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2024 Viking World Journey
  • Di and My's World Journey
Jan – May 2024

2024 Viking World Journey

A 124-day adventure by Di and My's World Journey Read more
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  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Our breakfast view of the Harbor Bridge2

    02.17.2024 Sydney, Australia Day 1 of 2

    Feb 17–18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    We were up before sunrise at the Explorer Lounge to watch our sail into Sydney Harbor.
    It’s a beautiful morning with a high of 84 and a real feel of 90.
    A perfect summer day in Sydney.
    We booked the hop on hop off bus to give us a feel for Sydney. Our first stop was St Mary Cathedral. Mass was in progress so we stayed for mass and participated in communion.

    Our next stop was the Rocks as we had a lunch reservation at the rooftop bar of the Glenmore Hotel. Not as great a view as they lead us to believe.

    Back on the bus and we head to the Sydney Skytower and do the Skywalk. Kinda cool. We were tethered the whole way. Considering Diana is afraid of heights it was a great accomplishment.

    Big demonstrations in Hyde park in support of Palestine so he had to find another bus stop so we could head back to Circular Quay.
    Following a pharmacy shop (needed shampoo and conditioner for Diana) we stopped at the Fortune of War. The oldest pub in Australia.
    Dinner was at The Rocks Cafe. Very good. Walked back to the ship and ready to call it a day.
    And then the fireworks go off over the Opera House. As seen from our balcony stateroom.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Australian White IbisAustralian MagpieStranded stones.Playhouse TheaterSmall Concert Hall

    02.18.2024 Sydney, Australia Day 2/2

    February 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Another beautiful day in Sydney with a sunny high of 85.
    Our ship moved last night from Circular Quay to White Bay. Viking offers a water shuttle from White Bay to King Street Wharf which runs continuously. Back on board is 5:00 pm to sail at 6:00.
    We were back on the hop on hop off bus to get off at the Botanical Gardens.

    The Royal Botanic Garden, is a heritage-listed major 30-hectare botanical garden, event venue and public recreation area located at Farm Cove on the eastern fringe of the Sydney.
    There are stranded stones at the edge of the Botanic Gardens, on a hill sloping down from the Cahill Expressway, the area known as the Tarpeian Way. Here bits and pieces of city buildings and structures lie half-buried in the grass.
    A beautiful park to walk through.

    Following that we did a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House. Very interesting.
    Per their web page: The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. A World Heritage-listed masterpiece of “human creative genius,” it exists because a few brave people dared to think differently.
    From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. When the Opera House opened its doors in 1973, changing the image of Australia, a new era of cultural discovery and community engagement began.
    In total, there are 1,056,006 tiles on the roof. They form a chevron pattern.
    There are varying sizes of theaters. We did not get to go to the Great Concert Hall that is in all the brochures as Cartier has rented it for a private event tonight.

    We walked along the quay and had a late lunch. It was hot. 91 degrees so we grabbed an Uber and returned to the ship.
    Following sail away where we sailed under the Harbor Bridge one last time.

    We had dinner just the two of us but met a lovely couple sitting next to us who lived in Fargo for 10 years. Ann and Robert. Small world.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Crab cake.

    02.19.2024 Sailing the Australian Coast

    February 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Yay! A sea day. So nice to not have to be anywhere today. It’s cloudy, hot, and humid.
    Myron attended a few lectures while Diana updated the photo books.
    We went to the main pool but it was way too humid without the roof open so we moved to the Spa after about an hour.
    A little spa pool time, snow grotto and steam room for Myron.
    Dinner tonight was at the Chef Table with Burt, Todd, Mike and Lauri. A California cuisine dinner. We went to the Star Theatre for the comedy magic duo of Phil and Cass.
    Time for bed. Good night!    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    1Myron and CD Aveen

