Arrival on MS Maasdam, Our Journey Begins.

The bed, last night, was comfortable but it was so high off the ground that my short legs almost needed a stepladder to climb up onto it!  We slept well but unfortunately jet lag kicked in and we were awake early.  So much for getting a full night's sleep!  Instead of dragging our bodies out of bed when the alarm went off we were well awake and just about dropped onto the floor - forgetting how high the bed was!

Our transport arrived on time at the Andaz Hotel and we soon found ourselves being whisked away through town and to the harbour.  Secretly hoping that the ship wouldn't make it into port that morning, Paul was sorely disappointed 😉.  The Maasdam was at the dock, waiting.

A chap from Human Resources was waiting for us at the cruse terminal and necessary documentation was exchanged and forms filled in.  Once done - port and ship's security cleared us to board.

The morning passed by in a flurry of activity.  Paul had to go through a handover with the leaving staff-captain, and many other formalities.  He was so busy until later on in the afternoon that he didn't even have time to change into his uniform but it is understandable and he was let off the hook!

The small orchids are blooming once more.
While Paul was busy I set about unpacking our luggage and had a quick exploration of the ship, seeing if there were any staff/familiar faces from 3 months ago.  A few are still on board and it was good to see them again.  Others are on holiday now or have assignments on other sister ships.  That is ship's life - people come and go and you bump into each other again on other voyages.  I was happy to see that the plants I had 'rescued' from being chucked out a year ago were still very much alive.  The cabin steward has been watering them while I have been away, Paul's counterpart staff-captain not being very good at taking care of plants.  Two orchids are happy - though small, they are blooming nicely.

The bridge.
To give you an idea of the ship, you are welcome to see some of my photographs I initially took in May 2016 and to which I have added over a period of time that I have been with Paul on the ship:  MS Maasdam

We were due to set sail for Honolulu at around 5 or 6pm but unfortunately there has been a delay as necessary cargo wasn't delivered and a contingency plan had to made in a hurry to get the necessary items in a hurry and get them delivered.  What time they will arrive, I don't know.

I'm ready for bed but Paul will have to stay up until departure.

For more information about the MS Maasdam, you can go to:  http://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/ms-Maasdam-670
https://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=ships_msMaasdam&showHeader=true&showFooter=true

Our route to Honolulu over the next few days.





Back 9 hours: Flying Westwards, Los Angeles & San Diego.

Yesterday, in Amsterdam, it was nice to get priority boarding but ... Paul got stopped, as did a few other random passengers, just before boarding the plane and was put through a random drug test.  Plenty of swabs were taken from his shoes, hand luggage, bum bag, laptop, etc.  The guy doing Paul's random check was super-thorough and we had no option but to wait patiently.

We finally boarded the aircraft and found our seats.  The stewardess was very helpful with trying to re-arrange our seats with our fellow passengers so that we could sit side by side but nobody was interested in giving up their seat, let alone for a window seat.  It didn't matter - at least Paul was just a leg's length away from me.  The flight was delayed for almost an hour because there was a shortage of loading staff.

The flight to Los Angeles was pleasant - I slept most of it away! 😃 The food and service was superb so no complaints from the 'peanut gallery'.  Flying westerly we gained another 9 hours. 😊

It was when we landed in Los Angeles that the fun began.

We had to stand in a long queue for "self-service" machines where we were had to scan in our passports and get our finger prints scanned in.  Not a problem.  Er yes, it was a problem.  The scanner didn't seem to like Paul's fingers and wouldn't register his prints.  After trying a few times Paul ended up going to the machine next to ours where everything went smoothly.  In the meantime I had the same problem that Paul had where my fingerprints wouldn't register.  An assistant came over to help and eventually the scanner got my finger prints in - but only after the assistant cleaned the screen a couple of times.  We were just about to go when the assistant told Paul he also had to get his passport and fingers scanned even though Paul had used another machine - something to do with people flying together, i.e. couples/families.  The machine regurgitated a piece of paper with something on it along with our pictures.  What it was exactly for, we weren't sure but we held onto it.

We then discovered that we had to go into another queue to see a human.  It seems the finger scanner nor passport recognition had anything to do with immigration because we had to go through the process again when we finally got to passport control desk.  We hoped not to get the one particular immigration control chap because he seemed to be in a very bad mood.  He even walked a visitor somewhere else for further investigative questioning.  Another chap was Russian and the immigration official dismissed him eventually, telling him to stand to one side and wait - but without saying why.  The 2 ladies in front of us headed towards him and he told them to 'get back behind the line' until called.  They sighed with relief when someone else called them but for us - we ended up getting 'crosspatch'.  Funnily enough he calmed down when we approached and was full of good cheer, friendly and even cracked a joke or two.  What a change in mood!  We just about fell over backwards.  We got through passport control without any further hassles.

