30th August
To our surprise we are still in calm waters: George thinks we are in the Gulf Stream which comes up from the Caribbean and flows through south and west of Britain to Norway. The sea has changed from its almost opaque milkiness yesterday to a more familiar deep blue textured with tiny ripples. The air is mild with a breeze and the skies cloudy.
I’m always suspicious of the Gulf Stream. Many years ago when I first returned to Britain from South Africa as a teen ager, I plunged into the sea on the East Lothian coast of Scotland only to retreat at top speed gasping and spluttering, aching in every limb and freezing. My God! What was that?! South African waters around Cape Town had been a lot more forgiving and I was used to spending joyful time body surfing and swimming. Not much later I was camping with the school Rangers troupe at Benderloch on Scotland's West coast. ‘I’m not swimming!’ I stated categorically ‘It’s far too cold’ Oh don’t worry I was told, this is on the Gulf Stream….it’s warm. It was not. Again I was reassured in Devon…’it’s really warm in the sea here’…. It was not. One plunge into the waves on the stunning beach at Woolacombe…freezing! This Gulf Stream is fictional I decided and I am still to be convinced!
Global Studies today were interesting but it’s difficult to listen when the voice expounding the information is loud and strained. I am very susceptible to a good voice and my kind of ‘good’ voice belongs to George or John Simpson of the BBC or Stephen Lewis our fearless leader in the SL Foundation, Christopher Plummer, Paul Gross, Paul Schofield….or Sting! Yesterday I thought how ‘at home’ I feel too with Michael William’s voice and accent. But on this second occasion in Global Studies I sat rigid, trying to focus on the words and ignore the voice…not possible I discovered and had a struggle to keep awake. Sleep after all is the ultimate escape, second only to death I suppose. Rashna Singh followed speaking in the second part of the ‘class’. Her voice is quite beautiful, soft and easy- listening. However her time was very short which I believe disorganised her and she seemed to be attempting to pick out the salient points in her chosen Feminist text…all of which I agreed with and in fact we had previously discussed…so she was somewhat disjointed and very much slowed down. Sad.
This afternoon Brenda and I will be in Rashna’s class discussing the Moroccan Memoir, Return to Childhood by Leila Abouzeid. I’m finishing it privately in the cabin in case I snooze over this as well, as I did yesterday to my shame. Perhaps losing hours as we are doing almost nightly…we have to lose 5 between Montreal and Casablanca…is the root cause of my drowsiness? That can be my excuse and l’ll stick to it.
8.15 pm Just been to a reception with free wine for Faculty, families and LLL's. Great fun and lots of good conversation in the faculty loungs. Supper afterwards with the two Brendas, Steve, George Amy and moi. We were serenaded by Johnny a student who plays the guitar most beautifilly (a la Flamenco...picking strings) Now all we women are off to learn African drumming from Amy who teaches music. Should be interesting and fun.
Later: The African drumming and dancing was the greatest fun. Amy is good! She has studied this in Ghana. She, Brenda and I pulled every suitable drum we could lay our hands on from a closet behind the lecturn curtains on stage (Left!) in the Union. A workshop on photography was in progress so we were like mice then sat down and listened to the last part. Interesting stuff on using video to which I should have given greater attention.
The drumming was very well attended by students. George and Steve stayed awhile too, watching, and Steve (unfortunately) filmed our rather pathetic attempts at drumming, shaking, cow-belling (not really sure what these beautiful cast iron instruments are called) and, last but not least, dancing. (Now I know where West African Highlife comes from.) Amy was patient and taught us by performing everything beautifully herself first. She smiled through the most God-awful racket as we attempted to please her...we loved every minute. There is nothing better than working and performing together to 'bond' a community because age and position in life couldn't matter less as you struggle together on a fairly level playing field.
George has an early class tomorrow, 8 am, and we have had to put our clocks forward yet again. (No wonder we all crash in the afternoons) Needless to say he is already asleep!
Kwa heri....more tomorrow I hope. Internet rather unpredictable at the moment.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Still calm on the Atlantic...
29th August
I awoke feeling hopeful of sunshine this morning...no such luck. Again thick fog, but no matter the sea is calm and there is a gentle warm breeze. Had a chatty breakfast with George, the 2 Brendas, Steve and Amy. Breakfasts at home always seem so dull after months of scintillating early morning discourse!
I fell asleep in the lounge while reading my homework for Rashna's class. It is a short memoir by a Moroccan writer, a woman of course, but a translation and quite different in content and mood from a Western writer. Embarrassingly I woke up with a start to find Rashna working at the next but one table....'It's a bit dense isn't it' she said! It was, but fascinating in its different way of remembering. Michael came over and we discussed Karoo Moose. He tends to agree with me that it might not be appreciated by the LLLs whom we really know so little about. It's difficult at the moment to think what will! I was happy to discover that this play will be on the student syllabus for 2 of his courses. I think the students will both appreciate it and learn alot from it. We discussed too the terrible incidence of rape of children and infants in South Africa....partly because it is believed to protect from HIV/AIDS! That's the subject matter of the play.
Later: Went to Michael's Acting 1 class this afternoon and he ended the session with the very first rehearsal of "Karoo Moose". The students got right into it and it was exciting to watch. His |FDPs are so interesting: this play will be put on for 700 school children in Cape Town: in Ghana he has invited his students to go with his family (and us) to watch an opera which he wrote "The Orphans of Kimbo", in Vietnam a "Shadowplay': in China Chinese Opera and on and on. Wonderful stuff.
Had great chat with Evelyn Hannon and others tonight in the Faculty lounge at 5 pm. Supper with Amy, the two Brendas(!), Steve and ourselves. Steve has threatened to shave his head as we cross the Equator and to support Brenda we spoke of the possibility of blistered and burned scalps and skin cancer. He listened having no idea what we were doing. We just might have dissuaded him but Brenda has doubts!
Apologies for dull blogs. I find that I fade fast in the evenings which is the best time to do it apart from 4 or 5am! Perhaps it will spice up after Morocco.
Kwa heri and a hundred thousand yawns...
I awoke feeling hopeful of sunshine this morning...no such luck. Again thick fog, but no matter the sea is calm and there is a gentle warm breeze. Had a chatty breakfast with George, the 2 Brendas, Steve and Amy. Breakfasts at home always seem so dull after months of scintillating early morning discourse!
I fell asleep in the lounge while reading my homework for Rashna's class. It is a short memoir by a Moroccan writer, a woman of course, but a translation and quite different in content and mood from a Western writer. Embarrassingly I woke up with a start to find Rashna working at the next but one table....'It's a bit dense isn't it' she said! It was, but fascinating in its different way of remembering. Michael came over and we discussed Karoo Moose. He tends to agree with me that it might not be appreciated by the LLLs whom we really know so little about. It's difficult at the moment to think what will! I was happy to discover that this play will be on the student syllabus for 2 of his courses. I think the students will both appreciate it and learn alot from it. We discussed too the terrible incidence of rape of children and infants in South Africa....partly because it is believed to protect from HIV/AIDS! That's the subject matter of the play.
Later: Went to Michael's Acting 1 class this afternoon and he ended the session with the very first rehearsal of "Karoo Moose". The students got right into it and it was exciting to watch. His |FDPs are so interesting: this play will be put on for 700 school children in Cape Town: in Ghana he has invited his students to go with his family (and us) to watch an opera which he wrote "The Orphans of Kimbo", in Vietnam a "Shadowplay': in China Chinese Opera and on and on. Wonderful stuff.
Had great chat with Evelyn Hannon and others tonight in the Faculty lounge at 5 pm. Supper with Amy, the two Brendas(!), Steve and ourselves. Steve has threatened to shave his head as we cross the Equator and to support Brenda we spoke of the possibility of blistered and burned scalps and skin cancer. He listened having no idea what we were doing. We just might have dissuaded him but Brenda has doubts!
