Carnival Miracle, Legends

 

As I get ready for my almost 1000^th cruise, this time on NCL, I am reminded of why I and probably a few others enjoy cruising. It is because in one way or another, whichever cruise line you chose, you get the chance to be treated like a Superstar or even pretend to be one.

Last March, we took a cruise on Carnival Miracle to the Southern Caribbean and although I have participated in many other cruise programs this cruise was special. Traveling with friends that share the same zest for life and cruising as we do, eight days on the high seas was just not enough.

 

 

One of the reasons I prefer Carnival Cruise Lines over others is because they have many guest participation programs and entertainment that truly can make your cruise vacation fun. One such program is Carnival Legends.

 

 

 

Legends is a tribute show to various entertainers over the years, from James Brown, to Madonna, Garth and one of my favorites, “The Chairman Of The Board”, Mr. Frank Sinatra. Get involved and you get to be in a theater production show on the last night of the cruise pretending to be one of your favorite Superstars.

After many days in the Caribbean sun, I don't quite make the transition but I give “Old Blue Eyes” a shot. I do it “My Way” and have a lot of fun.

Thanks, Carnival!

 

 

Laos, A Mekong River Village

 

 

Climbing up a steep set of dirt stairs, we are welcomed to our Mekong River Village stop with an almost unfriendly and loud:

“Cock-a-doodle-do”

 

 

 

The ear piercing sound is soon ignored by the smiling faces behind rows and rows of interestingly packaged alcohol. We are at one of the most advertised reason for making this stop. Here is where we can get a free sampling of Lao whiskey and a quick education on how it is made.

 

 

Cobra In A Bottle

 

 

However, a language barrier issue prevents me from learning about what I think is most intriguing, the bottling of some of the products.

 

 

 

 

After two different samplings, first a rice wine with 15% alcohol and then the whiskey with 50% alcohol, I decide I will save my throat and just stick with the rice wine. Conveniently available in a 3-4oz bottle, I promise the young smiling and cheerful salesgirl that I would return to buy one.

A stroll through one area of the village and I come across one of the joys and reasons I love traveling, meeting locals especially kids who seem happy without a care in the world. I remember those days as a kid when you just saw people as people, you were happy, life was fun and you knew nothing about the sometimes unpleasantries of humanity.

 

 

Not surprising this village also has a Buddhist community with unique buildings, temples and various statues.

A brief pause and I watch some of the daily activities of the Buddhist monks.

 

 

On the grounds nearby, vendors sell different handcrafted items from the village. For me, it is amazing to see one lady demonstrating her skills on an old fashioned weaving machine. The finished products are fascinating.

 

 

Laos, A Mekong River Cruise

 

It is not even 8 am and we have already had an almost full day of activities. The only thing this morning that has officially been missing so far has been breakfast.

 

For about US$4, two orders of fresh Laos crepes filled with fresh mango and bananas are served.

Enjoyed with a glass of fresh papaya juice and the most important meal of the day is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick walk from our breakfast restaurant and we wait along a street with others to board boats for a cruise along the Mekong River. Following an airline type boarding process, we descend a steep hillside down to the Mekong Riverfront.

 

With about ten passengers on board, we have first class seats as we set off down the Mekong River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mekong River Boat Views

 

In the early morning sun, the views are visually stunning. It is as if we are traveling back in time across undeveloped lands. Areas along the river are sparsely populated and my mind wanders to a time when this land was untouched.

 

In this area, on both sides of the river the landscape is covered with a thick rich green vegetation and in the distance towering weird shaped mountains touch the skies.

 

 

 

We are on our way to visit Buddha Caves but our first stop is at a local Mekong River village where we can get a free sampling of Lao whiskey.

 

 

Laos, Luang Prabang Morning Market

 

 

A detour back to our hotel after experiencing the giving of alms and we find ourselves walking the morning market of Luang Prabang. Unlike the morning market in Vang Vieng, here the market is spread out along the sidewalks of a few of the cities streets.

 

In the early morning, from fresh pineapples, eggplants and ginger to mounds of hot peppers that I am sure would make you sweat like being in a Virginia tobacco barn, you can see and buy the taste and flavors of Laos.

 

 

You can even do some early morning clothes shopping if it suits your heart's desire. There are also fresh meat and fish vendors with some interesting selections in the offering. We buy some fresh small tomatoes then I sample some mini coconut pancakes, mushy but delicious.

 

 

Mini Coconut Pancakes

 

Leaving the market is when we come across some unique items for sale.

 

Pink eggs, that I assume are from “Happy Pink” chickens and a pair hooves that I am still not sure about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certainly, they are not “Happy Feet”.

 

 

 

Laos, A Few Fun Days In Luang Prabang

 

Our second day in Luang Prabang begins much earlier than most of our vacation days. I am up before the local rooster has given his first cock-a-doodle-do. However, I know our early rising will be worthwhile.

