February 27, 2010

This morning there was an earthquake in Chili, point 8.8 on the Richter scale. Then there was a tsunami warning towards Polynisia, but luckily we are over 4000 km of water, so did not notice anything.
We have also been informed that no damage was done to the islands, that would have been devestating, after the cyclone they had just a couple of weeks ago, which caused a lot of damage.

So everybody on the ship is fine, nothing happened.

Yesterday I started with Tai Chi, Rosemary from Germany is giving the classes, they are well attended.
Followed in the afternoon with Pilates, given by Gail. This morning I went back for another Tai Chi lesson, but I found out that Pilates is not good for me.
Just to give you some info on every days activities:
at 07.30 gymnastics
at 10.00 walk a mile
at 10.30 Tai Chi
at 13.00 Pilates
at 13.30 Yoga
at 16.30 cocktail hour
at 18.00 Salve Regina, followed by a bagpipe concert from Claus.
You'll see, they keep us quit busy during the day.

Since we are nearing the equator, we should start making preparations for the Neptune ceremony.
Will keep you informed.
This morning we had to put the clock forward by 30 minutes, many people were late for breakfast.

I just noticed that no photo's were included in my blog. I have to ask Sue for some tips.

Ross, Roki and I won the quizz, we called ourselves the Supremes. But then Sue joined us for the next competition, so we renamed ourselves into Sue and the Premes. I suggested to change the last part in Prunes, but the girls would not agree. Chicken.

So today we have to put together some questions plus answer and are due to deliver these tomorrow afternoon.

In the meantime, take care everybody. Write to you as long there will be an internet connection.
Ineke

February 25, 2010


Today is our first seaday, out of eightteen, sunrise will be at 05.49 and sunset at 18.02.

I just read in the daily programme that today on the aft deck we will sing Salve Regina, the song Columbus sang with his crew each night going west to America.

I am adding some photo's, I am quit surprised by how well they turned out. Since I had my eyes lasered, I need a pair of reading glasses with everything I do, so I tend to take my shots out of the blue.













As soon as I can find an internet cafe, I will try to post some more photo's.

Sailing is not so good at the moment, we have a lot of head wind. I would not be surprised if we will be late at the Cocos Islands, or, even worse, have to skip them. The captain told me, wind conditions might be better, as we are getting closer to the equator. Keep my fingers crossed.

Will now try to get an internet connection, but it might not be easy. Due to the movement of the ship, the antenna keeps trying to get in touch with the satellite, but looses it, at soon as the ship is healing over.

Take care.

Ineke

February 24, 2010


This morning we arrived at Nuku Hiva. After the excursion got underway Ross and I went to shore. We walked a while, saw some beautiful flowers, went to see the Cathedral, did some shopping and finally had the most delicious grapefruit juice, we both ever had. It was freshly squeezed, sadly enough we could not get a second glass, since they run out. The general impression of this island was that the houses and buildings were well kept, much better than on the other islands.

I just heard from people who have been on the ship's excurion that they thought it was a very scenic island. Beautiful scenery. They thoroughly enjoyed it. It is good to know. Although I doubt I ever will be back in this area.

It was very, very hot, some short warm showers, and we both were glad to finally be back on the ship. We had a deck lunch, ate some french fries with a hamburger. When I am at home, I never eat hamburgers and/or french fries. What a treat.

Ross and I bought some postcards in the tourist office, but I think they have been there quite a while, it took some effort to write them. It was just if the paper was humid.

So Ross is off to shore, getting to the postoffice to get some stamps. But shops and offices are closed from 11.30 till 14.30, while I am working on my blog.

I hope to include some photo's from the trip. I have to edit them, before I forget where I took them. Since I had my eyes lasered, I cannot see anything without my reading glasses, so I just take a gamble every time I press the button, and later on I am checking what I did with my glasses on. Up till now, I have not been too disappointed with the results. There is one I really like, it is a photo of a cloud. I will try to add it to my blog.

This will be my last blog message for a while. It will take 18 days before we get to the Cocos Islands. I will check regularly if there will be an internet connection, if so I try to update. But 60 minutes on the ship's internet is costing € 12.50, so I might just wait till the Cocos Islands, or even to Panama. In the meantime, we will enjoy ourselves with Pirates night, crossing the equator and whatever they might think of. Will let you know.

Take care and see some of you in 8 weeks time!

