And now Hurricane Helene may be knocking at our door as we are trying to leave!

We landed! \240We are in Greece! \240First country of our ATW trip! \240 We took the blue line metro then red and then walked about 20 minutes to finally get to Evie’s house! \240She was just coming home from work. \240We go up 1 floor to her apartment and was shown around, told about Frankie and being mindful of not allowing her in the room with a balcony door open. \240Also shared that her dog had ran away 2 weeks ago. \240She is still hopeful that he’ll come home still. \240And she was gone…Frankie was our responsibility!

We ran to the market and picked up some yogurts, milk, granola, cheese and chocolate (the essentials) and came back home and went to bed.

So, typical of Harvey, he wakes up at 1 and goes out to the office balcony to enjoy fresh air, comes in and doesn’t latch the door and comes to sit a minute on the couch. \240He falls asleep and wakes up about an hour later and the office balcony door is open and no Frankie! \240I wake up at 3 and go to check on Harvey and hear the story. \240Could it get any worse on our first day here??? \240Oh yes it can!

Frankie!

After initially freaking out a little, I look out the balcony and Frankie is on the next level below us on the steps. \240She’s very skittish of us. \240I take a slice of cheese (thankfully we just went to the market) and I throw pieces out rolled up in little balls luring her into the office. \240So Harvey goes back to bed and I lay there praying so very hard for Frankie to come back inside. \240I keep getting up to see if Frankie is going for the bait. \240Finally, I see a cat on the balcony!! \240I run back to the bedroom and tell Harvey that Frankie is almost home. \240I go get some more cheese and make more little balls through the office and into the kitchen.

I then go back to the living room to wait for Frankie and a celebration! \240Did I mention that I was praying REALLY hard? \240Anyway, while waiting on Frankie, I heard a hissing in the office! \240I jump up and there’s not 1 cat, but 2 eating the cheese!!!

I yell for Harvey to get up and help me. \240I’ve got 2 cats in the office and I hope at least 1 is Frankie!!!

Praise God, we get rid of 1 cat and it wasn’t Frankie!! \240Frankie is now home, fat and happy with all her cheese, and Evie doesn’t need to worry about her dog, she has 2 cats!! \240The black cat won’t go away!!

And just think, we still have 103 more days on this adventure!! \240🤣😂

After we finished with the Acropolis Museum, we spent 3 hours trying to get a legal print out of a document and mailed. \240 Jiminy! \240I thought the US post office was slow! \240We caught a cab on the way home and the driver tried to scam us and double the price from 20 to 40 euros! \240In hindsight, he would only take cash, and he didn’t have a meter, so probably was a major scammer! \240We said no and jumped out. \240Ok, so actually I pushed Harvey and said, No…go! \240I had read how many pretend to be a taxi driver. \240We were exhausted from our short night of sleep thanks to Frankie and quickly crawled in bed for a nap. \240What an exciting 24 hours!

BFF Frankie!

High today was 90. \240We walked down to a local restaurant about 25 minutes away and had a great ravioli with spinach in them and Harvey had the most tender lamb and pasta. \240Came back by Uber…my leg was acting up again and needed the rest. \240Harvey took a nap and I hung up the light load of laundry to dry. \240Almost time to start our next leg of the trip…the 7 day cruise! \240Athens was nice to cross off my list and IMO, 1 day was enough to visit. \240It was just a big city…

A nice welcome with fruit, cheese and a bottle of champagne to say Bon voyage!

With a beautiful verandah for each suite. \240Harvey has a place to go every night without worrying about a cat slipping out! \240Got a cute little magnet to always remember Frankie. \240We listened to a British comedian…he was good!

We also visited a cute ski hotel for a cup of coffee/tea and a bite of cake. \240Then back in the jeep and a stop at a “little” local winery that produces 380,000 bottles a year!

Then back to the ship for formal night to wear our ballgowns and tuxes! \240We left ours at home since they wouldn’t fit in our carry-ons or backpacks. \240So we weren’t allowed to eat at the fancy restaurants, but we did dine at The Colonade and had escargot, lobster (nice sized) and already out of his shell, and split a chataubriand! \240I’ll take being kicked out if I can always have that meal!!

Ship was rocking a lot yesterday, took a Dramamine to help me go to sleep at night! Today’s port stop is Antalya, Turkey. \240Our third country of 11. \240Started the morning with a special tour of the Antalya Museum. \240Very interesting! \240Special tour provided for free by our travel agency.

Then on to the Aspendos Theatre! \240Best preserved ancient theatre in the world. \240Hard to believe no earthquakes have destroyed. \240Earthquakes are very popular in this part of the world. \240Learned a theatre is only 1/2 circle…amphitheater is a whole (2 half circles).

About a 45 minute drive but absolutely loved this tour! \240It was hot out, I can’t imagine going in the summertime, but so interesting to hear about how they lived, how the architecture was built and amazingly how so much architecture survived!

Next stop Perge! \240City for the wealthiest. \240Location where most of the artifacts were found because of the wealth in the area.

12,000 could sit in the stadium, the horseshoe above the pinned 1 - wrestling, track and field, chariot races, gladiator fights in the gated off arena. \240Seats survived through the ages.

No morter used to build the arches.

Had the very best Turkish lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay. \240Shared our table with the tour guide and his wife. \240We got a special pumpkin dessert that was out of this world!

Then we came back to the room and didn’t take a nap since it was already after 2! \240Walked around the shop a bit then back to the room and I ordered a Caesar salad and chocolate soufflé. \240We went back to the casino and I came back while Harvey played about 10 minutes more. \240He’s now just $120 in the hole! \240Another early rise tomorrow!

Early morning wake up to watch the sunrise as we were coming into port at Marmaris.

Took an hour long bus ride to this river…beautiful day!

Tombs about 2400 years old…for the rich!

Pomegranates everywhere as big as apples!

Climbed up the hill to see the ruins. \240Definitely another exercise day! \240Theatre is Greek…only for plays and comedies.

