Hard to post now as it is taking a while for everything to load. The original thread is so long it is quicker to start a new thread.

Sailing in to Petropovslovk (spelling?) Siberia was remarkable. Absolutely spectacular scenery with three snow capped volcanic mountains on a perfectly sunny day with zero wind and mirroring water. Pretty spectacular. The town was poor with not much to do. Seeing how these people live and the local market etc was very interesting though.

We had a nice cab experience. A cab driver who spoke NO English took us to an area with Dacha's (country houses). He motioned for us to stay in the car and he went inside and talked to some people sitting in the garden having lunch. They invited us in and spoke "Russian" to us with abandon of course we could not understand a word. The only English word one of them knew was "fantastic". They started picking rasberries and all types of products and giving them to us. Big smiles all around and lots of pictures and laughing. Then they picked carrots and gave us a whole bunch. What we are supposed to do with all these products was not quite clear. It was a lot of fun and such a great experience with the locals.

Sometimes cab rides work and sometimes they dont. This one turned out to be a great one.

We now have two days at sea on our way to Japan. I have had rack of lamb three nights in a row - ah am I a happy camper. Tobias is the chef on the Mariner and he has such a great personality. We always enjoy having him as the chef. Tonight it is DOVER SOLE. Life is GOOD.

ATTENTION ROARERS:

I have been in constant touch with Tiffany and we are still working on trying to confirm 2005 pricings. Rovos rail came back and said they were going up but would limit the increase for our group to 5% so at least that locks it in. We are still working with Singita It is looking more promising with Singita. I was concerned as it is a property that is always full to capacity does not have to negotiate so we may not have had success here. However, they are considering it and we may get some compromise here. That would be wonderful. WE are also working with the charter airlines to try to set pricing. It is just a slow process. Dont worry though I am on top of it.

Also I have set up a trip and Ken and I are going to South Africa to check all this out in OCTOBER of this year so by the time we go on MINT I will have pictures, information and full details and first hand knowledge of the trip. I just did not feel that comfortable taking everyone without knowing how it was all going to work.

I dont have all the details yet as it has been hard to organize all this on board but it is certain that we are going, we will see Singita, Victoria Falls and will also check a couple of the camps in Botswana. We are going to rush around and see as many properties as we possibly can while we are there. Most of the ones that the original planning group researched, Leopard Hills etc. I have become so enthusiastic about the ROAR trip and more and more interested in South Africa that if all goes well on this "checking it out trip" I may start actually selling South African safaris in addition to cruises. All because you started this PETLOVER. Amazing how things develop sometimes.

Okay off to a lecture now. Cant read all the posts it takes to long and people are waiting for the computer so I apologize if I dont respond to any questions.

Ngaire

Ngaire, I can't believe how fabulous & dedicated you are - working on ROAR while you're away! And you're going to check everything out for us ahead of time?! Everyone says it, but you really are the best!! I only wish I could go on MINT so I could see everything too.

Glad to hear you're having a good cruise in the meantime!

WOW, what an informative post! Just to hear about where you were in that lovely outpost in Russia, great story, humanity has a link that transcends nationality is how I see it. What a great story of sharing from those people in a far-off town from Moscow. That was an amazing experience, I am sure. Ngaire always manages to get out of the loop of the "safety net" of cruise excursions (nothing wrong with safety) and finds greater adventure in doing it on her own! Of course, sometimes to get back to the ship when they don't speak English, this involves going to the top of a building and pointing out where she wants to be! (always allow time to do this)I have ventured out with her before on these adventures, and we have always caught the ship on time! Great story, Ngaire!

Ngaire, you are so right about Chef Tobias. He is great. Enjoy his wonderful food. We enjoyed him on the Navigator last summer, I believe. It sounds like you made some friends in Russia... wonderful memories to have for a long time.

Wow!! 3 sea days..... kick back and relax.

Beth

Ngaire
Loved hearing about your experience in Russia. And how wonderful that you and Ken are off to check everything out for ROAR. I have heard that the camps in Botswana are fantastic. Anxiously await your reports, but for now, sit back and relax and eat, eat, eat. And maybe a sip or two of wine.

I am happy to hear from you and the news that you are going to S.A. for us. I heard from Julie today so I know you are on top of things.
What a woman!
Three of my grandparents were from Russia.
Try and relax!.....you are on a cruise!
XXXOOO

Now that we are in Ngaire's hands for Roar (this may be off topic) I think we don't have to worry anymore.

Hi Ngaire,

What a fascinating time! Having a very personal experience, such as this, is very special and really makes the excursion a really enriched one. I hope we are fourtunate enough to exerience something like that with the guides we've chosen for DOF. We'd love that.

Enjoy your cruise and please keep the reports coming.

Ngaire,
I loved the story of your experince in Siberia. For me, that is the reason to travel although I am not nearly as brave or adventuresome as you. Maybe you will wear off on me?

