Life in Geezerville: Charger Edition

When I was a kid, a charger was a large gold-colored plate that my mom would put under her "good china" when she set a fancy dinner table. The golden-colored chargers were never used for anything else, but when they came out we knew we were going to have a special feast. The golden-chargers were special. 

Today, I never think of those golden chargers when I say "charger." I think of all the gadgets I have that "stay alive" due to a charger. I have chargers for cell phones, tablets, lights, hearing aids, computers. Almost everything seems to come with a charger from golf carts to cars, vacuums to drills, screw drivers to wheel chairs, snow blowers to potato peelers...etc. Heck, even under counter lights have chargers...Isn't there a reindeer called Charger? 

When we go on vacation, we need to bring all the chargers (and cables) we're going to need...and hope we don't forget any because then our beloved gadgets won't work (and I hate to say this) we might not know what to do. Rue the day when we're out of power and can't find the right charger (and cable) to charge a cell phone.  

For some reason, every gadget seems to have a different charger too. What ever happened to interchangeable parts? Chargers don't seem to follow that rule. So if you have to gather up your chargers you have to gather ALL of them--for the last cruise we were on, one half of my carry on bag was filled with chargers and cables for the 2 of us...gees. What's wrong with this picture? In addition, I have a large canvas bag filled with out-dated chargers and cables that I'm afraid to throw away. I bet you have a similar collection of out-of-date chargers that you are keeping too, because "you never know when you are going to need them again."

So on this Eve before Christmas, think of all the gifts that you are giving that have a charger attached? In an effort to get away from the charger society, I'm thinking that next year, everyone on my list is going to be given a charger-free gift. One that works on imagination. What a concept! Remember, we're all in this together. 

BTW--Merry Christmas everyone!

Life in Geezerville: Christmas Music Edition

If you haven't been paying attention...Christmas is 3 days away. Where did 2024 go? How did it get to be Christmas so soon? I ask that question, but I know the answer. I've already delivered presents and there are a few more that I have to deliver. My Christmas cards were mailed 2 weeks ago. BUT, somehow, it's December 22 and I'm not quite ready for Christmas.

To get in the mood, we've been listening to Christmas music on the Telly. Our local PBS station seems to have an unending repertoire of Christmas choirs and ensembles and soloists. The best and brightest this year has been the Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. The 2024 program might be their best yet. When that huge organ plays and the choir sings, I feel the spirit of Christmas down to my bones. If you've not seen it yet, look for it on your TV menu and record it on your DVR. But there are other musical programs too. We've listened to Sir Rutter and his choir and orchestra as well as the Concordia Navidad program and a few others. Gee...the music is incredible and if you are not quite in the spirit of Christmas now, these musical extravaganzas will help pave the way. We think Christmas music is some of the best music out there and this year there are a lot of home listening opportunities. I hope you get to listen and enjoy and feel the spirit too.  Remember, we're all in this together.

Life in Geezerville: Another Day in the 'hood

 

Another day in the 'hood...and what a 'hood it is! I delivered tiny Christmas bags to my neighbors--nothing big...just a home made item and a "something selected for each neighbor"...just to say "I love you and appreciate you and thank you for being my neighbors and Oh!  Merry Christmas." I love my 'hood.

The other day I was making muffins and I ran out of sugar...so I called a neighbor and asked if I could borrow the proverbial "cup of sugar" and she gave me a cup without a blink of an eye. Then, she called me the next day to ask if I had any parmesan cheese she could borrow and I said YES without a blink of an eye either. That's what the 'hood is about. Helping each other. Loving each other. Thanking each other. 

I love my 'hood and cannot think of a better place to be. Remember, we're all in this together.

Life in Geezerville: Musings Edition

I meant to write something on December 7--the day that lives in infamy--but I never got around to it. Sometimes, intentions and reality don't coincide. So--I'm writing now. 

I don't remember that fateful day in Hawaii in 1941 as I was not alive. I do remember a years later aftermath of that day. Sometime in my 8th or 9th or 10th year one of our neighbors who had served in WWII, hung himself. I was little and I did not know what that meant, so I asked my mom. She said "he was so sad he did not want to live anymore. He had shell shock. I guess we should have been nicer to him." Surviving with a burden is real, and we still do not know how to treat it.

Geezers, by definition of our age, are survivors too. We have dealt with way too many stressful, hurtful situations--way too many health issues--and way too many of our friends and loved ones passing away. Non-geezers listen up. We cross the street more slowly than a you. Please don't run into us. We drive slower than the speed limit. Give us a break and when the time is right, pass us up, but please don't give us the finger. Be nice, as my mother used to say.

