tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34607962427193704722024-03-04T20:01:20.125-08:00Tropical Topicsalikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-78219152924383083712010-12-19T22:27:00.001-08:002010-12-19T22:28:25.104-08:00My 'countries visited' map<div style="width: 550px; position: relative;"><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=5925948" height="293" width="550"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=5925948"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#372060"><br /><embed src="http://static.travbuddy.com/flash/countries_map.swf?id=5925948" quality="high" bgcolor="#372060" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="293" width="550"></embed><br /></object><br /><div style="background-color: rgb(56, 35, 91); padding: 5px 0px; text-align: center; width: 549px; border-left: 1px solid rgb(55, 32, 96);"><br /><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-widgets"><img src="http://static.travbuddy.com/images/widget_map_promote_v2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/browse/users"><img src="http://static.travbuddy.com/images/widget_map_promote_meet.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-76341060619309647062010-02-12T13:38:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:12:53.519-08:00Extreme Meeting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCSu0YdvxCnk8L02BRp0GftuPya4MftuiyyKrLhiHBIUwkNb_c2lQB4EyZ1MLmdgJ8qPcp2wPFl9h3SMMLnSJiMK732EOvPAZaOHOPvIRAbfdw6S_ijCFqPwFID4PwHXRKOfKpRh4OAjn/s1600-h/IMGP4114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCSu0YdvxCnk8L02BRp0GftuPya4MftuiyyKrLhiHBIUwkNb_c2lQB4EyZ1MLmdgJ8qPcp2wPFl9h3SMMLnSJiMK732EOvPAZaOHOPvIRAbfdw6S_ijCFqPwFID4PwHXRKOfKpRh4OAjn/s400/IMGP4114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437496264290234434" border="0" /></a> MICHAEL MALONEY and PAIGE HEMMIS with Tiny Kona at LAX.<br /> (she was a little star struck!)<br /><br />Here's to some BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!<br /><br />I just HAD to get this post out, although nothing is in order any more...<br />Sorry, it's taken me some (seriously LOOONG) weeks to get back to you! I will catch you up a bit more later with what is going on, but I finally got a card reader and have my photos at my fingertips!<br /><br />Here's the story.<br />The ship arrived at Long Beach about 7 a.m. on the 2nd of December. We glided into the berth and after getting very little sleep, I had breakfast and got all my stuff together to get off the ship (and there is ANOTHER post to tell you about WHY I was up all night...it's pretty EXCITING!).<br />Mom and I had transfers to the airport, but we ended up having to get on different busses because we were flying out from different terminals. Because of that, I didn't get to properly say bye to mom, so I told her I would come to her terminal after I checked in since my flight was a couple hours after hers.<br />I ended up checking in (thanks Southwest airlines, for flying 2 bags for FREE!) and rushed over to the terminal where mom was departing from. I was walking toward the security area past the check-in gates when lo and behold, I spied some CELEBRITIES! It was none other than Michael Maloney and Paige Hemmis from Etreme Makeover: Home Edition!<br /><br />Of course, being at LAX, it was probably inevitable I would spy SOMEONE cool, but no matter, I spied these two beautiful people and just HAD to stop and introduce myself!!<br /><br />I was talking a mile a minute (surprised?!) and they were both EXTREMELY nice and affable and seemed genuinely interested in my stories and even were kind enough to get their picture taken with Tiny Kona! (they actually even ASKED if they could get their photo taken with her and were glad to give me permission to use their likeness on my blog - woohoo!)<br /><br />I promise to be back soon with more ports of call and other tales or random people stories.alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-51606219464157643372010-01-03T19:36:00.000-08:002010-01-03T19:44:44.362-08:00I'm baaaaaackDid you miss me? I'm sure you did - and I missed YOU! I am home, safe and sound, in Maui. I have SO MUCH to tell you, too!<br />I will eventually tell you about -including photos- all the ports I went to since the last post - including Hawaii! I will also add some of my adventures in Arizona where I spent the entire month of December - new babies and grandchildren, friends, family, Christmas trees, presents, food, food and more food!<br />I wish all of you, my BELOVED blog followers, a very happy new year - and new DECADE!<br />HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HAU!!<br /><br />Tiny Kona says: wait till you see who I met at LAX!!!alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-1309815034580662742009-11-15T19:52:00.000-08:002009-11-15T19:52:00.295-08:00DUNEDIN<div style="text-align: right;">Dunedin was such a special little town. We got off the ship and went to the 'iSite' to figure out what to do. We signed up for a tour, and it turned out perfectly as we were the only people signed up for that time (me, mom and TK). The pictures explain many of the things we saw, but I will tell you a little about Dunedin. It is actually a little college town- and any of you who are thankful for healthy teeth can thank this little place since it's the birthplace of modern dentistry education. I think that is one neat piece of trivia! Enjoy the photos and explanations...<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1f5HUTaa2fouSC0lBDiC6UVb2fPNjYMOAIDMvM-lRVNJaS7LYYTEOCYzVAz9RMtrliSZz0puOCwADWXWp3y-HD7Q2_tcCnEAVAcgn8Vcjr0UzJPIqPsUxNE8gDKXLi5zns1UH589ZLY3/s1600-h/IMGP3732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1f5HUTaa2fouSC0lBDiC6UVb2fPNjYMOAIDMvM-lRVNJaS7LYYTEOCYzVAz9RMtrliSZz0puOCwADWXWp3y-HD7Q2_tcCnEAVAcgn8Vcjr0UzJPIqPsUxNE8gDKXLi5zns1UH589ZLY3/s400/IMGP3732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402691888509859490" border="0" /></a>This is the steepest street in the world. Look it up. It's true. It's called Baldwin Street and here are some fun facts:<br />Since 2002, a further charity event has been held annually in July, which involves the rolling of over 30,000 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jaffas</span> (spherical candy-coated chocolate sweets). Each jaffa is sponsored by one person, with prizes to the winner and funds raised going to charity. ( I didn't buy a jaffa, but wanted to).<br />They also have a footrace to to top and back down again, every summer, called the 'Gutbuster'!<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Street,_Dunedin#cite_note-Hamel2008-0"><span></span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvFNHyTA1zMjfgpjQeIyh81QbvBAqBtprnY-fzrg7Jhd_47RiX3SD7I8fz1fQ70SjoqjhBQOae-CS9TNlF3LGl1pOjLPbQMbaOlncM9fPDaS1gSW-N37PS7bZf3B357bu8k6RHWwvB6ab/s1600-h/IMGP3731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvFNHyTA1zMjfgpjQeIyh81QbvBAqBtprnY-fzrg7Jhd_47RiX3SD7I8fz1fQ70SjoqjhBQOae-CS9TNlF3LGl1pOjLPbQMbaOlncM9fPDaS1gSW-N37PS7bZf3B357bu8k6RHWwvB6ab/s400/IMGP3731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402691878270061970" border="0" /></a>A cottage built in the 1800's by a stone mason with 'scrap' stones he saved over many years of working in the quarries. He put odd stones aside to one day build his retirement cottage. If you look closely you can see the aren't uniform in size.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO9qHywWdYq2YE0tDwZgqW0P-QHKH6wiYoGJfDV0hzFfagoMNFZhPGbZzk789kIaKCFwxTVct2v3zfYtt6lPmTrOw8l_PP9C4QLt4AM8wahdlEvEY0p_JLXXQS9BoOaoj9KoKI_NX-gML/s1600-h/IMGP3728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO9qHywWdYq2YE0tDwZgqW0P-QHKH6wiYoGJfDV0hzFfagoMNFZhPGbZzk789kIaKCFwxTVct2v3zfYtt6lPmTrOw8l_PP9C4QLt4AM8wahdlEvEY0p_JLXXQS9BoOaoj9KoKI_NX-gML/s400/IMGP3728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402691870939046354" border="0" /></a>One of the many cool buildings in the 'Octagon', which is basically the town square.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOQ7xE3ZS-PtjWUMf7bHdcWzNxCj0uCObbgJbxSLsWnMRZces94YaZ6nSjA3HGV1VewvhI_VO6H9jW6s2gWpJduc4TyhHNlkAg9AiRZo23YZD3vrRn4ahX01YSd7o1WamrfcX_o0iWHe6/s1600-h/IMGP3749.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOQ7xE3ZS-PtjWUMf7bHdcWzNxCj0uCObbgJbxSLsWnMRZces94YaZ6nSjA3HGV1VewvhI_VO6H9jW6s2gWpJduc4TyhHNlkAg9AiRZo23YZD3vrRn4ahX01YSd7o1WamrfcX_o0iWHe6/s400/IMGP3749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402690615647169170" border="0" /></a>The lighthouse as we head out of the harbor. Albatross were flying everywhere and I was SOOOOO cold out on the deck!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdF3HyABU69l-UfYuGEDXt7Q1npMYJnuVfMWeNnG9AaDUZF9VOfJLq_C4PX7UYvz6e39ary7VpyUmoRAOLOiRi_HHSzwBhONqXrZNdjCIjQlI6V-el5jF_EUztGz_SEdhwyct1SQ-fkzB/s1600-h/IMGP3744.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdF3HyABU69l-UfYuGEDXt7Q1npMYJnuVfMWeNnG9AaDUZF9VOfJLq_C4PX7UYvz6e39ary7VpyUmoRAOLOiRi_HHSzwBhONqXrZNdjCIjQlI6V-el5jF_EUztGz_SEdhwyct1SQ-fkzB/s400/IMGP3744.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402690610436617458" border="0" /></a>Cruising out of the harbor. It was actually pretty long and narrow, with the town situated at the end.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDqHS7Pe95Dl8_ildTwj-gU65ouvi1FlFytU9EsyHaQmR11BSyaqRYddalJaT0XbRsJmgq1jbtPpa-3dVXXbcFXLlxd_BzSwowBoDMs68xHto_2m1-lNWqCohDrtK_Wd_0gGa-Vfobx9G/s1600-h/IMGP3742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDqHS7Pe95Dl8_ildTwj-gU65ouvi1FlFytU9EsyHaQmR11BSyaqRYddalJaT0XbRsJmgq1jbtPpa-3dVXXbcFXLlxd_BzSwowBoDMs68xHto_2m1-lNWqCohDrtK_Wd_0gGa-Vfobx9G/s400/IMGP3742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402690602212553810" border="0" /></a>The new rugby stadium being built. I saw the other stadium that they are playing in, very cool but no chance to get a photo. As you know, rugby is the national sport of NZ. They are know as the 'All Blacks'. In contrast, the soccer league is known as the 'All Whites'.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy4TvoIwiVQ034NOYQ3ORp8D-I5JaHiETPuLlg_lrw94llkPncHDUJuZeOWu9zS9Cyw4iTjyNfOyxnvEPY6xbdlV5Y8JQBLQOUl1wfXsgQrSvN8kgMqlGvSc03sKHC40aCg9Mhit7oxb-/s1600-h/IMGP3736.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy4TvoIwiVQ034NOYQ3ORp8D-I5JaHiETPuLlg_lrw94llkPncHDUJuZeOWu9zS9Cyw4iTjyNfOyxnvEPY6xbdlV5Y8JQBLQOUl1wfXsgQrSvN8kgMqlGvSc03sKHC40aCg9Mhit7oxb-/s400/IMGP3736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402690594849913298" border="0" /></a>Up on that hill again, looking out towards the hills. It's too bad you can't see the sheep that were scattered here and there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16PsZPc7tsWdo1pZJgZJnCSf8JduNaKX9j1jvtgVOFdg1tOcxhgc-CpKH6HJaC-ugCtby1yqyWhCXqCy9ELwgwxsFB0sXlNbv4hWgVWm673Cgv5KIsEedokznOeqyihfnLL9LWpFK5mbY/s1600-h/IMGP3735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16PsZPc7tsWdo1pZJgZJnCSf8JduNaKX9j1jvtgVOFdg1tOcxhgc-CpKH6HJaC-ugCtby1yqyWhCXqCy9ELwgwxsFB0sXlNbv4hWgVWm673Cgv5KIsEedokznOeqyihfnLL9LWpFK5mbY/s400/IMGP3735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402690586176565170" border="0" /></a>This monument was at the top of that same hill. It was the only actual stop we made on the bus tour we took.<br /><br />I know it says I'm in Dunedin, New Zealand, but I really and truly think I have been transported to SCOTLAND!<br /><br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...If it's not Scottish, it's CRAP!alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-18029296659992196372009-11-15T17:56:00.000-08:002009-11-15T18:11:51.694-08:00New ZealandAlso known as 'KIWI land', I have a whole week of posts I need to get organized - serious stuff, my friends! I am doing my best (and just look at what I am working with-namely my whacky self) and will hopefully spit one or two posts out each day.<br />Anyway, here is a point of trivia about New Zealand, that may give you a chuckle...<br />There are about 4 million people living in these islands... and about 400 million sheep!<br />Here's my tribute to the sheep...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4Pwwoppjj1EZzu5CrA9_rHIDaEbOGK_moQJHE7ZKHLyQNqvGjDxVtslq10kRbNFjoR2q1YcbJWRSzyu5wNkRgMUgqyItUwZh6cmki88DLZ71stcYt1QjuxpGHi_uxZ7XQiA0VNMXfqpB/s1600-h/IMGP3857.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403773378390500498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4Pwwoppjj1EZzu5CrA9_rHIDaEbOGK_moQJHE7ZKHLyQNqvGjDxVtslq10kRbNFjoR2q1YcbJWRSzyu5wNkRgMUgqyItUwZh6cmki88DLZ71stcYt1QjuxpGHi_uxZ7XQiA0VNMXfqpB/s400/IMGP3857.JPG" border="0" /></a> Awww, so soft and cuddly and cute..<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeetpfh_igvkSHIvqXrSFyDY6nt0BJaP0qBOShcmglUyrD_1HECsWHVDsGVQnRM6U9Ys5_3CPwLCeK7WLpH4cyfsmxNP9VLcFPx35KZOgy_dgpOA1-q-g9mmTKV9ufZRhvnjFbW-uNdz0/s1600-h/IMGP3856.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403773367498775218" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeetpfh_igvkSHIvqXrSFyDY6nt0BJaP0qBOShcmglUyrD_1HECsWHVDsGVQnRM6U9Ys5_3CPwLCeK7WLpH4cyfsmxNP9VLcFPx35KZOgy_dgpOA1-q-g9mmTKV9ufZRhvnjFbW-uNdz0/s400/IMGP3856.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Makes ya just wanna put that nice wool sweater on...</div><div> </div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUSIM of the Day...400 M sheep? That's a lotta lambchops...<br /><br /><div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-77644679322727100132009-11-14T22:35:00.000-08:002009-11-15T18:08:57.512-08:00That's entertainment/ Part IV (i think)<div>More entertainers have been filling our evenings with music, laughter and enjoyment. Here are of few of my favorites...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzENfZOKF5Z-t6wVvaI1SsIpcUB6KPrJv9-J833ASD1ndcgVFZCd4SOgIyeWwotK6UaK0Bp2J8opRVpoYd9KdZPAxq0PuFL2tHZiRGe9KsyUD0tlJMgPNaTUWquX0LhEiW70ZSvbSsKn-/s1600-h/DSC02376.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404457861126798258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzENfZOKF5Z-t6wVvaI1SsIpcUB6KPrJv9-J833ASD1ndcgVFZCd4SOgIyeWwotK6UaK0Bp2J8opRVpoYd9KdZPAxq0PuFL2tHZiRGe9KsyUD0tlJMgPNaTUWquX0LhEiW70ZSvbSsKn-/s400/DSC02376.JPG" border="0" /></a> Radim Zenkyl.</div><br /><div> Mandolin virtuoso in addition to playing a myriad of flutes. I'm sure you have never heard of most of them since they are from eastern European mountain ranges or remote island jungles. That's what makes it so cool, since Radim has a passion for learning all types of flutage (is that EVEN a word?!) This guy is musically gifted, of course, but also has an interesting life story - escaping from Czechoslavakia as a young adult, winning the U.S mandolin 'champion' award a few years later, speaking 5 languages and even having a talent in trick roping! A sweet guy that was a joy to listen to (and watch) and I hope to see him when he performs in Hawaii. A funny sidenote - he knew where mom lived, her little town in northern California is a place he has played at a couple of times! Small world...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECYF_KpF4-s0SZ7_hRmWYiKQEswOIx-ISuTN6-IQ51bFneKGQtl0bHOw-ronSGFuWMujNPUM4Bdqby1epWhUh_QwtGcGp6mfopm74MHoP_nnVRZhGQrTJhsIiLst78XoAV8-0jib4tNOS/s1600-h/DSC02304.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404457856328013138" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECYF_KpF4-s0SZ7_hRmWYiKQEswOIx-ISuTN6-IQ51bFneKGQtl0bHOw-ronSGFuWMujNPUM4Bdqby1epWhUh_QwtGcGp6mfopm74MHoP_nnVRZhGQrTJhsIiLst78XoAV8-0jib4tNOS/s400/DSC02304.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is 'Black Tie'.(L to R: Susie, Yuri, Valerie and Constatine)<br /></div><br /><div>Hard to describe this quartet of talent. Constatine is married to Susie. She plays cello and he sings opera. Yuri is 'Con's' brother - he's also a singer and the comic relief. He is married to Valerie, a most awesome pianist. They are a conglomerate of Greek/Russian/Aussie and Sri Lankan goodness! ( I won't get into their genealogy here, but with such varied cultures coming together, it was a blend of happy musical delight. What a fun and entertaining, not to mention extremely talented, bunch. And Yuri was SO FUNNY as 'Patsy', I am still laughing at the mere thought of it! (think Monty Python). I hope to see them again one day, in the capacity of their musical performance, for sure, but just as much as the nice people they truly are.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-c0lsFPmOBniAlmXuWJUwzKg1KMP_73pBB4_dd5o_gV2WFMx5m_KBzrug0OMG8Ur8wkz3TSdyUomhojBYe9engNKE-uvwxsbjeIS0WCCm8NNm_eM4rFBQIR2sV7QgTAMV5gs5SC_yfOM/s1600-h/IMGP3415.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404457854794520370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-c0lsFPmOBniAlmXuWJUwzKg1KMP_73pBB4_dd5o_gV2WFMx5m_KBzrug0OMG8Ur8wkz3TSdyUomhojBYe9engNKE-uvwxsbjeIS0WCCm8NNm_eM4rFBQIR2sV7QgTAMV5gs5SC_yfOM/s400/IMGP3415.JPG" border="0" /></a> I can't remember these guys' names. Was it the 'Uncommon Boys'? Maybe the 'Unstoppable Boys', or the 'Unremarkable Boys' - no, that wasn't it! It was 'Un (something) Boys' and they were AWESOME! Very entertaining and their voices harmonized incredibly! They did one show that was a take-off of 'Jersey Boys' (that's the Broadway musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons). It was the BEST! The second show they did a Les Mis song that brought me to tears because of their incredible voices.<br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><br />Then there's Willie Tyler and Lester. </div><br /><div>The photo I took didn't turn out (dead batteries didn't help), but there's a story I will tell you about this entertainer. The name may actually ring a bell with you, as they have performed for years on TV, etc. Willie is a ventriloquist and Lester is his 'pal'. The show was entertaining, then, of course, there needs to be some audience participation. I get chosen to come up on stage and put my forearms through holes at the back shoulder seams of a jacket - becoming Lester's arms (yes, that would be the dummy). I had to do the usual crazy arm motions that would accompany this kind of schtick. It was pretty fun actually, and after the show people came up to me, asking if I was a 'plant'. I guess I'm just THAT talented, BWAHAHAHA! I'm sure you can look them up on-line to see if there is any familiarity, or to see how normal my hands would look at the end of Lester's sleeves! I think Tiny Kona would have done an excellent job had she been available. Oh, and just for your amusement, the photo I TRIED to take was Willie holding Lester and Lester holding TK, like she was HIS dummy. Too bad the picture didn't turn out because the premise was funny...<br /></div><br /><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the DAY... They were called the 'UNEXPECTED BOYS' (you twit)<br /></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-73461046425084552472009-11-14T20:36:00.000-08:002009-11-15T14:32:17.966-08:00Towel Animals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrjFZiYG1YL7Ye8ElftSkJAwqyMxssNMHGYxmp2xv9UdRxsIq20i9tTt_Kv-zQrfmiBMbsa52UqXm5wjIkfQwDVc2hMoe2aTAYJGT9GNfWuNYYSW523_pPho8Bg0KeGohfJRiKRdUg0fn/s1600-h/IMGP3416.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404460313951486370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrjFZiYG1YL7Ye8ElftSkJAwqyMxssNMHGYxmp2xv9UdRxsIq20i9tTt_Kv-zQrfmiBMbsa52UqXm5wjIkfQwDVc2hMoe2aTAYJGT9GNfWuNYYSW523_pPho8Bg0KeGohfJRiKRdUg0fn/s400/IMGP3416.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm thinking this is a rabbit...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5JceI7bkyYtyg_CN-x28tzPeLdRwf7fgssuBsUDvf4SPu751itp5ytbmz-ccf-DwfIzT-Voer0lIupmBHfGc9aEsbtnO16sj7FfIasww0l3QfIv7aqXZy0nsHSliof-lZZ3tCbPStZs4/s1600-h/IMGP3237.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404460310082273042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5JceI7bkyYtyg_CN-x28tzPeLdRwf7fgssuBsUDvf4SPu751itp5ytbmz-ccf-DwfIzT-Voer0lIupmBHfGc9aEsbtnO16sj7FfIasww0l3QfIv7aqXZy0nsHSliof-lZZ3tCbPStZs4/s400/IMGP3237.JPG" border="0" /></a> A hanging monkey<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhybFf5E9TivfHGj7uZr9KbdrmlJk1U450S4Rn6YuakjTBaMG0CX17boUMEIYjIcta60t-11Gw22Sa2u_TNxoAuoZcOkuFiZoJUks0M1lsSBF_n7Fzqc6bUp81NBPswpVq3lleKqZGYdS/s1600-h/extrastuff+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404460321717280962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhybFf5E9TivfHGj7uZr9KbdrmlJk1U450S4Rn6YuakjTBaMG0CX17boUMEIYjIcta60t-11Gw22Sa2u_TNxoAuoZcOkuFiZoJUks0M1lsSBF_n7Fzqc6bUp81NBPswpVq3lleKqZGYdS/s400/extrastuff+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> Aw, Dumbo...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEYaKrRk_HZ-g3bceWNp1WMNmM9haMuW8BhRDGTZUEiysuBT8QZgMZlsBRnI09DWdZVrYkyf89qmJTbUJTOnYENioHU9fmrmDscYZTLrLtS1piQaBU8U8Hs6WlizgWHuhUAdenCVjEz2U/s1600-h/IMGP3018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404460300047108066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEYaKrRk_HZ-g3bceWNp1WMNmM9haMuW8BhRDGTZUEiysuBT8QZgMZlsBRnI09DWdZVrYkyf89qmJTbUJTOnYENioHU9fmrmDscYZTLrLtS1piQaBU8U8Hs6WlizgWHuhUAdenCVjEz2U/s400/IMGP3018.JPG" border="0" /></a> A stingray!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Our cabin stewards are so good at making animals out of towels. I think they are pretty talented, as you can see from these examples.</div><div> </div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...It's fun to have someone to talk to-on my level.</div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-7464792723924129862009-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:002009-11-14T20:36:52.120-08:00Marty and Bobbi Mohan-CulpOn the Amsterdam, they are called 'The Peacefulls'. They are so far from being peaceful I am mostly suicidal when I hear them. It's SO ironic that these two wannabes are on this ship, that is just dripping with talented musicians. That's all I'm gonna say about that.alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-57141687863815327202009-11-14T13:49:00.000-08:002009-11-14T20:31:50.943-08:00Even more pix/kind of random<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjsPOO0w2OTe1z8C2eoU49ldieByv02AQIRBtQeblgjXzeseILAgtHQkvZl4xqLGqePNX2ifzjiTbHdnU0arrqPH9m6mYybcdEdqa4zKmI6FjN11BLKiWxTcQkbD_lDLK5FMrS357iNHz/s1600-h/IMGP3629.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404174119465847314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjsPOO0w2OTe1z8C2eoU49ldieByv02AQIRBtQeblgjXzeseILAgtHQkvZl4xqLGqePNX2ifzjiTbHdnU0arrqPH9m6mYybcdEdqa4zKmI6FjN11BLKiWxTcQkbD_lDLK5FMrS357iNHz/s400/IMGP3629.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is one reason this place is called 'The Rocks'. This is a stairway between buildings, cut right through the rock with roots from a tree growing right in it.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ouops5G55YCFuiaXVIN-zTIVFJfpmsPrd9m-rf6TLw3CMNF-Lk37hFi3Se6bEK-xwq-E5Trj2KSngS6Dtm9maDbiJ2X0nh0pVuUs_rYc5HfEZxzjo1tzsxMEnmQ29SWV-hco5CxHP-Lv/s1600-h/IMGP3630.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404174112232542338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ouops5G55YCFuiaXVIN-zTIVFJfpmsPrd9m-rf6TLw3CMNF-Lk37hFi3Se6bEK-xwq-E5Trj2KSngS6Dtm9maDbiJ2X0nh0pVuUs_rYc5HfEZxzjo1tzsxMEnmQ29SWV-hco5CxHP-Lv/s400/IMGP3630.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking up the stairway/walkway<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3tHNwbegoB1HZzVieXyLDQB9cdM4R-8lcuhNlhnm7xOVgTtqZ7d3mLx7xUZV4VaRMogcKVE7ZsQFkL6JaSADYVq1hT1gTwQRUryV2xB1i7gr5J0UWniPPLydtwYcWZrbFPwBor_K4O_I/s1600-h/IMGP3597.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404174131815938994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3tHNwbegoB1HZzVieXyLDQB9cdM4R-8lcuhNlhnm7xOVgTtqZ7d3mLx7xUZV4VaRMogcKVE7ZsQFkL6JaSADYVq1hT1gTwQRUryV2xB1i7gr5J0UWniPPLydtwYcWZrbFPwBor_K4O_I/s400/IMGP3597.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What a cool bridge. I learned a lot about it, but won't bore you with too many deatails...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk4nNt-mmLP-j75wihaEWULtOrB78FvzDGar5vIemG23n8ViNXrU22nv_ShAR_PfADZpcvbIPezd3B62AoSyjQALYIRvXBQzbT1VT41qxqABaIo9y9sjpuUNEPVHpOgiVoaysXm3mpRwc/s1600-h/IMGP3620.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404174121893169426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk4nNt-mmLP-j75wihaEWULtOrB78FvzDGar5vIemG23n8ViNXrU22nv_ShAR_PfADZpcvbIPezd3B62AoSyjQALYIRvXBQzbT1VT41qxqABaIo9y9sjpuUNEPVHpOgiVoaysXm3mpRwc/s400/IMGP3620.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A tunnel carved right through the the 'Rocks'.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlNG6DVjWApeOMXbW6JoynNYtSvwjS4ciiXzrf160NV0CuBTvF3KbZOYoyd3jWI-eetVyuDGKLbiCR1hr24ihp-eeYey55EubGmCotIdKwtIk3qfJZx-u1nxC2YnDzG2VhQZER6hf70zC/s1600-h/IMGP3558.