Although, I'm not going on ROAR (unless a financial miracle happens), I'm impressed that you continue your work while on a cruise. When the time comes, the ROARer's will go on their adventure with the confidence of knowing that you have personally checked things out! Outstanding!!

Ngaire - sounds like a great time! I'd be eternally grateful if you DID start selling African safaris down the line after ROAR - those of us not doing ROAR would certainly take you up on it at some point!!

Masaki

Ngaire,

Ngaire,

What a wonderful overachiever--for your clients.
Your dedication is exceptional and passion you
reflect for our ROAR trip is contagious. Worth
noting your reviews are top notch too; we will
have to consider who will be our ROAR scribe, so
he/she can share our trip with LCT..Thanks for all
you do.

Wes

WOW Ngaire, this is great! I'm so impressed that you're still working on ROAR 1/2 way around the world! The only thing that amazes me even more is that you can eat rack of lamb 3 nights in a row! (but knowing how much you adore lamb, I shouldn't be surprised)

I'm so glad you're having such a wonderful time!! We love hearing from you!

WOW sounds like a fantastic trip!! So glad you are having a great time - I love the Mariner!!
JoAnn

this trip sounds wonderful. I hope I get to go on ROAR. That should be spectacular.

I am so gald you enjoyed Siberia! We have been there 4 times! We have adopted 3 children from Siberia. On the first visit I spoke no Russian and found the people there to be so helpful and charming. Then I studied Russian for 2 years and went back and adopted a 12 year old! That trip was amazing to be able to really interact with such strong and wonderful people! I hope to cruise there one day. I am jelouse of you even though we leave on a Seabourn Athens to Istanbul in one month! Russia is beauitful!!

Back again. Early in the morning. Every night we gain either 1 or 2 hours. So you end up waking up early in the morning. This would be a perfect cruise for the night owl LCT'ers. Extra 2 hours to party every night.

One more day at sea and then our first port in Japan. So looking forward to this. Yesterday we passed many volcanic looking islands, with cones and snow on top. I must say I was looking forward to this trip but in certain ways it has exceeded my expectations.

We still have very calm seas though we are in the midst of a very heavy fogs. Considering we crossed seas that are supposed to be very rough I think the weather gods have been with us all the way.

The Mariner is performing really well and the food and service have been excellent in my opinion. Last night my Dover Sole was simply perfect. The staff decorated Stars Lounge as a Russian Bar and had Vodka shots complimentary. They did a super job and one passenger I know had a Russian Generals uniform and dressed in this and pretended to be a Russian General. He kept the act all night and it was really quite a riot. He was so good in his role and of course eventually told everyone he was just a passenger.

Stars nightclub will be perfect for MINT and they dont know the change this room is going to undergo when the MINTERS arrive. I have let them know to be prepared and I am trying to see if we can get Mario one of my favorite bar tenders assigned to Stars for our trip.

Off to breakfast now - eggs benedict and lamp chops - perfect heaven in my opinion.

Mario is cool! Great idea Ngaire. Love reading your updates. Sounds like a great trip.

Ngaire, it sounds like you are having a marvelous time! I will be looking for you when you make port. Give Ken a big hug for me and I hope the rest of your cruise is as good as the first half.
xoxo

Ngaire,

So glad you are having such a great cruise. Thank you for your posts. I have really enjoyed reading them.

Betty

Ngaire: I look forward to your posts - so happy you are having a wonderful time and the lamb sounds sooooo good! Joanna

Ngaire,

Thank you for the posts and updates. I can't wait until the MINTers get to have the Mariner to play on!

Anthony

Last update from the ship. We disembark tomorrow, the only good thing is they are letting me leave my cases on board so I am going home and back again without Luggage. Now that is fantastic.

The internet is blocked a lot in Japan so we have not been able to get on line.

We had a "scary adventure" in Hokadate, Japan. Ron (Lindas husband) is always tacking pictures and this wild Japanese man saw him taking a picture of his store and starting yelling in Japanese. Then he grabbed a big rusty saw and started towards Ron with this menacing weapon. We were all in a little bit of shock. He pushed Ron with the flat blade of the saw and we just walked on by as fast as we could. An adventure we wont soon forget. We figured he had not talked to the local chamber of commerce about making tourists feel welcome. We have no idea why he was so upset.
Made me think of Oliva's wild monkey story from her Asian trip. He looked like a wild monkey!!!

The local market in Hakodate was unbelievable, full of every type of fish and crab that you can imagine. You can take a cable car or taxi to the top of a mountain and the view is truly beautiful. Our taxi driver stopped at a restored public hall and we toured this very Victorian mansion. The locals can pay $10 and dress up in ballgowns and have their picture taken inside. These tiny Japanese girls all dressed up giggling as their pictures were taken was the highlight of our day. The Asian women are so natural and beautiful. This was something that I first noticed in Vietnam there is something so delicate about them I am always mesmerized by their beauty and grace.