We collected our suitcases and, with the lack of signage and a bit of luck, we found the luggage re-check in area.

There were no information boards as to connecting flights so we ended up doing a bit of guesswork and followed signs that said 'connecting flights'.  After going through security check (I found staff were rude and unfriendly) we found ourselves in a large terminal but with still no information boards as to where our connecting flights were.  We finally asked someone and were given directions as to where to go.  We were in the wrong terminal and had to go to another terminal.

So we followed more signs to the exit of the terminal and walked along a pavement to another terminal and finally found the right place.  It meant having to go through security again even though we had been through security earlier at the wrong terminal.  Once again there was no signage as to which direction to go and some personnel were abrupt with us because we couldn't find our way.  How were we to know that BEHIND her and to her left was the way to get to the security scanners - we just saw barrier tape blocking things off; the way to the security scanners not being very visible.  Through security once again and finally we found information boards with flight information.  We gave a sigh of relief once we got to the gate and could sit down for a few minutes before boarding our next flight.

The short flight between Los Angeles and San Diego was uneventful. Once landed we were able to pick up our luggage and found our transport waiting for us to take us to the hotel.

Now at the hotel (Andaz Hotel, San Diego - https://sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html), we are able to have a much needed shower and relax. Tomorrow is another day and it is now time to get some much needed rest before Paul goes back to work on the cruise ship, MS Maasdam.



Time to Fly!

We woke up early and was ready for the taxi collection at 7:15am.  Paul's mum, Betty, was awake too so that she could say goodbye.  Our taxi's arrival time came and went and Paul started to get a bit worried.  I stood and waited outside while he telephoned to find out where the taxi was.  He was told that the taxi was on its way.  It eventually arrived about 15 to 20 minutes late.  It was very foggy outside so people were driving carefully.

We got to the train station in  Breda and were well in time to catch the high speed train to Schiphol Airport.  The train was full and there were no seats available so we stood, with our luggage, in the bicycle storage area of our carriage.  We weren't the only ones making use of the space.  Fortunately nobody brought their bicycles onto the train at that time.  The train made a stop in Rotterdam before continuing on to Schiphol Airport.

We had arrived in plenty of time and were treated to self-service baggage check-in which we had never seen before.  Usually one goes to a counter to drop the bags off and the ground steward/ess will weigh in the suitcases and sticker them.  This time we had to put our suitcases into an open cage one at at time, a sticker was issued which we tied to the suitcase, the open cage door  lowered, the suitcase emptied onto a conveyor belt and the cage door opens for the next piece of luggage.  The process is then repeated. The airport is certainly becoming more and more automated.

Next, Paul went to an enquiries desk to find out if there was an opportunity to upgrade our seats to business class - if the price was right.  Fortunately the price was within reasonable limits but we would not be able to sit together.  It doesn't matter too much - from the aeroplane seating plan it looks like we will be sitting behind each other.

We went through security without any hiccups and had a bit of a wander around before going to the business class lounge for a bit of a late breakfast.  We have been able to relax for an hour or so but must head to the boarding gate now!

Time to board the flight!

Oh... about the saga with the car breaking down whilst in Corsica.  Paul submitted VW's invoice and, to chance his arm, our ferry invoice (that we couldn't cancel therefore get our money back for) and extra accommodation cost invoice to KwikFit.  They have paid it back!  Wow!  Good result from KwikFit Netherlands!



Preparations.

Over the last few days we have been trying to sort ourselves out.  Paul goes back to work at sea and flies out tomorrow; I am going with him.  We have been purchasing a few items we need to take with us, unpacking and re-packing for the next few months at sea. 

In the middle of it all, the weather has been nice so on Saturday Paul felt it would be good to take the quadbike out and take it for one last spin before we put it into a lock-up garage.  The quadbike was a bit low on fuel but fortunately Paul had a jerrycan of petrol in the his mum's garage so he could fill up the tank.  Unfortunately the quadbike's fuel cap wouldn't open, no matter what Paul did.  He eventually asked neighbour, who has a motorbike, to have a quick look but to no avail.   Paul ended up going to garage where he had the quadbike serviced and I followed behind in the car in case he ran out of petrol.  It turns out that fuel cap was broken so Paul purchased another one and then we went to the nearest petrol station.  There was a car wash across the road from the petrol station so Paul decided to get car washed - it needed it after weeks of being on the road.  It was a big mistake.  The spoiler broke in car wash, the garage owners not taking any responsibility however we were told to bring the car back on Monday back on Monday to get it fixed.  I cried on way home, very frustrated at so many things going wrong.

