I accidentally forgot. As we progressed through the weeks I added other pictures that I had 'developed' and bits and pieces of other memorabilia of our experiences. [This includes a couple of good bottles of beer by the way.]
As the trip winds down and we commence packing and saying farewells to friends and acquaintances, all of the the memorabilia and 'personalization' of our cabin will disappear, and it will soon revert to it's original sterile state for some other people to enjoy.
It is somehow easier for me to express myself in this electronic way as opposed to face to face or verbally on the phone while at home. I only have a few more days of 'talking' to you this way and I, for one, am going to miss it. In advance I want to state that just because I do not talk to you while at home it does not mean that you are not on my mind. During the past few months I have bared my soul to you and hopefully you understand a bit more about what makes me tick. I agree, this is not the most pressing issue in the world today, but if you have peeked into the Blog once in a while that means there is at least a wee bit if interest there.
A quiet day at sea today. The motion of the ocean has picked up again as we lose any protection from continents and land masses. The skies were cloudy and we are pitching and rolling a bit now. Just enough to ensure a good nights sleep.
Clocks back another hour tonight. I believe it is now only six hours ahead of Vancouver time.
A Wonderful Day in Madeira...
...that is what Fellette said I should name the blog, as she walked out of our cabin to go to the movie! She was right, it was a wonderful day in all respects.
The sky was clear blue as we set out in search of Madeira countryside this morning. Soon we were in the clutches of another evil taxi man and off we went. [Robins and Cutlers].
After a 20 minute drive through colourful countryside and winding hilly roads we were at Camara de Lobos, the village where Winston Churchill went for holidays in the 30's to relax and paint.
The village might have been quaint then but now it is teeming with tour busses and taxis as curious tourists try to imagine the appeal 70 years ago. It does look like a bit of a worn out place actually.
The countryside however makes up for anything lacking in Churchill's town.
The hills are covered in terraced fields of a variety of crops from bananas, sugar cane, grapes and vegetable market crops. These small holdings must take a terrible amount of hand labour because the land makes the use of tractors almost impossible.
Every little house has it's own charm even though they may be nothing more than a simple farm house or little bungalow. I think that the grape arbours that seem to make a lace-like roof in the areas around the home give it that friendly Mediterranean appeal.
Next we found ourselves at 'The second highest sea-side cliff in the world', [Taiwan No. 1.]
It is about 1100 feet from the overlook to the ocean below. Unfortunately the view from the top is not as breathtaking as the view of the cliff from three miles away. Again, too many buses and taxis for me. There were three ships in today, ours plus an Italian ship with the prettiest lips on it's bow you have ever seen, plus a rather upscale ship whose name we shall not utter. [Starts with Sea and ends with Borne].
Next for a peek of the town where Portugal soccer hero Renaldo was born. 23 years old and making 1,500,000 Euros A MONTH. [A euro is worth 1.55 Cdn.]
Our taxi driver said that Real Madrid had offered Manchester United FC 175,000,000 euros for him. Manchester said they had nothing to sell! No wonder that kids all over the world kick a soccer ball around, they can live in hope.
Yet another stop at the edge of an extinct volcano where people have their village on the floor of the crater. It looked like a model railway set from our prospective.
Soon we found ourselves in the town of Monte, four miles above Funchal. The attraction up there is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. There Austrian Emperor Carlos l is buried. He sought refuge in WW l but died of pneumonia. Also in Monte is the start of the crazy Basket Ride down two miles of narrow hilly streets jostled, pulled and pushed by two handsome Portuguese gents. Price 12.50 Euros each. We declined because of the line up. [Darn tourists.]
We asked our driver to drop us off at a Portuguese restaurant, which he did and we had a very nice but expensive lunch. The wine was excellent as well. We did have a little 'negative moment' whilst there but other than that mention, that is all you are getting from me.
We decided to take a bit of a walk back to Funchal along the beach walk. Lovely sea-walk provided by beach-front hotels, similar to Maui. However the only thing missing from the beaches is sand. Gadzooks they lie on rocks and cement pads here!
