LAST POST FROM IRELAND – 10 June 2012

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Ray Boas

Alright, now I have to get serious and finish up.  I have Thursday and Friday afternoons, and at dinner realized Saturday to also fill you in on.  I am going to be brief since you have a flavor of the success of this trip.  I had worked from my Rick Steve guidebook for a rough outline way back when, and with suggestions from Paul on Queen Mary 2, I had a packed 6 days in Northern Ireland.

Once I left the Giant’s Causeway on Thursday I went directly to Londonderry with the intention of parking in the garage next to the TI (Tourist Information) as Rick Steves recommended.  I arrived with minutes to spare to get on a tour bus covering both sides of the River Foyle seeing all the neighborhoods, and murals etc.  You would not have even considered visiting Londonderry (or Belfast) prior to maybe 15 years ago because of the “Troubles” following Bloody Sunday 30 January 1972.  I am still trying to digest and understand the political situation in The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland going back to the Great Famine, the 1920s, WWII and uprisings starting in the 60s. Political, yes, but the sides also have religious lines Protestant VS Catholic and Loyalists VS Nationalists, Home Rule, etc.  Too much to get into here, but my visit to the Tower Museum within the city walls built which were built 1613-1618 helped my understanding.  I enjoyed my walk around the top of the walls, visited Austin’s Department Store which was established in 1830, and on the way back to the car had to make a purchase in Poundland.  For emergency use I got two packages of Cadbury Chocolate Cookies for a pound, and two bottles of juice for a pound. Heading back to Portrush I followed the scenic coast, but sadly in rain diminishing the views, but I drove on the beach along the way and had dinner in Portstewart before getting back to my B&B.  As a resort town, Portrush, and the surrounding area has been spoilt with condominiums and caravan parks.  Miles of mobile homes, all alike, are lined up waiting for their holiday merrymakers.  Besides the beach, golf is big in the area (the Ireland Open begins the end of the month in Portrush), and there are storefront after storefront filled with amusement machine games.  Real honky-tonk, and a change from what was originally a Victorian seaside resort.

From atop the Londonderry Wall – you know me and “window views”

 

I filled you in previously on my Friday morning at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, but the rain continued on for most of my drive along the Antrim coast.  I found the little road Paul told me about to Torr Head.  Where is Black Beauty when I need her?  (for my new blog friends, Black Beauty is my 1958 Triumph TR3).  The perfect hillside road barely wide enough for one car, cliff with drops to the ocean on one side, fields with sheep, and curves to challenge the most skilled driver.  Not even enough room to stop and take pictures.  Continuing down the coast it was sad to see the little seaside towns with most of their business buildings boarded up.  In time I decided to cut back over one of the Glens back to the motorway so I would have about three hours at the Ulster Folk and Transportation Museum between Belfast and Bangor on A2. Pauline suggested that I start with the Folk Museum which is similar to Sturbridge Village or Greenfield Village in the states.  Many buildings have been relocated to set up both a village environment and a rural environment.

A street in the Ulster Folk and Transportation Museum village

I particularly enjoyed an early 17th century poor farmers dwelling showing the original beam architecture that is formed as an inverted ship’s hull. The Folk village is very well done, and I was fortunate to be at the right spot at the right time to catch a ride in a reproduction 1904 Bus (up front with the drive) to tour the rural area, which because of the time to walk I had decided not to do, but this was just perfect.  I then headed across the A2 to the Transportation Museum which houses trains, buses, street cars, automobiles, and a great Titanic exhibit which I mention on my Titanic Day page.

