Day 18 July 29th cruising the Baltic towards Oslo Norway.
I awoke at 5:30am, the sun had just risen and the day was overcast with a low temperature of 15°. We will be having an easy day today; I will spend time editing photos, we will take advantage of the marvellous washing machine only 10meters down the corridor. After breakfast I sat on the balcony and watched as we sailed close to several hundred windmills in the sea generating power for Denmark which was just visible on the horizon. At 1:45pm we sailed under the Østbroen Bridge. We just fitted under with what looked like 2 metres to spare. The bridge has the third longest main span in the world; 1.6km. It links the two main parts of Denmark.
At 8:00pm we made our way to the Princess Theatre as we have for the last 7 evenings. Tonight’s program was song and dance with tunes from our young days; songs like Tennessee waltz, Que Sara Sara, Walking My Baby Back Home etc. The theatre was packed with an appreciative audience; mostly oldies like us.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 17 July 28th in port at Gdynia., Poland
Day 17 July 28th in port at Gdynia.
It was raining quite hard when we arrived at Gdynia; our berth was at a cargo wharf; big stockpiles of bulk coal were being loaded onto railway wagons by huge cranes. Other piles of white and brown loose materials were also being loaded. Although the city was within easy walking distance we decided to stay on the warm ship and participate in its activities; at 1:30pm we watched a particularly good film in one of the main lounges. In the evening we were entertained by a magician in the Princess Theatre; he was good.
At 6pm we left Gdynia and headed into rough seas bound for Oslo
It was raining quite hard when we arrived at Gdynia; our berth was at a cargo wharf; big stockpiles of bulk coal were being loaded onto railway wagons by huge cranes. Other piles of white and brown loose materials were also being loaded. Although the city was within easy walking distance we decided to stay on the warm ship and participate in its activities; at 1:30pm we watched a particularly good film in one of the main lounges. In the evening we were entertained by a magician in the Princess Theatre; he was good.
At 6pm we left Gdynia and headed into rough seas bound for Oslo
Day 16th July 27th a day in Tallinn Estonia.
Day 16th July 27th a day in Tallinn Estonia.
I awoke to the long mournful sound of the fog horn; yes were approaching Tallinn in dense fog. It had cleared slightly as the ship tied up at the wharf; I could just glimpse Tallinn through the clearing fog. By the time we had finished breakfast the fog had cleared to allow the sun to shine out of a beautiful blue sky; the first time since Stockholm.
Expectant tourists like me who had booked on tours ashore gathered in the Princess Theatre where we were organised into groups. We were then were led to the gangway. In order to leave the ship we had to put our ships ID card into a machine to register our departure. Our bus drove us through the main street with many fine modern buildings to the outskirts where we were shown old wooden houses. There were many trees around them. The bus drove up a small hill and stopped at a park where a wooden sound shell stood at the bottom of a large grassy slope big enough to accommodate and large audience. The shell was originally built so that Estonians could have a National song day. It is held every five years. Estonians come from near and far for this festival. After the official program the audience join in and sing the songs of their choice. Next we were shown a Russian settlement with tall Russian style apartment blocks. The Russians decided to build a large industrial area which our guide said the Estonians did not want. Our guide said that all Estonians were equal as were driving through a beautiful wooded housing estate, but the people living in this estate were slightly “more equal”. The houses certainly looked “more equal”. Next we were driving through a pine forest and in this pine forest was the city’s cemetery. A beautiful resting place! After the forest we stopped at a lovely white sandy beach overlooking some of the town and our ship. The sand was very fine; just like castor sugar. We drove back to the city to see a well preserved medieval town wall complete with defence turrets. There was a hill behind the wall with a fort. After the fort was no longer needed an ornate church was built on the site. The Russians also built their orthodox church. Both are beautiful. On the way back to the ship we were offered the chance to leave the tour in the main street for a look at the old town; there was a shuttle to catch to get us back to the ship. On one narrow street there were about twenty cut flower stalls. The flowers were fresh and equal in beauty and colour to any I have seen. I bought Fay a dozen red roses. Hamburger bars were selling hamburgers for 71 Zlotys or Kiwi $10.14 and a pizza for 99.00 Zlotys or $US9.90 or kiwi =$14.14.
When I arrived back at the ship the fog had reappeared and almost hid the two ships. Stalls had since sprung up and were well stocked with fine clothing, wooded carvings and much more. I enjoyed my tour of Tallinn.
While I was touring another large cruise ship arrived and moored on the other side of the pier. The two big ships looked grand together.
We sailed at 1pm bound for Gdynia in Poland at 1pm.
The sun rose at 4:57am and set at 9:58pm.
Estonia is 17,458 miles² Has a population of 1,307,605 comprised of 900,000 Estonians and the rest are mainly Russians according to our guide.
.
I awoke to the long mournful sound of the fog horn; yes were approaching Tallinn in dense fog. It had cleared slightly as the ship tied up at the wharf; I could just glimpse Tallinn through the clearing fog. By the time we had finished breakfast the fog had cleared to allow the sun to shine out of a beautiful blue sky; the first time since Stockholm.
Expectant tourists like me who had booked on tours ashore gathered in the Princess Theatre where we were organised into groups. We were then were led to the gangway. In order to leave the ship we had to put our ships ID card into a machine to register our departure. Our bus drove us through the main street with many fine modern buildings to the outskirts where we were shown old wooden houses. There were many trees around them. The bus drove up a small hill and stopped at a park where a wooden sound shell stood at the bottom of a large grassy slope big enough to accommodate and large audience. The shell was originally built so that Estonians could have a National song day. It is held every five years. Estonians come from near and far for this festival. After the official program the audience join in and sing the songs of their choice. Next we were shown a Russian settlement with tall Russian style apartment blocks. The Russians decided to build a large industrial area which our guide said the Estonians did not want. Our guide said that all Estonians were equal as were driving through a beautiful wooded housing estate, but the people living in this estate were slightly “more equal”. The houses certainly looked “more equal”. Next we were driving through a pine forest and in this pine forest was the city’s cemetery. A beautiful resting place! After the forest we stopped at a lovely white sandy beach overlooking some of the town and our ship. The sand was very fine; just like castor sugar. We drove back to the city to see a well preserved medieval town wall complete with defence turrets. There was a hill behind the wall with a fort. After the fort was no longer needed an ornate church was built on the site. The Russians also built their orthodox church. Both are beautiful. On the way back to the ship we were offered the chance to leave the tour in the main street for a look at the old town; there was a shuttle to catch to get us back to the ship. On one narrow street there were about twenty cut flower stalls. The flowers were fresh and equal in beauty and colour to any I have seen. I bought Fay a dozen red roses. Hamburger bars were selling hamburgers for 71 Zlotys or Kiwi $10.14 and a pizza for 99.00 Zlotys or $US9.90 or kiwi =$14.14.
When I arrived back at the ship the fog had reappeared and almost hid the two ships. Stalls had since sprung up and were well stocked with fine clothing, wooded carvings and much more. I enjoyed my tour of Tallinn.
While I was touring another large cruise ship arrived and moored on the other side of the pier. The two big ships looked grand together.
We sailed at 1pm bound for Gdynia in Poland at 1pm.
The sun rose at 4:57am and set at 9:58pm.
Estonia is 17,458 miles² Has a population of 1,307,605 comprised of 900,000 Estonians and the rest are mainly Russians according to our guide.
