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
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Day 1
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 46 ft
United States Lake Ponte Vedra 30.14444, -81.35210430°8’40” N 81°21’8” W
Travel to Abu Dhabi via JFK
February 12 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Leaving our home in Florida to head to snowy JFK and on to Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airlines! Warm here , but warmer there !
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Day 1–3
February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM - February 14, 2025
2 nights
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 20 ft
United States John F. Kennedy International Airport 40.64127, -73.77516940°38’29” N 73°46’31” W
Arrival at JFK and flight to Abu Dhabi
Feb 12–14 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
TravelerLove your new trip title!! Safe travels! Looking forward to more pictures!!!
2/13/25Reply
TravelerThanks, Lorri! Enjoying Find Penguins! Exploring Abu Dhabi today! So excited!
2/13/25Reply
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Day 3
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United Arab Emirates Jāmi‘ ash Shaykh Zāyid al Kabīr 24.412388, 54.47595224°24’45” N 54°28’33” E
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
February 14 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
Traveler Wow!!!!!!
2/14/25Reply
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Day 3
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
United Arab Emirates Marsá Khalīfah 24.461212, 54.31754324°27’40” N 54°19’3” E
Mandarin Presidential Palace Hotel
February 14 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
A perfectly stunning hotel, converted from the former Presidential Palace
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Day 3
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 36 ft
United Arab Emirates Marsá Khalīfah 24.458778, 54.31912624°27’32” N 54°19’9” E
Architecture, history and culture
February 14 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
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Day 3
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM
☁️ 84 °F
Altitude: 43 ft
United Arab Emirates Yas Island 24.492929, 54.60213124°29’35” N 54°36’8” E
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Having fun on Yas Island
February 14 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F
Ferrari World on Yas Island is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, in addition to Yas Waterworld, Warner Brothers CLYMB Abu Dhabi and Sea World.
Traveler Beautiful!
2/14/25Reply
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Day 3–4
February 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM - February 15, 2025
1 night
🌙 82 °F
Altitude: 59 ft
India Parel 18.994343, 72.8238618°59’40” N 72°49’26” E
Mumbai arrival and first day
Feb 14–15 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
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Day 3–8
February 14, 2025 - February 19, 2025
5 nights
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 49 ft
India Parel 18.993626, 72.82355518°59’37” N 72°49’25” E
St. Regis Mumbai
Feb 14–19 in India ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
The St. Regis is known for its artwork, the Bloody Mary’s and sabrage. Here is a sampling from the St. Regis Mumbai.
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Day 5
Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 8:02 PM
🌙 79 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 18.940027, 72.83472418°56’24” N 72°50’5” E
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Mumbai at night etc.
February 16 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
TravelerGreat pix
2/16/25Reply
TravelerBeautiful pics, esp. love the night ones!!
2/16/25Reply
TravelerLoving your pictures!
2/17/25Reply
Traveler What a place! You both look relaxed!
2/19/25Reply
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Day 7
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 9:30 AM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 59 ft
India Parel 18.994493, 72.82379218°59’40” N 72°49’26” E
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Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO Heritage site
February 18 in India ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Located on an island about an hours ride from Mumbai, Elephanta Caves is a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. It is known for its huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Traveler Love this photo!!
2/18/25Reply
Traveler 😳😂
2/18/25Reply
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Day 7
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 59 ft
India Parel 18.994493, 72.82379218°59’40” N 72°49’26” E
Our visit to the Dharavi Slums
February 18 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
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Day 9
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: Sea level
India Marmagao Point 15.416654, 73.79198515°24’60” N 73°47’31” E
Churches of Old Goa
February 20 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
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Day 11–13
February 22, 2025 at 9:45 AM - February 24, 2025
2 nights
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Sri Lanka East Entrance 6.958026, 79.8540126°57’29” N 79°51’14” E
Buddism thru a Monks eyes, Sri Lanka
Feb 22–24 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
TravelerThe monk spent a fair amount of his time discussing reincarnation. Apparently, if are real good while being a human on earth you can go to heaven and avoid being reincarnated for thousands of years. So, get working on growing your positive karma.
2/23/25Reply
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Day 12
Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 79 ft
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Bird Park 3.1408, 101.6852043°8’27” N 101°41’7” E
Exploring Old Colombo, Sri Lanka
February 23 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
TravelerSuch brilliant colors!!
2/23/25Reply
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Day 16
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM
🌬 82 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Thailand Ao Patong 7.897561, 98.2742777°53’51” N 98°16’27” E
Blue Elephant Restaurant, Phuket
February 27 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
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Day 17
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 171 ft
Malaysia Ayer Itam 5.399883, 100.273595°23’60” N 100°16’25” E
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
February 28 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
TravelerLoving your photos, just beautiful!
3/2/25Reply
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Day 18
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:09 PM
🌙 82 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Malaysia Kampung Pauh 3.123275, 101.2910613°7’24” N 101°17’28” E
Port Klang, Malaysia
March 1 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
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Day 20
Monday, March 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
☁️ 77 °F
Altitude: 79 ft
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Bird Park 3.1408, 101.6852043°8’27” N 101°41’7” E
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Singapore
March 3 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
Traveler Any Sinatra? Many good selections behind the bartender.
3/12/25Reply
TravelerRechecked the pix. Sinatra is top shelf
3/12/25Reply
TravelerYes, ship’s bar; 2x normal premium drink pkg $34 a shot
3/12/25Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM UTC
☁️ 81 °F
Altitude: Sea level
South China Sea 11.897917, 109.62506911°53’53” N 109°37’30” E
Vung Tau City, Vietnam
March 5, 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
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Day 26
Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 7:34 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Hong Kong Sam Kok Tsui 22.285229, 114.2368722°17’7” N 114°14’13” E
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Hong Kong, China
March 9 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
Traveler 😍
3/11/25Reply
TravelerThank you, Lorri! I am so happy to see you’ve been following us! Quite the trip!🏯
3/12/25Reply
Traveler I look forward to seeing your footprints every day! Your pictures have been amazing and I’m enamored with all that you have seen!
3/13/25Reply
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Day 27
Monday, March 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM UTC
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Taiwan Strait 23.847872, 118.66635923°50’52” N 118°39’59” E
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Macau, China
March 10, 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
Traveler I need one of those for my deck!
4/20/25Reply
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Day 28
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 9:56 AM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
Taiwan Jiantan 25.072676, 121.51662425°4’22” N 121°30’60” E
Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
March 11 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
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Day 30
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Japan Shin-kawa 31.534533, 130.55477931°32’4” N 130°33’17” E
Chiran, Japan
March 13 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
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Day 34
Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
🌬 45 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
Japan Aji Gawa 34.65662, 135.42929134°39’24” N 135°25’45” E
Kobe Japan
March 17 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
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Day 35
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM
☁️ 52 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
Japan Aji Gawa 34.656677, 135.42918434°39’24” N 135°25’45” E
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Kyoto Japan
March 18 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
Traveler ❤️
3/18/25Reply
Traveler Love it!
3/18/25Reply
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