Passover on the Queen Elizabeth - 1st Night - April 10, 2017

Haven't been on a ship traveling over Passover before.  I wondered what, if anything ... they'd do for the Jewish passengers.

Well to my delight they had arranged for a Rabbi and offered a full Seder for their Jewish passengers.  The Seder plate was perfect with all the appropriate items placed on fine china. The retired Rabbi (from California) was accustomed to the "accelerated" version which we all appreciated.

There were about 50 people including 2 staff members.  Both officers, one Jewish.  We found ourselves looking and introducing ourselves to each other and saying ... "oh, you are Jewish with surprise in our voices.  It has been a bonding experience.  There were Jews from all over the world ... UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, US.

We have been having Friday night services, conducted by the members (no Rabbi) and it has worked out.  They have been providing a nice kiddish with quality wine, delicious challah, gefilete fish and my favorite red horseradish.  You know me ... I love Jewish soul food!

Having a great time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Port Victoria, Seychelles - April 9, 2017

The Seychelles consists of over 100 islands scattered over 500,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean almost on the equator.  Mahe Island is one of the biggest islands and the home of Port Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. The islands are mountainous, plush with a wide variety of flora and fauna ... also some beautiful beaches and lots of snorkeling.

We arrived on Sunday and everything was closed.  It was also Palm Sunday on a primarily Christian island and almost no one on the streets or shoppes open.  Located off the equator it was hot and humid.

Still having a good time!

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Piracy in the Indian Ocean - April 6, 2017

The Queen Elizabeth is transiting through an area where there have been episodes of piracy.  (Have you seen Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks?)

We are travelling on the southern edge of a quadrant involving Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Coast of Africa and Somalia.  Nothing to really worry about, but precautions are being taken. The external decks are closed, drapes covering all windows closed and lights off in public areas during evening hours.  

We will be under this precautionary measures for about 3 days until we are out of the piracy risk area. 

Ironically this is not the first time I have been through a piracy drill.  Several years ago when I cruised from Singapore to Athens we went through the straights of Yemen which is the closest point between Yemen and Somalia entering the mouth of the Nile.  This is where "Captain Phillips" was hijacked. Fortunately nothing happened but because of "elevated risk" precautionary measures are taken.

Just another adventure at sea!

Safe and sound ... and still having a good time!

Regards to all.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Colombo, Sri Lanka - April 5, 2017

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka.  There are many cultures here resulting in a blend of temples, bazaars and colonial buildings.  It has a history of being a key port in the spice route in the 1500's.

Not far from the tip of India there is a huge Indian influence.  Streets are crowded and many Tuk Tuk's ... 3 wheel motor vehicles.  Sri Lanka was Celyon before it got its independence from the British in 1948.  Ever have any Ceylon tea? 

We have three sea days before we arrive in the Seychelles.

Still having a good time.

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Penang, Malaysia - April 2, 2017

The island of Penang is just off the west coast of Malaysia.  It is mountainous and yet has a beautiful turquoise coastline and beaches.

We took a funicular up to the top of Penang Hill where we had a beautiful overview of the island.  At the top there is food, a small zoo and exhibitions for kids.  Touring around we also saw more religious shrines and had ample time to shop!

Heading for Sri Lanka.  Will arrive on Wednesday.

Still having a good time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Port Kelang, (Kuala Lumpur) Malaysia - April 1, 2017

Kelang is the port city that takes you into Kuala Lumpur.  It has attracted Hindu, Muslim, Chinese and Malay cultures so there are religious edifices all over.  

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Petronas Towers.  Its 170 meters to the SkyBridge and then again even higher to the 86th floor.  Beautiful views ... even on a cloudy day ... as the day we watched a rain and thunderstorm approach.

Still having a good time.

Regards,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Singapore - March 31, 2017

Singapore is an island republic at the top of the Malay Peninsula.  It was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.  It is a city of any cultures, colors, cuisines and has one of the business harbors in that part of the world.   It is less than 85 miles north of the equator and the most southerly part of Asia.

Sightseeing we went to the Raffles Hotel which is famous for a drink named in honor of Raffles ... "Singapore Sling."  It's loaded with alcohol and fruit juices and hits you like a ton of bricks!

There is also a 5000 room hotel (three buildings) with a large structure on top which looks like a boast ... but no, it's their swimming pool!

Because of the climate they have an incredibly beautiful orchard garden with many varieties and colors.  The grow wild.  The heat and humidity is good for the vegetation, but I know it wilted me!

Still having a good time!

Regards to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com