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404142240280413122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlNG6DVjWApeOMXbW6JoynNYtSvwjS4ciiXzrf160NV0CuBTvF3KbZOYoyd3jWI-eetVyuDGKLbiCR1hr24ihp-eeYey55EubGmCotIdKwtIk3qfJZx-u1nxC2YnDzG2VhQZER6hf70zC/s400/IMGP3558.JPG" border="0" /></a> More photos of the area we visited - the Blue Mountains. This was the steep railway that goes down to the old mines and a rainforest. It was very very steep, even before it starts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLxGa6SHCmHki3MNRzzjAwxOWuWaSpCQb7eaokSsVzHGOyQFeOd77t-TQ8zyl83JFHFWrjVcyLDQP2YUq-DpUNC5e67A6ICTr30rAo0AcsOnJIc1sOcyfJW3z6beSvLXAcdVSAsfPwn_/s1600-h/IMGP3556.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404142236353108466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLxGa6SHCmHki3MNRzzjAwxOWuWaSpCQb7eaokSsVzHGOyQFeOd77t-TQ8zyl83JFHFWrjVcyLDQP2YUq-DpUNC5e67A6ICTr30rAo0AcsOnJIc1sOcyfJW3z6beSvLXAcdVSAsfPwn_/s400/IMGP3556.JPG" border="0" /></a> This sign says it all. Don't worry TK, I won't let you lose any limbs!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7cmK-04CU2VIDcQzW2aM-xa6lLElA2ZfBjmcaXxtcJPGX_obES4huH_rxm3pr3fY3jizjk9GGhW5gM8gBK9JEFxki6H_EUBOLBHK1qNKGIRVH1O2jeAA3YvxqVgZma1XH_0FmSXaQKbu/s1600-h/IMGP3560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404142230601907106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7cmK-04CU2VIDcQzW2aM-xa6lLElA2ZfBjmcaXxtcJPGX_obES4huH_rxm3pr3fY3jizjk9GGhW5gM8gBK9JEFxki6H_EUBOLBHK1qNKGIRVH1O2jeAA3YvxqVgZma1XH_0FmSXaQKbu/s400/IMGP3560.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looks like a roller coaster from this angle!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWywfR3HHeMzJr9xOLJ8JuvHMWFXXNvNxUkmewXMe0UTNoG5Q1E0Rmf1CVdEdszrtqo-PHNRSZap6leZJu58xDsA71vXN6SO3BLHvkUfImv5Vpm74-9XlsEDMXkJExQECJB0FRSCTFGcJZ/s1600-h/IMGP3561.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404142220946972354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWywfR3HHeMzJr9xOLJ8JuvHMWFXXNvNxUkmewXMe0UTNoG5Q1E0Rmf1CVdEdszrtqo-PHNRSZap6leZJu58xDsA71vXN6SO3BLHvkUfImv5Vpm74-9XlsEDMXkJExQECJB0FRSCTFGcJZ/s400/IMGP3561.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's the proof. It's one steep railway!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLVzK14xzQCgjt0CZzoPCday0FE_s-uAXrp3O7LZ0-kLjD3BHnyXfulcj5Rn9zBsvTPzPzYKfPQQ5G1TEXmZBJnNcwlLUATdSwK4geG1rSwcGQuuojDYI0An6Dhd3rgeMoqORSmT2jCVj/s1600-h/IMGP3562.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404142210431549458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLVzK14xzQCgjt0CZzoPCday0FE_s-uAXrp3O7LZ0-kLjD3BHnyXfulcj5Rn9zBsvTPzPzYKfPQQ5G1TEXmZBJnNcwlLUATdSwK4geG1rSwcGQuuojDYI0An6Dhd3rgeMoqORSmT2jCVj/s400/IMGP3562.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is one of the old wooden cars they saved when it was renovated in the 1970's.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgmU8xE1LpQLEpWO_tZdjhvcyLLqhRXrOkSYe2oDQaL9QtP3fo224nnr4adCBcm-WQvdl-ajRy5fsyyBNJp1ZKEiUpEoezo_07AJeVpU5ztm3DpmbmvWXTtMbIopG8VUFJiVFAo7WIZG/s1600-h/IMGP3603.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404138602772365426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgmU8xE1LpQLEpWO_tZdjhvcyLLqhRXrOkSYe2oDQaL9QtP3fo224nnr4adCBcm-WQvdl-ajRy5fsyyBNJp1ZKEiUpEoezo_07AJeVpU5ztm3DpmbmvWXTtMbIopG8VUFJiVFAo7WIZG/s400/IMGP3603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I say BONDI beach is pretty nice, what do YOU think?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h1WR3LF1ZmveEa7hGa56ctTp_pQbBzwUmac2ki6Xia-GvJSavko7ZPhEg99g7WOHTOwbBjvdQ5efPYROL4LCvouc1Z2JEtdLKiSFJjODQUeWL6l77quu1lesKF2xklSfpyY0TZfhyrD_/s1600-h/IMGP3607.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404138596767763442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h1WR3LF1ZmveEa7hGa56ctTp_pQbBzwUmac2ki6Xia-GvJSavko7ZPhEg99g7WOHTOwbBjvdQ5efPYROL4LCvouc1Z2JEtdLKiSFJjODQUeWL6l77quu1lesKF2xklSfpyY0TZfhyrD_/s400/IMGP3607.JPG" border="0" /></a> Not too warm out there today...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCENqIW28YsyKcjisz_glFn2RelMbanE7f6XqWc3HtvXws1QmMz8_npc-33onE_ERs6JaZs-2SNf7iONEDW9Vpbk2ITInnMxuu93wZX-ZgHjrVy1Jw2ze4Jb9KjCEQ1Kx-ZETPDhBl47Rs/s1600-h/IMGP3605.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404138590106940930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCENqIW28YsyKcjisz_glFn2RelMbanE7f6XqWc3HtvXws1QmMz8_npc-33onE_ERs6JaZs-2SNf7iONEDW9Vpbk2ITInnMxuu93wZX-ZgHjrVy1Jw2ze4Jb9KjCEQ1Kx-ZETPDhBl47Rs/s400/IMGP3605.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My bruddah*licious friend, Jonny.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U5pTjTG5D6S_CelurIa8vjTVg0TLuvUVxc-Z9aNV4xgLf4s83rGMZ67Kf9ie37N967zhpPPwzFMPgwG9OfolxW1J29QVPoG0EsFEJOunlskpnBf2iyYA2_PKFiW61f0pzjOGI1MR2c4H/s1600-h/IMGP3617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404138584071881522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-U5pTjTG5D6S_CelurIa8vjTVg0TLuvUVxc-Z9aNV4xgLf4s83rGMZ67Kf9ie37N967zhpPPwzFMPgwG9OfolxW1J29QVPoG0EsFEJOunlskpnBf2iyYA2_PKFiW61f0pzjOGI1MR2c4H/s400/IMGP3617.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It's a JELLY! No worries, the stingers were out of commission.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7hFzUiToi-HG81SO2uk4-8BNPRHhEXzNjrXAZSoPerVfSsRvO7UOQgzRoLAJ6KSun54rGqDPnFg9Mikb2W9SzAblrYAJ7xAxgelJ_vTchAajgPgxV4iToNv88tPm_2iCizAQ7Me5uB93/s1600-h/IMGP3613.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404138573770638530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7hFzUiToi-HG81SO2uk4-8BNPRHhEXzNjrXAZSoPerVfSsRvO7UOQgzRoLAJ6KSun54rGqDPnFg9Mikb2W9SzAblrYAJ7xAxgelJ_vTchAajgPgxV4iToNv88tPm_2iCizAQ7Me5uB93/s400/IMGP3613.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cheerleaders practicing their lifts on the nice sand. I was hoping they wouldn't drop each other.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrxpIdkB60VL7XeEXSlzAz5cxiaDnGjku5x7bDOypUUELib235ze0iz04FKsNZj64euOEc9U6AayyqoaRnH_5hu9cO51lLV0dqNtewIKe5NDUlF-LshRcD9TTwCtuOyhxIcOKzJGlgStY/s1600-h/IMGP3642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404135699341789042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrxpIdkB60VL7XeEXSlzAz5cxiaDnGjku5x7bDOypUUELib235ze0iz04FKsNZj64euOEc9U6AayyqoaRnH_5hu9cO51lLV0dqNtewIKe5NDUlF-LshRcD9TTwCtuOyhxIcOKzJGlgStY/s400/IMGP3642.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the view from our cabin window. Priceless, I would say!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjeAQNlTVhMACf2ItmNrJ6mbJwwQakIPMM7VYb6rE1iIgPTPYiw5a2ZimngERxPvQv84l2P81FCBoiItVcDNgHhw7a1bfcQ1Hy28pVOyOTyd8gFIUjnZhpqv9S_AvxepA3FAVpNNTth7k/s1600-h/IMGP3587.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404135692832814546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjeAQNlTVhMACf2ItmNrJ6mbJwwQakIPMM7VYb6rE1iIgPTPYiw5a2ZimngERxPvQv84l2P81FCBoiItVcDNgHhw7a1bfcQ1Hy28pVOyOTyd8gFIUjnZhpqv9S_AvxepA3FAVpNNTth7k/s400/IMGP3587.JPG" border="0" /></a> A view of the Opera House<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB5T8SAVzdQ3AFjfXE0MtPMzLtF_wUtsYS3GK4cpVZ-6VGiwTI2k2_cyF8ZQV5loZZbG6RDUv1VuQEPFFiGPM4d8vfIVCY9XyRnQB1W7u5W0yeIZGAQEZK1yzh3zRK3SKUZ0zfHMaWwcb/s1600-h/IMGP3647.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404135708243951122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXB5T8SAVzdQ3AFjfXE0MtPMzLtF_wUtsYS3GK4cpVZ-6VGiwTI2k2_cyF8ZQV5loZZbG6RDUv1VuQEPFFiGPM4d8vfIVCY9XyRnQB1W7u5W0yeIZGAQEZK1yzh3zRK3SKUZ0zfHMaWwcb/s400/IMGP3647.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just as we were getting ready to sail from our berth in Sydney Harbor, the sun was starting to set, making the tiles on the Opera House seem to glow!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Grq4wPvz9277O9C_JLHJW1utBlP6zjFqb7thXM36Y1NwnAuF1LKpr_agcI5aLbMtfS3fQkYQRCGKFC1BB3Ud-hQfcY-v-jdxpY7kzrJ5B0DQf9pYeJjzSqXlOCbJIhJP0ZbX3HO7lfyP/s1600-h/IMGP3593.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404135688059209202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Grq4wPvz9277O9C_JLHJW1utBlP6zjFqb7thXM36Y1NwnAuF1LKpr_agcI5aLbMtfS3fQkYQRCGKFC1BB3Ud-hQfcY-v-jdxpY7kzrJ5B0DQf9pYeJjzSqXlOCbJIhJP0ZbX3HO7lfyP/s400/IMGP3593.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another angle. I walked around the whole (amazing) structure as well as running up and down all those steps! ( I had the theme from Rocky playing over and over in my head!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1yYYUt-B3G60FakEEiIT9aM-MfugUf9Vaucz7l7KFzCWU4UKLZD4q_RCOX29T2K-cbPX24khjdHK0UgZUyFfDjAjzIXYvABNXjPGctV9C8AZzBylQ4oQDAw2Bb8v-5Vg6hyphenhyphenyj893h3iC/s1600-h/IMGP3594.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404135679322885330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1yYYUt-B3G60FakEEiIT9aM-MfugUf9Vaucz7l7KFzCWU4UKLZD4q_RCOX29T2K-cbPX24khjdHK0UgZUyFfDjAjzIXYvABNXjPGctV9C8AZzBylQ4oQDAw2Bb8v-5Vg6hyphenhyphenyj893h3iC/s400/IMGP3594.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I found a little nook I could reach. This is what the roof is made up of. The whole thing is over a million tiles. Pretty amazing. Oh, and some trivia - if all the pieces of the roof were put together, it would form a perfect circle. Another thing is that it weighs more than the bridge, by about 2 1/2 times!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9qf6JTa9_ppSXcWevFkt5aYpnbH5MAUkC0FpxUXsnBOi89Sy6poBfxiFwKF_szReD8VfmAFUBbEqdRhAJOE7AP2LZsepz683Hsr9OzA2r5_B9Upp4GfxOq2AxksAcojAxn_qAwBkNgko/s1600-h/IMGP3625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404086399292276498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9qf6JTa9_ppSXcWevFkt5aYpnbH5MAUkC0FpxUXsnBOi89Sy6poBfxiFwKF_szReD8VfmAFUBbEqdRhAJOE7AP2LZsepz683Hsr9OzA2r5_B9Upp4GfxOq2AxksAcojAxn_qAwBkNgko/s400/IMGP3625.JPG" border="0" /></a> The bridge climb gang, right before our group hug. Some were excited, others aprehensive and even others were wondering what was up with this American chick and her doll...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6reX3SVeLm3NU-ofIq9CKK6bqro_g-UMwXLUlIEaSz20HzZdfpHQE7_mXgTxfAVlGD5028ZwlFzx6LbstDxziYwG4CdSL4TAeTyg3yhOMI57f1gj8LVAA33alogmrtL8UAlogqM_ryzZ/s1600-h/IMGP3626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404086390221500434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6reX3SVeLm3NU-ofIq9CKK6bqro_g-UMwXLUlIEaSz20HzZdfpHQE7_mXgTxfAVlGD5028ZwlFzx6LbstDxziYwG4CdSL4TAeTyg3yhOMI57f1gj8LVAA33alogmrtL8UAlogqM_ryzZ/s400/IMGP3626.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Craig, our Bridge climb guru extrodanaire. He was a lot of fun, knew his work and had that Aussie accent that Tiny Kona would have enjoyed listening to, if she hadn't been banished to the locker while I did all the work climbing that giant man-made apparatus!<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1-I8XyIVaj_UKeuht5SvnKAJ7AxPzDLLOBxxnqVEV-q3aYu0jxbi7EK6bwXFoAs3nMG7cGXUQN4DV_u1FNIhF3ff39Ia1zUE9iPjygc4dXbq3byX2H32TWIAfgqTFOlsBV0y5bs9rWQ9/s1600-h/IMGP3622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404086379418193250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1-I8XyIVaj_UKeuht5SvnKAJ7AxPzDLLOBxxnqVEV-q3aYu0jxbi7EK6bwXFoAs3nMG7cGXUQN4DV_u1FNIhF3ff39Ia1zUE9iPjygc4dXbq3byX2H32TWIAfgqTFOlsBV0y5bs9rWQ9/s400/IMGP3622.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ticket, TK and the clock showing our 'time' for the climb.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EBnOvT67rQf_lzAi7N39VHGJVGcnjD0yRb8qBD87duEfOX5_Az_D4UgUxHEf7Cf7BPVsVxy_qZk-urW_NZZqZJvvrWDZhS3MsvcjzJg1NCT8K8YS9qnxzc2f7EBTf3pA85vQf0ff_X7M/s1600-h/IMGP3626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404086375968472642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EBnOvT67rQf_lzAi7N39VHGJVGcnjD0yRb8qBD87duEfOX5_Az_D4UgUxHEf7Cf7BPVsVxy_qZk-urW_NZZqZJvvrWDZhS3MsvcjzJg1NCT8K8YS9qnxzc2f7EBTf3pA85vQf0ff_X7M/s400/IMGP3626.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Craig decided to be on here twice. Seriously, sometimes this blog puts the pictures on here twice and darned if I know how to delete the repeats! Well, Craig deserves to photos, he was awesome!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWdDq3BrmtHeMXk_LfULPt_Gk74DCuriovY5Se1BvVh0tXQI-cOtRdKgTN5D6mCwKj3BQH_8ZEGZEcUEwJOuTD2wvs3io21ruMRbnmljdNrHSIsrllaUefEDDvcN1r-2D2DSIyJ59i4-2/s1600-h/IMGP3624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404086368009024418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWdDq3BrmtHeMXk_LfULPt_Gk74DCuriovY5Se1BvVh0tXQI-cOtRdKgTN5D6mCwKj3BQH_8ZEGZEcUEwJOuTD2wvs3io21ruMRbnmljdNrHSIsrllaUefEDDvcN1r-2D2DSIyJ59i4-2/s400/IMGP3624.JPG" border="0" /></a> The German fellows, lockers are on the left. Nice jumpsuits, guys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHPicj4Rzg6mobOf6dM1TTptHn9OHMdQ8vR9Mwha3_Gp6sWuNpXf320TZeKFMK91mDkLbA7t6zxlxl2Zwm2RRe9SqKQ8tn3xwLDvbb9sz3R6ox8qrGBSSB5qjaV_uvZl_7J4iMHLdQw9F/s1600-h/IMGP3581.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404083252245598354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHPicj4Rzg6mobOf6dM1TTptHn9OHMdQ8vR9Mwha3_Gp6sWuNpXf320TZeKFMK91mDkLbA7t6zxlxl2Zwm2RRe9SqKQ8tn3xwLDvbb9sz3R6ox8qrGBSSB5qjaV_uvZl_7J4iMHLdQw9F/s400/IMGP3581.JPG" border="0" /></a> Window on side of cottage.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF9TfB_np-yoXdeDCmWu57-7M0Gw2QeqNCdiRY8cNM7JVeTZvywhoHaS_piQtncISQ1HRb7-pmYKFjQgb_XmydVWmCSXTnoTQOxwCEW_hGTDzXhyphenhyphen3x9LTE4pmQdN_TZmKaHc3I95irWrd/s1600-h/IMGP3582.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404083245516287218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF9TfB_np-yoXdeDCmWu57-7M0Gw2QeqNCdiRY8cNM7JVeTZvywhoHaS_piQtncISQ1HRb7-pmYKFjQgb_XmydVWmCSXTnoTQOxwCEW_hGTDzXhyphenhyphen3x9LTE4pmQdN_TZmKaHc3I95irWrd/s400/IMGP3582.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tiny Kona reading the plaque about 'Cadman's cottage'.<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KOV2iYY65g_RIwzHK4m1_yfc96o4TCh2hynNf8cWayte-lJe2mv01Ec2-z-Ia4xA90mWk6TBWBYt50kBn6nLxkDjcHx_mEA1ja8q0w3T9EN8seZ1RCmtdonLEUX1RwP2HORY8JP3Yhf2/s1600-h/IMGP3584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404083237980150818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KOV2iYY65g_RIwzHK4m1_yfc96o4TCh2hynNf8cWayte-lJe2mv01Ec2-z-Ia4xA90mWk6TBWBYt50kBn6nLxkDjcHx_mEA1ja8q0w3T9EN8seZ1RCmtdonLEUX1RwP2HORY8JP3Yhf2/s400/IMGP3584.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Cadman's cottage, built in 1816. When we walked out of the cruise ship terminal, this was right across the street. This area is know as 'The Rocks', as mentioned before. There is a lot of history about this little place. It's one old building for Australia.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFVqWN0qruNruPWVmIlYyLY-LkOImTcyeICrfIVPCz5WBPbD_sBEgm6Or0y4Vds7Yy4xLM90twv7OS8cpY9oJfXTbvDs0d9fvhqIhYqgZcjVmqCybTnvX7-qyWWvxPPs0M0Pub2QOviXC/s1600-h/IMGP3579.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404083233244788162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFVqWN0qruNruPWVmIlYyLY-LkOImTcyeICrfIVPCz5WBPbD_sBEgm6Or0y4Vds7Yy4xLM90twv7OS8cpY9oJfXTbvDs0d9fvhqIhYqgZcjVmqCybTnvX7-qyWWvxPPs0M0Pub2QOviXC/s400/IMGP3579.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Tour bus driver and guide on our BLUE MOUNTAIN excursion. They were great! Notice the bridge in the background.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB0OyoqyNaK8-DccS6un8L2PRmL3RIYxrrfhuUFphaMX1QuroTnmn99KiT40wIfJeJIdQeKaxFq19FMpJQo1n6o0cPHvXbdutX51KKI2gBx3TfGejNaUvehvpIcZyI9e5j8NQuZZXIQLI/s1600-h/IMGP3554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404083223705314706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB0OyoqyNaK8-DccS6un8L2PRmL3RIYxrrfhuUFphaMX1QuroTnmn99KiT40wIfJeJIdQeKaxFq19FMpJQo1n6o0cPHvXbdutX51KKI2gBx3TfGejNaUvehvpIcZyI9e5j8NQuZZXIQLI/s400/IMGP3554.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the little artsy town we had lunch in, called Leura, near the Blue Mountains.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-23425390671831652772009-11-13T17:46:00.001-08:002009-11-14T22:32:57.821-08:00Hobart, Tasmania<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0UOoGoFqTKMqNiMw4kaPoTwHkXsypyikgE1w9DOMj3in6lyjbqlrhJd-9R0q43btq4m_V77jNGLcC9tTtoNKGRmZxBOU0hGN-Uu2cyTm2n8QATZtuqMUflVUH1tjM0dncPuBWEZqraq4/s1600-h/IMGP3672.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404212055508818610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0UOoGoFqTKMqNiMw4kaPoTwHkXsypyikgE1w9DOMj3in6lyjbqlrhJd-9R0q43btq4m_V77jNGLcC9tTtoNKGRmZxBOU0hGN-Uu2cyTm2n8QATZtuqMUflVUH1tjM0dncPuBWEZqraq4/s400/IMGP3672.JPG" border="0" /></a> Orphan baby Joey eyeing Tiny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kona's</span> long flowing hair...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR4Do1aLQBKxj9_X_eepp3AWJPnmhHHXAKuWGn0x8IrHSpQ-Vn6I6zTsOXRZOVdhU1iug81dDnd-LbU1trSRJsSrcFysVu43fUShh6HAqivyDNqr0Ck9up4X3in5YPfFMuZCRIdw2tddp/s1600-h/IMGP3674.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404212052685156978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR4Do1aLQBKxj9_X_eepp3AWJPnmhHHXAKuWGn0x8IrHSpQ-Vn6I6zTsOXRZOVdhU1iug81dDnd-LbU1trSRJsSrcFysVu43fUShh6HAqivyDNqr0Ck9up4X3in5YPfFMuZCRIdw2tddp/s400/IMGP3674.JPG" border="0" /></a> Such a quaint little place. It reminded me of places I went in England.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkaFY4udzxD1OFghc-jbEGu-JKERAt49Uj0rWP36rsEdbvwLeiWt2sFggYxi7RnYZZO3-Gias0OPcwpJEaOiuNiOdTMUexmUvZZcZRFYbG1E4Ie4M0QoZVFcxajfFar-XW5DMeMyCs82P/s1600-h/IMGP3677.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404198444547243058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkaFY4udzxD1OFghc-jbEGu-JKERAt49Uj0rWP36rsEdbvwLeiWt2sFggYxi7RnYZZO3-Gias0OPcwpJEaOiuNiOdTMUexmUvZZcZRFYbG1E4Ie4M0QoZVFcxajfFar-XW5DMeMyCs82P/s400/IMGP3677.JPG" border="0" /></a> This guy sells yummy chocolates and we also got some meat pies for lunch. And don't forget the</div><div> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Timtams. (look it up)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404197252916897874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenQ639QtN-iK745PE7lJ54X8gHg9L_n_R8Pyn22lzZTggCqUqBUiQkd2qqknFLC7phevX_0_xmc-ESjLdyJ7Kxf0KthgP-c43LNKryLUYpwjghc2SqGoEF1NWbWFrilTDYkbJNPz8pWdY/s400/IMGP3675.JPG" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> could these flowers be any prettier?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitulBbzDg3PTD8s9RUasAmbiHH6j78sLtQsObSgINQhGhzDFedeq1yhQUbU31ZiL8mpeWDg_zFu4UJQZXIa5BdXGCk-7sIjysKoZBz0FjGB1Cl-Brv0wWxWO9aK5GnXvZnCjFQ8T_YwfiK/s1600-h/DSC02355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404194892310475538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitulBbzDg3PTD8s9RUasAmbiHH6j78sLtQsObSgINQhGhzDFedeq1yhQUbU31ZiL8mpeWDg_zFu4UJQZXIa5BdXGCk-7sIjysKoZBz0FjGB1Cl-Brv0wWxWO9aK5GnXvZnCjFQ8T_YwfiK/s400/DSC02355.JPG" border="0" /></a> (Out of order, as per usual...) The view as we floated away from Hobart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChO7bF56W1Bsnh1q3LIY5uvhDCc10wTPJcFtsQclIwghpn9CIbNuiVS8qyi6LeLkTDvywkpluLiSEzFeo-_-f0yYW2WP0STuXFTDxrB6uT9hTCTkB1oO730tS2Yz0p8McT4aE_hyphenhyphenO6uYz/s1600-h/DSC02317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403770428906156402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChO7bF56W1Bsnh1q3LIY5uvhDCc10wTPJcFtsQclIwghpn9CIbNuiVS8qyi6LeLkTDvywkpluLiSEzFeo-_-f0yYW2WP0STuXFTDxrB6uT9hTCTkB1oO730tS2Yz0p8McT4aE_hyphenhyphenO6uYz/s400/DSC02317.JPG" border="0" /></a> Namesake of Battery Point. A story of sailors and protecting the land, blah, blah, blah...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOq1bnUxvM-kFp4umNlvTtyYfW5It8lRRTtlb-6vcIvMuQEj41nyoe3e3FZoMUN4x1wX_so3VrBm8iaqviQra4rFaXYr4uErAPVfrp3XIZZXttsyTt45R4dim6y6T0T07SnQOygoCOxr1/s1600-h/DSC02349.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403770450540930034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOq1bnUxvM-kFp4umNlvTtyYfW5It8lRRTtlb-6vcIvMuQEj41nyoe3e3FZoMUN4x1wX_so3VrBm8iaqviQra4rFaXYr4uErAPVfrp3XIZZXttsyTt45R4dim6y6T0T07SnQOygoCOxr1/s400/DSC02349.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A cool sailboat in the harbor. I wish I could have booked a weekend tour on this ship- how fun would that be?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVUJ2-FtyTswbjoL0Q2FMNK7aYpXA71SvWZnP0R9IupFIBdpPc9JcjaY35VGI0-McoqCKnC5thTNphECZnlbWpOT5WD8IbIqnXK2aiSSbwJBQLyTbvLqXRzhNCP4MUx5Sip3mW03JZsAl/s1600-h/DSC02330.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403770447545570162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVUJ2-FtyTswbjoL0Q2FMNK7aYpXA71SvWZnP0R9IupFIBdpPc9JcjaY35VGI0-McoqCKnC5thTNphECZnlbWpOT5WD8IbIqnXK2aiSSbwJBQLyTbvLqXRzhNCP4MUx5Sip3mW03JZsAl/s400/DSC02330.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Loving the old buildings and their detail.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqP76E-oS7l86kVdyoYQW1yxXCYX9I1c-_Y32qN79NaTR5imOonLv3L3FJy0Axaa2H4ovmgVLVI5_GHBgYlWTSTsMejpeqjERwd-jmCg1B3-2yfbzQe_FLWJpJlmSIzsC1z25mcurqFSz/s1600-h/DSC02326.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403770444506547682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqP76E-oS7l86kVdyoYQW1yxXCYX9I1c-_Y32qN79NaTR5imOonLv3L3FJy0Axaa2H4ovmgVLVI5_GHBgYlWTSTsMejpeqjERwd-jmCg1B3-2yfbzQe_FLWJpJlmSIzsC1z25mcurqFSz/s400/DSC02326.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking up one of the streets in Battery Point<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf2FY6vH_RsqPEBjOop-T4YuysaM2wPugjZX6A8GaPT1ynazGhtlSygYRlFAtfNa3b8CJchWcpb8H5SpxoKMec4T8L_USZIF5MoLkDAfAdh-bd3n9Y-AFCOe7ilNc0QKL6VuQR7HxJFIJ/s1600-h/DSC02322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403770436275421682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf2FY6vH_RsqPEBjOop-T4YuysaM2wPugjZX6A8GaPT1ynazGhtlSygYRlFAtfNa3b8CJchWcpb8H5SpxoKMec4T8L_USZIF5MoLkDAfAdh-bd3n9Y-AFCOe7ilNc0QKL6VuQR7HxJFIJ/s400/DSC02322.JPG" border="0" /></a> Lots of English looking gardens with old buildings restored and made into bed and breakfasts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What do YOU think when someone mentions Tasmania? Maybe a remote island off the coast of Australia? How about a desolate place where a few rough people and a lot of tasmanian devils live. Maybe you even thought it was kind of deserty or lacked our modern conveniences. </div><div>Well kids, let me tell you about Hobart, Tasmania. This port was such a pleasant surprise, I serioulsy can't even phathom my previous notion of this Island state of Australia. First of all, the Aussies call it 'Tassie' (pronounced tazzy-and they call Brisbane, Brissy (brizzy), Christmas is called 'Chrissy' - these guys like their nicknames). Anyway, I digress... </div><div>So we dock in the harbor and head out to explore the city. We take a shuttle from the ship, basically just around the corner, to the 'iSite', where there are people selling tours and giving tourist and general information.There was a gal there holding a four month old orphaned joey, in a pouch on her chest. He was so cute!</div><div>We signed up for a double-decker bus tour, which took us around to sights throughout the city. I took a picture, but not sure what happened to it. It was fun sitting on the top, however, picture taking wasn't that easy...</div><div>We hopped off at an area called 'Battery Point'. It was SO quaint and charming and BRITISH! The British influence is very strong here. I enjoyed the shops, buildings, parks, houses and gardens. Hopefully the photos give you a feel of this charming city - not what I expected at all!</div><div><br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day... Tasmanian Devils have given the island of Tasmania a bad rap<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-32347046162150563422009-11-13T17:28:00.001-08:002009-11-14T02:27:16.041-08:00pix, pix,and more pix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZxSDMYgL4elz6vU-AcnPZpKMUfA8ev3PbZwc4liNWFT68TkRZ4-NWjI-ybhums7tEJ2sNDVqvXEy-7i7ikEl2K4D924u-a1G6WQk84YRYX4mWf2n8TNlTpTRrI-7npLpK8kP5Ig1LhWy/s1600-h/IMGP3671.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403900625440462802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZxSDMYgL4elz6vU-AcnPZpKMUfA8ev3PbZwc4liNWFT68TkRZ4-NWjI-ybhums7tEJ2sNDVqvXEy-7i7ikEl2K4D924u-a1G6WQk84YRYX4mWf2n8TNlTpTRrI-7npLpK8kP5Ig1LhWy/s400/IMGP3671.JPG" border="0" /></a> this is the PACKED tram on my way back to the ship<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWoNvaX5fvfbPSRYqC1xUytnu88rad_Ck78GPGwC4YvIFxnuq8Nqej1FxcDn3Y9A1G2lk5LeIQ55V5Q785mJyxpkzH6cu2d9ZqxGe27xxYpj5k1KRSaPkDLHeG5zZo_UOk11CkA2MCywf/s1600-h/IMGP3670.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403900620112786306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWoNvaX5fvfbPSRYqC1xUytnu88rad_Ck78GPGwC4YvIFxnuq8Nqej1FxcDn3Y9A1G2lk5LeIQ55V5Q785mJyxpkzH6cu2d9ZqxGe27xxYpj5k1KRSaPkDLHeG5zZo_UOk11CkA2MCywf/s400/IMGP3670.JPG" border="0" /></a> an artist making a chalk drawing on a sidewalk in downtown Melbourne. it was cool<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSRoCTk9_uBMMqZzyL4gb68cpn8cNbsEOKmyv5y87leGT3orp1yT93zQRWLRDr5Kmd1x0uOlnS-XZpuI_LL43capApCf7MHzEWCHU3OJ85-Q0y9u7KyUSKumN_19kT8ZLncVr2zRE1bn-/s1600-h/DSC02295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403769144937313618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSRoCTk9_uBMMqZzyL4gb68cpn8cNbsEOKmyv5y87leGT3orp1yT93zQRWLRDr5Kmd1x0uOlnS-XZpuI_LL43capApCf7MHzEWCHU3OJ85-Q0y9u7KyUSKumN_19kT8ZLncVr2zRE1bn-/s400/DSC02295.