Ninth Post - 10/12 to 10/16
Continuing on . . . .
October 12, Friday - At Sea
After showers and dressing, we changed the sign on our cabin door to CHINA!
We went to a Thai Chi class - very crowded. Our dinner companions, Lloyd and Danette were also there - Dan and Danette were good at this. I stopped after about 4 minutes - too much standing in one position for too long. Lloyd stopped shortly after I did, Dan's knees hurt for the rest of the day!
We did some window shopping in ship's stores; had an ice cream; watched the Eagles beat the Giants on the giant pool screen, and I took a nap. Dan did laundry and I watched "An Affair to Remember" with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr" - Now THAT'S a Hallmark Movie ending!!!
Lloyd and Danette went to another venue for dinner, so we had Freddy and Michael all to ourselves. The show was a tenor trio called "Tres Amicis" - very operatic and LOUD!
October 13, Saturday at CALM sea, with cool air
We are in the Yellow Sea right between China on the left, and Korea on the right. Very heavy shipping lanes in this area. Saw more ships today than the previous 24 days put together. On our way to the GREAT WALL! Yipppeee.
Typical day at sea for us - went to Suduko, finished in 12 minutes - before the moderator left. Yea! Played Trivia later in the day - only got 12 out of 20 right. Either the questions are getting harder, or we are getting dumber! Also built paper airplanes to sail in the Atrium - ours did not fly well, but we had a lot of fun.
After lunch We went to the sports deck to watch Pickle Ball - doesn't look appealing to me. however, when they finished, our new friend, Robert and I started shooting basketball hoops. He could not believe I sank the first 12 baskets in a row (Are you listening, Gonzales????) however, the 13th hit the rim and flew over my head. I turned and ran after it - and BOOOOM - DOWN I WENT. I fell on my hands, my right knee and hip and quickly rolled over onto my butt. Dan turned white! I didn't think I was hurt but sat for a while to calm myself. It took both Robert (a very BIG man) and Dan to get me to my feet. I could not find anything wrong - no tears in my slacks, no scrapes on my hands or knees, so I continued playing for the next half hour. GOD IS GOOD! Absolutely no ill effects of that fall. No swelling, no bruising, no aches and pains. But I also swore there would be NO RUNNING AFTER BALLS from then on!
Had some ice cream to celebrate my narrow escape and watched dozens and dozens of Chinese fishing boats all around us. Had a nice dinner and packed for the big day at the GREAT WALL OF CHINA!
October 14th, Sunday, cloudy and cool
Had early breakfast, met our tour group and guide, Bella and left on our looong drive to the Great Wall site. Stopped at a rest stop along the way - reminded us of the NJ Turnpike, but they had no western type toilets for women - just SQUATTY POTTIES> OMG - not for me.
When we arrived at the wall, we parked quite a distance from the entrance and discovered that if I took the walker, I would have to leave it at the bottom of the wall as I could not use it on the wall. So, I took my cane and off we went, There was quite a crowd at the entrance to the Wall area - many tour groups and many many locals out enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The stairway to the top of the wall was very crowded and slow moving. Dan thought it might be too strenuous for me, but I insisted that I try it. The steps are rough and uneven with many steps higher or lower than others. Counted 43 steps up to the first level, where there were many vendors with trinkets on blankets set out on the floor. Looked like Coney Island! That did not stop me from buying a few things!! ha ha. Tell that to Ellie, who loves me more than I love shopping!!!!
At the first level there was a beautiful Pagoda with a Buddha statue in it, then a 15 step staircase down to the main wall walking area. More vendors there. The guide had also told us that this section of the wall had been in ruins and that the government restored it to increase tourism to the area and help the economy there. That info made me feel like I was on a replica instead of the real deal. A little disappointing, but not enough to spoil the feeling of awe at this monster wall.Again, no western toilets - I had no idea I could hold my pee-pee that long!!!!!!! I know TMI!
We met many of our new friends on the wall, and other cruise passengers as we made our way almost half-way to the next set of steps. We turned back at that point. Going down the stairs was much easier, but still tricky, than going up had been. Did a little more shopping on the way down.
The exit to the parking lot forced us to walk through a maze of tables full of fruits and nuts and more trinkets. There were about 6 rows we had to navigate to get out - IT WAS VERY ANNOYING. Still did not spoil my excitement at being there,
More to come. . . .Here it comes on 10/30th - so much to report! Back to 10/14th
We drove from the Wall to a hotel for lunch - where do I begin??
