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  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 53: Melbourne (Part 1:2)

    February 13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 86 °F

    Today is broken into two parts: Part 1 - Included Excursion:

    At 8:15 AM we loaded onto bus #1 took a route around the City of Melbourne for a bit - actually saw the setting up of the Grand Prix race to be held in the next week. This did cause some traffic challenges for our bus driver. He got us to the finish line safely.

    Our first stop was at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - I really wasn’t into a take photos of plants sort of mood. I know I missed digitally some great shots, but we enjoyed the gardens they are lovely. There is amazing collection of plants beyond expectations. The grounds are lovely.

    From there we walked over to the Shrine of Remembrance which was built by unemployed workers as a memorial for those Australians who served in WWI. It is a very sacred place. After climbing over 70 stairs to the balcony overview we made it to the top and got the mandatory Paul & Donna couple-selfie. With the city of Melbourne as our backdrop.

    From there the bus driver took us back towards the ship. Donna and I, as well as a couple of others, got off at Victoria Market and headed out on our own. See Part 2 for the rest of this story.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 52: Super Bowl Monday?

    February 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Clearly it was weird watching the Sunday Super Bowl game on Monday. Since we were in tomorrow we should have already known the outcome of a very close game.

    Since we were going to be in Melbourne for a couple of days we opt’d to watching the Super Bowl on the Pool Deck, then went into town on the next two days.

    Martin, Jeric, Igor and others kept us well fed with food and adult beverages. Mini Pizza’s, Hot Dogs, Nacho Chips, Corn Dogs, Beer, shots (of something???), pretzel mix, a cool margarita were served — Donna mentioned it won’t be the same when we get home watching a game.

    So, the one thing I did miss was Donna’s nachos - she makes the best nachos! But, we gave way to that this season.

    Kudos to the Viking Staff for making Super Bowl Monday a really fun event.

    After a short nap we headed to the World Cafe where Rannel made me a special sushi roll and we watched the sunset over Melbourne Port.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 52: Sunrise Melbourne Australia

    February 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Happy to have not slept in this morning. It’s Monday morning in Melbourne, Australia the city is waking up. An ambulance drives through the streets with its lights flashing, early morning walkers are getting their laps in as the sun rises. Trucks, taxis, cars all rushing to wherever their day may take them. Off in the distance ten hot air balloons appear behind the city skyscrapers slowly making their way towards the rising sun. It’s a peaceful sight to watch them float eastward into the sun.

    The Neptune is docked next to the Norwegian Spirit - looking across the pier life on the Spirit is emerging just as it is on the Neptune. Okay, I admit it I do have pride to be on the Viking Neptune.

    This morning all Neptune guests have to report to Australian immigration for a face-to-face immigration check-in. Then we are free to do whatever we wish.

    It is Super Bowl today - weird to watch it on a Monday morning. Most likely we will stay on the ship to watch the game - then go explore Melbourne once the game is over. We have a couple of days & nights in Melbourne so we have time to do whatever we want to do.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 51: Sunset Melbourne Australia

    February 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    The evening lights of Melbourne, Australia were like a post card. Each night flocks of birds flew around the ship.

    For the next couple of days we had some unwanted visitors - Crickets in our room - they were huge. Depending on the circumstance either Donna or I would catch the cricket - then the other one of us would quickly open the door for its release.Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 51: Meet Martin

    February 11, 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Martin is a single man, from China, this is his third Viking contract. In an earlier life he graduated with a degree in CNC Numeric Control. For fun he enjoys badminton & hiking.

    How many of us have degrees in a certain field and our careers have taken us on a different path? Martin is a clearly a people person. The idea of working in a factory for him just didn’t seem to fit. His never ending smile and wanting to make others smile as well is the direction which led him to Viking.

    One of the threads throughout our meeting the various crew members has been their ability to “SWE” - Smile without Ending! How do they do it? Are there classes they have to complete?

