A day in Vietnam on a junkboat

So I finally have free wifi here's a bunch of pics from today in Vietnam on a junkboat where we went to these amazing caves and stopped to pick out fruit and fish for them to cook for us. I chose not to go to Hanoi because it was 3 1/2 hr drive but I was not disappointed.... The caves we went to are a World Heritage Site in Ha long Bay - North Vietnam - stalagtites and stalagmites (which go up and which go down - i used to know :) Saigon in a few days love to all......kg

Nuku Hiva Part 2

Landed January 13, 2011



Blog picture editing not working!! :)

1st Port - Nuku Hiva

1/13/11 First time off the ship after 8 seadays. Beautiful Tropical Island. The people are lovely, laid back. We receive flowers for our hair and this beautiful kind woman greets us with pineapple drenched in another small fruit that's very red and sweet and sour and makes the pineapple look flourescent. They play ukeleles and carve spirits in wood and stone. We walk to a nearby church that is very beautiful - incredible old carved wood door and benches and amazing stories written in stained glass. They have lots of bread fruit trees which I am told by Pedro, a massage therapist from the Philippines, that they survived on this fruit during the war and you can bury them and they last for many months. We wandered into a school and then got drenched in a fabulous down pour and then back on the ship! Oh I have a new friends Sue and David, who are passengers, and we meet them along the way. My photos won't go through - hope to post them in Hong Kong.

Beginning of the World Cruise

Getting to the ship was an adventure because I was given the wrong port location. Thanks to my niece Jenny who was determined to Bon Voyage me, she was in the right location and got us there by cell phone. Arriving at the Sojourn - I was amazed at how beautiful it was. My cabin was a shock. It was like a small apartment with a balcony, bathtub and walk-in closet. I felt so blessed to be given this gift. My manager, Dorathee was so welcoming as was the whole staff. It was a hectic day because I had to create my acupuncture treatment room that night. The Spa - the whole ship is 6* - but I was disappointed with the crew mess and the fact that I couldn't make calls from my passenger cabin. Oh well!!! Now we would do 8 Seadays to Tahiti.
The next day I did my first lecture in the Grand Salon with 3 giant screens, power point, microphone etc. I was very nervous but it went really well and people started scheduling. I now realize that as a very sensitive person it takes a while for me to settle in to a new job, home and traveling life. It's a little like High School and the army!! So it was rough at first and I had many lessons and teachings through this experience.

Bon Voyage Party at Kings

I'm leaving in the morning on the Seabourn Sojourn. What do I feel? Mostly excited and a little numb. Is this really happening? Well I'm packed almost ready to go to sleep and about to start a new chapter of my life. There was a little bit of last minute drama trying to print my tickets but they say I am going all the way to Rome!! yay... and I'm a passenger and a crew person. So follow me I will try to take you on my journey!

Goodbye Carnival Spirit

This will be my final blogging from the Carnival Spirit. I leave in four days! It truly has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. It hasn't all been fun - ship life is often challenging. But I have so many incredible memories of people, places and other stuff! Where will I go now? Well - I've been offered another Aquapuncture assignment in Australia doing Sidney Aukland Fiji and other places. I really want to go - but I will have to leave December 1 :(
Tough decision...It might seem like a no brainer but there are many things to consider. stay tuned... Tonight we are having a crew party out on the top deck. It should be beautiful out there. In these pictures I am posing in front of my promotional poster on our Spa team night out - lots of fun. Then there's the day old Dia de las Mortes platter and finally a spot in quaint Zihautaneo (sp?) So I am sad to go and happy to have a rest. I'll be with family in LA a few days and then Orange County and then????????????????? love to you

October in Mexico

Wow it has been a while since I wrote. It has been a busy time on and off the ship. How am I feeling? Always a good question to ask. I'm tired... I think this might be my only cruise. It was and is an amazing experience. I am so glad I did it. However, it's a hectic lifestyle and I need more rest and healthier food to be a happy 53 year old! Alaska and Hawaii were unforgetable. We're doing 5 day Mexican cruises right now and it's not working out well for acupuncture and other than Cabo for one day it's not that great. My highlight was getting a boat taxi out to this beach for snorkeling. My favorite fish are here. They are black and white polka dot and are box-like and they are usually so small but here there are some big ones. Before I leave I'll be doing two eight day cruises down to Alcapulco. That should be more interesting. So I'll be getting into San Diego in the middle of November without any idea of my next move. Just trying to stay in each day and do it well. Til next time - much love Karena