Shortly we were in town again for an hour or so walk about this fascinating and colourful little town on this beautiful little island.
Then the shuttle back to the ship and a walk up five flights of stairs to our cosy cabin for a quiet time before a late dinner of fruit salad and ice cream.
As I said, a wonderful day in Madeira. Made better by a very quick phone call to one of our kids, Wally, he would be the only one up at that time.
Clocks back tonight again. We are now only seven hours ahead of Vancouver time.
Five solid days at sea heading straight west for Bermuda, 2420 nautical miles ahead. Packing starts tomorrow, extra suitcases can be purchased in Bermuda by those that 'overbought'.
The sky was clear blue as we set out in search of Madeira countryside this morning. Soon we were in the clutches of another evil taxi man and off we went. [Robins and Cutlers].
After a 20 minute drive through colourful countryside and winding hilly roads we were at Camara de Lobos, the village where Winston Churchill went for holidays in the 30's to relax and paint.
The village might have been quaint then but now it is teeming with tour busses and taxis as curious tourists try to imagine the appeal 70 years ago. It does look like a bit of a worn out place actually.
The countryside however makes up for anything lacking in Churchill's town.
The hills are covered in terraced fields of a variety of crops from bananas, sugar cane, grapes and vegetable market crops. These small holdings must take a terrible amount of hand labour because the land makes the use of tractors almost impossible.
Every little house has it's own charm even though they may be nothing more than a simple farm house or little bungalow. I think that the grape arbours that seem to make a lace-like roof in the areas around the home give it that friendly Mediterranean appeal.
Next we found ourselves at 'The second highest sea-side cliff in the world', [Taiwan No. 1.]
It is about 1100 feet from the overlook to the ocean below. Unfortunately the view from the top is not as breathtaking as the view of the cliff from three miles away. Again, too many buses and taxis for me. There were three ships in today, ours plus an Italian ship with the prettiest lips on it's bow you have ever seen, plus a rather upscale ship whose name we shall not utter. [Starts with Sea and ends with Borne].
Next for a peek of the town where Portugal soccer hero Renaldo was born. 23 years old and making 1,500,000 Euros A MONTH. [A euro is worth 1.55 Cdn.]
Our taxi driver said that Real Madrid had offered Manchester United FC 175,000,000 euros for him. Manchester said they had nothing to sell! No wonder that kids all over the world kick a soccer ball around, they can live in hope.
Yet another stop at the edge of an extinct volcano where people have their village on the floor of the crater. It looked like a model railway set from our prospective.
Soon we found ourselves in the town of Monte, four miles above Funchal. The attraction up there is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. There Austrian Emperor Carlos l is buried. He sought refuge in WW l but died of pneumonia. Also in Monte is the start of the crazy Basket Ride down two miles of narrow hilly streets jostled, pulled and pushed by two handsome Portuguese gents. Price 12.50 Euros each. We declined because of the line up. [Darn tourists.]
We asked our driver to drop us off at a Portuguese restaurant, which he did and we had a very nice but expensive lunch. The wine was excellent as well. We did have a little 'negative moment' whilst there but other than that mention, that is all you are getting from me.
We decided to take a bit of a walk back to Funchal along the beach walk. Lovely sea-walk provided by beach-front hotels, similar to Maui. However the only thing missing from the beaches is sand. Gadzooks they lie on rocks and cement pads here!
Shortly we were in town again for an hour or so walk about this fascinating and colourful little town on this beautiful little island.
Then the shuttle back to the ship and a walk up five flights of stairs to our cosy cabin for a quiet time before a late dinner of fruit salad and ice cream.
As I said, a wonderful day in Madeira. Made better by a very quick phone call to one of our kids, Wally, he would be the only one up at that time.
Clocks back tonight again. We are now only seven hours ahead of Vancouver time.
Five solid days at sea heading straight west for Bermuda, 2420 nautical miles ahead. Packing starts tomorrow, extra suitcases can be purchased in Bermuda by those that 'overbought'.
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