    What is the final exam like? The exam is to keep smiling for 8 hours straight while people ask them for another napkin, another drink, or tell them the room is too cold or too hot. I would fail that exam. By the way to pass this final exam you have to carry, without dropping, 43 pounds of dirty dishes, or 20 glasses of champagne while the ship simulator is rocking and rolling - weaving their way through the “Waitstaff Ballet” walking through the World Cafe or The Restaurant.

    Kudos, to Martin, Jeric, Karmila, Shai & Gede, Lisa, Nick, Casper, Igor #1, Igor 2, Ledi Gaga, Beka & John, Amiee, Guest Services, Wait Staff, The Blue Man Group, The White Suits, the Entertainers, the list goes on, and on, and on. They all have clearly passed their final exam.

    There are about 1,500 people on the Neptune - many of us about ⅓ of us have already fulfilled our career paths and now living our retirement dreams. While a group of the next generation is looking towards their future hopes and aspirations. Families at home.

    I know I still view this cruise through a “first-timers” lens. I met one gentleman in the hallway a couple of days ago; this is cruise number 39 for him. Wow No matter the number of cruises we have been on, all of us (passengers & crew) come to this cruise with unique backstories and dreams for the future. Whatever our story, we are all very fortunate to have this experience on the Neptune.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so to a person another.”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 51: Sea Day - Melbourne tonight

    February 11, 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Included are some maps of our locations today. Earlier we rounded the tip of Australia to now heads towards Melbourne. Phillip Island, Australia is off our starboard side. Earlier today we passed below the mainland of Australia going through the Bass Strait.

    The logistics of organizing so many cruise & cargo ships is beyond my understanding. We have been accompanied by our sister ship the Viking Sky and another cruise line the Norwegian Spirit. It’s a cruise ship traffic jam - not really. We are taking a slow pace into Melbourne - we arrive early due to the modified route we took to avoid a huge storm. The captain told us this change helped us to experience the inside of a washing machine on sea. We are thankful for that.

    Honestly, today has been a bit calm - nearing a bit bored. Donna & I have read, watched the port talks and lectures we missed on TV in our stateroom. I think the plan is a light dinner at World Cafe and then we might hit the spa for some steam, snow, and jacuzzi.

    The ship will be in port tonight, not cleared to leave the ship until tomorrow - we have to all do a face-to-face immigration clearance check.

    Super Bowl is tomorrow at 10:30AM (That’s Monday Feb 12) Melbourne, Australia time - some folks got reservations at pubs to go watch the game. The ship will be showing it on the pool deck - serving American food & America Beer. Just to set the story straight not all Americans drink Budweiser or Miller Lite.

    We will be in Melbourne for three days - Watch the game Monday morning/early afternoon - then explore Melbourne - get a city pass to take the various transportation methods - we will just explore to find what we can find. Then Tuesday & Wednesday we have planned excursions.

    The biggest concern people have right now is - what will our future route be? Nothing has been announced, Look at CNN and other news stories you will see other cruise lines making switches in their plans. We all think it is a given we will not be going through the Red Sea or Suez Canal. But, what will we do we don’t know yet. I do believe Viking will do everything in their power to first keep us safe and second still provide us with an amazing cruise.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 51: Meet Jeric

    February 11, 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Jeric is from Manila, Philippines and this is his seventh contract with Viking. He is role is “Bar Waiter” - he is very knowledgeable on different types of drinks and if you give Jeric your mood and what you are thinking - and you want tot try something new he will pick out just the right drink for you to try.

    When Jeric is not in the Explorer’s lounge serving us drinks with an amazing smile, he enjoys spending time in the mountains hiking and often goes to the mountains with his mom.

