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Carolyn Koontz
Carolyn Koontz

Carolyn Koontz

traveled in 18 countries Read more🇺🇸St. Louis
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  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 69 Nearing The End

    March 14, 2020, Great Australian Bight ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    There was a town hall style meeting yesterday and a fairly bleak picture was painted regarding the remainder of the cruise.

    I have decided to join my friends, end the cruise, and leave the ship from Perth on 3/18.

    With our decision made to end the cruise and our flights completely booked, we were way ahead of most of the passengers because today we were greeted with an early morning email from the CEO of Regent stating that all cruises would be suspended for 30 days and that those currently underway would end as soon as possible.

    We are currently at sea with three ports scheduled prior to Perth. I assume we will be notified soon with additional details. It is just now 7:15 AM and many passengers likely have not yet received this information.

    I actually had packed an N99 mask and replacement filters just in case the pollution was bad in India. I never would have guessed I would now be wearing it on the flight home.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Prawnies
    2Fisherman's MemorialSchool Children in required sun hatsView from Winters Hill

    Day 67 ~ 21,700 Miles, Port Lincoln

    March 12, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Day 67 ~ 21,700 Miles

    We moored early this morning in Boston Bay at Port Lincoln and just prior to our excursion departure we were presented with the revised itinerary for the remainder of the trip. The revised itinerary has us heading west to the Seychelles, to Africa, down the East coast of Africa then heading across the Atlantic to South America, up the East coast, through the Caribbean to Miami. I’ll share my thoughts about those changes with you tomorrow following our town hall meeting with the Captain.

    Admittedly my focus on Port Lincoln was limited as my thoughts kept creeping back to the ship news of the day.

    Port Lincoln is a town of just over 16,000 and somehow manages with just two traffic lights. But seriously, this is a fishing town with a proud heritage and very busy waterfront. There is a large private specialized fishing fleet including prawnies, tuna boats, mussels, oyster, and squid boats, deep sea fishing boats, adventure boats for swimming with the great white sharks, and yellowtail kingfish farm boats. The fishing boat marina is also home to the Fishermen Memorial which is a beautiful granite sculpture depicting waiting families facing the sea and grieving families facing the land surrounded by granite boulders with the names of those lost at sea chiseled into the each one.

    Just like the young children at schools in New Zealand and other parts of Australia, the children here are required to wear sun hats and sunscreen. Swimming classes are also compulsory beginning in second grade.

    Our final stop was at Winters Hill. This high point serves multiple purposes: it has a watch tower for bush fires, tourist and locals alike come here to enjoy the 360° uninterrupted views, and apparently as the “lover’s lane” parking spot.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    21

    Day 66 Part 2, Kangaroo Island

    March 11, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Day 66 Part 2

    Our visit to Kangaroo Island was highlighted by an ocean safari where we spotted a dolphin pod and grey fur seals. We also had an opportunity to contribute to the local economy that is reeling from recent bush fires that burned almost 50% of the Island.

    The coastline has beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs lined with stunning jagged limestone and granite rock formations. Many of the rocks are with covered with a beautiful orange lichen that is very dramatic against the colors of the ocean.

    The passenger count of The Mariner easily outnumbered the census count of the seaside village of Penneshaw. I did a quick walk through the local IGA and was surprised by the high prices but quickly realized that it is a natural part of Island life when most products must be shipped in even when that is only a 16 kilometer ferry ride from the mainland.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1Kangaroo Island as seen during breakfast

    Day 66 ~ 21,600 Miles, Kangaroo Island

    March 11, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Day 66 ~ 21,600 Miles

    It is a perfect day for me to temporarily put aside the worry over the things I can not control and enjoy the moment. So I started my day with breakfast in the outdoor section of the La Veranda restaurant overlooking today’s port at Kangaroo Island.

    Not a bad way to start the day!    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Caution Kangaroos Ahead!!Handorf Restsurant SignView from Mt. LoftyVineyard covered with netting1Medical Research Bldg dubbed the Cheese Grater by locals.

    Day 65 ~ 21,500 Miles, Adelaide

    March 10, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Day 65 ~ 21,500 Miles

    It has been a Chamber of Commerce weather day in Adelaide with lots of sun, comfortable temps, and a gentle breeze.

    The Queen Mary 2 joined us in port this morning so our visit to the historic village of Hahndorf was a bit crowded with tourists. Our first encounter with a Hahndorf local was with an ol’ timer enjoying his morning coffee on his front porch watching the tourist parade pass by. After a quick g’day and discovering we were yanks he immediately began questioning us on the political disfunction of the US. since the current administration took office and the sanity and intellect of those electing it. And so the day began.