VENUE: The room for lunch was a very, very large banquet hall room with about 50 foot high ceilings, and beautifully set tables.
FOOD: Each table sat ten people, had huge lazy susans in the middles, with very large bowls of white rice in the center and about 10 smaller dishes of Chinese food such as egg/tomato, beef in sauce, chicken with peanuts, spinach, cabbage, etc. I ate some beef and rice and my peanut butter cracker sandwiches and Dan ate everything on the table. God Bless his appetite. There was also bottles of Chinese beer and coke on each table.
BATHROOMS: To get to a Western-type toilet, the guide had to lead me out of the room, out of the building,m across the parking lot into a hotel and to a bathroom off the lobby. She then left. However the bathroom I was in only had squatty potties and I had to go to the hotel desk to find someone who spoke a little English and knew what I was looking for. A man then led me to a locked door which led to a hotel hallway. He opened a door to one of the rooms and pointed to the bathroom, which I gratefully used. This man was waiting for me when I came out to escort me back to the banquet room. At least there were very nice people at our table.
A 3 1/2 hour ride from there to the ship. We just had time to drop things in the room and go to the dining room for an open seating. Our waiters were anxious to have us at our regular table, they had been bored all day with so many passengers off the ship. Dan went to a Chinese Musical show and I went to the cabin and right to sleep! Long Day!
Oct. 15th - At Sea - A little chilly, but sunny
After breakfast, we went to a trivia game, did some shopping in the atrium, and then sat in a lounge to update my journal. Sat through another trivia game, had lunch went to the cabin to get outfits ready for formal night. I wore my blue chiffon pantsuit with a beaded tank top, and Dan wore all black tux. Dinner was Escargot for Dan and Lobster Tails for both of us. Took a picture with waiters, Freddy and Michael.
The show tonight was the 3 Amici from a few nights earlier, but this time there were only 2 of them - one was sick. Songs were a good selection of pop music, but it wasn't the same with only 2 singers.
Back to the cabin to get ready for KOREA!
Oct. 16th - Incheon (Seoul) Korea - 65 and partly cloudy
There was a loooong line for immigration, but it moved quickly. The Korean officials were very efficient and friendly.
We easily found our bus and guide (Harry) who was about 50 yrs old and very smart and interesting, When he is not guiding tours, he teaches in a federal Tour Guide School. It takes 3 years to get a guide license in Korea. He had a lot of questions about our travel system: ASTA, CLIA, IATA commissions, etc.
Our first stop was Gyeongbok Palace, very beautiful architecture. From there we went to Hanok Village and then to Southgate Market for shopping.
There was a lot of walking on uneven ground or gravel. High steps to get on and off the bus. The buildings were beautiful and the grounds well maintained. Did some shopping.
There was a parade of Korean musicians in local costumes which was an added treat.
Must mention the drive through Seoul. Traffic is very heavy and moves at break-neck speed when it moves. Cars, buses, trucks and motor scooters all weave in and out, make their own lanes when they have an inch of space, and the bus driver maneuvered into spaces that looked impossible to use. It was Ike an amusement park ride!
The city is crowded with pedestrians, old and new high rises are built next to one another and the city has a vibrant, happy feel to it. We had lunch at a typical restaurant (The Turtle Club) There was a huge frying pan type hot plate in the middle of the table with beef (I think it was beef) and broth in it and it was surrounded by smaller bowls filled with things like, seaweed, sticky rice, anchovy's, mushrooms and other yucky stuff. Dan everything, and I had rice with broth and my handy peanut cracker sandwiches. Every 4 people had a set up like this. I sat with a Canadian Couple, which made only 3 of us, and they spoke French to each other and ate everything in front of us, including MY SHARE! Never asked, just ate! How rude!!!!! ha ha ha
GOOD NEWS! Western toilets everywhere. Heard a story of a 70-ish woman who fell while trying the squat toilet and broke her hip. She was sent home. :-(
From lunch, we went to a Folklore Museum which had a lot of outdoor exhibits that were pretty and interesting.
One more shopping stop on the way back to the ship. I did not even get off the bus - too too tired! We did tip our guide and driver very well since they both did such a good job.
