Looking out the window of our cabin, I can truly appreciate Columbus sailing the ocean blue for so many days as he traveled to America. “Water, water everywhere…” One BIG difference is that the Mediterranean is nearly as smooth as glass, and it is sunny and about 75 degrees (F) this afternoon.
I am writing this offline while we are traveling on a Grimaldi Lines “ferry” traveling from Barcelona to Rome. Internet is available but costs ten Euro for one hour. Experience tells me it is probably not a very fast connection, so I thought I would use the spare time to compose a report to post when we arrive in our hotel in Rome. The ship is large and is mostly carrying freight. Although there is a capacity for 1000 passengers to be aboard, I do not think there are more than 100 on this trip, which include the truck drivers for the trucks that are aboard.
We have a cabin called a “Junior Suite” that has a king sized bed as well as fold out bunks, so a family of four could fit comfortably (costs $290 for the ~24-hour trip). There is even a small play area for young children equipped with a slide and other equipment. We have our own ¾ bathroom, a closet, small refrigerator, dressing table and a tiny TV with only one English speaking station, BBC News. The food is very expensive and is served cafeteria style. The reviews advised to bring food on board, but we had so much luggage, we did not want to bring groceries in addition. I was surprised that they offer a pool, gym, beauty spa, casino and nightclub. Overall you could say they provide a budget cruise experience that is clean, safe and gets you from point A to point B. Maybe you will have occasion to travel this way when you tour Europe.
Our Celebrity cruise was a little disappointing. The ship was lovely, and our room was about 30% larger than the Princess and Carnival ships on which we have traveled. The food was too good (too tempting). On the down side: there were mostly elderly people aboard, and as the days passed I found myself feeling like I was in an assisted living facility. Exceptions were occasionally running into an elevator full of young adults and going dancing. Spotting a child on board was truly a rare occurrence. I suppose the most disconcerting part of seeing so many old people was looking into the mirror and facing the fact that I fit right in. Equally troubling was realizing that, while I might look a little younger than some, many of them could outpace me at hiking, walking, dancing and other tour activities.
Contributing to our disappointment was the fact that Alan woke up the first morning with nausea, chills, fever and a severe headache and lower back pain. The worst of the symptoms dissipated after 48 hours, but, due to his illness, we missed a full three days of shore excursions: southern France, Livorno and Civitavecchia (Rome’s port). I got a mini-version of the bug and missed Venice too. The ship’s doctor did some lab tests and determined he “just” had Norovirus, which is commonly known as “stomach flu,” and occurs almost as frequently as the common cold.
Speaking of the “common cold,” within two days of his recovery, Alan fell sick with a full-blown version of that virus. Fortunately we came prepared with all the drugs we needed for symptomatic treatment. Finally (at least I hope this is the last report of illness for this trip) as we waited between cruises yesterday, I became very sick after lunch and had to “pray to the porcelain god” in the ladies’ room at the W Hotel in Barcelona yesterday. That seems to be a one-time occurrence, so far.
(goldenbear70 writing now) We are looking forward to seeing Rome with time to spare, as when cruising you only have a half-day to see everything. When the ship pulled into Civitavecchia, guests were still an hour’s train ride from Rome, so sightseeing would have been limited and rushed even if had I felt well enough to get off the ship.
Since the advent of the Internet (for me, since 1994), this is the longest time we have been offline. We feel cutoff and out of touch, and though we did try an Internet café in Kotor, Montenegro, the keyboard was in Serbian and there was a “z” where the “y” should have been, so we had little to no chance to check in with family and friends, let alone find out what was happening in the news and with our favorite teams. It seemed like the international versions of CNN, Sky News, BBC, Fox News, etc., replayed the same stories for three days. We got so tired of hearing about the missing baby in Kansas City and MSNBC advertising for itself and the Democrat Party that we eventually just turned off the TV and read.
By the time we reach our hotel tonight, it will be late, so we may not have an opportunity to post this right away, but we’ll be thinking of you all anyway.
Go Bears—beat the Trojans!
Rome, Italy
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Suvarnabumi (Farewell to Thailand for Now)
We have to make this quick. (Mark will be happy.)
Suvarnabumi is pronounced "Suwarnaboom." I just had a complimentary Thai massage while waiting in the Royal Orchid lounge. It is the first time in over a month that my left arm has stopped tingling. I must have a pinched nerve. Anyway, it was a grandly relaxing and pleasant experience. Kup Khun Kha, Thailand. Goodbye to all the orchids, lemon grass, Panang Curry, Pad Thai, and beautiful tropical fruits. We finally tasted Durian this trip (delicious!) and Mangosteen, Rambutan, countless Papayas and Mangos - just fabulous. It is the country of smiles - people are so kind and seem happy. We spent our last day packing and having one last mani-pedi and haircut for goldenbear70 - one or two last delicious meals and a good sleep in our comfy Renaissance bed.
We will fly home via Beijing and Dulles and arrive at home after midnight.
Sawasdee Kha, all.
goldenbear70's Honey
0920 local time
Suvarnabumi is pronounced "Suwarnaboom." I just had a complimentary Thai massage while waiting in the Royal Orchid lounge. It is the first time in over a month that my left arm has stopped tingling. I must have a pinched nerve. Anyway, it was a grandly relaxing and pleasant experience. Kup Khun Kha, Thailand. Goodbye to all the orchids, lemon grass, Panang Curry, Pad Thai, and beautiful tropical fruits. We finally tasted Durian this trip (delicious!) and Mangosteen, Rambutan, countless Papayas and Mangos - just fabulous. It is the country of smiles - people are so kind and seem happy. We spent our last day packing and having one last mani-pedi and haircut for goldenbear70 - one or two last delicious meals and a good sleep in our comfy Renaissance bed.
We will fly home via Beijing and Dulles and arrive at home after midnight.
Sawasdee Kha, all.
goldenbear70's Honey
0920 local time
Friday, April 29, 2011
Only Four Days Left in Bangkok
I know I am in one of the most interesting cities in Asia, and we only have four days left here, but I am devoting today to watching The Royal Wedding. That’s right – “The Game Day Show,” pregame, game and post-game. This only happens every thirty years or so, and all those football shows come on once a week for months every year! Alan will not be able to take it, so he will probably go down to the river and watch boats and fish, but I will be glued to BBC.
I see that we have only a few days of vitamins and other personal items left of the six weeks’ worth of supplies we packed. In spite of depleting those items, as well as unloading a suitcase-full of things we brought to family in Australia, we have had to purchase another large piece of luggage to take things home.
Even though it is the hot, dry season here, we have had several days of rain – (aside from the monsoon week we spent in Ao Nang/Krabi). The weather has also been cooler than it usually is at this time of year, but goldenbear70’s passport became permanently warped from spending a day in his sweaty pocket, and my lippy melted during one of our day trips. In spite of the uncomfortable weather, the food is delicious, the people are so gracious and delightful, and the shopping is phenomenal. Anyway, since we live in Charleston now, this weather just gets us acclimated for our summer at home.
Especially for our Asian friends, we have taken photos of our food. I must say that I like the Thai custom of eating with a large tablespoon and fork, better than I like using chop sticks. I am so uncoordinated with the latter, using them would be a great means of cutting calories for me. For rice and noodles, nothing beats a large spoon.
I also have had a few pieces of clothing tailored. Having things made sure beats hours of unfruitful shopping, but it still takes a lot of energy to select styles and fabrics.
We have had a wonderful time touring – especially with our friends, Toy and Bee. Check out our Flickr photos for updates that are worth many thousands of words.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21984041@N08/
Let us know if you have trouble viewing the photos.
Noon, Bangkok Time
Sawasdee Kah/Krup The Honey/goldenbear70
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ubon Day Trip
Almost 40 years ago, I used to fly into Ubon Ratchathani to buy jewelry from B Jewelry, a small store located on the Royal Thai AFB, Ubon. I visited regularly, and purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry, Thai silk, bronzeware, and souvenirs for the ship's store aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). I didn't realize at the time what a privilege it was to do this, and what good friends I would become with the store manager, Toy Supakorn (nee Tantasirikorn). I decided to pay a short visit to Ubon for old times' sake, so Sunday night I took the train from Bangkok to Ubon for a day's outing.