.
Day 15 July 26th St Petersburg
Day 15 July 26th St Petersburg.
The day dawned hot and hazy. This morning I went on a bus tour. As we did yesterday I presented my passport to a customs officer. I smiled and said good morning; her face was sullen and she did not recognise my greeting; every checkpoint I have been through I have spoken a greeting and have had a smile or friendly gesture in response, but not here. The terminal although very clean and new looking, had a stale musty smell. We climbed on the bus and goody goody this one had a good air conditioner. We saw quite a few of the sights that I saw yesterday from the canals but from a different aspect; I was able to get better photos from the roadside as the bus stopped for photo opportunities.
Our guide said that everyone lived in apartments; they lined the street for up to about 200 meters with no gaps. There were entrance archways through which I could see some flower gardens and car parks.
I was disappointed with St Petersburg. I have always believed it to be a beautiful city. The part that I saw had a few parks and trees but to be fair there are some beautiful buildings and churches but they are scattered amongst many greyish apartments.
On returning to the ship I passed through customs for the fourth time with the same sullen look from the young female customs officer; she must lead a humdrum life.
We sailed at 6pm. The ship stirred the mud as she turned. The bay that we travelled through was several kilometres wide but it was shallow; our ship had to follow a narrow channel.
After about an hour we passed through an area of breakwaters forming small harbours in which Russian naval ships were moored along with 2 submarines. There were many navy buildings and far in the distance were large tall blocks of apartments. A little further on a long road built on both sides of the channel disappeared into the distant shore. It was built on a reclaimed strip of land. Just before the road reached our narrow channel it dived into a tunnel beneath our channel.
The sun rose at 5:27an and set at 10.44pm.
Russia 6,592,800 square miles in area, and has an population estimated in 2007 to be 144,377,752.
The day dawned hot and hazy. This morning I went on a bus tour. As we did yesterday I presented my passport to a customs officer. I smiled and said good morning; her face was sullen and she did not recognise my greeting; every checkpoint I have been through I have spoken a greeting and have had a smile or friendly gesture in response, but not here. The terminal although very clean and new looking, had a stale musty smell. We climbed on the bus and goody goody this one had a good air conditioner. We saw quite a few of the sights that I saw yesterday from the canals but from a different aspect; I was able to get better photos from the roadside as the bus stopped for photo opportunities.
Our guide said that everyone lived in apartments; they lined the street for up to about 200 meters with no gaps. There were entrance archways through which I could see some flower gardens and car parks.
I was disappointed with St Petersburg. I have always believed it to be a beautiful city. The part that I saw had a few parks and trees but to be fair there are some beautiful buildings and churches but they are scattered amongst many greyish apartments.
On returning to the ship I passed through customs for the fourth time with the same sullen look from the young female customs officer; she must lead a humdrum life.
We sailed at 6pm. The ship stirred the mud as she turned. The bay that we travelled through was several kilometres wide but it was shallow; our ship had to follow a narrow channel.
After about an hour we passed through an area of breakwaters forming small harbours in which Russian naval ships were moored along with 2 submarines. There were many navy buildings and far in the distance were large tall blocks of apartments. A little further on a long road built on both sides of the channel disappeared into the distant shore. It was built on a reclaimed strip of land. Just before the road reached our narrow channel it dived into a tunnel beneath our channel.
The sun rose at 5:27an and set at 10.44pm.
Russia 6,592,800 square miles in area, and has an population estimated in 2007 to be 144,377,752.
Day 14 July 25th St Petersburg
Day 14 July 25th St Petersburg.
We were alongside the pier when we woke at 5:50am. We had missed the trip up the Kronshtadtskiy Korabelfarvater; a 150m wide fairway swept to a depth of 14 metres which leads 10 miles East/Southeast to Sankt Petersburgskiy Morskoy Kanal which is the main channel of Sankt Petersburg Port. Our berth was at the edge of a large reclamation from the sea. Our tour guide said there will be large apartments built on this site. The atmosphere was hazy which blocked the sun slightly. The temperature was already warm and the day was forecast to be very hot. Nearby our ship there were five other big cruise ships. I later saw another two in another part of the city. The haze prevented the whole city from being seen and it was not until late afternoon when the haze lifted that I was able to see its full extent around the vast harbour.
The city is built on 14 low lying muddy islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Peter the Great Czar of all Russia decided to build a city here in 1703. He did so because the Neva flowed into the Baltic Sea and Russia would then be opened to the west for trade. He recruited thousands of peasants to clear forests and to drain the swamps with their bare hands. Millions of wooden pilings were driven into the mud to provide firmer foundations for the new city. I obtained this information from the ships daily information sheet.
Fay and I were booked in for a canal boat tour at 1:45pm; this tour could not proceed earlier because it required the tide to be low to enable the boats to travel under the many bridges. A bus took us to the city to join the canal boat. The bus was old and the transmission ground away and the air condition only just managed to give out a little air slightly cooler than the ambient temperature. On the way we drove past large blocks of apartments. They were all of concrete or brick construction; some of the concrete block buildings looked rough and unfinished as if the builder had been short of finance and left the finish coat of plaster until sometime in the future; or maybe they were meant to be that way. They looked drab although to be fair there were some nice ones as well. We only saw a small part of the city so there could well be better apartments elsewhere.
As we walked to the boats, the edge of the foot path was littered drink bottles and food wrappings. The boats are not as good looking as the Copenhagen boats. They were very busy and appeared to suffer from a lack of maintenance. There were many canal boats and just like we see traffic jams with cars, here we had canal boat jams. The sun beat down on us and although we were on water we became hot. My wrist watch measured my arms temperature at 36.5° whereas I am normally between 28° and 31°. There were some privately owned boats but nothing like the numbers in Copenhagen or Stockholm. We passed several fine buildings with golden domes. I saw only one green grass park with trees. We also travelled along the very wide river Neva; on it were many tourist boats, speed boats and one large cruise ship. In the canals were cafe boats which served both customers from the pavements and from the private launches.
After I returned Fay and I spent time in the Piazza on deck 5 amidships listening to a string quartet with piano accompaniment playing light classics before dining. At 8:30 pm we watched a lively Russian group singing and dancing traditional Russian music and dances.
Sun rise was Sunset was
We were alongside the pier when we woke at 5:50am. We had missed the trip up the Kronshtadtskiy Korabelfarvater; a 150m wide fairway swept to a depth of 14 metres which leads 10 miles East/Southeast to Sankt Petersburgskiy Morskoy Kanal which is the main channel of Sankt Petersburg Port. Our berth was at the edge of a large reclamation from the sea. Our tour guide said there will be large apartments built on this site. The atmosphere was hazy which blocked the sun slightly. The temperature was already warm and the day was forecast to be very hot. Nearby our ship there were five other big cruise ships. I later saw another two in another part of the city. The haze prevented the whole city from being seen and it was not until late afternoon when the haze lifted that I was able to see its full extent around the vast harbour.
The city is built on 14 low lying muddy islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Peter the Great Czar of all Russia decided to build a city here in 1703. He did so because the Neva flowed into the Baltic Sea and Russia would then be opened to the west for trade. He recruited thousands of peasants to clear forests and to drain the swamps with their bare hands. Millions of wooden pilings were driven into the mud to provide firmer foundations for the new city. I obtained this information from the ships daily information sheet.