    02.20.2024 Brisabane, Australia

    February 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Happy 70th birthday Myron George! What a beautiful day. 85 hot and sunny.
    Today we celebrated Myron’s birthday in Brisbane with an optional Viking excursion “Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary”.
    The description said-Take in the panoramic sights of Brisbane before heading to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Your scenic drive takes you past Brisbane’s historic Parliament House, City Hall and other stately buildings before arriving at the sanctuary. The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary is set in a beautiful, natural environment and is home to more than 100 koalas and a menagerie of other exotic native wildlife. You will also hand-feed animals in the Kangaroo Reserve, which is home to around 150 free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies.
    We had our picture taken with a koala, petted and walked among the kangaroos. Visited some reptiles and dragons.
    On our way back we stopped at a lookout for a photo opportunity of the CBD.
    Dinner tonight was in the private Dining room of Manfredi’s. We had 10 of what we call our people: Brian, Jonathan, Beth, Terry, Mark, Trisha, Warren, Allison, Randy and Vicki. Lots of laughs. Followed by Dancing Under the Stars before we called it a night. What an amazing day and night.
    Thank goodness tomorrow is a sea day.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Marshall and Lynn

    02.21.2024 Coral Sea

    February 22, 2024, Coral Sea ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Today we are at sea working our way towards northern Australia. We are getting close to the equator so our high is 85 with a real feel of 90.
    Diana had a Nordic facial this morning that was wonderful. Myron went to the Spa pool and the main pool. We met up for lunch.
    Diana worked on photos after lunch and Myron had Choir practice.
    Tonight we have dinner in Manfredi’s private dining room again. This time to celebrate Marshall’s 85th birthday. It’s a surprise. Marshall and Diana met a few days after the cruise started in the laundry room. He and Lynn are a lovely couple.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.22.2024 Whitsunday Island, Australia

    February 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    We had a fantastic excursion today on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) After zipping along at top speeds and cutting donuts in the water we landed on Whitehaven Beach. We walked to Hill Inlet Lookout for some fantastic views.
    They had a picnic lunch for us on the beach of chef salad, pasta salad and potato salad along with beers and soda.
    We donned our lovely stinger suits (they protect you from jelly fish stings) and got in the water. There were some really cool fish called swallowtail dart.
    Back on the RIB for an exhilarating ride back to Whitsunday pier to hop on the tender and return to the ship.
    Dinner tonight with Gail, Juan, Jeff and Megan in the Restaurant .
    Myron went to the show and Diana retired to the cabin to prepare for tomorrow.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Green Island on our way to the Great Barrier ReefLook at those blue skies whike at the GBR

    02.23.2024 Cairns, Australia

    February 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    It ‘s a hot, muggy and a rainy day in Cairns. We have a private excursion out to the Great Barrier Reef. We walked from our ship the Great Reef Terminal and exchanged our vouchers for tickets. We booked with Great Adventures. It is a two hour ride out to the Reef.
    We make a brief stop at Green Island to offload and add additional passengers.
    When we arrive at the reef the rain is gone and the sun is starting to peak through.
    What an amazing experience we had.
    After returning to Cairns, we had dinner Dundee’s Waterfront Restaurant.
    Nothing much going on on the ship as we didn’t sail until 8:00 pm.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.25.2024 Coral Sea

    February 24, 2024, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Africa here we come!!
    Today is a sea day. Diana slept in until 8:30 which is highly unusual.
    Because of the late start we had a later than normal start for breakfast.
    At 10:00 am they had us all gather and announced our new itinerary. We already had speculated that we would lose Egypt and Jordan since we are unable to traverse the Red Sea or Suez Canal. We will also lose most of Europe. Our 3rd try for Istanbul is a bust.
    We are excited about most of the changes and look forward to seeing parts of Africa. Viking is providing a safari as one of our included excursions.
    Attached is the map with the changes.
    For the rest of the day there were many conversations of who is staying on and who is leaving.
    Some will chose to leave the cruise in Singapore or Sri Lanka.
    It was extremely hot and humid so a few hours in the infinity pool was called for.
    A fun day overall. We had dinner just the two of us in the restaurant. A beautiful sunset serenaded us during dinner to end the day. The moon was pretty great as well.
    Tonight’s show was Guest Entertainer Daniel Thompson “Johnny Cash - the Man in Black.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.25.2024 Thursday Island, Australia