But I digress...maybe it's more than being nice to survivors...how about being "nice" to one another? I read the daily news and I don't see much "niceness" out there. We are always in some sort of conflict? Does conflict make the world go 'round? 

The first year I taught school, I had a 4th grade class with somewhere between 36 and 42 kids (the number fluctuated throughout the year). They were always sniping at each other and one day I got tired of it and in one "class discussion time" I said "Kids..quit arguing." And something weird happened...they stopped arguing. It seemed like a little miracle...but it worked the rest of the school year. I've said that line to other classes I've taught, and it has worked. The kids knew I did not like it and so they were "nice" to each other. 

I'm meandering in my musings...but what would happen if we were  "nice to each other." To put our differences aside and try to accommodate other points of view without yelling and arguing. Maybe my neighbor would have lived?  If we give folks some "tea and listening" things might be better...and maybe the geezer walking slowly across the street can be appreciated a bit more because that geezer is indeed walking. Remember, we're all in this together.

Life in Geezerville: December 1 Shopping Edition

Today we went shopping. We avoided Black Friday like the plague--and we avoided "black" Saturday too--thinking there would be huge crowds everywhere. So we went today. 

As usual for us, we did not leave at the crack of dawn--nor at the "crack of noon"--we left about 3:30. A much more comfortable time for us to shop. Our first stop was the grocery store. It was strange going into the parking lot because there were handicapped places available. We live in Geezerville where most of the geezers have handicapped parking permits (I exaggerate only slightly). Given that, it's always hard to find a handicapped parking place--yet there were 3. My first thought was "what is going on?" but, I did not think anything weird was going on yet.

In the store there were electric carts available for the other DrC --now this is strange. There are never carts available. What is going on? In the store, there are a few people shopping. There's always geezers shopping at Smith's but today it looked like a ghost town. It was easy to maneuver around the store and check out was a breeze because there were no lines.

Second stop was the post office. I did not expect anyone there and there wasn't. That was normal. 

Third stop was Walmart. Now Walmart is our BIG store. It has everything. It's always jammed  with shoppers and the parking lot is always full (except for the places miles from the door). Today I drove into my favorite aisle and there were 4 handicapped parking places. Now I know something weird is going on. The rest of the parking lot was not crammed with cars either. Are the geezers asleep this afternoon or what? 

Once in the store, there are NO electric carts by the door ..first "normal" thing we've seen in Walmart. BUT, DrC went to the other door and there were 8 carts, fully charged and ready to go. We took our carts and went shopping. We found what we needed in record time because again, not a geezer in sight. Where were the geezers?  They were not shopping...or driving. I'm guessing they were asleep or watching a game?

From this non-scientific study of one late afternoon the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I conclude that today was the best day to shop in Geezerville. It's not a big study but I went to all the important places in town and NO ONE was out. I don't know why there were no geezers out and about in Geezerville...but they weren't. This might be a good piece of information to know. Remember, we're all in this together.

Sayonara

 

Courtesy of https://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Posters/S/Poster%20-%20Sayonara_03.jpg

Last night I saw Sayonara and it was not what I expected. The ending was a complete surprise for me.

The film was made in 1957 and set in Japan right after the Korean War. Japan is ruled by MacArthur and lots of military men are stationed there...lots of single military men. Japan has lots of pretty single women. Now picture the idea that those men are not allowed to associate with those women. That's  a military rule that is almost impossible to follow and enforce.

Given the above, our hero, who is played by Marlon Brando falls in love with a pretty woman who is a professional dancer and she is not allowed to marry--ever. Brando has a friend who actually marries a forbidden woman. (BTW about 10,000 fellows have already taken Japanese brides, with full knowledge that they cannot bring their brides to the US.) When the friend is ordered back to the US, he knows he cannot take his wife...so they do the proper Japanese thing--commit suicide. 

When the movie ends...does Brando marry his love? Does she give up her career? Does he give up his military career? Do they commit suicide? I'm not going to tell you...it would be giving a lot of the plot away.

The setting for the film was gorgeous. Japanese gardens are beautiful, and there are many in the film. The music is good, including the theme song. The story of forbidden fruit is as old as mankind. If you get a chance to see it, do so. I think you will like it. 

