Well, this morning we were walking on the lap track when we crossed the equator. We walked across the equator! The weather is as expected—hot and muggy. No islands in sight yet, but the sea is relatively calm so everything’s good. For the oldsters on this cruise (and there are a LOT of folks who fall into that category) this area of the world holds special meaning. There are WWII relics and battlefields everywhere. A bunch of poignant places where the Allies (especially the Americans) literally “stormed the bastions” of the Japanese strongholds, in many cases against all odds. We lost a lot of men here, and the very air seems to evoke memories of bravery and sacrifice.
Tomorrow’s destination—Chuuk—is one of those places. The Japanese held the islands of Micronesia in a firm grip, even forcing the locals into slave labor to build tunnels and infrastructure for their naval and air commands which were headquartered here. The island was known as ‘Truk’ then, but just as Peking has become Beijing, the island has taken back its more correct name—Chuuk.
March 23, 2010
We are pulling into Chuuk this morning at 11am. We were supposed to arrive at 1pm but the Chuukanese (or whatever they are called) authorities informed the captain that we had to be out of the harbor by nightfall (makes you wonder what happens after dark here) so we steamed like crazy through the night and arrived two hours early so we could depart two hours early and still get enough shore time to make the stop worthwhile. The whole reason for these stops in the middle of nowhere is a mystery. We pay ridiculous port fees (Papua New Guinea taxed each of us—including crew members--$40 US to stop in their “garden paradise”) and I’m sure Micronesia will do the same. If the money went to providing schools and infrastructure for the country I wouldn’t object, but we all know where the money goes. Nevertheless, our being here does provide some commerce for taxi drivers, dive operators and local craftspeople who lay out a blanket and ply their wares (mostly wood carvings and funky handmade jewelry) to the cruisers.
The weather can best be described as “eh.” It’s overcast and muggy. About 95 degree F. (We are used to saying “Fahrenheit” and “US dollars” now since half of the passengers come from places where Celsius and other forms of currency are the norm.) Our dinner table is made up of Canadians who originally came from the Philippines, Americans who now reside in Thailand, an Austrian couple, and German ladies who have emigrated to the U.S. They are not all there at the same time, of course, it’s sort of a chess game with pieces moving about the board.
Today’s photo is of a special crew member from the “Lotus Spa Salon”. One of my followers will recognize her. For the rest of you, may I introduce one of the many young people who take very good care of all of us old people onboard.
Hey JoAnn,I remember the song and the tune,but the lyrics are different! You are one creative lady! It sounds to me as if you both are appreciating how "the other side lives",and that in itself must be eye opening.By the way,when is Tom going to take over the computer and express his feelings of "The 75 Day Voyage?"Just kidding! Can't wait till the next entry!
ReplyDeleteHey JoAnn,just me again! I've been thinking,I've read somewhere about a daughter of one of your bloggers having a job aboard your ship...it was nice to see Allysa,a girl who can keep you looking younger than almost all your shipmates! By the way,I hope you run into Negara if you get to Bali.
ReplyDeleteIts 4:50AM PST and your insominac friend has finally gotten this far in trying to figure out how to log in and reply to your blog. I've become technologically challenged as cyberspace advances. BUT! Perhaps this 2nd attempt at replying will work. My first was perhaps too long? Don't know. Anyhow -- looking forward to reading more of your grand adventure. Keeping this short...and hope this one makes it to you. - It worked. I get to edit...so, adding "Aloha and Fun Travels" to you both!
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