February 23, 2010

Today we were supposed to go to Hiva Oa, but the strong winds made for a late arrival. It took about 4 hours longer than expected. After we anchored, the tenders were down, but due to the rough weather and seas, it was nearly impossible to transfer somebody safely from the ship to the tender. After half an hour the captain announced it was too risky, especially since we were very close to shore and the water was not very deep.

So of we went, sailing toward Nuku Hiva.

Just before sunset Claus played the bagpipes, hopefully he will do this again, since I did not have my camera with me.

I talked to Dominique, and asked if we could sing Salve Regina at about five o'clock in the afternoon. We used to do this with Captain Sergey. It is a song for the protection of the seamen and although I cannot keep in tune, I love to sing it.

Dominique came back and told me that either tomorrow or the day after they will start doing this. Really looking forward to it.

Last night, Captain Brunon joined our table for dinner. We had a really nice time, although it is sometimes hard to understand each under, due to the lay-out of the dining room. The noise seems to swirl through the room, making it even more noisy than it already is.

After dinner a lot of people went on deck, it was still very warm, and although cloudy, you still could see a lot of stars. It was the first night I was up after 10.00! Slowly getting there.

Claudia and John won the dancing contest, we heard a lot of laughter from the Tropical bar, but I did not go downstairs to have a look. It was too beautiful on the upper deck.

February 22, 2010


I had a wonderful Thai massage today. Chutima is a small Thai girl, but her strength is fabulous. She asked if I would like to have a "medium" of "strong" massage. I choose the medium, but boy, her little fingers found every sour spot in my body. She tried to fold me up like a blanket, was only partially succesful though, because all the extra layers of extra skin plus its contents, were in the way!

I always loose weight while sailing with Star Clippers. It has nothing to do with the food quality, more with being busy all day to keep your balance, swimming, walking, and just eat only a starter, a main course and a special .

Later on the day there was a lot of wind and we were going up and down. My stomach was not pleased with the situation, I got a seasickness pill from the purser, had something to eat and went to bed. I slept from 21.00 hours till 07.00 hours the next morning, fully refreshed and no troubled stomach any longer. Since then I have taken a ginger capsule after every meal, I find they really help. So next, will be February 23, 2010.

February 21, 2010


The stewards took my bed apart yesterday. Due to the lay-out of the ship, I have to climb into my bed, it is 1.20 from the floor, with the ship's movements, it is sometimes hard to get in and out. Everytime the ship rolled from one side to another, something was squeeking. It kept me awake for the last couple of days. The stewards hoped, the squeeking would be gone, after reinstalling the bed frame. No such luck.

Today they are getting me a new matrass, so hopefully this is the solution to the squeeky nights. One of the passengers told me the person in the next cabin is probably thinking I am having a lot of fun. I do, but not in the way he/she might think!

Well, the new matrass, but it was only 80 centimeters wide, my bed is 1.40 wide, so there would have been a big gap! So everybody decided, to put the new matress on top of the old one, then the drop would not be to significant, if I would fall off during the night. I did not think it was such a good idea! They have now put in more screws and bolts (they will probably not be able to move the bed in due time), and surprise! It stopped squeeking. Sorry, neighbour, but my sleep is more important.

They also put another duvet underneath the matress and told me the new one will arrive in Lisbon, just after I get off. To me this is no surprise at all!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Started packing, and when I weighed my suitcase it was over 30 kilos! No wonder I had trouble, getting it off the bed. I must have done something wrong, because later in the evening when I wanted to put my dinner in the microwave, my knee gave away, and I couldn't stand on it, let alone walk.

Since the first kneeproblems started on January 1st, I had been on crutches for two weeks, and the orthopedic surgeon told me, I needed a new knee. But not now, I am going on a trip of a lifetime, and don't have the time for knee surgery! I should not have been worried, it seemingly takes months to get everything organised, so I could still go on my trip. All went well, have been practising walking up and down the stairs.

So, there I was, on my bum, on my way to the dinner table to pick up a chair, and by pushing it in front of me, I got to the kitchen. By the way, this is the way Dutch children learn how to skate, by pushing a chair.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tuesday I called the travel agent, explained I needed transportation in Amsterdam, as well as in London, LA and Papeete.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

After nearly 10 months since booking, this is THE DAY!

