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Whispers of the Orient
  • Robin Williams
  • Paul Cosgrave
  • Robin Williams
  • Paul Cosgrave

Whispers of the Orient

Around the world in 72 days. We began in Abu Dhabi’s gleaming metropolis, followed by the vibrant chaos of India. Sailing across Asia, we explored the dynamic ports of Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, ending in S. Korea and Japan. Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 12, 2025
  • Whispers of the Orient
    Striking architecture of the mosque
    Yet another view of the mosquePaul standing in front of a stunning viewInside the mosque, the many intricate columns1Enormous rug in male prayer room

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    February 14, 2025 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    We started our day with a real highlight, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh wanted to establish a structure that would unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world. It truly exceeded our expectations, with its gorgeous marble and craftsmanship to match. Add to that, a perfect time of day for pictures.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Stunning!
    The modern skyline of Abu DhabiArchitecture downtown in Abu DhabiEntrance to MandarinRoundaboutStanding in front of the LoeuvreSculpture at The LoeuvreThe Guggenheim Abu Dhabi under construction.

    Architecture, history and culture

    February 14, 2025 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    There is no shortage of architecturally gorgeous commercial buildings as you can see by these photos. Everything is new! In addition, the cultural center, comprised of the Loeuvre and soon to be joined by the Guggenheim and a third museum was an exercise in good urban planning. Plus the converted Presidential palace to the Mandarin Hotel was a real favorite of ours!Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Leaving the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport
    Sunrise on Mumbai from our windowOur first stop was to Dhobi Ghat, an open air laundryNote the contrast between the old and the newThe Gateway of IndiaTaj Mahal Palace hotelPolice Station, formerly BritishPrince of Wales MuseumBombay High CourtDabbawalla lunch deliveryLunch boxes prepared at home for delivery by the DabbawalasOne of the many Dabbawallas, as part of this elaborate lunch delivery systemLadies only car on trainThe Chhatarapati Shivaji Mararaj Terminus ticket lobbyVisiting the Mahatma Ghandi Museum, we were struck with his focus on listening to his small voiceHome where Mahatma Ghandi lived for 16 yearsWe went to a Krishner service, complete with singing and dancingGorgeous overview of the beach and cityscapeBeach and city overviewOur wonderful tour guide

    Mumbai arrival and first day

    Feb 14–15, 2025 in India ⋅ 🌙 82 °F

    We arrived on Valentine’s Day to the darkness and furious energy of Mumbai. The next morning we awakened to the early morning smog and were greeted for our private tour by our tour operator and her driver. Little did we know how our perspective would change as she introduced us to the incredible Colonial and Art Deco architecture as well as Mumbai’s fascinating history with its British, Portugese and Farsi settlers.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Paul in front of City Hall
    Spectacular wedding flowers at entrance to outside dinnerThe groom's horseAntilia, the worlds most expensive house, behind Buckingham PalaceThe Queens necklace at duskPaul and Robin in front of the beach overlook at duskThe old woman lived in a shoeJungle Book. Rudyard Kipling was born in Mumbai.Street foods smell amazing!Mumbai's Big BenGoing into Krishna serviceHare Krishna singing and dancing; men on the left, women on the rightOne of four primary religions in MumbaiThe Victoria Train StationRegal TheaterJewish synagogueA couple of pisco sours at the Koi Lounge in the St Regis1Late night relaxation with great skyline

    Mumbai at night etc.

    February 16, 2025 in India ⋅ 🌙 79 °F

    Had a relaxing day in Mumbai, brunch, pool, St Regis Bloodies. Saw the 3rd day of Indian wedding festivities, including flowers and groom’s horse. Mumbai at night tour. The city that never sleeps. So many people.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    One of the larger streets in the slum, with bustling traffic
    We started our visit in Starbucks in the Taj Mahal Hotel of all places!Saw this truck heading into the slum area. Liked the love India sentiment.A local templeTempleThis is a community of businessesSchool letting outMamas walking their children homeSchool playgroundKids getting ready to play cricketCats can be comfortable anywhereWalking through the neighborhoodAnother local business selling spices and other goodsThe wires are crazyYummy looking food. The neighbors get together at 6:00 to share foodMore goodiesMy new friends kitchen and her brother, our guideMy new friend