Fay and I were booked in for a canal boat tour at 1:45pm; this tour could not proceed earlier because it required the tide to be low to enable the boats to travel under the many bridges. A bus took us to the city to join the canal boat. The bus was old and the transmission ground away and the air condition only just managed to give out a little air slightly cooler than the ambient temperature. On the way we drove past large blocks of apartments. They were all of concrete or brick construction; some of the concrete block buildings looked rough and unfinished as if the builder had been short of finance and left the finish coat of plaster until sometime in the future; or maybe they were meant to be that way. They looked drab although to be fair there were some nice ones as well. We only saw a small part of the city so there could well be better apartments elsewhere.
As we walked to the boats, the edge of the foot path was littered drink bottles and food wrappings. The boats are not as good looking as the Copenhagen boats. They were very busy and appeared to suffer from a lack of maintenance. There were many canal boats and just like we see traffic jams with cars, here we had canal boat jams. The sun beat down on us and although we were on water we became hot. My wrist watch measured my arms temperature at 36.5° whereas I am normally between 28° and 31°. There were some privately owned boats but nothing like the numbers in Copenhagen or Stockholm. We passed several fine buildings with golden domes. I saw only one green grass park with trees. We also travelled along the very wide river Neva; on it were many tourist boats, speed boats and one large cruise ship. In the canals were cafe boats which served both customers from the pavements and from the private launches.
After I returned Fay and I spent time in the Piazza on deck 5 amidships listening to a string quartet with piano accompaniment playing light classics before dining. At 8:30 pm we watched a lively Russian group singing and dancing traditional Russian music and dances.
Sun rise was Sunset was
Day 13 July 24th Helsinki
Day 13 July 24th Helsinki.
When we awoke and pulled the curtains we were already alongside the pier. Helsinki did not look attractive; bare land all around our pier, buildings far away. The sky was overcast and threatened rain. One fellow passenger said there was not much to see, so we decided to stay on board. I caught up with this diary a Fay rested before we enjoyed the activities of the ship.
We left at 6pm; about one hour later we were in open waters with strong winds whipping up the sea. The ship started to rock a little; I am amazed the sea could move this big ship.
When we awoke and pulled the curtains we were already alongside the pier. Helsinki did not look attractive; bare land all around our pier, buildings far away. The sky was overcast and threatened rain. One fellow passenger said there was not much to see, so we decided to stay on board. I caught up with this diary a Fay rested before we enjoyed the activities of the ship.
We left at 6pm; about one hour later we were in open waters with strong winds whipping up the sea. The ship started to rock a little; I am amazed the sea could move this big ship.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 12 July 23rd Our Day in Stockholm.
Day 12 July 23rd Our Day in Stockholm.
I awoke at 5:50am. The sun had already risen at 4:16am; I peeped through the curtains to see land quite close; we had arrived at the 58 mile passage through tree clad islands which our ship meandered for five hours before reaching Stockholm at 10am. Fay and I went to the viewing deck 16 and watched for a short while as we glided slowly past. Some were only a few meters across while others disappeared into the horizon. There was habitation on most of the islands. The cottages and houses looked cute. On some islands there breakwaters for the small boats. These houses have no roads so the people depend on their boats to get around. As we neared Stockholm the hoses were getting bigger and bigger; they were attractive to look at.
I quote from the Princess Patter.
“Stockholm is a smorgasbord of majestic architecture, lush parks and graceful waterways. Its quays and harbours are lined with distinguished buildings crowned with green copper roofs. They rise in a swirl of spires, turrets pinnacles and cupolas over Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest quarter. From humble beginnings as a Viking fortress, Stockholm spread out through the centuries across wide bays, broad channels and narrow inlets until today, when it’s population of 900,000 straddles four separate islands. Today it is Sweden’s Capital and the home of the Nobel Prize. Spared the ravages of war, this “Belle of the Baltic” is one of the world’s most orderly, clean and beautiful cities.”
Fay and I took a bus tour; we saw the Royal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the picturesque Grand Hotel and many other interesting buildings.
We also to a boat ride on the City end of the Baltic Sea and saw most of those buildings again from a different perspective. We entered a lock with elevated us to a freshwater lake. People were swimming, sailing and living on houseboats on this lake; the lake is also used for the city’s fresh water supply. The boat guide said the water was very pure.
We reboarded and the ship sailed at 5pm. The sun set at 9:32pm apparently around June 21st the sun is only below the horizon about 4½ hours. Our tour guide said that at the moment the days are shortening by 4 minutes per day.
I awoke at 5:50am. The sun had already risen at 4:16am; I peeped through the curtains to see land quite close; we had arrived at the 58 mile passage through tree clad islands which our ship meandered for five hours before reaching Stockholm at 10am. Fay and I went to the viewing deck 16 and watched for a short while as we glided slowly past. Some were only a few meters across while others disappeared into the horizon. There was habitation on most of the islands. The cottages and houses looked cute. On some islands there breakwaters for the small boats. These houses have no roads so the people depend on their boats to get around. As we neared Stockholm the hoses were getting bigger and bigger; they were attractive to look at.
I quote from the Princess Patter.
“Stockholm is a smorgasbord of majestic architecture, lush parks and graceful waterways. Its quays and harbours are lined with distinguished buildings crowned with green copper roofs. They rise in a swirl of spires, turrets pinnacles and cupolas over Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest quarter. From humble beginnings as a Viking fortress, Stockholm spread out through the centuries across wide bays, broad channels and narrow inlets until today, when it’s population of 900,000 straddles four separate islands. Today it is Sweden’s Capital and the home of the Nobel Prize. Spared the ravages of war, this “Belle of the Baltic” is one of the world’s most orderly, clean and beautiful cities.”
Fay and I took a bus tour; we saw the Royal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the picturesque Grand Hotel and many other interesting buildings.
We also to a boat ride on the City end of the Baltic Sea and saw most of those buildings again from a different perspective. We entered a lock with elevated us to a freshwater lake. People were swimming, sailing and living on houseboats on this lake; the lake is also used for the city’s fresh water supply. The boat guide said the water was very pure.
We reboarded and the ship sailed at 5pm. The sun set at 9:32pm apparently around June 21st the sun is only below the horizon about 4½ hours. Our tour guide said that at the moment the days are shortening by 4 minutes per day.
Day 11 July 22nd. Cruising the Baltic
Day 11 July 22nd. Cruising the Baltic.
I quote from the “Princess Patter” a daily broadsheet about events.
“FROM THE NAVIGATOR”
“Following her departure from Copenhagen yesterday evening, Star Princess steamed North through the Sound passing the town of Helsingor to port. We entered the Kattegat Sea area rounding Point Nakkehoved and set a Westerly course towards the Great Belt. During the early hours of this morning we transited the Great Belt in a southerly direction passing under the Great Belt Bridge and disembarking our belt pilot around 4:30am. We continued on our transit rounding Lolland Island and proceeded east up the Kadetrenden passage into the Baltic Sea. For the remainder of the day we will set various North Easterly courses towards the Swedish Capital of Stockholm.
A nautical mile is the distance used by both mariners and aviators. One nautical mile corresponds to a minute of an arc of Latitude, sixty of which are contained in each degree. One nautical mile is internationally recognised as 1852 meters or 6076 feet corresponding to 1.15 land miles. A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Star Princess is capable of steaming at a maximum speed of 22 knots.”