    Come to the Explorer’s lounge and be greeted with a huge smile, and if you want to try something different - let Jeric find just the right adult refreshment for you.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 50: Sea Day & Captain’s Table

    February 10, 2024, Natuna Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Good morning, Smoothie of the Day - a bit of catch up on emails & blog posts. At 8:30 Aoibhin (Cruise Director) hosted a Coffee Chat in the Wintergarden. This morning’s guest Chantelle Grundling, from South Africa, the Shore Excursion Manager told us all about the ins & outs of what it takes to plan and organize the many excursions we embark on at each port. Example an upcoming excursion sure base to organize over 850 passengers to watch the March of the Penguins coming up soon.

    We will be arriving Melbourne this evening at around 9:00pm but will not be cleared to leave the ship until the morning.

    Donna and I attended a Genealogy Workshop present by Ms. Brenda Wheeler. She continues to provide helpful information as I complete the work my mother started years ago. Mom’s work was all on paper - I am using Roots Magic 9 to have the family tree digitized.

    Some reading and relaxing with the highlight of the day being dinner at the Captain’s Table with fellow passengers; Susan & Morris Abell, Andy & Andre Franssen. Crew members; Ronald - Hotel General Manager, Ovar - Chief Engineer, & Chantelle - Shore Excursion Manager.

    As always the meal, the wine, the conversation was refreshing - a good time was had by all - it’s nice to get to know other passengers and the crew better.

    Donna and I closed the day watching the sunset from deck 7 Explorer’s lounge. Paul had his first Expresso Martini.

    #myVikingJourney #myVikingStory #vikingNeptune    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 49: Low Key, Sea Day, Manfredi’s

    February 9, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    We are steaming our way towards Melbourne, Australia. We avoided a huge storm, but missed (Milford/Doubtful Sounds) which people say is beautiful. But due to the stormy weather there it was a good choice.

    Breakfast at the World Cafe, A lecture by Russell & Gail Lee on the importance of the wool industry was amazing and informative. A bit of reading and a long needed nap was on the agenda. While Donna got in her 10,000 steps, Paul got in his 10,000 winks with a nap.

    The highlight meal of the day was 8:00pm at Manfredi’s - photos of the various servings shown. As always the meal was excellent. In Auckland they stocked up on Tommasi,Pinot Grigio, Donna was happy to have her favorite dinner wine. We both just really like the flavor. It stands on its own and pairs well with just about everything.

    Amaretto over vanilla gelato completed the evening meal and a low key sea day.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 48: Taste this! Cognac

    February 8, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    One of the things which ties the passengers of the Neptune together is we are all “life-long learners.”

    Taking a Viking Neptune cruise around the world is adventure and learning packed into one luxury experience. Our teachers are many; the tour guides, the locals, each other, and the crew continue to open our eyes and minds to new learning.

    Two of our teachers are from Bali, Indonesia - Aguag (with Viking since 2015) and Destra (with Viking since 2017). Class this evening is held at 7:30 PM in Torshavn. Nobody shows up late to this class - there are some people waiting at the school door early.

    Tonight’s lesson is on “Brandy, Cognac, & Armagnac Testing” - This is a class I just might be able to excel in?

    Aguag & Destra (our teachers) walked us through each of four samples - with the 20 year Vieil Armagnac SEMPE being the pinnacle of our tasting journey.

    The flavor of the 10 year VSOP [Very Superior Old Pale] Cognac Hennessy reigned supreme over the Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy.

    The differences of wine to brandy to cognac to the finer armagnac’s still elude me. It’s about the fruit, the processes, the distillation, many nuances to create very different tasting experiences.

    In my past life (Okay, up until last night!) I have been an “on the rocks” person. I have been taught by our masters the evils of my way. To which I repent.

    What we learned was about the large brandy/cognac snifter glasses. They are made with a large base to let your hand’s body temperature heat the cognac, thus releasing the various aromatic smells which contribute to the pleasant tasting experience.

    A quick google search says brandy & cognac is versatile and can be drank; on the rocks, room temperature, heated with warm water, or the mild calming motion of the snifter glass in our hands - which just seems to have a new found purity of the process to me.

