Author Archives: dalnamills

Now we are really getting to the Middle East. Men and women in long clothing. Men in white long coats with a small hat. Women with black coats and scarves. A few ladies with face veils. Oman is a beautiful, clean, and very friendly country. We were in and out in one day. Took a morning tour on a dhow boat around the harbour. This was a wooden boat with that was new but looked very old. Sat on the top deck. We took turns pretending to drive the boat. We saw the king’s official palace, the parliament, the king’s two huge yachts, the left over Portuguese fort and lookout perches from four hundred years ago, the lovely mountains around the city, and two turtles. This peaceful kingdom has been ruled by the same royal family since the Portuguese times. They get along with their neighbors and use their oil to keep up the living standards of the population. Guess what?!? Warm weather with a nice breeze and NO HUMIDITY!!!

Glad to have a sea day! We only have one more before Dubai. Packing up will be next on the agenda. Packing up all the stuff that stays on board and packing for the shore part. Weather is like San Luis Obispo in Croatia. No more heat and humidity. Still in bottom place in trivia. Won one hundred dollars at bingo! I have won $280 overall and also two spa days and a bottle of champagne. I have spent $ 310 to play. No wonder a few people more are giving me the stink eye when I show up. Tomorrow we will be in Oman. No pictures today.

Got off the ship after noon to go downtown and shop. Ran into friends Wally and Chad who were going downtown also, and shared a cab. This was our first view of Mumbai during the day. Lots of traffic and lots of people going about their various activities. Lots of people just standing around. Humidity and heat abounded. We got off at the symbol of Mumbai, the Gateway to India. This is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located by the seaside promenade. It was built to welcome King George and Queen Mary on their visit in 1911. I hope they had better weather. We got our pictures taken there and were invited by the guys to go to high tea at the Taj Palace Hotel nearby. We instantly gave up shopping and ended up having a buffet lunch and high tea also. We felt out of place in our attire, but the guys were issued some long pants to wear so I expect we were not the only group of tourists they ever had. If you can multiply posh by one gillion you will almost have the hotel. Staff had on Indian attire and everything looked like a Hollywood set. The food and service were splendid, but I was surprised when Colinda asked for a type of tea on the menu and was told they were out of it. Made us feel better after arriving dripping in our unfancy clothes. I took a picture in the women’s room of a woman in traditional dress and a woman with a skull T-shirt with fuschia color sprayed on her hair. Traditional/Modern contrast. That’s India!!!

There was an India themed party that night to celebrate Dewali, the festival of color. Lots of colorful decorations on deck. We have a friend Sandra who bought a huge stack of saris and fitted us out in some. We went from tacky to fabulous in a few hours. Was wonderful weather at night on the deck with a small breeze. Tomorrow is one of our last sea days before we get off at Dubai.

My goodness. If you want a 22 hour day full of beautiful sights to fly by quickly , just get on an Azamara Cruise. This company took all of the 190 plus Around the World Cruisers to the Taj Mahal today. What do you take with you ? What to wear? I wore my favorite aqua blue cotton dress that is very light weight , and my comfrey white and colorful sketchers shoes. Of course took my multicolored Indian parasol ☂️. Carried a bag with sunscreen, a neck pillow for the plane, sunscreen, passport and Visa information, and a neck fan that blows air around your face. Tissues too. Got up at four,left the ship at five thirty. There were eight busses ready to go. Two airplane rides and several buss rides later we got to our destination. We got onto a bus, then to an electric vehicle to get to our destination. It was about noon by then. We had our own small group guide that was very informative and helpful. The building was beautiful, breathtaking, and amazing. The craftsmanship was stunning. We were not hurried through and got to enjoy the grounds and look at the rest of the buildings that are around it. It was an Indian holiday and many families were there with their families Everyone was dressed for the occasion. We are beginning to see more women with black berkas (spelling?)on complete with faces covered. We were bussed to a lovely air conditioned hotel and had a buffet lunch in the ballroom. The walkway to the hotel, and the ballroom were decorated with many strands of yellow and orange marigolds. We each had a necklace of them to wear around our necks. What a treat! Food was fantastic, and up to ship standards. We left the hotel, got on the busses and got on two planes again. Got home(ship )at 12:30 and to sleep by2:00. Guess who did not get up until 11:00 the next morning. If you ever get a chance to see the Taj Mahal, please go!