Apologies for dull blogs. I find that I fade fast in the evenings which is the best time to do it apart from 4 or 5am! Perhaps it will spice up after Morocco.
Kwa heri and a hundred thousand yawns...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
First real sea day
28th August
To all my friends and concerned parents reading this blog, we have been reassured that we shall be at least 600 miles away from 'Irene' at all times.
It is a foggy day in the Atlantic: it's 10.50 am and I thought it would have cleared...I think the sun is struggling to get through. It is very calm although newcomers to sea travel seem to be feeling the gentle motion and thinking it's 'really rolling'...no it isn't!
We have had our first Global Studies in the Union. It was interesting and fun...good introduction for students I thought. Emphasising being open to all experiences and being aware that the whole planet is the home we share with millions of others, some of whom we will be visiting and getting to know a little. We were asked to turn and talk to our neighbours to find out what each other's hopes and expectations were. I asked the students in front of Brenda and me. The first said she was open to everything and looking forward to swimming in cages with sharks in South Africa and sky diving. I suggested there might be more to see and was happy to discover that she had already put her name down for a township visit and had actually booked a trip to Robben Island....a v. wise move as it is usually heavily booked. The other student was looking forward to the ports....didn't mention the sea voyage which is such a huge part of the whole journey but I didn't have a chance to ask more questions. Mark Thomas (Academic Dean) gave an interesting and humorous talk on maps and how they can lie.
Michael and Ettie Williams, Anjie and Emma came to our cabin for a drink last night ...Ankie's 14th birthday. She has become a beautiful and mature young woman who told us with great analytical skill why the end of a book she had just read (by The Kite Runner author....A Hundred thousand suns?)should have ended less disappointingly. Michael has invited us to accompany them in Ghana to a performance of an opera he has written....I haven't booked our Ghana trip to Kumasi yet and am sorely tempted. He has also suggested that as his classes are full and closed to Life Long Learners George and I give a class (with his supervision) and use playreading as an outlet for them. Sounds great to me....Brenda will join us.
Rashna Singh was also with us and has OK'd Brenda and I attending her lectures. Writing back to the Empire and Women's World Literature.
Later: Attended two excellent lectures today, Michael's and Rashna's. Rashna is gentle, interesting, strict and dedicated. We have some interesting short essays to read to start....will comment on those when I've done my homework. Michael is exhilerating to watch. We were crammed into a classroom (his choice we could have been in the Union) and he had great student participation. He is funny and wonderful at drawing the students out. I didn't even identfy myself...sat very quietly and gave the wrong answer to the only question he suddenly threw at me. What is traverse theatre...do any of you know? No looking it up on line allowed. My answer was wrong but on the right track. Email me with the correct response!
Tonight had drinks at 5pm with Alfred, Terry his wife (also the LLL assistant co-ordinator) a delightful woman, Evelyn Hannon, Brenda, Mark Thomas and ourselves. Had supper with Alfred and Terry and then Brenda and I sat and chatted with her for ages while the men attended a meeting.
Have just read a play called Karoo Moose which ||michael asked me to read for a possible playreading with the LLLs. I feel it is very African, even South African, and I'm not sure the LLLs will 'get it'. Heart rending and shocking but beautifully and petically written. Couldn't help thinking that it would be marvellous for the students to tackle. They would learn alot.
Off to bed where G. is going to read to me some short pieces about train travel. Should be good. The boat is starting to rock a little so we should sleep well....no sheltering islands now!
Kwaheri, go well.
To all my friends and concerned parents reading this blog, we have been reassured that we shall be at least 600 miles away from 'Irene' at all times.
It is a foggy day in the Atlantic: it's 10.50 am and I thought it would have cleared...I think the sun is struggling to get through. It is very calm although newcomers to sea travel seem to be feeling the gentle motion and thinking it's 'really rolling'...no it isn't!
We have had our first Global Studies in the Union. It was interesting and fun...good introduction for students I thought. Emphasising being open to all experiences and being aware that the whole planet is the home we share with millions of others, some of whom we will be visiting and getting to know a little. We were asked to turn and talk to our neighbours to find out what each other's hopes and expectations were. I asked the students in front of Brenda and me. The first said she was open to everything and looking forward to swimming in cages with sharks in South Africa and sky diving. I suggested there might be more to see and was happy to discover that she had already put her name down for a township visit and had actually booked a trip to Robben Island....a v. wise move as it is usually heavily booked. The other student was looking forward to the ports....didn't mention the sea voyage which is such a huge part of the whole journey but I didn't have a chance to ask more questions. Mark Thomas (Academic Dean) gave an interesting and humorous talk on maps and how they can lie.
Michael and Ettie Williams, Anjie and Emma came to our cabin for a drink last night ...Ankie's 14th birthday. She has become a beautiful and mature young woman who told us with great analytical skill why the end of a book she had just read (by The Kite Runner author....A Hundred thousand suns?)should have ended less disappointingly. Michael has invited us to accompany them in Ghana to a performance of an opera he has written....I haven't booked our Ghana trip to Kumasi yet and am sorely tempted. He has also suggested that as his classes are full and closed to Life Long Learners George and I give a class (with his supervision) and use playreading as an outlet for them. Sounds great to me....Brenda will join us.
Rashna Singh was also with us and has OK'd Brenda and I attending her lectures. Writing back to the Empire and Women's World Literature.
Later: Attended two excellent lectures today, Michael's and Rashna's. Rashna is gentle, interesting, strict and dedicated. We have some interesting short essays to read to start....will comment on those when I've done my homework. Michael is exhilerating to watch. We were crammed into a classroom (his choice we could have been in the Union) and he had great student participation. He is funny and wonderful at drawing the students out. I didn't even identfy myself...sat very quietly and gave the wrong answer to the only question he suddenly threw at me. What is traverse theatre...do any of you know? No looking it up on line allowed. My answer was wrong but on the right track. Email me with the correct response!
Tonight had drinks at 5pm with Alfred, Terry his wife (also the LLL assistant co-ordinator) a delightful woman, Evelyn Hannon, Brenda, Mark Thomas and ourselves. Had supper with Alfred and Terry and then Brenda and I sat and chatted with her for ages while the men attended a meeting.
Have just read a play called Karoo Moose which ||michael asked me to read for a possible playreading with the LLLs. I feel it is very African, even South African, and I'm not sure the LLLs will 'get it'. Heart rending and shocking but beautifully and petically written. Couldn't help thinking that it would be marvellous for the students to tackle. They would learn alot.
Off to bed where G. is going to read to me some short pieces about train travel. Should be good. The boat is starting to rock a little so we should sleep well....no sheltering islands now!
Kwaheri, go well.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Au revoir Montreal, au revoir mes amis!
25th August
We had received notes saying we had to move our own baggage to the cabins we would be permanently in. So the whole lot of us, at the same time, were struggling with our enormous suitcases, backpacks, rolling duffle bags etc on to crowded elevators and staircases. It was particularly difficult for some women faculty travelling alone, especially to manage their forwarded boxes of books which are of course a dead weight. I think/hope busy stewards did eventually carry some of those. We were not officially told our room numbers until 1 pm when we had to queue up for new ID tags. The stewards were rushing to prepare cabins left by guests to the Forum for us, and those we had occupied had to be readied for students. We did not feel valued or significant during these hours believe me although we were thanked by the CEO of the Institute for Seaboard Education Les McCabe at a meeting later!
Brenda came on board. I had earler helped Life Long Learners find their cabins and took some round the ship. They seem like a really nice crowd. Went back to my cabin popping downstairs every now and then to look out for Brenda until I received a phone call from her cabin saying "I'm here!" It was lovely to see her smile again and we sat and chatted in our cabin for some time....catching up on the gossip!
