AUSTRALIA ~ Adelaide

The port is a 30 minute train ride from Adelaide, there is a convenient train, one purchases a day pass for only $10 Australian.

We  walked along the main street enjoying the architecture.

Keith helping Mom with her IPad.

We visited the free art gallery.

A small representation of Aboriginal art.

We took a detour through the University campus to get down to the river.

What a beautiful stroll and so few people about.

Adelaide proper is a small area surrounded by green space, most of that green space is the river.

However the suburbs go on and on and on, all very similar, one level detached homes all along the train tracks.   

A couple of black swans begging at a cafe. 

It was cold in Adelaide with a brisk breeze. Again we did not bring warm enough clothing.

Again, too soon, back to the ship.

The train employee putting away the ramp used for Keith to get disembark the train. 

from the ship~ Norfolk Pines are very common in Southern Australia.

Two more days at sea...

Leisure time reading on the cabin balcony.

Another dessert to enjoy.

Our table was beside the Chef's Table. Passengers book months ahead for this special meal prepared specially for them by the head chef. They pay $150 a plate. The pretty beaded curtains close around them for privacy from the ordinary folks (like us).

Many sea days we met with Aussies Moyna and Garth to play cards, they introduced us to a game called Bush Rummy. The first time Mom played she skunked us all!

Mom also cleaned up at cribbage. We always take along the cribbage board that Dad made when he was 14 years of age. Our games are full of the expressions that Dad and Grampa used to say as they played so long ago. Once in a while I do a Howard Poke to try and summon his help.

Keith and I play cribbage, Hand and Foot and Spite and Malice ~ all for money. The loser pays into a pot that, once it gets large enough, is used to take us out for dinner. 

The last few nights we were serenaded into the dining room by these talented staff. I could hear their beautiful music as I descended the stairs. Lovely! By this time we had been told that the cruise was going to end at Perth on February 22nd instead of Singapore on March 2nd. This was of course due to fears of Corona Virus which had gotten aboard the Diamond Princess in Asia. Passengers and staff on the Diamond were quarantined, hundreds became ill and at least 5 have died. 

We were granted free access to satellite phones to help us make other arrangements. I was unable to reach Air Canada (of course!) so I contacted our insurance agent (I do not usually purchase travel insurance!) to help us out. They did so but I spent 5 days between Melbourne and Perth calling every morning for updates as they could not call me. It was extremely stressful and put a negative twist on the cruise. However, Princess was very good, offering us a 50% credit (which we have already received) and for those willing to travel within the next year, another 50% credit towards another cruise. No thanks for me. I am now working towards a good carbon footprint so no more cruises nor flights for me. 

Keith in his happy place!

Lobster AND Beef Wellington!