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />at the back of the ship as we sailed from Melbourne. Lots of sailboats and I'm STILL out of breath! (you will only 'get' that remark if you read an earlier post)<br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwWK7DFOSNUAtmqUKz7pb3CXxufF0A22GTAAGzh4td75i8X7IaHLnZrdYVVHb9i2DVl8Vgr8HM57tux2dhRU5WFpBAgQcigDChdXJbYb0zwwCIQhmI1oEpJHjRgLitxk_h7b438HwJ2A6/s1600-h/DSC02284.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403769135623560770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwWK7DFOSNUAtmqUKz7pb3CXxufF0A22GTAAGzh4td75i8X7IaHLnZrdYVVHb9i2DVl8Vgr8HM57tux2dhRU5WFpBAgQcigDChdXJbYb0zwwCIQhmI1oEpJHjRgLitxk_h7b438HwJ2A6/s400/DSC02284.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is at the gold mining town mom went to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR98aPzPF1FT_aEZ-7n4-F6JTnGZFjqcTpXCmdt-pfYIFBTopRh88Az66ILddDTGu3FQtKPai9l_musRl9zEc2QRpap1aRPOPWJQbuOOYQhLwcuVM6NNStxhup7ws8cnQmJJnPZwtgsFHj/s1600-h/DSC02301.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403769135065771890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR98aPzPF1FT_aEZ-7n4-F6JTnGZFjqcTpXCmdt-pfYIFBTopRh88Az66ILddDTGu3FQtKPai9l_musRl9zEc2QRpap1aRPOPWJQbuOOYQhLwcuVM6NNStxhup7ws8cnQmJJnPZwtgsFHj/s400/DSC02301.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Melbourne skyline and sailboats (AND I'm still out of breath!)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8BHkodu20RB5Krxd8gA8DrznLdPn-WiO5FuQ3MGGn6g5cw8IlOQg0Md_5aeZRz841hiEsBFMYoPRJELM4ETAxLdh6tBWNjP59WXzAkSkD4FiZcu5li0n5VR2GyvABp90RU4TFnfyQAko/s1600-h/DSC02296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403769131221962306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8BHkodu20RB5Krxd8gA8DrznLdPn-WiO5FuQ3MGGn6g5cw8IlOQg0Md_5aeZRz841hiEsBFMYoPRJELM4ETAxLdh6tBWNjP59WXzAkSkD4FiZcu5li0n5VR2GyvABp90RU4TFnfyQAko/s400/DSC02296.JPG" border="0" /></a> oops<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmbDm7ghULCFrJNt-_txi0MDeRQhSlnKFZB6EeCtKLHajF23Nmzh3q-gD0v-9BSwGf1n6AJB-ETAja3XbZgfwG0YySY8L5_Soa3sWeVC0xuR_Vb5FH9-6ydhpjcElub45UN4gSf_mA6iL/s1600-h/DSC02292.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403769125501498066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmbDm7ghULCFrJNt-_txi0MDeRQhSlnKFZB6EeCtKLHajF23Nmzh3q-gD0v-9BSwGf1n6AJB-ETAja3XbZgfwG0YySY8L5_Soa3sWeVC0xuR_Vb5FH9-6ydhpjcElub45UN4gSf_mA6iL/s400/DSC02292.JPG" border="0" /></a>at the goldmining town, one crazy bridge with a cart on it<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWqA6VB8hTwZRxwZ4GNCUyP5X9s0V397r2mNoVmla8RVBJEiXHN6wcFAM-q8eouWWhei27FEQ9H1vENr1Tj9Lp3ev0CqKIYUDiKx1JzMX9lR2xaS7ZkLbd1AEqIWJaRDvDPumq4so4-mp/s1600-h/DSC02290.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403767743928316674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWqA6VB8hTwZRxwZ4GNCUyP5X9s0V397r2mNoVmla8RVBJEiXHN6wcFAM-q8eouWWhei27FEQ9H1vENr1Tj9Lp3ev0CqKIYUDiKx1JzMX9lR2xaS7ZkLbd1AEqIWJaRDvDPumq4so4-mp/s400/DSC02290.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> the miners had quite the accomodations<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Oqp903-fgVc5p2hn5mlcw4q29F0wT_IuDfetKkG1VSUvScd6ziT83Hd-MKu0Qigk9Gd6YVglMUdpp4Lj9db-kKTxZ9bdPQMAAcCXHZaT5qgCGqCQMfBHiBDgJvOQZYeY4u3Bp0C1UfEb/s1600-h/DSC02259.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403767729671039266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Oqp903-fgVc5p2hn5mlcw4q29F0wT_IuDfetKkG1VSUvScd6ziT83Hd-MKu0Qigk9Gd6YVglMUdpp4Lj9db-kKTxZ9bdPQMAAcCXHZaT5qgCGqCQMfBHiBDgJvOQZYeY4u3Bp0C1UfEb/s400/DSC02259.JPG" border="0" /></a> baby wombats<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LzQ2N6Dm18Y3CbnItx-EgUijrdIUJx9OX61XSnLSV8Z7lTXctQoHBAmkqA2NlPZjcFH27LS-2otZJwEnMsKXkjFAjwh0yzNc4W-9cxpZmvpsTKWeaePCWhEwWp3itm2G4jkuiSktfKDe/s1600-h/DSC02256.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403767723672751202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LzQ2N6Dm18Y3CbnItx-EgUijrdIUJx9OX61XSnLSV8Z7lTXctQoHBAmkqA2NlPZjcFH27LS-2otZJwEnMsKXkjFAjwh0yzNc4W-9cxpZmvpsTKWeaePCWhEwWp3itm2G4jkuiSktfKDe/s400/DSC02256.JPG" border="0" /></a> momma wombat (another Aussie marsupial)</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEWPhDK10VEorc7JZvEPtxHHBDGQtJiq4j9XsVqwKsmY6rpS_GzL6mJJLDKV4SSf5jYH9e9SBbjI9HZQalFL68XPgPEU2YPvHoRbM_E6cBKgnhH9orfDOohwy1Pz8n1vH2nrYz6GpDhnf/s1600-h/DSC02282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403767736733796754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEWPhDK10VEorc7JZvEPtxHHBDGQtJiq4j9XsVqwKsmY6rpS_GzL6mJJLDKV4SSf5jYH9e9SBbjI9HZQalFL68XPgPEU2YPvHoRbM_E6cBKgnhH9orfDOohwy1Pz8n1vH2nrYz6GpDhnf/s400/DSC02282.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />sumthin' in gold mining town...could be a post office - or bar<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygea0_Gu_Z22Ad5YapBbyagaZV6OhZwJKxytXQtjd72t_vlacP4l2Ty7NoNj-Ex3jjgUe3rU_HhyzS24Ug6Ftr5dViSvcqVUwFWiR7dc2tsowpJVoOPqezePHwuYZhDl3nyRt249gzUUD/s1600-h/DSC02272.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403767733543746002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygea0_Gu_Z22Ad5YapBbyagaZV6OhZwJKxytXQtjd72t_vlacP4l2Ty7NoNj-Ex3jjgUe3rU_HhyzS24Ug6Ftr5dViSvcqVUwFWiR7dc2tsowpJVoOPqezePHwuYZhDl3nyRt249gzUUD/s400/DSC02272.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stagecoach at gold town-where's TK? she's missing out...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkIKcLrFJkbrGvQJagiyT2w2YWqqNf6OSQru_hfUQR5qEF-y-tArqvh1nPg_MpHWIe_mhe473yeiiI4_RRWIhWvb7z9e1Y7LOthAwm5qNJ5qGsbGXa8ViDC5HIC1z2Sn0LPF35NG5xmPL/s1600-h/DSC02248.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403766492954044418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkIKcLrFJkbrGvQJagiyT2w2YWqqNf6OSQru_hfUQR5qEF-y-tArqvh1nPg_MpHWIe_mhe473yeiiI4_RRWIhWvb7z9e1Y7LOthAwm5qNJ5qGsbGXa8ViDC5HIC1z2Sn0LPF35NG5xmPL/s400/DSC02248.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />marsupials rule, especially joeys in pouches with their legs sticking out! and by the way, all babies of marsupials are called joeys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQByyC1c_YwbwMc75NF_mb02y64hL61wuRsg4IBwey9TQcqngdWrjJxwjwsuszhQ9xZrnPl0gSG9o8CeQNFkx_3AMU3U7zoZ3iARlTLNMHr44EL3wzgVhR5-DC4nB0JNsrdxhz-rDg3cHj/s1600-h/DSC02239.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403766486845949682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQByyC1c_YwbwMc75NF_mb02y64hL61wuRsg4IBwey9TQcqngdWrjJxwjwsuszhQ9xZrnPl0gSG9o8CeQNFkx_3AMU3U7zoZ3iARlTLNMHr44EL3wzgVhR5-DC4nB0JNsrdxhz-rDg3cHj/s400/DSC02239.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />koalas are so stinkin' cute<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9TW38_X4BpPeOdeZRZEL6eArwCqv_TQdtkdzxgrNnAbIQltBydpmEXyDwQFaGIidmicfndSDx7BC19n_Tu1TKFoTIfsbqMP_IMpZQZqWdoMjCgDPSvivAO2GW5LUXWH9nb3qOYvVzmN_/s1600-h/DSC02252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403766496655724722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9TW38_X4BpPeOdeZRZEL6eArwCqv_TQdtkdzxgrNnAbIQltBydpmEXyDwQFaGIidmicfndSDx7BC19n_Tu1TKFoTIfsbqMP_IMpZQZqWdoMjCgDPSvivAO2GW5LUXWH9nb3qOYvVzmN_/s400/DSC02252.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />emu<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBjc5tufQ0WxvfqWgXVGRHvHigcmvqS2k5wcQPDlXyldgOA-XPHZA18nbnQmEhC644DgDSvyCqkBBiLk0Er-zzpivIycpUii5Wx_ihplCet_LshWI8hHdtU3AULDKsMGrr7srZaaSScAx/s1600-h/DSC02232.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403766484211518434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBjc5tufQ0WxvfqWgXVGRHvHigcmvqS2k5wcQPDlXyldgOA-XPHZA18nbnQmEhC644DgDSvyCqkBBiLk0Er-zzpivIycpUii5Wx_ihplCet_LshWI8hHdtU3AULDKsMGrr7srZaaSScAx/s400/DSC02232.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />TAZ<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6LutsG61Rp86Uj2jlzkYNwrQnFcFvQGFYIM4NPUat5kLX0BT-nRRY-WUY_SOv8zsvGADdq-v8alpMDz9RnILHSE-evtvwbVZLv6ToIopSpJoOdXq2ISmHGNmfrj-3DEfH4LK54oXlJfz/s1600-h/DSC02231.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403766478296278770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6LutsG61Rp86Uj2jlzkYNwrQnFcFvQGFYIM4NPUat5kLX0BT-nRRY-WUY_SOv8zsvGADdq-v8alpMDz9RnILHSE-evtvwbVZLv6ToIopSpJoOdXq2ISmHGNmfrj-3DEfH4LK54oXlJfz/s400/DSC02231.JPG" border="0" /></a> TAZ TAZ<br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SGoM7YcrhP6PdVT4ms2xnkdW9L1EwXTgXB9yno1D_u9mIM4eXbNfmPzTLtSCvYW-nIIn5YXpXFxLlfD1bwRF1FZ6zhcLM7_jq0AgRIRtE6glcWpCc15TNBZ55vQb11p74d-JHzi2A37s/s1600-h/DSC02228.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403765575626842786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SGoM7YcrhP6PdVT4ms2xnkdW9L1EwXTgXB9yno1D_u9mIM4eXbNfmPzTLtSCvYW-nIIn5YXpXFxLlfD1bwRF1FZ6zhcLM7_jq0AgRIRtE6glcWpCc15TNBZ55vQb11p74d-JHzi2A37s/s400/DSC02228.JPG" border="0" /></a> koalas love their eucalyptus. they get stressed when handled too much, so only the keepers hold them now<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGat04_E8L1IHvlidjaUjTvAPxF4uL72tLrtKanzCfM2W4zc9BD_-Z1z6Jb79DcF6_kpzdN_uwVyTZg2AWNgvOqfnXhlk6O0vfzco1Hnf8pNCFm9YEOT2m9QIa_d_FaAPsdhhNaV1qhaA/s1600-h/DSC02225.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403765573252177378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGat04_E8L1IHvlidjaUjTvAPxF4uL72tLrtKanzCfM2W4zc9BD_-Z1z6Jb79DcF6_kpzdN_uwVyTZg2AWNgvOqfnXhlk6O0vfzco1Hnf8pNCFm9YEOT2m9QIa_d_FaAPsdhhNaV1qhaA/s400/DSC02225.JPG" border="0" /></a> yummy - oh yeah, and they don't drink water, they get their moisture from the leaves</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l7T9lm-Rivq3aIQeh38LMIIGONH_KS2ni26bTyPBvOHMjGHNyUuDCmjlUAg_5RkPravmw-bvX3RHsqhT8SQ8vODortO_koGAiVm4lC56dw3-GkN5LeZXw72JHGbDfrQXmF0m74-oQuxV/s1600-h/DSC02224.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403765567637205202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l7T9lm-Rivq3aIQeh38LMIIGONH_KS2ni26bTyPBvOHMjGHNyUuDCmjlUAg_5RkPravmw-bvX3RHsqhT8SQ8vODortO_koGAiVm4lC56dw3-GkN5LeZXw72JHGbDfrQXmF0m74-oQuxV/s400/DSC02224.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />there were so many kangaroos, they were like a pack of (friendly) dogs. i wonder if there's such thing as a kangaroo whisperer...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTrO6omgCW9i0ddMnLJRXpJsn4wNO08qnGY1okHLn0w23g5Sq7UTU5fadRSO6xQV19T9EVDW-TIK3eXcytxDYb05boS5R-K0b7xJPPd1eKvdMySFJPQUttDIrvhh2yM18GAFj2L4sc62j/s1600-h/DSC02220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403765563003941394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTrO6omgCW9i0ddMnLJRXpJsn4wNO08qnGY1okHLn0w23g5Sq7UTU5fadRSO6xQV19T9EVDW-TIK3eXcytxDYb05boS5R-K0b7xJPPd1eKvdMySFJPQUttDIrvhh2yM18GAFj2L4sc62j/s400/DSC02220.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />i think the pigeons are marsupials if they live in australia<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36J0k43L3m3Z6h6qLNrtGm4w05NnzpCfUa1DcRDVak-z9smPChaoSWiw7q9N1qMGx7KK_hsXfSC2XPjzSICB9-f4k9rGs8GB9ao8X1UNqpuFX2omSaogYfpivqY2gm03JIZo7Tq4Xi5B-/s1600-h/DSC02217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403765556756920178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36J0k43L3m3Z6h6qLNrtGm4w05NnzpCfUa1DcRDVak-z9smPChaoSWiw7q9N1qMGx7KK_hsXfSC2XPjzSICB9-f4k9rGs8GB9ao8X1UNqpuFX2omSaogYfpivqY2gm03JIZo7Tq4Xi5B-/s400/DSC02217.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />this little guy looks like he wants kangaroo kibble. what a beggar!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-87194779784212231612009-11-13T17:19:00.000-08:002009-11-13T17:28:02.113-08:00is anybody listening?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEFbIJbPkya-Ydqa5TaDdQ-Y9xGnCjXbGb5ZWkD4-ewHUyJKYNsAYY8TuwNk5FniLhrBLIUzV6JYNQLZiy_LmEOeXPDXeYJfCnW8M6adVfyT9hLJ_MjgKjq6vmYxkolGr84DUhtwe2tms/s1600-h/DSC02236.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403764375194243682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEFbIJbPkya-Ydqa5TaDdQ-Y9xGnCjXbGb5ZWkD4-ewHUyJKYNsAYY8TuwNk5FniLhrBLIUzV6JYNQLZiy_LmEOeXPDXeYJfCnW8M6adVfyT9hLJ_MjgKjq6vmYxkolGr84DUhtwe2tms/s400/DSC02236.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a REAL tasmanian devil. Or after you read this- you may even think it's ME!!!<br /><div>Is Jill the only one following this (lame attempt at) my blog?! If you ONLY KNEW what I had to give up to slave over these words and attaching pictures that don't want to get out of my camera and fighting with the SLOWEST frickin' internet (and I won't even mention EXPENSIVE) in the world!</div><br /><div>Come on, people - constructive criticism maybe, or a little jealousy in your remark, maybe even a (tiny) off color joke or two.</div><br /><div>By the way, I LOVE ALL OF YOU! miss me yet? ;-)</div><br /><div>teehee</div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-55569761671525123402009-11-13T03:31:00.000-08:002009-11-13T03:53:49.587-08:00bridge climb<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt4A8nS9vx8WkirGgNgzCt6a9VyMS4DcZQb40vlqGNKaBpy6XCMktQk0dGtYR4O-2sXrfIeL6Pu4rvHXS7VGpr_si4SgiOb768HwTNPymowYqR_P1RdAXv7rEJj1AXMmmFDFonM6M5z9_/s1600-h/IMGP3667.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403554304820145938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt4A8nS9vx8WkirGgNgzCt6a9VyMS4DcZQb40vlqGNKaBpy6XCMktQk0dGtYR4O-2sXrfIeL6Pu4rvHXS7VGpr_si4SgiOb768HwTNPymowYqR_P1RdAXv7rEJj1AXMmmFDFonM6M5z9_/s400/IMGP3667.JPG" border="0" /></a> Halfway to the top. I promise it wasn't foggy, and the views were incredible!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRj_1k0uBBjS8P9RokmN5VEeIVJG9x4hmqJQyFyk_TWgCgkl01Rijxdy7XwDnetMQTRmRSLTlvbll1HfE_xhX9Pwbd8JjvLn9J4VTnFL-UGzXv1mc5hPWzDw8pahFyGRjpKSACwxer2W6/s1600-h/IMGP3668.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403553803013788146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRj_1k0uBBjS8P9RokmN5VEeIVJG9x4hmqJQyFyk_TWgCgkl01Rijxdy7XwDnetMQTRmRSLTlvbll1HfE_xhX9Pwbd8JjvLn9J4VTnFL-UGzXv1mc5hPWzDw8pahFyGRjpKSACwxer2W6/s400/IMGP3668.JPG" border="0" /></a> Blurry AND sexy jumpsuit. The ship is in the background, along with the Sydney skyline.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlOOUT4OmSMuri0Dcw0R5AELIHQ3OmygyfZ62d-PXTSJpW3utENePZSQxbkhRYXHgXzBXQVYwhVnZyH7V55zm70x3JgEFXJyhI3O0t584YkKaVdL5sovKW2lQe4N0lz1EHYkw4n8_PZW0/s1600-h/IMGP3669.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403553251324085602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlOOUT4OmSMuri0Dcw0R5AELIHQ3OmygyfZ62d-PXTSJpW3utENePZSQxbkhRYXHgXzBXQVYwhVnZyH7V55zm70x3JgEFXJyhI3O0t584YkKaVdL5sovKW2lQe4N0lz1EHYkw4n8_PZW0/s400/IMGP3669.JPG" border="0" /></a> Blurrily I hold the Opera House in the palm of my hand...<br /><br /><br /><div>I'm out floating alongside New Zealand tonight. I was able to get my pictures onto my computer - that's the GOOD news. The bad news is this, I have spent over 30 minutes trying to upload lots of photos for your viewing pleasure and it is taking FOR-EV-ER. Then, it says 'cannot display page' or something, then I have to start all over. I will try to handle it tomorrow while in town - in the meantime I will get at least one picture of my bridge climb. You need to understand that I took a photo with my camera of the ones that my guide took, hence, it's a picture of a picture. yeah, i'm a little blurry... </div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-48139899646639540092009-11-11T18:10:00.000-08:002009-11-14T17:04:58.429-08:00crazy mixed up blog<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvnNwVuGmgI0u6p2IgRS8rDbisSFuhEe92qHUHwGy7YyoN6W4rtNsLILoDbYtNaKrwa3PsU6InR_MAew1FVGjZJgDdqDqKxDouSZZiOwrZDgtn7i7PX-oqsQP51QN5m9AhNoMtqy1OJNH/s1600-h/extrastuff+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403035441566120834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvnNwVuGmgI0u6p2IgRS8rDbisSFuhEe92qHUHwGy7YyoN6W4rtNsLILoDbYtNaKrwa3PsU6InR_MAew1FVGjZJgDdqDqKxDouSZZiOwrZDgtn7i7PX-oqsQP51QN5m9AhNoMtqy1OJNH/s400/extrastuff+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div>Just gonna let you know I will be a little out of order for a while. I still have the Melbourne/partII post, the Sydney bridge climb photos and Hobart, Tasmania posts to attach pictures (that are still clinging to the camera) to put together. But with so many New Zealand stops, I want to try to stay ahead of the game. So here goes!</div>
<br /><div>*that picture was taken at Bloody Mary's in Bora Bora - for you, Kyle!*</div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-13103903435746342152009-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:002009-11-11T18:19:46.114-08:00cruising the fjords<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5GQkS6nSOYY-FaLH4vC3q97h8BSsb1OUzm8v6pYrc3HlkinnHsGPel2M1xZQPnOXIdxd6ee5okgQ7773jPlOE4Nmhxh2b9Pisaz3hvCpXzraw_dS6SYJghJ2VmQNCAFTVBXULakIA7VW/s1600-h/IMGP3694.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402682795904928418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5GQkS6nSOYY-FaLH4vC3q97h8BSsb1OUzm8v6pYrc3HlkinnHsGPel2M1xZQPnOXIdxd6ee5okgQ7773jPlOE4Nmhxh2b9Pisaz3hvCpXzraw_dS6SYJghJ2VmQNCAFTVBXULakIA7VW/s400/IMGP3694.JPG" border="0" /></a> Coming out of one of the fjords. This should have been the LAST picture. Oh well...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcgPWRoy4QxkXeDGvfco_UUWfv4SKiOTmKIop8LIj3iMlM10-QNYw9YnqmVKp5i1JE9jgo_QFDIX2RLxKv7tARWYcsI6aSOsjOcLgPEemJwjX3XDxttRLo0t8g5VJ_3-liEku4Ep_aWPp/s1600-h/IMGP3691.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402682791046357282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcgPWRoy4QxkXeDGvfco_UUWfv4SKiOTmKIop8LIj3iMlM10-QNYw9YnqmVKp5i1JE9jgo_QFDIX2RLxKv7tARWYcsI6aSOsjOcLgPEemJwjX3XDxttRLo0t8g5VJ_3-liEku4Ep_aWPp/s400/IMGP3691.JPG" border="0" /></a>There are SEALS on those rocks. I think one of them mooned TK...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64q2ZdkKkVcvBq_GFIYRIsdZH-xs96ODF3qyEpkPr2S_m7k6M3VE4bAQRAN0_QtXXsXzp5S2l9yqGCtoUEkm-LtqiyhjAQCiMCz95wG3mRoV-vQW6f9wcRUGSUg7dCNkQnq7XfAkwMt3v/s1600-h/IMGP3686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402682781209597810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64q2ZdkKkVcvBq_GFIYRIsdZH-xs96ODF3qyEpkPr2S_m7k6M3VE4bAQRAN0_QtXXsXzp5S2l9yqGCtoUEkm-LtqiyhjAQCiMCz95wG3mRoV-vQW6f9wcRUGSUg7dCNkQnq7XfAkwMt3v/s400/IMGP3686.JPG" border="0" /></a> cold and pristine flowing waterfalls in Milford Sound<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2pljba48QGk2E4R4cGYtcQW3KFvzn0BlNRpIz5wy8k7jUJQZumvqMpBB4PTmOqa8hwgyiQhzf-FRmA5Ip5jWyKqOeOJ0d6oWvVh9yskNTGlrmYraZLQJWzTJmpbtHN1C9LF9FjmAAKa-/s1600-h/IMGP3685.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402682778868184994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2pljba48QGk2E4R4cGYtcQW3KFvzn0BlNRpIz5wy8k7jUJQZumvqMpBB4PTmOqa8hwgyiQhzf-FRmA5Ip5jWyKqOeOJ0d6oWvVh9yskNTGlrmYraZLQJWzTJmpbtHN1C9LF9FjmAAKa-/s400/IMGP3685.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the beautiful waterfalls, with smaller sightseeing boats that got to get close up and personal!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOI3YDA-GLbGA1LFyO8Bd54V-tObEaWTHDCke5G8aTBOJ0jz07NLmzTEh2L1Tb070FuWmsPoglCZ0bzbWzXTxpDldnp7ZwfmI6So1r0Lgg4cWG2pTbZYinKP1gaJ9Xr9xitGnLB1rLJ2F/s1600-h/IMGP3684.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402682768166331250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOI3YDA-GLbGA1LFyO8Bd54V-tObEaWTHDCke5G8aTBOJ0jz07NLmzTEh2L1Tb070FuWmsPoglCZ0bzbWzXTxpDldnp7ZwfmI6So1r0Lgg4cWG2pTbZYinKP1gaJ9Xr9xitGnLB1rLJ2F/s400/IMGP3684.JPG" border="0" /></a> twice is good<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfsS3lV3-6dt5c9Ilmqt2r5yM2Z2It0JPE4QzFoCmubOxPhrKclntQ-mP4ks9EG_vknkwaK41lWN7Lemm9Luj62T0SnLmQxwMVa-pBhii_01L2s-lpaTaEBCtHzOAmi_HufyWT4wNmqPN/s1600-h/IMGP3715.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402680857245345810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfsS3lV3-6dt5c9Ilmqt2r5yM2Z2It0JPE4QzFoCmubOxPhrKclntQ-mP4ks9EG_vknkwaK41lWN7Lemm9Luj62T0SnLmQxwMVa-pBhii_01L2s-lpaTaEBCtHzOAmi_HufyWT4wNmqPN/s400/IMGP3715.JPG" border="0" /></a> twice is good<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-LiUqw54o_y8oadVhbLkhmHIONyoIsJA1bRswEcjhME4npgO5nYDjf9paYGUeKCm87xnA5bKqKEH8ycUxk2eosuTtGvj9Avwm2zYkt6XtHASgq52B7bsRFkVPK2ecbo5S4AWjhnRwvnC/s1600-h/IMGP3715.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402680847920408402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-LiUqw54o_y8oadVhbLkhmHIONyoIsJA1bRswEcjhME4npgO5nYDjf9paYGUeKCm87xnA5bKqKEH8ycUxk2eosuTtGvj9Avwm2zYkt6XtHASgq52B7bsRFkVPK2ecbo5S4AWjhnRwvnC/s400/IMGP3715.JPG" border="0" /></a> Some of the small islands we cruised by. I'm sure you can tell how cold and windy it was...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurpaBX3W8UKMyWqZdgpYMw8H1hn4hp4IeCqVSRcrYPcCeVbUgEgtWdlSx7GYkzGMtXp9Gt2xzSNzCzeGF9zh1XAHKl79PRfvszeQ3cQTiVpQwM1146Hxqhq5xNNLkWMOajtZ2ByfeZlB2/s1600-h/IMGP3704.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402680844712659586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurpaBX3W8UKMyWqZdgpYMw8H1hn4hp4IeCqVSRcrYPcCeVbUgEgtWdlSx7GYkzGMtXp9Gt2xzSNzCzeGF9zh1XAHKl79PRfvszeQ3cQTiVpQwM1146Hxqhq5xNNLkWMOajtZ2ByfeZlB2/s400/IMGP3704.JPG" border="0" /></a> TK relaxing on one of the heated ceramic chaise lounges in the 'Thermal Suite'. There are floor to ceiling windows that you can look out while lounging on the ever-so-comfy chaises.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC5UeIvZklc8-2tueWwk_G7lkMa6C83vIJCGpzdBcJGrosmSSXLp-BtKQiVJEIZsrresPiubDrxKNt1bS251fjlB6RngT429UlxfRjAxMdhL6sqqGY9l2xAr29ILRrEarf2FdhZnj2FFW/s1600-h/IMGP3702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402680835204785426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC5UeIvZklc8-2tueWwk_G7lkMa6C83vIJCGpzdBcJGrosmSSXLp-BtKQiVJEIZsrresPiubDrxKNt1bS251fjlB6RngT429UlxfRjAxMdhL6sqqGY9l2xAr29ILRrEarf2FdhZnj2FFW/s400/IMGP3702.JPG" border="0" /></a> The toasty steaming warm hot top where I spent a lot of my time watching the beautiful views as we cruised by the fjords. It's pretty much a panoramic view at the front of the ship, on the eighth floor. Much of the time I was in there by myself - my own little warm and tranquil secret!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77QToYQC8fRdf7oukhSqdUADA6e2GSYYWc8lbReXR0ykimfWMpRB987WPmPWbX3u4JxUw9A8K-0aoVxG-PSPnffUM9QXWBf0hOISHFPDviNnFIJPjOLaplHs0c_27gC6DBZBHhRGW9RgW/s1600-h/IMGP3696.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402680825578815906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77QToYQC8fRdf7oukhSqdUADA6e2GSYYWc8lbReXR0ykimfWMpRB987WPmPWbX3u4JxUw9A8K-0aoVxG-PSPnffUM9QXWBf0hOISHFPDviNnFIJPjOLaplHs0c_27gC6DBZBHhRGW9RgW/s400/IMGP3696.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Heading into one of the fjords (I think this one was Dusky Fjord).<br /><br /><br /><br />One of the treats of the entire cruise was getting to spend a WHOLE day crusing some of the scenic New Zealand fjords of their south island. The bad news (for me anyway) was the weather. Although it was quite sunny, it was still very cold and windy.<br /><br />The ship has a spa in it, of course, and one of the exclusive areas is called the 'Thermal Suite'. You have to pay extra to use it, and I got a package that allows me to use it for fourteen of the days I'm on the ship. I have had a few times where I got to enjoy the warmth and serenity of this suite and it gave me the idea of using one of my day passes when we were going through the fjiords.<br /><br />And let me tell you, it was a BRILLIANT idea! I spent much of the day in solitude (as you know TK isn't what you would call a chatterbox), and I was toasty warm the whole time.<br /><br />The views were just spectacular, waterfalls crashing into the water, snow on some of the mountain peaks and trees, trees and more trees. They looked like so many bunches of broccoli covering every square inch of land. Actually, the mountains are made up of mostly granite, or granite-like rock - no dirt! So the roots of all the trees are all intertwined with each other as they grow.<br /><br />The area is, of course, not inhabited. Nobody around. Just so natural and beautiful and serene.<br /><br />We actually said through four different areas during the course of the day and I apologise I don't have too many pictures, but trust me on the beauty! Oh, and I even saw some dolphins hopping in and out of the water on our way out of one of the sounds!<br /><br />Now just trying to gear up for our next seven days - where we are in a different port each and every day! Still working on some of the picture issues. Things we probably be a bit out of order for then next week or so, but I am going to try my best to keep things as current as I can!<br /><br /><br /><br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the DAY... If this is just the beginning of the beauty of New Zealand, we may just have to turn KIWI.alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-23276290892130490162009-11-10T18:41:00.000-08:002009-11-10T20:42:10.474-08:00Melbourne<div>I didn't actually make big plans for Melbourne. There were a number of shore excursions available, but I decided to opt out. Mom, however, went on a really fun one that I can describe and post some pictures she took (without TK, of course). I will do a separate post for that.