Dubai

Sunday 7^th June 2015

Colombo, Sri Lanka – we went on a tour of the city highlights and unfortunately didn’t get access to any free WiFi spots consequently I was unable to upload the blog or make contact with anyone.

Entering Colombo port at daylight we were greeted by a scene of maritime activity from merchant ships either entering or leaving this very busy port to a large array of anchored vessels presumably waiting for a pilot to take them into the harbour confines. Spread out amongst the mass of shipping like water fleas on a pond were dozens of small runabouts either fishing, going fishing or returning from fishing and amongst all this was the ever present harbour security boats zooming around us like circling sharks.

These small but very fast patrol boats are totally painted matt black, the crew who all appeared to be armed with automatic weapons were all dressed in black combat uniforms including helmets and at the front and back was a mounted high calibre machine gun also manned by a person dressed for combat.

There didn’t appear to be a dedicated cruise terminal in the port and Sea Princess eventually berthed at an empty container wharf reminiscent of the choice conditions we present to the larger cruise ships that venture into the Port of Brisbane. However it was interesting watching the hive of activity in this very busy port.  

I haven’t been to India to witness squalid condition other than in photos and film and didn’t see anything like that during our Colombo city tour, Admittedly many buildings look a bit scruffy in places but there is quite a mix of modern buildings, large modern hotels and well known brand name shops. We saw a lot of grand old buildings compliments of the colonial days and earlier. Gold coloured statues particularly of Buddha, seemed to be all the rage and we visited a very ornate and colourfully decorated temple where removal of shoes and hats was a requirement.

Tooktook’s the three wheeler motorised rickshaws were every where and is a very cheap way to get around.

People seemed to be very friendly and even groups of youngsters would stand and wave in a friendly manner to the bus as we passed.

We saw the obligatory snake charmer with flute, cane basket and slithering cobra but gave him a wide berth especially when the cobra decided to make a bid for freedom.

Nancy purchased two blue sapphires while in Colombo!!!!!   

Our next port of call is Dubai where we are scheduled to arrive Thursday morning 11^th June.

8^th June 2015

They take this piracy thing seriously, boat speed has been increased to 19.5knots and they have a lookout posted in each quarter of the ship 24/7. At night the lights are turned off on the promenade deck from dark until daybreak to give the lookouts better night vision. 

Boat action is a little wobbly as we travel across the Arabian Sea we have constant rain squalls, wind and poor visibility with very sloppy seas (moderate seas officially) and we are deviating around what started as a monsoon and has now developed into a cyclone. I don’t think the conditions are troubling anyone though as we all have our sea legs now. It certainly hasn’t stopped us eating or going to the various shows and functions.

One new act that came on-board in Colombo was a vocalist called Peter Howarth, he was lead singer with the Hollies and a West End star. It was a top show last night.

Tonight we have been invited to a casual cocktail party with the captain to celebrate 50 years, should be interesting.

Air temp is 30°C

Water Temp is 30.4°C

Relative humidity 70%