    In Torshavn, you can get just about any year cognac you want. Donna & I plan to find some time to try a 1956 & 1960 … I can tell you already the 1960 will be the better year. They specialize in brandy & cognac there. The bartender’s are happy to hold class for us any time.

    This is one subject I don’t mind staying after school for.

    #cognac #brandy #myVikingStory #myVikingJourney #vikingNeptune    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 48: Sea Day (Tasman Sea)

    February 8, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    The skies are gray this morning and the eyelids of many of the Neptune passengers are slow to open after five full days of ports stops and excursions in New Zealand. We have said it before “Cruising is tough work.”

    I woke up a bit before 9:00 and headed off to the World Cafe for breakfast. Donna was still in bed, she headed to Mamsen’s we will connect later I am sure. On my way to breakfast, I saw Casper and asked him if many people are sleeping in this morning, he agreed.

    We have spent Feb. 1 at the Bay of Islands, two days in Auckland, then Rororua (Tauranga), then Napier, and yesterday in Wellington. Six very busy days. New Zealand is beautiful - a cross between Hills of Ashland North Carolina & the lush green of Northern California. The people were all very friendly. The history and culture of the Māori people very enlightening.

    People onboard I spoke with all seem to agree we need the sea days to catch up on laundry, blogging, gym, reading, art projects, et cetera. It is just nice to stop and catch your breath. The glass table deck 8 Explorer Lounge is full. They need another table up here. It’s high priced real estate onboard the Neptune. We all like to spread our stuff out a bit and work on our projects.

    So today, I hope to get caught up on missing days of my blogging. I have 100’s of photos to go through and find just the few which are worth sharing - deleting the rest.

    I did sign us up for the 7:30pm Cognac & Armagnac Tasting session this evening, it will be fun to learn a bit about Cognac.

    We have four days at sea, the captain is taking us a different route than planned to avoid bad weather and high seas. We should be arriving Melbourne, Australia on Monday, February 12th.

    On a personal note: Again, this morning two separate people came up to me - encouraging me said they enjoying reading this blog and to keep it up. I know I have a A-type personality, going 100-mph — I can easily get ahead of myself. This blog is a way for Donna and I to have a record of this amazing adventure, print a book of the 139 days around the world, and to capture these moments.

    Thank you for your kind words of encouragement - they haven’t tossed me over-board yet. There’s still time.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 47: Wellington Cable Car

    February 7, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    Here are some assorted pics of our trip on the Wellington Cable Car. The view was stunning from the top. Others walked down. We took the cable car both ways.

    The idea of the Wellington Cable car was born in 1889. Work on the tram begun in 1899. February 22, 1902 the first cable car tram ride took place. Over 425,000 passengers in the first year of operation. 22 September 1978 the old cable cars made their final run, replaced by newer style trams. With well over 120 years of service and 1.17 millions visitors to ride this historic tram each year. The Wellington Cable Car is one of those “must see” tourist spots in Wellington. We are happy to have taken the ride up to the top.

    Learn more at:
    https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

    #myVikingStory #myVikingJourney #WellingtonCableCar    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 47: Wellington, New Zealand

    February 7, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Donna and I did the included excursion - a brief bus tour and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. (Which is free to all).

    We started at the top Level 6 - for a vista view of Wellington, Level 5 - Works of fine art from the National Art Collection. (I was happy to be greeted by a Jackson Pollack - my favorite artist). Modern sculpture and other works made this level my favorite. Level 4 - is various social & Cultural works - The Britten V1000 motorbike would be a really nice ride, The World of the Māori is explored. Because of time we did not venture into Level 2 which focused on past New Zealand war involvements. The hanging kelp sculpture and the microscope photos were my favorite. Also, the eel fishing traps are amazing they are a fun example of art form meeting function to catch fish.

    After the museum we headed towards the Wellington Cable Car will create a separate post for this.

    Please enjoy these snippets of our day in Wellington.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 46: A Day in Napier, New Zealand

    February 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Other than Paul’s humiliating defeat at the Napier Invitational Golf Tournament to Donna, today was wonderful. By the way, how many people can say they played mini-golf in New Zealand anyway?

