June 12, 2024
Ship Update #3 ?
These are the rudders on the ship. They are on the ship aft (backend), behind the propellers and they are responsible for the ship steering. The rudder stock we are awaiting are 2 custom made solid shaft, weighing 2 Tons each, and they fit inside the rudders and are connected via large bolts, in the 2 holes seen here. This retrofit is what's holding us up from leaving dry dock and sailing. This afternoon, we were told our best case of completing dry dock is 6/20 with a strong likelihood of sailing by 6/25. We were given tons of options, but basically have to amuse ourselves till 6/20 most likely 6/24. So, I am flying tomorrow afternoon from Gran Canary to Lisbon and then on to Hamburg, Germany to meet up and stay with my friend Tom Powl. We were supposed to catch up on the original itinerary and have at least a week together and we were both disappointed when that changed. So now we are seizing the opportunity to do it!
Little India is a neighborhood in Singapore that I wanted to explore becase I love Indian food and their Temple's have such unique gods and Architecture, super colorful and detailed. Below is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Singapore's first temple dedicated to Veeramakaliammam or the Kali , a fierce incarnation of Shiva's wife and the "Destroyer of Evil" .
Other residents had a great experience at Singapore's Food Playground on prior visits, so we wanted to try it out! Our first day in Port, twelve of us signed up for a fun afternoon, where we got to enjoy our creations as a yummy lunch. Front row (L to R) is Ellie, Rick, their visiting friend, Sue, Christy and Angela. Back Row - Me, Bosco, Delia, John, Terri & Lori.
We just relaxed on the Island of Koh Chang, Thailand. It's one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it has a dense, steep jungle & National Park covering the interior of the Island, which extends off shore, to coral reefs. The coast line is dotted with beaches and villages. This was a tender port, so we decided to stay on the Island for 3 nights, to be able to experience the nightlife. Turns out, it is low season, so nightlife was pretty sleepy. However, we did find a new favorite night time activity! Any Guesses?!?