Today we are traveling from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi. So not many photos. I was up in time for sunrise, a very different experience than inspiring French Polynesia. The water was a uniform color. Not a cloud in the sky. When the sun made it’s way over the horizon it was a glowing orb, perfectly round and blinding. My morning … Read More
Kingdom of Bahrain
When I pulled back the curtain this morning, the view was less than inspiring. The ship was docking at an industrial looking pier. The view was of shipping containers and low block-like storage buildings. No green anywhere. The ride into central Bahrain took about thirty minutes. I kept expecting to see the gorgeous skyline and architecture of Doha, Dubai and … Read More
Doha, Qatar
This was my first time in Qatar. I suspect that even if I had, I wouldn’t have recognized it. Everything is new and newer. The souk (market), which looks old, was built in 2006 after a fire destroyed the original 200 year old structure. The guide told us that 40, 30, even 25 year old buildings are torn down to … Read More
Aboard the MSC Euribia in Dubai
My friend Sue and I boarded the ship for a seven day cruise around the Emirates. When we return from the cruise we will spend a couple of days in Dubai before heading to Oman. The ship is quite a shock after my last two cruises. It is VERY large–6,000+ passengers. Not my preferred way to travel, but I liked … Read More
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE
After a twelve-hour flight I arrived in Abu Dhabi late this morning. Because we departed midday, it never felt like it was time to sleep. But with the eight-hour time difference the flight arrived mid-morning. I’m now functioning on sheer force of will. I’ll be heading to bed soon. I was in this part of the world eight years ago. … Read More
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Day 2
Note: I’m finally posting journal entries that I couldn’t post because of limited wifi while I was in French Polynesia. I’m home at the moment. This is the only port where we stayed overnight. It’s totally fine with me. Even though it is the most visited island in French Polynesia, apart from Tahiti, it doesn’t feel crowded. It’s large enough, … Read More
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Day 1
I woke at 5AM for sunrise and to watch as the ship neared Bora Bora, circled around the reef to the only entry into the lagoon. The entry to the lagoon was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers during WWII. They also brought electricity, built an airport, roads and other infrastructure. The Bora Borans are very fond of … Read More
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
The sky had just brightened when I opened the curtain and had my first glimpse of Nuku Hiva. It is the largest island in the Marquesas Island group, which is not to say it is a huge island. I stood on the terrace entranced by the scene before me—high, foliage covered peaks meeting turquoise sea. For a good thirty minutes … Read More
At Sea- French Polynesia Day 2
We spent the day cruising to our next destination island. Fortunately the sea was calm and it was smooth sailing. Apart from eating, which I did a lot of–the food on the ship is delicious–it was a very full day. In the morning, I listened to a talk about the formation of these islands and their coral reefs. I wrote … Read More
Fakarava, French Polynesia
The weather has improved immensely. We now have that postcard perfect view of turquoise water and blue skies. It’s always a thrill to arrive to a new destination, especially when it’s one you’d never even heard of. That describes Fakarava. It is a protected biosphere atoll. Very long and narrow. There are a total of about 850 inhabitants. Until recently, … Read More