this message got cut off half way through the email - I have emailed asking for more information
will post that as soon as i get anything
Janet
ello everyone,
We haven’t forgotten you all, but had an incident with Betty which
she requested not be shared until resolved...so, here’s what
happened. We were visiting Fremantle (Perth), Australia, and since we had
been there before, elected to take a 30 min. boat ride to Rottnest Island,
which was purported to be very scenic, with great snorkeling, and funny
little creatures called quokkas, which look like big rats (hence the name
Rottnest, meaning rats’ nest given the island by Dutch sailors who
first spotted it). We were snorkeling at a place called Parker Point, had
seen beautiful iridescent pink coral and some big fish, when we decided to
go on to the next snorkeling area. We headed in, I was ahead of Betty,
when I finally heard her call to me--turned around to get back to her, as
she was in distress and I was about a half block ahead of her (thought she
was right behind me). When I got to her she couldn’t breathe, was
hyperventilating, her breathing had a gurgling sound. She wouldn’t
move, finally convinced her couldn’t tread water any longer and we
had to get to shore. Some how we got to shallower water so we could walk
to the stairs where we had come down, about 1 1/2 blocks. There was no
beach, just rocks down to the water, but we got to the stairs (about 65 of
them), and a few at a time got to the top to wait for the bus which
circles around the rather small island. Betty is spitting up and vomiting,
is cold and clammy, is going in and out ouf consciousness. She has a
nitro pill with her to use, we finally got back to the main stop, got her
off the bus, and I asked a man at an info kiosk if he had any aspirin, and
he called an ambulance..we didn’t know there was an ambulance or
clinic on the island. They came in less than 5 minutes, immediately gave
her aspirin and oxygen before loading her on the ambulance and taking her
to the clinic. From there they called the Flying Doctors of Australia,
took her out to the plane and transferred us to Fremantle Hospital. So,
to make a long story short, Betty stayed in the hospital 5 days, where
tests indicated she had some heart damage, an angiogram indicated she was
in good shape :), and in meeting with the cardiologist after her release
from the hospital, the diagnosis was that she had acute left ventricular
fail
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Feb 14
14 Feb 09 Back again. Found out message we thot had sent was somewhere
in cyberspace until Janet and Carl visited with us in Sydney, so they are
going to be our personal helpers and send these things for us to our
blogpage-think that is the way it works. The system on ship is very slow
and horribly expensive So hope the first message and with some photos has
arrived. We are now at sea between Melbourne in route to Adelaide. had a
very bumpy ride out of Mebourne (Glenn and Suzanne, we could not seem to
find out if your friend was our pilot or not)-the Capt had warned us of
this spot of rippy H2O. So to catch you up loved the Solomons or
Vanuatus--the people are just extremely friendly and outgoing. Many of
these islands were used by our military during WWII and they seem to
really like Americans. Had very rainy wx there, but the island were lush
and tropical plants abounded. Visited the markets where every kind of
fruit and vegetable was seen and stacks of crabs they tie together with
strips of coconut fronds, very clever. We waded through water during many
of the downpours, danced while banging a bamboo pole up and down with two
rather elderly braless, snaggly toothed ladies who were cute as bugs. At
Port Villa took off with the natives, to snorkel and ended up far out in
the boonies-thinking we only had to call for transportation to come pick
us up--anyhow too long a story for now. The snorkeling was the most
beautiful I have ever experienced-beat the Great Barrier Reef, the coral
and fish were too numerous to name and so colorful an experience to
remember. Fortunately one of the librarians and her boyfriend showed up
(with a cab) so we were saved for a ride back to the ship. Here the owner
had a PIG WHO LOVED TO HAVE HER BELLY scratched, s dog, chickens, and
birds. On to New Caledonia where we had three stops at Noumea were met by
fierce warriors and their clan with their usual folklore group. Toured
the city quite a group of islands around the area, beautiful setting and
beaches. Wx is actually quite mild so far highest T has been 84 and that
was here. Next day went to Ile Des Pins, very undeveloped area-had to
tender in and out very picturesque. Snorkeled and swam some, but may now
be spoiled forever after Tara Beach. This area is supposed to be the best
snorkeling and diving area in the world, maybe on the other side of the
island. Two more days at sea before we reached Sydney where we were so
looking forward to seeing Janet and Carl. Met them at 1030 and had a