Took her round the ship and went into the Lazer lounge for 5pm Happy hour. Mandy the bar tender was his usual miraculous self dealing with 36 Faculty and 59 Life Long Learners.
Off the ship for our old Montreal supper. 'I want French food please....at least Quebecois' I had said when G. went off wandering to find the best restaurant. He came back triumphant, 'Great restaurant about a 15 minute walk from the ship' he said proudly...'Wonderful!' I responded, 'French? Quebecois?" 'Portuguese.' Ever wondered about being heard?!
Had a great meal with Brenda(1, only because she arrived first!) and Steve,(Business) Amy (Music) Patrick (Religion) and Jane, Brenda(2), George and me. We were the only occupied table inside so had superb service and the food was good. The best part was the good company and much laughter. Unusual situation really...the Canadians outnumbered the Americans by 5-3!
Slept well!
26th August
Brenda, George and I strolled the streets of old Montreal drinking great coffee, buying (me) a beautiful little Buddha (I love and collect them) and ultimately, of course (this is predictable) ending up in '3 Breweries' a large ale house pub. While George enjoyed wheat beer, Brenda and I ordered "samples", 6 small glasses of different tastes and flavours....magnifique!
I love the mixed architecture of the buildings and churches and hearing the French language on all sides. I hope Canada never loses Quebec because the loss of this wonderful, colourful, creative and dynamic culture would be a mortal blow. I particularly love the theatre and the music....but it's the atmosphere and of course memories of France. When I was stunned by the beauty of Quebec city from the water |I remembered my very first visit to Paris and Tours. I went with my Scottish boarding school. We were driven by bus from the ferry into Paris. It was again nearly dusk and the setting sun was catching the gold tips of domes, lighting up the spires and roof tops....again it was pure magic... particularly for this 15 year old who had spent all her formative years in Africa. I nearly burst with excitement...I'm actually in Paris! I thought. To misquote Kipling "from the desert of Sind to the Towers of Zimbabwe.....and on to the domes and spires of Paris!" Spending time there and seeing the chateaux of the Loire was the beginning of my love affair with France.
Back to the present: We barely made it back to the ship by the mandatory 1 pm and walked extremely fast over the last few hundred yards! 450 students had made it on to the ship by then with only about 5 stragglers as far as one could tell from the overhead speakers on board. We had a busy afternoon with boat drill again and whole shipboard gathering in the Union last night to introduce faculty to students.
We sailed out of Montreal promptly at 1700 hours after our 2nd life boat drill at 1600 hours...we're on the 24 hour clock now. I had taught Brenda how to put on her life jacket. She knew from us to wear a hat, long sleeves and closed toed shoes so was fully prepared to make her way from her cabin to Lifeboat 3 A on the 5th deck. We are lifeboat 5 on the same deck. Our life boat officer is Mandy so we were naughtily quipping of the advantages of having a great bar tender with us! (we are supposed to be silent!)
I had unsuccessfully tried to phone my daughters from the ship....they were all out living their lives, how dare they?! Finally managed to speak one sentence to my preoccupied grandson Bryn and his father John. Did receive apologetic emails from Tessa and Fiona last night. It's OK you two you have my permission to go ahead and live your lives!! We still love (and miss) you very much!
It's doubly difficult to leave Canada..I can cope with saying goodbye to the Bahamas or San Diego, but to Canada? It was lump-in-the-throat time for me I'm afraid. However it's au revoir not farewell as we head out to our next great adventure.
We had received notes saying we had to move our own baggage to the cabins we would be permanently in. So the whole lot of us, at the same time, were struggling with our enormous suitcases, backpacks, rolling duffle bags etc on to crowded elevators and staircases. It was particularly difficult for some women faculty travelling alone, especially to manage their forwarded boxes of books which are of course a dead weight. I think/hope busy stewards did eventually carry some of those. We were not officially told our room numbers until 1 pm when we had to queue up for new ID tags. The stewards were rushing to prepare cabins left by guests to the Forum for us, and those we had occupied had to be readied for students. We did not feel valued or significant during these hours believe me although we were thanked by the CEO of the Institute for Seaboard Education Les McCabe at a meeting later!
Brenda came on board. I had earler helped Life Long Learners find their cabins and took some round the ship. They seem like a really nice crowd. Went back to my cabin popping downstairs every now and then to look out for Brenda until I received a phone call from her cabin saying "I'm here!" It was lovely to see her smile again and we sat and chatted in our cabin for some time....catching up on the gossip!
Took her round the ship and went into the Lazer lounge for 5pm Happy hour. Mandy the bar tender was his usual miraculous self dealing with 36 Faculty and 59 Life Long Learners.
Off the ship for our old Montreal supper. 'I want French food please....at least Quebecois' I had said when G. went off wandering to find the best restaurant. He came back triumphant, 'Great restaurant about a 15 minute walk from the ship' he said proudly...'Wonderful!' I responded, 'French? Quebecois?" 'Portuguese.' Ever wondered about being heard?!
Had a great meal with Brenda(1, only because she arrived first!) and Steve,(Business) Amy (Music) Patrick (Religion) and Jane, Brenda(2), George and me. We were the only occupied table inside so had superb service and the food was good. The best part was the good company and much laughter. Unusual situation really...the Canadians outnumbered the Americans by 5-3!
Slept well!
26th August
Brenda, George and I strolled the streets of old Montreal drinking great coffee, buying (me) a beautiful little Buddha (I love and collect them) and ultimately, of course (this is predictable) ending up in '3 Breweries' a large ale house pub. While George enjoyed wheat beer, Brenda and I ordered "samples", 6 small glasses of different tastes and flavours....magnifique!
I love the mixed architecture of the buildings and churches and hearing the French language on all sides. I hope Canada never loses Quebec because the loss of this wonderful, colourful, creative and dynamic culture would be a mortal blow. I particularly love the theatre and the music....but it's the atmosphere and of course memories of France. When I was stunned by the beauty of Quebec city from the water |I remembered my very first visit to Paris and Tours. I went with my Scottish boarding school. We were driven by bus from the ferry into Paris. It was again nearly dusk and the setting sun was catching the gold tips of domes, lighting up the spires and roof tops....again it was pure magic... particularly for this 15 year old who had spent all her formative years in Africa. I nearly burst with excitement...I'm actually in Paris! I thought. To misquote Kipling "from the desert of Sind to the Towers of Zimbabwe.....and on to the domes and spires of Paris!" Spending time there and seeing the chateaux of the Loire was the beginning of my love affair with France.
Back to the present: We barely made it back to the ship by the mandatory 1 pm and walked extremely fast over the last few hundred yards! 450 students had made it on to the ship by then with only about 5 stragglers as far as one could tell from the overhead speakers on board. We had a busy afternoon with boat drill again and whole shipboard gathering in the Union last night to introduce faculty to students.
We sailed out of Montreal promptly at 1700 hours after our 2nd life boat drill at 1600 hours...we're on the 24 hour clock now. I had taught Brenda how to put on her life jacket. She knew from us to wear a hat, long sleeves and closed toed shoes so was fully prepared to make her way from her cabin to Lifeboat 3 A on the 5th deck. We are lifeboat 5 on the same deck. Our life boat officer is Mandy so we were naughtily quipping of the advantages of having a great bar tender with us! (we are supposed to be silent!)
I had unsuccessfully tried to phone my daughters from the ship....they were all out living their lives, how dare they?! Finally managed to speak one sentence to my preoccupied grandson Bryn and his father John. Did receive apologetic emails from Tessa and Fiona last night. It's OK you two you have my permission to go ahead and live your lives!! We still love (and miss) you very much!