    February 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Today is our final Australian port before we head to Indonesia. Thursday Island is a tender port and about a 30 minute tender ride.
    Hot and extremely humid. 85 with a real feel of 95. We took the included excursion which is described as: Discover the Indigenous culture of Torres Strait during a traditional welcome ceremony and dance performance. Take a short walk from the pier to the venue, where the community will share insights into the traditional artwork and culture of this intriguing island. Here, you will be met by a custodian, or elder, who will perform the “Welcome to Country” ceremony—a greeting meant to introduce people to local culture and history. Then, enjoy a riveting dance show, immersing yourself in the expressive rhythms and storytelling of the dancers, drummers and singers.
    The high school students from numerous islands performed for us.
    Following our show we walked to the grocery store to purchase some protein bars. (We are working with two other couples to do an India overland so we can still see the Taj Mahal) Indian food can be sketchy so protein bars are the back up. Stay tuned for that update.
    We made a brief stop at the Church. Most stores and all pubs were closed as it is Sunday, which is true pretty much around the world except the US.
    We got rained on so we were pretty wet. It felt good to cool us down a little.
    We returned to the ship for a late lunch.
    Diana is literally exhausted and called it an early night.
    Myron went to the show.
    Goodbye Australia, we had a blast!    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    1

    02.26.2024 Arafura Sea Day 1/2

    February 26, 2024, Arafura Sea ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    We are at sea today. Actually the next 3 days. 2 in the Arafura Sea and 1 in the Timor Sea before we enter Indonesia.
    Very warm and muggy. We will have this type of weather for quite sometime now.
    Diana spent her day working on photo books and month end tasks.
    Myron attended a few lectures. The 9:30 was Sailing the Tasman, Coral, Arafura and Timor seas presented by
    Nitza Lowenstein. The second morning lecture was Evolution, Men behind the Theory Darwin and Wallace presented by Stephan March. Myron said the second one was fascinating. He had choir practice this afternoon.
    We had lunch in the Restaurant with Warren, Allison, Terry and Beth. A very nice easy lunch.
    A quiet afternoon and then dinner in the World Cafe just the two of us.
    Myron went to listen to the Viking singers perform tonight.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.27.2024 Arafura Sea Day 2/2

    February 27, 2024, Arafura Sea ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Another day at sea with hot muggy weather. Sounds repetitive doesn’t it?
    It’s actually really nice as we know we have 4 port days in a row shortly.
    Myron went to the spa this morning.
    Diana attended the 9:30 lecture by Resident Historian Dr Robert Cribb “History of Indonesia”
    Russell Lee is back in the Star Theatre at 11:00 so we both attended his lecture “Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon - Dragons in History and Folklore”
    Our next port is Komodo Island to see the giant Komodo dragons.
    Myron spent time in the infinity pool while Diana worked on excursion details for India. (more to come on that later).
    Dinner tonight was in Manfredi’s private dining room hosted by Brian. We always have such a great time with that crew.
    Clocks back another hour tonight so we are 16 hours ahead of CST.
    Eventually we will be back on the same day but that won’t be happening for awhile yet. Africa kind of changes that.
    Tonight was hall cleaning day. The ships are immaculate. Not just clean but immaculate. Tonight they scrubbed all the walls and ceilings. This is our room steward Benson. A phenomenal guy.
    See you all tomorrow.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.28.2024 Timor Sea

    February 28, 2024, Timor Sea ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Our final sea day as we arrive in Komodo Island, Indonesia tomorrow. It is 84 degrees with a real feel of 95. Humidity is 80 plus %.
    We had to complete some immigration forms today before we get to Bali on March 1st. Always a challenge when at sea as the internet fades in and out.
    Myron went to choir practice at 2 and Diana attended the 2:30 lecture: “What To Look For in a Balinese Temple” presented by Dr. Robert Cribb. Not as entertaining as Russell Lee but an excellent speaker.
    I would be remiss if I didn’t say Guest Services has been extremely busy the past two days as many people have decided they don’t want to go around Africa with the number of sea days so many are disembarking in Singapore and taking their future cruise vouchers to embark on a different Viking journey. We are staying the course as that is what we signed up for. After Singapore we should have a real feel for the number of guest remaining.
    Dinner tonight with Jim and Lois Avery along with Brian and Jonathan.
    The sunset was beautiful and both of us called it a an early night.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    02.29.2024 Komodo Island, Indonesia

    February 29, 2024 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Welcome to Komodo Island. Komodo island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands, and is the rugged habitat of the 3m-long Komodo dragon monitor lizard. Komodo National Park covers the entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons, and is made up of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannah and forests. Its surrounding waters of seagrass beds, mangrove shrublands and coral reefs are famous for diving.