Arriving shortly after five in Bangor, Pauline graciously welcomed me at Hargreaves House to what has become one of my all time best B&B experiences.  She goes out of her way to take care of her guests with recommendations, etc. as I observed she was also doing for a young couple I met at breakfast the next morning.  Saturday I took the train into Belfast and caught the Belfast City Sightseeing bus, one of those hop on, hope off affairs with commentary along the way. The route included all quarters of Belfast including the areas of conflict and Troubles and we travelled around the Peace Wall (with some gates still closed) and viewed many of the murals on buildings and on the wall (which is actually even longer and higher now than during the conflicts).  So much to learn!  I got off to tour the Ulster Museum on the grounds next to Queen’s College, but only devoted time (2 hours) to the history area, again trying to learn about Irish history, the Troubles and their background going back into the early 20th century with the division of the Island and England’s control. Oh, did you know that the Luftwaffe attacked Belfast three times in 1941 killing well over 1,000 people and causing extensive damage, however missing their target – the shipyards.  I had dinner in Belfast before returning to Paulines’s, and when I returned she and I and Ambrose chatter for several hours comparing country notes and solving the world’s problems.

So, in a small nutshell, that is Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday.  What is next?  I don’t know.  In September I will be going to a photography course on the Isle of Shoals, both of which have been on this list, but you know me, I will wake up with a thought, do some research and plan a trip.  In the meantime, thanks for travelling with me, and good night from Ireland, which this view from Hargreaves House in Bangor, Ireland.  As always, yours, RAY

Good Night Ireland from in front of Hargreaves House B&B

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A TITANIC DAY – Sunday 10 June 2012 — 100 Years plus almost Two Months

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Ray Boas

I still owe you Londonderry and driving to Belfast, but that will be my last post that I will work on next, but first again with a video is my Titanic Day.

I walked up to the train station in 10 minutes, allowing 30 minutes to get there (I now cannot get enough train travel).  NI Railway is fantastic to travel anywhere in Northern Island, and I could have today all day for 6.50 pounds – on Sunday that is what you pay for unlimited travel (unless the fare to where you want to go is less).  When I took the train yesterday fares are 1/3 off, if departing after 9:30, but today I traveled before 9 to make the 10AM opening for Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience which opened on 31 March.  Tickets have to be purchased/reserved well in advance, and my hostess, Pauline, at Hargreaves House   is so gracious and caring that she made my reservation awhile back for the exhibition as well as my tour with Susie Millar of Titanic Tours Belfast   who is the great grand-daughter of a Titanic crew member that was lost with the Titanic.

TITANIC BELFAST  is in the shipyard area, which now named Titanic Quarter is undergoing a wonderful redevelopment for offices, residences, entertainment complex and the like.  This effort is similar to what I have seen with US Navy bases that have closed through the US.  The exhibit is well done and tells a progressive history of Belfast developing its industries, the building of the ship and its launching and fitting out, followed by the maiden voyage, sinking and the aftermath.  The exhibit concluded with myths and legends and then a movie of the ship and debris field.  My only disappointment was the lack of actual objects from the ship, but at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum,  that I spent almost 3 hours at Friday afternoon, there is a fine exhibit with recovered items, and extensive ephemera of White Star Line and the building of the ships and life on ocean liners – just the “old stuff” that I enjoy.

I videoed the last two thirds of one of the most fascinating things I saw at TITANIC BELFAST to share below (expand to full screen)  which is a panoramic recreation moving up from the engine room (not shown) through a dining salon to the grand staircase ending at the bridge (sorry again for the watermark on the image – I will buy the software).

 

I spent 2 ¼ hours in the exhibition, but if I had not finished another book on the Titanic before I left I would have had to spend more time.  I then had a nice lunch there and met Susie to tour with her and a couple from Australia.  The insights she provided on her family, life for the shipyard workers, and the like comes from her extensive time researching and hearing the stories and her involvement with the Titanic Society.  So, below are a few images from her tour that I have captioned.