“cuppa” prior to going on ship at 1100. Had lunch and a nice
visit. They brought Emu feathers, and Arnott’s Tim Tam’s-1
double coated choc bisquits and the other choc hazelnut flavored mousse
bisquits-to die for. Had a nice visit during which time they tried to
figure out the internet system onboard and dear Janet decided it would be
easier and cheaper for us to just send her our “stuff” and she
would send it all to the blog page for each of you to see. Unfortunately
we had made reservations for Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House
for that night-only night we could do so- so did not get to visit as long
as we would have liked. The Opera was wonderful and very cleverly and
simply staged and the Madame Butterfly lead was great. Next day toured
the new Aboriginal Museum in The Rocks which is again, very well done,
could have spent even more time there, lunch and walked across the
Botanical gardens-we were docked at Circular Quay with the Bridge to
starboard and the opera house to port so we were close to everything-to
the NSW museum where they were featuring Aboriginal art and artists who
painted many pictures of Australia-very impressive. We were in the midst
of all of the ferry boats going back and forth and other ships going to
the shipping docks and pleasure boats-just a beehive of acitivity. We saw
the Ibis and fruit bats that inhabit the gardens. The Aboriginal
didgeridoo and beating boomerangs players were all along the quay today.
Have had more excellent entertainment-last night was the entertainer of
the year for Australia, quite a pianist. The fires continue their
devastation near Melborune, the stories of trying to escape the flames are
horror stories. Think there are over 200 dead now and hard to say how
many burned. The T a few days ago in Victoria area broke all records over
117 and with the winds the conditions were perfect for the spreading of
the fires-so tragic, so many losses and lifes affected.
We borrowed Janet’s phone n Sydney-on ship they want
$7.95/minute-were able to contact Glenn and Suzanne in Melbourne our next
stop so they will come to the ship. Glenn flies for Cathay Pacific out of
Hong Kong-so good luck we caught him at home, they are due to leave
tomorrow for Hong Kong (Glenn’s base of operations)then Frankfurt
and on down to Johannesburg where one of their daughters is studying to
become a pilot. That is his normal flying route so Suzanne is going to
tag along this time. They met us at the ship and we had lunch and then
went to a huge local market and I got my Kangeroo skin and ME a lovely
merino wool multicolored long jacket with scarf to match, suits her. They
then toured us round Melbourne and back to the ship. It was a nice visit,
we really did not know them that well having met for a brief period at
Whistler one year. Glenn had recently undergone surgery for Class 2
Hodgkins with chemo and now periodic chemo, but they both look real good.
So we are now on our way to Adelaide and since it is Happy
Valentine’s Day it is a formal night. We received a lovely
Valentine bouquet from someone not sure who!! (Janet, will send this now
and pics later.)
in cyberspace until Janet and Carl visited with us in Sydney, so they are
going to be our personal helpers and send these things for us to our
blogpage-think that is the way it works. The system on ship is very slow
and horribly expensive So hope the first message and with some photos has
arrived. We are now at sea between Melbourne in route to Adelaide. had a
very bumpy ride out of Mebourne (Glenn and Suzanne, we could not seem to
find out if your friend was our pilot or not)-the Capt had warned us of
this spot of rippy H2O. So to catch you up loved the Solomons or
Vanuatus--the people are just extremely friendly and outgoing. Many of
these islands were used by our military during WWII and they seem to
really like Americans. Had very rainy wx there, but the island were lush
and tropical plants abounded. Visited the markets where every kind of
fruit and vegetable was seen and stacks of crabs they tie together with
strips of coconut fronds, very clever. We waded through water during many
of the downpours, danced while banging a bamboo pole up and down with two
rather elderly braless, snaggly toothed ladies who were cute as bugs. At
Port Villa took off with the natives, to snorkel and ended up far out in
the boonies-thinking we only had to call for transportation to come pick
us up--anyhow too long a story for now. The snorkeling was the most
beautiful I have ever experienced-beat the Great Barrier Reef, the coral
and fish were too numerous to name and so colorful an experience to
remember. Fortunately one of the librarians and her boyfriend showed up
(with a cab) so we were saved for a ride back to the ship. Here the owner
had a PIG WHO LOVED TO HAVE HER BELLY scratched, s dog, chickens, and
birds. On to New Caledonia where we had three stops at Noumea were met by
