Taiwan and the Philippines

Well, this was an exciting, different, fun filled and happy month and a half. When I last posted, we were leaving Japan, I thought, and heading south. We wandered over to South Korea for a quick 2 day visit and then back to Japan to see some of the outer islands for 2 weeks. And then off to Taiwan and the Philippines.

In JeJu, South Korea we took a ferry ride over to the Volcano. No, it isn't erupting now but most days it is spewing gas and steam. Looking at my pictures, I realized that what I thought were just clouds over the top of the mountain were, in fact, emissions from the "active" volcano. We took a Jitney ride around the island and it was beautiful shade of green and lush trees. Very few people actually live on this island, which is understandable.

We did venture back to the bigger island and wandered around the town for a bit. It is always interesting to see the different (or surprising) stores and try to identify the different products for sale. For instance, here we are in S Korea - could not speak or read the language but here is a 7-11 in the middle of town. Had to check it out! According to Goggle Translator:

Picture #1 Original Vienna Sausage on a bun? Since 1978

Picture #2 Protein Bar - eat cold immediately (but it is hanging on an unrefridgerated rack!), baked not fried, It's not the same Protein. And a Zesty Frank (corn dog?) right next to it.

Picture #3 The bottom says Pressed Ham and the side says Domestic chicken meat and charcoal grilled. Do we call that Mystery meat?

Sometimes we invent our own entertainment, especially on Sea Days, and that is what we do for our friends. It was my friend, Holly's birthday. So we threw her a birthday luncheon in our "fancy" restaurant, the Thistle. Remember we don't have to pay for food or beer and wine, so it was a nice lunch at no cost. However, we did need some decorations for our tables. Since we were at sea, there was little opportunity to get our creative juices flowing. One of our stewards had surprised his Resident with a Towel Animal for her bed. Voila, decorations! One for each table! The Steward loved making them, and of course, earning a tip from us. And even on the ship, we have some singing waiters. Biggest problem I have now is that my Steward thinks I love these little animals and keeps making me a different one after the old one falls apart. For about 2 weeks, I had a Zoo.

Back in Japan for a couple of days and Shannon & I went to a Conveyor Belt Sushi restaurant for lunch. What a hoot and entertaining. The entire process is fun. First we sat down on a bench seat for two people with a computer in front of us. There were probably 6 sets of two on either side of us and another row of people on the other side of the "conveyor belt". Then you look at the pictures and description of the menu food and you order one and a quantity. Press enter and sit back. As you enjoy one dish you order the next. So good and so fresh. A couple of minutes later your first order will arrive on one of 3 ways. 1. The top conveyor is a Bullet Train (like they have all over Japan) and this comes with your food if it is supposed to be cold. #2 If your food comes on the lower deck it is a hot dish and is on a hot plate. #3 is the Robot which moves around with your drinks and soups. Everything is programmed to stop at your location and you remove it and stack your plates beside you. The Robot beeps all the time it is moving around the restaurant. And it brought me my beer without spilling a drop. While we were eating two Japanese ladies sat next to us and began filling up a Take-out Bento Box. Just look at the amount of Sushi in the trays. The way they were arranging it was beautiful.

As we were leaving another Japanese Good-bye event was held for us. Often we receive a Welcome ceremony from a Group and a different group arrives to entertain and wave goodbye.

One last stop in Japan was another Food Surprise and a welcome Blast from the Past.

And on to Taiwan: Our first stop brought us to Hualien, Taiwan. Three of us were lucky enough to find a taxi/tour guide who was born and raised in Hualien. We spent the day with her. We asked her to show us things that she would not show "normal tourists", things off the beaten track. We did see some damage from an earthquake several years ago and a huge cemetery that really looked interesting. But then she took us to her Temple. It was in a neighborhood and amazingly intricate. She said it was the Jade Emperor Temple and all other local Gods were subservient to him. We were introduced to a Service in which our names & Birth dates were sent up to the gods in smoke to bless us with health and happiness. It was really an amazing treat. From there we went to her favorite noodle shop for lunch, then ice cream, and then dessert pancakes.

In Keelung, where we docked, it was an hour train ride into Taipei. We took the train into town, had lunch and visited the Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial. We spent a lot of time in the Museum which I had never had the time to do on my prior visits to Taipei. It is still a beautiful and fascinating place. We did not spend much time in Taiwan but we will be back later this year. It was really hot so hopefully it will be cooler on our return.

