Sea cruising might not yet be allowed due to the fear of Covid but land cruising is still available.
I never get tired of driving around the Australian countryside – an open road with little traffic and a sunburned country, what more could we want?
In our latest ‘land cruise’ we managed to ‘cruise’ 1,800 km (1,120 miles) in the seven days.
Our destination was Cowra, which was to be our main base. The original name of the settlement was Coura Rocks, because this was the name of one of the first cattle farms. The name ‘Cowra’ is an Aboriginal name for ‘Eagle on the Rocks’.
The drive from home was about four and a half hours, but of course we did not drive continuously for that length of time.
Around three hours after leaving home we stopped at Boorowa for a picnic lunch.
Our picnic lunch was in the grounds of the Court House of Boorowa, because there were tables, seats and a clean public BBQ at a cost of ten cents.
The one thing that I have noticed when visiting small country towns is that they all advertise a free rest area, with ample parking, clean toilets, and some offer free cups of tea or coffee.
On the day we visited the Court House they had an arts & craft exhibition, with many items for sale such as jams, marmalade and local handmade items. They always have a second-hand book stall so while I browsed the books Maureen had a look around at the produce and other items.
The picnic stop was across the road from the local pub, so for those who imbibed a little too much the walk to the courthouse was not far.
The Court House is behind me, the local pub across the road – all very efficient.
I had booked us in to the Vineyard Motel, which was a few minutes’ drive out of Cowra.
It was an unusual motel – because there were only six ‘apartments’, but each apartment had a front door and a back door.
In the morning we would open the east facing door and watch the sunrise.
Still photographs fail to grasp the whole sequence of the sun rising and the dramatic change of colours across the sky.
In the evening we would stand outside the west door of our apartment and watch the sunset.
Outside of each of the doors there were chairs and a small table for drinks as we watched a magnificent free show – Hollywood eat your heart out, nature always wins.
Sun setting over the vineyards.
Our accommodation was a good size with a double bed and a single bed as well as the table & chairs.
In addition we had a large bathroom and a small kitchen with all the amenities that we required. The nightly rate included breakfast.
The motel was surround by vineyards and the local wines were available to purchase in your room. Very convenient.
The neighbouring vineyard also had alpacas, but the one I manage to photograph had recently been shorn.
This alpaca shared the field with sheep – but this fellow did not like having his photo taken – he kept turning away, perhaps he was shy without his coat.
At the top of the shadows a dark green vegetation can be seen – this is one of the local vineyards.
There is an unusual bell in Cowra called the Peace Bell, it is unusual because it is the only Peace Bell in the World not located in a city.
The population of Cowra is around 10,000 citizens.
The reason for the Peace Bell will become obvious in the next blog.
The Bridge of course – who doesn’t photograph the bridge :- o)
In the city centre the old still has an attraction – The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago can be seen (the two small towers). Construction began in 1748 and was completed in 1800. The square is the Plaza de Armas.
As we sailed down the Solent in the Celebrity Silhouette for the start of our cruise to the Baltic, SS Shieldhall was returning to Southampton (top picture), and as the two ship passed each other they used their sirens to signal bon voyage.
We were a little larger than the ‘sludge boat’ at 122,210 gt
London Hotel on the junction of Oxford Street and Terminus Terrace, in Southampton.
Had to sample a local ale . . .
As I drank the face disappeared, thankfully.
This building was the Terminus Station, and the families of the survivors off the Titanic waited here for word of their loved ones.
The hotel on the right was South Western House, and passengers could alight from the train and walk from the platform in to the hotel. It was ‘the’ place to stay while waiting for your trans Atlantic liner.
The rear area of all our yesterdays. . .
The front of South Western House today.
No longer a hotel, because the rooms were converted in to 77 apartments in 1998.
Across the road from South Western House I found a tailor that I used (only once) in Liverpool during my time at sea. The sign was the only indication that the derelict building had once been famous.
Union Castle Line
Back to Oxford Street and across the road from the London Hotel we found The Grapes. Unfortunately we never did manage a drink in the Grapes.
Over the top of the main door I’ve blown up the picture of the Titanic.