While most of the above was happening we slumbered peacefully. I think the first part of the journey would have been really interesting. We travel back the same route to Oslo; I hope it will be in the daytime.
We spent the day exploring the ship. I went to a Digit Photo seminar and learnt a little more and a session on how to obtain a flatter stomach which turned out to be all about Detoxification; interesting but not all believable. Fay spent time at the hairdresser.
The sun rose at 4:16an and set at 9:32pm.
I quote from the “Princess Patter” a daily broadsheet about events.
“FROM THE NAVIGATOR”
“Following her departure from Copenhagen yesterday evening, Star Princess steamed North through the Sound passing the town of Helsingor to port. We entered the Kattegat Sea area rounding Point Nakkehoved and set a Westerly course towards the Great Belt. During the early hours of this morning we transited the Great Belt in a southerly direction passing under the Great Belt Bridge and disembarking our belt pilot around 4:30am. We continued on our transit rounding Lolland Island and proceeded east up the Kadetrenden passage into the Baltic Sea. For the remainder of the day we will set various North Easterly courses towards the Swedish Capital of Stockholm.
A nautical mile is the distance used by both mariners and aviators. One nautical mile corresponds to a minute of an arc of Latitude, sixty of which are contained in each degree. One nautical mile is internationally recognised as 1852 meters or 6076 feet corresponding to 1.15 land miles. A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Star Princess is capable of steaming at a maximum speed of 22 knots.”
While most of the above was happening we slumbered peacefully. I think the first part of the journey would have been really interesting. We travel back the same route to Oslo; I hope it will be in the daytime.
We spent the day exploring the ship. I went to a Digit Photo seminar and learnt a little more and a session on how to obtain a flatter stomach which turned out to be all about Detoxification; interesting but not all believable. Fay spent time at the hairdresser.
The sun rose at 4:16an and set at 9:32pm.
Day 10 July 21st Copenhagen to the “Star Princess”
Day 10 July 21st Copenhagen to the “Star Princess”
I am writing this episode sitting on our balcony on the Star Princess at 4pm after enjoying a nice buffet lunch. The sun has just broken through the cloud cover, the sea is calm, the sea is calm and the air is pleasantly warm. I reckon if I sat back and relaxed I would fall asleep it is so pleasant. Nice thought, but this blog post has to be written.
After a hearty breakfast we relaxed in our Airport Hilton Hotel. I blogged a little and organised some photos for Face book. I tried to publish them but the internet would not work.
At 1pm we walked 100 metres and caught the train that had travelled from Sweden and twenty two minutes later alighted at Øesterport where we caught a taxi to Frihavnen, where the Princess was berthed. My, what a ship; it dwarfed everything with its seventeen decks, thirteen of which are above the waterline. About twenty minutes later we were in our cabin awaiting the arrival of our luggage. We are on the 11th floor; we have a cabin with its balcony. When we look over the side rail we look down on two rows of balconies below us. We have more privacy as the balcony above is not set back. So if you ever want to travel on the Star Princess choose a balcony cabin on Deck eleven or higher.
After about a ½ hour our travel bags arrived so we un packed and took the lift up to the 14th level to enjoy a late lunch after which we set off to explore home for the next ten days.
This ship is really massive and exquisite. At the Stern there is “The Sky Walk” which an escalator that takes you to the Skywalkers Night Club. This club is above deck 17 and looks down at the sea all around the rear of the ship and also several swimming pools. I have not yet counted all the pools of which there are many. At the moment I reckon there are at least ten. Part of this club lounge was off limits to Fay and me as we are not elite members!
As the ship was getting ready to set sail we sought a better viewing platform at the bow. Last year we experienced the Queen May 2 which was a fine ship; I can only remember two swim pools on it which were so crowded with English tourists that we could not get near them. At the bow on this ship on the fifteenth deck there are several pools on two levels and plenty of room to enjoy them. There is also a large movie screen at one end orientated to the young of which there are many. At 6pm on the dot I could observe a slight movement of the ship away from the wharf. We were on our way. The exit from the harbour was through a very narrow gap between the breakwaters. We had to move forward from the wharf and then execute a ninety degree pivot turn in order to line up and move through the gap. There was not much room to spare. As we travelled into open water we passed a large number of yachts.
We dined well at 7pmon deck 14; as we did so we cruised past the beautiful farmlands of Denmark; we retired at nine.
The Star Princess Statistics:-
Built in 2002
Port or Registry Hamilton
Call Sign ZCDD6
Official Number 733709
Gross Tonnage 109000
Net Tonnage 71763
Overall Length 951 feet
Breadth 118 feet
Fuel Capacity 2649 tons
Fresh Water Capacity 2731 tons
Normal Passenger capacity 2600
Normal crew figure 1150
Cruising Speed 22.5 knots
There is a notice on the notice board which says the ship has capacity passengers for this cruise, I.e. 2600.
I am writing this episode sitting on our balcony on the Star Princess at 4pm after enjoying a nice buffet lunch. The sun has just broken through the cloud cover, the sea is calm, the sea is calm and the air is pleasantly warm. I reckon if I sat back and relaxed I would fall asleep it is so pleasant. Nice thought, but this blog post has to be written.
After a hearty breakfast we relaxed in our Airport Hilton Hotel. I blogged a little and organised some photos for Face book. I tried to publish them but the internet would not work.
At 1pm we walked 100 metres and caught the train that had travelled from Sweden and twenty two minutes later alighted at Øesterport where we caught a taxi to Frihavnen, where the Princess was berthed. My, what a ship; it dwarfed everything with its seventeen decks, thirteen of which are above the waterline. About twenty minutes later we were in our cabin awaiting the arrival of our luggage. We are on the 11th floor; we have a cabin with its balcony. When we look over the side rail we look down on two rows of balconies below us. We have more privacy as the balcony above is not set back. So if you ever want to travel on the Star Princess choose a balcony cabin on Deck eleven or higher.
After about a ½ hour our travel bags arrived so we un packed and took the lift up to the 14th level to enjoy a late lunch after which we set off to explore home for the next ten days.
This ship is really massive and exquisite. At the Stern there is “The Sky Walk” which an escalator that takes you to the Skywalkers Night Club. This club is above deck 17 and looks down at the sea all around the rear of the ship and also several swimming pools. I have not yet counted all the pools of which there are many. At the moment I reckon there are at least ten. Part of this club lounge was off limits to Fay and me as we are not elite members!
As the ship was getting ready to set sail we sought a better viewing platform at the bow. Last year we experienced the Queen May 2 which was a fine ship; I can only remember two swim pools on it which were so crowded with English tourists that we could not get near them. At the bow on this ship on the fifteenth deck there are several pools on two levels and plenty of room to enjoy them. There is also a large movie screen at one end orientated to the young of which there are many. At 6pm on the dot I could observe a slight movement of the ship away from the wharf. We were on our way. The exit from the harbour was through a very narrow gap between the breakwaters. We had to move forward from the wharf and then execute a ninety degree pivot turn in order to line up and move through the gap. There was not much room to spare. As we travelled into open water we passed a large number of yachts.
We dined well at 7pmon deck 14; as we did so we cruised past the beautiful farmlands of Denmark; we retired at nine.