</div><br /><div><br />In the meantime, I got my stuff together to go on shore (namely, the computer so I could TRY to do some catching up with my blog). It loooked so nice out the window of my cabin - sun shining brightly, water looking beautiful, beaches shimmering in the distance. I am dressed in capris and a t-shirt, tote bag slung over my shoulder, and getting ready to 'walk the plank' and head to town. As I get closer to the gangway, I see a crew member wearing a heavy jacket. Then I start FEELING the coldness. As I walk up to him, I say something like 'it's cold out?'. DUH. </div><br /><div>So I march all the way back to my cabin and change into jeans and a sweatshirt with a jacket on top and switch out my flipflops for sneakers.Heading back out, I realize I am leaving a little later than I wanted to, but I know I have plenty of time to be back for our 5:30pm curfew (you will see why I chose that particular word in a minute). </div><br /><div>As I was walking through the cruise terminal, I look over and see some familiar faces. Patti and Nancy, who were on the ship until Sydney, where the disembarked. Nancy is Patti's mom and they were actually MOVING to Australia. Dad was already working in Adelaide, and it was time for the girls to join him permamently. </div><br /><div>The thing is, I was so busy in Sydney, I never got to say good-bye to them, so the fact that they were in Melbourne just blew my mind! Well, we got a chance to exchange contact info, and I found out why the made the ten (yes, TEN!) hour drive from Adelaide to Melbourne. There was a secret aboard the Amsterdam, and Nancy told me what it was. Patti fell in love with a (nameless for now) guy who works on the ship. They came to where the ship was so they cold spend one last day together (but they weren't 100% sure he was going to be able to have the day off- I hope he was able to...</div><br /><div>We did get to visit for a while and then I was off to the city center of Melbourne.I bought a ticket for the tram and rode into the city. It was a nice ride, nice tram, and took maybe fifteen minutes. I got off and walked arround, checking out the architecture, shopping, and of course, people watching. I found a nice Greek cafe that had internet access. I ordered a sandwich and got a connection on my computer, to - you know- try to get this blog caught up! I was still trying to get my pictures downloaded, and it has been futile so far. I didn't take too many pictures for this post anyway, but I may use mom's photos (sans TK, of course) that were from her excursion to a gold-mining town, among other things.</div><br /><div>So, here's the DRAMA from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...Do you remember my post from Port Vila, about me losing my hearing? Well, it really hasn't come back yet! I KNOW, it SUCKS! And, as most of you know, I am not a watch-wearing girl. With that said, after answering e-mails and blog posting, among other computer stuff, I head out to explore a little more and do some shopping (my last chance for Aussie souvenirs). </div><br /><div>I bought a hot chocolate from Starbucks because I was kind of cold, and decided to try to make some phone calls with the phone card I had. So I found a payphone and made some calls. Mainly I left voicemails while warming up with the hot chocolate.</div><br /><div>I hit another store or two and figured I should start to head back to the ship. I asked a guy what time it was and he tells me - or rather - I HEARD four o'clock. Plenty of time to get back, so I start meandering toward a tram station. It was pretty busy, as I figured it was getting near rush hour and the whole area seemed to be swarming with students because I noticed numerous campuses around.</div><br /><div>So here I was, finding my way toward the tram stop, and I happen to see a clock-and it says 5:15. WHAT?!?! I have to be on the ship in FIFTEEN MINUTES?!?! YIKES. I hurry to the tram stop and start asking people which one I need to be on. A really nice young gal named Jane was kind enough to help me out. </div><br /><div>I KNEW I wouldn't make it by 5:30, but the ship didn't actually leave till 6:00, so I knew I would make it by then. Of course, it's stinkin' rush hour and it takes forever for people to board and disembark. I was getting just a bit nervous, but when I changed to the second tram, there weren't as many people, so we went a little faster. Finally, I get to the end of the line, the pier where my ship is docked (and the huge P & O ship was docked on the other side). I literally run off the tram and start bokking it toward my ship. At this point it is 5:40pm.Of course, you have to show your ship ID card to get through security, so I quickly dug around and found it and got through. </div><br /><div>Then, there was a long parking lot, and really, this pier is HUGE! I went past an Australian Navy battleship - or something - and the boys in their cute uniforms. I keep running on, shifting my HEAVY bag from one should to the other, every so often. There were some security people scattered here and there, and they were looking at me with those looks of 'that sheila is gonna miss her boat', but I kept running. </div><br /><div>At this point I was getting close enough to the ship to hear this over the loudspeaker 'Will Ms. Allison Hendrickson from stateroom 2698 please call the front office'. (I found out later that they had called the stateroom TWICE, looking for me.) Since your card is scanned as you get off the ship, then again on the return, they know if you are back on the ship or not. They just need to make sure I didn't get back on the ship without the card getting scanned properly.</div><br /><div>Anyway, as many of you know, I am not know for my running talents, so I am getting out of breath at theis point. I am also hearing the engines of my massive home away from home revving up, with smoke billowing from the giant smokestacks. </div><br /><div>There were a couple more security people and I ask them the quickest way to get boarded back on my ship. They tell me to head up the escalator where I basically run up the stairs as I'm riding and I'm thrilled to come to the X-ray machine so I can take off my bag and catch a three second breather. I grab my bag and zig and zag to the doorway that took me outside and sprinted the last 30 feet to the gangway. </div><br /><div>I run up the plank and I hear the announcement again, and I'm saying ' that's me! that's me! sorry I'm late!!' then I say 'my mom's having a heart attack right now!!!'. They scan my card, push me through the double doors while someone's calling the front desk to tell them I'm back and no less than a dozen guys pull up the gangway and close the doors - and all the other stuff they do. It is 5:50pm.</div><br /><div>I go back to the cabin, and I am COMPLETELY out of breath. You know, it would have been way more fun to be telling this story-about how out of breath I am- if I had been chased by a croc or even a tasmanian devil, but no, I'm just sidetracked and irresponsible.</div><br /><div>So I get my keycard and go into the cabin, where mom is waiting for me and says 'WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!?!'. (um, I'm a grandmother and my own mom is giving me a hard time for missing my curfew!!)<br /></div><br /><div>I can barely talk, but I basically relate the story and she is a little disgusted, but is laughing at me. I think I also hear a muffled giggle coming from Tiny Kona...<br /><br />Just about then the ship starts moving and we are on our way to TASMANIA! I made it kids, and you all thought I was gonna miss the boat!<br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...Your choice Allison, either buy a watch or get a hearing aid.</div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-85722865151195430282009-11-10T17:29:00.000-08:002009-11-10T17:44:01.932-08:00SYDNEY/ day three****Just a little note here... I will be posting the pictures that accompany this story- most likely the next post, because of technical issues. (FYI, it probably has something to do with my non-technical issues). If you read the post now, then when I put the pictures on, you'll already know what's going on! AND, for all you who have been asking, there WILL be at least one photo of me - on the bridge, no less!****<br /><br />Three days is Sydney, Australia is just too, too short. I had too much to squeeze in, so I picked a couple of things that I didn't get to do on my last visit.<br />One of the places I wanted to see was the famous Bondi (pronounced bonn-die) Beach. I'm sure most of you have heard of this well known Sydney beach, and in real life it rose to it's reputation, but I am getting ahead of myself.<br />I made sure I got up early and grabbed everything I needed for the first part of the day. It was 'somewhat' warm, but had been sprinkling just a tiny bit.I really wasn't sure how the weather and water were going to be one I got to Bondi, so I just packed a swimsuit, pareo and towel - just in case.<br />I had set a up a meeting time with my friend Jonny, who rode the train in from his suburb. The ship is docked pretty much where trains, busses and ferries have their central location (called Circular Quay), so it was just a short walk for me. Once we met up, I got my ticket for the Bondi bus (Jonny already had his pass) and we headed through town to the beach. We got to visit along the way (it was less than thirty minutes) and I was able to see parts of Sydney and it's suburbs. It is such a cosmopolitan place - Sydney and Australia for that matter) - so many ethnic restaurants and multi-cultured people. It is a fascinating place, to say the least.<br />Anyway, we got to the beach, and it was beautiful and sunny. And not TOO many people, although there were plenty. It's spring here-kids still in school and definitely not what you would call hot. Jonny told me that in the summer it would be wall to wall people. The beach itself was maybe a mile (or a little less) long and EXTREMELY wide/deep. The sand was white and oh-so-soft. There was a sand zamboni - well, really a tractor thing, that was smoothing out the sand, so some of the places we walked didn't have any footprints on them yet.<br />There happened to be a group of cheerleaders practicing in the soft sand. It seemed like a good idea to me, because when they dropped the girls when then they were doing lifts, they had a nice soft landing.We headed toward the water to see how warm it was so we could decide if it was worth changing into our swimsuits. Well, the answer was 'no', the water was just too cold! I guess I should have figured it out by the fact that only one guy was in the water, besides some stalwart surfers - wearing wetsuits, and the lifeguards who were doing drills with their boards. It was okay though, we just walked along and took some pictures. The beach is flanked on both sides by rocky (smallish) cliffs, all built up with condos, etc. There was a nice beachwalk on both ends that would wind you around the cliffs and take you to more small beaches, both north and south of Bondi. It was a wonderful place.<br /> We didn't end up staying too long because I was anticipating my next Sydney experience (and you could say I was saving the best for last). Yes, I am going to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Hang on a minute and I will tell you ALL about it...<br />Once we got back to Circular Quay, Jonny and I walked over to the ship and I went and dropped off my stuff, changed into different clothes and shoes, grabbed a quick snack and met back up with Jonny. We walked through an area know as 'the Rocks'. It happens to be the spot that the first British settlers landed at and built up. The ship is actually parked directly adjacent to the Rocks, which is right before the bridge.<br />I was a bit nervous and excited for the whole thing, wishing Jonny was going with me, but after we explored the area a bit, it was time for me to check into the 'bridge experience' but I quickly decided to buy a shirt, since I figured I may not have a chance to do it after the climb because I had to be back on the ship in time (remember Cairns?). Jonny and I said our good-byes and I checked in to the 'experience'.<br />Our group was sent to an area where there was a video playing, basically showing us what we will be doing for the next three or so hours. A guy opened a door and called the group with 1335 on their tickets (that would be 1:35pm to most of you) and our group filed in. The excitement was contagious as our group was brought to an area where we were given instructions on what we were doing and handed a not-so-flattering jumpsuit to wear. Since it was a warm day, we were advised to strip down to our undies before we put the suit on, otherwise we may burn up. We had a changing area, then were shown where our lockers were to stash all of our stuff. The key was on a lanyard that we put around our neck and tucked into the back-zippered sexy jumpsuit.<br />We had to remove loose jewelry, watches and spit out our gum. If we had glasses or sunglasses, a strap was hooked to the back of our jumpsuit and attached to the glasses. We were also given a baseball cap (that was also attached to our suit) and a handkerchief on an elastic band that went on our wrist and was wound around and tucked in (in case we got emotional or a bird pooped on us!).<br />We met our guide, Craig, and then the group introduced ourselves to each other and told where we were from and why we were climbing the bridge. Group 1335 consisted of two guys from Germany, three guys from England, a couple from Perth, a couple plus a dad and (about) eleven year old son from Melbourne, a young adult from Sydney (he got the bridge climb as a birthday gift) and me, the lone American. TK couldn't go (although I tried my best to get her to be able to go on the climb).<br />The whole bunch of us got together for a group hug before we went to the simulator area. More details were explained about the climb and we were each given a 'utility belt' that went over our head, pulled tight around the waist and had a heavy attachement that was to be our cable lifeline hookup.<br />Then we had a chance to try out a ladder structure that resembled the one we would be climbing, which we attached our lifeline to. After we handled that exercise, we were fitted with a radio headset, so we could listen to our climb leader as we headed up the bridge.<br />In our line, I was between the Perth couple and the Germans, with the birthday boy at the rear. Dad and son were in the front, followed by the Brits, then Melbourne couple. (Both couples were in their early twenties as well as the British boys, The Germans were a bit older, but I was definitely the 'mom' of the gang).<br />The walk started on a catwalk that was under the bridge. We had some tight places we had to squeeze around and duck under and climb over before we got to the four straight up ladders (with twenty steps each) that took us to the top span. As we got to the top (which was basically the bottom of the arch), we were quite close to the eight lanes of traffic whizzing by - and the train tracks.<br />Just being on that first part was awesome - the view was incredible - with the sun shining on the harbor and all the sights unfolding before our eyes. As we climbed higher and higher, our guide gave us lots of trivia and information (in his cute Aussie accent) that made the trek a lot of fun.<br />I was so excited the whole way up, and Craig took the time to take a few pictures as we stopped along the way to take in the view.Since we were in the same order the whole time, I didn't get to know everybody, the the people near me were all very nice. We talked and laughed, and both the Brits and I (you know, the lone Yank) were the butts of a few jokes. They were all in good fun and I was actually really glad to get all the trivia about the bridge and other landmarks and history of Australia and Sydney.<br />Once we were at the very top, we had a group photo taken and got to spend some time absorbing the whole scene. The way the climb is set up, we then cross over the top on a catwalk and proceed to walk down the opposite side. (Just so you know what I mean, we walk up on the right side, where the cars are running underneath, then cross over and head back down - this is all what may be considered the south side of the bridge-, then this time over the rail tracks).<br /> On this side we have a view looking more or less west, toward the unfurling hills, dotted with homes and buildings.<br /> The harbor is really so amazing. So many inlets as well as a river that continues inland. This is a place where lots and lots of people can have a water view. I think that's one thing that makes Sydney so popular - and basically why is was built up in the first place.<br />It started getting a bit windy and since the sun was starting to lower in the sky, as well as a few clouds here and there, a couple of times I started to get a little cold. We continued the trek down, then came to the ladders that took us down under the traffic to the catwalk that wound us around back to our starting point.<br />Once we got back, we did everything in reverse, dropping off hats and handkerchiefs, taking our headsets and utility belts off, then heading back to our lockers to get our street clothes out to change.<br />After dropping our jumpsuits in a chute, the group got together to receive their certificates and group photos. They also had an area where we could look at the (digital) pictures that Craig took and buy any of them that we wanted. (We, of course, were not able to take our own cameras, but I think it's great the way it was set up anyway). I bought the ones I wanted, got Craig to pose for a picture with TK and headed back to the ship.<br />I just want to say this about the 'Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb Experience'...it was really and truly one of the ose once-in-a-lifetime memorable experiences. I will never forget it! It was absolutely AWESOME!<br />It is an 'experience though, so my best advice is this: go to Sydney and experience it yourself!<br />I walked back to the ship (less than ten minutes), feeling exhilerated and happy that I accomplished the exciting feat. And I even got on the ship TWENTY minutes before the time I was supposed to be on by!I headed up to deck eight to listen to the band play the 'sail-away' music and take pictures as the ship slipped out of its berth and headed out toward the ocean. There were SO MANY boats. The little ones, including kayaks, seemed pretty brave to be so close to the cruise ship. It was almost as spectacular cruising out of the harbor as cruising in, and it was bittersweet.<br />Such an awesome place, great memories - wishing we had more time here - but, moving on to our next exciting ports of call keeps one wondering just what is around the corner!<br /><br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...could Sydney be the world's top city? Fair Dinkum!alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-17748946064157733182009-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:002009-11-09T19:30:44.785-08:00NicknamesI just want to write a quick post. This is a post with no photos, it's a post written to make you use your imagination.<br />You may think I'm mean, so if you don't want to be offended, maybe you should stop reading now. If you want to laugh, keep reading (and you must use your imagination).As you know, I give people (mostly strangers) nicknames. I have been doing that for the entire last month on the ship and now I want to share my findings with you.<br />Here they are, in no particular order, some of my favorite people I have affectionately given nicknames to, plus descriptions to help you visualize...<br /><br />1) ROSE (and Jack)... this adorable lady looked like she walked straight off the Titanic. Not because she dressed like she lived at the turn of the twentieth century, but because she is 97 years old and her husband is 100! Really and truly, this guy is a century old! But that's not the only thing. She pushes him around on his seated walker - all by herself - takes care of him and even stays up past 10 pm! She also made her own clothes that were matching little numbers like pink print pleated skirts with matching sailor hats (and pink leggings and shoes!). Or on formal nights, her sequin cloth homemade hats with fabric draping down the back with a dress to match. She also dances every night in the lounge. She can really move! She is truly an inspiration, all 88, or so, pounds of her!<br />2) PETER GRIFFIN... he actually sits at my table and is TRULY very intelligent. But one of the first nights of the cruise, I look across the table, and a voice that sounded like Lois Griffin says - really loud in my ear - 'PETAH GRIFFIN'. It was all I could do to not crack up then and there! I seriously couldn't even look to his side of the table. A couple of days later I was talking to Jeff Trachta (this was a couple of days after his show, when he did an impersonation of Stewie) and I said, are you a fan of Family Guy? He replies by doing Stewie's voice, to confirm the obvious fact, and I say back - 'did you see Peter on the ship?'. He said he hadn't, so I said, look slowly over your shoulder at the guy in the blue shirt. It was priceless as he turned around and bit into his fist to keep from laughing!!! Priceless<br />3) ELFIN' MAGIC... there is the cutest, tiniest little man. He totally looks like a Keebler elf-all 3 ft 6 inches of him!<br />4) GRIM REAPER & RIGOR MORTUS... these two are newlyweds-90something newlyweds! He has dark sunken eyes-pretty scary. she has bright red dyed hair, but at the shows (where they usually sit right on the front row) she inevitably falls asleep and her head leans way back, mouth open, her face totally frozen in that death-looking posture. HILARIOUS<br />I will give you more nicknames later.<br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day... Allison, you are SOOOOOO bad!alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-51118336347843387522009-11-08T03:46:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:25:33.553-08:00SYDNEY part deuceI have been busy. You know, getting off and on the ship, eating, having guys take care of cleaning my bathroom and making my bed, you know the drill (if you've cruised before).<br />Anyway, as I mentioned, my camera is having issues downloading photos, so many of the pictures I took may have to be posted later. I am able to get some of the pictures off of mom's camera, but TK isn't in (many) of those photos, but of course, you'll get the idea of all the fun we were having.<br />On our second day in Sydney, we hopped a bus and went on a full day tour to the Blue Mountains. This is the equivalent to our Grand Canyon, but to me it was a bit more like Bryce Canyon or even Zion's.<br />It is about an hour and a half drive, but we made a stop on the way to take a look at Olympic Park.<br />We also stopped at this little artsy town for lunch at one of the cafes and shopping if we so desired. It was really quaint.<br />I will put some of the photos and give explanations (and don't miss Tiny Kona too much - she was there and having a marvelous time!)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401700878632988770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40RcB_cdsmU2wWGVMdDaG7aBNLLusfzuwDZUNy31tgXooA5dNgRLP5F-i3PIzOtQqNKLV7JhRjWeVasdu0cunxJmFj8HIsGTeJUTQELqnCbqVA_y_QR2kANp0sx6I0CRlX4dVNMxGJ-IH/s400/momcruise1+212.jpg" border="0" /> Olympic Village area<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UZbG7rBsNZob8W0A4W5vLqxBhTQ7HFCbYAW4cQ3CFB_qa55jYoW-BD_4fFkrOUJuF8SUrTEVoir_aAZKrvR6PLwXy3u_TfRCgAwnGLca0KJz3JbO2ab1Km6ZYpJhG-QNYOpPHNm_GkUX/s1600-h/momcruise1+232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401700888647594002" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UZbG7rBsNZob8W0A4W5vLqxBhTQ7HFCbYAW4cQ3CFB_qa55jYoW-BD_4fFkrOUJuF8SUrTEVoir_aAZKrvR6PLwXy3u_TfRCgAwnGLca0KJz3JbO2ab1Km6ZYpJhG-QNYOpPHNm_GkUX/s400/momcruise1+232.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Echo Canyon, Blue Mountains<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Voy6Ocu14nra_99e5PF958Vjd_fgHbktgeNlSjqJfD9G45T6YUsu7OkhiC7RtqH5gsk4csYDuACckiHbRc43Z2amVwGyriLlZ9coDPYhDuNh33X-nEGGCIuzPOso2nLiokIxJxqQUWF/s1600-h/momcruise1+226.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401700884096125378" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Voy6Ocu14nra_99e5PF958Vjd_fgHbktgeNlSjqJfD9G45T6YUsu7OkhiC7RtqH5gsk4csYDuACckiHbRc43Z2amVwGyriLlZ9coDPYhDuNh33X-nEGGCIuzPOso2nLiokIxJxqQUWF/s400/momcruise1+226.jpg" border="0" /></a> Beautiful<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqULjfog6SvN8smvhXua59JwlCwkykGKV75RMz6qqFHdw_xaPRjP90vRX9g9exyw_-_lhV_dnhdwwpfWiaC4Vj6DPAnuhmXJ6ZMgOvrR0Q5-yIEDph627_bWmKtuPWNM-1ToSnsOUatqYN/s1600-h/momcruise1+210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401700876778903602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqULjfog6SvN8smvhXua59JwlCwkykGKV75RMz6qqFHdw_xaPRjP90vRX9g9exyw_-_lhV_dnhdwwpfWiaC4Vj6DPAnuhmXJ6ZMgOvrR0Q5-yIEDph627_bWmKtuPWNM-1ToSnsOUatqYN/s400/momcruise1+210.