    Probably the friendliest immigration and customs crew we have seen. They come on board and work with the Viking team reviewing our passports. Viking collects our passports at various stages along our route. Sometimes we have face to face immigration (Australia for example) Other times Viking gets to take care of it for us. All country dependent.

    Everyone had the included excursion with Viking to see the dragons. No other excursions were offered nor could you leave the ship to go ashore on your own.
    We tendered to the island about 12:30 for our scheduled tour at 1:00. Extremely hot and humid. The dragons are huge. They are carnivorous and eat wild pigs and boars on the island about twice a month. Glad we got to see them.
    We also a monkey and some water buffalo.

    We have dinner in the Restaurant tonight with Paul and Joyce Soucy.
    We attend the show tonight is “Divas and Legends” with the Viking Entertainment Team.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    From our room #201

    03.01.2024 Bali, Indonesia Day 1 of 3

    March 1, 2024 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    We are in Bali for the next three days and going on an adventure with Brian, Jonathan, Beth and Terry.
    A condensed description from Wikipedia:
    Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore island. The provincial capital, Denpasar is the most populous city in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the second-largest in Eastern Indonesia. The upland town of Ubud in Greater Denpasar is considered Bali's cultural centre. The province is Indonesia's main tourist.
    Over 90% Bali is Hindu and only 3% Christian.
    We went off the ship and are staying at a 5 Star resort called Cicada in Ubud.
    It sits in the rainforest surrounded by rice fields. Beautiful.
    Myron got into the infinity pool and hot tub. We had an early dinner and then off to a Balinese show. The musicians and dancers were incredible.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Myron at the cemetery in the the Monkey forest.Cremation Temple

    03.02.2024 Bali, Indonesia. Day 2/2

    March 2, 2024 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    Following breakfast we were picked up by our guide “Kiwi” and driver Gede for an all day tour.

    The first thing we learned was regarding their naming convention. In general, Balinese people name their children depending on the order they are born, and the names are the same for both males and females. The firstborn child is named Wayan, Putu or Gede, the second is named Made or Kadek, the third child goes by Nyoman or Komang, and the fourth is named Ketut. The fifth child etc repeats the same 1-4 names.
    Gede is pronounced ga-day. Made is pronounced ma-day. Nyoman, the n is silent. Hence our guide is number 5 of 9 children so he is Gede but goes by kiwi.

    Our first stop was the rice fields. These are owned by two families. We wanted to swing out over the rice fields however we found out we’re too old. We had to be under 65. We wished we could have. This a picture of Terry and Beth .
    Our next stop was the Monkey Forest. It was full of long tail macaque monkeys. The live in families. There is a king with many wives and children. Fun to see and the forest was beautiful. We also saw a cremation temple and cemetery.
    We stopped for tea and coffee at Sayria Coffee. Brian and Jonathan tried the coffee made from cat poo. Yuck! It is very special type of cat.
    Our next stop was lunch Semar’ Kuning Resto. It was really good.
    From there we visited the Yala Art woodcarving store where they demonstrated wood carving.
    No purchases were made.
    Our next stop is the waterfall. Tegenungan Waterfall It is located at the village of Tegenungan Kemenuh, also known as Kemenuh Village on the Petanu River in the Gianyar Regency, north from the capital Denpasar and close to the Balinese artist village of Ubud.
    We did a little shopping and returned to our resort. We all celebrated happy hour in the hot tub.
    Our resort had a short Balinese dance show followed by a fire show. We had dinner at the resort and a flute player performed. Phenomenal!
    Off to bed as we have another full day tomorrow.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    1A street temple where daily offerings were made.The soup motorbike.The recycling motorbike.Sunar Beach

    03.03.2024 Bali, Indonesia Day 3/3

    March 3, 2024 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 88 °F

    Our final day in Bali. Following a leisurely breakfast we checked out of the hotel and were picked up by our driver Gede, (our same driver from yesterday) head to the Ubud Art Market, or 'Pasar Seni Ubud'. It is a central landmark that's just across the road from Ubud Royal Palace. The market is open daily and features numerous shops presenting everything from beautiful silk scarves and handmade woven bags to statues, kites and a huge variety of handicrafts. Diana picked up a couple of shirts for Myron and a dress and pants for herself for our India trip coming up.