    It would have been enjoyable to spend the day in Hahndorf exploring the shops and sharing a leisurely meal at one of the many restaurants with sidewalk seating but after just a couple of hours our time ended and we were off to our second visit to Mt. Lofty.

    Mt. Lofty is the highest point near Adelaide and offers beautiful views of the Piccadilly Valley and the City.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1
    11Moonrise

    Day 64 ~ 21,400 Miles, Portland

    March 8, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    The last couple of days have been filled with nature’s beauty and pleasant surprises offset by the unexpected.

    Portland and Adelaide are wonderful destinations. We’ve see an amazing garden, quaint seaside villages, beautiful coastlines, beaches, sunrises, sunsets, and full moons worthy of postcards and travel posters, and of course koalas. I’ve learned so much about this wonderful country and the amazing people that live here.

    I’ve also come to realize that the hysteria and fear created by Covid-19 has paralyzed the travel industry and this trip is just a tiny blip in the grand scheme. My traveling companions and more importantly, my friends, have made the decision that best serves them and will be ending their trip early. I am happy for them that they are at peace with the decision but selfishly sad for myself. It seems that our cruise line, Regent, may be breaking under the weight of the virus restrictions to the point that the scuttlebutt on the ship ranges from further revised itineraries to ending the trip early. Time will tell.

    Whatever happens with the remainder of this trip, I remain ever grateful for the opportunity to travel this far and I will continue to cherish every moment spent and those moments yet to come.

    I am blessed.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Rhyll, Philip Island
    Koala Conservation CentreHike through Rhyll Inlet and Conservation Area

    Day 62 ~ 20,750 Miles, Phillip Island

    March 7, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Day 62 ~ 20,750 Miles

    It is probably not more 40 miles as the crow flies from Geelong to Philip Island but the Captain kept it in first gear all night to fill time on our revised itinerary.

    We received a warm reception from the local welcoming committee and a duo performing Drunken’ Sailor. Oddly enough, this is the song I sing to myself as I walk the long corridors of the ship when the seas prevent one from walking in a straight line and admit I have burst into song a few times when there have been other “drunken sailors” having the same issue.

    But I digress.

    We did have the opportunity to visit the Koala Conservation Centre and see 10 permanent Koala residents in what the Rangers call the “pensioners quarters”. The Centre is also treating koalas from the recent bush fires but because the intent is to return them to the wild they are understandably limiting their exposure to humans and to stress.

    After the Conservation Centre we did a nice 3-mile semi-guided hike through the Australian bush before returning to the ship.

    The evening brought the announcement of additional itinerary changes due to the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions being put in place by various nations and our trip is quickly becoming The Magical Mystery Tour.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1Great Ocean Road
    Otway Fly Treetop WalkGiant Ferns as seen from 100 feet above21Giant mushrooms3

    Day 61 ~ 20,700 Miles, Geelong

    March 6, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Day 61 ~ 20,700 Miles

    The southern coastline of Australia heading west from Geelong is magnificent. Even on our cloudy drive along the Great Ocean Road the color of the water ranged from pale green to midnight blue topped by unending waves crashing into the rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and jagged rocks. The road meanders along the coastline as it climbs and descends then twists and turns hugging the terrain.

    After arriving at Anchor Bay we turned inland to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk which felt like a walk into Jurassic Park with its ancient giant ferns and massive eucalyptus trees. The peeling bark of these giants and moss covered branches added to the other worldly feeling. We walked in the treetops along a steel bridge elevated 25-40 meters above the rain forrest floor.

    We had a late night departure from Geelong and a quick overnight cruise to Philip Island for our next adventure.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1Kurious Kangaroo
    1Snack timeMeerkat1Smiling And Laughing OstrichEmu1Warm and Cuddly Wombat2Tasmaniam DevilsDevils dining on a hind quarter

    Day 59 ~ 20,300 Miles, Tasmania

    March 4, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    Day 59 ~ 20,300 Miles

    I have written and rewritten today’s post multiple times trying to describe the beauty of Tasmania and the fun we had, but the bottom line is that we got to pet and feed kangaroos today and it just doesn’t get much better than that!Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 59 ~ 20,200 Miles, Burnie Tasmania

    March 4, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Day 59 ~ 20,200 Miles

    With the rising sun comes good news from home, my nephew’s surgery was successful. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words.

