Off in the Beautiful Sea Princess

All Aboard the Sea Princess

Well, here we are on the high seas, north of Australia and heading to Brunei. We've never been on such a large ship before, but many of those in this cruise are recidivists ... if that's an appropriate word. Or perhaps I should refer to them as frequent cruisers.

As the boat rolls from side to side slightly, one has to keep one's balance, but the surrounds are akin to a five star hotel, so it's no burden, although it occurred to me that it's a bit like being under the influence of that demon drink. The key difference is that you wobble when sober, not inebriated. And of course, when you are inebriated (so I'm told), you aren't aware that you are lurching from side to side. Essentially the challenge is the same; something out of your control is causing you to walk a bit funny and occasionally lurch left or right.

Before embarkation, my sister-in-law, Lyndie asked me what I'd do for 40 days. Having just spent a month in Vietnam looking at the many beautiful or at least attractive women there, I thought I could sit by the swimming pool on the ship, Oakey glasses firmly affixed and ogle at some of the bikini beauties. Alas, she informed me that most of the people would be my age and therefore showing advanced signs of wear and tear. Damn! She was spot on. But there are, thankfully, other things to do. And many of the largely Asian crew are worth a second look and chatting with. There are also many nice fellow travellers.

I've been doing some paid work while on board and that has helped fill in a little time. Then there's the Kindle ... plenty of books to read. I did attempt a gym session, but it was chockers and I'm an impatient exerciser who doesn't want to queue for machinery. Never mind, when I get back home it will be back to the three games of golf per week and some cycling.

Talking about Kindles and books; if you are a politician or have anything to do with helping run Australia (or any other Western country for that matter), you really need to obtain a copy of Dr Dambiso Moyo's, "How the West Was Lost". Perhaps also get up to speed on the progress of Islam in the West and elsewhere as it successfully implements both its murderous and passive jihads on freedom, democracy, human rights (especially those of women), and our cherished Western values.

Every morning a copy of "The Officer's Log" arrives with some sales blurbs and a program of activities which includes everything from tooth whitening sessions to movies. Last night we watched the latest Bond movie, Skyfall. There is plenty to do if you are interested in the topics being programmed. One session I have been following is about astronomy and the creation of planets etc which has an excellent, well informed lecturer and many topics of interest if you like space topics. I gave the sessions on "Religions of the East" and Zumba a wide berth.

The food on board is excellent with multiple places to eat. There is the Horizons Restaurant which has a wide variety of foods in a buffet or smorgasbord setting. It seems to be the most popular as you can wear almost anything there. There is a pizza lounge and a first class restaurant where you are expected to wear "smart casual" to dine. All options have a good range of choices and food equal to any other quality restaurant.

So far, the water has been as flat as a billiard table and we have simply cruised along past this or that island wending our way to our destinations.

It's a tough life, but 1,900 of us are doing it on the Sea Princess. Throughout the globe, there are probably tens of thousands floating their way across this or that ocean.

Robin

Our Wedding of the Year

On Christina and my 40th anniversary (17FEB13), son Dale married Ean (Yen Ngoc Than) at Lagi in Vietnam.

It was a spectacular occasion with several short formal elements where grandparents and other senior family members grant approval for the union to take place. The remainder was like something out of a celebrity event with fireworks and all.

Three hundred relatives from Ean's family turned up for the feast at midday and there was much frivolity and laughter as those who had not seen each other for a year or two whooped it up. A table of young people was rather loud and got louder as the intake of the dreaded drink beer took hold. But not to worry, the music from the karaoke type machine was so loud, my teeth shook and Dale, being hearing impaired had no chance of hearing anything but the music.

The session lasted until about 2:30 pm and almost immediately after the last course of food (fruit) arrived, the   guests began leaving slowly like crabs on a beach. As we were to find out, another marriage was planned and a reception starting in a hour. The workers at the venue had a tonne of beer cans and other stuff to clean up in a hurry before re-setting the tables.

By the time we departed from the venue, all I wanted to do was to crash for an hour or so. I had been "forced" to engage in a couple of "YO!" sessions and even though the beer has ice in it, it was beginning to take its toll. A Yo session is where you are challenged to drink a full glass of beer in contest with another. I had last done that when I was in my twenties ... now that I'm a responsible drinker, I'm out of touch with these rites of passage.

A good day was had by all and it was a joyous opportunity for families to get together. As you can see, Dale looked like a celebrity as did Ean in her traditional dress. Both had a couple of changes of clothes. Dale went to a white suit and Ean to a lovely royal blue dress.

Obviously we wish them every happiness and hope they live long, prosper and look after us when we get old and difficult.

Robin

My Remarkable Interaction with 6 Year Old Hung

Last night my new daughter-in-law asked me, my son and wife to attend one of her relatives places for a chat. We had already had dinner at Uncle Ing's place, where I learned why many of us in Australia are fat and obese and few Vietnamese are not. But that's a story for another day.

I had the most fascinating experience with a six year old girl called Hung. She looked as cute as ever in her school uniform, her long, jet black hair, smooth brown skin and brown eyes. She approached me and, probably never having seen an aging Australian with different eye shape, skin colour etc, addressed me in Vietnamese. I said hello to her in Vietnamese, one of a growing handful of words I know and then spoke a few words in English. She suddenly began speaking to me in English that was comprehensible, but slightly out of tone. She began counting to me and as I watched her searching for the next number, she reached 20 before she decided that was enough.

I told her she was very good at counting in English. We sat down and I began to point to parts of her body and say the English word. She responded, "nose", "eyes", "chin", "fingers" in her cute little voice and when the intonation was incorrect, I would tell her, "no, it's n-o-s-e" and as quick as a flash she would repeat it. Several times she had successive attempts, but eventually got it as close to 100 percent as anyone could expect from a six year old.

What I found quite remarkable is that she remembered every word we had spoken and got the correct intonation in several repeat sessions. Then she decided to teach me Vietnamese. She would say a word and then open her hands out in front of me to say, "well, say the word". If I got it incorrect as I did many, she would gesticulate in the way Vietnamese do to say "khong" ... "no" and redisplay her tiny hands to suggest I repeat the sound.

I couldn't believe it. There I was, a 65 year old man being taught Vietnamese by a six year old girl. And she was doing a great job of it. We had about a 3/4 h session, but I'm sad to say I'm not as efficient a learner as Hung.

It was an amazing experience and suggests to me that this young lady is brilliant. Truly an example of what is known in education as the "blank slate", the slate that has plenty of room for learning and absorbs everything quickly.

If I was staying here for an extended period, I'd ask her parents if I could have a few one hour sessions with her each week from which we could both benefit. I enjoyed our interaction very much despite our vast age difference and the absence of a considerable language barrier.

Robin