    Our next stop was Ubud Palace, officially Puri Saren Agung, it is a historical building complex situated in Ubud, Gianyar Regency of Bali, Indonesia. The palace was the official residence of the royal family of Ubud. What a beautiful place.

    We then continued our shopping odyssey to Jalan Raya Ubud which is the main street that runs through the centre of Ubud, which is widely considered as Bali's artistic and cultural heartland. It's the main shopping street in Ubud, where you can find an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques.

    We stopped at Sunar Beach for a late lunch. Sanur is a seaside town in the southeast of the island of Bali, in Indonesia. Its long stretch of beach offers shallow waters. Colorful jukung fishing boats rest on the sand, backed by a paved cycling path. The Pura Blanjong temple is built from coral and has inscriptions dating from the 10th century. The leafy main street Jalan Danau Tamblingan is lined with art galleries and restaurants.

    With that our trip to Bali has ended as we returned to the ship.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Diana' caftan that Shari & Angie gavecher when she retired. Perfect!Desmond, KarenDesmond, Diana, Karen, Lois, Jim, Myton

    03.04.2024 Sea of Java

    March 4, 2024, Java Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Today we are sailing the Java sea.
    We attended the 11:00 am by Russell Lee titled “The Discovery Of The Java Man - The Search for the Missing Link”.
    He is do fascinating to listen to. Diana learned a lot this morning.
    We are very busy as we had to chose our African excursions today.
    Myron returned our passports to the purser.
    Diana downloaded photos to the photo book app.
    Myron went to the infinity pool. Diana went to a felting class and made a magnet shamrock.
    It was Indonesia night under the stars on the pool deck tonight. We had dinner with Lois, Jim, Desmond and Karen. A great evening.
    Myron went to the show at 9:00 with Guest Entertainer Jennifer Gray Songs from the Heart”.
    Diana went to finish this blog post and pack a bag for tomorrow.    Read more

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    03.05.2024 Semarang, Java, Indonesia

    March 5, 2024 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌩️ 82 °F

    Today was very hot and humid. We had a 9 hour excursion to Borobudur Temple.
    This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
    Borobudur temple is the world's biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world's seven wonders.
    Traffic is very heavy and our busses are provided a police escort. Thank goodness.
    The first few pics are life in Java from a bus window. The families are preparing their rice fields for the next planting.
    We had dinner tonight with Marshall and Lynn. What a wonderful way to end a great day.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    03.06.2024 Java Sea

    March 6, 2024, Java Sea ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    It’s a sea day. It is pretty low key one as well. Diana worked on catching up her photo book. Myron went to the Spa and we met up for lunch.
    Myron also snuck in a few lectures.
    Tonight was a private farewell party for the friends we have met who have chosen not to go to Africa. Some already left the ship in Bali. Some are leaving in Sri Lanka, Cochin or Singapore. We will miss those we have spent the past 2 months with.
    Myron and I had a quiet dinner. Lobster and prime rib.
    We called it a night and headed to the cabin.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler

    03.07.2024 S. China Sea

    March 7, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    We continue on our quest to Vietnam. We start our day after breakfast with Nitza Lowenstein lecture “ Good morning Vietnam “, Discover Country and Culture. Discovered the unique culture, customs, architecture and cuisine of the Vietnamese.
    Perfect timing since we will be in Vietnam starting tomorrow.
    Next at 11:00 am is Guest Lecturer Dr. Will Friedwald “Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Great American Songbook”. We traced the evolution of the First Lady of songs.
    Myron has choir practice at 2:00 and Diana is attending Russell Lee’s “The Nine-Dash Line: Who Owns the South China Sea?”Where we dived into the ongoing territorial dispute between 7 Asian states over land and water rights.
    At 6:30 tonight we again could be found in the Star Theater to hear Viking Resident Historian Iconic Lecture with Dr. Robert Cribb: "History of Indochina."
    Explore the tangled histories of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
    We are really enjoying the history of Vietnam as our only reference had been the Vietnam war. So much history in this part of the world. Vietnam’s first ruler was in 297 BCE. China has been a huge influence and depending when in history a friend or foe.
    Dr. Cribb’s lecture wasn’t until 6:30 so following that we had dinner in the World Cafe.
    We have a very busy next few days so Diana retired to the cabin.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Fishing huts and fish pots in the Siagon River.Lots of junk boats as we cruise up the Siagon River.Latens at the Temple.TempleScooters everywhere.

