Today we had a day visit to Auckland, New Zealand. "Auckland" is a native Maori word meaning "the entire dam city is under construction." Seems the city has grown a lot during the last few decades. Sky Tower (image from Wikipedia) As this was my first visit, I took the standard "Sights of Auckland" bus … Continue reading Auckland

On each day's news letter there are the little words: "No shorts or flip flop type footwear after 6:00pm in indoor venues", and then the dress code of that day. Casual: Pants, blouses or casual dresses for women, open-neck shirts and slacks for menInformal: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men (tie optional)Formal: Evening … Continue reading Dress Code

En route to Auckland, New Zealand. There seems to be a talent tier system on Silversea. This is probably not unique to cruise ships, it's just in my face here so it is more obvious. Top tier are the single-leg performers. They perform once or twice a week and have no other responsibilities. You see … Continue reading Musical Tiers

As of noon 26-Jan our location is 22deg 27min South, so we will cross the Tropic of Capricorn tonight - a first time for me. Until reading the Wiki article I did not know that it moves northward 15 meters every year due to the Earth's precession. Without looking, name the four countries entirely south … Continue reading Tango of Capricorn

So, Tonga. Our destination lecture mentioned it is the only island chain not colonized by a European power, and they only established a democratic parliament nine years ago. The capitol and main tourist place is in the south, but we visited Neiafu on the island of Vava'u to the north. Seems it's mainly known for … Continue reading Tonga