Day 148 Sat June 10, 2023 Kaohsiung, Taiwan

 Day 148 Sat June 10, 2023 Tour 1:15 to 5:15  Glimpse of Kaohsiung, Taiwan 4.5 hours  $109.00  

I really don't see how these pictures match up with the description I read to choose this excursion.  

This definitive tour of Kaohsiung presents attractions that reveal the very fabric of life in this thriving southern Taiwanese city. Traveling by coach from the pier, you will first travel to the massive Spring and Autumn Pavilions, a complex completed in 1951. While dedicated to Kuan Kung, the Chinese God of War, the pavilions feature a prominent statue of the Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon. It's a breathtaking sight that shows the importance of legend in Taiwanese culture. Religious expression is very prevalent in Kaohsiung, and you will also visit two of its most popular temples. The Confucius Temple is situated on serene Lotus Pond, which was so named for the many fragrant lotus flowers growing in the water. Completed in 1976, the majestic structure is Taiwan's largest Confucian temple and expresses a deep reverence for China's beloved sage. The design reflects that of a temple in the Shandong Province, the philosopher's homeland. Also included, is a visit to Chiming Tang, another Taiwanese temple constructed in the 1970s. Several gods are worshipped here, including humanized gods of influential historic figures, such as Confucius. Changing pace, you will head to the Chijin Old Street for a true glimpse of daily life in Kaohsiung. It is here that the city was first developed and although the early Dutch occupation is evidenced of the architecture, Chijin is definitely more representative of traditional Taiwanese architecture and culture. Colorful, ornate temples such as the 300-year-old Tian Ho abound, and the many small shops are always abuzz. As you stroll along the street exploring the many sights, shops and stands, you will no doubt be charmed by the friendly townspeople and the inviting ambience that is found here. After touring Chijin, your coach awaits to transfer you back to the pier. We went to Chijin first.  

Please note:  This tour includes approximately 90-minutes of moderate walking and there are numerous steps to negotiate at the temples. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them, although they may not be able to enjoy all the sights at the temples. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Casual clothing; a hat; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.

I saw a lot of entrances to temples.   

                                            Beach sculptures at Chijin

                                    People from the Viking World Cruise 2017/18.  Miles, Elizabeth, Sherry and Bill.  

                                            Lots of sculptures on the beach at Chijin.

                                            Goddess of Mercy riding a dragon

                                            Buddha across the river

                                            Rowers on the river

                                            Drum table in tea room

                                            Goddess of Mercy riding the dragon.

 

Day 147 Fri June 9,2023 Vigan City Tour 10:00-3:15

 Day 147 Fri June 9,2023  Vigan City Tour  SMG-001 10:00-3:15

Ilocos (Salomague)  5.5hours $139.

See the highlights of Vigan City for an overall understanding of what UNESCO hails as the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. On the outskirts, you will find Bantay Church, whose 16th-century bell tower first served as the town’s watchtower. For a glimpse into the local culture, you will then browse a complex of four museums, each focusing on a different aspect of the Philippines. Vigan City is also recognized for its outstanding earthenware, as you will discover at Pagburnayan Pottery. The famed burnay jars produced there were originally made by Chinese immigrants who found the quality of the region’s natural clay to be excellent. Now mostly decorative, burnay jars were once used to hold wine and fermented fish, as they supposedly tasted better when stored in the jars. Later, during free time along cobblestoned Calle Crisologo, you will see an array of architectural gems, including homes with Spanish, Mexican and Chinese influences. Please note: This tour includes approximately 2 1/2 hours of moderate walking on both flat and uneven ground, gravel, cobblestone, as well as numerous steps. Participants must be physically fit. This tour is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are suggested.

This description that I read to chose the tour is quite accurate.  

                        The 16th-century bell tower first served as the town’s watchtower.

                                                 Bantay Church

                                                Outstanding earthenware at Pagburnayan Pottery.

                        Burnay jars were once used to hold wine and fermented fish, as they supposedly tasted better when stored in the jars. 

                                                Cobblestoned Calle Crisologo, 

The best decision of the day was to spend our thirty minutes on a horse and buggy ride for four dollars.  We saw a lot more than if we had walked.  

                                                    A house in desperate need of repair.  

                                            Shops

                                                More shops

                                                Young people performing native dance.

                                            Shopping

Day 146 Thur June 8 Manilla, Phlippines

 Day 146 Thur June 8 Manilla, Philippines  

Found my way to the front of the pier to see an earthquake drill taking place.  This created a dilemna.  If I stayed near the ship to have wifi so I could communicate with Jorem, I knew Jorem could not get into port.  I went out to the front of the port through the people participating in the drill.  I talked to a man at the gate and he connected me to wifi by making his phone a hot spot.  I was able to tell Jorem where I was and within two minutes, he was there.  

I enjoyed a great visit with Jorem and his girlfriend, Charlene.  We went fo coffee at a hotel and then had lunch at a restaurant called Singing Cooks and Waiters.  Charlene asked if Jorem could play the piano and he played three songs, which was awesome. Charlene sang one song with him.  The singing chefs and waiters did a great job.  I really enjoyed lunch.

We went to a museum and learned about regional Filipino culture, costumes and food.  I was very nervous about returning late to the ship.  We were stuck in heavy traffic.  I arrived at the port about 3:40, when all aboard was 3:30.  I ran around the terminal and kept running until I saw a really long line of people.  Eight buses had just returned.  I felt I was able to walk at that point.  I was the last person in line.  