    Napier is lovey. All the buildings are Art Deco style, this is a car collectors’ paradise the vibe is low key, the flowers and parks are a step into Eden.

    We took a shuttle into town in the morning and walked around. The weather was perfect. The vibe was relaxing.

    In the afternoon, we attended a Wine Tasting excursion which was to our surprise much nicer than expected. I do wish the bus drive there was a bit longer to see more of the area.

    It’s about 6:20 pm now. The ship is underway to Wellington our next port. Donna is already googling mini-golf in Wellington. We are heading to the World Cafe for dinner.

    It was never on my bucket list - Play mini-golf in New Zealand and lose to Donna. Nevertheless a fun time was had by all.

    #myvikingstory. #myvikingjourney    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 46: The Napier Invitational

    February 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Most of the passengers aboard the Viking Neptune were completely unaware of this very elite Invitational Only Golf Tournament happening today in Napier, New Zealand.

    The completion was fierce. After nine holes Paul was only down by 2 strokes. Holes 10, 11, 12 were tight - it could go either way. Hole 13 was a complete choke for Paul with a 6 - Donna pulls a 2 -

    Paul is psych’d out at this point. Holes 14 & 15 Donna provides an opening with two 5 strokes to Paul’s Par 2 and a 3 — In the end Donna got to wear the Green Jacket - 53 to 58.

    So, when you see Donna walking the ship smugly with her Green Jacket on - be sure to congratulate her with a “Girl Power” — Billy Jean King would be proud.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 45: We made it to the top!

    February 5, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Paul got up early and did the “Bay of Plenty” included excursion. It was a nice bus ride through the area. Someone said the countryside reminded them of the Ashland, North Carolina area. I agree.

    We saw the beaches, the hills, and many kiwi farms. The bus pulled up nice and close so we could take pictures of the kiwi fruit hanging from the vine. Stopped at a community center for an excellent short lesson on Kiwi and a cultural dance performance, as well as a kiwi tasting (gold kiwi & green kiwi). Will post those photos later.

    When I got back around 10:30 Donna and I decided to take a walk into the town of Tauranga - this walk turned into a hike to the top of Mt, Maunganui. This is another thing which was never on our bucket list - but we did it.

    By the way, as you are hiking up the Mount Maunganui the people coming down will tell you two things. 1) It’s only another 10-15 minutes to the top (THAT’S A LIE). 2) The view is worth the effort. (That’s the TRUTH.)

    A taonga stone is set in side a compass on a large base on the Atea-a-Rangi on Mauao (the mount). It was designed in such a manner children and everyone can touch the stone. The monument was created in June 2022. It was said “Everyone enters this place and soaks up the energy of our mountain and it is lucky that the mountain has a lot of energy to give. All we are doing is allowing to give it some energy back.” (NZ Herald 06/23/2022

    It was not an easy hike, we surely got our steps in. The next day our leg muscles still feel it. The view from the top is spectacular. We did touch the stone for luck, energy, and peace. We enjoyed our time in Rotorua (Tauranga) New Zealand.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 44: Auckland (D3) & Wings of War

    February 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    As a kid I can remember building WWII model airplanes and hanging them from the ceiling over my bed.

    Today seeing these two fully restored airplanes; A Japanese Zero and British Spitfire up close, as well as, a German V-1 Flying Bomb was really thought provoking for me.

    I am sure, I am not the only one who thinks - what would our world be like if we no longer needed War Memorials?

    There are also a couple of other images from our visit today at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Today, is day 3 of our three days in Auckland.

    We enjoyed walking around, the food, the sights, Only heard a couple of cars honking their horns. Auckland is a nice clean, metropolitan city.

    It’s 6:30: PM, Sunday, Feb 4, The lines have been cast from the pier and pulled in, the Captain has just put the ship into reverse, as we slowly back away from the dock. The ship’s horn blows as I type these words. I can feel the ship shake as the thrusters engage turning this huge ship in a 180 degree rotation.