The Star Princess Statistics:-
Built in 2002
Port or Registry Hamilton
Call Sign ZCDD6
Official Number 733709
Gross Tonnage 109000
Net Tonnage 71763
Overall Length 951 feet
Breadth 118 feet
Fuel Capacity 2649 tons
Fresh Water Capacity 2731 tons
Normal Passenger capacity 2600
Normal crew figure 1150
Cruising Speed 22.5 knots
There is a notice on the notice board which says the ship has capacity passengers for this cruise, I.e. 2600.
Day 9 July 20th Our day in Copenhagen.
Day 9 July 20th Our day in Copenhagen.
The time is 16:00hours in Copenhagen. We have just had a great day. We set of from the hotel, walked 100 meters caught the computer controlled train to Northavn to check out the Star Princess terminal.. It was not in port so we checked out a sister ship The Caribbean Star; what a beautiful boat, I hope ours is as good. We then wanted to take a canal boat tour. After seeking help from pleasant strangers we caught the 1A bus to Nyhavn where we joined thousands of tourists. We managed to secure two seats in a good position for taking photographs. The beautiful clear day at thirty degrees was just right for cruising on the water. The canal bout was moored in a narrow waterway about 15 meters wide. Our boat was fully loaded with about 160 people at $35NZ a head. Attractive buildings lining the canal were painted with many pastel shades as we see in the advertising brochures. We did not see these colours throughout the city.
We did see many fine buildings from the boat along the many canals we travelled through. Many pleasure and house boats were tied up on each side of the canals, a lot of them house boats most with gardens in pots. I took a lot of pictures.
When we returned from the cruise I discovered I had lost my map. I started to panic but Fay was great! She suggested we retrace our steps to the bus stop. While I was wondering which bus to catch to the train station she noticed its name written on a list of stops along the topside of a bus. Wowee problem solved. At the station while we were checking which train to catch three helpful strangers suggest we catch the one in front of us. It took us directly to the Airport by a different route to that by which we came in. When we reached the Laufthavn (Airport) I was waiting for others to get off the train as yesterdays train terminated there and the station is the last one listed on the route map I did not want to get hurt in the rush. Hardly anyone moved which I thought was strange so I asked young lass if the train continued on, “Yes she said, to Sweden!” We moved so fast we just made it to the platform in time!
The time is 16:00hours in Copenhagen. We have just had a great day. We set of from the hotel, walked 100 meters caught the computer controlled train to Northavn to check out the Star Princess terminal.. It was not in port so we checked out a sister ship The Caribbean Star; what a beautiful boat, I hope ours is as good. We then wanted to take a canal boat tour. After seeking help from pleasant strangers we caught the 1A bus to Nyhavn where we joined thousands of tourists. We managed to secure two seats in a good position for taking photographs. The beautiful clear day at thirty degrees was just right for cruising on the water. The canal bout was moored in a narrow waterway about 15 meters wide. Our boat was fully loaded with about 160 people at $35NZ a head. Attractive buildings lining the canal were painted with many pastel shades as we see in the advertising brochures. We did not see these colours throughout the city.
We did see many fine buildings from the boat along the many canals we travelled through. Many pleasure and house boats were tied up on each side of the canals, a lot of them house boats most with gardens in pots. I took a lot of pictures.
When we returned from the cruise I discovered I had lost my map. I started to panic but Fay was great! She suggested we retrace our steps to the bus stop. While I was wondering which bus to catch to the train station she noticed its name written on a list of stops along the topside of a bus. Wowee problem solved. At the station while we were checking which train to catch three helpful strangers suggest we catch the one in front of us. It took us directly to the Airport by a different route to that by which we came in. When we reached the Laufthavn (Airport) I was waiting for others to get off the train as yesterdays train terminated there and the station is the last one listed on the route map I did not want to get hurt in the rush. Hardly anyone moved which I thought was strange so I asked young lass if the train continued on, “Yes she said, to Sweden!” We moved so fast we just made it to the platform in time!
Days 7 and 8 July 18-19th Singapore to Copenhagen.
Days 7 and 8 July 18-19th Singapore to Copenhagen.
We awoke, breakfasted, packed our bags, and checked out of the Hotel. I had to call at the Sony service centre as I could not get my Picture Motion Browser software updated for my new camera as my computers DVD drive would not work. It was great to find the centre open on a Sunday. A nice young lady technician downloaded the software from the internet.
Then caught a number 36 bus to the Big Wheel. This is like the London Eye only larger. As we walked from the bus stop towards the wheel rain started to fall lightly. We did not make it as the rain became too heavy. Even though we had an umbrella we got wet and had to return to the hotel. We decided that we should go to the airport early. We caught a taxi. I was surprised at how cheap the ride was.
We had lunch and a late evening meal in the lounge courtesy of the airline. They have very nice food. My idea was that if I did not eat first thing on the plane i might sleep better.
The plane was nearly and hour late leaving the ground at 12:05am. We had had a long day. I thought I had slept about 7 hours as the time had passed quickly.
Even though we left later than scheduled we arrived in Frankfurt on time 11:20hours later at 5:15am Frankfurt time.
At about 3:30am the night sky started to day ever so slowly. The sun was still 2hours from rising. We were served breakfast at 4:15am.
After landing we had 2 hours to catch a connecting flight to Copenhagen. We had a long way to walk and eventually found our check in point. We had a half hour to spare before being bussed out to our waiting plane. Frankfurt is a large hub airport. Our plane was one of about twenty all lined up on the tarmac. At this point we were only feeling a little tired.
We left the ground at 7:50am and at 8:15 we were served another very nice breakfast.
The scene beneath us was a patchwork of different shades of brown and green fields interspersed in large areas of green forest. I guess the brown fields were being readied for crops to be planted. There were many electricity generating windmills scattered throughout the fields. I guess they do not have a Resource Management Act like we do. There were many small villages. I only spotted about three houses on the farms so I have come to the conclusion the farmers have their houses in the villages. The landscape was very pretty.
As we approached the airport at Copenhagen I noticed a long causeway reaching out into the sea to halfway between two islands. There was a roadway in the centre which stopped at the end. I theorised that the road dived into a tunnel to continue across the bay to the other island. I have yet to find out whether I am correct.
After landing all we had to do was pick up our bags. No entry check and no customs; we have never had it so easy. When we exited the terminal there was our hotel within 100 metres. They allowed an early check in.
The Airport Hilton Hotel is a very nice hotel. I can thoroughly recommend in. The day before while in Singapore I received a welcoming email from them. I thought that was nice.
At 2pm we crossed the road and caught the train into Copenhagen Central Station. It was a 12minute ride and cost about $4NZ each. We strolled around the uninteresting streets for 15minutes, bought a rather expensive ice cream and the caught the train back to the hotel.
Later in the day I became extremely tired; in fact I was falling asleep at our early evening meal. I went to bed at 6pm and slept for ten hours.
We awoke, breakfasted, packed our bags, and checked out of the Hotel. I had to call at the Sony service centre as I could not get my Picture Motion Browser software updated for my new camera as my computers DVD drive would not work. It was great to find the centre open on a Sunday. A nice young lady technician downloaded the software from the internet.
