Okinawa, Japan - March 11, 2017

Okinawa, Japan - March 11, 2017 

The Okinawa region is the southernmost island in Japan.  Naha is the capital with a population of 315,000 and is part of the Ryukyu  Islands, an archipelago of 55 islands.  Okinawa was under US control from 1945 until 1972 when the island was returned to Japan after WW II.  There still is a military base on the island.  There are many buildings, Temples and shrines that have been rebuilt as a result of destruction during the way.

Unfortunately kit was a very rainy day and we could see the panoramic view of Naha and the harbor from the hilltop.  We did get to Shurijo Castle which is a beautiful example of a rebuilt shrine.

Spent some time walking the main street of Naha and saw all the shops and places to eat.  It reminded me of any Chinatown you've seen.  Lot's of junkie stuff being sold in stores and indescribable foods written in all Japanese.  Of course there is a Starbucks and McDonalds.

Ironically I bought a stuffed animal in the Pokemon store ... and when I looked at the tag it was made in China!

We are hitting ports more frequently now ... and still having too many formal nights!

About 40 days into the cruise and still having a good time.  

Regards to all.

Bruce

brk55305@yahoo.com

Alotau, Papua New Guinea - March 5, 2017

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province in the south east of Papua New Guinea.  The town is located just south of the equator and it was very hot and extremely (uncomfortably) humid.  It is the world's second largest island (after Greenland).  It is an independent country and ruled by a British monarch and governed by  a governor general.  During WW I and WW II the country was invaded by Australian, US and Japanese forces.

This tropical island has only one main street, a handful of shops, post office and an ATM.  Country is fairly primitive and most people sell things on the streets. Because of its tropical climate it is very green and plush. We were there on a Sunday, when most places are closed ... however the native islanders performed for us. It it very green and plush.

We sail 5 days on our way to Okinawa now.

Still having a great time.

Love to all,

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Australia - March 3, 2017

Yorkeys Knob, Cairns is located on the northern coast of Australia.  It is the home of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) with incredible views of underwater sea life.  The reef stretches over 1,200 miles along the coast.  I have gone snorkeling at the GBR in the past and the underwater life is incredible.  Beautiful reefs with lots of fish and sea life ... who welcome to you to their home!  The city itself is a quaint sea side village.  

Weather most of the day with hot, humid and rainy.  Because the harbor is loaded with coral reef we needed to tender in to the port. 

On our way to Papua New Guinea after a sea day.

Still having a good time.

Regards to all.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Brisbane, Australia - February 28, 2017

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and in the middle of Australia's eastern coastline.  There are a variety of big office buildings in its skyline with lots of retail and dining places with an active recreational nightlife.  Brisbane also a Koala Sanctuary which houses a variety of indigenous animals including Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats Tasmanian Devils, Raptors, Dingoes, Platypus and of course Koala Bears.   The sanctuary is a big open space where the Koala and Kangaroo's love to have their pictures taken and be fed.

On to Yorkeys Knob, Australia on Friday ... the port near Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef.

Still having a great time!

Regards to all.

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Sydney, Australia – February 25 - 26, 2017

The Sydney Harbor is a natural deep water harbor that can accommodate large cruise ships, tenders, yachts and many sailboats.  The very active harbor a is a focal point because of the world famous Sydney Opera House.  There are many museums, beaches, galleries, parks and gardens.  Sydney is the oldest and largest city in Australia with a population of 4.3 million people.  It has a blend of many cultures and down one of the main streets there is virtually a league of nations of different type restaurants.  About 75 years ago, the government opened all immigration doors and people came from all over the world.

Unfortunately, when we arrive it was dark and rainy.  Touring around was not pleasant and famous Bondi Beach had great waves for surfers but with wind and sand in the face for a tourist.  The second day was more pleasant being able to walk around see some of sights even though it was overcast.

The Harbor Bridge is a famous icon of the harbor.  If you are really adventurous you can walk to the top of the bridge and get a view of the harbor.  I didn’t ... instead a highlight for me was to see La Traviata at the Opera House on Saturday night in the Joan Sutherland Theater.

There were about 1000 passengers getting off in Sydney and another 1000 boarding.  Each time there is a major shift in passengers the ships environment changes too.  Some people sailed to Sydney on the Queen Elizabeth and are returning to North America on the Queen Mary.

We are sailing to Brisbane tonight … arriving Tuesday morning.

Still having a great time!

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Sydney Opera House

Harbor Bridge with Queen Mary  going under.

Fresh Food Deliveries in Sydney

Bondi Beach

Still having a great time!

Bay of Islands, New Zealand – February 22, 2017

The Bay of Islands is in the Northern region of the North Island of New Zealand.  It is known for beautiful rolling hills, landscape, beautiful beaches and a coastline of bays and inlets.  It is 150 miles north of Auckland.  Paihia is the major island which is known as a popular holiday destination.  Very small “town” and they open a craft market when the cruise ships arrive.  There are about 45 cruise ships that come to Paihia over the year.

The port is shallow so we tender in on small boats. To leave the harbor there are maritime boats the escort the ships out.

We sail for the next two days heading for Sydney, Australia.

Still having a great time!

Bruce

BRK55305@yahoo.com

Auckland, New Zealand – February 20 - 21, 2017

As we were not able to dock in Tonga, we were able to arrive in Auckland the evening before we were scheduled. Having an extra night, we had an opportunity to see the nightlights and skyline of Auckland.

New Zealand is make up of primarily of the north and the south islands surrounded with many smaller islands.  Auckland is located on the north end of the north island and is the largest urban area in New Zealand with a population of 1.4 million people.  The city is surrounded by water and volcanic hills.  Auckland is known as the City of Sails and is home of the America’s Cup.

Auckland is the biggest Polynesian city in the world as many of the residents are originally from the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific, and more recently many from Asia.  The earliest inhabitants are the Maori people.  The city has a long history.

There are a variety of museums, thermal springs, clusters of limestone caves and one of the tallest towers in the southern hemisphere with a fantastic observation deck.

Still having a great time!

Love to all,

Bruce