Today we are heading north west through the Java Sea towards Singapore. During the night, we could see the lights of the island of Bali as we passed. We had phone service for a short time so we were very happy to be able to speak to Rob.
This is our third sea day since Darwin, and we are running on about half pace - no news so far about the itinerary change that was mentioned yesterday - the voice of the captain came from ‘on high’ this afternoon to announce that he is working with head office to finalise the itinerary options..... sounds ominous...... of course the rumour mill is running red hot..... the theories run from them having to cut a hole in the side of the ship to get access to the offending engine to all the passengers being put up in hotels in Singapore while the ship is put into dry dock..... I think our theory of an extra day in Singapore and missing a Malaysian port is the tamest suggestion - and probably most likely ... it is certainly the topic of conversation in the lifts, at dinner, in the buffet and all places in between. One lady in the lift this morning even suggested that if any ports are to be missed it should be in the Mediterranean cause most people have been there before... and she is getting off in Dubai anyway!!!!!
Colin suggested at dinner the we run a book about which theory will turn out to be correct. The Captan has said that he will provide all details in his briefing at 5.00pm tomorrow... we just have to sit tight and wait and enjoy all the fun on the ship.
We had a leisurely breakfast with Helen and Katie. Arnold has recovered from his spill of yesterday, apart from grazed knees - a bit embarrassed cause lots of people have been stopping to ask him how he is feeling - even our dinner waiter, Neil, stopped him at breakfast to ask how he was.
We have rented a car in Langkawi so went to the lecture to find out what there was to see but didn’t get in. The Princess theatre was filled to overflowing so we will watch the replay in our stateroom. Deborah Shields is the port lecturer. We have run into her previously on the Cheery Blossom cruise on Sun Princess in 2010 and her lectures are always very well attended.
We really like her - she is a wonderful source of knowledge, and unlike many other port lecturers on cruise ships, she doesn’t just push the ships tours as the only option. She also gives great information for independent travelers about public transport, taxis and the charges to expect to pay to go to the various attractions, shopping away from the tourist traps, exchanging currency, opening hours of different attractions etc. She has a desk in the atrium in the afternoons and is always willing to help independent travelers with maps etc. We hope she is on for the complete cruise.
When we had finished dinner tonight, suddenly a large blue furry puppet bird (think Ossie Ostrich) attached to Ray’s arm.....appeared from under the table to snuggle up to Joanne’s shoulder.... hysterical laughter as Birdie made the rounds ..... we have a fabulous group at our dinner table - always ready for fun .. so dinner is always a lot of fun and laughter ... I have to remember to take my camera to dinner every night - will try to post a picture of Birdie trying to give Arnold kisses tomorrow when I get a copy from Judy... so funny. We then went to the Vista Lounge to see Ivor Richards, a very funny comedian .... overall a great night was once again had by all.
After our day in Darwin, I forgot to mention that the public bus system in Darwin is free for seniors and is easy to get around on. It is easy to walk from the ship to the main shopping mall and the bus stops. There is also a shuttle which will convey you the 1 km. from the ship to the mall for $7 each way - a rip-off unless you have compromised mobility and can’t walk the short distance. Even though it is uphill, there is an elevator to take you up to street level. The Museum and Art Gallery, and Fannie Bay gaol were free and the Military Museum was only $15 for adults and $10 for seniors - so it is a great city to get around as an independent traveler and not expensive. Many passengers hired cars to go out to the Adelaide River Jumping crocs and Lichfield National Park without any problems.
Trivia question of the day
This question has caused quite a bit of discussion and dispute about the answer.
Q: If you drew a line from the most western point of Western Australia, in a straight westerly direction, what is the first country you would hit?
A: South Africa
Many have argued that the answer should be Madagascar.
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