WEEK 5 NEW YORK TO BERMUDA

WEEK 5:

 

15 MAY 2022 --- NEW YORK

 

Got all excited to go for our walk early this morning and watch the sail-in on deck 16, but the visibility was zero when we first arrived, could not even see the water right next to the ship. Thank goodness after a few rounds of walking the mist started clearing, so we could at least see some buildings.

That was a disappointment and a lesson, do things while you have a chance for you might not get a opportunity again, next week I am leaving and on the morning you leave, you don’t feel like doing all sorts of other things, then it’s getting up early, packing last things, breakfast, disembarking ship and getting to the airport.

Hubby is on duty for the day, so it was time to do my last rondloping in this amazing city. I took a different route to the park and passed a church where a service was in progress, so just joined in. I decided to go to Central Park first and had a lovely walk or should I say stroll, for did things slowly today and sat down on the famous benches while I listened to a woman playing the violin, that I really enjoyed, was beautiful and relaxing on this Sunday morning in New York City.

The words on the bench said the following:

To our four daughters: 

STAY CALM, STAY POSITIVE, NEVER GIVE UP, LOVE ALWAYS,

MOM & DAD

Next time I should spend more time reading some of the messages on the benches, most are so inspiring in this beautiful green space in the middle of the city.

Lots of dogs all over, so the dog owners were out early, getting their weekend walks in. One poor little soul even had boots on or shoes, never seen that before unless they are in Alaska and doing that grueling race in the snow. 

I found it fascinating that they seem to be so well behaved. Today they had an Aids Walk in the park and lots of people were getting ready for that. 

 Found a place where you can play chess with lovely views over the park, there a young guy and an old gentleman were playing a game of chess, thought that was special and loved the wisteria that still had a few blooms on and covered the pergola and chess tables, a definite photo opportunity.

Bought myself a cheese pretzel then sat down and watched the horses being fed and coachmen picking up their customers. Horse Cart Ride Costs ? 69$ for 20-minutes, maybe one day!

The horses and carts stables are not too far from where we are docked, have walked past them before. Got hubby some Central Park nuts were delicious, had to test them, haa ,haa, then to spoil him got him a little gift. 

Got to 9 th Avenue and the Food Street Market was in full swing with the most amazing smells all over and the street closed off, so that was nice. 

Corn and meat on open fires, Spanish style or could be Mexican, not too sure felt like buying a crepe until I saw was going to cost me $6, for a plain one with cinnamon and on the ship, I can get it for free, so the ship won!! by this time, I was tired and decided it was time to return to the ship, well ,when I got into the building at Pier 88 there were people all over the place.

Think Bermudas rules with all the extra paperwork is really making things difficult for everyone, and a hassle, hope they decide to change things soon. We left an hour later than planned but what a nice sail out of New York, was a beautiful afternoon and I got a spot right in front of the ship on deck 15 with amazing views.

 

16 May 2022--- NORFOLK VIRGINIA

 

Arrived in Norfolk at about 11, on a warm day and sat in the observation lounge with a stunning view, sailing into this port. Disappointed about not being able to visit the Botanical Gardens and Chesapeake Bay, read a book years ago about this Bay, was a 3-book series which I really enjoyed.

The other thing I would have liked to do is a tour on the military vessel that was docked right in front of us and did take visitors, so all I could do was look from deck 8 and see the other passengers walking around on it. 

Hubby was going to get off, until they had an unexpected inspection from the authorities, so that was the end of his walkabout in this town. At least they got a good report about the medical, so he was happy about that.

Late afternoon we had a huge thunderstorm roll in, brought lightning, a heavy downpour and zero visibility, took a video of that and was lucky to get a lightning bolt in while taking the video.

Tonight, we are going out to dinner in the main dining room of the ship, which has a beautiful view from the front of the ship, so am looking forward to that and have decided to eat a New York Steak tonight, so we will see how that goes down. Tomorrow is a seaday and then we are back in Bermuda for 3 days.

 

17 May 2022--- @SEA

 

WOW, so pas gehoor van n vrou wat 93 is en op die week se cruise, sy lyk vir my na 80, ongelooflik en hulle het n hele span wat saam seil, het ook n banier wat se 90 years of cruising, kan dit wees?? Hulle lyk vir my na Jamacians.

Today has been another lazy day, got up late and last night was an hour back on the clock.

Went out for supper to the Manhattan Lounge and was great, the food was good and nice to go out just sit and chat. I was very glad to have another glass of wine with my food and ended off with apple strudel and cappuccino. Still had plans to read but the ships rocking got me sleeping quickly.

Booked my place on the bus for Sunday, we go on a New York tour to a few famous landmarks before we get dropped off at the airport. Can’t believe my 5 weeks have come to an end, how time fly’s when you are having fun.

