Random thoughts from the sea
Day 35, 2025 Grand World Voyage Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025; Nouméa, New Caledonia. The Shard in London. The Pompidou Centre in Paris. The Nemo Science Centre in Amsterdam. The Regal Princess cruise ship. And the Tjibaou Cultural Center in Nouméa. What do they all have in common? Each was designed
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Day 32, 2025 Grand World Voyage Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025; Nuku’alofa, Tonga. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” I’ve learned the truth of this philosophy applies to port experiences.
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Day 29, 2025 Grand World Voyage Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025; Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The elements came together today for a lovely opportunity to paint ashore. I found a stone seat in the shade of the visitor’s gazebo to sketch, ink and paint a view of Avarua on the island of
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Days 25- 27, 2025 Grand World Voyage Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 28-30, 2025; Tahiti, Moorea and Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia. Not much can top the beauty of South Pacific islands. Sandy beaches, breaking waves on reefs, lush vegetation, tall palm trees and soaring peaks. And the water – every blue in
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Day 22, 2025 Grand World Voyage Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025; Pitcairn Island. I’ve been to 94 countries, according to my count. I track them on the app Been, which creates a neat map. Obviously, a stop in Canada, Russia, China or even Greenland makes the map more impressive. Tiny island
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Days 18-19, 2025 Grand World Voyage Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 21-22, 2025; Hanga Piko, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). There might be more remote spots on earth, but not many, and not with the mystery and magic of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island as it is known elsewhere. Even Britannica (as
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Day 12, 2025 Grand World Voyage Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025; Lima, Peru. I seldom spend the evening ashore, even when we stay overnight in a port. I always say I’ll go back at night, but it doesn’t usually happen. I’m either tired after a day of touring and exploring or
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Day 11, 2025 Grand World Voyage Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025; Lima, Peru. Peru deserves more time – two weeks, I would say. As it is, this is my second time here and we have two-and-a-half days. I still feel I’m only scratching the surface. This typically is an overnight port
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Day 8, 2025 Grand World Voyage Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025; Manta, Ecuador. Given the choice between standing in a line and relaxing with a beer on the beach, it’s obvious which I will take. One of my favorite cruise memories was drinking pisco sours on an Easter Island terrace while
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Day 5, 2025 Grand World Voyage Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. Five days in and we’re settling into a routine on the world cruise. To be honest, my routine doesn’t change greatly from cruise to cruise, but – like a new year – there’s something about the
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