Then we stopped at Iztuzu beach to see the turtles. \240They also have a turtle sanctuary here!

Very enjoyable tour but boy was she talkative!

I’d guess we’re in Turkeye!

My honey…in Turkey on an absolutely beautiful day!

Got back to the room and had our happy honeymoon and retirement party with 2 bottles of wine, rose petals on the bed with 2 swans towels kissing to make a heart, and a hot tub drawn with rose petals floating!

Then after dinner, came back to the room and had a tray of truffles and chocolate covered strawberries! \240What a delightful day and celebration!

Crete is the largest island making up modern day Greece.

350 lepers at one time. \240Over 1200 for the life of the colony and approximately 70 left at the end of the colonization. \240We learned all about the takeover of the island several times then they forced the lepors to live there. \240They received a small pension to barely survive.

Short but enjoyable trip! \240Headed back to ship to enjoy a glass of wine and a charcuterie board from room service! \240(which never came!) Then off for a 100 minute massage while Harvey napped!

Then time for our special dinner reservations at Soleil! \240

We split a 32oz porterhouse that was out of this world! \240We also got a side of prawns that were bigger than most lobsters! \240The white asparagus on the side was delicious! \240When we were 1/2 way thru, Harvey started eyeballing the bone! \240How do we get a doggie bag to take home?!! \240We told the waiter we wanted to wrap up the meat and bone to take back to the room… we couldn’t leave it for waste! \240He told us he had to ask the manager!!! \240How embarrassing! \240He came over and discreetly said he would send the leftovers to our suite! \240He \240then stated that the bone was his favorite part! \240We cracked up…this staff was amazing!!

Slept in this morning without an alarm clock for our last full day on the ship with no excursion plans. \240Walked around town a little seeing the tourist shops and bars. \240

Sat at a local bar and enjoyed the day, the culture, my local beer and life in general! \240Harvey not so much his Bloody Mary!

Cats EVERYWHERE on all of the islands! \240Must represent good luck??

According to Google…Cats, in olden days, were considered good luck and were considered protectors. They were also adopted to signify the greek attitude of life, Greece then embraced cats as the free spirits they are, allowing them to roam free in the streets and lie near the ancient ruins of temples and monuments from ancient times.

Came on back to the ship to do laundry. \240Seabourn has been amazing and I hate to see this cruise end…but time to move off the boat tomorrow and on to Santorini.

Got notice this morning that North Thailand is having monsoon rains. \240Also STEP notice from India consulate that heightened awareness for terrorists on anniversary of Israeli war October 10. \240Also heard Nepal had weather issues too…geesh is it the beginning of the end??

Back to where it all started…Athens port and time to say goodbye to all of our new friends and Seabourn. \240We hope to meet again!

Now we take a taxi to the airport and wait for our flight to Santorini. \240Sky Express notified us yesterday that our flight has been delayed 1/2 hour.

Bye Seaborne!

20-30,000 eggs a day for passengers and employees! \240Next time I want to do a ship tour!

Gorgeous church on the way to the airport

Made it to Santorini and our new home for the next 5 days without a hitch! \240Cute little hotel/suite rented out through Airbnb. \240Just didn’t like the steps at night to go to the bathroom! \240Cats everywhere again!

Walked to town and had a nice dinner overlooking the ocean! \240Just what I was expecting for Greece!

Came back to the room and went to the warm tub…better known as hot tub but it wasn’t even as good as bath water! \240Slept hard, like a baby!

Suites Syrigos in Perissa on the island of Santorini…what an island!!

I was exhausted and almost fell asleep in the hot tub last night! \240Harvey got up for an 8:00 pick up for his first scuba trip of the trip! \240I waited for the delivery of our rental car then took a tour of the island to find my cooking class and then to the village to wait on Harvey’s return…had another quick Fix while waiting!

Wine cellars in the ocean!

Harvey’s diving was a bust for Santorini…no more diving days while here…nothing exciting to see. \240Instead, he will join me in my cooking class!

The people drive like maniacs here! \240Next up is our private driving tour with Paulo for 4 hours all over the island!

Some Santorini trivia today…

1375 churches on the island, but not all, actually maybe less than 1/4 hold services open to the public. \240The rest are private chapels. \240Meaning they are owned by wealthy private citizens who only hold service in their chapels on the saint’s day that it’s named after or other special family services such as weddings, funerals, and holy Friday.

No postal service, 16 years wait list for a post office box.

Peppercorns grow on trees!

Had a nice tour of 3 villages on the island - Pyrgos, \240Megalochori, and Emporelo. \240All so very unique and great storytelling.

The night of Good Friday, the church lights luminaries all around the village.

Paolo dropped us off at a great seafood restaurant in Perissa. \240Sweetest cats for company! \240Harvey had spaghetti with shrimp…with heads on! \240What a mess, but funny!

Then we walked around Oia a little…I’m so glad we didn’t stay here…beautiful but too crowded. \240I can’t imagine during high tourist season.

Arrived at Sharma Farms and greeted by Arnesh and Nimboo….our chef the next 4 days and sweet collie! \240We are staying at a home exchange for the first 4 nights in a beautiful home with a chef and housekeeper! \240So many beautiful birds, including a peacock family!

Sharma Farm

Eurasian Hoopoe

Nimboo…the sweet collie who speaks some English!

Here’s our first Indian lunch...it was fabulous and dinner was even better!

Dinner was chicken and lady fingers (okra)! \240Slept like a rock off and on all day and even better that night!

Red Fort

Speak 22 different languages. \240All start learning English in kindergarten…shared language.

Diabetes is prevalent in India. \240Heavy on homeopathic remedies.

Picked up our guide literally on the highway during rush hour!

Cows in the median off the road.

Then to the Hindu temple. \240Saffron color is good luck…marigold flowers and color on the flag. \240Each god or goddess has something particular in their statue…cobra, riding tiger, conch shell in hand, monkey or elephant face to identify them. \240Swastika symbol came from Hindu…represents good luck. \240Every morning they meditate (30 minutes) and pray (20 minutes).