Well, the night train really was an experience--rocking from side to side, banging and clanking continuously, and (worst of all) suddenly lurching forwards or backwards when the engineer decided to slow down or accelerate. I rode First Class, which meant I shared a sleeper compartment with another person, who decided not to show up for the trip--he must have known what I was in for and skipped the whole affair! We left Bangkok 30 minutes late, were sidetracked at least three times for 30 minutes each, and arrived in Ubon 2 1/2 hours late. With all the noise and rocking, I didn't sleep at all, but I was glad to finally be back in Ubon after 38 years.
That is, I thought I was glad to be back, until I took a ride around town and didn't recognize a single thing, was denied entrance to the Air Force Base (where the B Jewelry store was), it started to rain ("big raining"), and my desire to return to Bangkok ASAP was thwarted by a lack of seats on any of the three airlines serving the Ubon-BKK route. I took some pictures and headed back to the train station so I could be sure to get a ticket in the First Class car. Oops--no such luck--"sorry, sir, all full." OK, so Second Class is sounding better all the time, and I could save 600 Baht--woohoo!
I waited about 2 hours for the train to come, big raining all this time, so I sampled some of the food vendors' delicacies. The only one I liked was the plain rice. I did have some fried rice at one stall, but it included a mystery meat that I avoided--the flies wouldn't even land on it....
The train arrived about 1 1/2 hours before departure, so I thought I'd get aboard and find my seat. I found it, all right--next to the leaking roof from the big raining. I found the conductor to ask if I could change seats, but he just got a rag, wiped the seat and windowsill, and said, "you OK now--sit!" Of course, it only stayed dry for about a minute. I went back to the conductor, who then stuffed a rag up between the window and the frame and said, "OK."
By this time I noticed the few people in the car were all coughing, and I realized that the car was filled with diesel smoke from the generator which powered the on-board A/C unit, which was located beneath the car. I left the car, and the only place I could find to wait that didn't involve inhaling tons of diesel smoke was out in the rain--the covered areas were containing the smoke from five generators. What a revolting development this was!
I boarded again with a minute to spare before we left the station, and was looking forward to relaxing in the seat and getting a free shower, but the conductor immediately started pulling down the beds and making them up. Since I was assigned an upper bunk, I had to climb up into a coffin-like area and lay down on the pallet, even though it was only 6:30 PM. It was a hard day's night, those 13 hours back to Bangkok, for sure.
Goldenbear's Honey made the right choice in staying at the Renaissance and not accompanying me to Ubon.
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21984041@N08/sets/72157626414033571/
Where You Need Both Hands to Say "Hello/Goodbye"
Just as a PS to our Australia stay, one of the many things our Aussie cousins taught us this trip is that "Entree" on their menus is equivalent to "Appetizer" on our menus. Knowing that can make a big difference when you order your meal. Also, a sidewalk is a "foot path." The expression is not "How are you doing?" or "How is it going?" but "How are YOU GOING?" I could go on and on - both countries speak English, but the accent and the vocabulary differs. Please say "Wau-tuh" rather than "Wah-trr."
Our flight back on Thai Airlines was pleasant - we watched three good movies, ate a delicious meal, and here we are. I especially like watching movies on flights, because they edit out a lot of gore and foul language that I did not want to see or hear in the first place. Here's a clue, Hollywood, the plot, acting, and scenes are just as good without all that stuff - actually, they are better.
So we are - back where we need both hands free to greet people - I have to remember to put my purse on my arm so I can place both hands together in front of my nose and mouth and slightly bow my head ("wai") as I say "Sawadee Kah." It is a very nice custom - showing respect for another as you come and go. I notice the locals also reverence their Buddhist shrines with the same gesture as they pass them on the sidewalks.
In case you missed it - be sure to check our Flickr account for the video we made of our room here in Bangkok this time. We were struggling to suppress our country bumpkin response when the front desk clerk led us to our room which he stated had been upgraded by the manager to a suite. Gomer Pyle's "Go-o-ollee!" sums it up pretty well. The rooftop pool here is equally spectacular, so we will try to get a photo of that posted soon.
We arrived on the second day of Thailand's New Year Holiday - Songkrahn. To celebrate and wish each other well on this three-day holiday, people throw water and white mud on each other. There were otherwise perfectly normal people running around the streets and parks with huge water guns (think Hasbro "Super Soakers") and pails of water and mud. Stands were set up everywhere selling bottles of water and bags of white clay for throwing and face painting @ 10 bht each ($0.33 US). White clay residue was splattered all over cars, buses, taxis and people's clothing. It is a BIG deal hear - reminded us of the sale and use of fire works near Independence Day in the States. Goldenbear70 got doused and gently slapped on the face with clay as he walked a few blocks to get a haircut, manicure and pedicure on our second day here. That's right, you heard me right - mani-pedi for my man.
Traffic was light due to the holiday, but we notice it is also lighter (and there is less air pollution) than nine years ago due to completion and increased use of the Skytrain and Subway, as well as elimination of the 2-cycle motorcycle engine. We notice more people wearing helmets when riding scooters and motorcycles (it's the law here now), but the incidence of serious and fatal accidents involving motorcycles is still startling.
Of course we visited Toy's new jewelry store, Chin. She flew here from Phuket our first day, sent a car for us and entertained us at her store. They sell not only jewelry but many typical souvenir items - and she gives us a 40% discount. It's one-stop shopping that wore us out - and we were just looking. She greeted us with gifts from Phuket, including a beautiful straw handbag, a pashmina, and for goldenbear70 - his favorite Thai pastries - sort of mini-crepes stuffed with coconut, pineapple and mango. Right away, she wanted my rings to have them cleaned - now they sparkle like new. She uses a special sonic cleaning machine, but she said boiling water and a drop of dish soap will work too.
She is back in town today, and we will go back to her store to actually purchase a few items and spend some more time with her. In the meantime we are enjoying the always-delicious Thai food, our gorgeous room, the hotel pool and nearby shopping areas. Sunday we took the train and then a taxi to church - same place where we attended nine years ago. We even ventured to a dentist here where we each had a cleaning, x-rays, and exam and a couple of fillings each. We could actually afford the dental work here without taking out a loan.
My eczema flared up again last summer, and it has been worse since Ao Nang, so Toy made an appointment for me at her doctor. She had a car come for us to take us there, and we were seen about a half hour late, but the facility was very modern and clean. It could not have been more conveniently arranged: you see the doctor in his office, where there is a small exam room curtained off; there is an assistant there who handles the paperwork for prescriptions etc. right in that office; and you walk down the hall to have your prescription filled (cream compounded on-site); followed by walking to the final window where you pay. I think the whole deal including two prescriptions and the exam cost us 1100 bht (~$38). The best part of this story is that I am getting better. I've been to two different dermatologists in the US with no improvement.
Alan fulfilled a burning desire to travel to Ubon Ratchitani, but I will leave it to him to post that story.
Sorry, Mark, I know this has been a long post. We enjoy talking to our family on Skype and occasionally hearing from them via e-mail. We love and miss you all.
goldenbear70's Honey
1040, Renaissance, Bangkok, Thailand
Photos:
Our flight back on Thai Airlines was pleasant - we watched three good movies, ate a delicious meal, and here we are. I especially like watching movies on flights, because they edit out a lot of gore and foul language that I did not want to see or hear in the first place. Here's a clue, Hollywood, the plot, acting, and scenes are just as good without all that stuff - actually, they are better.
So we are - back where we need both hands free to greet people - I have to remember to put my purse on my arm so I can place both hands together in front of my nose and mouth and slightly bow my head ("wai") as I say "Sawadee Kah." It is a very nice custom - showing respect for another as you come and go. I notice the locals also reverence their Buddhist shrines with the same gesture as they pass them on the sidewalks.