    Thanks and Glory to God

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 58 ~ 20,100 Miles, The Tasman Sea

    March 3, 2020, Bass Strait ⋅ 🌙 61 °F

    Day 58 ~ 20,100 Miles

    It’s late here in the Tasman Sea and it is a night sky that I wish I could share with each of you. An iPhone picture can not possibly capture what I see. The colors range from the darkest of black interrupted by an extremely bright half moon to the pure white of cresting waves. Even this half moon lights the sky brighter than city lights and highlights the clouds from behind to create a glowing effect until it peaks from behind to cast beautiful rays of light onto the oceans surface. The moonlight captures the white-capped waves unlike a similar scene in daylight. The night sky above the moon is so full of stars that it seems unreal. The sound of the ship cutting through the sea is like a symphony, the gentle rocking of the ship feels like being wrapped in the arms of a loved one, and tonight one knows that this place was created by God.

    In this night, seeing this beauty, I pause to ask each of you to join me in a prayer of healing for my nephew, Joshua, who is waiting at this very moment to undergo a surgical procedure.

    I feel homesick for the first time.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Sailout view of Harbour Bridge
    Sailout view of Sydney Opera HouseSailout view of North Head. Whitecaps are 6-8 feet already.Coast near Sand Patch Point with smoke rising

    Day 58 ~ 19,900 Miles, Sydney

    March 3, 2020, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Day 58 ~ 19,900 Miles

    After 3 wonderful days in Sydney we left the harbor yesterday afternoon just as the weather was dramatically changing from a sunny and hot 98° to an overcast and windy 70°.

    The wind and the waves intensified as we left the safety of the harbor but the sailors seemed to be enjoying the speed at which they were cutting through the wind and waves or maybe they were just trying to hurry back to the pier.

    Today is a sea day and I have a constant view of the Australian coastline from the starboard side as we cruise south from Sydney before crossing over to Tasmania. Sadly I do see what appears to be smoke rising from a brush fire on the coastline near Sand Patch Point.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Didgeridoo and Boomerang Shop
    The Rocks neighborhood1

    Day 56 ~ 19,600 Miles, Sydney

    March 1, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Day 56 ~ 19,600 Miles

    Day Two in Sydney and I spent the day shopping for a new Didgeridoo to add to my expansive collection of authentic Aboriginal instruments. Well, actually we spent the day exploring The Rocks area of Sydney and I stumbled across a Didgeridoo shop...who knew.

    The Rocks has a great history yet is alive with a very current vibe. After the First Fleet arrived bringing the convicts to Australia this area became home to the convicts while the more gentile arrivals laid claim to the other side of the harbor. Now it’s a collection of some of the oldest pubs, hotels, and churches along cobblestone streets, hidden alleyway eateries, locals and tourists mixing seamlessly shopping the designs and creations of local artists in an open air market, museums, an observatory, and yes, even a Didgeridoo shop all within view of the stunning harbor.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    North Head of Sydney Harbor
    South Head of Sydney HarborSydney HarborHarbor BridgeSydney Opera HouseBondi BeachVaucluseHarbourside and Cockle Bay

    Day 55 ~ 19,600 Miles, Sydney

    February 29, 2020 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    Day 55 ~ 19,600 Miles

    I carefully staked out my spot on the top deck at 10:30 this morning knowing full well that the Port Pilot was not scheduled to pull alongside until close to noon and that we wouldn’t be tied into our berth until 2PM but I did not want to miss one moment of arriving into Sydney Harbor.

    I was completely mesmerized by the beauty of this place. Sheer cliffs being pounded by the South Pacific’s powerful waves on the North Head and a low lying rocky outcrop dotted with light houses on the South Head with the city rising from the sea in the middle. Slowly and ever so carefully we followed the Pilot Boat passing crafts of every shape and size: sailboats, speed boats, catamarans, ferries, water taxis, yachts etc. Finally, we rounded the bend and the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Sydney presented themselves. I was not disappointed.

    After clearing immigration we took an afternoon tour of the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, and Paddington then ended the evening with a stroll around Woollhara, Harborside, and Cockle Bay before catching a shuttle back to our home away from home.

    Even now as I reflect on the day I’m drawn out to my balcony by the sounds and sights of fireworks along Oxford Street from the gay Mardi Gras celebration and numerous party boats cruising in the harbor waters.