Went to post office to mail package. \240Man outside wrapped it up and sewed it by hand with a linen like cloth…I think 5% chance of ever seeing it again!

Taking our half down the middle of the road!

Elephants are good luck.

Had a fabulous lunch again and we were only diners! \240New restaurant open only 1 week.

Lotus Temple next! \240Originated in Iran as a peaceful religion…Bali

Dropped AJ off by the metro and said goodbye.

Then walked around Lodi Garden ❤️ and then headed to the market for our dinner lesson!

Had a fabulous time with Neha. \240Used to be in Training and development and left 10 years ago and started teaching Indian \240cooking for tourists. \240We had a private lesson and had a blast! \240Went to the market first and saw the live animals and goat heads, chicken feet, and other delicacies! \240Then we went to her lovely home, cooked and enjoyed the meal with her. \240We enjoyed the conversation about Indian life and he house servant. \240Food was delicious!

Banyon tree 600 years old

Peacock…National bird of India

Said goodbye to Arnesh, the housekeeper, and Nimboo. \240They were a delight! \240Arnesh gave us a tour of the farmhouse grounds.

Our home for 5 days

Arnesh, our chef!

The pool

1/2 of Rajiv’s home

Same time zone throughout all of India.

Farmhouse story

Neha’s story of village helper.

Drove through terrible traffic again to get out of Delhi to head to Jaipur. \240Stopped at McDonald’s and Harvey had egg McMuffin without the bacon and muffin! \240I had a McFlurry with crushed bischoff cookies. Everyone treats us like royalty…as we were ordering, met a young man who tried helping us order on the screen and 2 girls in the bathroom line that let me go first. \240Not sure if they are honoring us for our age or because we are American.

Little “walls to help with the lights of oncoming traffic at night.

\240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240They look like tombstones

Got into Jaipur…very dirty city.

Stopped at a rug shop again and saw a few of the steps of how they make the rugs.

\240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 \240 First, the looming.

Then one caught our eye…they were beautiful!

Signing the back to prove it’s ours when it arrives!

We got one for the bedroom…and then went downstairs and got the sales pitch for the garments tailored to our needs while waiting, scarves, tablecloths and runners. \240We also saw how they stamp and make the cloth by hand. \240Got scarves for Casie and Jelena and shirts for the boys. \240Picked out a long sleeved shirt for Austin and they made it short sleeved in 5 minutes! \240I tried on a saree and Harvey a turban!

I got a square of an elephant that was stamped in the demonstration how they make fabric. \240My favorite stop so far!!

My favorite souvenir…I can’t wait to frame it!

I wanted him…free shipping!!

On to the hotel and got dropped off. \240We need to get to another ATM! \240We’ve taken out 10000 rupees 3 times so far and Euros twice for x. \240Went to the hotel restaurant for dinner and had an ok meal but miss Arnesh! \240Then the man from McDonald’s that tried to help us stopped at our table to say hello again! \240Nice young man that we joined after dinner and chatted about an hour about life in India. \240Nice evening!

Gender reveal illegal

Package with rug sent home.

I love these posed pictures!

Then went to Amber Fort at the top of the mountain by jeep. \240What a ride! \240You could take an elephant ride to get to the top but there is cruelty to them and animal activists are trying to eliminate their use. \240Instead, we went by jeep.

Like the Great Wall of China

Then we entered the hall of mirrors.

Our guide was cute being our photographer for the day!

Beautiful artwork. \240Many stories told by our guide but he was a little difficult to understand.

Did a drive by of a water summer palace. \240Was never used before government took it over. \240Originally built on dry land and then king built a surrounding moat and flooded it with rain water. \240The palace is 5 stories tall but only top 2 are seen not submerged.

Summer palace…surrounded by water created a cool breeze…air conditioning!

Camels used like horses to pull a cart.

On our drive, seriously almost hit a cow. \240He was sitting in the \240median and suddenly jumped up and decided he wanted to cross the road right in front of us doing about 60mph on the highway. \240Geesh…I think I’m going to throw up! \240If driver hits a cow, he has to pay money for it to the farmer. I think Sanje is a little gun shy now of all animals and vehicles…especially cows and motorcycles. \240He honks at everyone now! \240It’s amazing to see everybody texting while driving. \240I can’t believe we have seen only 1 accident. \240Life is hard for many people in India.

Stopped for a potty break and some shopping…but “only have to look and not buy”…we bought 3 more tchotchkes!

Made it to the Tigress at Ranthambore…beautiful hotel and they upgraded our hotel. \240Don’t know why, couldn’t understand them! \240Dropped our bags and ran to lunch. \240On the way back to our hotel, a couple of managers stopped us and said they were moving us….they upgraded our suite to one with a double jacuzzi and great porch to sit and sip a glass of wine….and a decorated bed!

Ran off to catch our jeep and try to see some tigers! \240Saw a mom and 2 of her 3 cubs! \240Saw an eagle, green parrots and a sloth bear.

Green parrots

Black face monkey and lorus monkey?

Bengal Tiger - 80+ in park, usually 2-3 cubs in a litter, this one had 3. \2401961 tiger hunting became illegal. \2401980 Ranthombore became national park.

Deer

Crocodiles

Kingfisher bird

Gold crested Eagle with a snake

Sloth bear is mean and hard to see.

Came back from safari and went to dinner. \240They made a beautiful cake for us and some other Indian dessert…a lot of sugar and Harvey loved them!

Park divided into 10 zones; zone 2 today. \240Drivers are rotated on government list. Our travel agency requested specific zones for us.

Arrowhead! \240Mother of 3 cubs.

Then dinner came with another surprise.

Popular Indian dessert…almost pure sugar and another flavor added…very tasty!

Then time to enjoy the double jacuzzi tub! \240Ha! \240We had water all over the place like an I Love Lucy episode!

Bubbles all over the place!

