Dec 2024 – Jan 2025

S Africa - Taipei Taiwan #2

Second part of our BIG trip. We start day 45 today heading to Seychelles, Singapore, Manila and Taipei Taiwan Read more

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Trip start
December 7, 2024
Traveler S Africa - Taipei Taiwan #2
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- Day 1
- Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 6:49 AM
- ⛅ 57 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- South Africa Green Point -33.884588, 18.38978733°53’5” S 18°23’23” E
Cape Town S Africa (45)
December 7, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
We met Kristy & Jim at the aquarium. We ate at Nandos for lunch. We walked around the mall and into the grocery store to buy chocolates for the crew.

We had high tea at Table Bay hotel - fancy fancy. Tea and cookies 80rah=10.00usd

Kristy and I attended the Thrive retreat (missionary women) back in May and just made the connection today! Nice folks-not enough time together.Read more
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- Day 2
- Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 10:14 AM
- ☀️ 75 °F
- Altitude: 52 ft
- South Africa Bottelierskop -34.030425, 22.13972834°1’50” S 22°8’23” E
Mossel Bay, S Africa (47)
December 8, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Botlierskop game reserve and Villas
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- Day 3
- Monday, December 9, 2024 at 9:35 AM
- ☀️ 81 °F
- Altitude: 26 ft
- South Africa Colchester -33.680463, 25.79931333°40’50” S 25°47’58” E
Port Elizabeth South Africa (48)
December 9, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Our excursion today was full! Addo elephant park. It included spotting zebras, elephant, lion, pigs , special blue birds and many other animals.

I rode in the typical 4x4 safari vehicle. Un-air conditioned with windows down.

We had a picnic. It was a pretty hot day. Purchased a mint magnum ice cream after our picnic.Read more
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- Day 5
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 3:06 PM
- ☀️ 99 °F
- Altitude: 512 ft
- South Africa KwaNompondo -28.065804, 32.12826228°3’57” S 32°7’42” E
Sea Day and Richard’s Bay (49/50)
December 11, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
Our Sea Day was quite busy with different events. We cross stitched and Glenn rode his bicycle.

After breakfast we sat on the presentation on How to Run a Floating Hotel.

Then the meet and Greet. 1pm was a Latitude party. 2pm L C R. Glenn played Rummicube.

For Wednesday, we met up with Eric and Susan Binion who drove over from their home to be our Safari guide with Rick and Darla. We had a wonderful time experiencing the HOT sun. However by the time we had a delicious lunch out on the overlook, the weather had cooled down. Great conversation.

Eric dropped us off at the mall where we took the shuttle bus back to NCL Sky. There was a strong thunderstorm with lighting late in the evening. We sat at a table meeting new folks.Read more
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- Day 8
- Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 6:19 PM
- 🌬 86 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Mozambique Channel -15.461013, 44.58678715°27’40” S 44°35’12” E
Sea Days (51,52,53)
December 14, 2024, Mozambique Channel ⋅ 🌬 86 °F
The next 3 days were spent cruising towards Madagascar. Sure wish I had seen the movie.

We played Left Center Right. I won 1 game. Glenn worked his puzzle in 2 days.

We had dinner with the officers.

On Saturday, it was very rough seas.

We attended a Latitude party - our chance to get free Diet Coke.

There was a section of gingerbread houses displayed that was created by the staff.Read more
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- Day 9
- Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 5:21 AM
- ☁️ 81 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Madagascar Nosy Tanihely -13.483377, 48.23748413°29’0” S 48°14’15” E
1
Madagascar. (54)
December 15, 2024 in Madagascar ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Another excursion with Darla
Tender to island
Held a lemur
Swam in Indian Ocean
Picnic lunch of rice, bread, and fish
Water was beautiful
Sun was hot
Traveler So fun following your adventures
12/15/24Reply
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- Day 10
- Monday, December 16, 2024 at 8:12 AM
- 🌬 81 °F
- Altitude: 39 ft
- Madagascar Port de Commerce -12.270662, 49.28855112°16’14” S 49°17’19” E
Madagascar (55)
December 16, 2024 in Madagascar ⋅ 🌬 81 °F
Another Darla tour
Baobab tree
Swimming in Indian Ocean
Fish, rice, and delicious pineapple
Hot again!
Beautiful island - sugar Loaf mountain
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- Day 12
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6:27 AM
- ☀️ 75 °F
- Altitude: 10 ft
- Réunion Port Réunion Est -20.932302, 55.3205820°55’56” S 55°19’14” E
Sea Day and Reunion island (56/57)
December 18, 2024 in Réunion ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Budget rental car
Nice drive up Jurrasic Park type of canyon
Drive to St Denis to city park
This small island nation is absolutely stunning, breathtaking and magical
Lunch- croissant bread, comes with a viewRead more
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- Day 13
- Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 8:30 AM
- 🌬 81 °F
- Altitude: 3 ft
- Mauritius Grand Baie -20.012215, 57.58422920°0’44” S 57°35’3” E
Mauritius (58)
December 19, 2024 in Mauritius ⋅ 🌬 81 °F
Another beautiful excursion that Darla planned
Catamaran ride to several stops
Delicious barbque lunch
Snorkeling
Fun
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- Day 14
- Friday, December 20, 2024 at 9:59 AM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 23 ft
- Mauritius Trou Fanfaron -20.160631, 57.50258320°9’38” S 57°30’9” E
Mauritius (59)
December 20, 2024 in Mauritius ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
We took the free shuttle into town and walked around. It was definitely HOT. Sun was very intense.