In case you missed it - be sure to check our Flickr account for the video we made of our room here in Bangkok this time. We were struggling to suppress our country bumpkin response when the front desk clerk led us to our room which he stated had been upgraded by the manager to a suite. Gomer Pyle's "Go-o-ollee!" sums it up pretty well. The rooftop pool here is equally spectacular, so we will try to get a photo of that posted soon.
We arrived on the second day of Thailand's New Year Holiday - Songkrahn. To celebrate and wish each other well on this three-day holiday, people throw water and white mud on each other. There were otherwise perfectly normal people running around the streets and parks with huge water guns (think Hasbro "Super Soakers") and pails of water and mud. Stands were set up everywhere selling bottles of water and bags of white clay for throwing and face painting @ 10 bht each ($0.33 US). White clay residue was splattered all over cars, buses, taxis and people's clothing. It is a BIG deal hear - reminded us of the sale and use of fire works near Independence Day in the States. Goldenbear70 got doused and gently slapped on the face with clay as he walked a few blocks to get a haircut, manicure and pedicure on our second day here. That's right, you heard me right - mani-pedi for my man.
Traffic was light due to the holiday, but we notice it is also lighter (and there is less air pollution) than nine years ago due to completion and increased use of the Skytrain and Subway, as well as elimination of the 2-cycle motorcycle engine. We notice more people wearing helmets when riding scooters and motorcycles (it's the law here now), but the incidence of serious and fatal accidents involving motorcycles is still startling.
Of course we visited Toy's new jewelry store, Chin. She flew here from Phuket our first day, sent a car for us and entertained us at her store. They sell not only jewelry but many typical souvenir items - and she gives us a 40% discount. It's one-stop shopping that wore us out - and we were just looking. She greeted us with gifts from Phuket, including a beautiful straw handbag, a pashmina, and for goldenbear70 - his favorite Thai pastries - sort of mini-crepes stuffed with coconut, pineapple and mango. Right away, she wanted my rings to have them cleaned - now they sparkle like new. She uses a special sonic cleaning machine, but she said boiling water and a drop of dish soap will work too.
She is back in town today, and we will go back to her store to actually purchase a few items and spend some more time with her. In the meantime we are enjoying the always-delicious Thai food, our gorgeous room, the hotel pool and nearby shopping areas. Sunday we took the train and then a taxi to church - same place where we attended nine years ago. We even ventured to a dentist here where we each had a cleaning, x-rays, and exam and a couple of fillings each. We could actually afford the dental work here without taking out a loan.
My eczema flared up again last summer, and it has been worse since Ao Nang, so Toy made an appointment for me at her doctor. She had a car come for us to take us there, and we were seen about a half hour late, but the facility was very modern and clean. It could not have been more conveniently arranged: you see the doctor in his office, where there is a small exam room curtained off; there is an assistant there who handles the paperwork for prescriptions etc. right in that office; and you walk down the hall to have your prescription filled (cream compounded on-site); followed by walking to the final window where you pay. I think the whole deal including two prescriptions and the exam cost us 1100 bht (~$38). The best part of this story is that I am getting better. I've been to two different dermatologists in the US with no improvement.
Alan fulfilled a burning desire to travel to Ubon Ratchitani, but I will leave it to him to post that story.
Sorry, Mark, I know this has been a long post. We enjoy talking to our family on Skype and occasionally hearing from them via e-mail. We love and miss you all.
goldenbear70's Honey
1040, Renaissance, Bangkok, Thailand
Photos:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Bittersweet
As posted earlier, just prior to our arrival, my Aunt Muriel suffered a serious stroke and was hospitalized, so Lynn was tied up tending to her mother. Her sister Ali was on an international trip, Aunt Val was on a cruise to New Zealand, and sister Christine was wrapping up her affairs on the East Coast preparing for her move back to W.A. Lynn had the whole burden of her mother's situation on her shoulders, including Muriel's 14 year-old deaf (but cute) dog, Ollie.
Aunt Muriel rallied for a couple of days - Tuesday we had a great visit with her. She recognized me (said "you look like your father," and "sorry," apologizing for her ill health interfering with our holiday). On Wednesday 6 April, however, she suffered another stroke, and never regained consciousness. She passed away early Sunday morning, 11 April, with her three daughters by her bedside. It was a bittersweet experience for us, as we were there during her last hours and were able to help comfort Lynn and the family, but it was sad to realize she had gone.
Our trip to Perth was not what we had expected when we set out, but we were so glad that we were able to be there to see Aunt Muriel once again before she left us, and to bond even more closely with Lynn, Russell, and the extended family.
We met Elliot (Ali's oldest son); Christine (Lynn and Ali's sister) for the first time, as well as her grandsons (Nathan and Leanne's sons, Lochy and Jack); and Chili and Ruby (Russell's grandchildren) --all for the first time. We also saw Aunt Val, cousins Gary, Sam, Holly, and Tyler (Ali's husband & children), and Aunt Eva (Uncle Stanley's youngest sister).
We enjoyed seeing Ali and Gary's new kitchen and Lynn and Russ's new house and dog, Teddy. We rode the new rapid transit into downtown Perth; toured Mandurah, Freemantle and the coast between there and Perth with Russell; had two fabulous dinners with Dean and Glenda (Russell's daughter) and Russell, and one with Leanne, Nathan, and boys, at their home, and in general just had a wonderful time visiting with the family.
Our visit ended all too soon, but we had an unchangeable ticket, so off we went, back to Bangkok on 13 April.
See Photos at: http://flickr.com/gp/21984041@N08/Rh95K6/
Goldenbear70 & His Honey
Bangkok, Thailand 2219, 04/15/2011
Aunt Muriel rallied for a couple of days - Tuesday we had a great visit with her. She recognized me (said "you look like your father," and "sorry," apologizing for her ill health interfering with our holiday). On Wednesday 6 April, however, she suffered another stroke, and never regained consciousness. She passed away early Sunday morning, 11 April, with her three daughters by her bedside. It was a bittersweet experience for us, as we were there during her last hours and were able to help comfort Lynn and the family, but it was sad to realize she had gone.
Our trip to Perth was not what we had expected when we set out, but we were so glad that we were able to be there to see Aunt Muriel once again before she left us, and to bond even more closely with Lynn, Russell, and the extended family.
We met Elliot (Ali's oldest son); Christine (Lynn and Ali's sister) for the first time, as well as her grandsons (Nathan and Leanne's sons, Lochy and Jack); and Chili and Ruby (Russell's grandchildren) --all for the first time. We also saw Aunt Val, cousins Gary, Sam, Holly, and Tyler (Ali's husband & children), and Aunt Eva (Uncle Stanley's youngest sister).
We enjoyed seeing Ali and Gary's new kitchen and Lynn and Russ's new house and dog, Teddy. We rode the new rapid transit into downtown Perth; toured Mandurah, Freemantle and the coast between there and Perth with Russell; had two fabulous dinners with Dean and Glenda (Russell's daughter) and Russell, and one with Leanne, Nathan, and boys, at their home, and in general just had a wonderful time visiting with the family.
Our visit ended all too soon, but we had an unchangeable ticket, so off we went, back to Bangkok on 13 April.
See Photos at: http://flickr.com/gp/21984041@N08/Rh95K6/
Goldenbear70 & His Honey
Bangkok, Thailand 2219, 04/15/2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Down Under
Thursday morning we had to get up and out of our room in Phu Pha by 0630 to grab a bite of breakfast from the buffet before our car picked us up. One last large bowl of those luscious fruits, and we said "Goodbye" to Phu Pha at Ao Nang. Most of the flooding had cleared on the roads, but we learned seven people were killed in Krabi from the mud slides. As we drove to the airport, our driver pointed out where a road had been washed out. When we saw the newspapers at the airport we realized many tourists had been evacuated, so our situation, while uncomfortable and boring, was at least not dangerous.