Our quadbike ride route.
On Sunday we took the quadbike out for a ride, popping across the border into Belgium and back again, making use of unpaved roads as and when possible.  It was a nice scenic drive.  We finally put the quadbike in a lock-up garage and the car too, where they will stay for the next couple of months while we are away. 

Today Paul and I made use of the online check-in for our KLM flight to Los Angeles.  Mine went smoothly enough however Paul's didn't.  The online check-in would not allow him to continue to the seat selection because he didn't have a USA ESTA visa.  Because he is a sailor, he doesn't need it - he has other work visas and documents.  In the end he ended up applying, separately, for an ESTA visa and it was approved; yet the KLM website still wouldn't allow Paul to check in online.  Because Paul's office had booked our flights separately (why, we don't know) it means we usually don't get seats together so as and when we check in online we look at the seating plan and try to change our seats so that we can sit next to each other.  This time it wasn't going to happen, by the looks of things.  In the end Paul rang KLM's booking office and after a long wait of nearly ½ an hour he got through only to get cut off by mistake whilst moving his hands to reach for some paperwork.  Frustration is ...  He dialled again and eventually got through after holding on for about 40 minutes.  The KLM representative managed to check Paul in and gave us seats next to each other.  However, when we looked online at upgrading our seats to extra leg room seats we discovered Paul was seated at the back of the aeroplane.  Just as well we had checked!  We managed to get seats together online and printed our confirmation tickets out. 

Betty's fish bowl needed cleaning so the poor fish were relocated to another smaller (cooking!) bowl, while their large bowl was emptied and cleaned out.  In the meantime one of the snails tried to make a quick getaway out of its temporary accommodation and I had to persuade him to turn around and go back.  All done and dusted then it was time to finalise our packing.

It's now quite late and we have an early start in the morning.

Homeward-bound & Piercings.

Our ferry crossing was uneventful and we arrived in Toulon on time.  With our satnav giving directions, we headed out of Toulon towards the Netherlands with an estimated arrival time of around 6pm.  Traffic was fine most of the time but our arrival time crept up by 2¼ hours to around 8:15pm.

Paul had booked appointments for us at a tattoo, piercing and body art studio (www.garageink.nl/) for around 7pm but had to call the studio's owner that we couldn't make the appointment because of traffic delays.  She kindly re-arranged the appointment for 8:30pm (the studio closes at 9pm) and we got there on time.  The piercing and tattoo studio is a converted garage, small but well laid out, and attention to health and safety.  The piercer is an ex-nurse who changed profession, and was very good.  I won't got into piercing details but all I can say is  ... eye-watering "ouch"!  😩

It was a short drive back to Paul's mum's place from the piercing studio and it is good to be 'home' again.

Our journey back to the Netherlands.

On The Road Again.

As we were heading towards La Chiappa's reception Paul got a call from VW - our car was ready for collection.  After checking out at reception Paul called for a taxi to pick us up and take us to the VW garage.  It was good to see the car again but not the bill - over €2,000!

After last week's disaster we decided on a different route to Bastia's ferry port; driving northwards along the east coast then across the neck of the narrowest point of the island to the west coast.  We then headed northerly along the west side for a while before crossing back over and heading to the ferry.  Some roads narrow with hair-raisingly steep drop.  Many twists and turns, enough to make one feel sick.  On a funny note we saw a sheep parked in someone's garage as we neared Bastia.

Checking-in at the ferry port was a breeze again.  Someone comes around with a small hand held computer, you confirm your details which is then logged on the computer and your car gets a checked-in sticker.  We found a place to settle near a window alongside a french woman and her dogs.  Unfortunately, later on, someone asked us to move because we were in the reception area.  I don't understand why we were asked to move because later we saw people sleeping where we had originally been!  Anyway, we found a place near the stairs on the next floor.  As soon as we had settled down dog and its owners came walking down the stairs.  The dog promptly peed on carpet and its owners did nothing.  I was gobsmacked 😡.  I was going to call the owners back but I was too shocked at what I had seen so it was a bit too late.  I ended up going to reception to get someone to clean the carpet. The receptionist was not impressed.  There are specific areas on the ferry for pets to pee and poo!  Thankfully 2 friendly stewards came later with a carpet cleaner and cleaned up the mess.

Time to try and get some zzzzz.