    Our visit to the Dharavi Slums

    February 18, 2025 in India ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    The Dharavi slum is the largest slum in Asia. We found a lively crowded community with small businesses, a rich culture, strong family ties. In fact its businesses are estimated to generate over 1 B annually. And, kids are kids.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Our Goa welcome, complete with music and a nice red rose
    All the excursion buses, lined up in a rowThe Basilica of Bom Jesus where the remains of St. Frances Xavier restsSe Cathedral with funny leaning treeThe entance to the beautiful Se Cathedral; its right hand hand bell tower was destroyed by lightnin.Catherine, the Saint for which the Cathedral was namedChurch of St. Cajetan, similar to the Basilica of St. Peter in RomeInside the Church of St. CajetanChurch of St. CajetanAll that remains of the gate of the Palace of Adil ShahWomen sweeping the dirt, an endless task!Arch of ConceptionFunny statue of a fisherman, made of plastic, to encourage reuseThe Customs HouseFamily out for a ride

    Churches of Old Goa

    February 20, 2025 in India ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We left our ship and rode through many small villages to arrive in Old Goa, the site of several UNESCO churches and celebrated as the Rome of the Orient. Goa was the first Asian city to be ruled by the Portugese. Today tens of thousands visit these ancient churches including the Basilica of Bom Jesus which houses the tomb of St. Frances Xavier, the breathtaking Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Cajetan that reminds you of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Our very own monk, who explained Buddism to us
    Beautiful carvings near the templePaul near the bell towerSweet little girl learning about BuddismOne of the gorgeous statues at the templeYoung lady with flowers for the templeLove the figures in the templeInsense burning near the templeThe lying down Budda with flower offeringGorgeous BuddaMagnificent wall muralsPeeking our the window to the bell tower

    Buddism thru a Monks eyes, Sri Lanka

    Feb 22–24, 2025 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We had a meeting with the monk who patiently explained Buddism as compared with Christianity. He thought Christianity and Hinduism were similar strong religions to Buddhism. He didn’t want people to give up their current religions to become Buddhists. because they were so similar.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Cute elephant in shopping area
    Gorgeous pineapples in the marketGood advertising compositionMy 3 friends with their produceAssorted dried fishDried fish stall with shopkeeperAmazing temple which holds 10,000 worshippersThe fabrics in their outfits were breathtakingA Hindu templeThe remains of a canal system from British daysSri Lanka flagOld bell towerAll that's left of a famous British department store, CargillsLloyds of London buildingVery old building being slowly restored by the governmentNice Indian elephants on Bank of India buildingA rare combination lighthouse and clocktowerVery long chandelier in the Sri Lanka MuseumRestaurant located in former Dutch Hospital, specializing in crab dishesHandsome landmark temple

    Exploring Old Colombo, Sri Lanka

    February 23, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Starting with a tour through the market, we found it to be the nucleus of all things bought and sold. Merchants have longstanding customers so the need to harass tourists just doesn’t happen. Next, we strolled through back streets and colorful alleys. We ended our tour exploring the magnificent proud buildings, now deserted. They desperately need private foreign investment to bring this city to prosperity.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    The famous Michelin restaurant in Phuket, known also as a great cooking school
    Our ship was at anchor, so we tendered in through this jetty.We landed on the beach at Patong and summoned a ride from Grab, Phuket's answer to UberA great picture of the longboats used throughout PhuketLove is in the air...🎶Instagram worthy site, looking over the beautiful beachPaul was having a sneak peek at the menu.Even the bar screamed blue as we walked into the restaurantThis kinda says it all, doesn't it?There were many blue elephants, but this was my favorite!Wonderful artwork throughout this magnificent old building, a former Chinese Portugese residence.There was brass everywhere, even the "silverware", making the experience so elegant.I makes me sad that I cannot recreate this specialty cocktail, complete with real gold leaf.Paul's beef satay appetizerPossibly the best soup ever, with coconut milk, chicken and mysterious spices.When the menu describes giant prawn, we had no idea it would be the size of a Maine lobsterPaul's cashew chicken, a classic!This restaurant is well familiar to Michelin.The gardens were gorgeous; there were flowers throughout the dining room and bar