Summer deer

Spotted deer

Spotted owl

Black faced monkeys

Painted sandgrouse…rare little brown bird that eats small stones..thats what the guide said!

Painted sandgrouse

We heard the warning call of deer about a tiger! \240We saw the male tiger…HUGE…name/number 121. 200 kilos. \240Eats 30-35 kilos a killing.

He was huge!

Mongoose, white breasted kingfisher with a beautiful blue back, lots of birds, turtle, parakeets not parrots!

Saw a jeep/truck get stuck!

This is why you don’t wear a sundress on a safari!

Female peahen, egrets

Tiger hunts once a week and hunts 20 times with success only once.

Came back, had breakfast \240then back to our room to take a nap.

Next drive at 2;00 again. \240Zone 1 this afternoon…supposed to be the best with mom and 3 cubs! \240Beautiful bird sat on our jeep.

Banyon tree…National tree of India

Finally saw paw print of female Nure!

“Bear” in Himdu is Baloo…like Jungle Book!

Love Masala Chai tea with sugar!

Deer are very much on alert…smelling power is very good! \240Deer, monkeys and peacocks give warning calls. \240Tiger is not good runners but are good hunters. \240All will run even if Tiger is not hunting.

Tigers are nocturnal. \240Female tigers fight with one another…mother, daughter, sisters.

5:20…no tiger. \240Time to leave the park. \240Unsuccessful drive, but still enjoyed the jungle. Each zone is like a different world. \240We met nice people from India, Germany, Poland, and France. \240We had the semi-private jeep that seated 6. \240Definitely, the way to go!

Harvey lost his wad of Rupees getting out of the jeep. \240As we sat down to dinner one of the head management came to us and we thought we did something wrong! \240An employee found the wad and turned it in! \240To Americans, it wasn’t a lot of money, to Indians it was…Harvey gave him a significant reward.

While at dinner, our server asked us to fill out a google review. \240We agreed…but he filled out the answers to the questions and I just did the write up!

Interesting how you check the temperature for beer and water like testing wine.

So many people loved Harvey’s pictures! \240I sent them to several and they even took pictures of his pictures! \240I love my photographer!

From behind…

Along side…5 people riding. \2403 adults and 2 children!

Stopped at another store/cafe for a chance to buy more stuff. \240Harvey needs to learn how to negotiate! \240Goats, cows, dogs…are smart! \240They walk along the side of the road to avoid getting hit.

Stopped at Fatehpur Sikri… the residential side and religious quarters for the king who had 3 wives. \2401 each Muslim, Hindi and Christian. \240We did not like our guide…twice he left us to explore on our own and he was always on the phone.

It started to rain. \240A soft gentle rain that was very relaxing and cooled it down aa bit.

Always proud of their service and asking how we like them.

Even cows eat out of trash piles.

My favorite picture! \240A dream come true!

RT was a fabulous guide and we could understand him! \240Loved the facts and stories he shared.

Check off my top bucket list! \240So beautiful and beautiful story

20,000 artisans to build for 22 years sunrise to sunset

Both king and queen buried here

Stain and scratch proof-white marble only one Translucent

Nothing in writing or painting

All semi precious stones inlaid

Used black onyx

Muslim

4 sons, 3 daughters-youngest son wanted to be king and killed his older brothers. \240Dad built Taj Mahall for mom. \240He was wanting

Tombs only unsymmetrical

Built on suspension bridge so earthquakes won’t damage

Minuets built slightly leaning out Incase of earthquake to fall away from the monument.

Absolutely identical on each side except the words of the Koran

Mosque open on Fridays no one can come except descendants of builders. \240About 400 come weekly.

Symmetrical all sides except Koran writing

10-15k visitors daily up to 80-100k during holidays

Red flooring replaced pieces every year, white the original

1631 to 1653 to build

King visited Taj for 5 years before household arrest

Could see Taj from house…parrot in a golden cage

Ebony wood gets stronger in water, used in water well below Taj to withstand earthquakes

Agra population 4m

Air is better in Agra because no factories to ruin the Taj

Deli 34m pop

India 1.4b

Export apples,tea, mangos

Saw artisans making inlay to marble…baby elephant had to come home with us.

King wanted to build black Taj the same for himself but son put him under house arrest and he died there…did not get to finish monument.

Agra fort 1565 90 years to complete

Crocs and alligators, lions and tigers in moats

Keystone arches-take one arch out at top and it will collapse.

Marble flooring in front of Diana’s bench is worn down from every one sitting for a picture. \240My favorite picture was taken from there. \240RT had a photographer friend that took 93 pictures…took them all for 1500 rupees…about $18..I really only wanted about 5!

Dogs all the same in size and looks except for color

Optical illusion on column…looks like 6 sides, not 3.

Books/newspapers not allowed so you can’t just come on property to read all day.

Then came back to hotel for breakfast, afterwards, went to Agra fort …where father was under house arrest, then went to location to see and buy inlay for marble…love my elephant! \240Then went to location for black Taj Mahal…waste of time. \240Came back to hotel and took a nap! \240Got up for another cooking class…only made Paneer and roti…lady was nice and her mom helped! \240They had fixed other dishes for us like a traditional Indian family. \240But no one ate with us…they were fasting for a holiday. \240A little uncomfortable for us, done in 1 hour, but interesting. \240We ate almost all of the food! \240I loved the dessert of white pumpkin with green food coloring boiled in sugar water and scooped into small melon balls and frozen!

Sanje picked us up and drove through “shortcuts” to get home…took longer and we saw the poorest of the poor…very sad, but the ugly truth.

Harveys favorite spot…out the window watching the intersection with the Taj in the background.

Order for cooking….Seeds, paneer, spice

People get on highway without a car and nothing around! \240Saw big bull on the highway that truck was using a big stick trying to get him off! \240Saw 2 guys lifting a motorcycle over a guardrail to ride on the highway…no motorcycles, tuk-tuks, or tractors allowed…saw many!

