Narita to Sydney...and the end of the holiday

Tuesday, 5th July, (into Wednesday, 6th)

The long, long flight from London is exciting at the beginning as you know you are flying back over the top of the world, (plus heading home), and flying over some of the countries you have just recently visited. It goes up and over Sweden and Norway, and then across Siberia and Russia, and comes down from the north-west into Tokyo.

But, it becomes soooooo boring!!!! And you think the 12 hours or so will never be over. We had good flights and thankfully no sudden bumps and drops, which pleased me so much.

There were not many vacant seats between London and Tokyo, and the majority of course were Japanese. You wonder where they had been since the earthquake, and what they might be going back to. As a culture, they seem so serene and placid, and who knows what is going on in their minds. All the staff and flight personnel were always so friendly, and we wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again if the chance arose.

On this return trip we weren't staying overnight, but just laying over at the airport, and this isn't as bad as it might be, as we have access to the Sakura Lounge, where you can have a very peaceful time, eat something, and even shower and change if you wish. We had brought with us a change of shirt each, and so after a wash, we felt much better. However, it wasn't easy to work out when to eat, and what, but since our flight wasn't leaving until 8.00pm, we needed something by mid-late afternoon, and so had some really nice and tasty chicken wings and some yummo bread.

The meals on the JAL flights are quite pleasant and you get a good variety of food, although breakfast isn't one of their better meals. We ate again only a couple of hours before we landed at 2.00pm in the afternoon, Japan time.

It was actually still Tuesday when we boarded our flight to Sydney, (and to fly eastwards, you go into the other time zone). We also we had a plane with a slightly different configuration of seats, but we still had the seats at the front with the better space.
Whereas the flight from London was full, this one was quite empty, and in our section of about 32 seats, only 16 or so were taken. 

There was a group of young Aussie guys who boarded, and they were shown the way down at the rear to Economy. One of them appeared in our section and proceeded to make himself comfortable in the seat across from us. His mates tried it too, but it didn't last, and the flight attendant quietly asked him/them for their boarding passes, and it was obviously not his allocated seat, and she very politely asked him to go with her, and she directed him back to Economy.
I guess if they'd gotten away with it, then OK, but the rest of us paid a lot more to sit where we were.

Lee and I were both very tired when we boarded and so were able to get some sleep, albeit in fits and starts, and so by the time we got to Sydney we were exhausted, and snapping at each other a little.

There had been a little turbulence on route, but nothing drastic, and then all of a sudden you could see that we were over land again, coming down over Cape York and Queensland.

We later found out there were very strong winds in Sydney, and that many flights had to be cancelled, and our plane had to circle around a few times, and came in over the sea onto the runway out into Botany Bay. There was a lot of rocking and bumping as we landed and, and also whilst braking. I think good pilots deserve all the money they get.

The airport curfew lifts in Sydney at 6.00am, and they must know they have many flights coming in and I guess they cope the best way they can. We had declared some wooden items, and my medication, and I had bought some tomato seeds at Wisley. 

All the staff there (at Wisley), tell you that it should be OK as they are sealed in foil. NOT SO. 

The lady who finally checked us through actually showed me her computer screen, on which there are huge lists of those plants/seeds which are allowed. And those I had bought were not there, so we couldn't bring them through. Silly thing is, that with all the confusion, and the clamour in the customs hall, I almost forgot to mention them, and might have walked straight through!!! 
She confiscated the packets and gave me the website address where I might check for myself. The other thing was, when I did see her list, all the entries were for Lycopersicum esculentum, which is the Latin name for tomato, but then they list varieties, many of which are passed, and if mine were not listed then they couldn't be allowed. 
Fair enough too, but I might send a note to Wisley to ask them to inform their staff.

Stupid thing was, I didn't write down the names of those I wanted to bring in, in case they become available at a later time.

We got through customs, and then our bags went through to Qantas for the flight to Canberra, and we joined the throng waiting for the shuttle to the Domestic Terminal, passing on the way, the Murrays Bus loading passengers for Canberra. 
Now I wish we had booked for the bus, even tho it would have meant another three hours traveling.