    I’ll think about the CDC Travel warning for Italy later, now is to enjoy Sydney.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    1

    Day 54 ~ 19,000 Miles, Tasman Sea

    February 28, 2020, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Day 54 ~ 19,000 Miles

    It’s Day 2 at sea heading towards Sydney. Our final itinerary for Sydney to Sri Lanka is confirmed and all of our excursions are booked. Regent was unable to secure a berth in Melbourne so are rewarded with another port and an additional sea day.

    I would like to share some street signs from New Zealand. This country is not only polite but they have a fun sense of humor. I hope you enjoy the small differences from typical US signage    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Pukeahu National War Memorial
    UK Memorial, intertwined pōhutukawa and oak treesUnderside of sculpture with sun shining through the stained glass leavesUnknown Warrior TombPeace Garden at the Wellington Botanical GardenThe Hiroshima StoneView from Mt. VictoriaView from Mt. Victoria

    Day 52 ~ 18,100 Miles, Wellington

    February 26, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Day 52 ~ 18,100 Miles

    Move over Chicago, we are cruising out from the windiest city in the world, Wellington, New Zealand through the Cook Strait into the Tasman Sea towards Sydney, Australia. The Kiwis kept thanking us for the sunshine and warm weather because they are accustomed to sideways rain at this time of year. Thank you Mother Nature for providing wonderful weather during our time in NZ.

    It was a full day with stops at the War Memorial, Mount Victoria, the Botanical Garden, and a Cable Car ride up the hillside to Kelburn.

    Wellington is a beautiful modern city undergoing a large scale earthquake stabilization program with 22 high rise buildings slated to be removed and rebuilt and residential homes seemingly attached only to the sides of the steep hillsides. Most of the homes dotting the hillsides are walkups (but no amount of realtor marketing could convince me that 150+ steps straight up is a good thing to come home to). Some are lucky enough to have private cable cars with over 1000 private residential cable cars serving the well-healed in Wellington.

    I was truly moved at two stops today, first the War Memorial and second and unexpectedly at the Botanical Garden when I discovered the Peace Flame and in doing so the Hiroshima Stone.
    Both places serve as reminders of the importance of peace and that we should move forward with our eyes on the past

    “Ka kite ano”. Which in Maori means “until I see you again”.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Parallel Parking Lesson 1

    Day 52 ~ 18,100 Miles Wellington Harbour

    February 26, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Day 52 ~ 18,100 Miles

    Today’s challenge: Parallel Park a 709 foot, 48,075 Ton Cruise Ship

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Mariner Run Aground, Na Cods Wallop
    Spirit of NapierExample of Art Deco Buildings in Napier

    Day 51 ~ 17,900 Miles, Napier

    February 25, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Day 51 ~ 17,900 Miles

    Dateline:
    Napier, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand: RSSC Mariner Run Aground!

    Don’t worry, it’s cods wallop, but from the looks of the picture one can’t be sure. Just a reminder to see how easy some may try to twist the truth in today’s climate

    Napier is a city rebuilt from the ashes following an earthquake and ensuing fire in 1931 so powerful it raised the seabed of their harbor creating over 4,000 acres of dry land and a reverse tsunami which drained the port.

    The Napier of today is a salute to a time long past with an abundance of original Art Deco homes and commercial buildings built following the earthquake. Unfortunately the building of the replacement man-made harbor changed the ocean current so that the sandy beaches were devoured into the sea and have been replaced with sea walls and black gravel; so it’s pretty but I wouldn’t want to swim there not to mention that Napier beaches are listed among New Zealand’s most dangerous. It was, however, a near perfect day walking the beautiful streets of Napier.

    I’d better rattle the dags and get meself ready for dinner.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Bay of Plenty
    Kiwi Orchard shielded from the wind by massive hedgesKiwi BirdWai-Tapu-Thermal WonderlandBoiling MudRainbow Mountain in Kaingaroa Forest

    Day 50 ~ 17,500 Miles, Rotorua Tauranga

    February 24, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Day 50 ~ 17,500 Miles

    When the name of our port today, Tauranga, is translated it means Sheltered Harbor. There are many beautiful beaches near the wharf and the Kiwis take great pride in being an outdoorsy lot. There are numerous water-sports and all types of beach based activities just outside their doorsteps.

    I should probably write a wee bit about the word ‘Kiwi’ for anyone not familiar with it. The Kiwi is the national and sadly nearly extinct bird of NZ. The Kiwi fruit is a delicious fruit and one of the largest exports of NZ thanks the marketing geniuses renaming it from Chinese Gooseberries to Kiwi. The Kiwi is also a New Zealander.