After check in in Amsterdam, I was put in a wheelchair and whisked through customs by a very nice young man. I gave him my blogname and he promised me to read it. If he does, I want to thank him again for his help. Before I knew it, I was on my way to London.

In London, there was another wheelchair. Since I had to change terminals, I was put in a bus and again whisked away. Had the bus to myself. Then I had to wait at least twenty minutes in a very cold terminal, before somebody picked me up. When checking in with Air New Zealand I asked if the middle chair in economy was still empty. It wasn't. I asked how much an upgrade to business class would cost me, it worked out that I had to pay less, than I would have, when booking an economy premier seat. So I travelled in full swing to LA. Had a very nice meal, very pleasant flight attendants, and a six hour plus sleep. Not a bad way of travelling.

In LA I had to leave my fingerprints, but when the guy asked for my toeprints, I told him that were my private parts (sounds me being of the male gender!), and I wanted to keep it that way. Although I was only in transit in the States, I had to pick up my bags, go through customs, check in the bags and check in for the flight to Papeete.

Being in a wheelchair saves you a lot of time. The lines in LA were very long, but there I was, shush, going through all the lines in a wiff. Perfect. The only drawback is, I had to wait longer for check in. But, you can't have it all!

In LA I made the mistake of buying two bags of M&M's. They costed me USD 24,=! I find that outrageous. In a normal shop those two bags would have costed me less than USD 5,=! I know, I could have left them, but being already on my way for a day, I decided I wanted them. I could not eat them though! I had to wait till I was through customs in Papeete, before I was allowed to open the bag!



February 11, 2010

In Papeete I again was in a wheelchair, through customs, standing in front of an ATM. I tried to get some local currency, but the machine told me my bank had blocked my card! The same message I got when I tried to use my credit card. Oeps, no money.

Luckily I had some Euro's, so I changed those into the local francs.

After checking in in the hotel and buying some internet minutes, I tried to send an email to my bank. No internet connection available.

I finally went to the shopping centre, bought a telephone card, and phoned my sister in law. My telephone was not working either. I asked her to phone the bank in the morning, and ask them was went wrong. I had informed them about my travel plans, I even put a higher limit to my credit card.

At eleven o'clock at night my brother phoned. The bank could see I had taken out usd in LA, and since I tried to withdraw some funds within 24 hours, the card was refused. According to my bank, my credit card was ok. So, thanks to my sister in law and brother, I have no worries for the moment.

February 13, 2010

Then came Saturday, I was going to meet Gail and Walt at the local market, but having spent a couple of hours the day before, I decided it would be better for my knee not to go. So we all met up in the afternoon, doing the 4x4 excursion that Walt had arranged.

The funny thing was, that just after we met, we all had the feeling, we knew each other for I don't know how long. Having spent so many months on the internet, we were familiar with each other. Had some good laughs while Arnaud showed us some other parts of Tahiti. Due to the cyclone of more than a week ago, we saw a lot of damage. Several times we had to take the same road again, because some of the roads were blocked by debris.

When we came to a small pool area, only the women were brave enough to take a dip. I think it should be time to change the expression "strong men" to strong women!! Chicken, chicken don't you think. Let me know if you agree! Only if you agree though!

After the cruise Arnaud dropped us of in the centre of Papeete, we first had a drink and then looked for something to eat at the different roulettes.

The place was busy with families, tourists and I don't know how many roulettes. Most of the group decided to settle for a Chinese meal, Gail and Walt were going for some raw fish dish.

At nine o'clock I was ready to go back to the hotel. Due to a time difference of 11 hours, my internal clock is still not settled. I still wake up every night at 3. Glad the winter olympics are on. Have seen a lot of ski jumping, which I do not fancy that much, but if you are wide awake, it beats watching some sorts of movies.

Found out the buses were no longer in service, so had to settle for a taxi. Since it was after eight, they asked 2900,= polynesian francs. A total ripp off. I did not have that kind of money on me, so I walked back to the group, and luckily Gail and Walt had struck up with two other American girls. When one of the group (no name will be mentioned, yet) walked back to his guest house (not that far away, but through some pretty dark streets) a very good looking woman (in this part of town, you don't know if it is a HE or a SHE) came walking towards him. After they passed each other, he without a name (yet), looked over his shoulder to have a good look at his/her bum.