Life in Geezerville: Birthday Edition

 

Yesterday we celebrated 2 birthdays--when we added the ages of the 2 birthday boys, the total was 165!  You might say WOW! but remember we live in Geezerville and all of us are -- well -- geezers. Geezers by definition are OLD. When I became a teenager, it would have taken 12 folks to add up to 165 years of experience. It takes far less than that in Geezerville.

Us geezers are special people. We've seen a lot in our collective lives. While we did not see the first car roll off the assembly line, we did see the first Corvette and Thunderbird. We sat in front of our TVs and saw a man land on the moon. Many of us saw the end of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War...and a few more. We all hoped that the last war we lived thru would be the "last war" but alas that has not happened.

We've seen a lot of Presidents too. Many remember FDR, fewer will remember Hoover, Coolidge, Harding, or Wilson as they were President a very long time ago. I'm sure most can remember  presidents after Truman.

We have a lot of collective memories too. We've seen "the good, the bad and the ugly" but we are still an optimistic bunch of souls who can have a good time. We still have "bucket lists" that need to be fulfilled too. We might be a bit slower than we were, but we are still mighty. Remember, we're all in this together.

Happy Thanksgiving Every One

 

I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for this year--

we hope you do too. 

Old Movie Review: The Forbidden Planet

Sixty-eight years ago, The Forbidden Planet was made. It is a science fiction "wonder" with special effects by the Walt Disney Studios. The special effects include Robby the Robot, a real flying saucer and eerie space-agey weird music. Come to think of it, the whole movie is bad...and that is what made it fun for me to watch.

The year is 2200; the planet in question is Altair-4; the actors are Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, and Walter Pidgeon; there are only 3 sets and the action is slow--oh and did I say it was a predictable story. 

It's not a modern movie that has to fill in DEI slots. It's a typical girl meets boy story set in space on an isolated planet that is no longer inhabited. The original folks who lived there, the Krell, are long dead as they met an awful death...by the Id Monsters. I'm guessing in 1956 not many people knew much about the Id, Ego and Superego...so the Id became the monster. I'm not going to give away any more of the story. I'm just gonna say it was fun to see how the movies pictured the future in 1956.

A mere twenty years later, Stars Wars came out...and the whole world of science fiction movies made a big C-change. I thought it would be interesting to watch a precursor to what was to come...and it was.If you want a good laugh, try to find The Forbidden Planet on Turner Classic Movies or maybe YouTube (I don't know if it's there, but everything else is). We need to laugh every now and again.

Life in Geezerville: Sunset Edition

That was our sunset tonight. This part of the desert does not throw good sunsets. We have a good one every now and again but not often. On the ship we had a pretty sunset most every night. Albert, one of our table mates would go outside at sunset every night and take a picture. He would come back to our table with a smile on his face as he showed us that night's picture. I liked what he was doing, so I made the trek outdoors too. (It was not a far trek...down the hall, make a right, open the sea door and watch the sun float away.) Not a surprise, there were a number of folks taking that picture every night.

Our last night boasted another beautiful sunset. A pretty sunset tells me there will be a bright day tomorrow. Our desert sunset says the same thing. Here's to tomorrow! Remember, we're all in this together.

Lost in Time

 I don't know what day it is. It might be Tuesday or Wednesday evening...I'm not really sure. I do know where I am...I'm home. That's the good news. Jet lag is never easy for me, and this recent bout is no exception. 

Something funny happened last night. We were in bed when I heard a strange sound...kinda like rain but not exactly rain. I poked the other DrC and asked him if he heard anything -- and he did. The sound continued. Sometimes it was close sometimes it sounded far away. Since we both wear hearing aids and we both heard it without our hearing aids on, the sound had to be relatively loud....but what was it? 

When stuff goes "bump in the night" that means my guy has to find out what is "bumping." He bravely got up, turned on the light, and went looking for the sound, which was now coming from inside the master bathroom. We were both wondering why the sound was moving? Was someone in the house? 

Anyway, he follows the sound into the shower and guess what was there? (Put your guesses here)

Our robot vacuum! We have named our robot vacuum Dobby (after the house elf in the Harry Potter universe). Dobby was being a bad house elf. He somehow lost his programming and awoke at midnight...it was 2:50 -- he had been wandering around the house for almost 3 hours--we heard him when he finally came into the master bedroom. After a good laugh, we tried to go back to sleep. 

The whole time we were on the ship, a robot vacuum did not wake us up, nor, did I have to cook, clean or do laundry. That might be the worst part of jet lag--reality hits and now I have to do everything...as well as quell a wandering vacuum aka "house elf." Dobby has gone walk-about before. Still when it happens it scares the dickens out of us. We still have no idea how he lost his programming. Just a word of warning..if you have a robot vac be prepared for some rude awakenings.