Sanje unofficially took us to a HUGE Hindu temple! \240Drove about 45 minutes out of our way to get there. \240So glad he did, it was awesome but we couldn’t take phones inside. \240Very impressive! \240Got postcards…10 for 20 rupees…about 50 cents for the scrapbook. \240Got my receipt officially stamped!

Then back to Delhi airport to catch a flight to Veranasi. \240Got into the lounge and had more Indian food. \240I loved the chicken curry! \240Ha! \240Harvey got nabbed to do a survey by the server!!

Only 1 squatty potty and 2 with no paper required and caught me unaware! \240I brought my purse with me from then on!

3.5m mostly Hindus then Muslims

Flight was about one hour late in taking off. \240Our rep for Veranasi was either really hard to understand or we were just really tired! \240Pick up tomorrow at 5:15 to watch the sunrise as the people are bathing and worshipping in the Gante River. \240We had a sweet little cake in our room for our multi- celebration trip!

Veranasi… the spiritual capital of India. \240And we had an Atheistt guide! \240He was wonderful, and such a knowledgeable spirit, but for me, took the essence of the town away. \240He was a bright young man, non-judgmental, and definitely he thought out of the box and spoke so many truths. \240We were picked up at 5:15 and taken to the Ganges River to watch the people wash themselves spiritually in the river and absolve themselves of all their sins. I tried to float a flower candle in the river and it dropped! \240The boat was too tall. \240 He shared the amazing story of the cremation proces while we watched from the boat. \240Afterwards, we walked the streets and saw the poorest of the poor amongst the many temples. \240Our guide was very bright and has been in tourism 14 years but doesn’t like it. \240My guess, he doesn’t like the exploitation of the people. \240I definitely walked away with different thoughts because of him.

Things we saw:

A dead rat, people wanting their picture taken with us, thousands of people selling a small plastic cloth on the ground of their wares while sitting Indian style, dogs laying in the middle of the road as thousands walked around, beautiful local temples, a VR demo of the rituals of the golden temple, a kindergarten class that I heard the laughter of little kids.

Came back to the hotel about 9 and had breakfast and then back to the room to wash again…felt dirty from being amidst the filth, and to bed to take a nap.

Picked back up at 1 to see and learn more about Buddha and Buddhism. \240Saw where he reached enlightenment and gave his first sermon at Sanarth (Deer Park). \240We also stopped by an archaeological location and the museum with the findings…very nice!

In the evening, we watched the daily Aarti ceremony performed at the Dashashwamedh ghats. \240It was a beautiful and majestic spiritual “performance” involving rituals performed by several priests with the sound of bells, drums, cymbals and Sanskrit mantras. \240Our guide got us seats on a frontline rooftop so we didn’t have to get into the crowd. \2401000’s of people on land and in boats. \240On the way back to the car, he got his foot run over by a motorcycle and kicked it after some words were exchanged!

Back to the hotel and had dinner. \240Had leftovers so got a doggie bag and literally fed a poochie out front! \240Made my day and hers!

I’m ready to get out of India…too much constant noise, traffic, smells, sad animals and people. \240I’m sooo glad we experienced it, but it’s time to move on! \240Tomorrow we have a yoga class then we head back to Delhi to catch a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal!

All because of Diwali festival and everyone going shopping! \240Black Friday at it’s worst was never like this! \24010:45 we finally started moving.

Women ride the public buses for free. \240Metros are popular and safe to ride. \240Had George as a rep and Raj as a great driver…his ears and English were great!

Made it to the airport on time! \240Thanks to George, our unfriendly rep, reminded me of the printed itineraries from Odynovo and got us into the airport and checked in! \240Went and spent an hour at another great lounge before we had to take off. \240Another flight 45 minutes late, but at least we’re on our way to Kathmandu! \240India was wonderful in her own way and so glad I had the opportunity to experience many of her different sides. \240Time to see more of this wonderful world!

The view flying in was amazing! \240Not sure if or which one is Mt. Everest, but we can pretend!!

Have Uber motorcycles

20% below poverty equal to 1,400 USD a year

Met our new guide AJ, took us to the monkey temple…Swayambhunath….appropriately named.

Then we went to Khokana Village.

Next we went to Patan Dunbar Square and went inside the palace.

Next stop Bungamati Village.

Then we went back to the room…exhausted and feeling awful with a cold. \240Lots of sneezing, coughing and blowing our noses! \240Hopefully, tomorrow is better!

Himalayas peaking above the clouds! \240Just amazing!

Yellow earth

Blue sky

Green wind air

Red fire

White water

Himalayas- house of snow

2nd longest range after Andes

Top 8 tallest mountains in the world Everest

1. Everest

2. K2 in Pakistan

3-10 in Nepal

Went to several more villages to see them and their temples. \240We’re not even 1/2 way through and tired of all of the temples! \240Thank goodness I changed and crossed out 1/2 that were originally on the itinerary! \240We loved the villages though.

Went to the crematorium. \240Very similar to India’s process of burning immediately after death and dumping ashes in the river afterwards. \240I hope I never die in India or Nepal!

Napolia dinner show…not worth the money or the time.

Popcorn, green beans (cooked al dente),rice wine, French fries, momos (meat dumplings) with sauce, mixed lentil soup, buckwheat bread, rice, fried fish, chicken curry, steamed spinach (not tender!), nouri???,tomato sauce (ketchup?), mixed vegetables, black lentil soup,

Welcome to Bhutan!

Paro airport

The king and his family

The people of Bhutan literally worship their king. \240They call him their living God. \240He is the 5th generation king.

800,000 pop in Bhutan, 180,000 in Paro

No Muslims only Buddhism (majority), hinduism, and little Christianity

No arranged marriages, live with generations

Free school until university, free medical, social security payments for government workers, but not for private 65 retirement age.

Cremate everyone except children under 7. \240Mountain villagers slash the bodies of the dead and leave for vultures and other animals to eat.

Our car is parked way down there! \240From our stopping place at the steps looking down.

Came home and soaked in the tub for an hour! \240Headed into town for a quick run through for some souvenirs then to dinner and home again.