Then caught a number 36 bus to the Big Wheel. This is like the London Eye only larger. As we walked from the bus stop towards the wheel rain started to fall lightly. We did not make it as the rain became too heavy. Even though we had an umbrella we got wet and had to return to the hotel. We decided that we should go to the airport early. We caught a taxi. I was surprised at how cheap the ride was.
We had lunch and a late evening meal in the lounge courtesy of the airline. They have very nice food. My idea was that if I did not eat first thing on the plane i might sleep better.
The plane was nearly and hour late leaving the ground at 12:05am. We had had a long day. I thought I had slept about 7 hours as the time had passed quickly.
Even though we left later than scheduled we arrived in Frankfurt on time 11:20hours later at 5:15am Frankfurt time.
At about 3:30am the night sky started to day ever so slowly. The sun was still 2hours from rising. We were served breakfast at 4:15am.
After landing we had 2 hours to catch a connecting flight to Copenhagen. We had a long way to walk and eventually found our check in point. We had a half hour to spare before being bussed out to our waiting plane. Frankfurt is a large hub airport. Our plane was one of about twenty all lined up on the tarmac. At this point we were only feeling a little tired.
We left the ground at 7:50am and at 8:15 we were served another very nice breakfast.
The scene beneath us was a patchwork of different shades of brown and green fields interspersed in large areas of green forest. I guess the brown fields were being readied for crops to be planted. There were many electricity generating windmills scattered throughout the fields. I guess they do not have a Resource Management Act like we do. There were many small villages. I only spotted about three houses on the farms so I have come to the conclusion the farmers have their houses in the villages. The landscape was very pretty.
As we approached the airport at Copenhagen I noticed a long causeway reaching out into the sea to halfway between two islands. There was a roadway in the centre which stopped at the end. I theorised that the road dived into a tunnel to continue across the bay to the other island. I have yet to find out whether I am correct.
After landing all we had to do was pick up our bags. No entry check and no customs; we have never had it so easy. When we exited the terminal there was our hotel within 100 metres. They allowed an early check in.
The Airport Hilton Hotel is a very nice hotel. I can thoroughly recommend in. The day before while in Singapore I received a welcoming email from them. I thought that was nice.
At 2pm we crossed the road and caught the train into Copenhagen Central Station. It was a 12minute ride and cost about $4NZ each. We strolled around the uninteresting streets for 15minutes, bought a rather expensive ice cream and the caught the train back to the hotel.
Later in the day I became extremely tired; in fact I was falling asleep at our early evening meal. I went to bed at 6pm and slept for ten hours.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day 6 July 17th we Visit Johor.
Day 6 July 17th we Visit Johor.
We were up early to make an early start on the trip. Our bus picked us up at 7:30am. After about a half hour drive through the beautiful high rise buildings and tree shrouded highways we suddenly came to a stop. We had joined a queue of traffic moving at a speed that I could have beaten by four times by walking. We had arrived at a customs checkpoint! There were hundreds of cars and busses in the queue. There were hundreds of riders on scooters speeding down the kerbside of the cars. That was definitely the way to go. We were given arrival cards for Johor to fill in while we waited. When we arrived in Singapore we were given a small card to surrender to customs when we left the country which we did at this checkpoint. We had to leave the bus and stand in a queue for over half an hour in order to do so. Then we boarded the bus again and drove over the 750 meter long (my estimate) manmade causeway in a slow moving queue once again before we reached the Johor checkpoint. We did not have to wait so long this time as there were more customs employees working. We received our little departure card and we started our tour it had taken about two and a half hours to reach Johor which is a state of Malaysia.
We first visited a small handmade fabric manufacturing enterprise and were given a demonstration of a laborious method of applying a colour design on fabric. They first treated the fabric with heated beeswax before they applied the colour. The fabric was then left overnight to cure before it underwent treatment to remove the wax.
We next visited a demonstration garden plot we were shown a pepper plant with its berries, a tapioca tree and more. I could not hear properly so I missed a lot. The making of (sorry I cannot remember its name but it is silver and three other metals) was also demonstrated.
Next we visited a massive Muslim Temple. We were not allowed in. While we were there, loud speakers sited on the top of the temple poured forth a Muslim chants. They sounded like they were more than one hundred decibels.
The part of Johor we saw looked very untidy when compared with Singapore. The buildings were unattractive and some were in a poor state of repair.
Apparently Singapore was a state of Malaysia but broke away in the 1950’s.and has prospered ever since.
We had to go through the same customs procedure again on the return trip. It was not so onerous so we reached our hotel in good time; about 1¼hours. It seems we chose the wrong day (Saturday) to travel to Johor as a lot of Malaysians who are working in Singapore during the week are returning home for the weekend. It was not one of the best of tours but it was an experience.
Arriving back at the hotel we said our goodbyes to other tour members as they were catching the 9:10pm flight back to NZ. We had another day before travelling to Copenhagen.
We were up early to make an early start on the trip. Our bus picked us up at 7:30am. After about a half hour drive through the beautiful high rise buildings and tree shrouded highways we suddenly came to a stop. We had joined a queue of traffic moving at a speed that I could have beaten by four times by walking. We had arrived at a customs checkpoint! There were hundreds of cars and busses in the queue. There were hundreds of riders on scooters speeding down the kerbside of the cars. That was definitely the way to go. We were given arrival cards for Johor to fill in while we waited. When we arrived in Singapore we were given a small card to surrender to customs when we left the country which we did at this checkpoint. We had to leave the bus and stand in a queue for over half an hour in order to do so. Then we boarded the bus again and drove over the 750 meter long (my estimate) manmade causeway in a slow moving queue once again before we reached the Johor checkpoint. We did not have to wait so long this time as there were more customs employees working. We received our little departure card and we started our tour it had taken about two and a half hours to reach Johor which is a state of Malaysia.
We first visited a small handmade fabric manufacturing enterprise and were given a demonstration of a laborious method of applying a colour design on fabric. They first treated the fabric with heated beeswax before they applied the colour. The fabric was then left overnight to cure before it underwent treatment to remove the wax.
We next visited a demonstration garden plot we were shown a pepper plant with its berries, a tapioca tree and more. I could not hear properly so I missed a lot. The making of (sorry I cannot remember its name but it is silver and three other metals) was also demonstrated.
Next we visited a massive Muslim Temple. We were not allowed in. While we were there, loud speakers sited on the top of the temple poured forth a Muslim chants. They sounded like they were more than one hundred decibels.
The part of Johor we saw looked very untidy when compared with Singapore. The buildings were unattractive and some were in a poor state of repair.
Apparently Singapore was a state of Malaysia but broke away in the 1950’s.and has prospered ever since.
We had to go through the same customs procedure again on the return trip. It was not so onerous so we reached our hotel in good time; about 1¼hours. It seems we chose the wrong day (Saturday) to travel to Johor as a lot of Malaysians who are working in Singapore during the week are returning home for the weekend. It was not one of the best of tours but it was an experience.
Arriving back at the hotel we said our goodbyes to other tour members as they were catching the 9:10pm flight back to NZ. We had another day before travelling to Copenhagen.
Day 5 July 16th A trip to Sungei Buloh.
Day 5 July 16th A trip to Sungei Buloh.
This is a mangrove wetland Reserve. Since 2002 this area comprising 130ha of mangroves, mudflats ponds and secondary forest has been protected by the Government.
The waters of these wetlands were a long time ago fished for prawns. They contain animals, birds and plants unique to the area. It is a stopping off place for migratory birds flying from places such as Miranda in New Zealand to Alaska and Russia.