October 12, Friday - At Sea
After showers and dressing, we changed the sign on our cabin door to CHINA!
We went to a Thai Chi class - very crowded. Our dinner companions, Lloyd and Danette were also there - Dan and Danette were good at this. I stopped after about 4 minutes - too much standing in one position for too long. Lloyd stopped shortly after I did, Dan's knees hurt for the rest of the day!
We did some window shopping in ship's stores; had an ice cream; watched the Eagles beat the Giants on the giant pool screen, and I took a nap. Dan did laundry and I watched "An Affair to Remember" with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr" - Now THAT'S a Hallmark Movie ending!!!
Lloyd and Danette went to another venue for dinner, so we had Freddy and Michael all to ourselves. The show was a tenor trio called "Tres Amicis" - very operatic and LOUD!
October 13, Saturday at CALM sea, with cool air
We are in the Yellow Sea right between China on the left, and Korea on the right. Very heavy shipping lanes in this area. Saw more ships today than the previous 24 days put together. On our way to the GREAT WALL! Yipppeee.
Typical day at sea for us - went to Suduko, finished in 12 minutes - before the moderator left. Yea! Played Trivia later in the day - only got 12 out of 20 right. Either the questions are getting harder, or we are getting dumber! Also built paper airplanes to sail in the Atrium - ours did not fly well, but we had a lot of fun.
After lunch We went to the sports deck to watch Pickle Ball - doesn't look appealing to me. however, when they finished, our new friend, Robert and I started shooting basketball hoops. He could not believe I sank the first 12 baskets in a row (Are you listening, Gonzales????) however, the 13th hit the rim and flew over my head. I turned and ran after it - and BOOOOM - DOWN I WENT. I fell on my hands, my right knee and hip and quickly rolled over onto my butt. Dan turned white! I didn't think I was hurt but sat for a while to calm myself. It took both Robert (a very BIG man) and Dan to get me to my feet. I could not find anything wrong - no tears in my slacks, no scrapes on my hands or knees, so I continued playing for the next half hour. GOD IS GOOD! Absolutely no ill effects of that fall. No swelling, no bruising, no aches and pains. But I also swore there would be NO RUNNING AFTER BALLS from then on!
Had some ice cream to celebrate my narrow escape and watched dozens and dozens of Chinese fishing boats all around us. Had a nice dinner and packed for the big day at the GREAT WALL OF CHINA!
October 14th, Sunday, cloudy and cool
Had early breakfast, met our tour group and guide, Bella and left on our looong drive to the Great Wall site. Stopped at a rest stop along the way - reminded us of the NJ Turnpike, but they had no western type toilets for women - just SQUATTY POTTIES> OMG - not for me.
When we arrived at the wall, we parked quite a distance from the entrance and discovered that if I took the walker, I would have to leave it at the bottom of the wall as I could not use it on the wall. So, I took my cane and off we went, There was quite a crowd at the entrance to the Wall area - many tour groups and many many locals out enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The stairway to the top of the wall was very crowded and slow moving. Dan thought it might be too strenuous for me, but I insisted that I try it. The steps are rough and uneven with many steps higher or lower than others. Counted 43 steps up to the first level, where there were many vendors with trinkets on blankets set out on the floor. Looked like Coney Island! That did not stop me from buying a few things!! ha ha. Tell that to Ellie, who loves me more than I love shopping!!!!
At the first level there was a beautiful Pagoda with a Buddha statue in it, then a 15 step staircase down to the main wall walking area. More vendors there. The guide had also told us that this section of the wall had been in ruins and that the government restored it to increase tourism to the area and help the economy there. That info made me feel like I was on a replica instead of the real deal. A little disappointing, but not enough to spoil the feeling of awe at this monster wall.Again, no western toilets - I had no idea I could hold my pee-pee that long!!!!!!! I know TMI!
We met many of our new friends on the wall, and other cruise passengers as we made our way almost half-way to the next set of steps. We turned back at that point. Going down the stairs was much easier, but still tricky, than going up had been. Did a little more shopping on the way down.
The exit to the parking lot forced us to walk through a maze of tables full of fruits and nuts and more trinkets. There were about 6 rows we had to navigate to get out - IT WAS VERY ANNOYING. Still did not spoil my excitement at being there,
More to come. . . .Here it comes on 10/30th - so much to report! Back to 10/14th
We drove from the Wall to a hotel for lunch - where do I begin??