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above is the Olympic stadium for the 2000 summer olympics. too bad you can't see some of the cool details. the whole area was full of interesting structures, fountains and building. way awesome light structures commemorating all previous olympics.</div><div> </div><div>Beautiful shot of part of the Blue Mountains, Echo Canyon area below<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l7zbHPnAtoPAa-8lMbIrrn-VMnTwynGrqGBwVHa2B3h0djm1mgY7E86HAA2VB31zewuK20bZvwggLwV74kQDj5hMnQG0zxVsUeGEaifh18VPWzIFfPrVAqDYOpX2UCgbDN3-FAhT7_EG/s1600-h/momcruise1+221.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401698994467585810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1l7zbHPnAtoPAa-8lMbIrrn-VMnTwynGrqGBwVHa2B3h0djm1mgY7E86HAA2VB31zewuK20bZvwggLwV74kQDj5hMnQG0zxVsUeGEaifh18VPWzIFfPrVAqDYOpX2UCgbDN3-FAhT7_EG/s400/momcruise1+221.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />more views<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4CUv9Hd_e-KwKKGcS_l-iAW1ldnpyrSSkrOU2hbjBLWUL15ZX-8DPNFF5csgPCmr1yHIAYNqpZzQE2xq0oT8AW79Kb87C_2fcxQ18k-b-dXBIrnqByppiiZMgCB45cscztFhROyMZQED/s1600-h/momcruise1+223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401698988697025986" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4CUv9Hd_e-KwKKGcS_l-iAW1ldnpyrSSkrOU2hbjBLWUL15ZX-8DPNFF5csgPCmr1yHIAYNqpZzQE2xq0oT8AW79Kb87C_2fcxQ18k-b-dXBIrnqByppiiZMgCB45cscztFhROyMZQED/s400/momcruise1+223.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is called 'THREE SISTERS'. there's an aborigine legend about these rocks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2pAqf1ZFBvteJo_JDxd7MKXTlv-JgbQly19Z44aGojw2oQFUkveAkLU30DDI534o2ZEnyIw3hb7rfkPbpDgAdPKCXGzqsc2CE3nMmQMlU-zTj14IpGpwkr3N8_bYi320ZYcih5TmhNHt/s1600-h/momcruise1+237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401698986972644002" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2pAqf1ZFBvteJo_JDxd7MKXTlv-JgbQly19Z44aGojw2oQFUkveAkLU30DDI534o2ZEnyIw3hb7rfkPbpDgAdPKCXGzqsc2CE3nMmQMlU-zTj14IpGpwkr3N8_bYi320ZYcih5TmhNHt/s400/momcruise1+237.jpg" border="0" /></a> This train went almost straight down. It's the steepest tracks in the world and is pretty much like a roller coaster! This is what was used for the miners originally.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvnKIVW6SbXLP9jNHYPcnEjs4bbcw0N2kKHZzcwysrnQnpGI-55-UWYX2Sei1dRrgx2RwKG9UfCAupHPO5LYNwV7TvYfxSIg1RMiELECWdRV_151j_GzqgbrjPDZc2NVBhTheMjDNCjs1/s1600-h/momcruise1+243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401698981767346402" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvnKIVW6SbXLP9jNHYPcnEjs4bbcw0N2kKHZzcwysrnQnpGI-55-UWYX2Sei1dRrgx2RwKG9UfCAupHPO5LYNwV7TvYfxSIg1RMiELECWdRV_151j_GzqgbrjPDZc2NVBhTheMjDNCjs1/s400/momcruise1+243.jpg" border="0" /></a> Part of the old mine at the bottom of the valley.<br /><br /><div>I will do another post with more pictures later...</div><div> </div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day... hang on to your hats! that's one steep railroad!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-60165640339671117992009-11-01T05:20:00.001-08:002009-11-03T19:44:17.970-08:00SYDNEY PT 1Good Morning- we've arrived in Sydney! We woke up early to enjoy the drive into the harbor, one of the most spectacular in the whole wide world! So much history here in Australia. As you know, it started as a penal colony (get your minds out of the gutter-we're talking prisons).<br />The British were trying to get people to come here willingly, but pretty much ended up getting people here whether they wanted to or not. After a bit more than two hundred years, this country has really made something of itself, thanks to the tenacity of the people and the resources that they had to work with. Let's talk about the harbor first.<br />Interestingly enough, when Capt. Cook was on his voyage of discovery, sailing up the east coast of 'New Holland'-the original name of Australia, he didn't explore 'Port Jackson' (the name he gave it). He spent a number of days at 'Botany Bay', just south, but didn't venture into the awesome natural harbor that eventually became Sydney. The harbor is kind of hidden, the way it zigs and zags and has numerous 'fingers' jutting here and there, along with a few islands.<br />Here are some pictures with details about the drive in.<br />I have been able to say that I have visited Sydney before, and only had fond feelings for it, and I know I've exclaimed at least once or twice, that I think it's the best city in the world!<br />The ferry took about ten minutes or so to get across the harbor. After getting off the boat, I walked up some stairs and got on the sky ride that took me up the hill and over the zoo. Awesome views and it was so cool gliding over some of the animal exhibits. As I noticed the steepness of the hill, I decided I would start at the top where I got off the sky ride and wind my way down the hill, looking at all the animals, then just get back on the ferry.<br />Best laid plans... There were so many hills, it's really amazing how they made this whole piece of land work out for a zoo. (It was the original quarantine station for the area.) I decided, after walking back and forth, going up steps and steep inclines, that I was going to get my workout today after all! At this point, I will let the pictures tell the story.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399128177440106802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jLdEbjkM36uTV2SY0S1hRK9xDKU_BbIzUFIAOicvRVNGJBfNkV4O1EqRhdOanUhijElbd93IzR9y2VaxUpTdUEdSNH2csVIMcNgq01g5UJ0jYWJdF3gfUWKwQHoccY3_SQd0MTxMpskp/s400/IMGP3446.JPG" /> As we turn the corner coming into the harbor, the awesome sights of Sydney start to unfold.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHKIG7xqiBwlUkwfNcO05a7t5AHa-uWF0hkfpolnV_aarehYYncBqOlWNTktfKfrsKwt7ODk1s5M3eDX3kcvU0eh_-AfAPUAC3iCc766cVK9PZ9F8xhG46QXqKPU0z3_uaEiAaWMhysmS/s1600-h/IMGP3449.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399128169536794018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHKIG7xqiBwlUkwfNcO05a7t5AHa-uWF0hkfpolnV_aarehYYncBqOlWNTktfKfrsKwt7ODk1s5M3eDX3kcvU0eh_-AfAPUAC3iCc766cVK9PZ9F8xhG46QXqKPU0z3_uaEiAaWMhysmS/s400/IMGP3449.JPG" /></a> The clouds looked beautiful early in the morning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUkVq3BMpocnPEcfO6FrHcDJ7FaiVd-Zaj2-aULfnVItUEzICb7zftfrMy90DG5h6eE1WON39PfCY52lWWm2CNWMVEZd9_9Ft3drhjv6jC-YAZqYerz-KrCCpC8itAhJkhIkJEJtzaYz2/s1600-h/IMGP3451.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399128161514953730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUkVq3BMpocnPEcfO6FrHcDJ7FaiVd-Zaj2-aULfnVItUEzICb7zftfrMy90DG5h6eE1WON39PfCY52lWWm2CNWMVEZd9_9Ft3drhjv6jC-YAZqYerz-KrCCpC8itAhJkhIkJEJtzaYz2/s400/IMGP3451.JPG" /></a><br />Iconic Sydney, with it's opera house and bridge (which I will be scaling in a couple of days!).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuV8fYPv8HhN_V1l9cqsbuqwkE7SiP_c64E8oX34utE4u555PbkgdbxmHZ70jztoVLUdgzroWsQAPk1xgKeN1P0OTNwTM-85EEi1fhz37xqRGYZMhvctOMwPgH2Sp9oR6ylFfdstOcLe2/s1600-h/IMGP3453.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399128156713533218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuV8fYPv8HhN_V1l9cqsbuqwkE7SiP_c64E8oX34utE4u555PbkgdbxmHZ70jztoVLUdgzroWsQAPk1xgKeN1P0OTNwTM-85EEi1fhz37xqRGYZMhvctOMwPgH2Sp9oR6ylFfdstOcLe2/s400/IMGP3453.JPG" /></a><br />Awesome view from my perch on the ninth deck of the Amsterdam!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUYCR6cM0wadCnyAnY26fx_YtiTTUV8HR6-HcxLiKR6cjaxzKdrPq7cmw9OjXTDyqlxeQ5QnfkMY0LWsefes-mRL5GDGo1sYlIdT7_tI6_Ij0kNUDYYt0FWk6-0P-Rm67T723xo6Xu-Ww/s1600-h/IMGP3458.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399128147374548546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUYCR6cM0wadCnyAnY26fx_YtiTTUV8HR6-HcxLiKR6cjaxzKdrPq7cmw9OjXTDyqlxeQ5QnfkMY0LWsefes-mRL5GDGo1sYlIdT7_tI6_Ij0kNUDYYt0FWk6-0P-Rm67T723xo6Xu-Ww/s400/IMGP3458.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Early morning sun casts a beautiful shadow as we are sliding up to our berth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yWu2HnrD_1GuINwAjSpMTewIr-Ai9UOARPmt0z_2Y5aBTqpqUIpUvx9CUPb1rtb0kdgIDOtoZFqZhagkTGWOSREpzs2QJkeRvwSMreBlfZQlPNp5B10q5pBs3LBovbppTKo6dT9LGqSF/s1600-h/IMGP3461.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127452506080978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yWu2HnrD_1GuINwAjSpMTewIr-Ai9UOARPmt0z_2Y5aBTqpqUIpUvx9CUPb1rtb0kdgIDOtoZFqZhagkTGWOSREpzs2QJkeRvwSMreBlfZQlPNp5B10q5pBs3LBovbppTKo6dT9LGqSF/s400/IMGP3461.JPG" /></a><br />We are parked at 'Circular Quay', the busy, busy hub of activity - including Aboriginal artists.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkmJlcRFCdOlxL7mOgUVBhV0o1NNT9HQbq_elzNFtXAfDCPxvPVrLLOMAnq5wNR6ESqopraUx2OZzhgL3xhhOXRrw-K5IV6vjuXzBb24J7ifJ6DQJF3Dk8NRtcIvSDtEE3tq7M6so0eW-/s1600-h/IMGP3464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127443169850290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkmJlcRFCdOlxL7mOgUVBhV0o1NNT9HQbq_elzNFtXAfDCPxvPVrLLOMAnq5wNR6ESqopraUx2OZzhgL3xhhOXRrw-K5IV6vjuXzBb24J7ifJ6DQJF3Dk8NRtcIvSDtEE3tq7M6so0eW-/s400/IMGP3464.JPG" /></a><br />From the deck of the ferry. There are many ferries since there's so much water around.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVbOqPUvNA8x-kvIwdtTYuIILJzdNOK-j5X20obgeyUxF4Vr39bcPzJONsfwSa2Ajx90z0p-Nk2ZOrb_jK43Xg7YHl-k1-XBWctXFEwhOw_0Qvro5HM6RCbB9BNEHgDYjg5oglXaVMAqB/s1600-h/IMGP3466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127432687075634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVbOqPUvNA8x-kvIwdtTYuIILJzdNOK-j5X20obgeyUxF4Vr39bcPzJONsfwSa2Ajx90z0p-Nk2ZOrb_jK43Xg7YHl-k1-XBWctXFEwhOw_0Qvro5HM6RCbB9BNEHgDYjg5oglXaVMAqB/s400/IMGP3466.JPG" /></a><br />The bridge from my point of view on the top deck of the ferry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9jjgOWbmdldUOUWs87rK8XhnqDv1aFAmHgmhgFrdG0EZ8VUOLeuSVG7Ks0yTkIbdxg7911kdmeHCT-ELKQTuC77Dn-9j94h56CVwxXctkdhWkLHr_pc6K4DjO-sUMXay17ozrAVlhAQB/s1600-h/IMGP3471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127430284323378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9jjgOWbmdldUOUWs87rK8XhnqDv1aFAmHgmhgFrdG0EZ8VUOLeuSVG7Ks0yTkIbdxg7911kdmeHCT-ELKQTuC77Dn-9j94h56CVwxXctkdhWkLHr_pc6K4DjO-sUMXay17ozrAVlhAQB/s400/IMGP3471.JPG" /></a><br />This is a fort, built way back in the 1800's (I think...)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisXdfPutv6AZRPkZ3eQuTATgYHXrL2eU2nHR0KKwEAagwdD4onmhpyGZybhXHZFoJ97kCYv1XQWj964LXfaN8dmjag6wB-oJEknkmi_pmu5G8FQekTUGD7uotYIjbMamnh3VX35tW-Nh-/s1600-h/IMGP3531.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127421067806274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisXdfPutv6AZRPkZ3eQuTATgYHXrL2eU2nHR0KKwEAagwdD4onmhpyGZybhXHZFoJ97kCYv1XQWj964LXfaN8dmjag6wB-oJEknkmi_pmu5G8FQekTUGD7uotYIjbMamnh3VX35tW-Nh-/s400/IMGP3531.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I'm heading to the zoo...what do you think I'm gonna see<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZVTVmm_acvheNJzcXICU6qfntKS4z_KUezgnFcmsfB1OB5rNI5bweYDUveKFmG-xqPJ_cZ-gJJry-8Whff0VxbtlfmSIooXTizwNnXeVQxqqIvOM-xETK8WiPhHT4WJPtEhYHTE0aPm3/s1600-h/IMGP3473.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399126698933056370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZVTVmm_acvheNJzcXICU6qfntKS4z_KUezgnFcmsfB1OB5rNI5bweYDUveKFmG-xqPJ_cZ-gJJry-8Whff0VxbtlfmSIooXTizwNnXeVQxqqIvOM-xETK8WiPhHT4WJPtEhYHTE0aPm3/s400/IMGP3473.JPG" /></a><br />I took the sky ride tram up to the top of the zoo and we glided right over the elephants!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BNLBTIgHcbjoR06TZAJVhjIl7QG6LfGBeB3AOk_WlaNQwBsToYnOroRBs3ocEqmrfCU_OLarI7vWOWpPAa7w7MQFAaCpQ94ztf-I8f0ac9W03U7V2tFsrYTAD355DQMnf6E4DKRICFsK/s1600-h/IMGP3474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399126689955200674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BNLBTIgHcbjoR06TZAJVhjIl7QG6LfGBeB3AOk_WlaNQwBsToYnOroRBs3ocEqmrfCU_OLarI7vWOWpPAa7w7MQFAaCpQ94ztf-I8f0ac9W03U7V2tFsrYTAD355DQMnf6E4DKRICFsK/s400/IMGP3474.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />How cool is THAT?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp4FG22PRiRh4K-FFL6xoIbBiT2i-Caq7Jmt3HSvDf-K2GdffKeyDlvHmA3qijQUJpsxWVsbLdJ5UTpOyiAY2nbW-5yvkV_VomdvqMeOBtgRxMo-Gxne4SCeU9uYbnHpiU_9Tbxr7o1VZ/s1600-h/IMGP3480.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399126680889379778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp4FG22PRiRh4K-FFL6xoIbBiT2i-Caq7Jmt3HSvDf-K2GdffKeyDlvHmA3qijQUJpsxWVsbLdJ5UTpOyiAY2nbW-5yvkV_VomdvqMeOBtgRxMo-Gxne4SCeU9uYbnHpiU_9Tbxr7o1VZ/s400/IMGP3480.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />CRIKEY! I think he was about fifteen feet long! And those teeth! Yikes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCJzH9Y75V_b9iegElOnlQq-sYCe925QETNvF3XcV8A4lCn6r-RDQyu0dx_kZ_MQR-6RD-5RTecLPqdhpa_jiZ11ebTm-R4-UlyknGGIs6tS4hSrzerNaXmpkCRkHXhExOsvbgdtedLSb/s1600-h/IMGP3485.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399126676291172130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCJzH9Y75V_b9iegElOnlQq-sYCe925QETNvF3XcV8A4lCn6r-RDQyu0dx_kZ_MQR-6RD-5RTecLPqdhpa_jiZ11ebTm-R4-UlyknGGIs6tS4hSrzerNaXmpkCRkHXhExOsvbgdtedLSb/s400/IMGP3485.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Penguins of every size. TK likes the little ones, and guess where they come from - you guessed it, right here in Australia.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFciES6Dtz1ZTSyk69lQ0lWVwhSl0e_BRWKeWRPtBNsNzW4roqiKJBnTOfYLQifa9hIc4233r_pqBPv0w5LIQ-3mCZw03P6Ikm44L3YPEQ23-Z9K35JFfWqh_gIcBotMzy4i0QAYhUce0/s1600-h/IMGP3489.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399126667074943586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFciES6Dtz1ZTSyk69lQ0lWVwhSl0e_BRWKeWRPtBNsNzW4roqiKJBnTOfYLQifa9hIc4233r_pqBPv0w5LIQ-3mCZw03P6Ikm44L3YPEQ23-Z9K35JFfWqh_gIcBotMzy4i0QAYhUce0/s400/IMGP3489.JPG" /></a> There he goes! So dang cute and only about a foot tall.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv5Goc3MCLOw5c6ETnfGTVRgLtVNDD_67RI0xFUzpOe-gcj4UP_9FyHOazgKQZVVSWiIi0lkcXt1QVqvXgFdI7Aq5KlB5fQYCy0pe2Z4eaxFUCOQ7v0F4zdAojiFBxHlgm9cwwnXWAWY2/s1600-h/IMGP3491.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125954378935378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiv5Goc3MCLOw5c6ETnfGTVRgLtVNDD_67RI0xFUzpOe-gcj4UP_9FyHOazgKQZVVSWiIi0lkcXt1QVqvXgFdI7Aq5KlB5fQYCy0pe2Z4eaxFUCOQ7v0F4zdAojiFBxHlgm9cwwnXWAWY2/s400/IMGP3491.JPG" /></a><br />Aw, look at the baby! Check out the sky tram gliding by.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQtIORR0EQggk_xR9OQZFJVRb1NkbCC6ZxuoMwI9ww1lKUH8iJFGEiluA1OsaQM1PhyphenhyphenBFPcG3RbDJJ1ncbP8_vypK1lZr95M6LLa4XKb8_pmnkFwm_cPSOvjrk-B03aNJFre0z-7IgBw0/s1600-h/IMGP3495.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125945574084722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQtIORR0EQggk_xR9OQZFJVRb1NkbCC6ZxuoMwI9ww1lKUH8iJFGEiluA1OsaQM1PhyphenhyphenBFPcG3RbDJJ1ncbP8_vypK1lZr95M6LLa4XKb8_pmnkFwm_cPSOvjrk-B03aNJFre0z-7IgBw0/s400/IMGP3495.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />This gorilla thinks TK is just as cute as it's own baby.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK7T8h8BXCi6Gg1rVTAoOzc9zynnh7Fwiab0bNoDfCe3D4Idx8r9s79TvI7NEz4ATtgWSsuUuIb1WoykOYtxZkEr7ud0x6Xxu6S_EwuEMzXHXRoN7BFvpq_bi-3t1AHccVdZ3QTsk_MyH/s1600-h/IMGP3500.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125936694515826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK7T8h8BXCi6Gg1rVTAoOzc9zynnh7Fwiab0bNoDfCe3D4Idx8r9s79TvI7NEz4ATtgWSsuUuIb1WoykOYtxZkEr7ud0x6Xxu6S_EwuEMzXHXRoN7BFvpq_bi-3t1AHccVdZ3QTsk_MyH/s400/IMGP3500.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It's a kangaroo! TK wanted to climb in the pouch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DIFxg0GGjYPcdB1FU_w779ANtdPOzEidtU9iVuN_HNZUcZFyDeZKEF-b02ZHBOGWhCnQIo9RRXyLrVw8v8TPJmDkqvMObpc3_K0FEVRI47ZncfTaoTrStewoMmiIKRkXb1V5QF3ggQEb/s1600-h/IMGP3503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125931120092418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DIFxg0GGjYPcdB1FU_w779ANtdPOzEidtU9iVuN_HNZUcZFyDeZKEF-b02ZHBOGWhCnQIo9RRXyLrVw8v8TPJmDkqvMObpc3_K0FEVRI47ZncfTaoTrStewoMmiIKRkXb1V5QF3ggQEb/s400/IMGP3503.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One word. EMU<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2lvtFYB20qQSEGdJXjOfnvbx6E_Zt30XGs2ARn9Nyf4JKjYLMSUGk-7XT_42_WCk403KMaR7rZbrs6qYcPhCyLNRNJOWvUlKrud5BRuL0jgAtmLcJbx7SgLRfa9Sw-qFzm1AUvZvf4RM/s1600-h/IMGP3514.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125925557319474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2lvtFYB20qQSEGdJXjOfnvbx6E_Zt30XGs2ARn9Nyf4JKjYLMSUGk-7XT_42_WCk403KMaR7rZbrs6qYcPhCyLNRNJOWvUlKrud5BRuL0jgAtmLcJbx7SgLRfa9Sw-qFzm1AUvZvf4RM/s400/IMGP3514.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Pygmie Hippo.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_xcVTDTWlvbv9_Q7c7k1OF9gHalstD7rS2yV_nGJDwS5TPsprhNxmfX6Gg9yIdFKacg-rujdbvSgAPYNN9EFzf4PPpL4CmZ9ygxd4u6Mv3lpED6ZaGYLid9Q92s3CSCMKr4RO6bzyLh1/s1600-h/IMGP3521.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125098045342834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_xcVTDTWlvbv9_Q7c7k1OF9gHalstD7rS2yV_nGJDwS5TPsprhNxmfX6Gg9yIdFKacg-rujdbvSgAPYNN9EFzf4PPpL4CmZ9ygxd4u6Mv3lpED6ZaGYLid9Q92s3CSCMKr4RO6bzyLh1/s400/IMGP3521.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here's your koala!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqf-HaofE3OzjdRIVXJPIXsh2FMMVfl5KTZ9jYCcaEUGZ9h4v9GtRtNyHOPbykomGZg4r5BiPAIIJzg1kuZ7kZwZ3mT1eY4ZMp65Weuzv00jt-uhVUzcAREglGs4luwg4IiuWmCHZ05jf/s1600-h/IMGP3522.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125084751138898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqf-HaofE3OzjdRIVXJPIXsh2FMMVfl5KTZ9jYCcaEUGZ9h4v9GtRtNyHOPbykomGZg4r5BiPAIIJzg1kuZ7kZwZ3mT1eY4ZMp65Weuzv00jt-uhVUzcAREglGs4luwg4IiuWmCHZ05jf/s400/IMGP3522.JPG" /></a><br /><br />It just couldn't be any cuter!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fJiwBgVcP3rVnGOH1EfapsVjwbK381Y8ijfS1UhjfdtpVOc3YJy_IgQTY37Cl7mmF_8723Q2XM6h3oLwobNsOXXxy9-r7rUtD9fAnd0K0DnW2ZKv8ywYYmP5eysLbbermrHWgrEfjZH3/s1600-h/IMGP3527.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399125081164473490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fJiwBgVcP3rVnGOH1EfapsVjwbK381Y8ijfS1UhjfdtpVOc3YJy_IgQTY37Cl7mmF_8723Q2XM6h3oLwobNsOXXxy9-r7rUtD9fAnd0K0DnW2ZKv8ywYYmP5eysLbbermrHWgrEfjZH3/s400/IMGP3527.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tiny Kona found a willing Kangaroo pouch to climb into!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is where I start having difficulties getting my photos off my camera - dang it! I will post this piece for now and add more later.</div><div>We spent about three days in Sydney, so this is just the beginning!</div><div></div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUSIM of the Day...A pouch is one sweet place to hang out<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-85567959562465562332009-11-01T04:38:00.001-08:002009-11-01T06:10:17.254-08:00CAIRNS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdAycwbGSzkfGDLdo0Z-zFpA5YCIwzaHv7T5IS4zn98ilzT4OcUJj1aGQPlFbZ_e2mBtXO1bsNGMl_656iEY_FVUDuXRVXJkut8tjXeBolkhdwZ9Y1XuZhdRQJ3z0q6bTgM5fei1IlLW2/s1600-h/IMGP3382.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399117056252898130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdAycwbGSzkfGDLdo0Z-zFpA5YCIwzaHv7T5IS4zn98ilzT4OcUJj1aGQPlFbZ_e2mBtXO1bsNGMl_656iEY_FVUDuXRVXJkut8tjXeBolkhdwZ9Y1XuZhdRQJ3z0q6bTgM5fei1IlLW2/s400/IMGP3382.JPG" border="0" /></a> These aborigines did some entertaining with their dancing and didgeridoo.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHFkKUbOOpMn31xKAFE6T2vf1t-nJAvLX5LYKzjDU9uq74Q7wMKf3dwnveQt1brDojdi9Byg-LVCz8SXfBuNhrqoDNPuP6gRF5dzWsMasjaT4DUnzwgNhXBaYcwtlaoFyhwMC93wbW0EX/s1600-h/IMGP3378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399117053372753570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHFkKUbOOpMn31xKAFE6T2vf1t-nJAvLX5LYKzjDU9uq74Q7wMKf3dwnveQt1brDojdi9Byg-LVCz8SXfBuNhrqoDNPuP6gRF5dzWsMasjaT4DUnzwgNhXBaYcwtlaoFyhwMC93wbW0EX/s400/IMGP3378.JPG" border="0" /></a> Tiny Kona hanging with her outback friends. Reminds me of a scene from E.T.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln_bPHBcH9URe7p5Hm9iqXYysyIBey5xEZwaEF-2mDpQ8wTVk3tEdSCsl3P-GudrsnyR9UdU1ewKmpnIG4mmHwQdAk4nRT7LIJCiAjR1NybwTFaEIEYutsxKGVpBjpZlk-6PE1LxEfJmd/s1600-h/IMGP3377.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399117045486787490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln_bPHBcH9URe7p5Hm9iqXYysyIBey5xEZwaEF-2mDpQ8wTVk3tEdSCsl3P-GudrsnyR9UdU1ewKmpnIG4mmHwQdAk4nRT7LIJCiAjR1NybwTFaEIEYutsxKGVpBjpZlk-6PE1LxEfJmd/s400/IMGP3377.JPG" border="0" /></a> A pirate ship in Cairns? Aaaargh!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdKqHPFYEZxmteAwr_uiFwsVDDNumgJKDmrKRDTyfx2CngFTnQtgD8ofLnfrDmCx12X-vZwc5qD8odWt9DlhT8dAMRJFOEp7XrpKWWsnS9gIXufXzBdtFvuDNsc-fx9Vgpnrg0W8g51QH/s1600-h/IMGP3375.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399117034181058562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdKqHPFYEZxmteAwr_uiFwsVDDNumgJKDmrKRDTyfx2CngFTnQtgD8ofLnfrDmCx12X-vZwc5qD8odWt9DlhT8dAMRJFOEp7XrpKWWsnS9gIXufXzBdtFvuDNsc-fx9Vgpnrg0W8g51QH/s400/IMGP3375.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is a great port town. And why not? It's the perfect place to head out to the G.B.R.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR5cBhqyqlrOCgK3aSvAwiH4xjYG07mi39if7TBWWSvRXAvgYaSQSAMzACrc3gI4ZKi2RncgX0kQEqtgP9nxcigCtsOJS5OJYbHf_9omIagX1Noz1yhunnTByp0yNpM9bCJCyl9gSt9dd/s1600-h/IMGP3368.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399117032209290914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNR5cBhqyqlrOCgK3aSvAwiH4xjYG07mi39if7TBWWSvRXAvgYaSQSAMzACrc3gI4ZKi2RncgX0kQEqtgP9nxcigCtsOJS5OJYbHf_9omIagX1Noz1yhunnTByp0yNpM9bCJCyl9gSt9dd/s400/IMGP3368.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This was taken in late afternoon, just as we are coming into Cairns. We are in the Great Barrier Reef right here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7SLsY2-fLbHYjIA5FobEUU9IUkSbImlrD6DExUAEoCVcSdOBc0L4F69Tn5EIjo7m3bnAD_HXSSz7AZotf65hTYTXLQyrIbALXNuUoLegzTT24Q0z5C-rNgkiJyZfuFCb3Z3Gx0SxNrCw/s1600-h/IMGP3396.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399116249172300978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7SLsY2-fLbHYjIA5FobEUU9IUkSbImlrD6DExUAEoCVcSdOBc0L4F69Tn5EIjo7m3bnAD_HXSSz7AZotf65hTYTXLQyrIbALXNuUoLegzTT24Q0z5C-rNgkiJyZfuFCb3Z3Gx0SxNrCw/s400/IMGP3396.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Relaxing on our way back from snorkeling (and eating).<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3sDlDYpIllE18vDNbttvgbnbBs5uy3aeNI9wOmaU0haciCgmcLbmPPfQ9Z3X3-nyQeChFcnZncD27JezfRoVUptQpEJRC_YQ-8Rm719NxfR5VdbbBXit_8vtG-HIDZfE6kfSAA2ptOAP/s1600-h/IMGP3394.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399116240808014978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3sDlDYpIllE18vDNbttvgbnbBs5uy3aeNI9wOmaU0haciCgmcLbmPPfQ9Z3X3-nyQeChFcnZncD27JezfRoVUptQpEJRC_YQ-8Rm719NxfR5VdbbBXit_8vtG-HIDZfE6kfSAA2ptOAP/s400/IMGP3394.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> Divers getting ready to GO.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHtArk9JhcJHkwJ1AmcXu201lgiwhKruVtCRP01Cbyhpn-HUp6Mh_qn63By5i9xOjOPmljsmaHunsP6R-NMeZmryYefv1bCcDyb_5RM503jCCwcKULSNekZseM61Q3VXsqn9VBwSlnI9B/s1600-h/IMGP3390.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399116233848893714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHtArk9JhcJHkwJ1AmcXu201lgiwhKruVtCRP01Cbyhpn-HUp6Mh_qn63By5i9xOjOPmljsmaHunsP6R-NMeZmryYefv1bCcDyb_5RM503jCCwcKULSNekZseM61Q3VXsqn9VBwSlnI9B/s400/IMGP3390.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Doesn't it look absolutely inviting?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfQhX2fcN2IRd9gC6RT5_tuqUTFZjaAX75Npa9IWRvNC2vn6l9vG4l_Gwk8Vjnz6T47tXGX9EFGG5KS270YoxuHgKj_iS0_imBbXxweXW29UY1Nv3PJSbSt-ugqK4jtVG-6pfOvivFC5M/s1600-h/IMGP3386.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399116227890347634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfQhX2fcN2IRd9gC6RT5_tuqUTFZjaAX75Npa9IWRvNC2vn6l9vG4l_Gwk8Vjnz6T47tXGX9EFGG5KS270YoxuHgKj_iS0_imBbXxweXW29UY1Nv3PJSbSt-ugqK4jtVG-6pfOvivFC5M/s400/IMGP3386.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> Right before boarding the 'SilverSwift'. I just love all the boats.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjLvS5XvLQAcSNYfvbN5vYSv61lLZ20faY6M7_kB2DnRB-Z9hCGlTQ6mv_qjLW5qSx68QO94nktK0zPKUVtKQOv7yRg0-0w5ohaon-Wu25MWHf_0edOli032GlzZK0F-Zn6Wg5SvudPtg/s1600-h/IMGP3385.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399116217925639634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjLvS5XvLQAcSNYfvbN5vYSv61lLZ20faY6M7_kB2DnRB-Z9hCGlTQ6mv_qjLW5qSx68QO94nktK0zPKUVtKQOv7yRg0-0w5ohaon-Wu25MWHf_0edOli032GlzZK0F-Zn6Wg5SvudPtg/s400/IMGP3385.