Must admit it has also had its challenges with all the covid testing ,9 tests to be exact and not knowing what then, but all has gone smoothly, and we are very grateful for that. So JUST DO IT, that would be my advice and don’t think too far ahead and as things come up, then you decide what to do. 

Did take me out of my comfort zone that is for sure, but I survived and enjoyed every minute.

 My getting off in Miami and having to stay over for 2 nights was a blessing in the end and did and saw things that I never would have experienced.

Would have loved to go to a Broadway Show and see TINA THE MUSICAL cost

 $79---$299 my goodness, dis nogal erg!! Another time maybe, will put it on my bucket list.

Hubby working on our first Bermuda day so want to go back to Tobacco Bay for a swim and rent snorkeling gear to try and see those stunning colorful parrot fish, hope we are going to have better weather this week, so far things are looking good.

 Last night I had to laugh for just before we went out to supper  hubbys day had been busy with lots of dingetjies and he was not bright eyed and bushy tailed, so after getting all dressed up for our date, he said and I thought simultaneously  don’t even try and get a photograph tonight it is not the night for pics, so we had a good laugh about that.

 

18 May 2022--- BERMUDA

 

My plans changed this morning while the crew had a drill and the weather was looking good, decided to rather take a shuttle bus to the world-famous Pink Beach in Bermuda, Horseshoe Bay. After breakfast off I went, took us about 25 min drive to get there and the bus dropped us off right next to the beach. The local busses drop you on top of the hill, so coming down fine but the going back up, will get your heart rate up, that is for sure.

Took a long walk to the far end of Horseshoe Bay, was high tide, so walked until I could go no further and walked past the biggest blue bottles I have ever seen, monsters, will post pics to show you. Gedink met hulle wil ek nou nie deurmekaar raak nie,dink dit kan n lelike steek en brand afgee.

Found a spot with some shade so that is where I decided to lie and read ,was great, very few people around so peace and quiet, just the birds, the waves, and the most beautiful view of this ocean. Tried to get photos of these longtail island birds but that was not so easy, did eventually get a video to show you, they kept me occupied.

The heat got me looking for a spot to swim and close by there were two pools with shallow water and a sandbank with waves crashing over the rocks, thought that would be the perfect spot to swim and lie in the water. I have to wet my hair anders tel dit nie as swem nie,haa haa.

The water was not too warm, I ventured into rock pool nr 2, was lying on my stomach enjoying this pool when I shot out of the water like a bullet ,something had touched my leg, sommer oor my voete geval en n sandburn op my knie opgedoen!!! 

Groot geskrik, only to discover harmless little sergeant major fishes just coming to nibble and check out this weird white skin under water.

Strange feeling when they touch and nibble at your skin, then I just sat still and let them go on with their business. There was a girl on the rocks above, think she must have had a laugh when she saw me shooting out of the water, would have been a good funny video.

Had a great time, glad I came, then I walked back to the restaurant area, ordered myself a Pina Colada ,ook maar goed net n snertsie rum in die drankie. The sun was peeping out again, decided I had enough sun for one day, don’t want to look like a crayfish, so caught the bus back to dockyard. 

The view of the resorts along the coast are really something else, The Reefs and Princess Resort, would love to see what they look like on the internet. That is one thing that really gets to me not being able to be one line all the time and when you do the dollars go flying as the time ticks by, dan is ek sommer op my senuwees en nie lus vir verder kyk of iets soek nie. Kyk nou met ander oe na ons huis se WI-FI dis verseker.

Hubby has been busy with all sorts, cellulitis, chest pain and a fracture of some sort but thank goodness nothing too serious so far. Tomorrow I will hopefully take the ferry and visit Tobacco Bay, we will see. 

Nearly time to get those suitcases out from under our bed, will have to pack hubbies too so that we can get all our things home and check our kilograms,23kg per suitcase. He is flying home a week after me, we are so excited, can’t wait. Begin al droom van braai, sop en brood, koffie en beskuit al die tipe huis dinge wat so lekker is en wat jy hierso mis en na verlang.

 Think if you ask both of us if we have found a place we would want to live the answer will be the same, No, home still the best with all its challenges, miskien is dit die bekende, family, friends, jou mense, hulle grappies, jou dinge.

We have the best of both worlds, he loves his job, is first world medicine and he still gets to go, home.

Truly blessed.

 

19 May 2022--- BERMUDA

 

Woke up to a stunning day, the sea was like a mirror and not a breath of wind, so knew today was going to be a stunner. A new doctor has joined the team on her first contract, so is overwhelming and typical hubby wants to help her settle in and show her the ropes before he leaves her alone on the ship with no backup if there is a drama or emergency. 