National tree-Cypress

National animal-Takin

National flower-Blue poppy

National bird-Raven

Arrival Bangkok! \240Pop 15m, 65m in Thai…Bangkok is capital.

Hour drive to our hotel and Harvey went out for a short “checking out the area” while I came to the room and crashed.

Then long tail boat ride.

Saw alligators that had poison if they bit you!!???

Palace….lots of rooms! \240Not used anymore except for banquets. Only grounds are open for viewing. \240More temples and emerald Buddha!

Then off to a fabulous lunch! \240And a mango smoothie!

Started a good rain…first of our trip and it was ok since we were heading in the van back to our hotel. \240Then dropped off for a nap.

Picked up at 5 after a quick nap…exhausted from the heat.

Traffic bad but not as bad as India and quiet!

Most apartments very small with no kitchen. \240You can buy small refrigerator, microwave, hot plate. \240Generally, young people don’t move away unless they have to for work. \240Generations live with generations.

Monarchy…generally happy with the king.

Took a tuk-tuk short trip to a restaurant for rooftop view of the river at sunset.

Sunset over chaopraya river

Emmy

Then walked to our next experience eating “BBQ” street food! \240It was great, but what we called hot pot!

Then headed down to Chinatown! \240In time for a dessert!

HUGE Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand!

Fried dough with a great custard….and Michelin winner for 2018 and 2019

Then headed to another Chinese dessert shop for a couple of items. \240I tried them but Harvey wieneeied out! \240He got not 1, not 2, but 3 servings of gelato!!

We continued through Chinatown and saw many restaurants serving shark fin soup…small bowl for $200. \240Then headed home for an early wake up at 5:30!

Stand behind the red line! \240Train comes twice a day then backs out. \240So 4x day they must move their stands back off the track for the train to go by. \240Very nice market with more tastings and things to buy cheap. \240Then back in the car to the floating market. \240Cloudy and little cooler here so hoping for no rain!

On the way, we stopped at a coconut plantation and bought a small bottle of coconut juice, a postcard, and Harvey’s selection of a bottle opener for the tchotchke from Thailand. \240Saw how they make brown sugar from coconuts. \240Then to the floating market with a long canoe/boat again being paddled. \240We drifted from vendor shop to shop…want to buy mama?!! \240We negotiated a few things, but they still made out good on us! \240Got an elephant beach bag, elephant wooden plate \240and 2 magnets! \240Then headed to a restaurant owned by an American and his Thai wife…again, out of this world! \240Headed out and realized the bag was missing from the coconut shop! \240We stopped by it and couldn’t find it so bought everything again.

On the road to the hotel again! \240Over 30,000 temples in Thailand.

Went and got the infamous massages for dirt cheap! \240We each got 60 minutes. \240Harvey got a Thai and I got the oil massage. \240His was $9 and mine was $12! \240I actually think she got out some of my kinks!!

Then stopped by 7-11 and Emmy was right, you CAN buy everything there! \240Then back home and to bed for another 6am wake up tomorrow morning!

Solo trip…Harvey not feeling well. \240Off to see Chiang Mai - New City! \2401.7m population. \240Highest spot in Thailand is Chiang Mai 2,200 meters.

Tea plantation-Export about 95% US, Germany, Japan. \240Can also eat.

White tea is highest caffeine and smoothies and most expensive. \240All tea from same bush. \240Tea use only bud. \240Green use 2 leaves. \240White uses only the bud. \240Takes about a month for tips/buds to grow back. \240Over 100,000 bushes. \240Had fun plucking the leaves! All we picked today will be sold to next tourist group. \240Only use employees to pick to sell to assure organic…no perfumes, lotions, soaps! \240Green tea, start processing immediately within 1st hours as not to oxidize. \240Black tea, let oxidize. \240All teas are determined by their process.

No roasting white tea.

3 steps to hand roasted green tea! \240Roast, knead, roast again!

Plantation started about 9 years ago.

Middle “stem” is the flower and only used for white tea. \240All is used for green tea.

My harvest of tea leaves!! \240I better not give up my day job!

First round of roasting

Now for some tea sampling. \240Couldn’t leave without bringing home 2 different packs and a new baseball cap!

Harvey was feeling a little better but we both just slept through dinner! \240Thank goodness for my peanut butter crackers!

Herbal supplements made into meatball like “bons”!

Somebody has to make the supplements!!

Got back about 5 feeling nauseous and crawled into bed until 8:00 the next morning. \240Harvey headed out for dinner and another Thai massage for $9 and $3tip! \240Good thing I don’t live here! \240I’d be broke getting a daily massage!

Yaya-worst guide ever. \240Didn’t say more than 50 words…and that was ok, because she was hard to understand! \240Almost a 2 hour drive and we made it to CC’s Hideaway fro the next 4 nights. \240Time for H to scuba dive, pamper myself and a little rest for both of us!

400,000 population. \240Traffic cops wear helmets…and they should!

We are definitely up on a mountain overlooking the sea!

Well, nothing happened today! \240I didn’t leave our room once! \240H got me soda waters and I stayed in bed the whole time! \240So glad this happened at this point in the trip and nothing more was missed.

H had a great dive and my pampering was nice but I was afraid I was never going to walk again. \240I laid flat on a wooden table with no padding the entire treatment!

We had a bad spat…definitely feel we are headed for an end to the relationship. \240I know we are both tired and sick but sometimes I feel he doesn’t really want to be loved. \240I don’t know why he wants a relationship. \240He loves to flirt and talk with all women and yet can be so short and snappy with me. \240I try to care less but not sure how to stop from caring less. \240He doesn’t wipe his nose when running or his mouth when eating. \240Sometimes I find I don’t want to look at him anymore. \240I believe he loves me and I know in my heart that I loved him with all of my heart before, but I feel he’s trying to push me away, but seems so sincere that he doesn’t want a divorce…very confusing…😢

We went into town at 7 just to see Phuket. \240It reminds me of International Drive in Orlando. \240It’s mainly weed shops, pharmacies, souvenir shops,, massage places, and restaurants. \240Sooo many restaurants…how to choose! \240Shuttle picked us up at 9. \240Great little shuttle! \240I cried myself to sleep…I can’t keep doing this…😭. I really wanted a fun time in a little paradise. \240No red dot for the two of us in Thailand…🇹🇭🚫.