    Good-bye Auckland, New Zealand.

    The Neptune is now on its way to Tauranga (Rotorua) New Zealand, where we will make port for the day tomorrow.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    12

    Day 44: Good Morning Auckland - Day 3

    February 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    This morning I was able to catch the sunrise as the city of Auckland arose to the day. It’s Sunday morning so there is not the hustle and bustle of a workday.

    A Carnival cruise ship pulls in to the dock across the way. Look closely can you find the thing you will NEVER see on a Viking Cruise ship?Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 43: Ferry to Davenport (Day 2)

    February 3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    Day two in Auckland started out on a rainy note. We walked the city a bit. It was getting close to 1:00pm we took the ferry over to Davenport with plans to find a place for lunch.

    The ferry ride was rougher than anything we experienced on the Neptune so far. It took a while for us to stop feeling the swaying of ferry once we got on land in Davenport.

    We found the Davenport Public House which served a nice light and crispy fish & chips with a New Zealand Amber beer. This was a simple lunch, but one of those meals we will remember.

    We walked around the town a bit - peeking into the shops - found a nice vantage point for a view of the city across the bay.

    When we got back to the Neptune, we headed for tea time in the Wintergarden.

    #MyVikingStory #MyVikingJourney    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 43: Rainy day in Auckland (Day 2)

    February 3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    Three days in Auckland. Evening of day one we learn our America’s Cup Sailing excursion for day two was cancelled due to weather - A bit of a let down, I slept in. When I did roll out of bed in the morning the weather was rainy and windy - the cancellation was the correct choice.

    After breakfast the rain started to break - Donna had a shopping mission to accomplish - we ventured out to the city. I got into my black and white street photography mode with the iPhone.

    We then took the ferry over to Davenport - separate post on Davenport coming soon. What started out as a ‘wash’ turned into a nice day.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 42: Auckland (Day 1 of 3)

    February 2, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Day 1 of 3 days in Auckland, was a lot of hiking the city streets - I think all the streets are up hill.

    The Sky Tower is the main attraction in Auckland.

    Donna had no problem on the helicopter ride over the Bay of Islands, but when she gets to the top of a tall building she has a bit of a nervous panic spell - she was all right - got her footing - even did a video walking over the glass floor.

    We along with many other Neptune artists made our way to “Gordon Harris” art supply store to stock up on much needed art supplies. Like most artist’s we really don’t need much of an excuse to buy more supplies.

    After catching the views from the top of the Sky Tower we sat at the base of the skyscraper at a restaurant called “Federal Delicatessen” we split Reuben and Chicken Salad sandwiches between us. Both of the sandwiches were to die for.

    Sitting outside we watched the people bungie jump off the tall tower. I thought about it …. If I wait until I am 75 years old or older you get to jump off for free.

    Auckland is very upscale, clean, vibrant city. What the locals were calling a busy day of traffic was more like Sunday morning at 5:00 AM in New York City - they don’t know traffic.

    The ship was docked close enough to the city, to walk into the center and capture the vibe and energy.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 40: Violinist, Roy Theaker

    January 31, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    So, imagine if you can with me - think back - you are in high school or college, you and a couple of your friends decide you want to start a rock n’ roll band. You are jammin’ in one of your friend’s garage. Oh no! Here comes that geeky kid with his violin.

    “Hey guys, can I join your band?” Roy asks. “Go away you nerd! Take that classical music crap with you.” He turns away with his head hung in shame. By the time he gets to the end of the driveway, he stops. Kneels down, places his violin case on the sidewalk, opens it, pulls out his violin and bow. Holding the violin on his shoulder he turns and looks at you and your friends in the garage. He stares you down with eyes of fire and the chill of icicles.

    He starts to play, you and your friends turn away shrugging your shoulders. But, you then hear it …. You stop …. “Nah, that’s not right!” Yes, it is.