It's doubly difficult to leave Canada..I can cope with saying goodbye to the Bahamas or San Diego, but to Canada? It was lump-in-the-throat time for me I'm afraid. However it's au revoir not farewell as we head out to our next great adventure.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Magic!
We've had a lovely day today coming up the St Lawrence as I described. Tonight the icing on the cake was that suddenly as we were standing on deck admiring the view there arose from the river banks a twinkling castle (chateau) on a hill with sharp cliffs beside...Quebec City! What a sight, I cannot find words. There was still a little glow in the sky but it was moments after dusk and here was fairyland spread out before us....pure magic! The Canadian flag flew at half mast for Jack Layton, the motor boats and jetskis were showing off on and over our wake, lights sparkled all along the banks. There are 5 of us on board who are Canadian and we stood together proudly explaining history (George), Wolf and Champlain, Jack Layton and Quebecois which our Francophone companion, Michel Boudrias an oceanographer, demonstrated with great flair!
Later our South African friend, Michael Williams (Theatre prof and Artistic Director of Opera Cape Town) talked of his great admiration for the new Opera House in Toronto where we had seen the Canadian Ballet doing Eugene Onegin. Michael says the ecoustics are the best in the world and he was an admirer and friend of Richard Bradshaw, artistic/musical director of the Toronto Opera who died before the Opera House opened.
We discussed language in Canada and South Africa. Similarities in that French was pushed in Quebec and Afrikaans in South Africa, both policies causing great hardship for many. The movement of people and companies out of Quebec and South Africa.
We watched Michael 'cream' opponents playing Table Tennis....he's very competitive and plays with grace and a dancer's style. Because I love Table tennis i would have loved to have played him but only men took him on and G. said I hadn't a hope. I have to say I beat George every time we played recently!!
Listened to the retired American Ambassador to China giving a superb talk on the future of Sino American relations this afternoon. I was entranced....what a great speaker. We are so fortunate to be able to hear these distinguished people who have great depth of knowledge and are wonderfully articulate.
George has just read out our news sheet. Desmond Tutu is coming on board on our last evening in Cape Town and is giving a talk in the Union. He travelled on the last spring voyage and has been connected with SAS for years. I have always wanted to meet him....well at least I shall hear him. What a privilege.
It is 10 o'clock and G. is in bed...surprise, surprise! I am slowing down on my reading of The Help because I don't want it to end. It's such a great book and I love the characters. I can hear their Southern voices as I read. Wish I had done this before Vieux Carre.
Kwaheri and Go Well...I'm off to bed.
Later our South African friend, Michael Williams (Theatre prof and Artistic Director of Opera Cape Town) talked of his great admiration for the new Opera House in Toronto where we had seen the Canadian Ballet doing Eugene Onegin. Michael says the ecoustics are the best in the world and he was an admirer and friend of Richard Bradshaw, artistic/musical director of the Toronto Opera who died before the Opera House opened.
We discussed language in Canada and South Africa. Similarities in that French was pushed in Quebec and Afrikaans in South Africa, both policies causing great hardship for many. The movement of people and companies out of Quebec and South Africa.
We watched Michael 'cream' opponents playing Table Tennis....he's very competitive and plays with grace and a dancer's style. Because I love Table tennis i would have loved to have played him but only men took him on and G. said I hadn't a hope. I have to say I beat George every time we played recently!!
Listened to the retired American Ambassador to China giving a superb talk on the future of Sino American relations this afternoon. I was entranced....what a great speaker. We are so fortunate to be able to hear these distinguished people who have great depth of knowledge and are wonderfully articulate.
George has just read out our news sheet. Desmond Tutu is coming on board on our last evening in Cape Town and is giving a talk in the Union. He travelled on the last spring voyage and has been connected with SAS for years. I have always wanted to meet him....well at least I shall hear him. What a privilege.
It is 10 o'clock and G. is in bed...surprise, surprise! I am slowing down on my reading of The Help because I don't want it to end. It's such a great book and I love the characters. I can hear their Southern voices as I read. Wish I had done this before Vieux Carre.
Kwaheri and Go Well...I'm off to bed.
Day before Montreal
24th August
Yesterday blossomed from 'misty moisty', as we say in Scotland, to blue skies and bright sunshine, a few white caps but a great sea day. We attended a Faculty meeting during the morning and broke up into groups to discuss certain relevant ship board topics. For 'spice' (as I prefer to call spouses snd family members)it was a chance to have input and an indirect voice. This was not given to us on previous voyages which was,to my mind, a missed opportunity.
George and I had a quiet lunch together, a small necessary break from being social. Personal space had been a point of dicussion during the morning because it is so important when one (student,faculty member or family) is constantly in the close company of others. Both of us have always respected that need in each other too....the 'wisdom' which comes the second time around!
This is our last day sans students, tomorrow everything changes and in a sense
we 'lose' the ship! Suddenly there are young excited voices in the air and a crush of young bodies everywhere. At first there is a slight wariness and uncertainty which soon vanishes as they get to know each other and that incomparable confidence of American youth re-emerges!
We met some interesting people yesterday many of whom will disembark in Montreal. All have connections with Semester at Sea in one way or another. We sat with an elderly man on his own at breakfast. He came from Chicago and his sons had been students on board We talked of his life as a naval pilot on an aircraft carrier, a Navy Aviator, and as we spoke his family gradually appeared; his delightful son in law (Huge sense of humour for that time in the morning) and daughter (who came directly from a Tai chi class) and finally his petite and charming wife who told me of her life as a navy wife (19 moves in 21 years) with her 5 'babies'. Their eldest daughter, a physician, is playing a significant role in the Sino American Forum. On of my secret weapons is to be a 'listener'...there are a few good ones on board but most are entertainig self promoters! As I discovered all those years as a Sexual Assault counsellor, you learn such alot by simply asking the right questions and actually hearing the responses. SACHA you trained me well!
In conversation with a delightful woman in the lounge last night we talked of her experience adopting a young girl from Vietnam, and her subsequent visit (with a Presidential Commission!) many years later accompanied by her daughter. The meeting with family members and her daughter's feelings at that time. (Pam I spoke of you). She showed me photos of this daughter now married in the States ,her husband and two children. Then she produced a photo of her son and said casually 'He married Chelsea' and pulled out a full family photo at the wedding with the two Clintons, her husband, herself and the happy couple! Being Canadian stopped me from screaming out "That's Hillary and Bill Clinton!"....but only just....I kept, by a fragile thread, my British composure! I said calmly 'Chelsea's mum is looking tired these days' a thought I have often when watching the BBC news. She responded 'She is.' Never a dull moment on the MV Explorer.
I read of the 'earthquake' and wondered how strong it was for you all at home? I'll now read your comments on FB. Miss you!
o
f A
Yesterday blossomed from 'misty moisty', as we say in Scotland, to blue skies and bright sunshine, a few white caps but a great sea day. We attended a Faculty meeting during the morning and broke up into groups to discuss certain relevant ship board topics. For 'spice' (as I prefer to call spouses snd family members)it was a chance to have input and an indirect voice. This was not given to us on previous voyages which was,to my mind, a missed opportunity.
George and I had a quiet lunch together, a small necessary break from being social. Personal space had been a point of dicussion during the morning because it is so important when one (student,faculty member or family) is constantly in the close company of others. Both of us have always respected that need in each other too....the 'wisdom' which comes the second time around!
This is our last day sans students, tomorrow everything changes and in a sense
we 'lose' the ship! Suddenly there are young excited voices in the air and a crush of young bodies everywhere. At first there is a slight wariness and uncertainty which soon vanishes as they get to know each other and that incomparable confidence of American youth re-emerges!