Was going on my own for the day, while waiting for the ferry I took out my umbrella for some shade, it was really hot in the sun and people around me were sweating, gone are the days worrying what people think of me or what I look like, did get a chirp about being clever bringing a umbrella.

Took the ferry to St Georges, this time round I sat inside and enjoyed the cool cabin with aircon and very comfortable seats. Once in St George made a stop at the local grocery store for some cooldrink to take on my walk to Tobacco Bay. Had a few people also going to the same beach so on we marched up and over the hill and then you have this stunning view in front of you, the walk rewarded!!

Today the music was playing and a lekker vibe in the cove. Was low tide with crystal clear water and looked so inviting. The water was so clear that I could get some nice pics of the colorful fish, went to my same spot on the rocks, then in I went for my swim. Tried to open my eyes under water but that did not work so out I went looking for snorkelling gear.

 Got the gear and had to pay at the bar but the que was terribly long, so decided to go in and pay afterwards, so off I went.

Wish I could have had a video to show you what I experienced, it was mind blowing, the water was so clear you could see the sand at the bottom of the ocean, every rock, nook, and cranny. The fish were all over the place like swimming in an oceanarium tank, you can’t get enough. I saw all the local fish Sergeant Mayor, Rainbow Parrot fish, Grey Snappers, Spotlight Parrotfish, Bream, Long spine Squirrelfish and Needle fish. 

The water is not very deep so felt comfortable swimming without flippers felt like a magical world, the big fish would hide in the caves when spooked, so I just waited and then they would come out again.

The Spotlight parrot fish tail looked like mosaic work and I just thought to myself how amazing our God is and creation, the finest detail. Another thing that is so amazing here, I left my bag with my money and cellphone on the rocks while I was swimming, and everything is still there when you return!! Same on the ship you on a lounger, need the loo and off you go on your return all is just like you left it, heaven.

Realized I need to watch the time and had to get out of this magical swimming paradise ,so after my swim I went to pay for my snorkel gear .On giving my snorkel gear back to the local man in charge, I told him I had not paid before my snorkel for the que had been too long at the bar and was going to pay now, and  I apologize for that, then he said you can leave it ,but I said no way ,think he was very surprised, hopefully for being honest and gave me a high five and a handshake. 

Decided to be brave and order myself a Dark and Stormy Bermudian drink never had that before, so perched myself under an umbrella with a view over the bay while getting dry before I start my walk back to the ferry in the downtown area.

Wel was benoud dat die dark en stormy drankie my dalk gaan bekruip van agter but thank goodness nie genoeg rum in gehad nie!!! Was eintlik heel lekker en verfrissend in die hitte. Think tooo many of them could have another outcome!

Stopped at local shops on my way back and then it was time for the journey back to the ship. 

The ferry ride is more relaxed than a bus ride but on a bus ride you get to see more of the island and experience the locals which is nice.

On my return it was time to try and connect to the local Wi-Fi to post all my latest phots but what a frustrating time ,could not get connected and the local ticket store was closed so eventually I popped in for a cappuccino at the Frog and Onion pub just to use there wi-fi , oo my genade that little cup cost me nearly $9 but at least it was good, am sorry did not go for the beer but after the dark and stormy thought maybe a coffee would be a better choice, dink net as ek weer aanboord kom en manlief vra wat op aarde het jy aangevang of gedrink,haa haaa

So glad could post most of my pics and video’s but also took forever, even got a message from the boss, asking where on earth are you???? Hopefully was missing me. Moet se na so n geswem is mens vol sand en lyk wild, die hare staan in alle rigtings so dis dadelik cabin toe vir n heerlik warm stort en regmaak!!

Wow what a day it had been and by this time I had to get ready for our date night at Cagney’s ,34 years of being together, as I said earlier in my post. 

Well, I know we don’t look the same but at least we still going strong and when I said how lucky we are, he chirps with his dry sense of humor no my dear, this is a miracle!

Het n paar sakke sout al saam opgeeet en die karavaan het hier en daar op die lewenspad op twee wiele om die draaie gegaan maar deur die Here se genade is ons nog op die pad en dis hoe die lewe gaan, ups en downs en nie net teerpad al die pad nie. Uithou en aanhou en n goeie sin van humor maak dit verseker makliker, he makes me laugh,my ou liefie.

We had a lovely evening with a view over the Dockyard area, good food, our favorite, warm oysters, and fillet, after supper we went for a walk in Dockyard was good for the full stomach and beautiful views at night, everything looks magical. A special end to a wonderful, blessed day.

