Category Archives: Ports of Call

History at Arm’s Length – Pitcairn Islands – [01/24/2013]

After days and days of nothing but sparkling blue water on all sides, it was something of a surprise to look out my office window and see land thrusting up from the horizon. And not just any land. This is … Continue reading

Posted in Grand World Voyage 2013, Historical Sites, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

In Llama Land – Lima, Peru – [01/14/2013]

I am both sorry and not sorry to say that I did not get off the ship in Peru. The decision not to do so was nothing to do with the port itself, well not really, and more to do … Continue reading

Posted in Grand World Voyage 2013, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

A Splash of Normality…Almost – Manta, Ecuador – [01/11/2013]

What did you do in Ecuador? I went to the grocery store *blink* In all honestly, that is what I did. I went to the grocery store. Not for any particular reason, mostly just because that was where the port … Continue reading

Posted in Grand World Voyage 2013, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Mele Keliemaka – Lahaina, Hawaii – [11/28/2012]

Hawai’i is one of the few places that looks precisely like what you expect it to. At least, the ports that I’ve been fortunate enough to visit do. Even the big cities here look like the idealistic postcard versions, with … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Harbour Jewels – Sidney, Australia – [11/11/2012]

It’s hard to believe we’re in Syndey already. It’s even harder to believe this is the fourth time I’ve been here.  It’s probably to do with the time of year that we voyage to this area, but I’ve never seen … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Oi Vay – At Sea – [11/05/2012]

No matter how hard you try to please everyone, there is always always someone you simply cannot please at all. And there’s always at least one who feels the compulsion to take out that displeasure on almost everyone that they … Continue reading

Posted in Below the waterline, Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Melting – Semarang, Indonesia – [10/29/2012]

The flagship’s calls into Indonesia always have a different feel to them than any of the other ports we call into. The vast majority of the crew has family here, and for many of them this is the only time … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Historical Sites, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Like A Kid Out Of School – Singapore – [10/27/2012]

There are times when escaping from reality isn’t merely an option, it’s a requirement. Many people have called me a theme park junkie, and in some ways I am. But I never go to a park just because I ‘can’, … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call, Theme Parks | Leave a comment

Tunnel Rats – Phu My, Vietnam – [10/25/2012]

I suppose it’s become clear over the seasons how I feel about calling in Vietnam. I doubt very much it will ever be my favourite place on our itinerary.  But I realized this year that I hadn’t really seen any … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call | Leave a comment

Harbour City Dragons – Hong Kong – [10/20/2012]

In the three seasons I have been lucky enough to visit Hong Kong, I have discovered that there is a trick to getting around here: move very quickly and with a great deal of confidence. This isn’t because you’re in … Continue reading

Posted in Grand Asia/Australia 2012, Ports of Call | Leave a comment