    Blue Elephant Restaurant, Phuket

    February 27, 2025 in Thailand ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Cos and I decided to book a proper Thai lunch at the Blue Elephant Restaurant after our cruise excursion was cancelled. Although we ate here 2 years ago, we couldn’t imagine a better luncheon treat! So we did a repeat. It was possibly even better this time.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Double delight, the pagoda and the city beyond
    The funicular leaving the stationA figure in the Indian temple at the top of the hillRobin with her friendly Dragon near Indian templeNice walk with Chinese lanterns overheadBeautiful golden BuddaGreat view of the templeYet another great photo of the templeA triple header of golden Buddas, breathtaking!Paul in front of gateGolden happy BuddhaMany many statuesGorgeous gold musician figureQuite the statueBuddhaLovely setting with beautiful plantsOverview of the grounds at the templeHuge Muslim mosqueOur tour company in Malaysia

    Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia

    February 28, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Often called the Pearl of the Orient, this city boasts one of the finest Buddist Temples in SE Asia. We found the city to be impeccably clean (with the exception of the temple). We took its funicular, one of the longest in the world to get a beautiful overview of the city.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Colorful dragon in Malaysian National Museum
    The President's PalaceSerious guard at the Palace, Malaysia's version of Buckingham PalaceChildren doing math and science exercises in the National MuseumSometimes it would help to have many hands, but imagine the manicures!Beautiful gold tree sculpture in National MuseumThe words of Independence, shouted on Independence Day August 30, 1957The clock tower across from Independence ParkThe colorful flags make Independence Square very festiveOnce the tallest building in the worldTwin towersFormula one racer on the wall of the shopping mallGreat street art muralPaul caught a great photo of the Malaysian flag as we returned to the ship

    Port Klang, Malaysia

    March 1, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌙 82 °F

    Kuala Lampur, an amazing modern capital city, with soaring high rises and the twin towers. This is the site of independence on August 30, 1957 to the sounds of Merdeka, its independence! Now Malaysia has a President, elected by a governing council, for 5 years plus a Prime Minister.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    The Singapore botanical garden is free; it was selected as a UNESCO site.
    On our way to the Big Bus, we passed the gleaming white Cathedral of St. Andrew.The war memorial stands on its own against a landscape of super tall high rises.Always a good way to see a city for the first time. The symbol is Singapore's lion-fishSingapore Flyer, visible throughout the city and waterfront.A truckload of orchards, beautiful to seeThe Fullerton Hotel, previously the Post OfficeClarke Quay, a nice restaurant/shopping complex on the riverInteresting architectural detail, to break up the building's lineThe Orchard Garden, part of the Botanical GardenPaul took this sweet picture of a Vietnamese Restaurant in Little India sectionThe Sultan MosqueAnother view of the Sultan MosqueGreat photo of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in ChinatownWall mural/street art in ChinatownMany showed up on deck for the Farewell to SingaporeGorgeous skyline, featuring the triple tower connected by the Infinity Pool on the rooftopTwo happy travelers, vowing to return yet again.Say bye-bye to Singapore2Our favorite bartender in Cellar Masters

    Singapore

    March 3, 2025 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Wow Wow Wow! Beyond stunning architecture, cleanliness, pure gorgeousness! Big Bus gave us a brief overview of this amazing city and we want to go back! The flowers of the botanical garden, the food, the shopping….who knew a city with brand new architecture could have such soul?Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    The wall mural at the whale temple
    Robin, leaving the bomb shelter at the White VillaPaul found a very interesting treeVery large statue of Jesus on the top of Mount NhoWe are at the base of Mount NhoYou will find this at the Niet Ban Tinh Xa monasteryAltar at Buddhist monasteryMural at the Buddhist Monastery, Niet Ban Tinh XaYes, it's 2025, we are at the Bay of BoatsFishing boats at the Bay of BoatsNice photo with fishing boats and Budda on the hill behindInteresting gnarly pieceReally nice Vietnamese sunset.We found a great place to enjoy music while leaving Vietnam