    03.08.2024 Ho Chi Minh City Day 1/4

    Mar 8–11, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 77 °F

    Today we arrived in Vietnam. Diana has always wanted to visit and she really can’t explain why except for our involvement in the Vietnam war. It was the first conflict she was ever aware of. She remembers sitting in Sister Alfreda’s history class in 7th grade at St Lambert Catholic School talking about this far off land and what was happening. She also remembers Walter Cronkite on the CBS nightly news providing the news of how the war was going along with news clips and the count of those who died that day.
    After breakfast we attended one more lecture with Russell Lee: "The Tale of the Two Vietnams." He shared with us
    why Vietnam was divided into two countries and what happened when it was reunified.
    Diana went up to 7 to watch our scenic cruising up the Saigon River. The fishing shacks etc were fascinating. The little boats called junks were neat.
    We are docked at a huge container port about 1.5 hours from the city. The traffic is horrendous.
    We didn’t arrive until 2 in the afternoon and we took the Viking included tour into Ho Chi Minh City. It is the best way to guarantee that we got into the city today. (Viking is also running a free shuttle service, first come first served)
    Our first stop was the Temple. No pictures allowed inside as the pilgrims were praying and the Buddhist monks were chanting.
    We then went to a lacquer shop as they is a big deal here in Vietnam.
    Our next stop was a quick photo opportunity at the Reunification Palace. This where the North Vietnamese ran the tanks through the gate when Saigon fell.
    When we stopped at the Opera House we left the tour to walk to our hotel, Silverland Ben Thanh. We are here for two nights off the ship.
    We settled in to our quaint room and then went to dinner at a Gaucho restaurant. The steak was delicious.
    We returned to our hotel and made a brief visit to our rooftop bar to take in the views. The scooters are crazy!
    Tomorrow will be a full day so off to bed we go.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
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    Vietnamese LunchUnification PalacePost OfficePost OfficeRoof of CIA buildingMyron and Long Pham

    03.09.2024 Ho Chi Minh City Day 2/4

    March 9, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F

    Good morning Vietnam! Following breakfast at our hotel we were picked up by Pham, our guide we hired from Tours by Locals. We have an all day tour.
    Our guide Long Pham and driver Huyen picked us up at our hotel.
    Our first stop was a lacquer shop where Vietnamese who were impacted by Agent Orange work. We saw the process of turning rosewood into a beautiful piece of lacquer art using duck egg shells, mother of pearl and paint before applying the lacquer.
    Our next stop was the Cu Chi Tunnels. This where the Viet Cong ( south Vietnamese who supported the communist north) built out this elaborate 155 miles of tunnels at various depths to hide from US soldiers they called tunnel rats.
    They were super tiny and we only crawled through a very very small section.
    Following our tunnel tour we stopped and had a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Way too much food for the two us. Diana enjoyed the pork cutlet with lemon sauce and the papaya carrot salad.
    We drove back into the city. We saw wealth and poverty as we drove.
    Once in the city we toured Unification Palace. This is where on April 30, 1975 a tank driven by the Viet Cong crashed through the gates and a N Vietnamese plane bombed the palace thus ending the Vietnam war.
    Our next stop was at the Post Office and an opportunity to take a photo of where the last Americans were taken off the roof of the CIA building by helicopter. Long Pham wanted to buy us a beer so cheers to that.
    Next we visited the War of Remembrance Museum as told from the Communist point of view. Vietnam, while very progressive is still a communist country.
    Our final stop was Ben Thanh Market which is like a big flea market. We picked up a couple of t shirts.
    Back to our hotel room to shower off the day’s sweat and grime.
    We are tired and have another long day tomorrow so we are eating at our hotel and calling it a night. A few pics of the 12th floor dining room. One video to watch the traffic flow.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    The Mekong Delta
    Real hones on the river.Loading wood to send down the river.At the private Viernamese coutry home.Myron and a cemetery of course.Fresh vegetables at the market.Fresh pork. No thank you not even on ice.Hindu TempleThis lady collects plastic from the Delta and sells it. We saw her this morning and this afternoon.Life on the Delt.

