California/Australia/New Zealand/Carribean

13 February 2019 - Wednesday Basseterre, St. Kitts St Kitts and its neighboring island of Nevis constitute one country, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. A 2-mile wide channel known as "The Narrows" separates these islands.    The capital and largest town is Basseterre.   Tourism has taken over from sugar as the major industry here. Basseterre is a small town with a population of 13, 000   -- it is laid out in a grid pattern.   There are two main centers here:   The Circus targeting tourists and Independence Square where the cathedral, courthouse and older buildings reside. Enjoying some shade in Independence Park Phil and I are off the ship shortly after docking at Port Zante Cruise Pier -- very close to town.    Our first impression is a nice little town with friendly people.    We work our way through the tourist area to Independence Square, which had its beginnings as a slave market but is now a large pa...

11 February 2019 - Monday Bridgetown, Barbados --10:00am to 8:00pm In 1627 Barbados became an English Colony made wealthy by exporting sugar and molasses -- and subsequently a center for the African slave trade until it was outlawed in the mid 19th century.    In 1966 Barbados became an independent state of the British Monarchy with Elizabeth I as head of state.    Dockage is in Bridgetown, the capital and largest city with a population of 110,000. Phil and I take the mini bus into town ---   $5 for both of us.   It is a bustling place with people going about their business and tourists wandering around aimlessly.    Last year our Oceania ship stopped here but I was not allowed to get off since I was on antibiotics.   Pat in front of Woolworth - Bridgetown Barbados Phil is somewhat familiar and takes me right to "Woolworth" -- the same type of store that used to be at Washington and Franklin Streets...

09 February 2019 - Saturday Kralendijk, Bonaire - 6:30 to 2:00 pm When we awake we are docked in this capital city and largest port on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands.    The official language here is Papiamentu but Dutch and English are widely used. Phil in Bonaire -- Off the coast of Kralendijk lies the island of "Klein Bonaire" noted for diving and snorkeling. Right after breakfast I have my acupuncture consult appointment with the Dr. Durga.    I like him and think I will try one treatment and see how it goes. Phil and I then walk into town.   The first thing we see is a very large Flamingo made from discarded materials -- it is quite stunning.   This town is full of colorful buildings and shops selling water sports paraphernalia since diving and snorkeling are the main reasons for coming here.    Pat by the "Recycled Flamingo" - Bonaire The water here is azure blue and crystal clea...

Riviera docks in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, about 10:00am -- it is very warm.   This island is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the south Caribbean Sea.   The climate is arid giving tourists the assurance of consistent sunny weather for their vacation. Phil and I are off the ship to check out the location of the bus station.   We are taking the bus to another part of the island where the Hilton Resort is located to meet Jackie and Sean for drinks later this afternoon.   They are on the island for the week from Boston.   Then, we wander around the shopping area, which includes a mix of high-end designer shops and low-end souvenir stores.     However, there is a ZARA   -- and that is where Phil and I part ways.     We are both back on board the ship in time for lunch -- and about 3:00 pm leave to catch a bus to the Hilton. Phi at the Hilton Resort in Aruba As we stand in ...

05 February 2019 - Tuesday Miami, Florida - 7:00am to 6:00pm Today is a "turnover day' with passengers disembarking and embarking so things are a bit crazy.   The Terrace Cafe closes at 8:00am so Phil and I get in just under the wire.    We venture out to walk to downtown Miami -- just over the bridge -- it does involve climbing over some "jersey barriers" to get to the side of the bridge with the sidewalk -- but we are successful.   Pat at Entrance to Port of MIami. Bayside Shopping Center is close by so we take a look -- but alas nothing is open -- we are too early.    We continue walking through Bayfront Park with a very nice view of Riviera sitting at her dock. Moving on we head to Marshall's -- I know they are open -- then to Ross Dress for Less -- then to CVS so Phil can get some cough medicine for the cold he doesn't have.    We have lunch at a tavern in a small hotel across from CVS -...

03 February 2019 - Super Bowl Sunday At Sea This is a welcome and relaxing sea day.   In addition to meals, I attend a destination lecture on Havana Cuba and read in the afternoon until about 4:15 when Phil insists I join him in Horizons to secure the best seats in the house for the Super Bowl Game. Pat and Phil front and center on Super Bowl Sunday. Oceania has two venues for game watching: Horizons with three large screens and a buffet of game day food second to none including desserts and a big cake shaped like a football stadium; and the Riviera Lounge which is a theatre style venue with a large screen. Game Day Cake on Riviera. It does not appear to me that there are many Patriots fans on board -- a lot of people seem neutral on who wins.     We all know what happened -- it was an unusual game but the Patriots did again which made us very happy. It was a fun evening especially given the outcome. 03 February...