    The litter bins and wheelie bins lined Marine Parade on our way out today because it was rubbish pickup day. Some things just sound so much nicer they way others say them.

    We did pass the largest Kiwi growing area in NZ and while the orchards are difficult to see from the road you can occasionally peak beyond the massive hedges surrounding them that serve as wind barriers to the delicate flowers that will become this wonderful fruit.

    We then went to Fairy Springs to learn about and see live Kiwi birds. The facility has several breeding pairs and a commitment to ensure their survival. As a flightless bird they have many predators, namely stoats, mongoose, and dogs.

    The North Island of New Zealand (where this trip is limited) was formed from volcanic activity while the South Island was formed from Glacial activity. There are hundreds of naturally occurring thermal springs and mud pools in this area and there are natural vents dotting the landscape letting the underground steam escape. Today we visited the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which is alien-like, desolate, yet incredibly beautiful. But because they are sulfur springs, one doesn’t want to hang around too long.

    Bonus: our new captain just announced that we will have gale winds of 35-40 knots tonight.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Auckland
    Milford BeachDogs Yes, Alcohol No.With new friends Diana and Lety at the Lord of the Rings EventAuckland as seen from Mt. VictoriaWindsor ReserveCaptain Aivo PalmCytoplasma by artist Phil Price at Waitemanta Plaza

    Day 49 ~ 17,300 Miles, Auckland

    February 23, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Day 49 ~17,300 Miles

    It has been a jam packed two days in Auckland and I enjoyed every moment. I’m sitting in my cabin tonight watching this part on New Zealand float away and know that I will miss this place.

    After arriving yesterday we set out on an aimless stroll through the Central District which is directly across the street of our Auckland home, Princes Wharf. There is a great deal of construction in many areas of the city due to hosting the sailing world in defense of the America’s Cup in 2021 and the wafer-front area is by far the biggest recipient of the improvements. Auckland is a vibrant, beautiful, walkable, and energetic place.

    Last night we were guests to a World Cruise Event celebrating the Lord of the Rings series held at the War Memorial Museum. It was also an opportunity to say a temporary goodbye to our Captain. Captain Aivo has been wonderful and I look forward to his return from his vacation when he takes the helm again in Barcelona to guide us home.

    Today we spent a lovely day touring the North Shore and Devonport. The North Shore is high tech companies, modern condos, restaurants with amazing outdoor seating options, and marinas including one for the mega yachts.

    Devonport is on the opposite side of the bay and equally opposite in almost everything else. It’s a typical charming seaside village complete with all of the coffeeshops, restaurants, and local shops one could want. It’s also a much slower pace and is family and dog friendly. We used the ferry to transport us back to the wharf area.

    Just as Auckland is fading on the horizon I too am fading fast and am ready to call it a night. I hope I dream of beautiful Auckland but before the sunlight fades away I want to share the sculpture shown in the video. It is so graceful as it moves in the ocean breeze and I am in total agreement with the Artists statement:
    “...showing people things they’ve never seen before and the more extraordinary things we see the richer we become”. -Phil Price 2004    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler

    Day 47 ~ 17,100 Miles, South Pacific

    February 21, 2020, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

    Day 47 ~ 17,100 Miles

    With a strange suddenness the persistent winds of the South Pacific have calmed as has her surface. Gone are the longitudinal swells and white capped waves that have been our near constant companions since our departure.

    The water’s surface seems to be broken now only by the bow of our ship and the wake she leaves in her path. A slight breeze makes the surface look like its shivering in its grasp.

    The now familiar sounds I’ve grown to love have been re-tuned to sound more like rustling leaves. It is peaceful and hypnotic and we are seemingly gliding along on the final 275 nautical miles towards Auckland.

    Interestingly we are approaching a point that is a voluntarily speed reduction zone because of whale traffic and will throttle back from 16.9 knots per hours to just under 10. I for one am pleased with the decision to reduce our speed to bask in this calm.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Captain Aivo Palm discusses itinerary changes

    Day 46 ~ 16,200 Miles, South Pacific

    February 20, 2020, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    Day 46 ~ 16,200 Miles

    As it is turns out, 2020 may not be the best year to visit Asian ports. We were informed this afternoon that our itinerary has changed due to the continuing fear of the Coronavirus.