The Drawing Room – Titanic’s Plans were drawn here

 

Susie on right in the shipbuilder/designers office

 

Original Pump House and Dry Dock for Titanic

 

I then travelled back to Bangor and walked to the Bangor Castle, had a few moments in the museum before it closed and then strolled through the extensive gardens at the Castle and had an ice cream.  Rick Steves was correct in saying that Bangor is the place to stay when experiencing the Belfast area, and I highly recommend the same.  I will post this, have some dinner, and then work on my last post filling in the holes from Thursday and Friday.  Then it is time to repack my bags and get ready to leave in the morning.  I love travelling, and I love being home too.  I am ready to get home.  Catch you again later, yours, RAY

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CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE – 8 June 2012

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Ray Boas

Instead of doing a full post today (now I have two days to write about – Londonderry yesterday and today’s journey to Belfast) I decided to share a video with you of crossing this bridge that you may not get an opportunity to do.  I have not done a video since January in Yellowstone, and wondered why I still could use my introductory “free software” to convert my MOV file to an MP4 file, but then in previewing discovered that since it has expired a watermark is displayed – sorry. It also took me over an hour to remember how to use the software and find the converted file, but I love learning, and will have to purchase the software and do more videos in the future.

I arrived at the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge a tad after it opened, again before others showed up. There was light rain, but this is another must do experience so it did not matter.  I must say that the National Trust does a tremendous job in presenting and maintaining their sites.  In Ballintoy, Ballycastle, the bridge for over 350 years has connected the mainland with a small outcropping of rock enabling fishermen to get closer to catch the Atlantic salmon on their westward journey past Carrick Island.  The sixty foot long bridge is 100 feet above the sea.  I basically had the experience to myself, but hiking the kilometer back to the parking lot I could have practiced my Japanese asking photography questions from the busloads of tourists toting big Nikon and Canon cameras and lenses.  Are they cheaper in Japan?

I must also apologize for not pointing the camera down to the sea to give you an idea of the depth.  Actually I was watching my steps and videoing – hard to do more than two things at once, at least for me.

So, all for now from Bangor, Northern Ireland, 30 minutes east from the center of Belfast, and it is 11PM and the sun has finally set over the water.  As always, yours, RAY

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GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – 7 June 2012

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Ray Boas

 

I wasn’t going to write a post today, but as I was crawling around The Giant’s Causeway I decided to prepare a slide show of what I experienced.  It seems as though I am collecting World Heritage Sites now along with countries and continents (only need two more continents), and The Giant’s Causeway is a must.

Two years ago I was introduced to Finn McCool when Jean K. asked me, Jim S., Carolyn N., and her husband Jan to act out a reading of this popular myth at a middle school assembly.  His causeway reached from Northern Ireland to Scotland, and some of his other exploits explain the Isle of Man and the large fresh water lake in the middle of the country.  But I won’t spoil it, please discover more when you have the time. 

I arrived this morning before nine thirty and paid for my parking and headed down the long path.  I was way ahead of the crowds that appeared two hours later when I was leaving.  It was an overcast day which partially kept groups away, but I planned it just right to be able to take some images before all the basalt pillars were filled with people (the rains started as I was leaving lasting the rest of the day).  The actual area covered by the pillars (maybe an acre or two) was much much smaller than I had anticipated from all the movies and images I had seen – done by adept photographers and marketers obviously.  The scenery on the ocean is sweeping and grand.  The footpath heading up the cliffs unfortunately is closed at The Organ due to landslides, so I could not explore that area.  What has always fascinated me about sites in Europe is the lack of handrails, fences, etc.  OSHA would have a fit with a tightly packed path 3 feet wide that drops off on one side without protection, but everyone is respectful and careful.

I left the causeway about 11:30 for Londonderry, and returned to my B&B at 9 PM.  It was a full, interesting and educational day which I will share later on.  Tomorrow I head down the Antrim Coast to Bangor to then spend two days in Belfast.  But I thought you would enjoy touring the Giant’s Causeway with me, and hopefully the slide show displays in sequence.  Good night, as always, yours, RAY

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

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FIRST FULL DAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND – 6 June 2012

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Ray Boas

 

Here I am writing away from Portrush in Northern Ireland.  Yesterday (seems like months ago) I did get up before 6 AM to go topside on QUEEN MARY 2 to sail into Southampton waving at the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 and QUEEN VICTORIA.  To my surprise everyone else got up also to wave the Union Jacks we were given for the unique arrival and news media.  Don’t ask how clever I was to get the picture below, but see if you can pick me out on the 12th deck portside waving away.