fierce warriors and their clan with their usual folklore group. Toured
the city quite a group of islands around the area, beautiful setting and
beaches. Wx is actually quite mild so far highest T has been 84 and that
was here. Next day went to Ile Des Pins, very undeveloped area-had to
tender in and out very picturesque. Snorkeled and swam some, but may now
be spoiled forever after Tara Beach. This area is supposed to be the best
snorkeling and diving area in the world, maybe on the other side of the
island. Two more days at sea before we reached Sydney where we were so
looking forward to seeing Janet and Carl. Met them at 1030 and had a
“cuppa” prior to going on ship at 1100. Had lunch and a nice
visit. They brought Emu feathers, and Arnott’s Tim Tam’s-1
double coated choc bisquits and the other choc hazelnut flavored mousse
bisquits-to die for. Had a nice visit during which time they tried to
figure out the internet system onboard and dear Janet decided it would be
easier and cheaper for us to just send her our “stuff” and she
would send it all to the blog page for each of you to see. Unfortunately
we had made reservations for Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House
for that night-only night we could do so- so did not get to visit as long
as we would have liked. The Opera was wonderful and very cleverly and
simply staged and the Madame Butterfly lead was great. Next day toured
the new Aboriginal Museum in The Rocks which is again, very well done,
could have spent even more time there, lunch and walked across the
Botanical gardens-we were docked at Circular Quay with the Bridge to
starboard and the opera house to port so we were close to everything-to
the NSW museum where they were featuring Aboriginal art and artists who
painted many pictures of Australia-very impressive. We were in the midst
of all of the ferry boats going back and forth and other ships going to
the shipping docks and pleasure boats-just a beehive of acitivity. We saw
the Ibis and fruit bats that inhabit the gardens. The Aboriginal
didgeridoo and beating boomerangs players were all along the quay today.
Have had more excellent entertainment-last night was the entertainer of
the year for Australia, quite a pianist. The fires continue their
devastation near Melborune, the stories of trying to escape the flames are
horror stories. Think there are over 200 dead now and hard to say how
many burned. The T a few days ago in Victoria area broke all records over
117 and with the winds the conditions were perfect for the spreading of
the fires-so tragic, so many losses and lifes affected.
We borrowed Janet’s phone n Sydney-on ship they want
$7.95/minute-were able to contact Glenn and Suzanne in Melbourne our next
stop so they will come to the ship. Glenn flies for Cathay Pacific out of
Hong Kong-so good luck we caught him at home, they are due to leave
tomorrow for Hong Kong (Glenn’s base of operations)then Frankfurt
and on down to Johannesburg where one of their daughters is studying to
become a pilot. That is his normal flying route so Suzanne is going to
tag along this time. They met us at the ship and we had lunch and then
went to a huge local market and I got my Kangeroo skin and ME a lovely
merino wool multicolored long jacket with scarf to match, suits her. They
then toured us round Melbourne and back to the ship. It was a nice visit,
we really did not know them that well having met for a brief period at
Whistler one year. Glenn had recently undergone surgery for Class 2
Hodgkins with chemo and now periodic chemo, but they both look real good.
So we are now on our way to Adelaide and since it is Happy
Valentine’s Day it is a formal night. We received a lovely
Valentine bouquet from someone not sure who!! (Janet, will send this now
and pics later.)
Friday, February 13, 2009
1st February
Leaving Friday Harbour1 February (I think)
Today is Sunday, but it’s supposed to be Sat. We cruised over a magical golden line in the ocean, so called because both the International Date Line and equator meet there…. At noon yesterday and poof gone was a day never to return!
So due to this and so many other time changes we are not sure what time of day it is in the states. We are right on schedule, had a nice time in H
ilo, since we had previously seen all of the major 
attractions there we walked to Liliuokalani Park just a mile from where we 
docked. IT was a lovely Japanese themed garden with many Japanese lanterns, red bridges, ponds, toril’s and tea house.IT was right on Hilo Bay so we walked out to Coconut Island as well. Could see the ship from there. That afternoon a Hawaiian group, mostly members of a family entertained us prior to our departure, hula, songs etc but I was entranced by the lead singers voice. Emma has always been my favourite Hawaiian voculaist, but this woman was something else. The way her voice floated from one not and type of vocal impression to another was lovely, still trying to find out who she is.