    Captain Aivo met with all passengers in a Town Hall style meeting in the theater to provide us with the changes and take questions. After Sydney our itinerary changes until we get back on schedule in Sri Lanka (basically March is different). We lose 5 ports in Australia and pick up 11 along the southern coast then face 7 days at sea before arriving in Sri Lanka. In addition to the scheduled ports in Australia, we will miss Bali, Surabaya, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

    While, yes, it is disappointing to miss some exciting destinations, I remain forever grateful to be cruising around the World in Cabin 887 on the RSSC Mariner and look forward to the sights to be seen and experiences to be had.

    “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sail.”
    -William Arthur Ward    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Viti Levu Village
    Preparing Kava during welcome ceremonyWesternized HomeWesternized HomeBurning surgar cane fields for harvestTaro and Kasava Chips with a can of Fiji Rum and CokeWelcome Ceremony

    Day 45 ~ 15,900 Miles, Suva Fiji

    February 19, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Day 45 ~ 15,900 Miles

    BULA! Bula means “hello” and is one of the first words learned upon arriving in Fiji.

    Fiji. Just saying Fiji and my mind immediately conjures up visions of miles of mother of pearl colored sandy beaches, palm trees blowing in the trade-winds, sparkling turquoise waters, and a cocktail served in a coconut. I know this fairytale vision exists on some of the 332 islands that comprise Fiji, but it does not exist on the island of Viti Levu which is the largest island and the one we have visited for the last two days.

    Viti Levu provided me a realistic look into a South Pacific paradise where the minimum wage is $2.32 FJD per hour or $1.06 USD per hour. There was poverty throughout the countryside we toured but there was also beautiful, friendly, welcoming, and happy people.

    Our guides reminded us that cannibalism is part of Fiji’s recent history, equal rights for women has changed their country for the worse and has lead to dramatic changes such as caning your children as punishment is longer acceptable, crime is more common and the crimes committed are now more serious, and women are not required to be buried alive with their husband when he dies (pre-missionary) nor cut off their pinky finger (post missionary) to be buried with him. Damn equal rights.

    The villages we visited are trying to preserve the country’s culture and traditions while it seems the cities are becoming westernized. Conservative dress for women is still mandatory in villages. Kava is the traditional and still popular beverage and both men and women wear the sulu, which is a type of skirt. Our guides also told us that the homes are now westernized, which only means there are fewer and fewer thatch roofs not that they have indoor plumbing, running water, or even windows and doors.

    Our time here has ended and we are headed to New Zealand. I pray that arrival is in strict military time as has been Captain Aivo’s practice and not in Fiji Time.

    Moce (mow-they) Fiji.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    Approaching Fiji

    Day 44 ~ 15,500 Miles, Lautoka Fiji

    February 18, 2020 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Day 44 ~ 15,500 Miles

    FIJI. It’s an early morning arrival in Lautoka, Fiji today. For those of you keeping track, it’s about 6:45AM on 2/18 locally and 12:45PM on 2/17 at home. Time flies when you’re having fun.

    We’ve been advised that it may take 6+ hours for Fijian officials to review our records and give us the final clearance to disembark. The Pilot is arriving now and the first officials will come aboard while the ship is still in motion. It’s a fun process to watch and I’d love to share the moment but I’m still in my pajamas on the veranda, my darlings, and they’re boarding on the port side.    Read more

  • Carolyn KoontzWorld Cruise 2020Traveler
    International Date Line

    Day 42 ~ 14,900 Miles, South Pacific

    February 15, 2020, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Day 42 ~ 14,900 Miles

    It’s Day 3 of an unexpected stretch of four days at sea following the cancellation of our stops in American Samoa and Samoa after we were denied entry because of the “fear” of the Coronavirus.

    Kudos to Regent for their hard work in rescheduling all excursions to a day earlier and scheduling a new stop with excursions in Suva, Fiji.

    We were warned of bad weather for sea days 2 and 3, but luckily because I had my supplies at the ready I was able to stave off the effects of the impending storms. Always prepared...thanks Dad.

    We crossed the International Date Line at 3:09 this afternoon (picture shown, if you enlarge it you can see the sign in the distance), but we will not recognize the changes that crossing brings until overnight so we may experience a smooth transition. In a instant we went from 180° West to 180° East. I think this translates to moving the clock back one hour and moving the calendar forward one day. Until today I had only read about time travel but now I get to experience it, February 16 disappears for me this year. So today I will take a selfish moment to remember, honor, and raise a glass to my Dad on what would have been his 97th birthday on the 16th. I love you and miss you Dad.    Read more

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