Life in Geezerville: Jet Lag Edition

We have been home 24 hours. We have slept. We tried to keep "normal" hours but that was impossible. We went to bed at midnight, but I awakened at 4 AM. Too early was my first thought, then I fell asleep again. I finally made coffee about 8:30. I went to the kitchen (no room service in this world) and got breakfast for the 2 of us. We dutifully ate it and fell asleep again. 

I woke up about 10 and started the first of FOUR loads of laundry. Please don't ask why 4, but 4 it was. Thank goodness I don't have to go to the a coin in the slot laundry as it would have never been done today. I was harking back to a mere 3 days ago when Holland was doing my laundry, folding it neatly and placing it on my bed in a tissue-paper lined basket.  As 4 Star cruisers with HAL, free laundry is a very nice perk. At home, I'm a no-star cruiser worse luck. So the laundry was done. Needless to say, the laundry was done between naps and more naps. 

The only "big" problem we have had to deal with is a power outage sometime in the past 23 days that tried to kill my microwave-oven. This high tech combo said "F9E0" on one line of the little screen and "unable to use: Mis-wire problem" on the second line of the screen. Not believing it was a problem I tried to turn the oven on, and it did not work. I looked in my manual and error codes are not included in the manual. Come on guys...if the stove gives error codes, they should be included in the manual...but they are not. It's 9 PM on Sunday, we are jet lagged, and we can't reheat breakfast in the morning unless it gets fixed. This is when the internet comes in handy.  I typed in the error code and found out how to fix it. A quick walk to the breaker box (which was harder than the devil to open) and we tripped the breakers to off then on. The error messages were gone and I could turn on the oven. The internet said if that did not work, then a repairman was needed. I'm ever so happy tripping the breakers worked. 

We have much to do...like get food. No one is alert enough or motivated enough to cook...so we need some quick meals for the next few days and that means going to the store. I have to catch up on mail. Come to think of it I have to catch up on ... everything. When I was working, I would say one day away from work meant 2 extra days of work...the same might be true with a home. Remember, we're all in this together.

One last note...the other DrC wants to thank everyone for the birthday wishes...and I do too. 

Life in Geezerville: Back Home Edition

 

It was just yesterday that we were saying "Safe travels and good bye" to our table mates. Then we went to bed and woke up looking at the Coathanger Bridge in the early morning light.

Since room service breakfast was not served on our last day, I went to the Lido and found breakfast to take to the room...but not before I walked about the ship to see the sights of Sydney Harbor. It's a large harbor with lots to look at from brand new skyscrapers, to old houses lining the boat basin. Every time we come to Sydney we are amazed at how quickly it changes and grows. It's a bustling port of call, and truly the busiest port of call we visited on our 23-day sea adventure. Hawaii is big but Sydney is bigger. 

This is a new to me building...we were here last in pre-Covid 2017

These hotels or homes (I don't know which) line the boat basin--complete with private swimming pools

But the building we were looking for was the White Bay Cruise Terminal. Our captain sails into the harbor and does a "donut" for lack of a better word, to pull up right in front of the terminal. Folks were waiting outside to tie the ship to the bollards on the dock and before we knew it we were disembarking. Disembarkation is either easy or hard--there's NO in between. This was an easy one. We waited in our room until our number was called, picked up our gear and took the down elevator to deck 2. When we got to the checkout desk I asked for a wheelchair for the other DrC and he was whisked thru the seemingly endless hallways as we went thru Customs and Declarations. 

Australia has very strict "biosecurity" laws as they do not want ANY FOREIGN materials transported to their island. Karen and I had bought some wood products on Fiji and we thought they would be confiscated...but we were wrong...the authorities said they could stay with us. That made me happy.

 

We went thru the paperwork processes relatively quickly (thanks to that wheelchair) and then our pusher brought us to the bus. We went to the airport--where we collected another set of wheelchair pushers and we went thru the typical airport process before ending up in the New Zealand first class lounge. That's a very nice lounge. We had a real breakfast and when it was time to board our flight the pushers returned and took us to the plane. All worked like clockwork.