I bought 8 magnets (dodo bird) to hand to crew members. We gave one to Robin (CruiseNext guy), Hubert (my concierge), London and Actor.Read more
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- Day 15
- Saturday, December 21, 2024
- ☁️ 64 °F
- Altitude: 6,972 ft
- Réunion Le Maïdo -21.071026, 55.38797421°4’16” S 55°23’17” E
Reunion (60)
December 21, 2024 in Réunion ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
NCL Excursion
Du maido du piton-beautiful vista
Geranium factory
Shopping mall - Christmas madness
Medical emergency
TravelerLooks like a lovely day in Reunion. So glad the medical emergency didn’t involve you!
12/21/24Reply
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- Day 17
- Monday, December 23, 2024 at 6:41 AM
- 🌬 79 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Madagascar Passe d’ Orangéa -12.228197, 49.36813312°13’42” S 49°22’5” E
Sea Day & Madagascar (61 & 62)
December 23, 2024 in Madagascar ⋅ 🌬 79 °F
Church service, Rick’s birthday, VIP cocktail, meeting officers

For our stop in Madagascar, Glenn and I stayed on the ship. Cross stitching, Rummycube, and phase10 up in the Pinnacle Lounge -all to ourselves. I played Christmas music over my phone. Took a good afternoon nap. Then dinner with Darla and Rick followed my magician show. Loosing another hour tonight. 10 hours difference to Texas time.Read more
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- Day 19
- Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at 12:08 PM
- 🌬 82 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Seychelles Saint Anne Channel -4.617517, 55.5058474°37’3” S 55°30’21” E
Sea Day & Seychelles (63/64)
December 25, 2024 on the Seychelles ⋅ 🌬 82 °F
Merry Christmas

Sea day was Christmas Eve.
We attended latitude party then Glenn organized the Christmas Eve service at 11:00pm. About 200 people attended. Simple and very appreciated.

We talked with the grandkids on Wednesday morning/Tuesday night!

Then snorkeling in the a Seychelles on Christmas Day! Doesn’t get better than this!!Read more
TravelerSuch a great turnout for the late night Christmas Eve service!! Thank you for carefully planning that remembrance of Jesus’ birth!
12/26/24Reply
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- Day 22
- Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 6:25 PM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Arabian Sea 2.628705, 71.2341382°37’43” N 71°14’3” E
Sea Day (65,66,67)
December 28, 2024, Arabian Sea ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Rummykub
Cross stitching
Early morning watching the sunrise
Dinner with the officer
Playing Left Center Right
Nightly shows
Crossing the Equator
Latitude party
Feeling blessed
Crossing the Indian Ocean into the Arabian SeaRead more
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- Day 23
- Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 11:41 AM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 20 ft
- Maldives Male Island 4.178967, 73.5108034°10’44” N 73°30’39” E
Maldives (68)
December 29, 2024 on the Maldives ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Sunday service Glenn hosted -12 attended
Friendly people
Tender to Male
Beautiful water
Walk along the beach
Picnic lunch on the white sand beach
Popcorn on the beach
Running into staff at a local restaurant on the beach
Hugs from cruise director, WillRead more
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- Day 24
- Monday, December 30, 2024 at 8:06 AM
- ☀️ 82 °F
- Altitude: 20 ft
- Maldives Male Island 4.178203, 73.510724°10’42” N 73°30’39” E
Maldives (69)
December 30, 2024 on the Maldives ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Overnight in the Maldives
Walking Tour of Male
Maldives Fish market
Crowded narrow streets
Very HOT
Beautiful blue waters
National Museum
88 islands make up the Maldives
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- Day 27
- Thursday, January 2, 2025
- 🌧 79 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Indian Ocean 5.045828, 80.8953635°2’45” N 80°53’43” E
Sea Days (70, 71 and 72)
January 2, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌧 79 °F
New years Eve, we played games during the afternoon. Darla worked with me for our Spring Break cruise in March on the NCL Prima. We had some challenges with the internet connection, but finally found a balcony accessible for Granddaddy. Sherrie and Steve’s room is just a few doors down from granddaddy.