 

20 May 2022--- Bermuda

 

Today is our last day and it started with a bang!! I was on my way to breakfast and just when I got to the I 95 where all happens under in the ship, I walked into a guy lying on the floor and another guy next to him, my first thought was, is this an exercise going on, for the man assisting the crewmember on the floor looked very calm and not too stressed. I am still coming to terms of what I am seeing when the ships Code Alpha alarm comes over the PA System, then I knew ok, this is serious and not an exercise.

Within minutes the medical responders arrive, hubby in the lead with his whole team. I just watched in awe how they operate, it was amazing to watch and see them working, each has a role to play, an assessment was done and within minutes the guy was lifted on to a stretcher by the stretcher team that exists out of other staff from other departments and off he went to the medical on deck 13 of the ship. 

Just as quickly as it had come it was over and all operations went on as before, amazing. Hulle weet van vasvat en goed doen, dis verseker,die passasiers is in goeie hande met personeel met ondervinding. 

Spent my time in the observation lounge waiting for hubby to finish before we could get off the ship for our last walk in Dockyard.

We decided to spoil ourselves with some ice cream and then it was time to return to the ship. This week our departure was delayed for a crewmember was sent to hospital and as soon as he arrived back the lines were loosened and off, we went, on our way back to New York. So, cheers Bermuda, until next time.

 

21 May 2022: --- @SEA

 

In New York I am doing a Views of the Big Apple Tour. We go to Lower Manhattan, Chinatown, Greenwich Village, and the oh-so-fashionable SoHo district. Drive by The World Trade Centre and 9/11 then Battery Park to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance. 

Traveling uptown we view the United Nations Plaza, Rockefeller Centre, Empire State building and Time Square where the ball drops each New Year Eve. Our last drive by is my favorite Central Park and then we head to the airport.

This is the end of week 5, tonight I will be packing to get ready for my trip home. Hope tomorrow does not have any drama or too much work for hubby but we have leant our lesson and are prepared for anything just in case, so finish everything the day before. 

I need to have another antigen test done (number 9) for my Swiss flight to Zurich on Sunday night.

Have really had a good time and loved every minute, was great to be back with hubby while he works abroad, so we are very thankful that we could be together again after the 25 months of covid and me being stuck at home while he came to work and got stuck on the ship for months.

Well, ek het te gou gepraat,on the last night there was a drama with people that were involved in a fight, fists went flying, security had to be called to come sort things out, some got stitched up and some ended up in the ship jail!! What a way to end you trip!

 

22 May 2022: NEW YORK JFK --- ZURICH

 

Had a quick breakfast before I had to get to my assembly point for the excursion, but hubby spoiled me with a Starbucks cappuccino, then it was time to say goodbye.

The trip was amazing and so glad I decided to do it, the stop at the World Trade Centre, Sept 11 Memorial was my highlight. Got to see the St Paul,s Church it is very close to the place where the towers went down, the building next door to it, lost most of its windows and the church not one, truly a miracle on that terrible day, how amazing is that.

Outside the church is a big brass bell, called the Bell of Hope, the bell is rung every Sept 11, symbolizing, the triumph of hope over tragedy. The Callery pear tree discovered in the rubble of ground zero during recovery operations after the terrorist attack, I found fascinating. It was severely damaged nursed back to health and became known as the Survivor Tree and today it stands tall. It is a reminder of shared strength in the face of tragedy. Wow.

Our guide was amazing and just too many stories to share, he is Tim Dyck’s and does New York Tours. Told us while doing a tour for a rich guy from the East, his wife has her nails done every day to match het outfit, crazy stuff, had 5 kids and each child had their own nanny!! When the husband was tipping him and he says he has never seen a purse with so many $ in it, was bursting at the seams, he kept pulling one out, until wifey tapped him on the shoulder and said enough, he says he knew who the boss was, haa haa.

We road over the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge does not take heavy vehicles was built for horse carriages and cars in the old days. Says in New York no alleys for rubbish it is all put out in the street to be collected. Central Park was built from scratch, was farmland with big boulders and all you see today was manmade, wys net wat gedoen kan word met goeie beplanning en instandhouding.

The buildings in the city with no windows are buildings with only computers, no humans, never heard of that. The washing on the line at Rockefeller Centre was an airing of your dirty washing expo, now I know what all that was about.

Renting of flats in New York can go from $3000 to $6000 per month and then even more for the rich.

Hope you have enjoyed traveling with us and reading about what we get up to daily, where and when the next contract will be, we don’t know yet, that is one thing Covid has taught us, YOU ONLY HAVE TODAY, so until next contract and blog.

Goodbye and God Bless.

(P.S please forgive my wrong sentences, tenses en wat ook al, Miss Marriot my Engelse juffrou draai seker in haar graf om!)