We had a pleasant flight from Krabi to Bangkok, where we arrived about mid-morning. Because there was such a long layover, we had to exit the secure area of the airport and wait six hours to queue up to obtain our boarding passes. Our sweet Thai friend, Toy, called as she had done each day twice a day. She suggested we avail ourselves of the beauty salon and massage services at the airport. I thought that was a splendid idea - had my hair washed and styled dry for $10 - then went next door for a $5 pedicure! I would have signed on for the afternoon of massage if I had been left alone.
The Phu Pha cook, "Rahm," had made goldenbear70 a special treat for the journey, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves - some just plain and others with pineapple, mango and coconut. We snacked on those at the airport in Bangkok, as well as finding a few delicious menu items at the airport food shops and the duty free food demonstrations.
We even found a lounge full of recliners where we took a little nap while people milled around staring at us (at least it seemed like it). Finally we went to our gate after more than a 12-hour layover we boarded our flight to Perth. We both slept most of the way, and what a treat it was to emerge from the airport into the crisp sunny morning in Perth! The weather here is much cooler than it would have been if we had arrived in February when we first planned to be here.
Our time here has been filled with family just like we had hoped. Russell and Lynn make us feel so welcome, and we have been able to visit Auntie Muriel in the hospital. She had a stroke a few days before we arrived, and it is sad to see her sick, but at least we are able to visit.
Yesterday Holly (Ali's daughter) gave a beautiful "high tea" in honor of Lynn's birthday. There was delicious food, and Ali's family was there (Ali, Gary, Elliot, Holly of course, Sam, Tyler and the dog, Scruff), Auntie Eva came too. Nathan, Leann and their darling two boys (Lochy and Jack - so cute!) came by Lynn's house and brought her flowers. My gift was to blow dry her hair after she washed it and paint her nails, and we all succeeded in making it a very special day for Lynn.
Goldenbear70 has been busy doing projects around the house here - painting, washing and waxing cars - today he even baked a bread pudding. We are having fun just being together. The weather is mild and sunny - love it!
goldenbear70's honey
Perth, Western Australia 1601, local time
We had a pleasant flight from Krabi to Bangkok, where we arrived about mid-morning. Because there was such a long layover, we had to exit the secure area of the airport and wait six hours to queue up to obtain our boarding passes. Our sweet Thai friend, Toy, called as she had done each day twice a day. She suggested we avail ourselves of the beauty salon and massage services at the airport. I thought that was a splendid idea - had my hair washed and styled dry for $10 - then went next door for a $5 pedicure! I would have signed on for the afternoon of massage if I had been left alone.
The Phu Pha cook, "Rahm," had made goldenbear70 a special treat for the journey, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves - some just plain and others with pineapple, mango and coconut. We snacked on those at the airport in Bangkok, as well as finding a few delicious menu items at the airport food shops and the duty free food demonstrations.
We even found a lounge full of recliners where we took a little nap while people milled around staring at us (at least it seemed like it). Finally we went to our gate after more than a 12-hour layover we boarded our flight to Perth. We both slept most of the way, and what a treat it was to emerge from the airport into the crisp sunny morning in Perth! The weather here is much cooler than it would have been if we had arrived in February when we first planned to be here.
Our time here has been filled with family just like we had hoped. Russell and Lynn make us feel so welcome, and we have been able to visit Auntie Muriel in the hospital. She had a stroke a few days before we arrived, and it is sad to see her sick, but at least we are able to visit.
Yesterday Holly (Ali's daughter) gave a beautiful "high tea" in honor of Lynn's birthday. There was delicious food, and Ali's family was there (Ali, Gary, Elliot, Holly of course, Sam, Tyler and the dog, Scruff), Auntie Eva came too. Nathan, Leann and their darling two boys (Lochy and Jack - so cute!) came by Lynn's house and brought her flowers. My gift was to blow dry her hair after she washed it and paint her nails, and we all succeeded in making it a very special day for Lynn.
Goldenbear70 has been busy doing projects around the house here - painting, washing and waxing cars - today he even baked a bread pudding. We are having fun just being together. The weather is mild and sunny - love it!
goldenbear70's honey
Perth, Western Australia 1601, local time
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
Last night I lay awake listening to the rain pounding outside, and I became so worried I woke up goldenbear70 to say how I was frightened that we would not be able to leave Ao Nang on Thursday as planned. "It will be fine," he replied sleepily.
A little later I was awakened by the silence - the rain had stopped! Hooray! It has rained a little more during the day today - but only light sprinkles. The flooded road we waded down yesterday mid-afternoon has drained dry now, and we walked it after breakfast this morning. Now the sunshine is beginning to creep through the canopy and clouds.
For a little while we have had our fill of Pat Thai noodles, pineapple fried rice, Tom Kha, Tom Yum, Panang and Mussamann curry, Satay and even fresh mango, papaya, pomelo and pineapple. We have befriended the cook here - her name is pronounced "Rahm." I have no idea how to spell it, but it means "umbrella." She is such a kind person. Alan mentioned he missed having rice for breakfast Tuesday, and today she made sticky rice - sweet rice wrapped in a banana leaf with coconut and mango - tastes like rice pudding - only better.
We prefer to eat here at the resort, because Rahm makes such nice meals for us. (And, we really did not enjoy the adventure of wading down that road yesterday.)We have to overlook the four kittens that roam in and out of the kitchen at will, climbing on the counter tops. I am not sure Rahm washes her hands before she prepares our food, but so far we have remained healthy. Thank God for his blessings.
Our dear friend, Toy, calls us twice each day to make sure we are happy and safe. We will get to see her in Bangkok when we return from Perth. Tomorrow, early in the morning we have a confirmed ride to the airport for our flight to Oz.
As I look out our cabin window I am amazed at the beautiful plants that grow here and how clean each leaf is from the great washing they have had this week. Some of the plants with larger leaves bowed down from the pounding of the rain - the same as heavy wet snow weighs down the tree branches in the winter. Speaking of winter: Bangkok's low was only forty-something degrees Farenheit today, and we heard there is a freeze warning in Charleston. El Nina? Global Warming? Climate Change? How about just plain old fluctuating weather patterns?
Our next post will be from Down Under if all goes according to plan, so listen for an Aussie accent.
goldenbear70 & his honey
1343, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
A little later I was awakened by the silence - the rain had stopped! Hooray! It has rained a little more during the day today - but only light sprinkles. The flooded road we waded down yesterday mid-afternoon has drained dry now, and we walked it after breakfast this morning. Now the sunshine is beginning to creep through the canopy and clouds.
For a little while we have had our fill of Pat Thai noodles, pineapple fried rice, Tom Kha, Tom Yum, Panang and Mussamann curry, Satay and even fresh mango, papaya, pomelo and pineapple. We have befriended the cook here - her name is pronounced "Rahm." I have no idea how to spell it, but it means "umbrella." She is such a kind person. Alan mentioned he missed having rice for breakfast Tuesday, and today she made sticky rice - sweet rice wrapped in a banana leaf with coconut and mango - tastes like rice pudding - only better.
We prefer to eat here at the resort, because Rahm makes such nice meals for us. (And, we really did not enjoy the adventure of wading down that road yesterday.)We have to overlook the four kittens that roam in and out of the kitchen at will, climbing on the counter tops. I am not sure Rahm washes her hands before she prepares our food, but so far we have remained healthy. Thank God for his blessings.
Our dear friend, Toy, calls us twice each day to make sure we are happy and safe. We will get to see her in Bangkok when we return from Perth. Tomorrow, early in the morning we have a confirmed ride to the airport for our flight to Oz.
As I look out our cabin window I am amazed at the beautiful plants that grow here and how clean each leaf is from the great washing they have had this week. Some of the plants with larger leaves bowed down from the pounding of the rain - the same as heavy wet snow weighs down the tree branches in the winter. Speaking of winter: Bangkok's low was only forty-something degrees Farenheit today, and we heard there is a freeze warning in Charleston. El Nina? Global Warming? Climate Change? How about just plain old fluctuating weather patterns?