    03.10.2024 Saigon, Vietnam Day 3/4

    March 10, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Today we checked out of our hotel and met up with other Viking Guest to take a private boat excursion up from the Siagon River to the Mekong River to the Mekong Delta. We were with Melinda, Duncan, Tom, Kathleen, Tom, Kat, Emily and Te.
    We cruised along and made our first stop at a family home (bathroom break) Those who live along the Delta are much poorer and farm. They also raise ducks and in some cases pythons to sell. A fascinating life.
    As we continued up the Delta we stopped at a local market where fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat can be purchased.
    We then visited a Hindu Temple.
    As we continued on we stopped a school that is run by Buddhist Monks. The children from the country can attend school there for free. It a boarding school and they only go home twice per year. If they were to attend school in Saigon that would have to pay and most are too poor.
    Our final stop was for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. It consisted of seafood, lotus stems, rice, ginger chicken, garlic chicken, pork and morning glory stems in garlic. They were delicious.
    This was followed by fruits that were all types apples that we cannot pronounce their real names but they were water apple, milk apple, star apple,and custard apple The also gave everyone a taste of rice whiskey. And we ended with coconut water.
    We return to our boat, retrace our steps and go back to Saigon. An amazing day!
    We are dropped off at the e opera House where catch the Viking shuttle back to the ship. We had an amazing three days step nights in Vietnam but we are tired and ready for a hot shower.
    It’s prime rib night and was delicious.
    Diana retired to our cabin to post this blog and Myron went to listen to a singer.    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Jonathan, Beth, Terry, Brian, the fab goir had the jackets custom made in Vietnam.

    03.11.2024 Saigon, Vietnam Day 4/4

    March 11, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 95 °F

    Our final day in Vietnam and we had to be back on board at 1:00 pm and since it is 1.5 hours each direction we chose to stay on board. Myron went to the Spa and Diana downloaded pictures to her laptop.
    Diana then went shopping portside. They are all brand name knock offs but she needed a bigger carryon bag for India. Kipling bag for $20 for the win and a Saigon t-shirt for $3.
    A little history on Ho Chi Minh City. There are 24 districts consisting of 19 inner city districts and five suburban areas, the first 12 are numbered and others named. Districts one and three are considered the modern heart of the city. Each district, in turn, is broken down into even smaller sections called wards.
    First the first three the Vietnamese still call it Saigon.
    We stayed in District 1 at the Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel. It is right next door to Ben Thanh Market.
    This is the city’s business hub and the commercial core of Vietnam. D1 (District one) is viewed as the prime location and maintains the highest standard of living throughout all twenty-four districts. Vietnamese daily life is still experienced at every corner, and there is, culturally, much to absorb in this vibrant part of town. It’s also a place for banks, international hotel chains, consulates, administrative buildings, and global cuisine.
    We attended the 3:00 by Guest Lecture Mr. Will Friedwald: "Elvis:
    The Man and His Music."
    Dive into the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
    Very interesting. Myron saw Elvis in concert on June 22, 1977 in Sioux Falls. He died less than 2 months later.
    Tonight Viking is airing the Oscars. We finish dinner early to see it. Although not dressed for the occasion we walk the red carpet.
    Fun night!    Read more

  • Di and My's World Journey2024 Viking World JourneyTraveler
    Dr Robert CribbWhere we are at 8:30 pm

    03.12.2024 South China Sea

    March 12, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    It’s a sea day!! After breakfast we attended Viking Resident Historian Iconic Lecture with Dr. Robert Cribb: "History of Thailand".
    Explore Thailand's rich history from its classical kingdoms to the making of the modern Thai state.
    Diana worked on updating her photo books. She is all caught up again.
    Myron had Choir practice at 2.
    He attended Guest Lecture with Mr. Stephen Marsh. "The Parrot Families of Asia."
    Discover the differences in form and ecology of these familiar birds.
    Dinner was with Terry and Beth in the Restaurant.
    Myron went to check out the magic act and Diana went to the cabin to get ready for tomorrow.    Read more

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