Today we were in Sendai and we got a taxi and went to see Temples in a truly beautiful park. We simply did not have enough time. WE made it back without about 2 minutes to spare before the ship shuttle left and it is a good 40 minutes back to the ship so we did not want to miss the shuttle. WE were caught in a huge traffic jam - one of the dangers of taking a taxi with limited time. Once again we lucked out and all was well. The taxi driver wore white gloves and hat and a little uniform, he looked so cute. I thought of our taxi drivers - not spotless cars and white uniforms in the USA. The taxis have automatic doors you are not supposed to touch the doors. All very different.

The stores carried the highest quality of goods all top brand designers. Beautiful city very clean.

So my "last supper" tonight but I will be returning soon. No matter how much I cruise I am always excited when I arrive and always sad to leave.

I want to have time to get Ken or Ron to figure out how to post pictures here. I am so technically and time challenged. I would love to post the little ladies in the garden in Siberia, we have a picture of the "saw wild man" in Hakodate and the Japanese girls in Sendai. These are really special shots. Maybe I will get this figured out.

WEll I will be back in the office on Monday. We land at 10.00 am and will probably be in around noon.

MINTERS - there are changes to schedule for the Mariner in Mexico. My office mailed late Friday and the ship is now not docking until 10.00 am on the 19th for disembarkation so all the people with flights around noon wont make it. This includes me and I am sure almost every other LCT -MINTER. I am not sure of all the details yet but from my office email I think that Silversea is having to do the same thing so it must be something to do with security again or government criteria.

Radisson said they were going to rebook all the people with air/sea arrangements. If the airline has had any schedule change since you bought your tickets then you can change for no penalty. Even a minute means a free change. I am not sure if RSSC will do anything for those who bought their own air for any fees from the airlines for a change. If this is a government mandate they may not I just dont know yet. I just wanted you all to know as soon as possible and thought this might be the fastest way to get the word out.

My office will be contacting everyone of course once we have more details.

This is a wonderful place to pass news very quickly when the majority of passengers are LCT people.

Ngaire,

Quite the adventure! The man obviously is very camera shy!

Can't wait to see your photos.

Have a safe trip home!

Ngaire - wow, I have NO idea why he was so upset. I'd be interested in seeing the pictures! So the Mariner is storing your bags until MINT???

Masaki

Ngaire-

We are just off the Mariner after returning from Japan to LA after the crossing. A great cruise, but I am concerned that RSSC sold a 12 night cruise, as stated in their promotional materials, but the cruise ended up being an 11 night cruise due to crossing the International Dateline en route. Looks like someone at RSSC failed to take this into account?

Ngaire - wow what an interesting trip you have had -- hopefully some day, when we've done the basics (like Europe - duh) we might get to do something like this - makes me dream anyway!! So many cruises -- so little time (not to mention money).
Have a safe trip home - wait - its Monday, you must already be home, are you a walking zombie??? I would be, as I cannot sleep on moving vehicles, especially airplanes!!
JoAnn

Wow, I still really want to do this cruise next year, and moreso now that I've read your impressions! I really hope we can do it, although that much time so far away from our little girls...dunno if we can swing it.

YOu may have run into the odd local that does not want anything to do with foreigners...the only time I encountered this was in Kyoto...I had stopped by a shop and was looking at the items for sale...because of the way things were set up, the shopkeeper couldn't see me...I saw her feet approach until we finally saw each other. The look on her face totally changed when she saw who it was. Needless to say, it went from eager to having a customer to complete disgust when she saw me. That was the only time I was made to feel unwelcome in Japan. Nevertheless she didn't grab a "weapon" and chase me!! But if looks could kill....

This picture taking incident reminds of something we should all keep in mind when taking pictures in countries other than the U.S....even those countries that we think are somewhat Westernized or have been exposed to U.S. tourists:

Don't take pictures of people without asking first. In Guatemala, a few tourists have gotten the scare of their lives when they have snapped pictures of the darling little indigenous children...some of grownups or parents witnessing this have come close to lynching toursits as a result...when asked why they did it, they said they thought the "gringos" doing it were child kidnappers (a HUGE problem in Guatemala, since child adoptions have been very lucrative down there for some unscrupulous people).

I know for a fact that some indian nations here in the U.S. don't like their pictures being taken either!

That's a good point to remember ...

Masaki

On my very first cruise when I was a teenager my parents took me to Nassau. They had also given me a new camera to use. I saw a beautiful Bahamiam woman making a wicker basket and decided to take a picture of her. I got the scare of my life when she started yelling at me. I have never forgotten my lesson to never take anyone's picture or even of their belongings without first asking for their permission.