Our next post will be from Down Under if all goes according to plan, so listen for an Aussie accent.
goldenbear70 & his honey
1343, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Still Raining - Where's the Ark?
Three days of steady very heavy rain! We are starting to see a lot of flooding. We read that in this week alone there has been more rainfall than the average yearly rainfall in this area (41 centimeters in the past 24 hours). We walked to the beach at 1100 to get some lunch and walk around a bit. Became completely soaked through our clothes in spite of carrying umbrellas. As we attempted to walk back to the resort, we found the road impassable to vehicles. Within only a couple of hours, we found flooding as deep as one meter - walked through the rushing water, praying that we would not encounter any snakes. I am sure the water we walked through was full of trash and maybe worse, so needless to say, we showered and sent our clothes to the laundry immediately. That's enough adventure for me.
I am staying close to the cabin and hoping the rain lets up enough to allow us to get to the airport on Thursday, 31 March. A couple of people have commented that I am on the computer a lot for 'vacation.' Thank goodness we have a good Internet connection, because that is our main entertainment. It is fantastic that we can post photos and read responses from people all over the world - that Chris could post Chase's video of Karate competition, and we could see it all the way over here - that we can call our friends and family using Skype, talking to Australia and the US.
For photos go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21984041@N08/sets/72157626246244921/
goldenbear70 & his honey
1754 Local Time - Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
(only two more sleeps and we can leave)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Another [Rainy] Day In Paradise
Another day in paradise, monsoon version 2011….It stopped raining long enough for me to explore around town and work up a sweat climbing the monkey trail to the Centara Krabi Resort. The trail starts at the end of the beachfront road at Ao Nang and rises about 175 feet over a headland protecting the resort from the “riff-raff” at Ao Nang.
Friday I had a pedicure done by about 100 little fish in a tank. I laughed so hard I drew a crowd and made a sale for the guy as a woman “wanted what I was having.” Saturday I had a manicure on the beach by a lady who did a great job and charged $3, which included a pineapple slice on a stick and a banana. Her “shop” was under a tree on the beach, and she worked while I watched the ocean and swimmers at the beach. It was certainly a unique experience!
More rain last night, and more rain this morning. We must have had 10 inches of rain since we arrived on Thursday, and the forecast is for rain every day until we leave. No wonder the jungle is green!
Otherwise we have stayed close to our cabin especially when we found there is a restaurant here with food as good as or better than in town.
We thought about taking a boat excursion we saw advertised in town – a sunset tour with ‘Captain Yum Yum” to one of the surrounding islands. The cruise included dinner and snorkeling in an underwater cave with phosphorescent lighting. We were psyched to go until we read a review about the tour that indicated there was no First Aid kit aboard, and a previous tourist found himself swimming among sharks while bleeding, after cutting himself on some coral. The reviewer also mentioned that Captain Yum Yum is a woman who did not appear to know anything about the boat. A word to the wise –
Today (Monday) we met the owner of our resort who also owns a resort on the other side of the cliffs. She recommended that, if the rain lets up, we take a boat there (Phra Nang) from Ao Nang. At this point it is hard to imagine the rain will let up. I think we are up to 15 inches now. The weather guesser says 100% chance of precipitation for the next three days.
Friday I had a pedicure done by about 100 little fish in a tank. I laughed so hard I drew a crowd and made a sale for the guy as a woman “wanted what I was having.” Saturday I had a manicure on the beach by a lady who did a great job and charged $3, which included a pineapple slice on a stick and a banana. Her “shop” was under a tree on the beach, and she worked while I watched the ocean and swimmers at the beach. It was certainly a unique experience!
More rain last night, and more rain this morning. We must have had 10 inches of rain since we arrived on Thursday, and the forecast is for rain every day until we leave. No wonder the jungle is green!
Otherwise we have stayed close to our cabin especially when we found there is a restaurant here with food as good as or better than in town.
We thought about taking a boat excursion we saw advertised in town – a sunset tour with ‘Captain Yum Yum” to one of the surrounding islands. The cruise included dinner and snorkeling in an underwater cave with phosphorescent lighting. We were psyched to go until we read a review about the tour that indicated there was no First Aid kit aboard, and a previous tourist found himself swimming among sharks while bleeding, after cutting himself on some coral. The reviewer also mentioned that Captain Yum Yum is a woman who did not appear to know anything about the boat. A word to the wise –
Today (Monday) we met the owner of our resort who also owns a resort on the other side of the cliffs. She recommended that, if the rain lets up, we take a boat there (Phra Nang) from Ao Nang. At this point it is hard to imagine the rain will let up. I think we are up to 15 inches now. The weather guesser says 100% chance of precipitation for the next three days.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Blame It On Living In Charleston
My Uncle Conril used to say that when he asked his Charleston friends where they were going on vacation, they replied, "We're already here." Maybe that is my problem. I live in such a nice place, I cannot be pleased when going on vacation.
Seriously, though, this place is a big disappointment compared to what I had pictured. Goldenbear70 did not even mention in his post about the 1/4-inch-long hard-shelled beetle-like insect that flew into my eye last night. And that smell? Well, I was not the only one that noticed. When the team of staff members came to check out our malfunctioning TV and safe, one of the ladies went out and came back with several little sachets which she proudly hung all around the room. No mater how many sachet pouches you hang, sewerage still smells like sewerage.
The rock-hard bed was not too bad. I think I turned often enough to prevent bruising, and I safely passed the night without any "skeeter" bites. When I showered this morning I was pleasantly surprised as I stepped into the rock-lined stall with exposed aggregate floor. It was like standing outside in the rain. Then I looked up to see an entire squadron of mosquitoes swarming and ready to make a dive for the kill.
Breakfast was very nice - lots of tropical fruits. I think they grow the bananas right here on the property. The gardens surrounding the cabins are beautiful. Homeowners in the States pay a fortune to have their place landscaped like this, and I think it is natural. They like to serve baked beans here along with eggs, sausage and cereal. The pool looks pretty inviting, and I think the sun is trying to peek through the canopy.
This post is starting to sound like the song "Hello, Muddah, Hello Faddah." I do feel a little like I used to at summer camp. "HELP!"
Still goldenbear70's honey
Day One of our Week-long Sentence Here at Phu Pha Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
("Krabi" is pronounced krahBEE - not CRAbee)
Seriously, though, this place is a big disappointment compared to what I had pictured. Goldenbear70 did not even mention in his post about the 1/4-inch-long hard-shelled beetle-like insect that flew into my eye last night. And that smell? Well, I was not the only one that noticed. When the team of staff members came to check out our malfunctioning TV and safe, one of the ladies went out and came back with several little sachets which she proudly hung all around the room. No mater how many sachet pouches you hang, sewerage still smells like sewerage.
The rock-hard bed was not too bad. I think I turned often enough to prevent bruising, and I safely passed the night without any "skeeter" bites. When I showered this morning I was pleasantly surprised as I stepped into the rock-lined stall with exposed aggregate floor. It was like standing outside in the rain. Then I looked up to see an entire squadron of mosquitoes swarming and ready to make a dive for the kill.
Breakfast was very nice - lots of tropical fruits. I think they grow the bananas right here on the property. The gardens surrounding the cabins are beautiful. Homeowners in the States pay a fortune to have their place landscaped like this, and I think it is natural. They like to serve baked beans here along with eggs, sausage and cereal. The pool looks pretty inviting, and I think the sun is trying to peek through the canopy.
This post is starting to sound like the song "Hello, Muddah, Hello Faddah." I do feel a little like I used to at summer camp. "HELP!"
Still goldenbear70's honey
Day One of our Week-long Sentence Here at Phu Pha Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
("Krabi" is pronounced krahBEE - not CRAbee)
We Put Ourselves Down for the Week
Well, today we left the comfort and opulence of the Renaissance Bangkok for a trip south to the resort town of Krabi. We spent a few hours at the airport before boarding a Thai Airways jet full of crying babies and tourists from all over the world.