    Vung Tau City, Vietnam

    March 5, 2025, South China Sea ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Boarding a bus for our Vietnamese excursion, we arrived in Vung Tau City, stopping at the whale temple first, followed by a walk to the former French Royal residence of the White Villa. We photographed the 30 meter statue of Jesus, climbed the steps to Ban Tihn Xa and took a walk along the Bay of Boats. As we were leaving, we were impressed with all the commerce along the banks.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Entrance to Victoria Bay, our first glimpse of beautiful Hong Kong!
    We are leaving our ship for a full day of Hong Kong sightseeing!The Hong Kong Observation Wheel.Recognizable Apple Store in Hong Kong w/ glass stepsAt Southeby's you can buy wooly mammoth tusks!Robin's favorite round buildingStunning view from the top of Victoria PeakWe couldn't resist having this shot at Victoria PeakSome fun street artRobin with our guide, Karen, in prisonBurning incense at the Man Mo Taoist TemplePaul's dim sum lunchIncredibly great hotelsWe had a couple of drinks at The Peninsula HotelThe start of Symphony of LightsA classic!3Symphony of LightsMore Symphony of Lights...Tsim Sha Tsui clock towerA goodbye to our new favorite city, Hong Kong

    Hong Kong, China

    March 9, 2025 in Hong Kong ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Neon signs galore, dim sum lunch, towering skyscrapers and Victoria Peak set along beautiful Victoria Bay and the fabulous Symphony of Lights at night. You gaze in awe, taking the Star Ferry, the funicular, the subway or the antique trolley cars to find your way. English is one of the 2 official languages, so we were at ease. And HK is fabulously wealthy, so you can go anywhere comfortably without fear.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    First gaudy casino building we saw
    The MGM casinoCharming A-Ma temple to the sea goddess, MazuBurning incense at A-Ma TempleBeautiful but unintelligible Chinese characters, carved in stoneOne of the exhibits at the Museum of MacauA loveable character at the MuseumThe famous St. Paul Cathedral's standalone faceToo bad the cathedral was leaning...😊Beautifully maintained Portuguese administration building1Not sure how effective this broom is...but Macau is impeccableAnother Portuguese buildingThe famous Lotus building, a gift from ChinaHmmm, and it's not even Easter yetAdvertising for the pharmacyWe couldn't resist this funny characterJorge Alvares, the first Portuguese explorer to reach China by seaA model of the Macau Sky Tower where we had a great buffet lunchFantastic view of Macau from the Sky TowerChinese lion

    Macau, China

    March 10, 2025, Taiwan Strait ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Macau, the fabulously wealthy UNESCO city, known for its casinos and, to a lesser degree, for the influence of its Portuguese and Chinese settlers. Taking the turbo- jet ferry, you arrive in an hour from Hong Kong. We spent the day visiting the shrine of the goddess A Ma, the fort, the St. Paul Cathedral, the Museum of Macau, walking through well preserved government buildings. Lunch was held at the Macau Sky Tower and, of course, a visit to the MGM casino.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    A master calligrapher at work in the Confucius temple
    The Pao-an Temple, the largest in TaipeiGreat example of Chinese lantern, invented in TaipeiBeautiful interior of the Pao-an TempleVery old drum at Pao-an TempleMusical instrument; makes sounds by strumming its backEntrance to Confucius TempleThe more simple Confucius TempleThe area in back of Confucius TempleModel at the Lin-An-Tai Old Homestead in traditional robesWedding couple wears traditional robesChiang Kai-ShekChiang Kai-Shek with Lyndon JohnsonOne of Chiang Kai-Shek's limousine with lucky 0888 license plateEnormous statue of Chiang Kai-Shek, about the size of Abraham LincolnWe are waiting for the changing of the guardHere they are in a very impressive ceremonyThese two guards snuck up on Paul...The Taipei 101 building, one of the tallest in the worldA giant Buddha overlooking the port we saw as we were leaving Taipei

    Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    March 11, 2025 in Taiwan ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a modern metropolis with a 509 ft bamboo shaped Taipei skyscraper. As one of the 4 tigers, Taiwan is a powerhouse of technology commerce dominating today’s technology front. This city has been shaped by its ties to mainland China as well as Japan’s rule until 1949. Under the former leadership of Chiang Kai-shek, it maintains its own identity as the independent Republic of China. As a former member of the UN, it initially successfully kept mainland People’s Republic of China from becoming a member.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    We loved recognizing feng shui principles in the planning of these gardens
    Budding magnolia treeLovely.Magnificent Chiran gardenCoin offerings at Sata Mifune's gardenGreat mossy stone wall at Chiran gardensEntrance to one of the homes in the Chiran Gardens❤️Beautiful garden with water feature and a small waterfallSign for tea house at entrance to Chiran Peace MuseumKamakaze planeEach lantern has the face of one of the lost Kamakaze pilotsChiran Peace MuseumChiran Peace MuseumArtwork depicting the mission and glory of the Kamakaze pilots' sacrificePhoto of Kamakaze pilots before sortie (battle)

    Chiran, Japan

    March 13, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    …the Southernmost city on Japan’s bullet train. We saw some of the homes of the Japanese warrior class (Samurai) in Chiran. Next, we visited the Chiran Peace Memorial Museum featuring the story of the Special Attack Corps, the Kamikaze. We had no idea that Chiran was a major training and departure site for these men. We saw the emotion of the Japanese visitors as they listened to the retelling of the Kamikaze warriors. Very moving. We made an origami Samurai hat on the way back.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    Our first cherry blossoms!
    View from our cabin in KobeSake Brewery Museum rice bagsRiding the gondola to the top of Mount RokkoOur Gondola at Mount RokkoBeautiful view of Kobe and Osaka BaySweet spring garden at the top of Mt. RokkoMore beautiful gardensA whole building for enjoying the fragrancesThe kitchen gardenNice view with the glass houses overlooking Kobe and Osaka BayInside the Glass HousesPuppet, 3 dimensional street art?The wandering river through Arimo OnsenYoung couple in loveAlongside a street at Arimo Onsen, people soak their feet in a 104 degree hot springLandmark where we met our busThe Masurao drumming team. You can feel their energy!Say night night to Kobe

    Kobe Japan

    March 17, 2025 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 45 °F

    Visited Kobe on St. Patrick’s Day only to see our first cherry trees! Starting with a tour of the Sake Brewery Museum and tasting, we next rode the gondola to the top of Mount Rokko. Not only were the views terrific, but the gardens were also. Our excursion wrapped up at the well known Arimo Onsen hot springs. Back at the ship we saw an amazing performance by the Masurao Drumming Team.Read more

  • Whispers of the Orient
    The beautiful Golden Pavilion
    We're in front of this gorgeous buildingEven the reflection is tranquil.Yet another view1You can see the Golden Pavilion in the backgroundPretty plum treeScreen printing fun1Our gorgeous resultsThe inspiration for my artworkWe have no idea what this means...Gate to a temple in KyotoMore cherry blossomsOn our way to the Geisha districtVery well known Fushimi Inara Taisia Shrine downtown in KyotoOn of the stores we passed byRubbing the lion's back and tail for good luckShabu shabuWe met this young Geisha apprentice in trainingShe was 15!A pretty gateway as we left Kyoto

    Kyoto Japan

    March 18, 2025 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    We start our trip to Kyoto at the beautiful Buddhist Kingkakuji (Golden Pavilion). It is gorgeous, covered with gold leaf. Next, we had a lesson on screen printing on handkerchieves. We walked through the Geisha district in Kyoto (the largest in Japan), finishing our tour with excellent shabu shabu and a performance by a young Geisha-in-training.Read more

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