The flight to Canberra was going to be on a turbo-prop aircraft, (Dash-400). I already had a bad feeling about this, and it would be confirmed when we heard from the pilot that there was severe turbulence over Sydney, which had resulted in the cancellation of some flights, but ours was going ahead!!!
Even before we moved away from the terminal the starboard engine was making some terrible noises, and I was already panicking. Lee, as usual, tried to calm me down.
Then, after some horizontal movement pushing the plane sideways, and the pilot announced that once we had made some height in the middle of the flight, things would be calmer, but we expected to have very strong winds and cloud cover on our approach to Canberra!!!

That's all you need at the end of 30 hours of traveling!!!

Some turbulence was an understatement, and we bumped and rocked down on to the runway, and most of the passengers were now very quiet, and Lee noticed a lady in front holding her Crossword in a vice-like grip, and two ladies across the aisle, who had been chatting away, had gone very quiet indeed! Lee said she just hoped that, even tho it had been one of the worst flights from Sydney, that we wouldn't have to be diverted to another airport.


As I left the plane the flight attendant thanked me for flying with them, and I replied that never would I get on one of these planes again!!


Melanie was waiting for us in the arrivals hall, and after big hugs all round, and a quick search  for a jacket against the cold, we got our four bags and came home to Gowrie.


We loved 97% of what we had done over the past 3 months, but it was so good to be home.

On a bridge over a raging river in Olden, Norway.

To the three or so readers who might have been keeping up with us on this blog, thanks, and we hope at least some of our "adventures" were of interest.

Next - The BIG Summary...

Buses and Airports - (Southampton to London)...

Monday, 4th July

With the hotel not having air-conditioning, we slept poorly on the night before we went up to London for the flight home. I did inform them at Reception, and was told no, there wasn't cooling in the rooms. Thankfully we were able to open the windows, and I thought if we get mosquitoes or anything, we'll just have to put up with it.The only problem was that we knew we wouldn't have proper sleep for the next couple of nights on the way home.

Breakfast was fine, and afterwards we walked into town to post off our parcels, (which to date haven't arrived here in Canberra). Everything else we sent home along the way has arrived, in good order, and we had sent it all Surface Mail knowing we wouldn't be back home for a while. However, these last two things still haven't come, and we've been home since the 6th July!

I suppose they will still come, as we were told originally that it would take 6-8 weeks.

So, a taxi took us the short trip around to the bus station and we were there in plenty of time and as it was a cool morning, we were quite comfortable waiting the 30 minutes. The bus seats were actually quite comfortable, and we were able to sit back and enjoy the trip, without having to concentrate on the traffic.

There were two stops, one at Winchester, which looked to be a very attractive town, with an important cathedral, and then Basingstoke, which is quite the opposite, and looks very much more modern and industrial.

The trip was mostly on the M3, and apart from a short section on another road after Basingstoke, we got back onto the M3, and saw a sign which said, "queues likely for the next 16 miles". Not long after seeing the sign, we did slow down to a crawl, but it was because of an accident of some sort up ahead. Still, we were glad we didn't opt to taking the car back to the Hertz depot at Heathrow ourselves, as we were not sure we'd have coped with negotiating all the correct turn-off lanes etc. The bus driver obviously does it every day, and apart from a few passengers at one of the other terminals, most of us were going on to Terminal 3.

We got  a trolley and had to manage our own bags for only a short distance, but we were too early at 2.00pm, and found out that the Japan Airlines checking office wouldn't be manned until 4.30pm! There were huge numbers of people around and so we found a spot in a Pret a Manger cafe and had some very nice sandwiches, but then had to find another spot to sit and wait for check-in.

Gordon went down again about 3.00pm or so and found they were open, and they were not sure why we had been told such a late time. We were finally rid of the bags for a while, as they were checked right through to Canberra, but we would have to collect them in Sydney to personally take them through customs, and then re-check them for the flight to Canberra.

It was ( and is), well worth the extra money we paid for Premium Economy, as we then were able to escape the noise of the other departure lounges and head into the sanctuary that is the Flight Lounge. It was so quiet, (except for the drawl of an elderly lady from the southern states of America), and you are able to just sit back and relax and eat if you want to. 
Drinks are laid on, of any description, and everyone there is either in our seat class, or Business or even First. If you are going to go this far on any trip, save some more money and get the better tickets!