At the same time, "she" did the same, and clearly got the impression the person without a name (yet) was interested, so she started to make all kind of funny noises. Please use your imagination! The person without etc. etc. left in a hurry and made it safely back to the hotel. Pffffffff. Narrow escape.

February 14, 2010

Not only it is Valentine's day today, but also the start of the Chinese New Year. So the good omen are with us, I hope.

Today we boarded the ship. Boarding started at 16.00 hours. We were welcomed by the captain and crew of the Flyer. After a nice meal most of the passengers are waiting for our midnight departure. This might be postponed, due to some 20 passengers arriving late.

I have no idea if I will make it, but on the other hand, I am looking forward to the first sail away, with the music. So keep my fingers crossed.

Well, at 23.45 I gave up. I was nodding off, my feet were killing me, so I went to my cabin.

February 15, 2010

At the moment we are anchored offshore Moorea. Just collected my snorkeling equipment, and signed up for a snorkeling tour with the sports team.

The diving is no good here, this all has to do with the cyclone, the bottom is completely covered in mud, so visibility will be poor. Hopefully the diving possibilities on the other islands will be better. Walt and Charlotte are both signing up for the diving trips. I have tried it several times on board the ship, in the swimming pool, but am getting a little bit scared, so I just stick to the snorkeling.

Just heard there are only two divemasters on the ship, instead of four. Two went off in Papeete, so that clearly restricts the diving possibilities for the people who want to dive.

Just noticed they have also cancelled the snorkeling trip. Instead, you can sign up for a swimming trip. Well, that is not going to happen. Gail (whenever she shows up), Walt and myself are taking the water taxi from the Continental to a Motu. Should be nice to do some swimming, there also is a little bar, so the two of them can have a beer. I will stick to some tropical juice.

Will keep you informed. Since the lack of internet possibilities, I have not been able to download any photo's and/or animations. Hopefully I will succeed next time.

It is bye for now, take care everybody, and if you have any comments, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Pralientje

Good morning everybody,

as you can see there are no blogmessages yet, for the days following February 5. I have made them, but where they are? I probably put them on my memory stick, to download when in Bora Bora.
I had a connection, but only for 1 minute. I still had to pay 500,= polynisian frencs though! Ripp off.
I am glad I managed to download two messages, and I promise to give it another try later on the day.
Today we are at Huahine, and at eleven o'clock we will be off to a snorkeling trip. Seemingly there are strong currents over here, so you have to be an experienced swimmer, which, by the way, I am not, but I am still going. You have to wear a snorkeling vest, so it should not be too bad. I will even try to make some underwater photo's. The last time we went snorkeling, I had my camera all geared up, but totally forgot it to take it with me. Luckily Walt has made some beautiful photo's, so I am going to ask him if I can get one.
It is very hot over here, you need a lot of sun screen, otherwise you will just look like a crab. A huge one that will be in my case.
I will leave it for now. As soon I have figured out how to download photo's, I will put them on. But don't expect that soon to happen, today is the last day we will have internet on the ship, and the purser did not know if it will be available at sea or on the Marquesa Islands. Just keep checking.
Have a nice day, please leave a message when you feel up to it. Take care, Ineke

February 16, 2010


Today we were at Bora Bora. Since I have been to the islands before, I decided not to take any excursions. So Walt, Gail and I went to do some snorkeling. The sportsteam took us and others out on the Zodiac to a spot close to a reef. There was a local boat already, and when we went down, there were many, many fish to see.

Some of the people were feeding the fish, I got a fish head from one of the guys and suddenly a lot of small fish started pecking at the fish head. Was much fun to do. The fish did not seemed affraid at all. I some one big white fish, beautiful, and Walt and Gail saw an octopus. I have to ask Walt if he wil share some of his photo's with me. Although I took my underwater camera with me, I completely forgot to take it down.

The rest of the day was just a lazy one, doing some swimming in the huge pool, you can put in at least three strokes, before you reach the other end. Around the pool were some other passengers, some of them behave if they are staying in an old folks home, we, on the other hand, are here to have some fun. We probably disturbed their peace of mind, or, reminded them how it was, to be of younger age.

Walt and myself are two of the younger passengers on board. As far as we can see, there are only two young males, and one male, somewhere in between.

Oh, you want to know how old Walt and I are. Well, I am sorry, but I won't tell you Walt's age. If he wants to make this public, it is up to him. I am 21 months older, and I am 57. So ..........

