Smokestacks

There is a symmetry and a poetry and a rightness in all things. Even smokestacks. (This is not to imply that everything is perfectly all right with everything and we needn’t make improvements to anything.) (Nor should we come to the conclusion that smokestacks are a metaphor for life. They might be, but I’m not

Diamond Princess Atrium

I’ve done a fair bit of cruising over the years, and I think the Diamond Princess is my favourite ship. It’s not too big – around 2500 passengers and probably around 1000 crew. That sounds like a lot but there are some twice the size. I’ve never been on one that big, so I can’t

A perfect day to sail

Yes, I have cruising on the brain again… the cheap details are coming out for early next year. Spotted one tonight on Holland America from Hong to Beijing, then Shanghai then Incheon and Jeju (the last two being in South Korea.) 14 nights… less than $100 per night per person… of course there will be

Phoney Fake Fabulous Fun

Despite that glitz and glamour are about as far from anything I would define as ‘my style,’ I love it on a ship – the glitzier and more over the top, the better. I suppose it’s the immersion in a world that is not mine, not of my design or under my control.  And not

As the day goes by…

This one is worth clicking to see full-size – I promise! OK, I admit I am particularly fond of this one.  If you don’t like it – let me know…

All at Sea

After a month away, settling back to a ‘normal’ routine of life just isn’t easy. I resent having to get up and go to bed to suit someone else’s schedule. I resent my standard healthy omelette breakfast – my salad at lunchtime, my wonderfully balanced and wholesome dinner lovingly prepared by my spouse. I resent