From Hilo we went to Honolulu, again have seen the sights there but never been to the Arizona monument. When flying so much incountry while on air evac did not think I could emotionally handle that as well – it was an e
motional experience for me, but was glad I finally did it. And yes the oil is still seeping up form the ship. We thought we would be brave and take the bus, which we did and it was quite an experience. Some characters on the bus, but we got everywhere we wanted to go quiet efficiently. We also went to Waikiki, wanted to see the Hale Koa Hotel there at Ft DeRussy. Quite nice and expensive for a military Hotel, of course, occupancy based on rank and room. We were docked right at the Aloha Tower. I was utterly amazed at the changes since I was there last. It is now a huge city of sky scrapers and huge condo complexes everywhere. It was a Sunday so the beach was packed. Had lunch at the hotel. Entertainment on the ship has been excellent, so far my favourites as mentioned and a flautist (Canadian) was superb, and an Aussie vocalist was very good. Cannot remember all of them. We have had lots of formal and formal-formal nights. We’ve been good and attended. I wall 4 miles very AM and ME treadmills (excitement yesterday one of the women – tons walk every day – tripped on one of the deck chairs and went down hard. Interestingly I was there as was a MD, so we checked her out and I went with her to her room – she did not want her husband to know she fell, so left her at the door, but told her she should probably check into the clinic and found out later she did.) BUT – our intake is more than the exercise. Food selection and preparation has been excellent. Activities are so many and varied, that once cannot do all of what you want. Today I tried Tai Chi which I have always wanted to do, and looked like a fish flopping out of water. Nini (my sister) just love it so and was quiet advanced did not realize the movements were so exacting. Have one more day at sea (now a total of 7 on this leg) before hitting Vanuatu which should be beautiful. ME has had a bad cold and was in bed all day two days ago. Up yesterday but back in bed today. (Truthfully, think she is enjoying the book she is reading!) will try to have more trip info next time and will also try some pics. Thought we had computer classes on board, but we do not, but have a computer person to help us who is just excellent – redhead Irish girl or so I think, her name is Kelly! Oh yes, all of our dinner mates are single or widowers. Have never seen so many motorized wheel chairs and walkers, and we are some of the few who do not take AT LEAST on world cruise a year – pretty amazing huh?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Update on the travellers
Hi guys
its Janet here - the Sydney friend of Mary Ellen and Betty
We caught up with them yesterday in Sydney
They are having a ball! and asked us to send their love to everyone.
We tried to show them how to post their blog, but the issue is that the internet on the ship is basically at dial up speed (at best) and just doesn't cope with uploading images or text! it is also rather pricey! (40c/ minute!)
so every now and then they will type up and email and email it to me and i will post it
I have an word document from them - but due to Mac and PC software issues it wont open and let me copy paste, so i will have to retype it - I will get to that on Saturday and upload the pictures that we copied to our memory card when we saw them.
the ship would have left Sydney 3hrs ago and is now heading to Melbourne
Janet and Carl
Sydney
OZ
its Janet here - the Sydney friend of Mary Ellen and Betty
We caught up with them yesterday in Sydney
They are having a ball! and asked us to send their love to everyone.
We tried to show them how to post their blog, but the issue is that the internet on the ship is basically at dial up speed (at best) and just doesn't cope with uploading images or text! it is also rather pricey! (40c/ minute!)
so every now and then they will type up and email and email it to me and i will post it
I have an word document from them - but due to Mac and PC software issues it wont open and let me copy paste, so i will have to retype it - I will get to that on Saturday and upload the pictures that we copied to our memory card when we saw them.
the ship would have left Sydney 3hrs ago and is now heading to Melbourne
Janet and Carl
Sydney
OZ
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
reply to email.
Well Hello ladies!!!. Got your letter and email and we are looking forward to catching up with you when you are in Melbourne. The correct email address is barclayg@bigpond.net.au please let us know more details of your stop in Melbourne and we will sample some good aussie "reds". Looking forward to hearing from you.
Suzanne and Glenn Barclay
Home Phone is (+613) 98465991
Suzanne and Glenn Barclay
Home Phone is (+613) 98465991
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