We are up to experience a very cool morning happening here, the giving of alms, a religious ceremony involving the town's famous monks.

 

As a religious ceremony there are rules regarding the giving of alms.

One interesting rule is that women must be seated to make an offering although men can do so while standing.

 

 

Although there are more popular areas to witness this tradition, our first experience occurs along a main street less than five minutes from our hotel. Here, sticky rice vendors provide for a small price the food we can offer as the monks pass by.

It is unfortunate that the noise of the street, even at 6 am, takes away from the experience but I am still glad we got up early to participate in it.

 

 

UK, London Bridge Is …

 

It seems only fitting that my last evening should be spent walking along The Thames to visit the place that was a part of one of my childhood games and British schooling experience.

 

At the end of my “Jack The Ripper” tour, I am back at the Tower of London and start walking towards Big Ben and Westminster.

 

 

 

The night air is wonderful and the sky is clear as lights from various buildings and bridges reflect magnificently off the rapidly flowing river.

 

 

 

Tower Bridge

 

 

To my left, is Tower Bridge with the lighted and colorful Olympic Rings hanging in the center. To my right, is The London Bridge not falling down but all lit up in a brilliant orange accented with white trim lights above it and nice neon blue lights below.

 

 

London Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next along the path is The Millennium Bridge. From here, a glimpse of the lighted dome of St. Paul's Cathedral can be easily seen. In the spirit of the Olympic games, there is another lighted display of the Olympic rings on The Thames that changes from one Olympic color to another.

 

 

St Paul’s Cathedral

All soothing and relaxing to watch from one of the many benches along The River Walk. A fine and memorable end to my visit to London 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Londoners for making it fun and enjoyable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK Jack The Ripper

 

Emerging from the bowels of “The Tube” at Tower Hill, my visit to London hits a wall and takes a serious turn. At 6:40pm, I am on the trail of a serial killer in the Whitechapel district of London.

It is the late 1800's and this impoverished area of London is under the grip of the worst and most brutal murderer the country has ever seen. Victims primarily prostitutes, had their throats slit twice and internal organs removed in what some believe was very similar to a Free Mason ritual.

 

One by one we visit the various murder scenes, from a church where prostitutes circled to pick up customers, to a pub where the media named “Jack The Ripper” and most of his victims drank, we recall the events of those terrible nights.

 

 

 

 

The Ten Bells A Jack The Ripper Pub

 

In all there were believed to be five victims and numerous suspects including a member of the Royal Family. One of the interesting aspects of the case was a writing found at one of the crime scenes which stated:

“The Juwes are the men that will not be blame for nothing”.

Surprisingly a policeman investigating the case erased this off the wall where it was found which in of itself was suspicious. His actions lead to an early retirement and it was later reveal that he was a Free Mason.

 

After what is believe to be the last victim of “Jack The Ripper” is killed, a local businessman receives a letter along with pieces of human tissues.

 

 

In the letter the writer states that it is part of the victim's kidney which he ate and found to be very tasty.

 

 

Last Believed Victim Of Jack The Ripper

 

Even today suspicion remains as to the true identity of “Jack The Ripper”. However, our investigation and sources tells us it was a Polish Jew that lived in Whitechapel. One Mr. Aaron Kosminski who was committed to an insane asylum in 1891 where he died several days later.

 

 

UK, Hanging In Earls Court, Men's Volleyball

 

 

Using the information I have gathered so far, my second day holds great promise of fulfilling one of the reasons I am in London.

 

 

 

From the previous night, I have discovered that tickets are being released on CoSports and London 2012 websites.

However, they are being disproportionately distributed. Nonetheless, I am told the plan I am about to execute has a good chance of producing favorable results. With four different events selected, I repeatedly press enter on my “Toshiba” netbook.

The disappointment continues and lasts for about 45 minutes. At 45 minutes and 10 seconds, as if the London 2012 Gods smiled on me I am given 2 minutes to purchase tickets for Men's Volleyball.

 

I am ecstatic.

Without much trial and tribulations, I am going to see a London 2012 Olympic Event.

Fortunately, I am staying just about a 15 minute walk from Earls Court.

 

 

I arrive there in plenty of time to join the Will Call queue for tickets. In a few minutes, I will be hanging in Earl's Court. This afternoon the first match is Brazil versus Argentina followed by the United States versus Italy. Both matches I am sure will not disappoint.

Entering the venue early, we are not allowed into the seating area so I stroll around and come across an area where there is free face painting.

 

It's a first for me and although not American born, I am proud to have “The Stars And Stripes” painted on my face.

 

 

 

About an hour before the matches are scheduled to begin we are allowed into the seating area. I almost feel like Jack Nicholson at a Los Angeles Lakers game. Our seats are on Level 0, only 13 rows up from court side. Although some say it could not be done, I feel like a Rock Star!