Balloon dropping in the atrium, ice carving out by the pool

We relaxed on New Years Day by taking a nap, cross stitching, watching Chevy Chase. Christmas movie from the beginning to the end. We watched the London parade and spotted the Kilgore Rangeretts.

January 2, we had the chef prepare us a Mexican dinner. Delicious and fun. For dinner Glenn and I ate at Cageys. Christmas decorations are coming down tonight.Read more
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- Day 28
- Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
- ☀️ 90 °F
- Altitude: 36 ft
- Thailand Khlong Khao Tok Nam 8.33887, 98.4760978°20’20” N 98°28’34” E
Phuket, Thailand (73)
January 3 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
Another Darla excursion
30 min van ride to speed boat
50 min speed boat to private island for picnic lunch
Canoe thru mangroves- lay down to get to open area
Snorkeling
James Bond island
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- Day 29
- Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:26 AM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- Malaysia Tembok Sambut Swettenham 5.418162, 100.3462535°25’5” N 100°20’47” E
Penang, Malaysia (74)
January 4 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
NCL excursion that included walking up to the Buddhist temple.

Then up the vehicular train to overlook the city.

Penang is 2 hours from Thailand and 12 hours to Singapore.
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- Day 30
- Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 157 ft
- Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Railway Station 3.141172, 101.6928413°8’28” N 101°41’34” E
Kuala Lumpur (75)
January 5 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Panaramas of Kuala Lumpur
Stops at a temple, city square and then twin towers
We typical Malaysian fast food at the mall.
And my second squatty potty experience on this trip.
Beautiful city! Just beautiful!Read more
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- Day 33
- Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 10:51 AM
- ☁️ 81 °F
- Altitude: 33 ft
- Thailand Ko Fan 9.570747, 100.0604179°34’15” N 100°3’38” E
Sea Day and Ko Samui, Thailand (77/78)
January 8 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Another Tour by Darla
Rode in a 10 passenger van
Stopped at Buddhist temple
Ate street food. Delicious .
Carol swam in the ocean. Not enough time for everyone.
Fun day!
Arrived back at 4pm, however there was a long queue-made it back to the boat just fine!Read more
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- Day 34
- Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 10:44 AM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 43 ft
- Thailand Khlong Na Kluea 12.974425, 100.90782212°58’28” N 100°54’28” E
Pattaya, Thailand (79)
January 9 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Another Darla tour in Pattaya.
Food market tasting local food.
I fell. Not too bad.
Lazy Buddha
Overlook the city
Stationery store
Lunch -delicious; sticky rice, pad thai, smoothie
Itched Buddha
Garden - elephants and showRead more
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- Day 37
- Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
- ☁️ 81 °F
- Altitude: Sea level
- South China Sea 4.403742, 113.219374°24’13” N 113°13’10” E
Sea Days (80,81, 82)
January 12, South China Sea ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Our Vietnam stop was cancelled because of poor weather which means we had 3 Sea Days in a row. I maximize the time by cross stitching and also filling out forms for Phil Burks and Mission 2.0.

On Saturday, we had a private Mexican dinner party that Jay cooked up for us. Fajitas, beans, rice guacamole and tortillas. Delicious! I also played LCR and Glenn won 1 round.

On Sunday, Scott was our speaker for the church service. There were 46 in the first service and then there were about 10 folks that arrived late, so we did a second service!

Charger helped lead the music and Carol handed out her QR tracks that had Bible verses of over 100 languages.

For lunch, we had yucca! After my afternoon nap, we spent the evening at Cagney’s steak house with Scott and Carol. Then we went to the show.Read more
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- Day 38
- Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:26 AM
- ☁️ 86 °F
- Altitude: 33 ft
- Brunei Sungai Batong 4.89925, 114.9219894°53’57” N 114°55’19” E
Brunei (83)
January 13 in Brunei ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F
Ncl tour
Stops were at a mosque
Water village
HOT HOT HOT
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- Day 39
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 8:15 AM
- ☁️ 81 °F
- Altitude: 85 ft
- Malaysia Hewlett Reef 5.99598, 116.0795585°59’46” N 116°4’46” E
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (84)
January 14 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
We are on the island of Borneo
Another tour by Darla
Mari Mari Culture Village
Very interesting learning about the indigenous people and the homes they lived in and the culture
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