Relaxing time on board, before docking in Laem Chabang, the commercial port for Bangkok.  Visited the elephant kraal and saw demonstrations of working (and playing) elephants.  It was the time of the Thai New Year or Water Festival.  As we drove through Pattaya, everyone was throwing water and flour at everyone and everything – children and adults all participating.  Don’t want the driver’s job of cleaning the flour paste off the bus!

Next port was Phu My, commercial port for Ho Chi Minh City.  Vietnamese prefer to still use Saigon.  Saw some of the historical sights such as Reunification Hall and the Rex Hotel, as well as being taken to the lacquer factory.  Guess where we spent a disproportionate amount of time!?!

Thousands of motor bikes on the streets, but all seemed to manage with little incident.  That included Dad, Mum and child all on one small bike.  Certainly the way to travel around the city of 10 million people as they had dedicated lanes on most major roads.

Number 1

When starting to plan this trip in the middle of last year, it seemed so far away, but all of a sudden we are underway.

Had a long day, leaving early and travelling via Brisbane to Singapore.   Walked a little in the morning before Lorraine & Barrie arrived.  Caught the MRT to Orchard St and walked back to hotel, before going via Raffles Hotel to Suntec City to see the world’s largest fountain.

Following day, after going to an interesting church service, we boarded the ship – our home for the next 35 days.  Don’t think the ship would win prizes for being graceful and stylish – reminds me of live sheep carriers!  Guess that is what it is in a way.

However, the indulgences have started!

Photos show Raffles Hotel at night and our temporary home.

 If photos not there, they will be next time!

Quick summary of itinerary
Leave on Friday, two days in Singapore, cruise western pacific and across to Alaska and Vancouver.  Fly to Salt Lake City to join tour of Yellowstone  National Park and surrounds (Cowboys and Wild Buffalos), before moving to Los Angeles for a couple of days and then home.  Now all I need do is make some sense out of the mess on the spare bed and put only what I need in a suitcase.  Don't quite know how I am going to do that as I have never managed it yet.  Always take too much in spite of taking out half of what I first pack!