Our taxi driver was waiting for us when we exited the baggage claim, and his only words to us were “long way,” indicating how far away he parked. Nothing else was said on the 40 minute drive, even when he ran three red lights or crossed into the oncoming traffic lane to pass a slower car. Quite an experience.
When we arrived at the rustic resort centered on a swimming pool about a mile form the beach, Debbie said, “I thought it was on the beach!” Other comments were: “there’s a mosquito in here,” “the TV doesn’t work,” “how much did we pay for the flight here?” “are we committed for the whole week?” “the bed is like a board,” "there is actually mold on these pillows" and “if we come back (to the restaurant we ate at tonight) tomorrow night do you think they’ll play a different song?” Or how ‘bout this—“what’s that smell in the bathroom—did you flush?” Not a very auspicious start to our vacation.
Now there’s a monkey or some other animal running around on the roof of our cottage—“what’s that noise, a rat?” Oh boy—it will be a long week…
goldenbear70, himself - she's not speaking yet
Our taxi driver was waiting for us when we exited the baggage claim, and his only words to us were “long way,” indicating how far away he parked. Nothing else was said on the 40 minute drive, even when he ran three red lights or crossed into the oncoming traffic lane to pass a slower car. Quite an experience.
When we arrived at the rustic resort centered on a swimming pool about a mile form the beach, Debbie said, “I thought it was on the beach!” Other comments were: “there’s a mosquito in here,” “the TV doesn’t work,” “how much did we pay for the flight here?” “are we committed for the whole week?” “the bed is like a board,” "there is actually mold on these pillows" and “if we come back (to the restaurant we ate at tonight) tomorrow night do you think they’ll play a different song?” Or how ‘bout this—“what’s that smell in the bathroom—did you flush?” Not a very auspicious start to our vacation.
Now there’s a monkey or some other animal running around on the roof of our cottage—“what’s that noise, a rat?” Oh boy—it will be a long week…
goldenbear70, himself - she's not speaking yet
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
We Have Arrove!
Just after posting at NRT, we felt another earthquake - I did not hear what the magnitude was, but it lasted a good 15 seconds and made the building creak and lights sway.
Our flight on Thai Airlines was great with excellent service. My only complaint: too many announcements over the PA. You know how it goes. Your pilot makes the announcement about the anticipated duration and altitude for the trip (as if that information makes a difference to the passengers?) and then tells you all the places you will be flying over and what the weather is like at the destination. All I really needed to know is how long the flight would last. Instead we had to hear him babble on and on, first in Thai - then in Japanese - and finally in English. It was useless information to know that we would be flying over Viet Nam, the Me Kong River, Laos, etc., because it was dark the entire flight, and the shades were down. It would not have been so bad, but we were trying to watch a movie at this point.
We are now settling in to the Renaissance Hotel on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok. It is one of the newest hotels here - if not 'the' newest. The candies at the front desk were wrapped in pink paper in honor of it being Tuesday.
goldenbear70's honey
0015, Renaissance Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Our flight on Thai Airlines was great with excellent service. My only complaint: too many announcements over the PA. You know how it goes. Your pilot makes the announcement about the anticipated duration and altitude for the trip (as if that information makes a difference to the passengers?) and then tells you all the places you will be flying over and what the weather is like at the destination. All I really needed to know is how long the flight would last. Instead we had to hear him babble on and on, first in Thai - then in Japanese - and finally in English. It was useless information to know that we would be flying over Viet Nam, the Me Kong River, Laos, etc., because it was dark the entire flight, and the shades were down. It would not have been so bad, but we were trying to watch a movie at this point.
We are now settling in to the Renaissance Hotel on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok. It is one of the newest hotels here - if not 'the' newest. The candies at the front desk were wrapped in pink paper in honor of it being Tuesday.
goldenbear70's honey
0015, Renaissance Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Never Have So Many Done So Much For So Few
Here we sit for a little under an hour at the United Lounge in Narita. Our flight on ANA was exceptional! There were less than a dozen people in our class, so the service was superb - young ladies strolling the aisles ready to attend to our every need before we even knew we had a need. As our Thai friend says, the definition of perfection = "Japanese wife, American house, Thai food." If you cannot have a Japanese wife a Japanese flight attendant is the next best thing.
I think we ate about 3000 calories in the 14-hour flight. We had the sirloin steak meal, which was billed "Beef is from U.S. and has the original taste of beef."... er- as opposed to what? I was so comfortable, I did not want to land - slept about six-to-seven hours and watched "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "Life As We Know It." Both movies were delightful. Arigato gozaimasu, ANA!!
Not only was the plane uncrowded, but the airport here at NRT is very quiet. One of our flight attendants told us she was at her Tokyo home during the quake and had never before experienced such a long or strong temblor, even though she is used to earthquakes. She said that the day of the quake some of the ANA flights had to do touch-and-go and land at other airports. Incidentally, there was another quake (aftershock) measuring 5.9 today.
I looked so fresh as we boarded, but after sleeping in my clothes and makeup, I am not fit for a photo. Suffice it to say we shall shower and freshen up when we get to our hotel in Bangkok.
goldenbear70 & his honey
1607, local time, Tuesday, 22 March
Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan
I think we ate about 3000 calories in the 14-hour flight. We had the sirloin steak meal, which was billed "Beef is from U.S. and has the original taste of beef."... er- as opposed to what? I was so comfortable, I did not want to land - slept about six-to-seven hours and watched "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and "Life As We Know It." Both movies were delightful. Arigato gozaimasu, ANA!!
Not only was the plane uncrowded, but the airport here at NRT is very quiet. One of our flight attendants told us she was at her Tokyo home during the quake and had never before experienced such a long or strong temblor, even though she is used to earthquakes. She said that the day of the quake some of the ANA flights had to do touch-and-go and land at other airports. Incidentally, there was another quake (aftershock) measuring 5.9 today.
I looked so fresh as we boarded, but after sleeping in my clothes and makeup, I am not fit for a photo. Suffice it to say we shall shower and freshen up when we get to our hotel in Bangkok.
goldenbear70 & his honey
1607, local time, Tuesday, 22 March
Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Monday, March 21, 2011
Two Steps Forward - One Step Back
After two or three frustrated attempts since the first of February to go west of California, we are on our way once again. It seems that everything has combined against our going to Australia - runway repairs at Travis; an unusually high number of Space A travelers; even an earthquake and tsunami - c'mon!
Packing has become a Groundhog Day-type chore - you would think I could have just left everything packed, but the dynamic changes with a seasonal adjustment and flying commercially vs. Space A. There is now no need at all to wear warm layers as we do for the military flights. And since we are flying most of the way Business Class, we do not need to pack any snacks!
We had a very smooth Space A trip to McGuire, arriving in time for Chase's baptism in Newtown, PA on 13 March. Afterward Andrew drove us to Dover on his way home [sort of] to Williamsburg from there. We stayed a couple of nights at the Air Force Inn and took a flight back to Charleston. In fact we were the only passengers on that plane. The next morning we attempted to get the scheduled flight to Riverside, but it was canceled and so was a subsequent flight to Dover, where we thought we could connect to a California flight. Carson has just moved to Los Angeles, and it would have been fun to spend a little time with him there but the AMC gremlins had other ideas.
Goldenbear70 always finds things to keep him busy with the yard, the pool, repairing a hole in our screened porch that a critter tore open, and even having a couple of attic exhaust fans installed in our roof. His biggest project, however, was to arrange a flight to Bangkok with frequent flyer miles and then a flight from there to Perth! Hooray, we are finally booked, and it looks like it might be a great trip after all.
This morning we flew to Dulles, where we are waiting for our connecting flight through Narita and on to Bangkok. Mark says I must keep these posts short, or he will not read them. How's this length, Markie?
goldenbear 70's honey
Packing has become a Groundhog Day-type chore - you would think I could have just left everything packed, but the dynamic changes with a seasonal adjustment and flying commercially vs. Space A. There is now no need at all to wear warm layers as we do for the military flights. And since we are flying most of the way Business Class, we do not need to pack any snacks!