Trying to get a little romance back into the relationship…then had an amazing lobster dinner grilled. \240

Came too late so we had to get it to go, but it was still great! \240All the fresh seafood was incredible!

H had big eyes and ordered the large for”only 500 more bahts”!! \240The waiter came back in a few minutes and said they were all out for Larges! \240Thank goodness! \240Took it home and shared it on our porch together. \240Hoping all is better starting tomorrow…

17m pop for Cambodia

Capital is Pnome penh

Khmer…not Cambodians!

School is not mandatory.

The son in law moves in with in-laws.

97% Buddhism, Hinduism, ghosts, ancestry, and animism. \240Animism is mostly like in the jungle.

Got dropped off at the hotel again with a Happy Honeymoon cake and rose petals everywhere!

8:30 pick up.

Over 300 temples in park, 3000 in Cambodia. \240Angkor wat started out Buddhism then changed to Hinduism then changed back to Buddhism.

Less than 1/2 children go to school and of those that do, less than 1/2 are girls but that is slowly starting to change.

Enjoyed seeing some of the temples but it was so dang hot out! \240Unfortunately, the trees and roots are strangling and destroying the temples. \240Saw the temple where Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie was filmed….Ta Prohm.

Got in 9,300 steps. \240H went back out to enjoy the nightlife and let the fish chew on his legs as long as he wants, and get a free beer for just $3! \240He’s also getting another massage for $7…$6 for Thai but he’s going to upgrade to an oil massage for $7 and no more stretching. \240His side is still hurting from several nights ago.

APOPO tour…loved the herorats and dogs!

Drove an hour to Bennett Srei.

Start/street dogs are all the same statue within the country (but different colors). \240They are each different by country!

Back to town for lunch then hotel for a shower then a nap.

Dinner on our own so we went into town and H got his dead skin eaten by fish massage for as long as he wanted for only $3 and included a free beer!

Big ole dude next to him terrified!

Then off to a $7 massage with oil and ended with a great Greek salad at a Greek restaurant. \240Back home by Tuk-tuk!

Then a little stroll through the village…lots of fish products and even more flies!

Snails with and without chilli pepper!

Went back to the hotel and took a shower with a late check out. \240

Do not say namiste but put hands up and together at 5 different positions depending on rank of each other.

Had a nice lunch!

Pumpkin soup and coconut \240ice cream was my favorite courses!

Time to get back to the airport…and hopefully a nice lounge!

Onto the lounge and had another great one! Seim Reap Airport just built a year ago…very nice, big, and clean. \240The Chinese have made the investment in it.

And now in Hanoi! \240A big schedule for tomorrow with a pick up at 9.

Pop 105m in Vietnam. 10m in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each.

Tuan guide, Gwen driver,

Bed where he died…through the door a bomb shelter

Never got married and smoked 32 cigs a day up until 2 days before death

Went to Confuscist temple. \240Confucianism is a philosophy not religion. \240Went to first school in Vietnam later was destroyed by American bombs then rebuilt on same foundation. \240Confucius believed in education.

2 years mandatory for males in military…no female.

Saw the One Pillar Pagoda. \240Went on a rickshaw ride and stopped at a Starbucks!

Shop person pays tax based on location not sales… most pay cash and can’t track

65k pagodas, 85k temples

Still have capital punishment by injection for murder, heroin selling and major corruption.

52 rowers in dragon boat

Beard on the banyon tree.

Had a great lunch!

Went to Museum of Ethnology for the minority groups and saw some of their homes reconstructed.

Went on food tour and got a pork sausage in a bun, H got an egg coffee, and then bbq pork and pho noodles soup. \240Then went for a short walk through town and saw the oldest church in Hanoi, then the water puppet show!

Then back to the hotel! \240It was a full day!

Fish farming

Captain Harvey

Shrimp boats

Our vessel!

Had a great lunch at the minority family’s house. \240Had a fun time “talking” about her children and grandchildren!

New family portrait!

House on stilts

My adventure partner!

Now another1.5 hour drive to another village and our hotel for the evening.

Lots of temples in the field

Water buffalo are clever like cows and come home at the end of the day.

Taking a mud bath!

Planting rice in the paddies with no shoes on.

Went for a quick visit to Ninh Binh…first capital under a king and saw the temple to him.

Lunch next….

Good but not our favorite!

Then on to Tam Coc for a 1.5 hour ride in Sampson boat through 3 caves…hot but fun!

Stopped for a potty break…sushi potato chips anyone?

Or maybe one of these snacks!

Some pretty koi…

Love this bonsai

Esmeralda property…beautiful!

The indoor swimming pool!

Ninh Binh is a wealthy town due to all the cement companies. \240First capital until moved to Hanoi.

1995 relationship with America got better with Bill Clinton and Vietnam opened to tourism. \240Great relationship with Cambodia and Laos. \240Try to be “friendly” with China.

Enjoyed Q&A’s with Tuan…I think we all learned about each other’s country. \240Enjoyed the stories he shared as a young man.

H had to go pee…so he went in the bush on the side of the road!

Went through the area hit by the cyclone 5 weeks ago…same story as ours, just a different location.

Made it to Halong Bay for the pearl saltwater tour…had to get me a pretty pearl necklace for a remembrance of our trip. \240Then we made it to Athena Luxory cruise line….what a nice boat and we got the VIP suite on the third floor with windows all around us, private balcony, AND an electric bidet! \240It was amazing!