VENUE: The room for lunch was a very, very large banquet hall room with about 50 foot high ceilings, and beautifully set tables.
FOOD: Each table sat ten people, had huge lazy susans in the middles, with very large bowls of white rice in the center and about 10 smaller dishes of Chinese food such as egg/tomato, beef in sauce, chicken with peanuts, spinach, cabbage, etc. I ate some beef and rice and my peanut butter cracker sandwiches and Dan ate everything on the table. God Bless his appetite. There was also bottles of Chinese beer and coke on each table.
BATHROOMS: To get to a Western-type toilet, the guide had to lead me out of the room, out of the building,m across the parking lot into a hotel and to a bathroom off the lobby. She then left. However the bathroom I was in only had squatty potties and I had to go to the hotel desk to find someone who spoke a little English and knew what I was looking for. A man then led me to a locked door which led to a hotel hallway. He opened a door to one of the rooms and pointed to the bathroom, which I gratefully used. This man was waiting for me when I came out to escort me back to the banquet room. At least there were very nice people at our table.
A 3 1/2 hour ride from there to the ship. We just had time to drop things in the room and go to the dining room for an open seating. Our waiters were anxious to have us at our regular table, they had been bored all day with so many passengers off the ship. Dan went to a Chinese Musical show and I went to the cabin and right to sleep! Long Day!
Oct. 15th - At Sea - A little chilly, but sunny
After breakfast, we went to a trivia game, did some shopping in the atrium, and then sat in a lounge to update my journal. Sat through another trivia game, had lunch went to the cabin to get outfits ready for formal night. I wore my blue chiffon pantsuit with a beaded tank top, and Dan wore all black tux. Dinner was Escargot for Dan and Lobster Tails for both of us. Took a picture with waiters, Freddy and Michael.
The show tonight was the 3 Amici from a few nights earlier, but this time there were only 2 of them - one was sick. Songs were a good selection of pop music, but it wasn't the same with only 2 singers.
Back to the cabin to get ready for KOREA!
Oct. 16th - Incheon (Seoul) Korea - 65 and partly cloudy
There was a loooong line for immigration, but it moved quickly. The Korean officials were very efficient and friendly.
We easily found our bus and guide (Harry) who was about 50 yrs old and very smart and interesting, When he is not guiding tours, he teaches in a federal Tour Guide School. It takes 3 years to get a guide license in Korea. He had a lot of questions about our travel system: ASTA, CLIA, IATA commissions, etc.
Our first stop was Gyeongbok Palace, very beautiful architecture. From there we went to Hanok Village and then to Southgate Market for shopping.
There was a lot of walking on uneven ground or gravel. High steps to get on and off the bus. The buildings were beautiful and the grounds well maintained. Did some shopping.
There was a parade of Korean musicians in local costumes which was an added treat.
Must mention the drive through Seoul. Traffic is very heavy and moves at break-neck speed when it moves. Cars, buses, trucks and motor scooters all weave in and out, make their own lanes when they have an inch of space, and the bus driver maneuvered into spaces that looked impossible to use. It was Ike an amusement park ride!
The city is crowded with pedestrians, old and new high rises are built next to one another and the city has a vibrant, happy feel to it. We had lunch at a typical restaurant (The Turtle Club) There was a huge frying pan type hot plate in the middle of the table with beef (I think it was beef) and broth in it and it was surrounded by smaller bowls filled with things like, seaweed, sticky rice, anchovy's, mushrooms and other yucky stuff. Dan everything, and I had rice with broth and my handy peanut cracker sandwiches. Every 4 people had a set up like this. I sat with a Canadian Couple, which made only 3 of us, and they spoke French to each other and ate everything in front of us, including MY SHARE! Never asked, just ate! How rude!!!!! ha ha ha
GOOD NEWS! Western toilets everywhere. Heard a story of a 70-ish woman who fell while trying the squat toilet and broke her hip. She was sent home. :-(
From lunch, we went to a Folklore Museum which had a lot of outdoor exhibits that were pretty and interesting.
One more shopping stop on the way back to the ship. I did not even get off the bus - too too tired! We did tip our guide and driver very well since they both did such a good job.
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