We walked and walked and walked but Fay and I managed to keep up.
We were then driven right across Singapore to an eating parlour to experience the many types of food available. I expect much of it was good but I was not felling adventurous and managed to fine some chicken and chips. Yes I was chicken as well.
We were then taken to a nearby Chinese garden which contained large statue like figures of garish colours. Fay and I sat this one out as did some of our tour friends. We were tired.
For the rest of the day window shopped, had a meal at Burger King and then retired for the day.
This is a mangrove wetland Reserve. Since 2002 this area comprising 130ha of mangroves, mudflats ponds and secondary forest has been protected by the Government.
The waters of these wetlands were a long time ago fished for prawns. They contain animals, birds and plants unique to the area. It is a stopping off place for migratory birds flying from places such as Miranda in New Zealand to Alaska and Russia.
We walked and walked and walked but Fay and I managed to keep up.
We were then driven right across Singapore to an eating parlour to experience the many types of food available. I expect much of it was good but I was not felling adventurous and managed to fine some chicken and chips. Yes I was chicken as well.
We were then taken to a nearby Chinese garden which contained large statue like figures of garish colours. Fay and I sat this one out as did some of our tour friends. We were tired.
For the rest of the day window shopped, had a meal at Burger King and then retired for the day.
Day 4 July 15th the Singapore Garden Festival.
Day 4 July 15th the Singapore Garden Festival.
We spent about six hours at this spectacular flower and garden design show.
The flowers were exotic. The design gardens were from many countries of the world. The show was held on two floors of a large buildings; levels 4 and 6. There was no fifth floor as the number five for a building is considered unlucky.
One interesting display was of a wall growing lettuces. Singapore has not enough land to grow any fruit and vegetables for its people’s food. It is all imported. Idea of growing vegetables on a wall means they could be grown in a large multi story building. They were not grown hydroponically
We spent about six hours at this spectacular flower and garden design show.
The flowers were exotic. The design gardens were from many countries of the world. The show was held on two floors of a large buildings; levels 4 and 6. There was no fifth floor as the number five for a building is considered unlucky.
One interesting display was of a wall growing lettuces. Singapore has not enough land to grow any fruit and vegetables for its people’s food. It is all imported. Idea of growing vegetables on a wall means they could be grown in a large multi story building. They were not grown hydroponically
Day 3 July 14th We visit the Singapore Botanic Garden.
Day 3 July 14th We visit the Singapore Botanic Garden.
We left the hotel at 8am. The main interest at the gardens for me would be the display of orchids. After a short 10 minute bus ride we arrived at the Gardens. It was out with the umbrellas as the rain had been falling for hours. I guess that is why Singapore is so green. The green grass was the first thing I saw through the window of the plane as we landed.
The gardens have over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids in its collection. I saw no cymbidiums. They were the tropical orchids that are the most expensive in NZ. They were planted amongst large trees with over 800 bromeliads. I was interested in several water fountains one of which I will use as a model for my garden.
Also in the gardens was an Evolution Garden where we saw trees purported to be the descendants of trees growing millions of years ago.
For the rest of the day we explored the shops.
We left the hotel at 8am. The main interest at the gardens for me would be the display of orchids. After a short 10 minute bus ride we arrived at the Gardens. It was out with the umbrellas as the rain had been falling for hours. I guess that is why Singapore is so green. The green grass was the first thing I saw through the window of the plane as we landed.
The gardens have over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids in its collection. I saw no cymbidiums. They were the tropical orchids that are the most expensive in NZ. They were planted amongst large trees with over 800 bromeliads. I was interested in several water fountains one of which I will use as a model for my garden.
Also in the gardens was an Evolution Garden where we saw trees purported to be the descendants of trees growing millions of years ago.
For the rest of the day we explored the shops.
Day 2 We Join a Singapore Sights Tour.
Day 2 We Join a Singapore Sights Tour.
We set off around 8am, all nine of us including Greg our Tour Guide / Host from New Zealand. We also had a local guide; her name was Tham. The day was beautifully fine and very hot. Singapore is a beautiful city made so with many green trees, ferns and flowers everywhere. Orchard Road, the main shopping area, just around the corner from our hotel (the Orchard Hotel) is lined on both sides with tall green trees. These sheltered us from the sun and cooled us a little. One big shopping mall had eight floors of shops and eating parlours, four below ground and four above. The many fine buildings also contributed to its beauty.
After driving around for a while we called at an Indian (not American) shopping Centre for a walking tour of its many varied shops. Our guide pointed out a tall apartment block with tenants clothes washing fastened to bamboo poles put out the window to dry. We were invited to taste some of their food. I must say Fay and I were not very adventurous in this area. We did partake of some Ginger tea. It was ok but I reckon it would have been better without the milk.
We then were taken to Marina Bay, an area where boats from afar many years ago would bring their wares to be traded with merchants. There was a snake charmer with an Albino Snake draped over his shoulders. We were invited to stroke it. Some did! We next enjoyed a walking tour over a foot bridge to a large building which used to be the General Post Office and Tax Department. It had been refurbished and turned into a very upmarket hotel; The Fullerton. We strolled through it in awe. It was beautiful. On exiting the hotel we found ourselves in Merlion Park overlooking another stretch of harbour towards three massive tower buildings separated from each other which I believe house hotels and apartments. Straddling the top of these building was a long boat shaped structure with park like areas and a large swimming pool surrounded by trees. Our tour Singaporean tour guide took our photos of us in front of the Merlion Fountain with a backdrop of stylish high rise buildings.
We returned to our hotel just after midday. We had an afternoon free from touring. Fay stayed at the Hotel for a rest while I explored the shops and transport systems I.e. bus and rail.
In the evening we were hosted for dinner at the hotel by Greg our Flora Tours Guide courtesy of Flora Tours.
Photos can be viewed on my Facebook page. Hopefully I have not yet tried to put them on yet.
We set off around 8am, all nine of us including Greg our Tour Guide / Host from New Zealand. We also had a local guide; her name was Tham. The day was beautifully fine and very hot. Singapore is a beautiful city made so with many green trees, ferns and flowers everywhere. Orchard Road, the main shopping area, just around the corner from our hotel (the Orchard Hotel) is lined on both sides with tall green trees. These sheltered us from the sun and cooled us a little. One big shopping mall had eight floors of shops and eating parlours, four below ground and four above. The many fine buildings also contributed to its beauty.
After driving around for a while we called at an Indian (not American) shopping Centre for a walking tour of its many varied shops. Our guide pointed out a tall apartment block with tenants clothes washing fastened to bamboo poles put out the window to dry. We were invited to taste some of their food. I must say Fay and I were not very adventurous in this area. We did partake of some Ginger tea. It was ok but I reckon it would have been better without the milk.
We then were taken to Marina Bay, an area where boats from afar many years ago would bring their wares to be traded with merchants. There was a snake charmer with an Albino Snake draped over his shoulders. We were invited to stroke it. Some did! We next enjoyed a walking tour over a foot bridge to a large building which used to be the General Post Office and Tax Department. It had been refurbished and turned into a very upmarket hotel; The Fullerton. We strolled through it in awe. It was beautiful. On exiting the hotel we found ourselves in Merlion Park overlooking another stretch of harbour towards three massive tower buildings separated from each other which I believe house hotels and apartments. Straddling the top of these building was a long boat shaped structure with park like areas and a large swimming pool surrounded by trees. Our tour Singaporean tour guide took our photos of us in front of the Merlion Fountain with a backdrop of stylish high rise buildings.