We met some interesting people yesterday many of whom will disembark in Montreal. All have connections with Semester at Sea in one way or another. We sat with an elderly man on his own at breakfast. He came from Chicago and his sons had been students on board We talked of his life as a naval pilot on an aircraft carrier, a Navy Aviator, and as we spoke his family gradually appeared; his delightful son in law (Huge sense of humour for that time in the morning) and daughter (who came directly from a Tai chi class) and finally his petite and charming wife who told me of her life as a navy wife (19 moves in 21 years) with her 5 'babies'. Their eldest daughter, a physician, is playing a significant role in the Sino American Forum. On of my secret weapons is to be a 'listener'...there are a few good ones on board but most are entertainig self promoters! As I discovered all those years as a Sexual Assault counsellor, you learn such alot by simply asking the right questions and actually hearing the responses. SACHA you trained me well!
In conversation with a delightful woman in the lounge last night we talked of her experience adopting a young girl from Vietnam, and her subsequent visit (with a Presidential Commission!) many years later accompanied by her daughter. The meeting with family members and her daughter's feelings at that time. (Pam I spoke of you). She showed me photos of this daughter now married in the States ,her husband and two children. Then she produced a photo of her son and said casually 'He married Chelsea' and pulled out a full family photo at the wedding with the two Clintons, her husband, herself and the happy couple! Being Canadian stopped me from screaming out "That's Hillary and Bill Clinton!"....but only just....I kept, by a fragile thread, my British composure! I said calmly 'Chelsea's mum is looking tired these days' a thought I have often when watching the BBC news. She responded 'She is.' Never a dull moment on the MV Explorer.
I read of the 'earthquake' and wondered how strong it was for you all at home? I'll now read your comments on FB. Miss you!
o
f A
Monday, August 22, 2011
Oh Canada!
22nd August
I wrote a long blog yesterday which was dumped into the atmosphere when the ship decided to 'turn us off'!
First of all thank you very much Chris for letting me know of the death of Jack Layton. We were both devastated, I had no idea how ill he was. I had a good cry as I read his letter, we have lost such a great politician and a humble and gracious man.
Our voyage continues towards Canada to my great joy. How I wish I could see some of you in Montreal! Never mind I hope we might meet up with Emmett from voyage 1.
I have become such a Canuck! I want to read Jack Layton's letter to the whole ship...what an example he is to the American politicians of the moment.
Had supper with Michael Williams the South African theatre prof and his family. He is such a live wire and has a great sense of humour. His daughters have grown up and matured since last year. The youngest said "I simply cannot conceive of staying awake for another two hours"...she's about 11 I think. I am still tempted to do his classes because I enjoy him so much but could I keep up?!
Listened to an excellent talk at the Sino American Forum today. Thanked this man this evening for making it so interesting and he looked at me and said "It wasn't me"! Talk about feeling an idiot! Well I was sitting at the back and he did look like him....
Our Academic Dean just apologised to me for not introducing me to Faculty and families at yeaterday's meeting. Each family member had to stand up and their names were called out. Georg's turn came, we both stood and he introduced George, then cracked a joke and moved on to the next person. I slowly and, I hoped unobtusively, sank down into my chair....somewhat embarrassed as you might imagine. So tonight he apologised and said 'I honestly thought I had said your name'. I forgave him. He has great charm and humour and is pretty dynamic I think. He has suggested to George that they give a combined seminar on cricket making it compulsary for all the (American) students to attend! They talked non-stop cricket for a full 5 minutes standing in the hallway outside the Union.....boring! Seriously it will be interesting and fun to have an English Academic Dean. His name....Mark Thomas!
George is on the bed sound asleep and it's only 8.50 pm....does this sound familiar dear blog readers from the last 2 voyages?! It's amazing how tired one becomes after a day on board. George and I badly needing fresh air (we have nothing to open to let in fresh air in this cabin), ate our lunch in a howling gale on the deck outside the 5th floor dining room. As I raised my loaded fork to my mouth half of it blew on to G's sweat shirt so that he was covered with specks of fish and rice....I wasn't popular! I laughed out loud at my hair when I later, after stopping to chat to friends, looked in a mirror in the cabin...I looked as though something had pumped 1000 electric volts into my head and 'wired' my hair. No one had said a word as they conversed with this wild, wild creature.
Had my first pedicure from Angela in the Wellness Spa and my feet look stunningly beautiful....honestly. I keep gazing at them in awe, these toes which I usually hide away in closed sandals are now bared for all to see....brazen hussy that I am.
I am now taking them and me to bed. May flights of angels etc etc
I wrote a long blog yesterday which was dumped into the atmosphere when the ship decided to 'turn us off'!
First of all thank you very much Chris for letting me know of the death of Jack Layton. We were both devastated, I had no idea how ill he was. I had a good cry as I read his letter, we have lost such a great politician and a humble and gracious man.
Our voyage continues towards Canada to my great joy. How I wish I could see some of you in Montreal! Never mind I hope we might meet up with Emmett from voyage 1.
I have become such a Canuck! I want to read Jack Layton's letter to the whole ship...what an example he is to the American politicians of the moment.
Had supper with Michael Williams the South African theatre prof and his family. He is such a live wire and has a great sense of humour. His daughters have grown up and matured since last year. The youngest said "I simply cannot conceive of staying awake for another two hours"...she's about 11 I think. I am still tempted to do his classes because I enjoy him so much but could I keep up?!
Listened to an excellent talk at the Sino American Forum today. Thanked this man this evening for making it so interesting and he looked at me and said "It wasn't me"! Talk about feeling an idiot! Well I was sitting at the back and he did look like him....
Our Academic Dean just apologised to me for not introducing me to Faculty and families at yeaterday's meeting. Each family member had to stand up and their names were called out. Georg's turn came, we both stood and he introduced George, then cracked a joke and moved on to the next person. I slowly and, I hoped unobtusively, sank down into my chair....somewhat embarrassed as you might imagine. So tonight he apologised and said 'I honestly thought I had said your name'. I forgave him. He has great charm and humour and is pretty dynamic I think. He has suggested to George that they give a combined seminar on cricket making it compulsary for all the (American) students to attend! They talked non-stop cricket for a full 5 minutes standing in the hallway outside the Union.....boring! Seriously it will be interesting and fun to have an English Academic Dean. His name....Mark Thomas!
George is on the bed sound asleep and it's only 8.50 pm....does this sound familiar dear blog readers from the last 2 voyages?! It's amazing how tired one becomes after a day on board. George and I badly needing fresh air (we have nothing to open to let in fresh air in this cabin), ate our lunch in a howling gale on the deck outside the 5th floor dining room. As I raised my loaded fork to my mouth half of it blew on to G's sweat shirt so that he was covered with specks of fish and rice....I wasn't popular! I laughed out loud at my hair when I later, after stopping to chat to friends, looked in a mirror in the cabin...I looked as though something had pumped 1000 electric volts into my head and 'wired' my hair. No one had said a word as they conversed with this wild, wild creature.
Had my first pedicure from Angela in the Wellness Spa and my feet look stunningly beautiful....honestly. I keep gazing at them in awe, these toes which I usually hide away in closed sandals are now bared for all to see....brazen hussy that I am.
I am now taking them and me to bed. May flights of angels etc etc
Letter from Jack Layton
This letter should pass down into Canadian History. The country has suffered the loss of a great and humble man. m.
August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
Sunday, August 21, 2011
On Board finally
August 21st
As we sail out of Boston I will say only that we have finally made it to Cabin number 3077. SAS-ers will know that is a student number on the third deck. We are here until 1 pm on the 25th when all participents in the Sino American Forum leave the ship. They are honoured guests and occupy our cabins whilst we learn the hard way what students have to put up with for three and a half months! I miss the joy of opening a door to fresh air on a balcony and the tiny toilet/shower reminds me how fortunate we are to have a bath and shower in our much larger bathrooms. We only have to put up with these minor inconveniences for a few days and we can see a light at the end of this short tunnel. They on the other hand step over each other for what must seem like an eternity. I remember how impressed my theatre class mates were to see our huge space, bath and balcony on our last voyage. One student 'won' an afternoon in our cabin with a long bath thrown in at the big auction!