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I liked this tree. I had to run by it on my way back to the ship after the snorkeling. This was taken in the morning when I wasn't rushing.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMvllmqaL2nOZwnlmWwfL5BvjgibL_tk-bjJJEfg7gt7QnwSO5QqU7JtqqxoB2bmibERuhBDoREUSjB5o2HjP6HyLcdoNHfWXYJgU5qmVqkzS89h9XtEb0JIuvFgUj4VajzxibpPHgdSq/s1600-h/IMGP3408.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399115303428654690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMvllmqaL2nOZwnlmWwfL5BvjgibL_tk-bjJJEfg7gt7QnwSO5QqU7JtqqxoB2bmibERuhBDoREUSjB5o2HjP6HyLcdoNHfWXYJgU5qmVqkzS89h9XtEb0JIuvFgUj4VajzxibpPHgdSq/s400/IMGP3408.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sunset from the back of the ship, as we're in the G.B.R. after departing Cairns. Smooth sailing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa-5aonjMCGD8dYeOBGzqjrij5Z82iQNT3q0gEAqC4R98sY2ipGuVlt3VurNITDDPMAt8DKrZAYBr0uJ4YvSSgxBhOmkD1ywlfMLxwJDvmrjDWcUTdzfaUr6F2kns5O7fvGqpYEPEeH7e/s1600-h/IMGP3407.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399115296292206386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwa-5aonjMCGD8dYeOBGzqjrij5Z82iQNT3q0gEAqC4R98sY2ipGuVlt3VurNITDDPMAt8DKrZAYBr0uJ4YvSSgxBhOmkD1ywlfMLxwJDvmrjDWcUTdzfaUr6F2kns5O7fvGqpYEPEeH7e/s400/IMGP3407.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Bye Cairns, we LOVED it here!<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsGOrWpOgSfGXVKvulfr7mmLg2ZI7aQsHeO7ydbv0-CJNioDyn7fxKwKf-JX7qcKdzRJBp0ki3bEXg6a0wmz36bz6egHQz-PWn15ot9AT2Ya5bsVMjlWdmpamXGmxdXNVb6tZI6vliZgH/s1600-h/IMGP3399.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399115292517517074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsGOrWpOgSfGXVKvulfr7mmLg2ZI7aQsHeO7ydbv0-CJNioDyn7fxKwKf-JX7qcKdzRJBp0ki3bEXg6a0wmz36bz6egHQz-PWn15ot9AT2Ya5bsVMjlWdmpamXGmxdXNVb6tZI6vliZgH/s400/IMGP3399.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My new Aussie friends, Kermit, LuLu, Taffy, Squiggey, Sheila and Spike. (these are not their REAL names, of course, so here's hoping they leave a comment on this post giving their real names! teehee!)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSI2WRJQn2kugOq4ubuDA7CQXqB0Jjfw9O5R7Kpt0prJhlss_ZwMUYDIpYx4OP7AxRSEQiQ0cmwzFo06IzaM6syEYko3WXO-0_S-i56UGEqQBgSaUh67SbMcNfwSUmFabN7rVQzMD_X6f/s1600-h/IMGP3397.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399115282714014850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSI2WRJQn2kugOq4ubuDA7CQXqB0Jjfw9O5R7Kpt0prJhlss_ZwMUYDIpYx4OP7AxRSEQiQ0cmwzFo06IzaM6syEYko3WXO-0_S-i56UGEqQBgSaUh67SbMcNfwSUmFabN7rVQzMD_X6f/s400/IMGP3397.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> Everyone loves TK.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sorry the pictures are out of order. I just haven't quite figured this blog thing out! </div><div> </div><div>G'Day Mate - from the land down under!We arrived in Australia - the beginning of our eight day exploration of the eastern and southern shores. We traveled through the Coral Sea and into the Great Barrier Reef before arriving in Cairns at 5 p.m.</div><div>Going through the G.B.R. can be a bit tricky since it a has so many coral formations. We had to pick up a pilot to navigate our way through the maze. The air felt nice and warm as we zigged and zagged our way toward shore.</div><div>Once the ship was cleared by customs, we were able to go ashore. I had dinner first, then went ashore to see if I could find an internet cafe (which I had no trouble finding), but mostly I wanted to find a snorkel trip for the next day. </div><div>The ship had a shore excursion available for $260.00, which I thought was a bit pricey - and it was sold out anyway. I found a tour booth and the girl checked to find me a boat that would get back before the ship departed at 5 p.m. the next day. I actually needed to be on the ship by 4:30 p.m., but most tours didn't get back till five-ish. </div><div>She called one, that got back at 4:15, but it was sold out. Then she tried another - also sold out. Then she called one named the 'SilverSwift", and lucky me - one spot left! It was $160.00, left at 8 a.m. (within walking distance of the ship), served breakfast and lunch, took us to three different spots, and got us back at 4:15. PERFECT!</div><div>I got up early, put on my swimsuit, grabbed my stuff and a couple of towels and walked down the boardwalk to the harbor area. The boat had a great crew and there were lots of people from all over (although I think there were only three Americans). </div><div>As we headed out toward the far edge of the reef, we ate muffins and fruit and heard some info about the reef. We were told to look for rays and (reef) sharks, giant clams and sea cucumbers, turtles and fish. </div><div>The main fish I wanted to see was a clown fish - or better known to many of you as 'Nemo'. Since these reefs have an abundance of anenome, I am sure to find him!I'm really sorry I didn't get a chance to pick up an underwater camera. I would have loved to share some photos of the beauty of the reef.</div><div> Here's my advice- google some pictures of the G.B.R. and picture TK swimming by in a tiny mask and snorkel...Our first stop was an area called Pellowe Reef. We got to snorkel there for an hour or so (there were also divers on the vessel), and we saw lots of varied sea life, but try as I might, I just couldn't find Nemo. </div><div>The second area we went to was called Milln Reef, also lots of good stuff to see. The fish ranged from clearish to black - and every color in between. My favorite would have to be this little neon blue guy. He was ELECTRIC! Not really electric, but his color was like nothing I've ever seen before! Australia also has their own version of the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, but the colors are different. Much more neon-y, and bigger than their Hawaiian cousins. </div><div>We had lunch while at this reef, which was pretty good since we had worked up an appetite. I saw beautiful coral formations - of colors so vivid it's amazing they are so bright under the water. But still - the elusive Nemo was not to be found. </div><div>The third area we stopped was Thetford Reef. I had seen so many fish and coral at the other two reefs, at this point I was just concentrating on finding Nemo. But, wow, this place was absolutely amazing! They really could have just taken us to this site, because it was so colorful and abundant with coral types of every size and variety, with fish galore (and I even spotted a couple of rays!). </div><div>And the giant clams! When they say giant, they mean GIANT! There was one that I could have fit it - it was ginormous! They were some of the coolest things I saw. I would also see anenome here and there, and study them closely to see if Nemo was hiding, but still not having any luck. I had been out there for maybe 45 minutes, but was starting to get cold. I figured I might have to name my post '(not) Finding Nemo', when all of a sudden, I see this cute little orange and white fish peek out from some anenome! It was so cute how he would drift out, maybe six inches or so, then quickly wiggle back into his safety net of the anenome. I watched him for a few minutes, and content that I finally saw him, I swam back to the boat to warm up. </div><div>It was almost time to go anyway, so I put away my gear and took a warm shower. I sat in the sun to dry off as we headed back to Cairns (it took about and hour and twenty minutes). I was a little worried about the time by then, since it was after three, and I needed to be back on the ship by 4:30, (but I told the captain, and he said we would be there about 4:20 (teehee)).</div><div>I was taking a few pictures of TK around the boat, and a guy asks me if I am holding her for ransom. I explain the whole Tiny Kona thing, my blog, and tell them about the cruise. It ended up where these six friends were from Adelaide, there on holiday. We found out we were all the same age, and they told me they had been friends since they were teenagers! I took a photo of them with TK, and when they found out that I had to rush back to the ship, they made sure I was going to be the first one off the boat so I could hurry back. (They also told me if I missed the ship, that I could stay with them at their hotel and they would put me on a plane to Brisbane (our next stop). They were so nice and a lot of fun. </div><div>The boat slips up to the dock at 4:25, but of course they have to get everything ready for us to get off. I'm beginning to panic a bit, and They finally let us off. I'm the first one down the plank, and I take off running. Squiggey (I think) is yelling 'run Allison, run!' (in the manner of 'run Forrest, run!'), which makes me laugh and turn and give a quick wave.</div><div>I am going down the dock as fast as I can, winding along the sidewalk that connects the harbor to the cruise ship pier (it's about one-fourth to one-third of a mile away). I know I'm going to make it when I run up to the building we have to go through when I see two busses of shore excursion people arriving (these were passengers returning from a ship organized shore excursion), and I know I won't be the last one on the ship and get reprimaded for being late! </div><div>WOOHOO! What a day I had!I didn't have time to go to the cabin and drop off my stuff, I just went up to one of the higher decks to take pictures of our departure from Cairns. So much fun here - I wish we could stay another day...</div><div> </div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-14593187193194922272009-10-31T00:38:00.000-07:002009-11-01T05:56:28.196-08:00Port Vila<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwjzfE5RygZ1TWgUnt-GMiXLFAiq8fgRCwv1c7PHwFrOv1HGhjJ9Wr2rCmfcZAK6Ry_wgI-7zx9UA-iVR20bPAxSRaUod7rnVM3I7DiJ_Z6NGdG71afVA2nQL6-gCBDvH16XrJQLp5ppw/s1600-h/IMGP3311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399113285164650402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwjzfE5RygZ1TWgUnt-GMiXLFAiq8fgRCwv1c7PHwFrOv1HGhjJ9Wr2rCmfcZAK6Ry_wgI-7zx9UA-iVR20bPAxSRaUod7rnVM3I7DiJ_Z6NGdG71afVA2nQL6-gCBDvH16XrJQLp5ppw/s400/IMGP3311.JPG" border="0" /></a> Did I mention trash? What a shame, because look how beautiful this place is.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGwE04zLihONaGk7ZAk049nnQguKb5gRAyHBF7VrcQENpCBccmK-pYGJH2kuiJzMqjfJ8G6IiC9phSYOhkiw_iw0YVSKNTj99vzuGLSx7Jeiqq11aULkDrmri8ESOhyZ_Xgrt7kl9Qy9a/s1600-h/IMGP3309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399113278612602530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGwE04zLihONaGk7ZAk049nnQguKb5gRAyHBF7VrcQENpCBccmK-pYGJH2kuiJzMqjfJ8G6IiC9phSYOhkiw_iw0YVSKNTj99vzuGLSx7Jeiqq11aULkDrmri8ESOhyZ_Xgrt7kl9Qy9a/s400/IMGP3309.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />BEE-YOO-TEE-FULL<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cOWBwu0VW1Df-37A79iXkXwJa5nBJJPysRdnV1duF9JrX9cAC8wq1fMyWjYNWV84K_WAd8SXjfUOOWAui0qkJGwWSEqiBtLHf5GH1OEmflSJ5j1haNuUeVnGy2Ncmz7uBPwe_rSkulYN/s1600-h/IMGP3325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399112067472268882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cOWBwu0VW1Df-37A79iXkXwJa5nBJJPysRdnV1duF9JrX9cAC8wq1fMyWjYNWV84K_WAd8SXjfUOOWAui0qkJGwWSEqiBtLHf5GH1OEmflSJ5j1haNuUeVnGy2Ncmz7uBPwe_rSkulYN/s400/IMGP3325.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sorry sideways, but still an interesting Post Office building.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0QyXmlf6PBp4-ycFFb40ujF2z3vurbbXF5O_AR4TIVK02v0bM4x7a2ZCxfOu1dQ9Rz6dncR2bEMDqA8yPoF14gMnEFycW6E6ZIqFVr6q8lhnvZfFhDL4nU5TjGAZF4QUtGkRlAaEvNZN/s1600-h/IMGP3323.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399112057482049170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0QyXmlf6PBp4-ycFFb40ujF2z3vurbbXF5O_AR4TIVK02v0bM4x7a2ZCxfOu1dQ9Rz6dncR2bEMDqA8yPoF14gMnEFycW6E6ZIqFVr6q8lhnvZfFhDL4nU5TjGAZF4QUtGkRlAaEvNZN/s400/IMGP3323.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Fri Tok or is it Free Talk?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjxx9x0Dk5ndAr3ST-dQxN9gzy-RgU96bvjokUAGxOsUXUnT4lk-WSD1sWxMppww-ICXXCg5PvlXpsxmiue3cg0Vv87VqLu8M1va9PW9jQ1qUh7tL1nB7ObPq300PJXUvsCy0A7SYd3Vu/s1600-h/IMGP3317.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399112047547049122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjxx9x0Dk5ndAr3ST-dQxN9gzy-RgU96bvjokUAGxOsUXUnT4lk-WSD1sWxMppww-ICXXCg5PvlXpsxmiue3cg0Vv87VqLu8M1va9PW9jQ1qUh7tL1nB7ObPq300PJXUvsCy0A7SYd3Vu/s400/IMGP3317.JPG" border="0" /></a> I just thought this was hilarious. Anyone know Bislama?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8sYw4FFZDjr_8nRSz1Mn11dE7HXLZRbZoUTm6U3VhBKQsz38teaPHFVIP9wlPW3cCg5b8WMv3zYdqybOI4kELFKoLTYTHW3WvcySPn2Y7HevbbJGJ-Ec16CyCnyTbWzvdvTf2BYaf52p/s1600-h/IMGP3313.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399112038666927714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8sYw4FFZDjr_8nRSz1Mn11dE7HXLZRbZoUTm6U3VhBKQsz38teaPHFVIP9wlPW3cCg5b8WMv3zYdqybOI4kELFKoLTYTHW3WvcySPn2Y7HevbbJGJ-Ec16CyCnyTbWzvdvTf2BYaf52p/s400/IMGP3313.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sorry this is sideways, too. But one awesome cat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWDQt-b7bGoN4lwWjPjlBaOJ8Lz1yPKO2Wh5zkZzLCZHdOsQ94Jnv8zelmDClFt1ZBFPMKWLiML3z4dCz8lgqzO0BXyRYEnMEXyM1fvCpn_9eG99CzyVfuKWCZbn1qKUEF1Z26ySejZF1/s1600-h/IMGP3329.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399110337043460930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWDQt-b7bGoN4lwWjPjlBaOJ8Lz1yPKO2Wh5zkZzLCZHdOsQ94Jnv8zelmDClFt1ZBFPMKWLiML3z4dCz8lgqzO0BXyRYEnMEXyM1fvCpn_9eG99CzyVfuKWCZbn1qKUEF1Z26ySejZF1/s400/IMGP3329.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yams in their own personal woven pandanus baskets. Nice bananas, TK.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aaIec76nKKMIhVOsIGx0-fufkXiOXPf_Yjv8jLnCxWn8EAhS9Fg-nHXi_fAhfwPltv09WopWFqOvSQSFel2Xxo5NcBGEZnf08PMS2lR6875_I_8yKCy4tBQt6uNFPbIiX1HmRfoGxkIe/s1600-h/IMGP3328.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399110324657245682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aaIec76nKKMIhVOsIGx0-fufkXiOXPf_Yjv8jLnCxWn8EAhS9Fg-nHXi_fAhfwPltv09WopWFqOvSQSFel2Xxo5NcBGEZnf08PMS2lR6875_I_8yKCy4tBQt6uNFPbIiX1HmRfoGxkIe/s400/IMGP3328.JPG" border="0" /></a> Produce market. Doesn't everything look so appetizing?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uP3YnYIpqHvDA8VisCg3lJ4dER9Z-KauJS5dFr-JC-dQSyEe_JoXplJNg1jPprnHh5T_wjzny6aUC-X6FB1iE8bq6kz23j2Xs00CPjZRPEIxRjDXGaQirkGok0DhO2aOiI-vBGRXulUG/s1600-h/IMGP3322.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399110320749814914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uP3YnYIpqHvDA8VisCg3lJ4dER9Z-KauJS5dFr-JC-dQSyEe_JoXplJNg1jPprnHh5T_wjzny6aUC-X6FB1iE8bq6kz23j2Xs00CPjZRPEIxRjDXGaQirkGok0DhO2aOiI-vBGRXulUG/s400/IMGP3322.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Don't ya love the helicopter landing pad?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbr6oyeV7C4glHsi-ZxrQ0VhLlNHDumVeyaDJhi71mRZP_3KvLYfjE1656Fc_lN7mY0JIZ57xafWZjk-ajLNFQLCJII2FTXxPoo_e309EYqOmgb5aYXMDt1Pd8B4hNAEWPTFF5hwekdEc/s1600-h/IMGP3320.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399110313146465986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbr6oyeV7C4glHsi-ZxrQ0VhLlNHDumVeyaDJhi71mRZP_3KvLYfjE1656Fc_lN7mY0JIZ57xafWZjk-ajLNFQLCJII2FTXxPoo_e309EYqOmgb5aYXMDt1Pd8B4hNAEWPTFF5hwekdEc/s400/IMGP3320.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A typical view<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYptxSXaMaCMp7wmg_S3lXCCScMtsx62awq8J_Uie0ReG4XvgVKd1QRKa20zbmdtTLuK4OiBM1xpRuUc3qYWzRHHaRtcEohhJIvss_jzUiiPh8NV5e2xa3rP2C5bYIx-K8hOlm_ae8CRZ/s1600-h/IMGP3318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399110306936024338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYptxSXaMaCMp7wmg_S3lXCCScMtsx62awq8J_Uie0ReG4XvgVKd1QRKa20zbmdtTLuK4OiBM1xpRuUc3qYWzRHHaRtcEohhJIvss_jzUiiPh8NV5e2xa3rP2C5bYIx-K8hOlm_ae8CRZ/s400/IMGP3318.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The ship way in the background. I did my share of walking today!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINl60pf8ZlH5hxZ7niREHftPDGOQ2BlqL_TDltkHqMiLTCwcSVL5_EJd0vMuOtiiwXOuq3v1UNtD1m07l1Sd4N7GilvgFRYMWUeCOnMFVaTJnjnL_xfZ2OdRNUhytNLZqZzMCfDvoeHj9/s1600-h/IMGP3339.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399109559295248034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINl60pf8ZlH5hxZ7niREHftPDGOQ2BlqL_TDltkHqMiLTCwcSVL5_EJd0vMuOtiiwXOuq3v1UNtD1m07l1Sd4N7GilvgFRYMWUeCOnMFVaTJnjnL_xfZ2OdRNUhytNLZqZzMCfDvoeHj9/s400/IMGP3339.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nice beach here at the 'Breakers'<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScwyKfD7z1Y6WUc8ZijAWCGOkDBS5gydmZC6m9EC41CQaMblS8Dde3m2Fta-CFyJnEHea5hsEB4SI4z2cqKspssnuunwLExHgBAYOHfMZqzHdJ7m_DeMA00vPTjl6flnplw9kBDlG690_/s1600-h/IMGP3336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399109553178065970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScwyKfD7z1Y6WUc8ZijAWCGOkDBS5gydmZC6m9EC41CQaMblS8Dde3m2Fta-CFyJnEHea5hsEB4SI4z2cqKspssnuunwLExHgBAYOHfMZqzHdJ7m_DeMA00vPTjl6flnplw9kBDlG690_/s400/IMGP3336.JPG" border="0" /></a>LOVE the villas, TK is making hersel comfortable on the chaise lounge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5zi3P9OVEkc41Wk6gIRzpe_l-EeydAAn0AU-TIsiVnNAE0AwGsp2aua8BdwaAqsEw2vLmsJ2IuRkUsKJK-pN1SHoII1uuXjK3meQHPw_HnRBheSCscd9QDSjmXAiBBA58B19dRDtG8JG/s1600-h/IMGP3333.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399109544359820050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5zi3P9OVEkc41Wk6gIRzpe_l-EeydAAn0AU-TIsiVnNAE0AwGsp2aua8BdwaAqsEw2vLmsJ2IuRkUsKJK-pN1SHoII1uuXjK3meQHPw_HnRBheSCscd9QDSjmXAiBBA58B19dRDtG8JG/s400/IMGP3333.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We could get used to this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5wujooZ9pgZfY039A6kq7YKDgeH6Kvstx8rb7ddt54w1cX6TWeMt8YlkMSsYl4qJuGXtUpicSPXXzJeyG56P1R-3tYT2w1kAUSbqKjtxJEJvSEd_Bc9wh-a5QndZE3AERzC5PHgwReyD/s1600-h/IMGP3331.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399109539519174770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5wujooZ9pgZfY039A6kq7YKDgeH6Kvstx8rb7ddt54w1cX6TWeMt8YlkMSsYl4qJuGXtUpicSPXXzJeyG56P1R-3tYT2w1kAUSbqKjtxJEJvSEd_Bc9wh-a5QndZE3AERzC5PHgwReyD/s400/IMGP3331.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />More from the market.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L0cI168f-eyyKjrLMdqlrjceCzD-ubvkphPDNLPnvHIPXaRK2w0bK4CqoDERy4ExZL_u2FvJrYbzRzxa71oGXjaAEnwh_ODtASvgXn1kqMU9rUE2nzGXy4D3YDi5lkzGfq_JraZyaglb/s1600-h/IMGP3330.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399109530809969426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3L0cI168f-eyyKjrLMdqlrjceCzD-ubvkphPDNLPnvHIPXaRK2w0bK4CqoDERy4ExZL_u2FvJrYbzRzxa71oGXjaAEnwh_ODtASvgXn1kqMU9rUE2nzGXy4D3YDi5lkzGfq_JraZyaglb/s400/IMGP3330.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And MORE.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwatZ_k6Ehp2h7kJ5-reVAYqgbFQHymcB-uzB2YhJEnt1GiNJ14LXI30SkbmhTS_WSg14mW4jr2j6hIOSGHEfv_0Y46QC5vOfKBUPzxQBKhSXOlf8YT17OoONnAxSWAsvbaO51mem6juA/s1600-h/ptvila+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398751433070417202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwatZ_k6Ehp2h7kJ5-reVAYqgbFQHymcB-uzB2YhJEnt1GiNJ14LXI30SkbmhTS_WSg14mW4jr2j6hIOSGHEfv_0Y46QC5vOfKBUPzxQBKhSXOlf8YT17OoONnAxSWAsvbaO51mem6juA/s400/ptvila+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> Scott, the IT Officer from the ship was glad to have a wahine to nap with on a hammock...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGzBV4hZ0q56_Da0rX9fCSuovd_4Dpe-rMATrmtx8zaRhnRXQYoDRJinQdigy8GHZP9-PLlQTNCMyNA9C9RXbKo-dX5hNFnTN9S5ef9mo4umLnHRoMykK0tIln_KH7Kz3ijV5vYswT-SB/s1600-h/ptvila+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398750297534403010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGzBV4hZ0q56_Da0rX9fCSuovd_4Dpe-rMATrmtx8zaRhnRXQYoDRJinQdigy8GHZP9-PLlQTNCMyNA9C9RXbKo-dX5hNFnTN9S5ef9mo4umLnHRoMykK0tIln_KH7Kz3ijV5vYswT-SB/s400/ptvila+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />such WHITE sand<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgtVkeut8LZAml6diJnLFmRsECxfZPtyIdbw0zKqO5rjzINdkLPhyo_Gk6tVvsbJG7psLD9QU88Vl4YzrAcZdTZjeexAAvLBSVRiDb00BrpazzB3cxkY6TrfcRHhVpDsE08fkXcaFLpCW/s1600-h/ptvila+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398749513931211778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgtVkeut8LZAml6diJnLFmRsECxfZPtyIdbw0zKqO5rjzINdkLPhyo_Gk6tVvsbJG7psLD9QU88Vl4YzrAcZdTZjeexAAvLBSVRiDb00BrpazzB3cxkY6TrfcRHhVpDsE08fkXcaFLpCW/s400/ptvila+034.jpg" border="0" /></a> cool tree, photo taken out of the car window as we drove by. hang on to your hats (and hair!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubpt2bYb6GIhDUmrSbqxhBjnHi4EFR7KSI1cK6fCTU-HaxtnHhhcQ0SvI3pdfo27RDY7fFjYtpGYjf0MfmmmopmzypasNlSqlee2kmm387jMkk-WxdPFLJ1zmcC6uV5ht7z8xXvnJ-2T/s1600-h/ptvila+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398749512455098866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubpt2bYb6GIhDUmrSbqxhBjnHi4EFR7KSI1cK6fCTU-HaxtnHhhcQ0SvI3pdfo27RDY7fFjYtpGYjf0MfmmmopmzypasNlSqlee2kmm387jMkk-WxdPFLJ1zmcC6uV5ht7z8xXvnJ-2T/s400/ptvila+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />cute beach huts in the background<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax34rdUxUnlILzuiy6r6XFd6ixa0ExWssHh1r2mKM0VVvfRyTTkd26tJk-kFMHAFKowL6SOafJMt6zzEdY5m-tV2GMaj0Zpp4H1LArJln8HiPa-4F2GgCYW5hJbIkDaMPHczPECh99GP9/s1600-h/ptvila+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398747922653030258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax34rdUxUnlILzuiy6r6XFd6ixa0ExWssHh1r2mKM0VVvfRyTTkd26tJk-kFMHAFKowL6SOafJMt6zzEdY5m-tV2GMaj0Zpp4H1LArJln8HiPa-4F2GgCYW5hJbIkDaMPHczPECh99GP9/s400/ptvila+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />local band playing outside the wharf gates - my ears were working perfectly at this point!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifikF7LOZgm2p77UWznbeO_GbM_L7v2rXp6vTBKuKoD_ideuCw0rHt6AzTMfcsr5JkVVTx0ysYAUQbamiM2t2BHRGQzI7rW5m_va3O2aoSyCt6anH10KcNhe08GJCCWJbyCNiLCKSF0PqY/s1600-h/ptvila+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398744309491377202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifikF7LOZgm2p77UWznbeO_GbM_L7v2rXp6vTBKuKoD_ideuCw0rHt6AzTMfcsr5JkVVTx0ysYAUQbamiM2t2BHRGQzI7rW5m_va3O2aoSyCt6anH10KcNhe08GJCCWJbyCNiLCKSF0PqY/s400/ptvila+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />one of the islands we are passing by<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqQlK0NW-JHNRGM3Aa6zEFIuZF2asmGXnubSxSJb83lMEZ101ffsTFxLYl1CAJMRrgblRK1ppmRcLXFsclnRLnvvyWVyrC7Ic0YAqueCjhS2e-0dlghG-dT84sR7D5YLYZzs2dfVDOs2p/s1600-h/ptvila+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398741567726742434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqQlK0NW-JHNRGM3Aa6zEFIuZF2asmGXnubSxSJb83lMEZ101ffsTFxLYl1CAJMRrgblRK1ppmRcLXFsclnRLnvvyWVyrC7Ic0YAqueCjhS2e-0dlghG-dT84sR7D5YLYZzs2dfVDOs2p/s400/ptvila+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />this is the 'sail away', passengers on the deck as we pull away from the dock.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUS5bTNI9cDa_HBjI6DQ_g7KasdjiPuZdGvrCYrUUAp2ad0ssxZodzn_YeNaYbL2LTvIXYDbTdawv8vH9HASMQq7rAnQrgjZTY5v2E7UK5-gDBkExHZGzcHweH-E0HoPsBqmqJUKB-vaa/s1600-h/ptvila+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398738517799046098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUS5bTNI9cDa_HBjI6DQ_g7KasdjiPuZdGvrCYrUUAp2ad0ssxZodzn_YeNaYbL2LTvIXYDbTdawv8vH9HASMQq7rAnQrgjZTY5v2E7UK5-gDBkExHZGzcHweH-E0HoPsBqmqJUKB-vaa/s400/ptvila+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />breezy now, passing by an island with it's own version on 'flower pots'.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBmoYG79opFy4pGleWpumdZRRuQZfJPBtWOtA8aoyGIGGNbR5EaGCtMUs0xJ_chIOvP0R7htV5DgevgmPnGtbhAV1hsM1XOzhqwWnQmQ_GgzLpOUatfiNG2FSdTcrVTkJdsWsxDwCJuto/s1600-h/ptvila+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398738509291543394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBmoYG79opFy4pGleWpumdZRRuQZfJPBtWOtA8aoyGIGGNbR5EaGCtMUs0xJ_chIOvP0R7htV5DgevgmPnGtbhAV1hsM1XOzhqwWnQmQ_GgzLpOUatfiNG2FSdTcrVTkJdsWsxDwCJuto/s400/ptvila+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />hopefully I can come back to Vanuatu Lucky me. I am back at a port I had the opportunity to visit nine years ago - Port Vila, Vanuatu. The islands of Vanuatu consist of 83 volcanic islands. There is even an active volcano on another island. Efate, the island where Port Vila is located is about twenty by fifteen miles and is lushly covered in plant life, with waterfalls -as are most islands in the group. </div><div>I had been able to to see the 'downtown' area of Port Vila last time, but spent most of my day on a snorkeling trip (which was awesome, by the way!). This time I ventured toward town (we were docked about two and a half miles from the city center). I decided I could use the exercise and hoofed it, taking notice of the scenery along the way. First thing I notice, and I hate to say it, is trash. Garbage. Litter. Rubbish. Seriously, these guys need to start a litterbug campaign! It is so sad to me that this beautiful island would have so much litter strewn about. </div><div>I tried to look beyond it, to the darling little islands that were just across the way. The water that was colored so many hues of blue. The yachts bobbing in the harbors. It was quite a picturesque little port town.I did a little shopping, took a few photos and walked quite a ways. I took a few pictures showing our ship in the background. </div><div>I also had to take some 'local' pictures of some signs that had things written in 'Bislama' the local language that is basically 'pigeon'. In the billboard advertising the cell phone plan, 'fri' is actually 'free' and 'tok' is 'talk'. Some of the words you can figure out, but others aren't so easy. The sign in the shop made me laugh, so I thought I would share! </div><div>I liked the front of the Post Office, too.