He survived because he had been ordered to be a rower in one of the lifeboats –
Moody Cup
Picture taken of the Cross of St George the English flag, above Bargate, Southampton.
Bargate – Southampton . . .
We walked out of our hotel in to a very quiet terminus at 6.00 am, to check-in for our flight to London.
When was the last time that you saw empty self-check-in machines?
Photographs must have been taken during the night – nicely posed.
A light breakfast perhaps – not too much as to ruin the appetite for brunch on the plane .
The lounge was not all that far from the boarding area so we had plenty of time for breakfast and to watch the airport traffic.
One must admit that Singapore airport authority have created a relaxing environment for those travelling in tubes of metal across the world. The above is an advert with a fountain (the white circle), which didn’t come out as planned. More fountains below
As we sped down the runway the Singapore Airlines planes were everywhere, so is it any wonder that in the near future they will be flying an ultra long range aircraft A350-900ULR none stop to New York. It’ll take nineteen hours, and only carry business and premium economy seats. Our flight from Singapore to London would take us about thirteen hours, which is long enough for me.
On a happier note it was time for brunch.
The lighting had been dulled a little for those who wished to sleep, hence the coloured reflection. Prawns and scallops, and of course a glass of white wine, it was 5.00 pm somewhere in the world!
More fish – Maureen was proud of me considering fish is my least favourite food.
I think this was called a Tarrufo Limoncello – what ever it was called it was very nice.
and of course cheese to finish – this meal was a very pleasant way of spending an hour or so . . . .
England below – the picture is not as clear as I’d hoped, and as we descended, I was hoping that we would pass near Windsor Castle for a photograph – we didn’t. If we did I didn’t see the castle.
Dining room.
Autumn Equinox northern Hemisphere
Spring equinox in Sydney – same date 21st September.
‘![22397_170508073104310[1]](https://silverfox175.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/22397_1705080731043101.jpg)
which would require a transit stop in Dubai. We flew with Emirates last year and it worked out well, but this year the ticket cost is much more expensive, plus the night flight syndrome.
The last time we flew with Finnair was out of Bangkok to Venice via Helsinki. The flight and cabin service were very good, so if the price was right we wouldn’t have any complaints.
The last night of the cruise – don’t know how many balloons they go through in a year, because there is a big ‘bash’ at the end of every cruise.
Morning arrival in Yokohama – later we would cross the bridge shown in the picture.
We crossed the bridge after which we encountered traffic.
There were plenty of very quiet planes.
We were at gate 93, and passed four lounges (for the same airline – JAL) before getting anywhere near Gate 93 and the lounge allocated for this area. The exercise was good for both of us . . .
Because of our early start we hadn’t had breakfast, so the spread was very welcoming. The blackboard is advertising some sort of food along with Mount Fuji, but self serve was better.
The lounge was very nice and quiet and had good internet reception.
Follow the leader for take-off to Kuala Lumpur, we were flying with Malaysian Airlines.
Airborne
Very apologetic cabin member (can’t say stewardess anymore), said that they had run out of the meat, but I could have the poached haddock.
Typical Premier Room, which gives you access to the Executive Lounge.
The advantage is that it includes food and drinks from 6 to 8 pm. By the time you’ve picked through the offering you don’t need an evening meal.
Over eating might be a problem
It has all been refurbished
Hot food to order – just ask for the type of omelette you want and the chef makes it . .
Various types of food for breakfast from western to Asian; hot or cold.
Brunch on the plane.
I should have had more faith – Nasi Lemak, one of my favourite Malay dishes.
Getting close to home – the wide open spaces of Australia.
Strapped in the seat for landing and held the camera onehanded across Maureen – must do better next time – give the camera to Maureen, I can be an idiot when I try.
Abu Dhabi 1963 during my first visit to this town. In the early 60’s going ashore was by a boat to a local beach.
Dhows would come out to us, (after we’d anchored), and we would work cargo using our own derricks etc.
I took the above as the Majestic Princess manoeuvred alongside – you can see the disturbed water from our side thrusters pushing us bodily alongside.
Doesn’t matter where we go we end up in a fish market . . . without chips.
I can’t remember what type of fish this chap was showing us, but I’m sure someone will tell me. I liked the colour and wondered if it retained its colour once it was cooked, and on the plate.