Steeling ourselves for the long flight to Narita, we bought some extra water in case they ran out again and we didn't want to be dehydrated. We had seats in the front of our section and this allows plenty of legroom, as this is where they put young babies in bassinettes when couple fly with young kids. You can't always get these seats if there are those requirements for babies.

Still, over 12 hours of flying, the seats get more and more uncomfortable, and it doesn't matter how much you shift around, the bum gets numb. If I ever do something like this again, I am going to save up even more, and get a Business Class seat!!!

We did both get some sleep, as we had been deprived during the one night in the hot room at Southampton. I guess weariness just takes over and you have to nod off.

Next - time zone change, and the trip home...

Southampton and then back to Oz...

Sunday, 3rd July

I wasn't really looking forward to the end of this cruise. Not because it meant the end of 15 fairly relaxing days, but for the thought of the next few days, and getting home to Australia.

The cruise was only taken because of where it went, and that allowed us to see Iceland, and Norway, and Brugges, but I will never go on another large cruise ship again, (unless of course I don't have to pay for it!!). We were comfortable, well "watered" and fed, although we both thought the buffet food on this ship was not as good as we had had on the Sapphire Princess when we did the cruise from New Zealand to Sydney.

So, having arrived at Southampton by 7.00am, we had been asked to vacate the rooms by 8.00am to give the cabin staff and others, time to get everything done for the next cruise which would leave tonight. Sunny morning and because we'd all vacated our rooms, the buffet was very crowded, and so we had ours at a table on the deck, near the pool.

Not much to do but wait until called according to the colour-coded cards we'd been allocated. Ours was Orange, and we were told we'd be called about 9.30. However, the first groups were called about 8.45am, and so we were then off the ship by 9.30.

The bags are arranged in alphabetical order by deck letter, in a huge shed on the wharf. They are not necessarily together, and so everyone goes looking. I later found out that there are hundreds of trolleys for passengers' use, but they are at the other end of the hall, and you are not advised of that. Having retrieved a trolley, we found our bags, and then proceeded out to get a taxi.
We had always decided to stay the night here before we headed up to Heathrow for the flight home. The taxi took us to the Novotel, and although when I phoned them, we were told we couldn't have the room until 2.00pm, there was in fact one ready, which was a great relief, and it was just after 10.00am.

Novotel Southampton does not have air conditioning in the rooms!!! 
It was warm and we changed into cooler clothes and had a rest before going down to the city for lunch. We had booked on a bus for the trip tomorrow to the airport, and wanted to find out where it was, and although it wasn't far, it was too far to try and drag four bags, etc. We got our bus tickets, and then to lunch.
Went to the Post Office and found a tube to send some posters home, along with yet another parcel to lighten the load in the luggage. What with the things we'd purchased along the way, we now had the four bags and two carry-ons for the flight. Thankfully Japan Airlines had changed their luggage allocation since we've been away, and so we would not be worried about excess baggage.


Walked over to a restaurant called Franky and Benny's, with whom we'd had a pleasant experience back in Chichester, but this time it wasn't as good.

THE CRUISE - "Home" to Southampton...

Day Sixteen - Sunday, 3rd July

The departure from Zeebrugge is fairly bland, as there isn't much to see. Just a few local yachts and boats came out to see us off. Once outside the sea walls we went along the coast for a small way and then because the sea lanes are so crowded in the Channel, we had to merge in with other vessels, coming and going from Zeebrugge and other places. There were a couple of cargo ships going the same way as us, but with the liner's speed, we soon overtook them.

As this was our last night aboard, we decided to at least go to the main dining room and say goodbye to the other couples. Nice meal, and we all talked about what we'd done, but Lee and I still can't remember the names of the two ladies at our table. We'd spent the afternoon organising our bags and had them in the hall before dinner, and then went down for last drinks at the Glass House, and say goodbye to Mukesh. We had spent quite a lot of time in there over the course of the trip, (mainly because it wasn't on the list of restricted places on Formal nights), so we wanted to wish him well with the rest of his time on the cruises. He apparently is contracted until September, and then goes home to Mumbai for a break.