We had to vacate our cabins by 8:15 and my assigned spot to wait for debarkation was in the Royal Theatre.  There was some delay but I was off by 9:30 heading to my bus for Heathrow.  The one gliche I had was the flight I planned to Dublin.  The Cunard representative told me to allow 6-7 hours to catch a flight.  I wondered about that since it is only 1 ½ hours from Southampton to Heathrow.  I knew better, but was overly cautious, and was afraid to book the 2 PM flight, so choose the 4 PM instead.  Ends up I could have made the 12:15.  Cost to switch flights was prohibitive, so I had too many hours in the airport. I arrived in Dublin about 5:40, cleared customs, got my bag and went to pick up my car.  The agent tried to upgrade me to a larger car with GPS, but I said no.  Think the problem was they did not have my car at the airport, and the offsite garage was closing. In time she got someone to bring me my car and I was off about 6:30 to the M1 and Northern Ireland.

I had planned to drive half way to Portrush, but Paul (my tablemate from Belfast) suggested that I stay in the Mourne Mountain area to see the mountains and that unique part of the coast this morning.  So I got off in Newry (please get out your Ireland maps and follow along) just in time for the crowds (not a big deal there) seeing the Olympic Torch Ceremonies there (today there were ceremonies in Belfast and Dublin).  I was hoping to find lodging close to the M1, but that not being the case I headed along the A2 towards Rostrevor as Paul had suggested.  Entering Warrenpoint I saw a brown B&B sign, passed it, then slapped myself saying, “Ray, it is past 8 turn around and stop.”  Which I did, and ended up at the Ryan B&B in Burren.  In a residential neighborhood, and a modern home,

Ryan B&B and my car

I knew what to expect from some of my research.  Of course, I prefer old historic homes and inns, thus would normally have rejected something new, but it was late.  Dan and Mena met me at the door, showed me a perfect room both large and extremely clean, and the price was just what I expected for such a home – 35 pounds for a single guest.  I got settled, Dan recommended Bennett’s for diner in Warrenpoint, and off I went to an enjoyable roasted vegetables over pasta with sliced goat cheese topping, and my pint of Guiness.  To bed at 10:30 not stirring until 7:15 – a very long day as I really did not sleep waiting to get up to wave my Union Jack on the QM2.

Bennett’s and a Northern Ireland “Dollar Store” equivalent

Now I have some general travel hints I want to share (but remember I write this for my pleasure and memory, and if it helps someone else or amuses, so much the better).  Please remember that Ireland is one island, BUT two different countries. In the south is the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland (much smaller) is a member of the United Kingdom.  My comments will start to draw comparisons between the two based upon my visit to Ireland last year, and these are my observations and not criticism or complaints.  Another thing I want to share (seeing the brown B&B sign prompted this comment) is that I have found historical markers and signs to be in the same brown color in both the US, Canada, and now Northern Ireland (recall it was the same in Ireland, and Italy too).  Obviously these are officially sanctioned sites (think of the US National Park signs) and, since I love historical sites I am attracted by these, and usually stop thus discovering something unexpected.  I assume that is why the Northern Ireland B&B signs are brown with a bed because they have official approval, and seeing so many I would never hesitate again to head off here without an advance reservation.

 

So this morning I was on the road at 9 AM travelling along the Irish Sea towards the seaside resort town of Newcastle.  My first stop was at the Ross Monument which I read about last night.  Major-General Robert Ross, born here in Rostrevor, was victorious over American forces at Bladensburg, MD during the War of 1812, and then is credited with the burning of The White House.