This morning we landed in San Francisco after a billion or so hours in the plane (it was only 14 hours and 36 minutes but who's counting). I started 4 old movies (Dirty Dozen, Harry Potter #1, Grease and Die Hard). I don't think I saw a complete movie as I slept much of the time--that's why I chose old movies. Dinner and breakfast were served on the plane. By 6:30 (six hours before we boarded the plane in Sydney--remember we crossed the dateline) we were leaving the plane and heading for customs and baggage inspection. SFO was not as well organized as Sydney airport. We only had 2 pushers for a dozen or so handicapped flyers--best I could understand is there's a pusher strike at SFO and a skeleton crew is around to help the handicapped folks. We survived yet another inspection then we waited for the flight home. That only took 113 minutes. Our ride was waiting for us and she took us home, while we slept in the car. We are tired. 

This is the other DrCs birthday...so he was able to celebrate it for about 30 hours (or more). Of course we are both too exhausted to do much of anything about it...but when I get back to speed, I'll bake him his favorite pineapple upside down cake. He's already asked for it. 

We are home. It was a very good cruise. We had a grand time. Neither of us were ready to leave the ship...it was that good. Reality has hit. We unpacked the suitcases as soon as we arrived home. The laundry basket is full. Before we left I made sure we had an easy dinner to cook...so I cooked that easy dinner and now we are trying to stay awake until 10 PM. We want to get back to normal as soon as we can. We have lots of hours to make up...but it's not going to be that bad as we crossed the dateline--making up a day is not hard..it's 3 PM in Sydney and 8 PM here that is hard to make up...we will get squared away pretty soon. 

It's always good to be home; and it's always nice know that there are other adventures "on the books."   We have 3--Christmas with our family, a Columbia River Cruise and an ocean cruise from Barcelona to Oslo. Hope you have some fun stuff on your books too. Remember, we're all in this together.

Geezerville at Sea: Going Home Edition

This is our last night on the Westerdam---one of the "Dam-ships"...and not overwork a Holland America expression we had a 'dam good time. We had good food; met some fantastic people; enjoyed the spa more than I should have with acupuncture, massage, hydrotherapy and so much more; and then we got to go to strange and wonderful places. It's hard to beat. This all comes to a crashing end at 7:45 when we leave our little protective cocoon and hit reality. Luggage, airports, TSA lines, passport/customs...all that "fun" stuff. I think we have "it all squared away," but you never know until you go thru the lines and find out for sure. Things can happen and often do.

The drill tomorrow is get up early--get dressed--crawl to breakfast--then get ourselves down to a Gray-1 waiting room and wait to be called off the ship. We already put out our big luggage tonight--tomorrow we'll find it in the exit hall, gather it up and take it to the bus which will take us and the luggage to the airport. I've already checked in with the airline--we'll find our flight, check bags, go thru all the lines...before going to the UA lounge to wait. We have a LONG flight to SFO, then a short flight home. We will arrive at the same time we left Sydney thanks to the International Date Line. Since tomorrow is the other DrCs birthday, he will celebrate it for about 30 hours. Happy Birthday my love.

I'm sorry to leave the ship. It's been a good time. A very relaxing time. We still have 2 more cruises on the books...one in April and the other in May.. This was the warm-up cruise and what a cruise it has been. Thanks for reading about our adventures. Remember, we're all in this together.

Yesterday/Easo--Today/Noumea

 

Sunset in Easo, New Caledonia. 

Morning in Noumea, New Caledonia

The difference between these 2 ports of call is like night and day. Easo is remote, quaint and not quite in the 20th century while Noumea is the opposite. They are both tropical, aka hot and humid. This morning I was awakened by a call on my mobile (which has not rung in 2 weeks)  from Salt Lake City requesting I make an appointment for the other DrC at Huntsman. It was 5:30 AM and I was very groggy but I had to get into "thinking" mode quickly  and respond to the call. I told the nice person we were in New Caledonia and she said--"so you are on the cruise you were talking about?" When you think you are far from the "world" the "world" will find you. I was also impressed that the person I was talking to remembered that we were going to be on a cruise. Huntsman is a special place in more ways than one.

While we might be thousands of miles away from SLC, I can see a cell tower from my cabin, and that's all it takes to get a call from home. We have been to Noumea before--in fact we were stranded in Noumea before, so I don't think we'll get off the "yacht" today. Yesterday was a tender port, and I don't deal well with tall steps right now, so we stayed on the yacht again. We like staying onboard when most of the pax are gone. It's quiet here; the ship is beautiful; and we can do whatever we want without having a schedule. 

New Calendonia is our last landfall before we get to Sydney in 3 days. It's sad to leave our little home in the middle of the ocean, but it's about time to do so. But for now, I'll show you a couple of more pix from this tiny set of islands in the South Pacific. 

