David's Cruise

The tour guide on our 20 seater mini coach introduced herself by saying that a good day in Samoa is 29 degrees. A bad day is 42 degrees! I am told it got up to 42 degrees Celsius today. Yet, I was comfortable for most of the time. Contrary to Cunard’s warnings, Samoa’ s fleet of mini coaches are modern and air conditioned. I think around 6 were used on our tour, “Coastal Villages and Tropical Gardens”.

Unfortunately, it was Sunday; Samoa is what the UK should be, closed in most places with church hugely important. There are many branches of Christianity practiced there, and the churches are full. Females attend, traditionally, their services dressed in white.

The little I saw of this spectacular island was lovely beyond compare. Away from the shore, the land rose into vegetation covered hills and mountains. Rainfall is frequent and plentiful, but we dodged a good soaking all day. From the ship, one could see distant rainfall on the hillsides, as seen in the pictures which come with this blog. A photo stop was made at Plum Pudding Rock, and then at the church of St. Peter, and school at Falefa Village.

We were later served a selection of fresh tropical fruit at Gina’s Tropical Garden, a paradise setting of an acre or two of trees, plants, flowers and shrubs, “straight out of a National Geographic Magazine”. It’s hard to recall having ever been in a lovelier place.

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I am told (I may be wrong), that the harbour we used in Samoa will be the last time it is used by a Cunard ship. A new cruise terminal is being constructed on the other side of the island. These images should be self explanatory.

I visited the temporary market stall set up by the locals. We were prohibited from acquiring bone, wood, shells and many other local crafts; this sort of negating much of a one-off business opportunity.

I hope you enjoyed this brief account of my day in Samoa.

All the best, David.

34 degrees Celsius

Yesterday, we crossed the Equator at approximately 13.50hrs ship’s time.

This morning, according to Captain Connery in his Noon address, we crossed the International Date Line (I.D.L.) at 06.47.

And since 14.00hrs yesterday, midnight GMT, I have walked 13530 steps. That is around 5.3 miles.

This afternoon, 16th February, there was the belated Crossing the Line ceremony. One of our table companions volunteered for his first Crossing the Line ritual humiliation, as did what seemed like several hundred others. I videoed much of this (rather clever) nonsense. Apparently, MV Queen Victoria crosses the Equator four times on this world voyage.

The eight days, (two lots of four with a call at Honolulu in between) emphasises just how massive the Pacific Ocean is. There is something remarkable about being so far from “anywhere”, but also a sense of vulnerability. The ocean remains placid with occasional minor swells.

Theoretically, it should start to cool down a little as we continue south away from the Northern Hemisphere.

There should be some fascinating photographs forthcoming from our call at Apia, Samoa in the morning. I have chosen a “round the island” coach tour, which thankfully uses the best available transport. Cunard apologises for no P.A. system on southern Polynesian buses. They really should apologise when there is! However, it seems the best available transport is also bereft of air conditioning!

It’s now back to the walking; it may be less easy to maintain my target in port.

More news soon,

David.

Below, a few images of the Crossing the Line ceremony.

Yesterday, we crossed the Equator shortly after lunch, and at midnight, skipped day to bring us 14 hours ahead of GMT. For some reason, the Crossing the Equator ceremony is 24 hours later today; I cannot imagine the obcious “good reason” for this delayed custom. The on board web cam which gives a 24/7 bow view, shown on my stateroom TV confirms yet another glorious day ahead. Already, the temperature is nudging 30 degrees Celsius; a slight swell is a reminder of this vast ocean, the Pacific. Already, I have booked my table companions into the “Alternative Dining” on deck 9 for next week; I have also arranged dinner with my table companions at the Captain’s Table on February 26th to mark my 70th birthday three days later, when on March 1st, I shall be travelling by train and bus between Coff’s Harbour and Brisbane. It seems my itinerary has become “legendary” on board ship. “Why didn’t I think of that; Why would you want to do that by train?” and several remarks both encouraging and otherwise have been the reaction when in conversation with “fellow guests” as Cunard refers to its passengers. And in fact, as the day approaches for me to leave the comfort and security of this fine luxurious vessel, I doubt increasingly the wisdom of this tremendous itinerary my travel agent has skilfully put together for me. However, I have slept on trains before, and I know I shall be thrilled at crossing from east to west, the continent of Australia by rail, as well as from top to bottom. I hope, sincerely, this is NOT my last trip to the Antipodes. Indeed, within a couple of years, there is a stunning railtour of both North and South Islands, New Zealand, which has aroused my interest.

Back to today; it is glorious. Now to complete my walking target.

Finally, the on board internet is struggling in this remote part of the world. Things might become a little out of sync.

Thanks for reading, David.

I have just been taught how to Rhumba!

It ain’t half hot!

GREETINGS from the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE.

David.

It occurs to me that, writing each day, may come accross as somewhat tedious to those who follow, regularly my blog. However, this “daily epistle” is the most effective method for me to keep a record of my travels, from which I may be able to write further as my wanderings become increasingly less frequent.

One thing I don’t seem to be able to do at home, is to walk to the degree I do when on board ship. Yes, I have endless time to myself as a fledgling retiree, and masses of surrounding countryside to explore.