George bought his alloted 2 bottles of wine in Boston this morning only to have them confiscated by security until Montreal! The rule only applies then but no one said. Mandy is on board at the bar...probably the best bar tender George has ever know....and that's an enormous compliment believe me! Tonight he alone serves about 100 of us up there with speed and aplomb. He leaves the ship for a holiday when we reach Hong Kong...panic!
Have met so many delightful people: if you're readin this Chris (Hill) we had supper with your friend Raksha Singh this evening and thoroughly enjoyed her company. She has offered to take me to find my father's place of work the old National Bank of India (Grindlays later) in Chennai. I haven't been able to do so previously. I shall be taking her classes too on Empire literature....great books to read. George says to tell you (and I agree) that she is much softer on the British than you were in your lectures! She shares my love of the movie Ghandi. (Have I spelled that correctly?!)
Erika Michael Williams and his family boarded today after a harrowing flight from London toBoston with their plane having to turn back because of some unknown fault. Scary stuff! Chatted with Nettie Williams and their two daughters at our 6 pm boat drill....I know we were naughty but it all so looong! I told one woman in short sleeves that perhaps she should put on something with long sleeves before the alert actually sounded and she said "No I swim better in short sleeves"! (Like we're off for a recreational dip!) I asked if she had a hat and she said "I've cruised alot and have never heard of such a thing....have you ever been on a cruise before?" I said 'yes' and she said "This is just a joke anyway"! We had just been told over the intercom by Captain Jeremy Kingston (he's back again Theresa) how serious it was and they had just turned George back for wearing shorts (as we're avoiding unpacking yet) so I said "No it's not a joke"...but, you'll be happy to know I walked away. A woman next to me said later 'I hope she doesn't have cause to regret it'....I hope not for all our sakes! There's nowt so queer as folks...as they say somewhere!
We had a special sit-down dinner this evening which was delicious and the stewards we knew gave us a great welcome...hugs and all! Also met up with Matt Parisi of comic fame...just on until Montreal.
All this mainly for ex-SASers. Wish you were here.
As we sail out of Boston I will say only that we have finally made it to Cabin number 3077. SAS-ers will know that is a student number on the third deck. We are here until 1 pm on the 25th when all participents in the Sino American Forum leave the ship. They are honoured guests and occupy our cabins whilst we learn the hard way what students have to put up with for three and a half months! I miss the joy of opening a door to fresh air on a balcony and the tiny toilet/shower reminds me how fortunate we are to have a bath and shower in our much larger bathrooms. We only have to put up with these minor inconveniences for a few days and we can see a light at the end of this short tunnel. They on the other hand step over each other for what must seem like an eternity. I remember how impressed my theatre class mates were to see our huge space, bath and balcony on our last voyage. One student 'won' an afternoon in our cabin with a long bath thrown in at the big auction!
George bought his alloted 2 bottles of wine in Boston this morning only to have them confiscated by security until Montreal! The rule only applies then but no one said. Mandy is on board at the bar...probably the best bar tender George has ever know....and that's an enormous compliment believe me! Tonight he alone serves about 100 of us up there with speed and aplomb. He leaves the ship for a holiday when we reach Hong Kong...panic!
Have met so many delightful people: if you're readin this Chris (Hill) we had supper with your friend Raksha Singh this evening and thoroughly enjoyed her company. She has offered to take me to find my father's place of work the old National Bank of India (Grindlays later) in Chennai. I haven't been able to do so previously. I shall be taking her classes too on Empire literature....great books to read. George says to tell you (and I agree) that she is much softer on the British than you were in your lectures! She shares my love of the movie Ghandi. (Have I spelled that correctly?!)
Erika Michael Williams and his family boarded today after a harrowing flight from London toBoston with their plane having to turn back because of some unknown fault. Scary stuff! Chatted with Nettie Williams and their two daughters at our 6 pm boat drill....I know we were naughty but it all so looong! I told one woman in short sleeves that perhaps she should put on something with long sleeves before the alert actually sounded and she said "No I swim better in short sleeves"! (Like we're off for a recreational dip!) I asked if she had a hat and she said "I've cruised alot and have never heard of such a thing....have you ever been on a cruise before?" I said 'yes' and she said "This is just a joke anyway"! We had just been told over the intercom by Captain Jeremy Kingston (he's back again Theresa) how serious it was and they had just turned George back for wearing shorts (as we're avoiding unpacking yet) so I said "No it's not a joke"...but, you'll be happy to know I walked away. A woman next to me said later 'I hope she doesn't have cause to regret it'....I hope not for all our sakes! There's nowt so queer as folks...as they say somewhere!
We had a special sit-down dinner this evening which was delicious and the stewards we knew gave us a great welcome...hugs and all! Also met up with Matt Parisi of comic fame...just on until Montreal.
All this mainly for ex-SASers. Wish you were here.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Finally in Boston!
20th August 2011
Who would have thought that George and I would already have had an adventure? We left home on time and were driven beautifully and efficiently into Toronto by Fiona. She grabbed us the only buggy for our excessive luggage..no one else had nearly as much believe me..and we said our good byes. All went well at check in and we made our way to the loung, had our lattes and short bread and boarded in fine order. We took off on time and commenced our flight to Boston. We had our books and wine and were enjoying the sunny blue skies outside and reading when the Captain spoke to us: "Sorry folks but Boston Airport has closed down because of a storm, which this plane cannot fly through safely so we are landing in 15 minutes in Montreal." ...consternation from passengers about arrangements and connecting flights but we thought oh nice! We both love Montreal. We landed and some passengers chose to de-board (?) and we waited while their baggage was identified and removed from the hold. We thought we would probably spend the night waiting out the storm in Montreal....but no. "We have been instructed to fly you back to Toronto" the Captain (a very young woman who should have been in school!)told us. Oh no! Who wants to spend the night in Toronto?! Well...to cut a long story short: we returned to Toronto and were rebooked on a flight to Boston at 8 am this morning. No hotel suggestions, no vouchers....just fend for yourselves. George lost it with customer service....a guy who was being far too casual for G's taste! Not his fault but at least look concerned will you? We collected our considerable (I'll run out of adjectives for our luggage soon and we haven't boarded Explorer yet!) luggage (a sweet customs woman found us a buggy) and made our way to the taxis. A really nice Indian driver (I do love Indians!) took us to the Raddison on Lakeshore and for $200.00 we found a lovely big...as it should be..room. We freshened up and made for the Queens Quay and a dinner looking over the lake and watched all the other Porter Airline planes taking off from the Island Airport....that didn't improve G's mood! Actually I had a comfort helping of fish and chips in true British style and wine which finally knocked the stuffing out of me. After dinner I retired to a long phone talk with Sheila (with happy news of Bess who is chasing the ground hogs away from her lawn and getting on splendidly with Lady. George wandered round the Quay listening to loud music, returned to the hotel, and then we both crashed. (I would have phoned you Fiona but my cell phone had died yesterday morning as you know....and you're long distance.)
I was awake at 5.30am and meditated only to be interrupted by a loud ringing wake-up call. We dressed and took a cab to the airport a full 3 minute drive, grabbed two buggies, (we're learning our way round!), and checked in again. "That will be $21.00 for overweight baggage please" said the airline clerk...g's voice stern and brooking no argument WE PAID YESTERDAY!,...."Oh right...alright sir". I should b----- think so!