The port in Easo

The Catholic Church in Easo

The bottom line...cruisin' is good!

 PS: the lone volcano I saw the other day might be Mathews or Hunter --both are "lone" uninhabited islands in this "neck of the woods."

Sea Day 2--New Calendonia Tomorrow

That's what a sea day look like from our balcony. It was very comfortable outside and almost too cool on the ship--so I did something strange...sat on the balcony. It's strange because I don't know if I've ever done it before. Usually the balcony is too windy or too cold or too tiny or too smoky (you are NOT supposed to smoke on a balcony but folks still do it)--but today it was just about perfect. 

Somewhere along the way, we passed a perfect cone volcano. I don't know where this island is, but it's somewhere between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. We were sailing thru a cloud bank and soon it was raining, time to come inside. They closed the cover over the pool so folks on the deck could stay dry.

I gave the teddy bear blanket to my acupuncturist. She was really touched--she started to cry. She said lavender was her favorite color too. We hugged. I don't think she's been given a little blanket before. All in all a good sea day. Tomorrow we are supposed to make landfall in Easo, New Caledonia. It is a tender port. We are going to stay on the ship and have it to ourselves. There are few things  better than an almost empty ship. Hope you have a good day too.

Sea Day--Going to New Caledonia

 

This picture personifies "sea days." You can sit back and relax and enjoy the cruise on a sea day. And, on this sea day, the water was quiet and we were slowly moving forward at 10-12 knots. That's not very fast. I think the Captain is going slow because New Caledonia is not far from Fiji.

I finished the baby blanket I've been working on for several days. It seems to take longer to finish something on the ship as there are always fun folks to talk to--so I've been doing more talking than crocheting. I shared this blanket to our table-mates, and they all liked it. Right now, it does not have a home, but I'll figure out a person to give it to before we leave for home. It already has the official teddy bear seal of approval, as Silky liked it too.

Today we had a couple of lectures we wanted to attend--but forgot. Then we were going to get involved in a scavenger hunt, but we forgot that too. That's the problem with sea days. They are fun without any special activities. We listened to our books; read the news; talked; I crocheted...and of course we ate a little bit too. We were not complete piggies today, as we skipped the fancy brunch that was being served between 10 and 11:30. We had our "normal" smaller lunch, as we don't need anymore big meals at this stage of the cruise.

;

We have another sea day tomorrow. I hope it's as pleasant as today's was. This picture of the bow of our ship, shows how calm the water is. This is the sea we wanted when we sailed out of Seattle. We've had quiet seas for a few days now. Quiet sea days are the best. Next time, maybe you can sail with us and enjoy a quiet day at sea too.

Suva, Fiji

We docked at Suva, Fiji this morning, where it was hot and humid, only to get hotter or more humid by nightfall. We stayed on the ship, and had it with a handful of pax. We like it when the pax leave and we have the "yacht" to ourselves. I even met the captain, which I never would have done on a typical day when all 2000 of us are on board. 

I spent most of the day in the Crow's Nest watching a container ship being loaded. It's fascinating how a huge container can be moved with seemingly little effort, as long as you have big cranes. One container stayed open and empty for quite awhile--then a red Ram pickup was driven into the container, the back doors were closed and it too was loaded into the ship. I wondered where the pickup was going and how long it was going to take to get there. I also wondered how the Ram pickup got here as you don't see a lot of American cars on these little islands...you see LOTS of Japanese and Korean cars instead.

We missed the museum of Fiji, which we heard was very interesting. We missed a beautiful garden (pictured above). We missed another shopping experience. Instead, I am almost finished with the baby blanket I'm making. It might get finished tomorrow when we have a sea day. Next stop is supposed to be New Caledonia, but there are problems on that island...if they escalate we'll keep on sailing...we'll see what happens. A little drama on the high seas.

In Lautoka, Fiji

 

This morning we landed in Lautoka, Fiji--and it was not a tender port as we had been led to believe. We walked off the ship and onto a shuttle bus that took us to a small shopping mall somewhere in Lautoka. Soon we were at Tappoo Shopping Village, which consisted of a large-ish clothing/souvenir store at one end of the mall, and a super market at the other. In between there were some tiny shops selling toys, cell phones, and stuff like that. 