The sea was amazingly calm again, and getting near to sunset, I went on the balcony and tried some photos of the sunset itself, and discovered a vast "forest" of wind turbines out in the water. There were rows and rows of them, and if we have guessed correctly, we had gone to the north-east, and these were the turbines off the south-east coast of the UK, out from Foreness Point, at the top of Kent, near the Thames estuary.

Tomorrow - disembarkation chaos...

THE CRUISE - Zeebrugge, Belgium...

Day Fifteen - Saturday, 2nd July

Today is our last sailing day to the last port we will visit, Zeebrugge. We were awake in time to see the entry to the port, which we think is purpose built for cargo, as there is a huge dock area, with cranes and movers and such.

There are also large sea walls, and one side of these has been used for several wind turbines. Just a great use of space. Although we didn't go to the talk about this port, there still isn't very much information about what to do and where to go. There were shuttle buses, and we discovered you could go into Blankenberge, which is a town right on the channel. From here you can get the train to Brugge (Bruges), or just stay in Blankenburge and ride on a tramway which goes up and down the coastline. 

Along with many others, we opted for the train ride to Brugge, having heard so much about it from other sources, and our own research.

 The town is very pretty and has modern apartments in the centre, along with some older buildings, and something we hadn't seen before, a double-decked Carousel! There are wide avenues and some wonderful shops, including the most magnificent bakery I have ever seen!! (should have taken a photo). The range of beautiful breads and cakes was astonishing, and so well presented. The avenue goes down to the sea, and you can look out onto the Channel, and along the beachfront in either direction are row upon row of apartments.

We had missed the last train, (every hour on Saturday), and so got in line and bought tickets for the next one, and then wandered through the town to the sea. However all the announcements at the train station are in Flemish/German(?), and you have to be aware and ask lots of questions. When we got back to catch the train, we had a nice coffee at the station cafe. We ordered cappuccinos, but when they came they were good coffee, but with a dollop of cream on top and some chocolate sprinkled, a bit like a vienna coffee but very nice.


Out on the platform the train was already there, and we had to ask if that was the next one to Brugge, and it was and we were able to board straight away and get a seat, even tho it wasn't going for another 10-15 minutes. The couple we sat opposite, were English and we moved along, past fields of crops and and farmland and Friesian cows, and wind turbines. 

 (Two views along the seafront at Blankenberge, left and below. Seems to be a regulation regarding heights of buildings, and so looks like a very long wall, especially when you view it from out at sea)

This couple were very anti the turbines, and also anti the current government over the number of refugees coming into Britain. This last sentiment is very wide spread and we got it from many of the people on board. (Those same people who were very happy to be served by Indian and Pakistani waiters and cabin staff!)

We were told it was a fair walk to the centre of Brugge, and thought we might catch the local bus, but there was already a long queue, and so along with many others, walked into town. It is actually quite flat, and very pleasant walking through the parks. We emerged from the pathway, into a street set up for a market day, with many stalls selling all and sundry, and finally found the main square.

The surrounding streets are narrow, but the overall look of the square is just stunning, and despite the crowds, it still is a very beautiful town to look at. Lots of shops selling lace, and chocolates, and we got a small tin of those, and some really nice Belgian tapestry cushion covers, and they will go in the lounge room at home, along with the others we got in England.


Lee said it reminds her of the Grand Place at Brussels, although smaller, and the buildings are beautiful, and so much to see around you. Hundreds of tourists, this being a Saturday, and many tours going on, along with some wonderful horse drawn carriages with tourists aboard.
Also many cafes outside the buildings.


We wandered around and found where they do the canal rides around the city, but already there were long queues, and many already enjoying the spectacle. Belgians seem to be very fond of flowers and there were many boxes of geraniums, etc., everywhere.

They also seem to be very proud of their towns as we saw no evidence of litter, or no shabby areas. Lunch was in a cafe looking out to the canals, and we had Croque Monsieur, (toasted cheese and ham sandwiches), and some frittes (fries), but these weren't as good as we thought they'd be. Washed down with a really tasty local beer.


After much wandering, we made our way back to the station, but got a little lost and after asking some locals, found the canal and the park through which we'd come. The next train was not for 30 minutes, and so we waited on the platform with many other Azura passengers.


Trains in Belgium, (or at least those we were involved with), are run very efficiently, and those we saw depart from the platform whilst we waited, left exactly on time. Many of the English people with us all said they wished British Rail could be so efficient!