Looking out at Carlingford Lough from behind Ross Monument

Continuing up the coast I jutted in and out of little villages finally ending up in Newcastle, a much larger resort town.  From this point I drove towards Belfast arriving in the city at noon and got onto M2 about 12:30 arriving in Bushmill an hour later.

Bushmill was my first planned stop to take the distillery tour at the oldest chartered distillery – 1608.  The next tour I could get a ticket for was 2:20, so I bought my ticket and went to their restaurant, recommended by Rick Steves.  Well, the line was too long, so remembering a small grocery across the street I headed there.  I have found in most overseas grocerys a fine selection of sandwiches and often warm meals for takeout.  It was perfect and just the right timing for my tour.  Unlike the Jameson tour I took last year (here comes a comparison) the distillery tour at Bushmill is a working tour through the actual operation (in the old buildings) – except currently it is their “silent” period when there is no distilling and the employees go on holiday and the equipment is maintained.  At the Jameson distillery the tour is in the original building with everything set up as a museum as it would have operated, and the distilling is in a new plant next door.  The tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered many questions in fine detail.  To be truthful, both tours are a must (hint Scott and Rich).

I then headed to Dunluce Castle, with a fascinating history, dating to the 12th century and even crawled into the tunnel under the rock watching the sea come in and out before departing to Portrush for my B&B.

Dunluce Castle

So much more to tell, but I have already written more than you may wish to read.  Tomorrow morning I will head to the Giant’s Causeway and then travel to Londonderry and who knows what else.  So I will close off now and post, goodnight, RAY

And by now you know I love images through openings or reflected in windows.

 

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LAST POST FROM QUEEN MARY 2 – 4 June 2012

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Ray Boas

This day, this past week, where did it go?  My pocket note of today’s events to partake in gleaned from the massive two page programme brought me all too quickly to 5PM on my last day aboard QM2.  There is still a variety show at 7, dinner at 8:30, and I have to pack – but that is easy since it all goes with me.  And I want to get this last post up having 35 minutes of internet time left.  Checking this morning I found my record number of visits to “Shunpiking with Ray” was broken the second day in a row yesterday with 78 page views of which 63 were Queen Mary blog posts – thank you.

Today’s list included: the final fabulous ocean liner lecture at 10, and afterwards I took the tour of the main galley.  RADA’s adaptation of The Merchant of Venice followed lunch and concluded at 3:30 which was the time our table planned to meet for High Tea in the Queen’s Room.  Paul, from Ireland, then sat with me and my map giving me some great hints of must-dos in his area, hints which are so good I will have to share them with Rick Steves.

I gave you a teaser last evening.  Janet and I have not cruised enough to get invited to the special pre-dinner parties, but the rest of the table had invitations, so Janet and I both got to go as guests for cocktails, champagne, wine and shrimp and various finger foods.  Of the various parties Mark said this is the best for the elite group and with the best food.  It was enjoyable and extra special to be included.

Reflection of Grand Court Wall Sculpture

I am in a quandary for tomorrow.  Cunard’s three queens arrive for the first time ever together in Southampton in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee between 5:30 and 6 AM.  There will be a three bow formation between 6 and 6:15 (still AM) with fancy maneuvers into position prior to docking.  Of course, I have to be topside to view this, but how early?  I probably will head out by 6 AM.  Then it is time to disembark at 8:30 AM.

So this is it, I had better pack (bag has to be out by midnight), and of course I have to tour the decks again.  Thank you for crossing the Atlantic with me, next stop is Northern Ireland.  As always, yours, RAY

My Tablemates: Paul (Ireland), Mark (Connecticut), Janet (UK); Norma (Michigan), Val, (UK), Steve (Atlanta); absent is Rosemary

Part of an onboard carpet

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PEACEFULLY AT SEA – Sunday 3 June 2012

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Ray Boas

I am by a window in the CHART LOUNGE, typing and listening to harp music. I may not