Our route.  Driving a bit slower we took a bit longer than what google maps predicted but we still made it to the ferry with a good hour to spare.

Last Days at La Chiappa & Dive.

Not much has been happening other than relaxing.  KwikFit in the Netherlands contacted Paul and admitted liability for what happened.  They us to bring the damaged radiator back with us to the Netherlands; and send them the VW invoices. 

Yesterday Paul went to La Chiappa's reception and asked one of the receptionists to ring VW for him.  Because his French is limited he got her to find out more or less when the car would be ready (again probably Thursday after 5pm), and also asked them not to throw out the damaged radiator - Kwikfit wanted to see it.  The receptionist was very understanding and was of great help to us. 

In the afternoon we took around the campsite's outer borders, along the coastline.  The bordering fence between the campsite and a lighthouse became non-existent so we followed a path below the lighthouse and down to narrow cape or point of the coastline.  During the walk we saw a baby tortoise - it was no bigger than the palm of my hand.  We left him to continue his own little journey.  Some of the surrounding bush had been burnt by a fire but fortunately there was new signs of life with a bit of green showing through the charred bushes.  It was nice to walk as nature intended - with nothing on, feeling the fresh air, sun and water on our skin.  I felt at peace, relaxed.

This morning we went to the Hippocampe Dive Centre and booked ourselves on a dive for the afternoon.  It was good to see the familiar faces of Lulu, Wolfe and Nadine as well as other members of the team.  They were a bit surprised to see us again because we had said our goodbyes last week, but we were made to feel welcome again. We had hoped to do a wreck dive but plans had to change because of the choppy sea.  We still enjoyed our dive though.  Our dive guide today was a James Bond (Daniel Craig) look-alike! 

Despite having a cold, my ears, nose and sinuses felt ok (one should never dive with a cold and I was fully aware of that fact prior to going out) and the dive went smoothly .  My right ear though, at one point, would not equalise and became painful.  I tried to surface but Paul, thinking that I my buoyancy was a problem, kept holding on to me.  I tried to explain by pointing out what my problem was.  Our dive guide came over to see what was up.  He also didn't want me to surface and with signals, told me to stop, and then held onto my jacket whilst I tried to equalise my ear again.  After quite a few tries my ear equalised and I was pain-free, ready to continue.  I've not had problems with my face-mask before but today it kept on leaking.  A couple of times I emptied excess water, as I had been taught, but in the end I gave up.  At least I could still see to a major degree.  If the water collection in my mask had been bad I would have taken it off - I can see in sea water without any problems.

We finished the day with a meal at the campsite's restaurant and have been doing a bit of packing.  Hopefully the car will be ready for us sometime tomorrow! 

Walk & Hair Dye

Chalet at La Chiappa
The past 2 days my cold got the better of me so I spent quite a bit of time sleeping while Paul did some reading.

Tahiti Beach
Today we decided to check out "Tahiti" beach, a 40 minute walk along the coastline in a south westerly direction from the campsite.  It could have been a lovely beach but huge mounds of seaweed was banked up, making the waters edge look as if was rocky but in actual fact it wasn't - it was soft rotting seaweed.  We found a log on the outskirts of the beach and sat looking at the small cove and scattered sunbathing bodies.  A bit later on we were joined by 3 goats who seemed to be calling for the rest of their herd - but there was  no answer.  Clouds began to gather so we decided to leave the cove sooner rather than later.  Just as well we did because it started to drizzle. 

Last week we had bought hair dye and were going to dye our hair for when we attended our friends wedding vow renewal.  Although we could no longer attend, due to car problems, we decided to dye our hair anyway.  We had a good laugh, even more so when we traipsed to the communal showers to wash the hair dye off!

It's just about time for bed and we are lying here listening to a thunderstorm.  Rain is pouring down and the sweet smell of wet earth and vegetation is rising; fresh and welcoming.

Our walk from La Chiappa to Tahiti beach along the shoreline.  Google gave a good time estimate.



PHOTOGRAPHS

La Chiappa

 




 







Heading to Tahiti Beach







Tahiti Beach








Someone has a sense of humour!


Hair Dyeing in Progress


Before we start!
Er ... what happens next???

Ooohhh....  luuuverly....



Rubbing it in for full coverage
The colour looks like mulberry!


Before we rinse the dye off

The shower water was a bit cold to start off with!

All done and this is the result.
Singing in the rain with my new colour!

Blond/yellow or what???


My hair is a coffee bean colour









































Ushuaia, Argentina.

While in port today another ship was berthed alongside the MS Prinsendam .  She is almost the 'sister' ship of the Prinsendam becaus...