As soon as we walked into the store, we were met by Tony, who became our personal shopper. He was great. We told what we wanted and he took us to all the right places. When his store did not have it, he took us to the right aisle in the super market. Tony made our day. Other folks from the ship thought the shopping was confusing, but they did not have Tony. We found some stuff that we liked, bought it with  FJD (Fijian Dollars) and had a good time. Turns out my iPhone calculator converted FJD to USD with ease...so we shopped with our phones telling us how much things were costing. Tony showed us that too.

After shopping at the mall, we went back to the ship and shopped at the pop-up  stalls. These were less organized and allowed me to bargain. It was fun to shop and bargain, especially when I got my price. 

We left when it was relatively pleasant, but by 1 PM it was getting very hot and humid. It was time to go back to the A/C in the ship, get something to eat. We had a fun day in Lautoka. We did not see much...but we had another mission. 

We saw lots of big banyan trees, lots of cars driving on the wrong side of the road (this was a British colony after all), and lots of people. We go to Suva, the capital, tomorrow...that's big, but this was a small town of about 200,000. The port looked much like Samoa's port--lots of containers, and taxis.

A container ship, waiting to be loaded

A nearby islet

A boat dredging out the channel

And finally, the local license plate. Again, very plain like Samoa's plate, only in blue. This plate was on a taxi, and the driver did not like it that I took the picture. I said I collect license plates, and he was not in any type of trouble, and he relented and said, "ok." 

The Church in Samoa

 

I like big old churches. When we visit Europe I am always awed by these magnificent structures. I did not expect to see a big church in Samoa, yet there is one.  A metal roof, tops the steeples. The walls are white trimmed in dark brown. 

Like an old European church (OEC) the doors are carved with biblical scenes. In Europe they tell a story to a pre-literate society. In this case, the doors tell a story that someone who speaks Samoan can understand as easily as an English speaker or a German speaker. Pictures are worth a lot of words and they are universal.

Once inside, you are mesmerized by the wonderful ceiling. The ceiling is awesome, depicting the glory that believers see when they enter such a heavenly place...the exact same feeling the OECs have. The walls are heavily decorated with frescoes and stained glass windows. There is a mighty organ in the choir loft...same as the OEC. The style is different, but the concept is the same. The music comes from above in other-worldly harmony. The purpose of the OEC was to cause shock and awe to the believer. This church does the same thing, but in Samoan style.

 

Like the OECs, there is a dome embedded in the ceiling. It is covered  with frescoes depicting local leaders 

The church might not look like a traditional cathedral but it has all the same features, interpreted to fit the local culture. It's not Gothic, it's not Romanesque--it's a style all of its own...maybe you could call Samoesque.

Samoa

 

We landed in Samoa this morning...and we were welcomed to the island by a dance troupe. Then I went on a shorex, and there was another dance troupe. I loved watching the subtle moves the dancers made to convey a story. This troupe was at the Robert Louis Stevenston home in Vailia Samoa. I did a self-guided walking tour of his home then saw the dancers. I even participated in their cava ceremony...cava is a drink that seems to be rather bland but we were told it has a kick if you drink too much. 

Our next stop was the Catholic Church. It is a highly decorated building with a mahogany ceiling as well as mahogany pews (the kneelers are mahogany too, not very soft). 

The ceiling takes your breath away, it is that spectacular. 

With stained glass windows and lots of color, the place is a delight for the eyes and the soul.

From there we went to a market. The heat and humidity were starting to come on strong by now. In the morning, the RLStevenston house was relatively cool. The church had open windows and doors and the breeze cooled it off. But, the outdoor market was another story. Stall after stall of fruit; then more stalls with local souvenirs. Way too hot--and since this is the "wet season" there was no relief except for a fan, which was selling for 15 taha about 15 US dollars. Instead of buying a fan, I went to our air conditioned bus to cool off.

The best part of the market was a one year old girl. We were flirting with each other, so I asked her mom if I could take her picture. Mom said yes. That's when the little girl became very solemn.

From the market we went back to the ship. It was cool in the ship, which was very welcome. We had dinner at the Pinnacle Grill which was fantastic, then we both had acupuncture treatments. I know my back is better because I'm walking better. I wonder where I can get acupuncture at home? 

It was a good day on the island. Our next stop is Lautoka, Fiji and we are cruising along at 21 knots, which is close to full-speed-ahead. The sea is calm but we are moving quickly, so the boat is rocking more than usual. I wonder why we are moving so fast? We are scheduled to arrive at Lautoka at 10 AM, and the distance does not look that far on the map...I guess there's a reason. We have a restful sea day tomorrow. We like sea days. 