Cappuccinos this time and biscottis (how on earth do you spell that?) and a relaxing read. Called to Flight 1943 to Boston and here I am now, having 'brunched' and dumped our luggage with a charming porter, in the Seaport Hotel sitting in an elegant armchair at a huge window writing my blog. The man directing the Taxis was genuine Irish from outside Dublin. Are you a "cultchy"? I asked, a name I learned from a Dubliner I once knew, (it means a country bumpkin) and he laughed uproariously and looked at me with new respect. He also confirmed that our idea to relax in a hotel near the port was a good one...an opinion not shared until then by our taxi driver....another Indian!
So...we board at 3 pm. George wandering around while I typed this has already seen our home for the next three and a half months, the beloved MV Explorer at the Black Falcon Quay, Cruise terminal of Boston...just down the road, thank goodness . Is it still floating then? I asked, he nodded...apparently it is.
Who would have thought that George and I would already have had an adventure? We left home on time and were driven beautifully and efficiently into Toronto by Fiona. She grabbed us the only buggy for our excessive luggage..no one else had nearly as much believe me..and we said our good byes. All went well at check in and we made our way to the loung, had our lattes and short bread and boarded in fine order. We took off on time and commenced our flight to Boston. We had our books and wine and were enjoying the sunny blue skies outside and reading when the Captain spoke to us: "Sorry folks but Boston Airport has closed down because of a storm, which this plane cannot fly through safely so we are landing in 15 minutes in Montreal." ...consternation from passengers about arrangements and connecting flights but we thought oh nice! We both love Montreal. We landed and some passengers chose to de-board (?) and we waited while their baggage was identified and removed from the hold. We thought we would probably spend the night waiting out the storm in Montreal....but no. "We have been instructed to fly you back to Toronto" the Captain (a very young woman who should have been in school!)told us. Oh no! Who wants to spend the night in Toronto?! Well...to cut a long story short: we returned to Toronto and were rebooked on a flight to Boston at 8 am this morning. No hotel suggestions, no vouchers....just fend for yourselves. George lost it with customer service....a guy who was being far too casual for G's taste! Not his fault but at least look concerned will you? We collected our considerable (I'll run out of adjectives for our luggage soon and we haven't boarded Explorer yet!) luggage (a sweet customs woman found us a buggy) and made our way to the taxis. A really nice Indian driver (I do love Indians!) took us to the Raddison on Lakeshore and for $200.00 we found a lovely big...as it should be..room. We freshened up and made for the Queens Quay and a dinner looking over the lake and watched all the other Porter Airline planes taking off from the Island Airport....that didn't improve G's mood! Actually I had a comfort helping of fish and chips in true British style and wine which finally knocked the stuffing out of me. After dinner I retired to a long phone talk with Sheila (with happy news of Bess who is chasing the ground hogs away from her lawn and getting on splendidly with Lady. George wandered round the Quay listening to loud music, returned to the hotel, and then we both crashed. (I would have phoned you Fiona but my cell phone had died yesterday morning as you know....and you're long distance.)
I was awake at 5.30am and meditated only to be interrupted by a loud ringing wake-up call. We dressed and took a cab to the airport a full 3 minute drive, grabbed two buggies, (we're learning our way round!), and checked in again. "That will be $21.00 for overweight baggage please" said the airline clerk...g's voice stern and brooking no argument WE PAID YESTERDAY!,...."Oh right...alright sir". I should b----- think so!
Cappuccinos this time and biscottis (how on earth do you spell that?) and a relaxing read. Called to Flight 1943 to Boston and here I am now, having 'brunched' and dumped our luggage with a charming porter, in the Seaport Hotel sitting in an elegant armchair at a huge window writing my blog. The man directing the Taxis was genuine Irish from outside Dublin. Are you a "cultchy"? I asked, a name I learned from a Dubliner I once knew, (it means a country bumpkin) and he laughed uproariously and looked at me with new respect. He also confirmed that our idea to relax in a hotel near the port was a good one...an opinion not shared until then by our taxi driver....another Indian!
So...we board at 3 pm. George wandering around while I typed this has already seen our home for the next three and a half months, the beloved MV Explorer at the Black Falcon Quay, Cruise terminal of Boston...just down the road, thank goodness . Is it still floating then? I asked, he nodded...apparently it is.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
3 Days to go until Voyage #3
August 16th
Yesterday I made the biggest boo boo of my career. You all know about George's difficulty in getting our Indian double entry visas. Well at last they are ready for pick up. Yesterday on FB Corika (from Explorer beauty spa) whote that she wished all her Indian friends 'Happy Independence Day!" Thanks for the reminder I commented as an Indian born myself, and remembering my parents being in Calcutta on that turbulent day so many years ago. Off George went to Toronto. Well, I rushed around all day getting last minute stuff done, preparing for my friend Jo's big birthday celebration with the network last night for which I had last minute wrapping to do, attempting not to break the crystal punch bowl I had bought for her. I walked Bess and tore round to Mole End to pick Jo up and drive her to the magnificent Mandarin in Burlington to meet Nora, Liz and Audrey. After a truly wonderful evening of great food and greater company I dropped Jo off and returned home.
George was back looking quite tired and not in particularly high spirits. Everything go OK? I asked, 'Guess what day it is today?' he said and as he said it the light (finally) went on....OMG it's Indian Independence Day! I said, 'YOU KNEW?!' Um...um...well.. Corika put it on FB this morning I said...in a very low voice. Give him his due George said very little....which is worse, much worse than the alternative.
Seriously how stupid can one be? Don't answer.
George is going back to pick up our Indian visas today. It's pretty quiet in our household.
Yesterday I made the biggest boo boo of my career. You all know about George's difficulty in getting our Indian double entry visas. Well at last they are ready for pick up. Yesterday on FB Corika (from Explorer beauty spa) whote that she wished all her Indian friends 'Happy Independence Day!" Thanks for the reminder I commented as an Indian born myself, and remembering my parents being in Calcutta on that turbulent day so many years ago. Off George went to Toronto. Well, I rushed around all day getting last minute stuff done, preparing for my friend Jo's big birthday celebration with the network last night for which I had last minute wrapping to do, attempting not to break the crystal punch bowl I had bought for her. I walked Bess and tore round to Mole End to pick Jo up and drive her to the magnificent Mandarin in Burlington to meet Nora, Liz and Audrey. After a truly wonderful evening of great food and greater company I dropped Jo off and returned home.
George was back looking quite tired and not in particularly high spirits. Everything go OK? I asked, 'Guess what day it is today?' he said and as he said it the light (finally) went on....OMG it's Indian Independence Day! I said, 'YOU KNEW?!' Um...um...well.. Corika put it on FB this morning I said...in a very low voice. Give him his due George said very little....which is worse, much worse than the alternative.
Seriously how stupid can one be? Don't answer.
George is going back to pick up our Indian visas today. It's pretty quiet in our household.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
FB
Have just put the address for this blog on Face Book....never done that before. So many people disapprove of FB among family and friends but I have loved keeping up with people I've met on the previous two Semester at Sea voyages. As a result I can keep George informed about his friends...he is one of the sooth sayers!
For some reason I'm feeling much more relaxed about leaving. We're having such great farewell get-togethers with friends and after all we shall be home before Christmas. I do wish I could explain all that to Bess!
Today we're driving up to Toronto with her to Sheila's home for the first time so that she can meet Lady, Sheila's 'rescue' dog, who hates people (except Sheila) but loves other dogs. So my fingers are crossed hard for a beautiful relationship to develop between Bess and Lady and that they will live happily together for the next four months. We drop her off there for the duration a week today. We know Bess loves Sheila...she demonstrates that whenever she comes to visit. Sheila and I trained together in Edinburgh many years ago, although neither of us appreciate being described as "my oldest friend in Canada"! But there is no better description...it has been a long, long time!