Had lunch on the boat then hiked 700 steps to an amazing room of caves. \240What a view from the top! \240Came down and tendered to another island that we had a choice of climbing to the top again for a view or sitting and relaxing on the beach about 45 minutes. \240We did enough climbing so decided to sit this one out! \240Then back to the boat for a shower and a little downtime before happy hour and dinner. \240Dinner was great! \240Then back to the room and a little quiet time with the full moon and to bed. \2405:45 wake up call for Tai-chi on the deck at 6:15 tomorrow morning!

150k in Hoian. \240Dropped off at nice hotel again and straight to bed for a 9:00 pick up.

Harvey giving it a try! \240Sounded like SCI!

Then we went inside to see her house and listen to son play the Danbo instrument.

Then we walked down a couple of homes to Spring Onion for a cooking class that was absolutely wonderful! \240My favorite meal in Vietnam!

Making tomato roses, carrot flowers and spring onion palm trees!

Our chef!

Then on to the airport for Ho Chi Minh City… last stop with Odynovo, then we’re on our own again!

Finally made it to Ho Chi Minh City…population 10m! \240With 8m motorbikes. \240Very fancy and modern! \240French architecture. \240Like NYC!

35% Buddhism and 35% Catholic

Any they even cleaned our prawns for us!

Then we headed back out on a bike ride…avoided the rain, then 4 ferocious dogs wanted to take our legs off, then I heard the dreaded, “honey, I dropped my phone…” again…. We rode back and couldn’t find it. \240We ended up having another fight. \240I truly understood his anger at himself but I’m getting tired of not discussing and him making decisions on his own. \240I know I don’t know everything, but I also believe I have a good head on my shoulders. \240I found info on my phone for him to call Verizon customer service for international. \240He didn’t want it. \240Ok, fine. \240We came home and he wanted to shower before going out to eat. \240I didn’t want to. \240I just wanted to go out and showers when we got back and crawl in bed then. \240Nope, I waited while he showered. \240We got back to the hotel and I got ready for bed. \240It was after 10:00 and I knew tomorrow was going to be a long day for sightseeing then travel on to Australia. \240Now he wants to call and find out about his phone and needed me awake to help him with my phone. \240Another big fight.

I know I love him, but I just don’t like him right now. \240I’m tired of feeling like I’m just along for the sex. \240The rug at the condo…no discussion, it’s staying for now. \240His memory is shit and refuses to do anything in advance… we arrive tomorrow at the Great Barrier Reef…his bucket list. He finally reached out on Thursday to book his trips and 1 day is already booked. \240Hopefully the other two will be good weather and great locations. \240And he didn’t want to notify Tiana in advance because he didn’t want to confuse her about putting out another basket. \240Well, it didn’t happen and Christopher comes today. \240And parking pass?? \240Not my circus anymore…

Their shoes made out of tires and worn backwards to confuse American soldiers

Afterwards we came back in town and went to lunch and had the best meal since being here!

Then we went to the War Remnants Museum.

The iconic photo of Phan Thi Kim Phuc as a 9-year-old surviving a napalm attack became a defining image of the Vietnam War. \240After a 14-month hospital stay and 17 surgical procedures, including skin transplants, she was able to return home. \240Kim Phuc sought political asylum in Canada nearly 30 years ago. She now lives outside of Toronto…Jan 16, 2020.

Again, lots of propaganda and horrible pictures of agent orange destruction both to human and to the earth. \240I couldn’t take anymore so waited for H to finish.

Next was a 5 minute whirlwind tour of the Vietnam history museum.

Hinduism

Buddhism

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) really is Iike NYC…Christmas lights/docorations, big $ stores and even “Times Square”!

The bags were bigger than them!

Pretty Christmas decorations

Oldest hotel in Saigon

Ran by the post office, grabbed a postcard and mailed it. \240Only 2 to go!

Saw supposedly the CIA building where the last helicopter was leaving from.

The Opera House

NYC gonna be when she grows up!

Mickey D’s even lets you upscale to a large for less than a $1!

Said goodbye to Laytin at the airport and went looking for a lounge! \240HA! \240First one with no hot food! \240Grabbed a small bag of potato chips, cookie and some chocolate bars and went looking for something to eat!

Landed 30 minutes early into Sydney but no gate to unload! \240Plenty of time to go through Immigration, customs , get checked in and head to our lounge…with no food available…and we were starving!

More fights…this puppy has been kicked enough…time to figure out next steps and timing…

Went and got food from the food court. \240My chicken salad with mangoes was fabulous. \240H wasn’t a fan of his sandwich…shocker.

Flight to Cairns (Cans!) was an hour late so we were concerned we wouldn’t be able to get the rental car before they close but we did! \240Drove an hour in the dark, in the rain, on a 2 lane winding road, on the “wrong” side, waiting for an animal to jump out…but luckily no spotting of any Roos! \240Longest 1 hour drive of my life!

We arrived at a cute duplex! \240We love home exchange!! \240We unloaded and drove 2 minutes into town to find a bite to eat. \240Got a GREAT restaurant and H had some kind of crab creature and I had homemade gnocchi with mushrooms that was fabulous!

Started bickering with H again…just no awareness of himself…by the time we got to the gate, full blown war. \240Should I just catch the next flight home …

Kangaroo meat for me in a kangaroo pie and seafood medley for H.

Unbelievably scrumptious and sweet!!

Sooo awesome!

Walked around town a little and got a few things at the grocery store (nice store!) and Kmart. I got signed up for snorkeling . \240Couldn’t come to the Great Barrier and not go! \240I would have always regretted it…just hope my leg holds out for at least 2 jumps. \240Then found a box on a trashcan that was perfect for H to cut down. \240Headed home for a rest!

Then headed back to town to find a light bite to eat for dinner…so was everybody else! \240All the restaurants were packed! \240Found a place with a good salad and H got a pizza that was amazing! \240I have leftovers for tomorrow! \240Forgot to take pics though!

Beautiful weather this morning, I hope it stays nice. \240I’m signed up for snorkeling tomorrow too. \240Hopefully a day of rest for my leg will make for a better day tomorrow!