Geezerville at Sea: The Election is Over Edition

The morning started with calm seas...not a whitecap to be seen (except where our ship was plying through the water). Who knew that a huge political race was going to end today--it looked "normal." But then, what exactly is "normal?" The votes have been counted and it looks like we have a change on the way. Maybe just maybe the back-biting, negativity and the rest of the ugly-ness will stop and we can get back to being a nation working for the same thing. That's what I'm hoping will happen. I'll say it again, my blog is not political, but I'm not oblivious to what is going on in the world. To find an analysis of the election from the other DrC, please go to his blog.

Tomorrow we make landfall on a tiny piece of land called Samoa. We even have a tour of Samoa, so we plan to turn in early in order to meet with our group at 830 in the World Theatre. That's early for us even when we are not on a cruise, and it's super early for us when we are. We'll make it. I've ordered breakfast for 7 AM. Samoa is my 141st country...but for it to count, I have to step foot on it. A few years ago, I went to San Marino, but the other DrC did not...so it only counted for me. When I was a little girl I wanted to visit all 7 continents, and I never thought that would happen...but it did. Somewhere along the way, I thought it might be possible to set foot on 100 countries, and that has happened too. As you know, we've visited all 50 states in the USA. There are more things on my bucket list, visiting 150 countries,  or a camera safari in Africa, or a pole-to-pole world cruise (not an around the equator WC); sunny days and peaceful nights. So far so good.

Tonight's sunset was as stunning as the change of party for the government. 

The sea is still flat and calm, and the sunset's colors are not as vivid as they have been, but still vibrant. I hope the election results will be reacted to in a similar calm and flat manner, just like the ocean is right now. Remember, we're all in this together.

Geezerville at Sea: Shellback Edition

We crossed the equator sometime in the last 24 hours. When a person crosses the equator for the first time, King Neptune magically transforms you from a lowly "polliwog" to a "trusty shellback." Since we've crossed the equator many times, we have been shellbacks for a long time. In fact, I think most of the folks on this ship are shellbacks. Nevertheless, we became Trusted Shellbacks again, and King Neptune is obliged not to give us a bad time. We have the certificate to prove it too.

Yesterday we received another certificate for crossing the international dateline. I have a number of these certificates too, but for some strange reason, it's fun to get another  one. So while today was November 5 on the ship, we did not hear any news about the US election--because it's still November 4 there. The other DrC will be glued to the TV tomorrow finding out the results of the election. We had not planned this cruise to miss the election, but let me tell you...I'm glad we missed all the hype. It's easier to avoid the news on a ship than it is on the mainland. I'm happy we avoided the news. We'll get enough tomorrow

So the next time you plan a cruise, do so during the end of the election cycle. You can avoid the news and hype and get on with living. Here's hoping the right person wins. Remember, we're all in this together.

Geezerville at Sea: Green Flash Edition

Another lovely sea day. We ate. We talked to folks. We looked at the ocean which was flat and smooth. We both listened to our books. All is good.

Sunset came and I was hoping it would be spectacular like last night because we had some picturesque clouds floating above the water...but it was not a colorful sunset. A large yellow ball rested among the clouds and quickly dipped to the edge of the water before slipping away from sight. Since it was a perfect golden orb, I was hoping to see a "green flash" but that did not happen.

I've seen the "green flash" once--when we lived on Guam. For weeks, I went to the shore at sunset and looked for the flash, and nothing happened...then one night, when I was getting ready to give up on my quest, I saw the "green flash!"And, I had witnesses too! I was so excited to see something that some folks think is not real. 

Jules Verne wrote about the green flash in his 1882 novel called "The Green Ray." And the green flash is mentioned in the 2007 movie, "Pirate's of the Caribbean: At World's End." There is also scientific proof that the flash exists...but seeing one in person, well that's another thing. You need to be in the right place, at the right time, and not blink during the 2 or 3 seconds that the green light is visible. Tonight, I did not see the flash. On a similar cruise to this one, on the Sun Princess, I sat with a couple who were looking for the flash during most of the cruise. They were surprised that I had actually seen one, as they had been looking for the flash for years. 

Whether searching for the green flash, or something else, a good place to start is an ocean voyage...one that has a lot of sea days. Sea days are restful and low key and perfect for R and R. Remember, we're all in this together.

(I copied the photo from Wikipedia...it shows the stages of a green flash...but it happens very fast. The top picture shows the green sinking sun--the 4 smaller photos show the progression. I did not see progression, I just saw a flash of green light.)