Off to watch the BBC news which fills me with horror but after reading George Alagiah's book "Home from Home", his story and the story of the Immmigrant experience in Britain, particularly England, I am not surprised. The gap between traditional 'Englishmen/women' and the majority of immigrants is huge. "Never the twain shall meet" applies in many urban areas.
Enough said!
For some reason I'm feeling much more relaxed about leaving. We're having such great farewell get-togethers with friends and after all we shall be home before Christmas. I do wish I could explain all that to Bess!
Today we're driving up to Toronto with her to Sheila's home for the first time so that she can meet Lady, Sheila's 'rescue' dog, who hates people (except Sheila) but loves other dogs. So my fingers are crossed hard for a beautiful relationship to develop between Bess and Lady and that they will live happily together for the next four months. We drop her off there for the duration a week today. We know Bess loves Sheila...she demonstrates that whenever she comes to visit. Sheila and I trained together in Edinburgh many years ago, although neither of us appreciate being described as "my oldest friend in Canada"! But there is no better description...it has been a long, long time!
Off to watch the BBC news which fills me with horror but after reading George Alagiah's book "Home from Home", his story and the story of the Immmigrant experience in Britain, particularly England, I am not surprised. The gap between traditional 'Englishmen/women' and the majority of immigrants is huge. "Never the twain shall meet" applies in many urban areas.
Enough said!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Second last Sunday
I have just been reading the Faculty and Staff bios for the Semester at Sea Fall 2011 voyage and they are both impressive and, to me, intimidating. They seem to be a brilliant and truly well travelled group. There are so many whose lectures I would love to audit I'm not sure how to fit them all in. There are at least two, and possibly three, women who have studied HIV/AIDS in South Africa and other gender issues that it will be difficult to choose between them. I would like to have something in depth worthwhile to bring back to the Grandmothers of Steel in the way of knowledge and new information. But (never start a sentence with 'but')they are such an amazing bunch of women and there is nothing new under the sun so this endeavour may prove fruitless!
I am, without telling my husband, going off to look for a large and light suitcase. Mine seems to have shrunk! I would rather drag around one oversized than two or three smaller and as they are manufacturing lighter and lighter ones it's time to cash in on one of those.
We visited the agency which supplies Indian Visas, George for the fourth and myself for the first time, last Thursday. What an eye opener in polite but devastating inefficiency that was. So many people were there for the second time, at least, and were still being sent away to correct some small error on their application forms on- line. They had finally put a camera at the back of the room so that the new/ correct sized photos could be quickly done...at a price. George was greeted as a long lost friend by the security officer and the woman who checks the forms before you get anywhere near the three desks where sit clerks who receive the completed forms, ask a myriad of questions and send them off to be approved. Fingers tightly crossed, we made it that far! We must now wait 5 working days before picking up the visas.
We now have all our necessary medical 'stuff' and we'll look like a travelling pharmacy. However, it's worth it because if we need anything while on the ship we must pay..forget OHIP!
Later: Larger lighter suitcase procured! George now doubts they will take it on the plane....now he tells me! It really isn't that large so I'm going to have my fingers crossed. Risky but there you are.
Off to walk the dog. She is very moody at the moment...hates suitcases.
I am, without telling my husband, going off to look for a large and light suitcase. Mine seems to have shrunk! I would rather drag around one oversized than two or three smaller and as they are manufacturing lighter and lighter ones it's time to cash in on one of those.
We visited the agency which supplies Indian Visas, George for the fourth and myself for the first time, last Thursday. What an eye opener in polite but devastating inefficiency that was. So many people were there for the second time, at least, and were still being sent away to correct some small error on their application forms on- line. They had finally put a camera at the back of the room so that the new/ correct sized photos could be quickly done...at a price. George was greeted as a long lost friend by the security officer and the woman who checks the forms before you get anywhere near the three desks where sit clerks who receive the completed forms, ask a myriad of questions and send them off to be approved. Fingers tightly crossed, we made it that far! We must now wait 5 working days before picking up the visas.
We now have all our necessary medical 'stuff' and we'll look like a travelling pharmacy. However, it's worth it because if we need anything while on the ship we must pay..forget OHIP!
Later: Larger lighter suitcase procured! George now doubts they will take it on the plane....now he tells me! It really isn't that large so I'm going to have my fingers crossed. Risky but there you are.
Off to walk the dog. She is very moody at the moment...hates suitcases.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday 1st August - less than 3 weeks to go!
Oops just realised how fast time is going by...it is 11.20 am and I'm still in my nightie and in denial! Ah well it's a public holiday and George is out playing tennis until noon so I still have time to shower and dress and look efficient before he walks in!
Usually I have some idea of what I'm taking; usually we have all our visas by now; usually I am excited and full of energy....what's happened this time? I feel as though there's lead in my shoes or I'm in one of those dreams where you're attempting to walk through thick mud and can't make headway. Have no idea why.
I did manage to arrange and book our tour to see the Terracotta Warriers in Xian, China. This has been a dream of mine for some time. Found a Chinese travel agency and she has booked our flight out of Hong Kong to Xi'an, 2 nights in a hotel there (which looks good) and we go down to Shanghai to rejoin the ship on the train...which is wonderful as we both love train travel. We have a "soft sleeper" and she has warned us that the train toilet is a 'squatter' with no toilet paper(!)
For anyone who might be interested I can give the agency details...they are good! (About $250.00 cheaper PP than the SAS trip).
Also, going backwards, found a Ghanaian travel agency who will book us (Brenda and me) a car and driver who will take us up to Kumasi, two night stay in the Lake Bosomtwe Paradise resort (which has a/c and great reviews), then on to Akosombo dam and a one night stay there before driving back to Tema to join the ship. I have decided to delay booking that tour until I make sure no one on the Explorer would like to join us...which would bering the price down. Mimi agrees (travel agent) and will mention the tour to anyone who enquires.
Having lunch today with eldest daughter Sheona...just had phone call from middle daughter Tessa, (whom I had thought I wouldn't be seeing before we leave), and they are coming down from Sudbury for an overnight on Friday (yeah!!), youngest daughter Fiona and grandson Bryn coming for a swim this afternoon so things are picking up
Off to shower and dress....finally!
Usually I have some idea of what I'm taking; usually we have all our visas by now; usually I am excited and full of energy....what's happened this time? I feel as though there's lead in my shoes or I'm in one of those dreams where you're attempting to walk through thick mud and can't make headway. Have no idea why.
I did manage to arrange and book our tour to see the Terracotta Warriers in Xian, China. This has been a dream of mine for some time. Found a Chinese travel agency and she has booked our flight out of Hong Kong to Xi'an, 2 nights in a hotel there (which looks good) and we go down to Shanghai to rejoin the ship on the train...which is wonderful as we both love train travel. We have a "soft sleeper" and she has warned us that the train toilet is a 'squatter' with no toilet paper(!)
For anyone who might be interested I can give the agency details...they are good! (About $250.00 cheaper PP than the SAS trip).
Also, going backwards, found a Ghanaian travel agency who will book us (Brenda and me) a car and driver who will take us up to Kumasi, two night stay in the Lake Bosomtwe Paradise resort (which has a/c and great reviews), then on to Akosombo dam and a one night stay there before driving back to Tema to join the ship. I have decided to delay booking that tour until I make sure no one on the Explorer would like to join us...which would bering the price down. Mimi agrees (travel agent) and will mention the tour to anyone who enquires.
Having lunch today with eldest daughter Sheona...just had phone call from middle daughter Tessa, (whom I had thought I wouldn't be seeing before we leave), and they are coming down from Sudbury for an overnight on Friday (yeah!!), youngest daughter Fiona and grandson Bryn coming for a swim this afternoon so things are picking up
Off to shower and dress....finally!
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