We had a very smooth Space A trip to McGuire, arriving in time for Chase's baptism in Newtown, PA on 13 March. Afterward Andrew drove us to Dover on his way home [sort of] to Williamsburg from there. We stayed a couple of nights at the Air Force Inn and took a flight back to Charleston. In fact we were the only passengers on that plane. The next morning we attempted to get the scheduled flight to Riverside, but it was canceled and so was a subsequent flight to Dover, where we thought we could connect to a California flight. Carson has just moved to Los Angeles, and it would have been fun to spend a little time with him there but the AMC gremlins had other ideas.
Goldenbear70 always finds things to keep him busy with the yard, the pool, repairing a hole in our screened porch that a critter tore open, and even having a couple of attic exhaust fans installed in our roof. His biggest project, however, was to arrange a flight to Bangkok with frequent flyer miles and then a flight from there to Perth! Hooray, we are finally booked, and it looks like it might be a great trip after all.
This morning we flew to Dulles, where we are waiting for our connecting flight through Narita and on to Bangkok. Mark says I must keep these posts short, or he will not read them. How's this length, Markie?
goldenbear 70's honey
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Home Again Home Again Jiggety-Jig
We took the flight on Monday from Travis AFB, arrived at Norfolk NAS at midnight and stayed at the base hotel. The hotel, Ely Hall, is an old Bachelor Officer's Quarters and reminded me of my old dormitory at FSU - no elevators, radiator heating, and the hallways smelled of mildew. Fortunately the rooms did not have any unpleasant odor. The hotel was decorated beautifully with lots of Southern Charm; someone spent a fortune on lavish draperies with upholstered cornices and tassel fringe galore. The bathrooms were updated, and the bed was super comfy. The gift shoppe was more like a gallery filled with lovely items to browse through.
We enjoyed a nice meal for lunch Tuesday at the Officer's Club, complete with the bread pudding that sets the standard for all other bread pudding anywhere. We had stayed in Norfolk with the family in 1992 during goldenbear70's ACTDUTRA, and we had that bread pudding every day for dessert. We have been talking about it ever since.
Tuesday afternoon we waited four hours for a flight from Norfolk to Rota, Spain but did not make the flight - there were too many active duty people flying with a higher priority. We met a sweet couple on the flight who joined us for lunch and spent the afternoon waiting with us. They were celebrating their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary! They have been everywhere! It was inspiring to hear of their many Space A trips. A family joined us in the DV Lounge who are on their way to live in Bahrain for a tour of duty - the dad will be Chief of Staff there. He was just relieved as CO of The Enterprise. It is interesting and fun to meet new people and share stories as well as pick up travel tips.
We rented a car and drove to Charleston today only to find out that there was a direct flight from Travis AFB to Charleston today. Waaaaaaaaa!
Although we are disappointed to be postponing our trip to Australia until March, someone recently reminded me that Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home."
We enjoyed a nice meal for lunch Tuesday at the Officer's Club, complete with the bread pudding that sets the standard for all other bread pudding anywhere. We had stayed in Norfolk with the family in 1992 during goldenbear70's ACTDUTRA, and we had that bread pudding every day for dessert. We have been talking about it ever since.
Tuesday afternoon we waited four hours for a flight from Norfolk to Rota, Spain but did not make the flight - there were too many active duty people flying with a higher priority. We met a sweet couple on the flight who joined us for lunch and spent the afternoon waiting with us. They were celebrating their fifty-seventh wedding anniversary! They have been everywhere! It was inspiring to hear of their many Space A trips. A family joined us in the DV Lounge who are on their way to live in Bahrain for a tour of duty - the dad will be Chief of Staff there. He was just relieved as CO of The Enterprise. It is interesting and fun to meet new people and share stories as well as pick up travel tips.
We rented a car and drove to Charleston today only to find out that there was a direct flight from Travis AFB to Charleston today. Waaaaaaaaa!
Although we are disappointed to be postponing our trip to Australia until March, someone recently reminded me that Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Space A - The Anti-Plan
One never knows from day-to-day where one will fly via Space A;
Plan as you might, there may be no flight that takes you on your way;
Stuck in a terminal days on end;
If you're lucky you may find some friends;
At TLF and BX you will spend, spend, spend;
But if per chance your flight does not slip;
There's adventure ahead as you go on your trip.
OK so it is painfully obvious I have TOO much time on my hands. The best laid plans of these Space A travelers can be dissolved with one phrase, "That flight to Charleston has slipped from Tuesday to Wednesday." The AMC is losing credibility with us, so we are taking the bird in the hand - the flight to Norfolk today. We'll spend the night in Norfolk, maybe check out the NEX there, rent a car, and drive home to Charleston.
Anyway, it is raining in California today, and it is 70 degrees on the East Coast, so time to relocate.
We are excited we will be there to see Drew and his friend, John, when they come through Charleston later this week. Maybe I can reclaim my Relief Society teaching assignment that my friend, Marilyn, was kind enough to agree to teach. We can do our taxes too - what fun!
Next week we might head for Europe again to see more of Southern Spain. Gibraltar is not far from Rota. Neither is Lisbon.
Happy Valentine's Day to all our followers - belatedly to those who celebrated yesterday.
goldenbear70's honey - out
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Trip Aborted
It has been said, "The Worst Day of Retirement is Better Than the Best Day Working," and we concur.
After finally getting to the bottom of the continual on-again-off-again with flights west here at Travis, we have decided to postpone our trip until after Chase's baptism on 12 March near Philadelphia. The (so far) week-long delay, caused by runway repair, has made us reconsider the wisdom of traveling Space A to the bottom of the world when we have a hard stop coming up. Goldenbear70 also discovered there will likely be a delay on the return that could hold us in Japan for a week or more. Space A travel is not recommended when one has deadlines.
We have truly enjoyed the beautiful California weather, the base facilities here, meeting some interesting people, and seeing family along the way. We have salved our disappointment and frustration by walking, visiting the library (DVD rentals are $0 there!), reading, and relaxing. Postponing our trip to Australia will mean we will miss Aunt Muriel's 94th birthday party, but instead we will arrive in time for Auntie Val's and Cousin Lynn's birthdays, and the weather Down Under should be milder.
Monday we expect will find us back in Charleston, and everyone knows "nothin' could be finah."
goldenbear70's honey
1632 PST - Travis AFB, California
Happy Valentine's Day to All!!
After finally getting to the bottom of the continual on-again-off-again with flights west here at Travis, we have decided to postpone our trip until after Chase's baptism on 12 March near Philadelphia. The (so far) week-long delay, caused by runway repair, has made us reconsider the wisdom of traveling Space A to the bottom of the world when we have a hard stop coming up. Goldenbear70 also discovered there will likely be a delay on the return that could hold us in Japan for a week or more. Space A travel is not recommended when one has deadlines.
We have truly enjoyed the beautiful California weather, the base facilities here, meeting some interesting people, and seeing family along the way. We have salved our disappointment and frustration by walking, visiting the library (DVD rentals are $0 there!), reading, and relaxing. Postponing our trip to Australia will mean we will miss Aunt Muriel's 94th birthday party, but instead we will arrive in time for Auntie Val's and Cousin Lynn's birthdays, and the weather Down Under should be milder.
Monday we expect will find us back in Charleston, and everyone knows "nothin' could be finah."
goldenbear70's honey
1632 PST - Travis AFB, California
Happy Valentine's Day to All!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Grounded!
We are still at Travis AFB. Three or four of the "Hickalulu" flights have been canceled this week, and the prospective passengers keep flooding in here. We overlooked one critical bit in our planning (or lack thereof) - that February school vacations are affecting the volume of our competition for flights. Active duty families have priority over us. The weather is lovely, except one day when I thought the wind would blow me into the next county as we were walking the mile to the Air Force Regional Medical Center on base to try out their cafeteria for lunch. There was a point when the cross-winds were so intense, I could not feel my left nostril.