We returned to our hotel just after midday. We had an afternoon free from touring. Fay stayed at the Hotel for a rest while I explored the shops and transport systems I.e. bus and rail.
In the evening we were hosted for dinner at the hotel by Greg our Flora Tours Guide courtesy of Flora Tours.
Photos can be viewed on my Facebook page. Hopefully I have not yet tried to put them on yet.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 1 Auckland to Singapore.
We were up from our good night’s sleep early, full of expectation. We had completed most of our packing the week before. We left home as planned at 08:30. On the way I had to call to Sony in Mt Wellington to buy a battery with a larger power storage which took longer than expected; as a consequence we arrived at the airport ten minutes late at 09:45 to meet with our tour Guide, Greg. After checking in we enjoyed Air New Zealand’s hospitality.
The flight on Singapore airlines SQ 286 was excellent. Very smooth with good food; too much actually, provided with excellent service. The flight information video was interesting. I particularly liked the world globe which showed the areas of the world by day and by night together with the position of the sun in real time. Our flight was an all daylight flight. I could watch the sun catching us up. Although we left the ground half an hour late (12:35 NZ Time) we arrived in Singapore at 18:30 (Singapore Time) After leaving Auckland we travelled up the West Coast as far as the southern end of 90 Mile Beach before turning slightly to Port towards Queensland. The weather was fine; I could see the full extent of the Kaipara and Opononi harbours as well as doubtless bay. We passed directly over Townsville and Darwin before crossing Timor. When approaching Singapore our plane changed from the direct route several times to avoid turbulence. The sun did not catch us, although it was not far behind when we landed.
Changi Airport is massive and new. It looks beautiful. Our entry through customs into Singapore was very easy. We were met by our local guide who directed us to a waiting bus. The heat was very noticeable. As we travelled into the city I observed a beautiful orangey red sunset. The sun had caught up. I did not know that Singapore had 12 hours of sun each day all the year round; I probably learnt this at school many years ago but had obviously forgotten. I much prefer our four season climate with its long summer evenings and its long winter nights some of which is spent by a nice cheery fire.
We retired for the day just after midnight.
The flight on Singapore airlines SQ 286 was excellent. Very smooth with good food; too much actually, provided with excellent service. The flight information video was interesting. I particularly liked the world globe which showed the areas of the world by day and by night together with the position of the sun in real time. Our flight was an all daylight flight. I could watch the sun catching us up. Although we left the ground half an hour late (12:35 NZ Time) we arrived in Singapore at 18:30 (Singapore Time) After leaving Auckland we travelled up the West Coast as far as the southern end of 90 Mile Beach before turning slightly to Port towards Queensland. The weather was fine; I could see the full extent of the Kaipara and Opononi harbours as well as doubtless bay. We passed directly over Townsville and Darwin before crossing Timor. When approaching Singapore our plane changed from the direct route several times to avoid turbulence. The sun did not catch us, although it was not far behind when we landed.
Changi Airport is massive and new. It looks beautiful. Our entry through customs into Singapore was very easy. We were met by our local guide who directed us to a waiting bus. The heat was very noticeable. As we travelled into the city I observed a beautiful orangey red sunset. The sun had caught up. I did not know that Singapore had 12 hours of sun each day all the year round; I probably learnt this at school many years ago but had obviously forgotten. I much prefer our four season climate with its long summer evenings and its long winter nights some of which is spent by a nice cheery fire.
We retired for the day just after midnight.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Our Itinerary
On Monday July 12th 2010 we leave Auckland at 13:30 bound for Singapore. We have joined a Flora Tours Singapore Garden Festival Tour.
Tuesday 13th in the morning we are taken on a Singapore sights tour visiting Merilon Park and the Thian Keng Temple in particular. We have the afternoon to ourselves.
Wednesday 14th we visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens where we are promised there are 600 orchids on display.
Thursday 15th All Day at the Singapore Garden Festival.
Friday 16th We visit Sungei Buloh which is 130 acres of secondary forest and is home to many unique plants and animals. It is also a resting point for migratory birds on their way from New Zealand to Alaska.
Saturday 17th we explore more of Singapore.
Sunday 18th we depart Singapore at 23:05 on a Lufthansa flight bound for Frankfurt where after a two hour stopover we head for Copenhagen on a Airbus A321 arriving there at 09:10 on Monday 19th. We will no doubt rest a little and maybe a little unorganized sightseeing.
Tuesday 20th We may join a hop on hop off bus or a canal boat tour.
Wednesday 21st we board the "Star Princess" for a ten night tour of The Baltic.
Thursday 22nd We spend cruising. I hope the weather is fine so that we can get some R & r on the deck.
Friday 23rd We arrive at Stockholm, Sweden at 10:00 and explore the city.
Saturday 24th We are at Helsinki in Finland.
Sunday 25th We arrive at St Petersburg, Russia to spend two days sightseeing.
Monday 26th Sightseeing in St Petersburg. We "set sail" at 18:00.
Tuesday 27th We arrive at Tallin, Estonia.
Wednesday 28th We arrive at Gdansk, Poland at 9:00 and spend time ashore.
Thursday 29th We spend all day cruising. Time to enjoy the ships delights maybe.
Friday 30th We arrive at Oslo, Norway at 07:00 and depart at 14:00: not much time to see the sights!
Saturday 31st July we disembark and make our way to the Copenhagen Airport for our Scandanavian Airlines flight to London arriving in Heathrow, London at 13:05
We stay at Ealing Guest House 27 South Ealing Road Tel +44(0) 20 8840 0261.
Sunday 1st August 2010. Sightseeing London.
Monday 2nd August At 09:00 we board a National Bus at Victoria Station bound for Glasgow, Scotland we we be met by Alan and Heather for a twelve day tour by car of Scotland.
Tuesday 3rd August in and around Glasgow.
Wednesday 4th we travel to Oban.
Thursday 5th we travel to Fort William.
Friday 6th Another day around Fort William.
Saturday 7th We travel to and spend the night at the Isle of Skye.
Sunday 8th It is on to Elgin.
Monday 9th Another day and night at Elgin.
Tuesday 10th We are at Blair Athol in Pitlochery.
Wednesday 11th In and around Pitlochery.
Thursday 12th In and around Pitlochery.
Friday 13th We travel to Edinburgh where we attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Saturday 14th Sightseeing in Edinburgh before catching the British Airways 21:00hours flight to Heathrow, London.
Sunday 15th August. Sight seeing London.
Monday 16th. More of the same.
Tuesday 17th We head for Heathrow and at 11:10 take off for San Francisco via Munich. we arrive at San Francisco at 19:10 the same day; American Pacific time.
Wednesday 18th Sightseeing in San Francisco.
Thursday 19th More of the same.
Friday 20th We take a long day trip to Yosemite National Park.
Saturday 21st We depart San Francisco on and Air New Zealand Airbus A300-400 at 19:10.
Sunday 22nd Missed somewhere over the Pacific.
Monday 23rd 05:15 We land at Auckland Airport. A little bit weary I guess.
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