After our incredible world cruise last year it was hard getting back to the routine of life on land. However we knew we had something to look forward to.
Whilst on Queen Victoria I made several visits to the Voyage Sales Office. We initially booked on Queen Elizabeth for the 11-day Osaka to Shanghai segment of the 2018 world cruise. Feeling that 11 days was way too short, I gradually ended up adding more segments, and until by the time we disembarked we were booked from San Francisco to Southampton. Very exciting.
However, reality set in. As wonderful as it would have been to be able to be on the ship for that length of time, it just wasn’t to be. So after much discussion the voyage was brought down to size, and several segments disappeared. However, we were still able to justify 39 days on board, so I had no complaints.
Now it’s hard to believe that we set off on our adventure tomorrow!
I had wanted to limit us to 3 suitcases, but it was not to be alas. I have finished packing, and lo and behold, we now have 4 suitcases, 2 weighing over 50lbs and the other 2 being just under. This is not good. I can’t even blame Brian this time for taking along enough supplies to stock a small hardware store. This is all real stuff that we actually can’t do without as far as I am concerned – well maybe a pair of sandals could go, but that’s it. I am beginning to see a 5th suitcase in our future if I am going to be able to do some serious shopping along the way.
They have a Titanic exhibit at our local museum, so we thought it would only be fitting to pay a visit yesterday before we head out onto the open ocean. Unfortunately getting my hair cut, having a pedicure, and stopping by Best Buy for last minute electronic purchases took longer than expected, and by the time we were ready to head to the museum it was near closing time. No Titanic exhibit for us.
However, all was not lost. In conjunction with the Titanic exhibit, one of our local hotels had a special Titanic themed menu, commemorating the final 1st class dinner on the ship. So we rounded up 4 friends, and celebrated our upcoming cruise enjoying the wonderful meal. The original dinner had 10 courses, and our meal only had 5, but as each course was paired with a glass of wine or port, it was more than enough. One of our friends whose surname is Aks told the story of Frank Aks, who was one of the Titanic survivors. A great evening was had by all.
So with the theme music for Titanic firmly planted in my head, I am off to try to work on how on earth I can bring our luggage down to a reasonable amount without sacrificing any hair products………………….
Test message safely received! Looking forward to reading about your next journey.
My IT director is my daughter – I can’t do anything without her alas!
Looking forward to your next adventure!
Thanks! I am soooo excited to be traveling again 🙂
Hi Safarigal! When do you embark? I believe in Singapore? Regards Brian
We embark in Osaka – on March 15th. Can’t wait!
Hi Safarigal.Great to know you are still out there.I still remember your wonderful posts from your world cruise.Are you off on your travels again? If so,have a great time and keep the posts going?Kindest regards.
We are indeed off again tomorrow – not a world cruise alas, but enough time on board to visit new and exciting destinations and meet new people along the way!
Hi Leslie,
Looks like you’re all set. I haven’t been doing well with my blog – been leaving it to Stan to do his photo blog – have you been getting his “trip reports”? He won’t do it as a formal blog, but saves to google drive and sends out a link. I should catch up, but boy, am I behind. I mostly post a few pictures to Facebook now and then for my kids (friends, too).
Since we got to Auckland, we’ve been super busy with friends. It was really great to see so much of the countryside in the area west and north of Sydney (tomorrow is the train trip south 😊). However, being with friends without our own space and them wanting to show us as much as possible made for a hectic time.
It looks like maybe the Cape Town water situation has eased a bit now that people are really following the conservation requirements (and other areas are sending water). I think we’ll still try to take drinking water for those days off the ship with us.
Karen
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
I have enjoyed reading about your adventure by land and sea. I am sure you are going to be very busy in Australia, but I am looking forward to hearing all about your adventures! I can’t believe we start our journey tomorrow – I’m so excited!
A great read (also enjoyed across the world in 80 days, good memories). I don’t think I will ever complain about our excess luggage again. You have it mastered. I feel inspired to do a journal on upcoming two queens adventure. Keep well from you table mates (Sydney to SFO).
It is such fun keeping a blog – otherwise I would never remember what we did and where we went! Enjoy your two queens trip – it sounds amazing 🙂