February 17, 2010


Today we will be on Huahine. The sports team is taking out a lot of equipment to the beach. Ed and I went over to the supermarket, to buy some water, before going over to the beach.

Getting there was not that easy, but finally we made it to the very small beach. The fresh water supply was turned of today, so no fresh water showers.

There was a strong current going, and it took some time to get to the clear water. Saw some fish, not that many. My knee snapped again, so I had to wait some time, before I could move again. Walt and I decided to go back to the ship, he would return later, I decided to stay on the ship. Have not seen Gail the whole morning. There are only two options available, either she slept in or............

Stayed on board the ship, finally saw Gail, had a chat and took an afternoon snooze. Gail, Walt, David, Joel and myself had a pleasant dinner, followed by a musical quiz. Since it will be a sea day tomorrow, a lot more passengers than usual, were staying up late (till about 10 pm!). Normally you can shoot a canon at that time of night (sorry, it is an exact translation from a Dutch saying, into English). Perhaps somebody on shore, will find out what I mean, and will tell me the proper meaning. Giving you some homework, we are too busy. Sorry about that.

One thing I know now, I have to do my blog every day, otherwise I seem to forget, what I have been doing two days ago.

At the moment I am trying to recharge my Sony E-reader. No luck up till now. I have done it now at least five times. This morning somebody suggested that I plug it in on the 220 side of the ship. In the pianobar, for all of you who are familiar with the lay-out of the ship, on one side it gives you 110 and on the other 220. This will be my last hope. I have tried to recharge my e-reader by using my laptop, no such luck. In the hotel I used several connections, no luck. It might work out that something inside the e-reader has broken down. Would be really annoyed if that is the case. I only bought it one month ago, before I will be back another two months have passed. Will keep you informed.

Papeete Moorea Bora Bora Huahine Rangiroa Hiva Oa Nuka Hiva Archipelago de las Perlas Balboa Panama Canal Cristobal San Blas Archipelago Cartagena Oranjestad Willemstad Jost van Dyke Tortola Virgin Gorda Gustavia St. Maarten Punta Delgado Lisbon (66 days in total)

Hi everybody,

This is my first blog message. The countdown for this trip started in April 2009, when I booked it, and now only 4 days at home, before the trip of a life time starts.

Previously I have done two weeks on the Royal Clipper in the Caribean, followed by the Athens to Phuket repositioning cruise on the Star Clipper. Then the first transatlantic crossing on the Flyer, followed by a week in the Caribean and several days at St. Maarten. The last time was the transatlantic crossing on the Flyer from Nice to St. Maarten.

Wednesday morning I will be flying from Amsterdam to London, London to Los Angeles, and finally, from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti.

After a long flight (28.5 hours) I will be arriving in Papeete, Thursday February 11, at 06.30 am. Probably completely lost and not knowing what to do next.

My plan is to go to the hotel, check in, leave my luggage behind and go to the local supermarket to get some water and food, back to the hotel, change and lay by the pool, trying to stay awake and getting rid of the jet leg.

Saturday afternoon several passengers, whom I've "talked" to on the Cruise critic message board, are joining up for a 4x4 excursion, followed by drinks and dinner at the Roletto's in the harbour area.

Sunday afternoon is boarding time. From 16.00 pm you are welcome on board the Star Flyer. We are leaving for Moorea at 24.00 hours.

My intention is to keep my family and friends, and anybody else who is interested in my travelblog, informed. Hopefully I will be able to insert some pictures, but I first have to learn how to do this. Since I am away for 10 weeks, I treated myself to an e-reader. It took me almost two weeks to get to grips with how to download the e-books onto my e-reader. But... I managed. Thankfully the assistance from the web shop was terrific, otherwise I probably would have not succeeded.

At the moment I am collecting all the battery chargers, cables, memory sticks, and whatever you get when having an electronic piece of equipment, there are soo many cables etc. that my carry on is nearly full with that stuff.

Although I am allowed two suitcases and one carry on, I will try to stick to one suitcase. The reason is, that flying home from Lisbon, the airline (TAP) has very strict rules. I am only allowed one suitcase with a maximum weight of 20 kilos, for every kilo extra it will cost me € 20,= per kilo!

I have no idea if I will succeed, but at least I can give it a try. I even bought a scale, to make sure.

Tomorrow I have to do some research on how to insert images, prints etc.

 

Take care

Pralientje