Another pleasant ride back, and this time we sat opposite a Scottish couple who wanted more wind farms!! The shuttle buses were due to go back from near the park, but there were quite a few of us, and it was a bit chaotic, but we all managed. 
Quiet afternoon aboard ship, and we were supposed to leave port by 5.00pm, and many of those on tour had gone to far destinations like Brussels itself, which was 60 miles away. They all managed to get back on time.

Tonight we also had to organise our luggage so that it could be left in the hallway to be unloaded onto the dock in Southampton tomorrow morning. So all we had to take ashore were our carry-on bags.
Tonight is also the night we organise the tips for our cabin steward. Those who have spent every night in the set restaurant usually give a tip to the waiters, but as we had hardly been there, we didn't feel the need. Besides, we didn't really think they were that good.

We did go down for a last drink at the Glass House and have some photos done with Mukesh, our favourite drink waiter. We did give him a tip for himself, as he had been such a delight and attended to our needs in such a friendly manner
.

Still, we did also give an envelope to the cabin steward, as he had maintained our living areas really well for the whole two weeks. OK it's his job, and depending on how many cabins he is responsible for, he would do very well. It is suggested you give so much per person per day, although it isn't compulsory, but everyone seems to do it. However, perhaps the company should "build-in" the tips into the salary structure, and then people wouldn't have to agonise over it, especially when most English people are not accustomed to tipping. 


Hard to believe it will all be over tomorrow, as we've had some wonderful memories.

THE CRUISE - Oslo to Brugge...

Day Fourteen - 1st July

For most of the night and for much of Friday, there were strong winds and a fair swell. Not a problem, unless you are inclined to sea-sickness, but you do get woken occasionally by the rolling, and so sleep is interrupted somewhat.

Another full day at sea, and a "straight jacket" night. 

By the evening on Friday the weather had settled down a little, but it was still too windy to be on deck. Hence the inside areas were pretty crowded, and we spent some time in the Glass house doing our Crosswords, etc.

The seas were much calmer later on, and we were able to go out on our balcony and watch the passing parade. There were a lot of ships going the same way as us, and few the other. All around, you could see oil rigs and windmills, and at one point we counted 23 or so oil rigs.

 

THE CRUISE - Oslo

Day Thirteen - Thursday, 30th June

We both woke early to catch some of the sights coming in to Oslo. It is a long stretch up to the city, although not as dramatic as going to Alesund or Olden. Nevertheless it is quite beautiful, with little townships dotted along the peninsular.

The ship docked starboard side and we could look directly across to a castle/fort, which is quite stunning, and can be accesses from the roadway along the pier. There seemed to be a 'changing of the watch' and these very elegant soldiers emerged along the pathway in their uniforms, and with grand feathers topping their helmets.

The dock is quite close to the city, and flat, and it seems to be set up for cruise ships as there are no trucks or containers around. P & O again weren't advertising anything else other than their own organised tours, but we did see a pamphlet of those Hop on Hop Off buses, which happened to be lining up along the dockside. We decided we'd do that, just to give ourselves a look at the layout of the city, which looks quite stunning, and it would also get us to several of the things we thought we'd like to see.

One of these was the Maritime Museum, which happens to be a t the farthest end of the bus's run, so we went all the way through the city, and past the palace and the parks, and finally got off at the end. It was a very sparkly day, and there was a lot of activity both on land with us tourists, and on the harbour. The Maritime Museum is very interesting, but as we entered there was an almost overpowering smell of fish! Turned out to be a huge pallet of dried herring, sitting on the floor in one of the display areas. Not sure if it was meant to stay there, and for how long, but it must have put some people off!

Wonderful models of boats, and some actual sized ones, and a display of how the harbour had been formed, together with an account of what they found in the mud when they decided to build on reclaimed land near the city.

Another wonderful area was a gallery of beautiful paintings depicting life at and on the sea, and we amazed just how clever people are to be able to capture the look of sun on water.

Some of the examples of ships were a dugout canoe, 2400 years old and a section of a cruise ship from the 1920's, showing cabins, bathroom and eating quarters, etc., and a bit of an eye-opener as to how things have changed over time. We were in there about an hour, which wasn't hard to do, as there is so much to see.