There is not much more I can buy from the Base Exchange without purchasing another piece of luggage, and goldenbear70 says that is out of the question! We have already been here long enough to do laundry, but there is no charge for the machines, which are on every floor of this lodge. We are getting in lots of walking (1/3 mile to the dining hall; 1/2 to the terminal; 3/4 mile to the BX, etc.). We found the $1 DVD rentals in the lobby last night too, so as cousin Lynn said in her recent e-mail, "Life in the waiting line is not too bad."
We watched "Social Network" last night, and I kept searching for the English subtitles. Between their fast-talking, computerese, and switching time periods, I could barely tell what was happening. The other movie we rented, "RED," was very entertaining.
Today might be the day, but it is doubtful, because there must be at least 50 passengers for the two seats on the one flight tonight. There is a flight to Elmendorf, AK tomorrow that will connect with Yokoda, Japan, so maybe that will be the one that gets us on our way. If not, there are two more flights scheduled for Sunday to HI.
Meanwhile, at least we are escaping the cold temperatures in Charleston.
goldenbear's honey, signing off - no new photos
There is not much more I can buy from the Base Exchange without purchasing another piece of luggage, and goldenbear70 says that is out of the question! We have already been here long enough to do laundry, but there is no charge for the machines, which are on every floor of this lodge. We are getting in lots of walking (1/3 mile to the dining hall; 1/2 to the terminal; 3/4 mile to the BX, etc.). We found the $1 DVD rentals in the lobby last night too, so as cousin Lynn said in her recent e-mail, "Life in the waiting line is not too bad."
We watched "Social Network" last night, and I kept searching for the English subtitles. Between their fast-talking, computerese, and switching time periods, I could barely tell what was happening. The other movie we rented, "RED," was very entertaining.
Today might be the day, but it is doubtful, because there must be at least 50 passengers for the two seats on the one flight tonight. There is a flight to Elmendorf, AK tomorrow that will connect with Yokoda, Japan, so maybe that will be the one that gets us on our way. If not, there are two more flights scheduled for Sunday to HI.
Meanwhile, at least we are escaping the cold temperatures in Charleston.
goldenbear's honey, signing off - no new photos
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Waiting at Travis AFB
We arrived at Travis AFB mid-morning on a beautiful, sunny day - the kind of day that makes us wonder why we ever moved from this beautiful state with its nearly perfect climate. Lodging was only a few blocks' walk from the terminal, and the accommodations here are superb, as they were at McGuire. Goldenbear70 spent some time lining up our next flight possibility, which turned out to be Wednesday, 2/9. Roger contacted us to say they would like to get together. They were kind enough to drive up from Clayton Monday evening to take us for a delicious dinner at BJ's Brewery. Regretably, I forgot to get a photo of the four of us.
While our trip has been on hold, we have taken a couple of brisk walks, checked out the Base Exchange, caught up on some reading, and goldenbear70 took Roger's advice to see the collection of aircraft at the Aviation Museum across the road from our lodging (see http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157625865601077 for his photos).
It looks like we might get a flight to Hickam tomorrow, but then again, we might not. There are two flights posted; each has ten seats available. We know ten people, including us, who are waiting for those seats - the same ones who flew here with us from NJ. There may be other hopeful passengers lurking about, and we do not know our relative priority to theirs - all depends when they signed up. The plot thickens, as the saying goes.
If we have to stay here longer, maybe we will get to see some of our Napa friends. There is always a silver lining if you look for it. Don't forget to check out the Aviation Museum photos.
goldenbear70's honey
Monday, February 7, 2011
From Palm Trees to Snow in Just Over 3 Hours
The photo above is the All American [Air Force] Inn at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. We went south and east to go north, so we could go west--makes sense, right? We went to San Juan, PR last night with a great crew of a McGuire NJ-based C-17. Col Johnny Roscoe, Group Commander, and his crew gave us a great ride to and from San Juan, both last night and this morning. We were the only passengers on board, and we had the entire C-17 to ourselves. Business class has nothing on this!
Today Debbie helped land the plane in New Jersey! She went up into the cockpit about a half hour before landing, and sat behind the co-pilot for the rest of the flight. Her assigned duty was to watch for any other planes in the area through the (very) large windows on her right, and to inform the pilot and co-pilot if she saw any other traffic. She had a headset and mike on, and had a blast! She must have done well, because we landed without incident.
We were greeted by about a foot of snow on the ground in NJ--quite a difference from the 80 degree temperature in San Juan.
Tomorrow we're off to Travis AFB, California on a KC-10. Now it's "westward, west is calling..." on our way to Aussie-land!
All pictures of our trip can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21984041@N08/sets/72157625865601077/
More tomorrow,
Goldenbear70
Sunday, February 6, 2011
We Don't Know Where We Are Going Until We Get Here
The flight was great! I read a bit on the computer - helps to have the back-lit screen when they turn down the overhead lights. I had downloaded the book I wanted to read, and I was able to plug in the laptop to keep it charged. There were only four other passengers on the flight, and I took a nap for almost two hours, stretching out on three seats and snuggling in with pillows and blankets - actually CLEAN pillows and blankets, unlike those on commercial flights. Our box lunches were the usual: po-boy sandwich, chips, candy bar, nutrition fruit bar,water and soda - not a bad deal for $4.
Goldenbear70 was invited to go to the cockpit and "fly the plane" (in the same way he helped build the New York State Thruway on his pedal tractor when he was three years old). He observed in-flight refueling, which he said was thrilling.
Here we are in San Juan, Puerto Rico where it is mostly rainy, so we did not bother to go to the beach, but it was raining when we left Charleston too, and it is a lot warmer here. I felt 100% better as soon as I changed out of my wool sweater and into a cool top. The planes are pretty cold during the flight (not much insulation and flying at 35K feet), so we have to bundle up.
We did take a good walk to check out The Ritz Carlton, where Alan stayed when he came here solo in December and there were no rooms here at the Courtyard - hmmmm? or so he said. It is a beautiful hotel, as you would expect. TAt their jewelry store, I selected a pair of Roberto Coin 18K gold earrings for Alan to give me for Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day, our 40th wedding anniversary and/or my 60th birthday later this year - so much gift-giving opportunity for him this year!
Walking back from dinner we heard loud whistling - sort of like a Bob-White. We asked the Courtyard lobby staff, and they said it is the tree frogs - who knew frogs whistle?
Be sure to check our Flickr account for photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21984041@N08/
That's it for Saturday.
Goldenbear70 & his Honey
Saturday, February 5, 2011
We're Off to See the Wizard - the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
We are embarking on perhaps the most circuitous route imaginable to Western Australia. Last night we called Charleston AFB and then drove over to get a flight to Dover, DE with the intent to connect on to Travis today. When we arrived at the terminal, we learned the flight had been re-routed to another destination. It is times like this that we are happy to live only five miles from the Flight Line.
Goldenbear70 spent hours on the phone and computer finding us a new itinerary. We got to watch our last Netflix film and sleep in our own bed one more time with the relaxed feeling that our bags were packed and already in the boot of the car. Today we are checked in for a flight to San Juan, PR. We plan to stay there tonight at the Courtyard (thank you for the discount, Carson), which is just outside the Base. The plan is to take a flight to McGuire tomorrow, stay another night, and continue on to Travis AFB in California on Monday.
From there, who knows? Elmendorf? Hickam? Yokoda? Singapore? We never know if we are even going to take off when we get on the plane with the engine running. Friends who we met on our last flight had to be disembarked emergency-style after an emergency abort to takeoff, so you see, we cannot predict what will happen. - the goal is to arrive in Perth, Western Australia in time to visit with our wonderful family and celebrate Aunt Muriel's 94th birthday with her on 4 March.
Goldenbear 70's Honey, signing off - Stay tuned!
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