Next Stop Subic Bay in the Philippines. But wait!!! There is a hurricane (NO, IT IS A TYPHOON NAMED BUAOLI) between us and Subic Bay. Why do I love Captain Val? Cause he takes good care of us. He asked and received permission for us to come into Subic Bay a half day ahead of time. This meant that we would cross over the projected path of Typhoon Bualoi before it could impact us. Burned some fuel getting there but we never felt a thing. But, to my friends in Carteret County, you will never guess who was there to greet me. Frank & Evonne Watson, formerly of Franks Franks. They now live 1.5 hours away but they came aboard, spent the night on the Odyssey and we had a great visit. We even went to Texas Joe's BBQ and I have to say - I was in Beef Heaven! Almost as good as Frank's Brisket. Subic Bay had a Casino. Finally a Slot Machine. No Joy! Another place advertised Mexican food - Nope! But the margarita was good. Then it was supposed to be a 2 day visit in Manila but guess what! Another Typhoon is heading our way and the Port Officials kicked all ships out of the marinas, docks and Bay. This one was named Ragasa and again Captain Val decided the best way for us to avoid the wind & sea swells was to stay close to land and we speeded south. We had about 24 hours of some rocking and rolling but my glassware and bottles of wine & rum stayed put. Most we had was 40-45 knots of wind and 10 ft seas. Piece of cake in this ship. My sisters and friends called me Typhoon Tetreault while drinking Typhoon Killers (after my favorite Caribbean Pain Killer Cocktail). Blue dot on map is the Odyssey.

And in the Philippines the Christmas decorations and Music all start in Sept and don't come down until February.

Next stop was Boracay Island, Philippines. What a beautiful island. Considered to be one of the top Vacation spots in the world. Check it out. More Welcome dancers. Ice cream served in a coconut bowl, gorgeous white powder sand and beautiful blue water.

September 30 was a day of celebration aboard the Odyssey. First because we were able to reconnect with our residents (who were on day-long tours) and VVR Management (whose flight from the US was delayed) who were left behind when we got kicked out of Manila early. It was also the one-year anniversary of the Odyssey leaving Belfast Ireland. The nay-sayers said we would never make it and yet here we are. Having a ball. We have visited 46 different countries in one year and I have been to 40 of them since I boarded 9 months ago. Can you find me in the pictures?

After 2 days at sea it was on to Puerto Princesa. Went on a Firefly Tour into the Mangroves. It is interesting the things we learn as children and think everyone knows the same thing. My sisters and I grew up chasing fireflys in the evening, catching them in a Mason jar, watching them and then letting them go. I thought it was kind of weird that anyone would want to pay to go on a tour in a little parang on the river just to see fireflys. Well! I was wrong. I went with friends from other parts of the US who had never seen fireflys. Needless to say, all our pictures came out black because when we saw the light and clicked the camera, the light was gone. But we kept trying. And the included dinner was terrific.

Our last stop in the Philippines was Cebo City. Two great memories here. In the US, giant Malls are slowly dying away but in other parts of the world they are alive and well. Thank goodness. We went to the Mall, did some shopping, and discovered a Chili's - yes, I had Tacos with spicy hamburger meat and honest to goodness salad (no cabbage), salsa and sour cream. I was in heaven. Our last night in town we did a Walking Street Food Tour. It was 3 hours long and we walked, ate some amazing foods, some others that were just plain weird., and others that I just didn't eat at all. And left with some great food pictures. I won't go into detail but the egg eating pictures were fertilized boiled eggs. Ain't happening!!

Great pictures of the Magellan's Cross Monument.

Even though this was our last stop, the Odyssey residents made a lasting impression. The Typhoon that we fled in Manila actually hit and did a lot of damage to the northern part of the island. Many of our VVR crew are from the Philippines and several had friends and immediate family impacted by Typhoon Ragasa. We have a group of residents doing good around the world and realized that we could do something quickly to help. We ended up donating over US $16,000 to those impacted by Ragasa (especially our Crew family). With the help of Philippine organizations we bought and set up for distribution, boxes of food and supplies which were then delivered to those in need. Our Crew members were overwhelmed as were the local officials. Cebu City was a place I would like to go back to, right after Boracay Island. This is a very very poor country with an amazing history and lovely people.

Now we are on to places that I didn't even know were countries. Indonesia, Micronesia, Palau, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Stay safe, stay healthy, be happy and Remember that Life is Better When you Smile.