</div><div>It seems like yachties like Port Vila (I can see why) and I saw the most awesome catamaran I had ever seen, so I took a picture to share with you. I also thought the little pontoon with the helicopter parked on it was kinda cool, so I thought I would share that photo too. Thanks for indulging me!</div><div>s a recurring theme, there was also a produce market. The goods looked appetizing and cheap!When I got back to the ship, I dropped off my wares and thought I may try to find some willing souls to hop in a cab with me and go do a waterfall hike. I couldn't find anyone willing to go (I mean really, we're talking mostly septugenarians and octonegerians here), so I opted for a cheaper afternoon, going to the beach. The taxi driver took me to a resort called 'Breakers Beach' and promised to pick me up in three hours (when I would pay him for the round trip). </div><div>It was a beautiful location. Little thatch-roofed bungalows and cottages set on a white sand beach, palm trees and hammocks....ah, paradise found! A lot of Australians frequent Vanuatu since it's only a three hour flight for them. (Many of the yachts were sailed by Aussies as well). The place was pretty quiet, but I did notice a guy who happened to have a towel like mine - one of the type they give us from the ship. I started talking to him and found out he was the IT officer - one of the few American crew members. He took a liking to Tiny Kona and invited her for a nap on the hammock. </div><div>TK and I took a little stroll near the beach cottages, where she posed on one of the chaise lounges. It ended up being a relaxing afternoon and my cab driver was there when it was time to head back to the ship.The short drive back to the ship took us by so many colors of green, little houses scattered around and a really cool banyan tree.</div><div>Right before I went into the dock area, there was a local bunch of guys playing some music for us. (There were also a number of vendors under tarps and canopies, mostly selling the same 'stuff'.) I went up on deck to watch the ship go out of the harbor area. I knew I would want to take lots of pictures because there were so many islands we would be passing. I decided to go way up to the tip top of the ship. I had a book I was reading, so was getting some reading time in before the ship set sail. Here's where the craziness begins... I guess the captain wants to let everyone know that departure is iminent, so he blows the ship's horn (a few times).</div><div> Let's just say that I can't hear out of my left ear any more. Seriously! I think they need to give us some kind of warning. It scared the crap out of me, which wasn't fun. But the fact that I am now half deaf really sucks. I think I'm gonna have to learn sign language now...</div><div>Enjoy the departure pictures. I think there are some awesome vistas we passed.</div><div> </div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUSIM of the Day...what? speak up - I can't hear you!</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-31984020872907403712009-10-31T00:23:00.000-07:002009-10-31T00:37:42.591-07:00Meet the tablemates...Then say GOODBYE!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz91Hxbq0Tp1dKFzuHoZazK1k7n2YGtxBQ_nhqzukWVbntMimQZK_rdP2rr-kEu3TQN072q36T81ohrYnAes3bQGvQmQGCRfOGYmPEkXd-wgjtiKRRU9pHw40XPs-iq4FKrIk0OA9Xl3S/s1600-h/extrastuff+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398663333891011922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz91Hxbq0Tp1dKFzuHoZazK1k7n2YGtxBQ_nhqzukWVbntMimQZK_rdP2rr-kEu3TQN072q36T81ohrYnAes3bQGvQmQGCRfOGYmPEkXd-wgjtiKRRU9pHw40XPs-iq4FKrIk0OA9Xl3S/s400/extrastuff+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is MaryAnn and Jim. They have been our very fun tablemates since the beginning of the cruise. The sad news is, they are getting off the ship in Sydney. And the really sad news (at least for them), is that it's cold back home in Michigan! </div><br /><div>They only planned for half the cruise since they have a new grandbaby and numerous grandkid's birthdays coming up. We are going to miss their pleasant faces and quick wit! </div><div> </div><div>One fun thing we had going was calling Jim, 'James Bond'. Of course, he IS James, but the connection was, their suite number was 007 - hence, Bond, James Bon was sitting at our table!</div><div> </div><div>He wore a tuxedo every night and we called MaryAnn Mrs. Moneypenny. Ya shoulda been there! (he really didn't wear his tux EVERY night)</div><div> </div><div>Aloha from all of us (Tiny Kona included - and she's wiping a tear away as I type...)</div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-13054100789738870462009-10-28T21:46:00.001-07:002009-10-30T07:16:39.989-07:00FIJI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7jFUxYE2XCVtXsKmKVV789sJ2WG3TmZKpood0j63LMrpcr6xSln2TYa-XsPfLS3e77lKxSs1ACzU78CHvVVuv5jEUWZ4Po5EwzX3V1G7adndkXth-nifopl8PPU1m1l8YAUHeKFv-iUJ/s1600-h/fiji+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397887678491030450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7jFUxYE2XCVtXsKmKVV789sJ2WG3TmZKpood0j63LMrpcr6xSln2TYa-XsPfLS3e77lKxSs1ACzU78CHvVVuv5jEUWZ4Po5EwzX3V1G7adndkXth-nifopl8PPU1m1l8YAUHeKFv-iUJ/s400/fiji+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />shoe store<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC54tbg-2RfOOxQMpOCSWHoeIbetDkBdevC-McCg-G5AnuLfGU9xqth0XYqxZJXmw_FA6v9ZvzJ9JYZ44A-EBLlxhdPl6fW3uV29EfxEEQu5dwYXe5iBG3ssVOrBAj3sXG24KvBVn8CgO_/s1600-h/fiji+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397887670524055602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC54tbg-2RfOOxQMpOCSWHoeIbetDkBdevC-McCg-G5AnuLfGU9xqth0XYqxZJXmw_FA6v9ZvzJ9JYZ44A-EBLlxhdPl6fW3uV29EfxEEQu5dwYXe5iBG3ssVOrBAj3sXG24KvBVn8CgO_/s400/fiji+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fijian weavers<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUg20dmYv67MkKeoPguPa18It0g0Zv6p0W-saIZk9EcErgvgn9VjPQDvH66opV2Sd7D_ckz3Z6ykDjGNA5ub9wwYQOdTDOJf9xa0cQ11mvFTCJwKQiWlMG_8LEk4xQXTy3u6kinrTcTDq/s1600-h/fiji+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397887660523993826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUg20dmYv67MkKeoPguPa18It0g0Zv6p0W-saIZk9EcErgvgn9VjPQDvH66opV2Sd7D_ckz3Z6ykDjGNA5ub9wwYQOdTDOJf9xa0cQ11mvFTCJwKQiWlMG_8LEk4xQXTy3u6kinrTcTDq/s400/fiji+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Christine (doesn't that name seem odd for this lady?)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FJ_Oi6ux2hZhpgxhpfwDNIAa6LK0bkTbkSy_vMx_4Y0uLxBYTv_RIb1WjuENp4rFeK03hSMbsa-mzxrOBk1DLib5wixRo9FjRa3b2cH9Syy_zW6fK6XGsyIkiFKt38AI3t1pWNws8D_q/s1600-h/fiji+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397887652082854434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FJ_Oi6ux2hZhpgxhpfwDNIAa6LK0bkTbkSy_vMx_4Y0uLxBYTv_RIb1WjuENp4rFeK03hSMbsa-mzxrOBk1DLib5wixRo9FjRa3b2cH9Syy_zW6fK6XGsyIkiFKt38AI3t1pWNws8D_q/s400/fiji+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> busy street<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk6ff3drAvg32YEQodT1tfiRf91rfuvuOE0YcQIosSXD53HgZbm54vD1kAoWCR8zfz2YC03F7wuX-WF658UJ5mMo4ndlzfkIqJ6KjgGEH2oPduLFAndIvPeVGsRyixaqkclX8QIBljJ_5/s1600-h/fiji+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397887642066488178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk6ff3drAvg32YEQodT1tfiRf91rfuvuOE0YcQIosSXD53HgZbm54vD1kAoWCR8zfz2YC03F7wuX-WF658UJ5mMo4ndlzfkIqJ6KjgGEH2oPduLFAndIvPeVGsRyixaqkclX8QIBljJ_5/s400/fiji+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />government building<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF332CvO_zL0cQqz8iXM6YOff1I9f2cyy8BoKSXXdyAD-o58S3uWIZXi2TsXgYw40YRZYKscsu3YZoqLXcIOFgGFoUacDfklfbvytkW1gyOomJ9UHbchO9p_UIEawxIygJallS-DeUDGUT/s1600-h/fiji+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397886335015937346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF332CvO_zL0cQqz8iXM6YOff1I9f2cyy8BoKSXXdyAD-o58S3uWIZXi2TsXgYw40YRZYKscsu3YZoqLXcIOFgGFoUacDfklfbvytkW1gyOomJ9UHbchO9p_UIEawxIygJallS-DeUDGUT/s400/fiji+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />rugby dudes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-a7_j8m7lWj-MT6BRYkewL5ffrqlHfgXEfS_eNzdQ3bcBFmzk6nPvAfdHfELZh-l10VV1QvZnOSBI-GWHgT9h83Y5zczrICzxcfzvcytPxFu4bJCizOoiROQazPa7NshxUzynL1mOAdV/s1600-h/fiji+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397886323928660610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-a7_j8m7lWj-MT6BRYkewL5ffrqlHfgXEfS_eNzdQ3bcBFmzk6nPvAfdHfELZh-l10VV1QvZnOSBI-GWHgT9h83Y5zczrICzxcfzvcytPxFu4bJCizOoiROQazPa7NshxUzynL1mOAdV/s400/fiji+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />big ben?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEzCXFPxuM2DSqzpzyn7Q7eppHzUt3JDWVb9O7jaNdsgMXRX7kPkImp1nIY9OFScOQL8AEmjR6cqhhfAEyAA0U5HoUHQ5MRPdKLgvRPFOw4tdwnvxY4zMHAMzGN0yF14HFT4d0re-o9IC/s1600-h/fiji+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397886317879278610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEzCXFPxuM2DSqzpzyn7Q7eppHzUt3JDWVb9O7jaNdsgMXRX7kPkImp1nIY9OFScOQL8AEmjR6cqhhfAEyAA0U5HoUHQ5MRPdKLgvRPFOw4tdwnvxY4zMHAMzGN0yF14HFT4d0re-o9IC/s400/fiji+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />bus with roll-up shades<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc4OINUB4L7XZ0W_DFolcz2jlPjCQd79PYFHn7bCs38qiMFR8B2ZPV4-siXacUZBDM8rLLvO57jafdBAkxWkgFZAESLiZ83lwl8mZGAMSpYUjtmzIpeYhBn7Tayk4ic7HbBWl4hdYkB1G/s1600-h/fiji+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397886310840642450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc4OINUB4L7XZ0W_DFolcz2jlPjCQd79PYFHn7bCs38qiMFR8B2ZPV4-siXacUZBDM8rLLvO57jafdBAkxWkgFZAESLiZ83lwl8mZGAMSpYUjtmzIpeYhBn7Tayk4ic7HbBWl4hdYkB1G/s400/fiji+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />tropical gardens<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0FQPs9OXY56-Vw746i8nK2PzOuPapcx_2vEs8l0IA161dguoH2XeDf2oDI-4Yt49WKW6C-IpxXL-2ockE1KFcUxilsIrb-QQ86GVkZliyROiGUl_XFnh6vP_NDh9Go98qzjXdjZE2wJ2/s1600-h/fiji+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397886305358883202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0FQPs9OXY56-Vw746i8nK2PzOuPapcx_2vEs8l0IA161dguoH2XeDf2oDI-4Yt49WKW6C-IpxXL-2ockE1KFcUxilsIrb-QQ86GVkZliyROiGUl_XFnh6vP_NDh9Go98qzjXdjZE2wJ2/s400/fiji+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />cool tree<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0laQlVyFrClKnatZq1ib-vKSuWz9ebr84dKJ_qtAM4ZjK16rIXj9jVavcjiCGG9eYRXPW9y0EBpTlfBELA7N8vIciROqGtPFaqgIwqq24qedh1eST9DB3Jf5vFgMr3ZGdnf6jWIvybkCa/s1600-h/fiji+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397884847316081618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0laQlVyFrClKnatZq1ib-vKSuWz9ebr84dKJ_qtAM4ZjK16rIXj9jVavcjiCGG9eYRXPW9y0EBpTlfBELA7N8vIciROqGtPFaqgIwqq24qedh1eST9DB3Jf5vFgMr3ZGdnf6jWIvybkCa/s400/fiji+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />the rudder from the Bounty<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqZGA-erGjONG7qOHsj5nwOSWIVZYBXrSWkZ9LYK2Mn4iNnC7sp5kF1AKqrkJu-6tlNvVMUw8A9c2X6ZN_shVRErna1SCa7pwxI4EMGMSwh4wEk4VOxi53iAsF3XLG7n1AsRp9_MjPbV-/s1600-h/fiji+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397884843598587506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqZGA-erGjONG7qOHsj5nwOSWIVZYBXrSWkZ9LYK2Mn4iNnC7sp5kF1AKqrkJu-6tlNvVMUw8A9c2X6ZN_shVRErna1SCa7pwxI4EMGMSwh4wEk4VOxi53iAsF3XLG7n1AsRp9_MjPbV-/s400/fiji+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />see? I wasn't making that up!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBeY5LEWuGWg7qxYYsNNMyxT5Q4yVNYY8O1DIrX8pJqCnn9OhQrbq-eeuFNMiDI5zTNjyXcJcyQOXEgPgRviYRSCNwq2waZO1ZcwB0mM0yLU_S347CrOCHpttMc_OumQZI2mM_oIiLfjP/s1600-h/fiji+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397884852998723810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBeY5LEWuGWg7qxYYsNNMyxT5Q4yVNYY8O1DIrX8pJqCnn9OhQrbq-eeuFNMiDI5zTNjyXcJcyQOXEgPgRviYRSCNwq2waZO1ZcwB0mM0yLU_S347CrOCHpttMc_OumQZI2mM_oIiLfjP/s400/fiji+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Photo in the background is Fletcher Christian and other mutineers sending Capt. Bligh (in his jammies/undies) along with his cronies, off in their launch. Both sides of the story are truly amazing!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYzrvqTnScslw-DQ2pvah272ZiUq3O8HGbvI7pDRPlgnfqhVnyixRM-20EBKdqof3EKVz7Ps8lJabLEwaLhQcVEYXJCN_70eQgoUuFG_QCOaLTjr4GBSTIWgc87TaIydoiXKRptkhrZXH/s1600-h/fiji+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397883931777438066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYzrvqTnScslw-DQ2pvah272ZiUq3O8HGbvI7pDRPlgnfqhVnyixRM-20EBKdqof3EKVz7Ps8lJabLEwaLhQcVEYXJCN_70eQgoUuFG_QCOaLTjr4GBSTIWgc87TaIydoiXKRptkhrZXH/s400/fiji+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />river canoe that delivers goods<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNBpiCn23IgKlDLzyBufchkBDEFSfBA3Ov8a1hapfmNqL9eeGrTcCGQOTUbmhJMS6aFpY8orJT5xrfb2X8oxsx1mSOPH7eiPH2DPW8P98rcV2UYMFpwhoSP9Nq6Qwr35R0fP6E9MDKmZj/s1600-h/fiji+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397883950509675346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNBpiCn23IgKlDLzyBufchkBDEFSfBA3Ov8a1hapfmNqL9eeGrTcCGQOTUbmhJMS6aFpY8orJT5xrfb2X8oxsx1mSOPH7eiPH2DPW8P98rcV2UYMFpwhoSP9Nq6Qwr35R0fP6E9MDKmZj/s400/fiji+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />some BIG oars<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bnwcWZDFdA3HRiSfsOSDYZ809acYE8kNg8v6TzFnUL_-0QyacuL3jJuDiRgUSIwoUpOin025P4JluTQCGkteBnV7Kf1AAiTwLUZ4iJS37Dn318qhq_4924o03IGfrhMQTMI1klqQ-zp1/s1600-h/fiji+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397883939648410642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bnwcWZDFdA3HRiSfsOSDYZ809acYE8kNg8v6TzFnUL_-0QyacuL3jJuDiRgUSIwoUpOin025P4JluTQCGkteBnV7Kf1AAiTwLUZ4iJS37Dn318qhq_4924o03IGfrhMQTMI1klqQ-zp1/s400/fiji+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />three different outrigger canoes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphVxEJtS6DEYnNp1dJ72yQxR1YaY-bSpPKUwS5sMuk_V2UWZfk1j4fiayFd8lPrCXOKiYn-dGtOwh_H2mFuvc0INwyUq_Uh6nRYzspBTli_0qCqkrYFialCHoZZImBgdZXltKFmzYp0Xw/s1600-h/fiji+031.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xzLvFVJLGQhHquRrHuQvxIALESHUa1bdMLWC56ZjPh5JWsuJQRr0FR5vgDuy9pJ_9HwFTpbhIeaBhwOurkcPD4vS2v3JYAE5t0XlwSOShB1XjRzInRcsVuz_VyoVPEH3js6ECNfsIjCn/s1600-h/fiji+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397883919002956690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xzLvFVJLGQhHquRrHuQvxIALESHUa1bdMLWC56ZjPh5JWsuJQRr0FR5vgDuy9pJ_9HwFTpbhIeaBhwOurkcPD4vS2v3JYAE5t0XlwSOShB1XjRzInRcsVuz_VyoVPEH3js6ECNfsIjCn/s400/fiji+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />some crazy carved SOMETHINGS<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTawjxSc8drcKfJONBdsUX4BHHxzLdKA_0b_dQaSGW5bRiLhojjbHDGyQh6yEo79sXFavWphVJ0oLpUPuL3ON18s5kCg8nWQLaKkXQLtDHCuK5XmqFKNRfS7Fdf22Ko1HxNIYaNJfFmxdj/s1600-h/fiji+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397882098479542546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTawjxSc8drcKfJONBdsUX4BHHxzLdKA_0b_dQaSGW5bRiLhojjbHDGyQh6yEo79sXFavWphVJ0oLpUPuL3ON18s5kCg8nWQLaKkXQLtDHCuK5XmqFKNRfS7Fdf22Ko1HxNIYaNJfFmxdj/s400/fiji+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAX3x8HNpYEvqbPO5tu7SwEZlRQ-c8HlYzUJOC1GWM2N5eYGTDtK1-JHeMazdpPv-NV8tA2Hu1NFQFcMkXGlC-pXjn88TC7LkJDf3ySB-nHDlRJYZ6_HPcdBRRZKgfqWLNZnU6YLETMwz/s1600-h/fiji+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397882096119189522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAX3x8HNpYEvqbPO5tu7SwEZlRQ-c8HlYzUJOC1GWM2N5eYGTDtK1-JHeMazdpPv-NV8tA2Hu1NFQFcMkXGlC-pXjn88TC7LkJDf3ySB-nHDlRJYZ6_HPcdBRRZKgfqWLNZnU6YLETMwz/s400/fiji+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />a plethora of pineapples<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6BQBA_2I8u7r9qGZ1TkoewWMjkTGFaQsbq7BITcDTRCUO3FBhtDfjYQY0Yhzj1afUelAi-NfbqObOQIw1O8cpNZ_mQ0UrToNbQjMwr4V_QR4OWwKc7Jl5-0hOlrcIKJ68lW1gI5bQoDX/s1600-h/fiji+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397882083864905090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6BQBA_2I8u7r9qGZ1TkoewWMjkTGFaQsbq7BITcDTRCUO3FBhtDfjYQY0Yhzj1afUelAi-NfbqObOQIw1O8cpNZ_mQ0UrToNbQjMwr4V_QR4OWwKc7Jl5-0hOlrcIKJ68lW1gI5bQoDX/s400/fiji+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />wow! look at all the bright colors!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIfH3-v5k9cIieyzsnP0cXBSY44zmaYUruKYI7kM2L3P-HU8AG4gYNGW5BOXCwxXPp8uZ0KKw8pHKTr8-Si1SfL0RNfXwAfKATnBT0qYKbxlkahnPZ4kcW8ePOmtcbuwSY5J6NLBfKC3-/s1600-h/fiji+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397882077368547890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIfH3-v5k9cIieyzsnP0cXBSY44zmaYUruKYI7kM2L3P-HU8AG4gYNGW5BOXCwxXPp8uZ0KKw8pHKTr8-Si1SfL0RNfXwAfKATnBT0qYKbxlkahnPZ4kcW8ePOmtcbuwSY5J6NLBfKC3-/s400/fiji+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />this guy was way better than the taxi drivers I met<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWZr1UvlwJK2Up-RmsDI93VFoFyrk1KL2s3sKjPu_AnXs9ZvHviAlZdLRJ5S7_ZVkPsRL1Ye1zuf23id5Wy3PRIupqjdxgpwdJ39IWMGIXJ9JbRuOzSSJtzF5GumBH9xmYmql4YykRgU9/s1600-h/fiji+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397880091422673874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWZr1UvlwJK2Up-RmsDI93VFoFyrk1KL2s3sKjPu_AnXs9ZvHviAlZdLRJ5S7_ZVkPsRL1Ye1zuf23id5Wy3PRIupqjdxgpwdJ39IWMGIXJ9JbRuOzSSJtzF5GumBH9xmYmql4YykRgU9/s400/fiji+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />thatch roofed hut in front of the port of Suva building, I think it's just for show...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyYYQc_zjH-IMqIueUEJoe0_9vqzBzJX18IsRCxbKwKLjPr0jG4RnJ1h7eYv_1dOi_zLAWvkHJZ4z-oGasYTEk-3jTwg98r8EOXxiMK9869RX1drz1SRSUE_a0akNGD1_bSwF7JOBsevg/s1600-h/fiji+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397880080136623154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyYYQc_zjH-IMqIueUEJoe0_9vqzBzJX18IsRCxbKwKLjPr0jG4RnJ1h7eYv_1dOi_zLAWvkHJZ4z-oGasYTEk-3jTwg98r8EOXxiMK9869RX1drz1SRSUE_a0akNGD1_bSwF7JOBsevg/s400/fiji+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />listening to the police band<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa4nlEFccKDeEw5zQ0AXw0nb3eag1qO4vc1_n_lOwcvA_tguGX3TeOksmyqyAcY2qmulSdxGXgi1uBFcC42qahoVlFaqDCXRm6NAz57OoRgVuQ8IjwY_DfH-AdWnYwljMX_g8KAMBTqpg/s1600-h/fiji+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397880073585523042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa4nlEFccKDeEw5zQ0AXw0nb3eag1qO4vc1_n_lOwcvA_tguGX3TeOksmyqyAcY2qmulSdxGXgi1uBFcC42qahoVlFaqDCXRm6NAz57OoRgVuQ8IjwY_DfH-AdWnYwljMX_g8KAMBTqpg/s400/fiji+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />these cops like TK, she likes the skirt uniforms<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The image I have in my mind of Fiji happens to be one of far flung islands with white sand beaches surrounded by the best didving anywhere. I really hoped to see this part of Fiji, but since I was going to be docked in the big port city of Suva, I knew I better put that out of my mind. Instead, I decided I would concentrate on historical stuff and the feel of the city.</div><div>A little bit of background (I will skirt around the cannibalism issue) on the islands. First of all, there is a large population of Indians (as in people from India) living in Fiji. As a matter of fact, the comprise more than half of the population. They were brought to the islands years ago to help with the sugar cane plantations. I don't blame them for wanting to stay. </div><div>Poor Fiji, though. They've had their share of cultural and governmental problems. Things seemed okay, but I got a bad 'vibe' from these Indians. I'm sure most of them are generations removed from their actual heritage, but the demeanor between the Indians and the indiginous Fijians was quite noticable. </div><div>Let me 'splain...I had already decided I was going to take a walking tour of Suva, with the help of my trusty 'Frommers' guidebook. There was a map and descriptions and it was all very accessable from the ship. I was by myself (mom having been sick for DAYS at this point and hanging out in the cabin) and I was wearing my walking shoes. </div><div>I, of course, expected the usual peddlers, taxi drivers, ect, however, considering that this is an English speaking country, no one really knew the meaning of the word 'NO'. I must have been asked no less than three hundred times if I wanted a taxi. There was even one guy who drove by me and pulled over to ask if I wanted a taxi (he was actually going in the opposite direction), my reply being a firm,'no, thank you'. Then the guy turns around and pulls up beside me and asks me AGAIN. I give the same response. After the FOURTH time, I guess he finally learned what the word 'no' meant. I have to say it was quite annoying. </div><div>As I breezed into some of the handicraft marketplaces, I found the shopkeepers were pretty much the same. Many of them had carved stuff I have no interest in even LOOKING at, but man, they were SO pushy! </div><div>There were some Fijians, and I tended to gravitate toward their booths. They were nicer and I even had some of the ladies pose for a picture with Tiny Kona. They were busy weaving something...I did enjoy the tapa cloth that was dispayed everywhere, and some of the kava bowls were cool. By the way, I didn't try kava - and neither did TK. </div><div>After walking past the governemnt buildings and other buildings, I eventually got to a botanical garden called Thurston park. It was covered in lush trees and plants, but seemed pretty deserted and a bit neglected. I took some pictures though. After winding my way through, I ended up at the museum I had planned to see all along. It has lots of history located within it's small area, namely part of the rudder from the Bounty! There were also historic sailing canoes of different sizes and shapes. </div><div>I would have to say the creepiest items dispayed in the museum would have to be the human meat 'forks'. I just couldn't bring myself to take a photo of an eating utensil made for the sole purpose of eating human flesh! Yikes! (TK was hiding her eyes as I read some of the exhibits about some poor unfortunate missionaries and explorers that made up some native Fijians feast back in the 1800s -and later!) A quick description of the carved wooden 'fork' - about ten or eleven inches long, with four tines in a square configuration with a bigger/longer tine in the middle. TK is saying 'ENOUGH, ALREADY!".</div><div>As I walked back to the ship I came across a local rugby team practicing. I didn't have a good angle to take a picture, but maybe you can see that there was a line of guys, each with a teammate on his shoulders. They did some ritualized movements, then swithced places. The guys all seemed pretty skinny, so TK and I were pretty impressed. It was also fun to listen to their chants while they were doing their thing.</div><div>I meandered through the busy downtown area for a bit. I did a little shopping (I even found some fabric) and took a few more photos, including one of a tiny little hole-in-the-wall shoe store - I know it's hard to see in the picture. I also had to capture a picture of a city bus - it has no windows, but rather, roll up 'shades'. It was really busy on the streets with lots of cars and people, so I was energised somewhat, plus I didn't have the tourist chasers when I was with the 'Suva-ites'.</div><div>Right across the road from the ship was a huge produce market. The proper name is Suva Municipal Market. Virtually everyone shops there during the week some time. I was quite the beehive of activity and the pictures truly don't show the colors and excitement. The bundles of coconuts were priced at two, three, four, five and six dollars, depending on how big the pile was. They were all strung together in these awesome arrays. Oh, and the little pineapples - there muct have been THOUSANDS of them! And I kid you not when I tell you that the celery stalks were 24 inches long! The colors, textures, smells and vareties of fruits and vegetables were amazing!