It was a great day in Manilla.  

                                                Jorem juggling at the Filipino Museum

                                                Lunch at the restaurant

                                                Charlene in the Filipino Culture Museum

                                The port entrance was blocked off due to an earthquake drill.

                                    Groups assembled during the earthquake drill.

Days 140, 141, 142. June 2-4. Bangkok, Thailand. Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Cruise South China Sea

 Day 140 Fri, June 2, 2023  Bangkok, Thailand  Took the shuttle to the Central World Mall and found an outlet on the fourth floor and hope I am updating my computer.  Sadly, I was not.  

Day 141 Saturday, June 3, 2023 Sihanoukville, Cambodia 10-10:00  I stayed on the ship and wonder why I didn't accomplish more.  I found this port depressing in 2018 and didn't want to find out it was worse than it was before.  It probably was, as the Chinese appear to be boycotting these places where they built casinos.

Day 142  Sunday, Cruising the South China Sea

Day 143 June 5, 2022 Nha Trang, Vietnam 9-5:00

 Day 143  June 5, 2022 Nha Trang, Vietnam 9-5:00 7 miles from pier to city of Nha Trang.  

GI Life on the River (NHA-GL1) 3.5 hrs  9:30-1:00

OVERVIEW
Become immersed in river life in and around Nha Trang, a beach-blessed resort city at the mouth of the Cái River. As you drive through the city, you will pass the modern Tram Huong tower and cross Tran Phu Bridge. Take a chance to witness typical Nha Trang families living in narrow houses when we walk along the alleyways, even see some local businesses such as a barber shop, a scrap house, and a boat garage on this tiny backstreet. You will observe a different side of the Nha Trang area while cruising the tranquil Cái River, whose lush banks are dotted with small villages, farms and rice paddies. NOT One of the more unusual sights is a whale shrine that a fisherman built to thank the cetacean that supposedly pushed his boat to safety during a storm. Next, enter a local house where traditional charcoal clay stoves are made. NOT Get engaged with the owners who work tirelessly to maintain this traditional craft dated back 200 years ago. We go farther into Nha Trang countryside to another part of Vinh Thanh district, stop at a mat weaving family who makes rush mats to sell at a village market to earn their living. Lastly, pay a visit to an typical countryside house and enjoy a refreshment before taking a return journey back to the ship. 

HIGHLIGHTS
• Observe daily life around the Cái River that spills into the sea at Nha Trang.
• Watch craftsmen produce traditional charcoal clay stoves and rush mats.
• Cruise the Cái River for a more rural perspective of river life.
• DID NOT DO Pause for photos at a shrine that a fisherman built to honor a Good Samaritan whale. 

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. 

PLEASE NOTE
This tour includes approximately 1 hours of walking/standing. Guests will need to manage uneven surfaces. There will also be 3 steps to enter/exit the boat. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns who are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are suggested. 

                                            Clay stove can be used two different ways.  One way is to put a fire in the bottom and cook on a grill placed on the top.  

                                                We had a snack outside.

                                            This was a shrine to the Gods.  There were other shrines for blessing family members that had passed.  

                                        It seems all Asian towns have a ferris wheel.  This park was like their Disney.

Day 139 Thurs June 1, 2023 Bangkok, Thailand

 Day 139 Thursday June 1, 2023  Bangkok, Thailand Joined a group from the ship and went on a ride on a yacht.  I checked out shady spots on the back of the yacht and on the top.  Downstairs inside the cabin it was air conditioned and we sang karaoke.  As we were approaching the dock we took pictures of the city and on the front of the yacht.  

We asked the front desk of the hotel for a referral of a restaurant.  The recommendation was excellent.  I think it was the best Asian food I have had.  We also enjoyed the view of a temple across the river.  

Boat ride Kari, Johnnie Walker, Pat and Steven from Toronto, Keenan, Jeff/Jack LaLane and  wife, dancing couple, 3 older couples, Aussies Brenda and husband Jose, Diane and Tom from Texas, Ishmail and Gary Bridge players, hosts John and Marie.

Dinner Johnnie Walker, Pat and Steven, Diane and Tom, Ishmale and Gary.  I rode to the ship in a taxi with Ishmael and Gary because Fran said Ishmael was a good negotiator.  What a rip off?  The driver told us $75.  We gave him $50.  The tub-tuk riders got back to the ship before we did and we left first.   

Day 138 Wed May 31, 2023 Ko Samui, Thailand 8-5:00 TENDER Port

 Day 138 Wed May 31, 2023 Ko Samui, Thailand 8-5:00 TENDER Port

Repeats a lot of what I did last time.

I went down to the Insignia Lounge to see if I needed a ticket for the tender and I did.  We waited about 40 minutes for a tender to come.  The ride in to the port took about 30 minutes.  I did a bit of Googling around to see if I could find massage or reflexology.  The business I found on line was closed and empty.  I continued on down the street and found another place.  The girls wore matching uniforms and the building was clean.

I enjoyed a 60 minute foot reflexology for $12.  Two other people from the ship came in and joined me.  Three more people from the ship came in and were told to come back in 30 minutes.  I hope they did. My girl did a good job and I feel revitalized.  As she worked on my feet, I was able to gaze out the window at the ocean.  It was a lovely hour.  

I walked around town for about an hour and then waited ten minutes for the tender to come and came back to the ship.