    That geeky kid with the violin cranking out “Sweet Child of Mine” from Guns n’ Roses. Your drummer feels the beat and joins in. The bass player plugs in and fills in the baseline. You pick up your guitar and fill it in with some cool licks.

    Yup, you all changed your mind that day. Roy Theaker is now in the band.

    Those of us who got to hear Roy play know exactly what I am talking about. You have never heard a violin played like that. I took well over 200 pictures, so many of them captured the energy, passion, and emotion Roy brings to his violin. There were times he stared right into my telephoto lens. I narrowed it down to these 20 images. Yes, a bit of post-processing as well.

    My goal with this series of images was to capture the emotion and feelings he gave to me. I hope these photos do his performance justice.

    Thank you, for letting me share them with you.

    - Paul    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    By Paul
    Teacher & protege - Paul & MarshallBy Paul1By PaulBy DonnaBy PaulBy PaulBy Donna

    Day 40: Art by Donna, Marshall, & Paul

    January 31, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    This post highlights the art work done by Donna, Marshall, and myself. More than anything we needed a space to display our stuff.

    There is a great selfie Deborah & Jim our teachers.

    We had a blast and hope you enjoy these highlights. So many people presented so many wonderful pieces - Art refreshes the soul.

    Photos of artist with their work - else the caption tells who the artist is.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 40: Art Show - Q&A with Officers

    January 31, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 72 °F

    Today in the Wintergarden close to 500 pieces of art were on display. During sea days for the past few weeks, Deborah Ayres, an Australian artist led morning and afternoon groups through various art projects. Deborah is a gifted artist and teacher. She is able to work with everyone no matter their skill level. We all learned something. We all grew as artists.

    You will also see a couple of pictures of the Q&A session the Captain, Chief Engineer, and General Manager had in the Star Theater - it was a packed house. Many questions were asked and answered. Clearly, one of the big concerns is: Are we are going to go through the Red Sea, Suez Canal or not? Captain Richard says the decision has not been made - they have not been told to make any alternate plans at this point. There are so many safety & logistical concerns to consider. I personally feel that Viking will make the best choice for us first. I am sure most of us do want to go through the Suez Canal, Greece, Etc - things on our bucket list - But, I also don’t want to be on CNN as a captive cruise ship. They will make the best decision for us.

    On the lighter side - Today, an amazing Art display was on hand. You will see a bunch of photos I took of the art show we had. Everything was amazing. We all were encouraged by the creativity on our ship.

    As I now enter into my second year of retirement - year one was the transition year. What am I supposed to do now? I learned last year, our purpose in life, in this universe is to do what God does. (If you don’t believe in the label God - then Energy). What does energy do?

    Old Testament reference Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God/Energy created …”

    I believe we are all meant to create. Create Art. Our canvases may be different. We are all artists. We saw today what beauty and joy creation brings. Find your canvas - create art.

    Thank you to everyone who shared their creations with us. Thank you Deborah & Jim for guiding us through this journey.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 39: Meet Lisa, from South Africa

    January 30, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Lisa has the BEST job onboard the Neptune - It’s even more important than my favorite bartender’s job. - Lisa is the “Ice Cream Lady” at the World Cafe. She serves gelato & sorbet to an often line of wanting passengers.

    Also, Lisa keeps a bit of margarine in the cooler below for Donna who doesn’t eat milk based products.

    This is Lisa’s first contract, two months now, with Viking - When she is not serving us this cool refreshing treat; Lisa enjoys surfing, volleyball, and discovery of new things. She has 2 siblings in her family.

    Lisa knows what I want —> 4 scoops of chocolate with chocolate sauce —> with a smile “Here you go Mr. Paul?” Lisa proclaims as I am handed this rich (calorie free - I am told) treat.

    #gelato #sorbet #myvikingjourney #myvikingstory #vikingNeptuneCrew #vikingNeptune    Read more

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