 

 

Playing Conga Drums In Earls Court

 

The air in the arena is charged with fun and excitement as the emcee and performers entertain the crowd. The entertainment is not only fun but also educational as we learn about the history and fundamentals of volleyball along with learning to play conga drums.

Soon it's match time and the crowd really comes alive as the players from Brazil and Argentina are introduced. Although Brazil wins 3-0, the game has been more than fun and exciting to watch. The choreography and execution of some of the plays were just amazing.

As the next set of players are introduced I am even more excited to watch the sets. Team USA, USA, USA! In a first set that is about as exciting a volleyball match that you could ever hope to witness, Team USA loses 26-28 to Italy. I am not discouraged but after a second lost I know Team USA chances are dim.

As the Italian fans celebrate their 3-0 victory over Team USA, I am still proud to show my support and wear “The Stars & Stripes”. Leaving Earls Court I am following a young Team USA supporter who shows some disappointment on his face but on his back I can tell he is also proud of The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave.

 

UK, BT London Live

 

The day takes an exciting turn as I can hear and feel the energy of The Olympic Games within touching distance.

 

Minutes later, I am entering the grounds of “BT London Live”.

BT London Live is a free venue located at Hyde Park that turns out to be a lot of fun.

 

 

 

With huge television screens at different locations broadcasting different Olympic events, it is almost the best of both worlds. I can enjoy more than one event at a time, with the excitement of different audiences, all for free while maybe a concert is going on in the background.

 

 

Mansfield University Marching Band From USA

 

 

Watching Men's then Women's Volleyball, I discover one important and fun thing that is missing when watching the games on an American network, the lively and entertaining British commentary. With references to school masters and words like “squared up” and “squeeze out”, just listening to the action turns out to be very entertaining.

A light rain begins to fall but it does not last too long and open umbrellas quickly fold. Although the day has been beautiful the evening air begins to take on a chill. Something I gather most of the locals prefer instead of the recent blast of summer heat. It is not too long a walk from Hyde Park to San Simeon Hotel and with nice weather I start a pleasant journey.

 

 

I am surprised to still find “Red Telephone” booths along the streets and decide to be a pretend customer. In the age of cellphones, I don't imagine they do a brisk business.

I do know one place in London that does well in business, Harrods.

Fortunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, they were in the process of closing for the evening as I make my brief visit.

 

 

 

 

I think I saved me-self a few quids with me impeccable timing.

However, I think Her Majesty may favor some American Red Cherries, that I might just spring 40 quids or so for a kilogram. If only I could get one or two of her guards to wink at me.

 

Now I have heard about a “hot head” and I have heard about “tooting your own horn” but I never imagined I would come across a hot head tooting his own horn.

 

However, just outside of Kensington South Underground, I do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK On A Mission, London 2012

 

About two hours after landing at London Heathrow, I arrive at my hotel, San Simeon, too early to check in.

However, I do receive some encouraging news.

 

 

I am told by the check-in clerk that everyday some guests have gotten up early to go to Olympic Park and have been lucky to get tickets to various venues.

 

With bags secured, it is back to “The Tube”. About 40 minutes later I am exiting Stratford Station like a cow going on a cattle drive.

However, I feel like I am in good company as I am sure there are a few other cows like myself looking to graze the same pasture.

 

 

 

 

The Olympic Park

 

 

The area around Olympic Park is a little more crowded than expected and that makes my mission a bit more challenging. I cruise through the Westfield Mall, up and down escalators, in and outside of doors, just looking at my dream destination but not being able to get there.

Where are the entrepreneurs that often makes this mission a breeze for me in other cities at similar venues?

With no luck so far, it's time to do some real grazing and I head to a grocery store located on the lower floor of the mall. A wide selection of nicely packaged sandwiches, salads along with other foods and my eyes begin to grow. This is before I get my normal British fix of scones, “biscuits” and chocolate covered “digestives”.

Turn outs this location is a favorite for those wanting an inexpensive meal with fine dining done on the floor just outside the main door. In chatting with another cement floor diner, I discover another tip to accomplishing my mission although I am missing the tools required to carry it out. However, this still lifts my spirits.

 

I rejoin the herd this time headed for Buckingham Palace. I am hoping for a possible afternoon tea sitting with Her Majesty.

 

 

 

Although the area around Buckingham is nicely decorated in Olympic flair, the palace itself retains it's sense of royalty as it “properly” should.

 

 

Buckingham Palace

 

Arriving at the Palace entrance, I quickly realize that the only way I am going to get in is if I can get the guard's attention to show him my collection of American tea's I have brought to share with Her Majesty. I can imagine nothing more royally pleasing than a tall Long Island Ice Tea on a hot afternoon like this or a nice cold glass of the Southern Sweet Tea.

 

Try as I might, I cannot even get the guard to blink. Like a Toy Soldier, he just looks at me with a blank stare.

Guess, I am going to have to drink my Long Island Ice Tea all by myself.