Presidential Palace
Heritage village – I found it a disappointing place that had been ‘recreated’ and had little resemblance to the Abu Dhabi that I remembered.
The above gives you an idea of what Abu Dhabi was like in the early 60’s. The shops didn’t sell post cards the last time I went shopping in Abu Dhabi, but Japanese electronics, which are now collectors items. The person with the umbrella is protecting themselves from the sun, not rain.
Front area of the Presidential Palace.
The guide did mention that each of the wives of the Sheik had their own entrance to the living quarters, so as not to meet each other I suppose.
I think this is the bridge to nowhere – a private island that is empty, so I suppose that makes this a private bridge . . . didn’t see any vehicles on the bridge.
A short time after the ‘bridge to nowhere’ the Sheikh Zayed Mosque came in to view. According to what I have read in the ship’s blurb for the tour of Abu Dhabi, the mosque is the 8th largest mosque in the world, but according to the internet it is the 9th, but who’s counting? Enough to say that it is big.
Main entrance after security.
Area to the left of the main entrance with the pool.
The inner courtyard after passing through the main entrance of the mosque. A minaret is at each corner. The courtyard is 17,000 sq mtrs (180,000 sq feet).
It is thought to be the largest example of marble mosaic in the world.
The start of the walkway.
With the breeze blowing through it was not unpleasant walking along the columned passages.
The lady turned out to be Maureen – she’d been offered an abaya from our coach driver.
Once inside the main hall we could see the carpet – 5,627 sq mtrs (60,570 sq feet). The largest carpet in the world, at 35 tons, it took 1200 to 1300 carpet knotters around two years to tie 2,268,000 knots to create the carpet, which is mainly wool from New Zealand & Iran. Apparently some of the carpet is slightly higher than other parts. This is to help worshippers, when on their knees, to face the correct way. The direction indication of ‘correctness’ can not be seen when standing.
There are seven chandeliers imported from Germany and they contain millions of Swarovski crystals.
Abu Dhabi is expanding with the reclaiming of land from the Persian (Arabian) Gulf.
New homes built on reclaimed land – they did look nice.
A friend of mine that I used to work with in BOAC in the 1970’s, heard that Maureen & I would be sailing in the Majestic Princess, and that she would be visiting Dubai for a day on the way to Singapore.
For those who can remember BOAC :-o)
I was able to read more about Lawrence of Arabia. The museum was cool (as in climate) and very interesting. I took a number of photos of various items on display, but for some reason only the above picture registered on the camera. At least the outside pictures worked.
The main reception area where Leo introduced himself to the receptionist and a young lady came over to meet us and show us various areas of the hotel.
There is another escalator & aquarium on the other side of the of the mini-fountains.
Different colours for various floors.
Maureen & Leo walk quietly to the lift.
Walk through the tunnel to the restaurant. The colour gold is everywhere.
We are in the Al Mahara restaurant and the whole wall is an aquarium – not sure if we are supposed to pick our fish for eating as it swims passed or do we just admire the view.
Private dining room – I am not sure if the aquarium at the end is part of the restaurant aquarium.
The private dining room – view taken with my back to the aquarium.
View of outside from the reception area.
Corridor to where, I don’t know.
Looking down on to a tearoom come bar area and below the bar area is the main entrance.
The walk area towards ‘our’ suite.
Entrance area of the suite – two floors, dining room, sitting room two double bedrooms each en-suite.
Leo & our guide in the reception area of the suite.
Leo felt quite at home, with his gold computer . . .
Sitting room
Dining room.
General view back towards the reception area.
Main bedroom
En-suite bathroom.
Dressing room for main bedroom.
Second bedroom
Second bedroom en-suite (also with dressing room)
View from the sitting room window. A little hazy due to sand in the air.
Mariner Bay Sands Hotel
As the Majestic Princess docked I took the above picture of a grand old lady alongside in Dubai – she has been in Dubai since 2008.
Our room – a double bed and two single beds, which allowed us to spread out.
Looking towards 
You’d think that we had the place to ourselves but there were enough people around that we didn’t feel lonely.
I had a feeling that this sun bather must be British . . . he could well have been lonely.
silverfox175 