At the moment, midnight in the UK is 2pm as we head almost due south to Samoa. Tonight, we skip a day, and instead of its being 10 hours behind GMT, (ship’s time), suddenly we shall become 14 hours ahead of GMT if I have done my sums correctly.

At the moment, after having completed 17,848 steps since 2pm last night (midnight at home), I am relaxing in a steamer chair amidships, starboard side. The sound of the sea against the ship travelling at around 20 knots is gentle and therapeutic. For more noise and drama, the wake from the ship’s stern never fails to excite.

I have been encouraged to join a group of solo travellers for Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Normally, I avoid afternoon tea like the plague. So today, I am foregoing lunch in an attempt to negate the impact of bread, scones and pastries on my diet and excersise regime.

Contrary to a preconceived opinion, our ship “Queen Victoria” is a magnificent vessel, very tastefully appointed throughout. My inside stateroom is ample, although I suspect two people may find it “cosy”. The bars, garden room, restaurants bely the ship’s 12 year career. This is probably due to her refit a couple of years ago, and I do like the way the rooms flow and the floor decorations, carpets etc have been chosen very tastefully. The musicians are of the best quality, the entertainment around the ship, of an impressively high standard.

There is the inevitable art gallery with various promotions of some very impressive work. One of my favourite artists, L.S. Lowry is represented and some wonderful signed limited edition prints are on offer at eye watering prices. Frustratingly, I have no further wall space at home…and a good job too!

Now for some last minute walking before 2pm.

Thanks for reading, David.

These pictures are pages from this morning’s Navigational Channel. As you can see, we are just about 1 degree north of the Equator. At the moment, the air temperature hovers between 28 and 29 degrees Celsius. The 5th picture down illustrates our progress from San Francisco, the 6th image, below indicating a more local positioning.

Soon, we shall cross the Equator, and the traditional ceremonies and silliness will take place, I think, tomorrow. Today, I shall continue walking, relaxing, and enjoy being at roughly the same latitude as Singapore. This will help acclimatise me for the hot days ahead.

This continues to be beyond the journey of a lifetime.

More news later,

Thanks for reading,

David.

Last night’s glorious sunset was far from an optimistic forecast of today’s weather. Tropical showers, even prolonged ones come with this “paradise territory”, so it seems. Nevertheless, the air temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with the sea temp, 82 degrees Fahrenheit, or, in modern parlance, 27 degrees Celsius.

I spent much of this morning, over breakfast, in interesting conversation with a tiny elderly lady from South Korea,who, I understand had escaped from the North several years ago. We put several worlds to rights.

Outside, although warm, it’s just that bit too rainy to enjoy deck walking. So, following lunch in the Golden Lion, Cunard’s on board “pub”, I am attending a lecture, in the Royal Court Theatre, by Peter Beckingham, former British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Ambassador to The Philippines Consul General Secretary. He discussed past, currentg and possible future relations between the U.K. and India. I wasn’t “riveted”.

It looks like I have just missed a spell of sunny weather. That was bad timing! There are two further days before our arrival at Apia, capital of Samoa. During that time, we cross the International Date Line (a “first”) and also, for a fifth time, for me, the Equator. Once again, I am enjoying enormously, an “out-of-sync” summer, even if it was a long time coming.

It looks as if we are heading into another exciting storm, but I hope not one as severe as that approaching Honolulu. I have to acknowledge that despite the considerable turbulence then, I feel our ship came through it remarkably well, even if I was by that time, feeling ghastly!

I suspect there may be little to write about until our call at Apia. Right now, I am enjoying total relaxation, and I couldn’t be Apia!

Sorry about that, David.

Today is the first of four sea days en route from Honolulu, Hawai’i, to Apia, Samoa. There is no time for boredom, already it is 3.50pm and before long, after a gorgeous sunny day, the sun will go down, according to my Daily Programme at 6.47p.m ….well, it’s not going to be “a.m”. is it! This morning, I attended a fascinating lecture, “The British Monarchy: Yesterday, today and tomorrow”, delivered entertainingly and with much authority by the one-time Queens Press Secretary, Dickie Arbiter. Eileen and Ken, from North Hollywood, spotted me there, and kindly invited me to join them for lunch. This means more necessary walking to negate my chosen heavy meal.

On last year’s World Voyage, I was still feeling fragile from open heart surgery. Also, I had developed what I thought might be a permanent knee problem. I enjoyed a brilliant time despite these health obstacles, but, it doesn’t seem anything like a year ago since I left Southampton for a 17 week journey to the other side of the World.

On this year’s trip around the world, I am feeling infinitely better; only rising from soft low furniture, or getting into cars remains a problem. The knee injury is no more; I can tackle flights of stairs with no problem, other than some breathlessness.

Tonight is Gala Night; that means the (for me) tedious having to dress formally for dinner. However, Gala Nights, which until recently were referred to as Formal Nights, do create a sophisticated elegance, and those passengers who do like to dress up, do so with imaginative style.

Finally, I have upgraded my cabin on a future voyage which takes me around all of South America. Some of the scenery particularly around that continent’s southern tip, I feel justifies this change of plan. Also travelling a substantial distance up the Amazon will be much better appreciated from an outside stateroom with balcony.

I took this photograph while on my morning walk earlier today.

Again, Many thanks for reading,

David.