We will not be at sea tomorrow. We will dock tonight.

The world cruisers will be flown to the Taj Mahal tomorrow. We leave at five am to be flown there and back. Will be back at 11:30 pm or so. So…now we are jet setters too!

Yahoo!!!

Now to finish up on yesterday’s activities. We got back to the ship about two yesterday and were able to get a quick lunch , shower, and nap. Then we got ready and went back in busses at six thirty (all 600 +) for this leg’s Azamara Amazing Evening. This was similar to the one where we went, were entertained, and floated the candles in the pond. We went to a huge hotel and sat outside for the show. We entered on a red carpet and walked past people with flowers and candles (ladies in saris) and men in native dress holding beautiful large umbrellas. The huge stage had the chairs all ready for the show. Snacks from India and non Indian food were available. We were offered coconuts to carry around and drink There were activities for us to do while waiting for the show to start. A band was playing Indian music. People were getting henna designs put on their hands, having caricatures drawn, and having their palms read. We were in bus 15, so only had time for one activity. So I had my palm read. The first thing my reader said was”Father and Mother name”. I told him I did not understand. He said it again, but did not have the words to explain. I said “my name?” My name is Dalna . He said “Yes, your name…father and mother.” So, that really got my attention. He said many other things that I will share with you when I see you if you are interested. The show was in three parts. We had graceful lady dancers in white and gold saris first. Perfect for the harvest festival. Next , there were men dancers who danced as mock fighters like you see in oriental movies. Lots of swords, sticks, knives, jumping, rolling, somersaults, and no one got hurt! Teams of two had their own routines. Last part was men dressed in elaborate costumes and masks representing Kathakaki, a dance and storytelling art. There was a huge finale with all on the stage. These dancers were certainly professional. After the show we were able to stand around in front of huge fans waiting for our bus. Did I mention it was still exceedingly warm and humid. We got home pretty late and I slept this morning until eleven. Ship left at two, so did not leave the ship today. Two adventures a day in this heat is draining. We have a whole day at sea tomorrow. Yea! Air Conditioning!!!

At show. Could not pass up an elephant!

Chinese fishing nets drying. These were on the way going out of Cochin .

Woke up docked in India. Went through immigration routine in a building nearby. First taste of 75% and up humidity. 90 degree heat also. Took a morning tour to Cochin. This city is made up of five islands joined by bridges. A large shipping community. The Indian navy is there and there are also large ship building facilities. Ship repairs as well as well as the usual shipping activities requiring cranes and warehouses. Cochin has been a trading post since Roman times. It was the main route between Europe and China. We arrived the day that India was celebrating their harvest festival. Our tour bus bumped along streets that were practically empty and were told that very few shops were open because everyone was busy going to temples and then celebrating with their families. We went first to a Hindu temple. We were not allowed inside, but we were able to see the worshipers dressed in their best clothes going in and out. Some teenagers had put henna designs on their hands and posed for pictures. Many women were wearing off white saris with gold trim. This is traditional. Most were dressed in beautiful colorful saris. It was nice to see lots of people taking family pictures. Back on the bus to drive to a spice shop that sold betel nut, cinnamon, cardamom and other exotic spices. They had a woman there demonstrating how to weave a silk sari. She was in her late eighties. The loom was quite large and she was tiny. They had air conditioning so we were reluctant to leave. We walked next to a restaurant and were treated to fried bananas and cold drinks. Another walk (walking slower) to a Dutch Palace with beautiful pictures in the walls illustrating the Ramayana. Look it up on Wikipedia. We have seen this story in Buddhist and Hindu temples and are getting better at recognizing the highlights a little bit. The Palace had many things that the various rulers had used. I liked the litters that carried them around in. Never saw a real one in person. Looked very uncomfortable. Walked very, very slowly to the Paradesi Synagogue. This synagogue was built in 1568. It is no longer in use. There was once a large Jewish community, but it most of the population went to Israel. It was small and beautiful. Lots of lamps and bright colors. Blue and white Dutch tiles in the floor. Walked back to the bus for one last stop. A laundry! 95%in the locals do their own laundry. This is how the 5% get by. They call and get same day service with pick up and delivery. No one gets anyone else’s laundry returned to them. This is a pride factor for them. The irons are filled with burning coal to make them hot. They do have washing machines and a few dryers. They prefer to air dry. (The air was not making us dry). Amazing! No wonder they are in the tourist list. By this time we were not dry anywhere on our bodies. We got back on the bumpy bus and got back about two. Got to eat and lie down before we got back on busses (All 600+) for the Azamara Amazing Evening for this leg of the trip. I will blog that tomorrow as I am out of steam! (Steam…….iron…..laundry…..: oh, never mind!!!)

