Albany, Western Australia - 24-25-26 December 2018


24 December 2018
Monday
Albany, Western Australia
7:00 am to 2:00 pm

Our first port is Albany, the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, founded by the British in 1826 as a military outpost of New South Wales to inhibit French aggression in the region.   Shipping was a major industry since Albany was the colony's only deep-water port until Fremantle Inner Harbor opened in 1897.


Phil at the Boat Shed - Albany, Western Australia

Today Albany, with a population of about 35,000, depends on tourism since it is known for its natural environment and heritage buildings.   

Pat on the Pedestrian Walkway into Albany, Western Australia

 As Phil and I approach York Street (main drag) we encounter a volunteer greeter who provides us with a walking tour map and info about the town.    We continue our walk up York Street poking into a couple of shops.     Walking back on the other side of York Street, we pass three young girls singing Christmas Carols and a small flea market where Phil purchases two "David Baldacci" books.


Singing Christmas Carols in Albany, Western Australia

Phil heads back to the ship but I stay a bit longer taking part of the walking tour.  This is a lovely town with friendly people and a spotless public restroom.   It reminds me of West Union, Iowa where my youngest brother was the town manager for several months during the 1970's.   I was living in Ohio at the time and since it was closer to Iowa than Massachusetts, my parents dispatched me to make sure Matthew was doing okay in West Union.  He was. 

I walk by a few of the "heritage buildings" and then head back to the ship to meet Phil for lunch.

After lunch, I have a spa treatment, which includes a massage and an exfoliation -- very relaxing -- especially since I used my credit.    

Our Christmas Eve dinner is in the main dining room with Colette and Marc -- lovely window table and a wonderful meal.  We have a reminder in our cabins to turn our clocks ahead one hour tonight.


Christmas Eve Dinner





Tuesday
Cruising the Southern Ocean
25 December 2018
Merry Christmas


Even though it is Christmas Day, onboard the Quest it is like any other sea day.  We have breakfast; I attend Mass and an interesting lecture on Australia's history. 


Phil relaxing on the pool deck on Christmas Day


After lunch -- I work on this blog -- and get ready for Christmas Day dinner in the main dining room.   Everything is festive with a special menu and paper crowns  -- should one desire to wear them.  


Christmas Caroling in the Dining Room

After dinner, Colette, Marc and I decide to go to the show  "A Night of Jazz" with Geoffrey Jones -- our assistant cruise director.  Geoffrey has a lovely voice and the show is enjoyable.   There are so many talented people in this world, although I am not one of them, I do admire talent in others.


Colette and Pat on Christmas Day.
Phil and I exchange Christmas Stockings -- he receives the watch I mentioned in an earlier post and I am presented with a lovely necklace.

Merry Christmas to All.

Thanks for Reading.

Pat



Wednesday
26 December 2018
Cruising the Southern Ocean

Barbecue Lunch on Boxing Day!

 
Another sea day with lots of activities -- none of which interest me.  We do attend the barbecue lunch on the pool deck -- even though it is a bit chilly.  Phil and I are able to work our way into the laundry room -- which is a bigger deal than one might realize.


Santa on the Barbecue Buffet on Boxing Day.

Dinner is in the steakhouse tonight with Marc and Colette.

A nice relaxing day!

Thanks for Reading.

Pat


Comments

  1. Sharon BalmforthJanuary 7, 2019 at 8:13 AM

    I love the "Christmas Eve" portrait of you, Phil, Colette and Marc. Phil looks completely at home on board. Boxing Day. Santa looks edible. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

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