Later, we went across to the Fram Museum which is built around a huge ice-breaker ship used by Norwegian Arctic/Antarctic explorers. There are three levels and you can go aboard and see what it was like.

We then got the bus back as far as the Viking Museum, which is so interesting and there are actual preserved long ships, and we think this museum was also built specifically to house them. Beautiful artifacts and treasure, and funeral sleds which were carried on board to hold the body of a king when he died.

Next we thought we'd like to visit the Norwegian Folk Museum, but it turned out to be a vast area of houses, churches and other buildings, which had been brought from all parts of Norway. It would have taken hours to do it justice, so we didn't go in. One of those things that might really have been interesting, but with only one day in port, it was impossible to do everything we wanted.

We got off the bus in the heart of the city, near the city hall. Not a very imposing building from the outside, but inside was a huge hall with all the walls decorated with murals depicting Norway's history. Just stunning. We think it is the venue for the Nobel Prize. (The other good thing was that they have public loo's downstairs).

Had a look in some souvenir shops and finally got Jeremy a decent T-shirt. The knitwear and clothes are just great, but so expensive, as are most things in Norway.

Quite an easy flat walk back to the ship, and had lunch on board. Depending on where you dock, it is probably just as easy to have lunch back on the ship and go out again, if you feel you need to.
 As we were docked on the starboard side, we were able to watch all the comings and goings from our balcony, and the thousands of people who seemed to have appeared from all points. The On/Off buses did a roaring trade all day, and then much later the tour buses made their way back to the ship. I have to admit that some of these "older" people are to be admired for doing the whole bit and being out all day.
There had been some rain during the afternoon and we went aft, to the Terrace Bar, which is on the same level as the Trattoria, and the buffets. By the time we'd watched all we could of the sail away from Oslo, and down into the fjord to the sea, we were too late for the fixed dinner in the restaurant, and so made do with some very nice snacks from the buffet, which was themed Indian again tonight.

The following are some more shots of both Oslo itself and things to be seen on the way out/in.

(Just a note to say that we were here 3 weeks before that dreadful massacre, and had probably been in some of the streets where the city bombing happened, but the shootings were on an island quite a distance from Oslo. We can really understand how the Norwegians are affected, as those we came across and talked to, were all very peaceful and lovely people)

This is actually now a cafe. What a spot for coffee!!!

This ski jump ramp is up in the hills, shot taken in telephoto mode.

No explanation required!

City Hall

An idea of the size of the ship. The smaller one is "The World" which we saw in Falmouth over a month before.

THE CRUISE - Bergen to Oslo...at sea

Day Twelve - Wednesday, 29th June

Today is another at sea day, and also another Black Tie night, so we are not sure where we will dine tonight. Can't go to the formal dining at 6.30, and other areas are also "restricted". The meal arrangements and the dress codes are too rigid in the areas they are applied to, and if you don't conform, then that only leaves you places like the Buffet, which can be limited in choice, depending on the theme for the night, or the Trattoria, but that has become very popular.

As we've said before, the cruise companies (at least P & O), are trying to replicate or recapture the eras in the early 20th C , when cruising was in its heyday, at least for the rich, and everyone dressed for dinner.

We saw quite a few couples who should not have bothered, and some seemed to be trying too hard, and fit in to evening clothes they perhaps wore a few years ago, (when they were slimmer!)

The other problem with the early dinner session, is that you have to go to the restaurant when you really want to be outside somewhere watching the scenery as you leave. 

Then again, the 8.30 sitting means that you don't get to finish eating until 10.00pm, and that's not good for anyone, (unless of course you are going to be up for hours). The thing that bugged me (G), is that we are excluded from the places they designate as "adhering to the ambience of the evening", (e.g. Formal clothes), yet those people who do dress up are allowed to wander around wherever they like.
Why would you get all togged up and still go to the buffet????

Thankfully the ship's doctor said Gordon could still have a drink, (wasn't he nice), and so having watched as much as we could sailing away from Bergen, we decided to try the food in the Glass House.
It was very pleasant and I had nice meal of steak with green pepper sauce, and Lee had Lamb and Rosemary sausage. 

Not much else to do except catch up with some email and this blog, and have an early night.
Tomorrow we get to Oslo.