I did not get all the pictures in a row. Be prepared to jump around.

Usual activities. Last time place at trivia again. Really miss Paul, our history teacher!!! I am going to just chat a bit about this and that. Spotted some new Mazda five cars in the last few stops. Brand new. This is the car I have had for 14 years. Not for sale in USA anymore. These were in countries that drive to the left. Speaking of that, we keep going from country to country where the driving pattern changes. End up looking right and left for a while then just go and pray you make it. Getting used to bargaining when shopping. I think the sellers still make a good profit. We have a full ship and are hearing lots of languages. No Chinese though. Beginning to get ready for the land part our adventure. Sent a big bag of things we did not need or want to the crew downstairs. We have to pack up our cabin and have our bags stored while off ship. Need to pack smaller suitcase for the trip because I will be in a car and also will have to roll it around myself. Also…have to get used to not having the la ta dah service I have onboard. All this humid and hot weather can really exhaust a person. Makes me so happy I got out of Shreveport, Louisiana! My little Indian cloth umbrella ☂️I got at Volumes of Pleasure Bookstore in Los Osos gets admired everywhere even by strangers in the street. It gives more shade and is cooler than wearing a hat. It was made in India. Wonder if they will have them in India. That’s in the next few stops. We will have an excursion to the Taj Mahal while we are there. Umbrella goes too! I will see if I can find a few pictures that you can look at.

Candy store. Who could choose? So much to see. Two stories with an escalator

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is still largely untouched by tourism. We got there the day before Ramadan was over and the highway was practically empty because of last minute preparations. Eerie, but made for a quick drive. This was elephant day. Saw them in the wild by the highway, at the Natural Park, and at the Elephant Transit Home. The highway was new and very smooth. Electrified fences were erected to keep elephants away from the road. Guide said they push trees down on the wires and break the fence to cross over. People are not supposed to feed them, but we did see doing it. Guide said they are offered too many sweets and get diabetes . At the National Park, we got in safari vehicles to ride on. Very bumpy roads! Lots of birds. Saw many birds, including peacocks, a stork, and a vulture. Saw monkeys, water buffaloes, and of course! Elephants! There are 44 mammal species and 215 bird species. Weather was perfect. Warm but not hot and steamy.

After we left the park we went to a great resort hotel for a buffet lunch. Boy, was it good! We go back on the bus and went to the Elephant Transit Home to see the elephants being fed. This facility is different from the one we saw a few days ago. The elephants here are put back into the wild. They have a lot of little elephants and just a few grown ones to keep them in line. They live in their own space except for being fed three times a day. There is a viewing stand for the audience that pays for admission. That is the way they can afford to feed the elephants. They are all fed a formula milk and also have leaves and special grains that make sure they are getting all their nutrients. They gather at the fence and are admitted from little to biggest. One very little one was being pushed aside from where there were some greenery was placed eating in front the viewing stand. Two larger ones came over and protected her by standing with her between them. It was so sweet to see. She managed to tear a leaf off a branch and was trying to get it into her mouth. When she successfully did that, we cheered!

Our trivia team is now at the bottom of the heap again. I took out all the clothes I plan to take with me while we are off the ship and found they all fit in by new smaller suitcase. What a relief! Colinda and I sent a bag of various things we brought and do not need or want with our room attendant. The crew is happy to look through hand me downs .