</div><div>One thing I want to mention is something my tablemate Jim told me at dinner that night. He and his wife had gone on an excursion that took them away from the city, to more idyllic jungle-type areas. As far as he was concerned, he thought it was a true taste of polynesia. He was able to go to a waterfall and saw lots of the more 'removed' life of the locals. I was really glad to hear his take on what he got to see.</div><div>Anyway, getting back to the ship, I met a couple of local policemen, who were kind enough to let me take a picture of them with TK. (Wouldn't it be awesome to see some U.S. motorcycle cops wearing jagged cut skirts?!) </div><div>I dropped all my goodies off in the cabin and headed to the gym for a workout. I heard music coming from outside, so I went out on the deck and saw that the police band was playing for us. The photos were taken from the eighth deck, so it's hard to see, but they looked and sounded great!</div><div>Forty-five minutes later we had pulled away from the wharf and were swinging out of the harbor, on our way to Vanuatu.</div><div>TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...Be careful when you are invited 'for' dinner<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460796242719370472.post-85608848760962343762009-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:002009-10-30T07:00:45.427-07:00PAGO PAGO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKjBCyPYag1mBTcMtd22nn6zNVECCLLXjkMISma_39GnbmjpkCOt328-xy-_jycWfvWZs21stKgEIK4xOIeo1TiScQNeFmJqg-01Ig5i1aUHH2vlGnN62phYDRs3-f1cUSXKCXCq9-NnS/s1600-h/pagppago+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397878445907477874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKjBCyPYag1mBTcMtd22nn6zNVECCLLXjkMISma_39GnbmjpkCOt328-xy-_jycWfvWZs21stKgEIK4xOIeo1TiScQNeFmJqg-01Ig5i1aUHH2vlGnN62phYDRs3-f1cUSXKCXCq9-NnS/s400/pagppago+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tavita, head of tourism<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUURyRxjMJyV-seMcQU1oo4ApQu2dcdQ6OGq4wQGDsxSo1pSYIcjzlclOTZFGT4uoxNSGZsXDTdnR5hVAC3Z_oLQiV4JrRxeE1dqElp2kX3d-qaRu7VR3DTIp-THLQLsiYn6Xbx6Ezy0M/s1600-h/pagppago+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397878440046707922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUURyRxjMJyV-seMcQU1oo4ApQu2dcdQ6OGq4wQGDsxSo1pSYIcjzlclOTZFGT4uoxNSGZsXDTdnR5hVAC3Z_oLQiV4JrRxeE1dqElp2kX3d-qaRu7VR3DTIp-THLQLsiYn6Xbx6Ezy0M/s400/pagppago+077.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />View from harbor<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoytn_KDgWxdS2tRtCxANejK5XVeB4SuLzzsuoMpffBULl9Ly9NgADDVNGTsZP3-BVVqtI-kEYTGEBUdFEZTHJRYei_V66fN8y4wRyCLqChkT8C6aN2DoGUzgwhd_P7_ADXfmHt9HUWBGC/s1600-h/pagppago+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397877348448868626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoytn_KDgWxdS2tRtCxANejK5XVeB4SuLzzsuoMpffBULl9Ly9NgADDVNGTsZP3-BVVqtI-kEYTGEBUdFEZTHJRYei_V66fN8y4wRyCLqChkT8C6aN2DoGUzgwhd_P7_ADXfmHt9HUWBGC/s400/pagppago+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />that's a boat in front of the church!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWRZ-yIJD9uy8iK7YhYki4onlzaJJZzMUTGV84J6F9TvA-LWYQnFpeRiaq3J6-ryhwKddyhurRxMzoq-Cxl7QVWvwjVtQ1gi87fX4yk04z57ipbINmrFm2iIXKH92BNa5rz86G6vib4oH/s1600-h/pagppago+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397877352209096466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWRZ-yIJD9uy8iK7YhYki4onlzaJJZzMUTGV84J6F9TvA-LWYQnFpeRiaq3J6-ryhwKddyhurRxMzoq-Cxl7QVWvwjVtQ1gi87fX4yk04z57ipbINmrFm2iIXKH92BNa5rz86G6vib4oH/s400/pagppago+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />one of the central fales<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzWlp80h3vV1VQWDvQVLHlnP82vQA7KmO7iNhRJgEibxTuxDeWvI9IwvDBD_RUV6bcjhejMG_cqyPZMGANIovwNAdoLZs-j2heYngT5CXbgL3qQBsdLTpHqafiyxqUgOGbVy8hNDku5Q5/s1600-h/pagppago+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397877339167030194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzWlp80h3vV1VQWDvQVLHlnP82vQA7KmO7iNhRJgEibxTuxDeWvI9IwvDBD_RUV6bcjhejMG_cqyPZMGANIovwNAdoLZs-j2heYngT5CXbgL3qQBsdLTpHqafiyxqUgOGbVy8hNDku5Q5/s400/pagppago+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />church again, different angle. also, check out the bus parked out front.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86t_WsJUzqsFb7WJxZV7hgCLRW-B3Jo5a0fK6AhCL6aC9k8rzA3CS_QmUBKQLirGPGU5XLkqwyHg6OAFeCzAzrKMANbYom_UcgPdQEdHWHhVd0GVP_KrClL1dejpJs-y-K3em7O9Jq6nT/s1600-h/pagppago+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397877333291595634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86t_WsJUzqsFb7WJxZV7hgCLRW-B3Jo5a0fK6AhCL6aC9k8rzA3CS_QmUBKQLirGPGU5XLkqwyHg6OAFeCzAzrKMANbYom_UcgPdQEdHWHhVd0GVP_KrClL1dejpJs-y-K3em7O9Jq6nT/s400/pagppago+023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />bridge half gone, however still being used<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4zgX5BlpBLqAiGJN6ZgIeQgvUnwJgXTMiLbdK8YUj8x1e6WfXJQQnvoM-ZUcmOv-vaKyWed1vXZzfic9Pu9PYmnLAF1s49NhpkxF8onJlUCFbdMHttvdWp2ypnk2EfVLc0_kQodZVgdY/s1600-h/pagppago+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397877324766096738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4zgX5BlpBLqAiGJN6ZgIeQgvUnwJgXTMiLbdK8YUj8x1e6WfXJQQnvoM-ZUcmOv-vaKyWed1vXZzfic9Pu9PYmnLAF1s49NhpkxF8onJlUCFbdMHttvdWp2ypnk2EfVLc0_kQodZVgdY/s400/pagppago+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />ouch<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAY6NEYRinYWir7cQOr8Yhk-pOTjZ_Esg9OOXX3pWNlxDFMSikREDyp0RP_zdX-X88OXAqpQL79kdGgW8bgEi1ENB5wq_hrpFppCi4Gvh4rXjx9qRCldOQ7XkGPqCkgdl9Tlbq0tLaWSk/s1600-h/pagppago+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397875532224391634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAY6NEYRinYWir7cQOr8Yhk-pOTjZ_Esg9OOXX3pWNlxDFMSikREDyp0RP_zdX-X88OXAqpQL79kdGgW8bgEi1ENB5wq_hrpFppCi4Gvh4rXjx9qRCldOQ7XkGPqCkgdl9Tlbq0tLaWSk/s400/pagppago+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />still happy people, finding a nice place to swim<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pEetD7s_u6jPYzoujNeefNAOPb5ZEgW58WGtsFrUqFHo3HGPZ156hiQagcfi1QYHB2_IZM_D89IE3Z3FR-irfnltG0ApXFFrtKqELhHe0o34WWGQooxibwGFKYbbghfz0LY4v6EzZBnR/s1600-h/pagppago+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397875522976950306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pEetD7s_u6jPYzoujNeefNAOPb5ZEgW58WGtsFrUqFHo3HGPZ156hiQagcfi1QYHB2_IZM_D89IE3Z3FR-irfnltG0ApXFFrtKqELhHe0o34WWGQooxibwGFKYbbghfz0LY4v6EzZBnR/s400/pagppago+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />'flower pot'<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwanYKOMMt-X8NNX0b7NRu6-c45ozdGjsWq6FzBM-bPi0F8rYyQpCKXjT3hPXbjkg2zFeW9R4d7rd6DFjZO6ByEtQMFmWsrveXRHIhy3nt0oQO-AqhXXye3XmIy2m9F_mU0NHJ3s1b8Y9/s1600-h/pagppago+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397875515950646034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwanYKOMMt-X8NNX0b7NRu6-c45ozdGjsWq6FzBM-bPi0F8rYyQpCKXjT3hPXbjkg2zFeW9R4d7rd6DFjZO6ByEtQMFmWsrveXRHIhy3nt0oQO-AqhXXye3XmIy2m9F_mU0NHJ3s1b8Y9/s400/pagppago+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />TK likes the flower pots<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYrE9qJvt0tmcwxhoPE6nnNO6oVXRqu8A9_jnOeNXqCEwl1w2Cn1gsektqbQp3PSmuj3za9PldaVsl8T4wJ0IkpbED4Q6GRa95-r3AGv8y_83oOXgEK7QjONPp9yuWo4ztEslDsI39QK4/s1600-h/pagppago+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397875504530388194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYrE9qJvt0tmcwxhoPE6nnNO6oVXRqu8A9_jnOeNXqCEwl1w2Cn1gsektqbQp3PSmuj3za9PldaVsl8T4wJ0IkpbED4Q6GRa95-r3AGv8y_83oOXgEK7QjONPp9yuWo4ztEslDsI39QK4/s400/pagppago+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />shot of the changed coastline from the tsunami<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeSp3Rjq0JHgPk1ua5jHeJ_9rGBxkoOAM2l84gWj9rdW-8hoR1jXwpVkn-C7OcbT-7cMUaw6QYOsSdlvAVyvwrSqI7UuDN77HdMqdbF8zQgPZG5uWIjyotzq7eD_XQLIY1OuVnfFlY4Tr/s1600-h/pagppago+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397874296091799330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeSp3Rjq0JHgPk1ua5jHeJ_9rGBxkoOAM2l84gWj9rdW-8hoR1jXwpVkn-C7OcbT-7cMUaw6QYOsSdlvAVyvwrSqI7UuDN77HdMqdbF8zQgPZG5uWIjyotzq7eD_XQLIY1OuVnfFlY4Tr/s400/pagppago+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Jack likes TK (and tigers)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEX9EakX2b-2Rx4SWnmfYgC8kdm-JCwEeBDt7PPpXB5S7wOvfkYIPAfOG73AOnX1iVz4CER7F4G9gu57FUyvJgKibx0gDJ6GtZrLCYNOHzJduCgGTQYj83MzSRiQdQdPup-g9pmbmPah7/s1600-h/pagppago+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397874289093437826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEX9EakX2b-2Rx4SWnmfYgC8kdm-JCwEeBDt7PPpXB5S7wOvfkYIPAfOG73AOnX1iVz4CER7F4G9gu57FUyvJgKibx0gDJ6GtZrLCYNOHzJduCgGTQYj83MzSRiQdQdPup-g9pmbmPah7/s400/pagppago+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />excellent construction<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdI1G55-ubYPvqgnzmLXWEBSK_yFhZLN9pZbpop_S7CT66iSZJ7b98uNkWOJ8d-yFO0nO8W7FjQ1UBHI43tFWowkXpeIyl1xIwBoD-4zh76bS-lIFVcPYfFrbxDVZMEYtpbgmxjZSIChV/s1600-h/pagppago+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397874281499456978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdI1G55-ubYPvqgnzmLXWEBSK_yFhZLN9pZbpop_S7CT66iSZJ7b98uNkWOJ8d-yFO0nO8W7FjQ1UBHI43tFWowkXpeIyl1xIwBoD-4zh76bS-lIFVcPYfFrbxDVZMEYtpbgmxjZSIChV/s400/pagppago+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />fuzzy ceiling tiger<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7JV5zRXZp1RO_xoLh96MHDEZRnZsJAntAkO7lJm04hPgEqBPydmoWPhSDG7WlS0kaHDqEGXP5isCZ1sNUyNHocNlKTJ4RaodcfBdLM4r9JxkdpV-0VlQtn9qsu_7sAPLB2pcxMuFairD/s1600-h/pagppago+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397874276531124242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7JV5zRXZp1RO_xoLh96MHDEZRnZsJAntAkO7lJm04hPgEqBPydmoWPhSDG7WlS0kaHDqEGXP5isCZ1sNUyNHocNlKTJ4RaodcfBdLM4r9JxkdpV-0VlQtn9qsu_7sAPLB2pcxMuFairD/s400/pagppago+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />the driver on the bus goes...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD3ffi3bTuBSwWVCUJT_Q3ue7blvCvrmK3jxNGW2iA4bqJeA1t0T7-OxYNAQ7VzBk4cmdeXwqkqcaTUOsP0jnxlpgIXCbmsrqVXTWfn7wk4-hhygpQ8KFn8VHTqNbCFucAr3bV-5ilJC-/s1600-h/pagppago+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397874270819210258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD3ffi3bTuBSwWVCUJT_Q3ue7blvCvrmK3jxNGW2iA4bqJeA1t0T7-OxYNAQ7VzBk4cmdeXwqkqcaTUOsP0jnxlpgIXCbmsrqVXTWfn7wk4-hhygpQ8KFn8VHTqNbCFucAr3bV-5ilJC-/s400/pagppago+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />cool bus<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Va7RwJZTEavYMj6p5tLt_iPV0vgVHmI1qnRBKYA9Xct_uAem4xVQ_bww_3awV3oieXwv7zwPrlDX69bksN4CUFOZAiGVTxHTq3ZELotv94-WsnPZxHivSjnR4IcLTC6CrM3P0zB4M8yV/s1600-h/pagppago+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397872946549971218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Va7RwJZTEavYMj6p5tLt_iPV0vgVHmI1qnRBKYA9Xct_uAem4xVQ_bww_3awV3oieXwv7zwPrlDX69bksN4CUFOZAiGVTxHTq3ZELotv94-WsnPZxHivSjnR4IcLTC6CrM3P0zB4M8yV/s400/pagppago+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFlA8FZseamWuuLlIgFLcVeN2Y7tofmNC-IxUEczg3reHgMqh0o_GkQNy6B7ybcEYfOf4hKSHIfvbbye-i1cISOyENnndfdLrLYmmdNG8dgaad-M0y8r5aFidTSKF65h7QIky2x2GkRv/s1600-h/pagppago+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397872939740961458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFlA8FZseamWuuLlIgFLcVeN2Y7tofmNC-IxUEczg3reHgMqh0o_GkQNy6B7ybcEYfOf4hKSHIfvbbye-i1cISOyENnndfdLrLYmmdNG8dgaad-M0y8r5aFidTSKF65h7QIky2x2GkRv/s400/pagppago+027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />park named after Sen. Inouye from Hawaii<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAxXKKCvscoCfM6swfnA3dJXSazUVnmBB0-rCLSGXWoeksh12AW_NZftXAoUmeaV3S04ibliDuOBYiemZbzeWV6A8B017j_peSZpc12WVXLxlssFioyCVmuyPAaghsq_XnoRpxagoQRmg/s1600-h/pagppago+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397872930086749810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAxXKKCvscoCfM6swfnA3dJXSazUVnmBB0-rCLSGXWoeksh12AW_NZftXAoUmeaV3S04ibliDuOBYiemZbzeWV6A8B017j_peSZpc12WVXLxlssFioyCVmuyPAaghsq_XnoRpxagoQRmg/s400/pagppago+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bruddah*licious cops like TK too<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKDXiaR7I95q9wBepcF-DJ0sJQebPmU7BtsWZU4gF17TnsH6i9j6Uqx8-lGFu9VZe1oOFFYU5G8UmUluTZjrdHwgCN0YETSMGg2asfekg8aQjmRSSgNIBGoWK_oQvExB8FjKfC-ZQ-PHx/s1600-h/pagppago+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397872922085244914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKDXiaR7I95q9wBepcF-DJ0sJQebPmU7BtsWZU4gF17TnsH6i9j6Uqx8-lGFu9VZe1oOFFYU5G8UmUluTZjrdHwgCN0YETSMGg2asfekg8aQjmRSSgNIBGoWK_oQvExB8FjKfC-ZQ-PHx/s400/pagppago+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Charlie lives in Pago Pago? who knew?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmw7GvTx1-jA79OiE-2s-HaiIASoA7i7yaujuDWgTo1jGl-ovZqEl-aoDTEgnghXY2_bE_w5_gXImblmEdcXdRxIybXAvv_xsnAAoqc595Yqwa_f-9IFqAgmnfborAFBC2ufZvWqh_1B_/s1600-h/pagppago+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397871746555997138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmw7GvTx1-jA79OiE-2s-HaiIASoA7i7yaujuDWgTo1jGl-ovZqEl-aoDTEgnghXY2_bE_w5_gXImblmEdcXdRxIybXAvv_xsnAAoqc595Yqwa_f-9IFqAgmnfborAFBC2ufZvWqh_1B_/s400/pagppago+070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />needs no explaining<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt9ox7unIF-AGiJXFsldRk9XCEWglzpsTyJlxcSEyGZLB5lqQbZFvZ_UYyRiJgo4kTrhyL5C-3Z2POTPqYU1xXRdrrZXlBBoDwC00g249wh6Jd_l0Kjvu8SUByJ4M-KNXbIr3VG2_efFB/s1600-h/pagppago+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397871763302058434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt9ox7unIF-AGiJXFsldRk9XCEWglzpsTyJlxcSEyGZLB5lqQbZFvZ_UYyRiJgo4kTrhyL5C-3Z2POTPqYU1xXRdrrZXlBBoDwC00g249wh6Jd_l0Kjvu8SUByJ4M-KNXbIr3VG2_efFB/s400/pagppago+067.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />local government building. look at the detail on the fence<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC8jjZnT8iFaZdVqb8cL2POjVpzky81u2MykMieVXJOmyxr1Cw96uSdislPdRmqEDHkoQisxKTpRjN597-30zOaVfe62lCTQPtmDS3AUhNH1LyUiR5pKIm0FVuxpQ0xuf0LTX6xpTIjV6/s1600-h/pagppago+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397871750574922370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC8jjZnT8iFaZdVqb8cL2POjVpzky81u2MykMieVXJOmyxr1Cw96uSdislPdRmqEDHkoQisxKTpRjN597-30zOaVfe62lCTQPtmDS3AUhNH1LyUiR5pKIm0FVuxpQ0xuf0LTX6xpTIjV6/s400/pagppago+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />this is all carved from one tree!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQywLhXzKK3q4ldbIFZCgbFl6vuu4xvZUd_vMtYVEFCcEfZbbGBlKfEYtTlYNxC7ZcKRngSSz8Jo-AyuLuLGpI3oajZAumsCUbUhRQmIrdtXi-E7DEMDSI_sm-uG1FK4_wbfVC51IZSKVM/s1600-h/pagppago+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397871740432834306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQywLhXzKK3q4ldbIFZCgbFl6vuu4xvZUd_vMtYVEFCcEfZbbGBlKfEYtTlYNxC7ZcKRngSSz8Jo-AyuLuLGpI3oajZAumsCUbUhRQmIrdtXi-E7DEMDSI_sm-uG1FK4_wbfVC51IZSKVM/s400/pagppago+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />man, I'm glad they accept delivery, otherwise who knows what you'd be eating<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT0TloaLEX_jN80SWQ5UjgpIqusUfQBx6ibzWD6bRNiDMMhpUGMKC_mlLE3Gf9XWhs80elpu0Wx-oRNYTIpE0IcqGTg7gCv3rvKFMKQk_Nx8tFPUh-dw0Hq4dxztmGNRYPNtMFQarQuTM/s1600-h/pagppago+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397870274701835330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT0TloaLEX_jN80SWQ5UjgpIqusUfQBx6ibzWD6bRNiDMMhpUGMKC_mlLE3Gf9XWhs80elpu0Wx-oRNYTIpE0IcqGTg7gCv3rvKFMKQk_Nx8tFPUh-dw0Hq4dxztmGNRYPNtMFQarQuTM/s400/pagppago+080.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />another angle from outside the harbor<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Qz4-WfjM4_4EpyAcTrRObzk3GFUze-rBMYNJUiuW-WUm3AkkIGk5HXjpZNzMIay5Lj3zhnci1r6uVtd-Zf8ct2RlE4cl1QUk6mXUbT2G26O-24vMkRS616T0RRR51CNYpS204aDaP3N/s1600-h/pagppago+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397870266827858930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Qz4-WfjM4_4EpyAcTrRObzk3GFUze-rBMYNJUiuW-WUm3AkkIGk5HXjpZNzMIay5Lj3zhnci1r6uVtd-Zf8ct2RlE4cl1QUk6mXUbT2G26O-24vMkRS616T0RRR51CNYpS204aDaP3N/s400/pagppago+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />earlier, there were ladies selling all kinds of stuff. then, I guess, it was time to eat, so they all disappeared. this is very typical of a fale structure. open ones like this are surrounded by homes. they meet for everything in these open ones, and they are EVERYWHERE. each family or should I say, family GROUP, has their own.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2p4Yir-BN7NO3TJmvwBLX0RIuaONx5rekPRGsK32GLldOOfR3WUsUcF_pr5f9LDr1GbdzlHrVlHImc39caB9gTc1kFWvg7e2tXr6UWihFcp-dCGPfKHGtuujzvXC-21_ExZ8pIyorpTb/s1600-h/pagppago+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397870261648118818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2p4Yir-BN7NO3TJmvwBLX0RIuaONx5rekPRGsK32GLldOOfR3WUsUcF_pr5f9LDr1GbdzlHrVlHImc39caB9gTc1kFWvg7e2tXr6UWihFcp-dCGPfKHGtuujzvXC-21_ExZ8pIyorpTb/s400/pagppago+043.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />notice the inside - all carved<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJRNm_e-e_F9m6_BFqSh5YbCC7lQkqmbjluzkQw3ZbiH5VyOMJGZk6qDocX0-KopB_0yV3PI1vDIw-CLZLk3lj-7TG3CIOOkelcz4J3iXDDAcosj_tt16K1B5UgQX-K-PNIxQcAuycJi/s1600-h/pagppago+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397870248625792178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwJRNm_e-e_F9m6_BFqSh5YbCC7lQkqmbjluzkQw3ZbiH5VyOMJGZk6qDocX0-KopB_0yV3PI1vDIw-CLZLk3lj-7TG3CIOOkelcz4J3iXDDAcosj_tt16K1B5UgQX-K-PNIxQcAuycJi/s400/pagppago+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />my cute little Tongan ladies, the one in the middle has a daughter in Lahaina! She gave me a lei. all were sweethearts!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Samoa. Yet again a place I have longed to set foot on, but maybe for different reasons. I have met many people from Samoa, and their outward and inner happiness must come from a place I needed to see with my own two eyes. I never expected I would have the chance to see how deep that inner Samoan joy really runs.</div><br /><div>As most of you know, a tsunami occured on the morning of Sept. 29th. We heard about it when the ship was docked in Longbeach, and the details were sketchy. We weren't sure if it would affect our stops in Samoa. We were worried about the people and loss of their homes and material goods, along with vegitation and other resources. I felt a little bit helpless (and got the same response from felllow passengers). </div><br /><div>A week or ten days before our scheduled stop, we heard that we, in fact, were going to stop in Pago Pago (a Princess ship had already made a stop and gave us helpful information on what to expect), however, not all excursions would get to happen. Part of the problems included lost vehicles and beaches that were literally washed away.</div><br /><div>We were able to dock, as planned, and it seemed like everybody who could, was there with transportation and craft stalls. And everybody was smiling. The first person TK and I meet was a guy named Tavita. He was head of the visitor's bureau. Really, from his happy countenance, I never would have thought there had been a national tragedy not long before. </div><br /><div>I perused the myriad of craft vendors in the area, but wanted to check out lots of things before I made any purchases. The people were all so happy and smiling, it was infectious. As I walked out to the main street (I didn't really have a plan to do anything special) a bruddah*licious teenager (I find out his name is Jack, and he's nineteen) asked me if I wanted to take a taxi. I talked to him for a minute or two, then a guy vouched for him (he was a High Councilman, I find out!), so I follow Jack to a bus.Let me explain what I mean by a bus. I'm guessing its a truck cab and chassis, but these clever Polynesians build a wooden (yes, I said wooden) passenger compartment onto it.</div><br /><div>These busses were all over, in different sizes and colors, but all followed the similar style of rounded corners and roof. I realize I didn't get a good picture of the outside, but if you look at the inside pictures, you can really get a feel. I want to mention that different owners put their own flair when decorating these vehicles. Ours had pictures of tigers up in the rounded ceilings, between the 'rafters', furry fabric lining the dash, a colorful paint job and plexiglass (fixed) windows that were attached at the bottom and were maybe four inches high. The rest of the opening was our air conditioning.</div><br /><div>I have to admit, it was quite fun to travel in this 'bus' and get a bit of a tour by our driver(Jack's uncle).As we departed for our tour, there was a little sprinkle happening (not surprisingly as this area gets LOTS of rain) and our driver takes us to one of the things that keeps Pago Pago thriving, the tuna industry. I took a photo of Charlie the Tuna's Samoan home, but the other tuna factory was not up and running because of lack of power. It hadn't been restored since the tsunami.</div><br /><div>Here is where I am going to post a few photos and give some sad details of the devastation we saw as we drove around the area. I admit I started crying and could not stop. There were homes completely torn off their foundations, large boats thrown onto the shore like toys, cars that looked like they had been in a 30 rollover accident-through a palm tree grove. I know we have seen this stuff on tv a zillion times, and I know I get sad when hearing about hurricane, earthquake and other calamitiess, but seeing it with my own two eyes was just too real. </div><br /><div>I guess I couldn't keep my eyes off of the scenery (maybe like looking at a train wreck...?) and I was just getting sadder and sadder.</div><br /><div>BUT...</div><br /><div>I started to look around. There were people. Families. Red Cross volunteers. City workers. People everywhere. Working. Working together. And they all SMILED. Literally, every person we drove by, waved at us. If they were raking up debris in a yard, they stopped and waved. If a guy was driving a tractor or backhow, he smiled and gave us a wave. People at bus stops. Kids playing. Teenagers walking down the road. Everyone was happy. Everyone was smiling. I coulnd't believe it! These people have something that must exhude from within that pushes past all the fluff in life.</div><br /><div>The closest thing i can liken it to would be when all the residents of Whoville came together on Christmas morning to sing. It didn't matter if they didn't get presents or have their roast beast feast, it was just that feeling of joy and happiness. After I had this beautiful awakening, I truly enjoyed every minute of my time there. It really did look like a slice of paradise in the vast blue pacific.</div><br /><div>So now I will tell about some of the things is saw as well as some info on the islands of Samoa. We are going to be talking about American Samoa right now (we go to Independant Samoa next month). It is made up of seven volcanic islands, very lush and rugged and has very dramatic views - both of mountains and ocean. Because of the American ties, I will say that the roads and sidewalks were the best I've seen in the south Pacific. </div><div> </div><div>As I mentioned under the pictures, the way it's set up in Samoa, is pretty much family/villages. They have their 'cheifs' who handle the main issues. They also have a government, but a lot of the day to day stuff is handled the old-fashioned way. The way it works with the U.S. is a little complicated, but I do know I can't just MOVE there like I belong. They can't vote for president, but the U.S. has close ties to the tiny country. </div><div>Enough of this boring stuff...I think the captions on the pictures I posted tell the most important stuff. A couple of details I want to add would be that when I took a walk, after my bus tour, that EVERYONE waved at me as I walked down the street. So here it is, when people are driving by, you wave at them, when people are in a car, they wave at you. They are the nicest, friendliest folks around. And it wasn't just me who noticed. </div><div>Everyone, literally everyone I talked to on the ship, made the same comment. No matter if they were on specific tours, or walking, or taking a bus around, everyone said the same thing - about how people always smiled and waved, and how resilient they must be. I thought the whole day was most refershing.</div><div>Oh, and I did want to mention that the staff on our ship took cash donations as well as Holland America Cruise Lines donating thousands of dollars worth of linens, dishes and other supplies. What a wonderful world we live in! That's all for now!<br /><br />TINY KONA'S TRUISM of the Day...</div><br /><div>Money doesn't buy </div><br /><div>happiness </div><br /><div>comes from within </div><br /><div>(a Wheel of Fortune 'before and after')<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>alikonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656855933237432230noreply@blogger.com0