In the Chart Lounge

even get to a book today because I will be busy doing nothing. In all the theatre venues being televised are the preparations for the parade up the Thames for the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant, and in the main corridor on board preparations are being made for a Jubilee

Street Party (pictures to come later). Unlike some of my travels where I have taken pictures of my fabulous meal presentations, I have felt awkward doing so here; however, on my list today is to take images of menus since Chris B. asked for an idea of

In the Royal Theatre with the Jubilee broadcast

meals on board, and these are at the end of this post. But in the meantime let me work from notes made as I was falling asleep and when I first awoke.
Wordpress, which hosts my blog, has a wonderful array of statistics. I know what pages were looked at each day, search terms used bringing people to my site and referral ISPs. Yesterday my record for page views was broken – 71 – beating my previous record of 69 on November 11 , 2011, after I returned from Fatima, Portugal. There were 24 views of my 2 June page, 33 of 31 May/1 June, and my post of 29/30 May had four visits. One search term used was RAY BLOG QUEEN MARY, and I asked my tablemates at dinner if it was one of them, and Paul said, “yes it was me, and my wife loved your writing.” Did I tell ever tell you that I love to write and blog, experience wonderful ways of life, and dress up? Of course I have!

I could not have had better dinner companions, and with each successive meal we learn more about and from each other. Steve was correct about falling into a rhythm while cruising, and I am sure it is a tad different for everyone. You have noted by now my rhythm which today is being fine tuned to relaxing with nothing (I did go to an advanced digital photography seminar this morning – still too confusing and too much to learn). Back to my table: this is Mark’s 38th crossing, and Val and Norma have also made multiple crossings as has Steve. Janet is returning from Wisconsin, so this is here second crossing, and I am the baby with ¾ of a trip. The more you cruise with a line the more perks you get, and except for Janet and I the others have been invited to special parties, and Steve received multiple bottles of champagne (he brought them to share last evening). More will come on this later, but I am going to pause to dine on luncheon.

Did I tell you that you can learn a great deal from strangers at lunch? Yes! I sat with a couple from the UK and a couple from New Zealand. My UK tablemates are train fanatics, and now I have the Great Rail Journeys website bookmarked. The New Zealanders told me

In the Commodore Lounge

they had just relaxed in the Commodore Club Lounge, so here I am now with all my toys, a glass of chardonnay and looking out over the bow on the 9th deck. I shall stay put until I go down to photograph the Street Party, which I learned from the UK couple is a tradition pretty much started during the Coronation in 1953, but has roots back to just after WWII. They described the food, including “fairy cakes”- a type of cupcake. I have just spent some time reading camera manuals that I have as PDFs in my laptop, and it is time to head to the DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY which you will see below.

Those images are followed by today’s lunch and dinner menus, and hopefully I have them set up correctly so if you click on the image you will get an expanded more readable version. Tonight my table is doing something special before dinner, and since I have internet time left I can share this with you tomorrow. So, enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and in response to Chris Z’s comment in an email – just retire now, there is too much to do. Bye, yours, RAY

Preparations for the Street Party

I just tried a preview, and these menus did not expand, sorry.  But hopefully you get the idea, and also one side of one of the menus is just not working.  I cannot get everything right!

Below is lunch also

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 6 Comments

HALF WAY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – Saturday 2 June 2012

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Ray Boas

Slower pace day today, but I still have no idea where the time goes. The first half of the voyage was over last night without my realizing it. I went to my last computer seminar this morning – ITUNES – something I knew nothing about, so now a tad dangerous.  This was followed by a lecture on “The Ultimate British Stately Homes” which focused on the work of Robert Adams (yes I have books on his architecture).  At lunch I was with a couple from Australia, two couples from the UK (one a friend of Prince Charles), and a 90 year old woman from Nova Scotia who travels extensively.  Oh, the learning at lunchtime.  One of the 90 year old lady’s favorite spots is Cuba – well, now I know others can visit there.  And getting more travel tips from around the table I am convinced that even though I got a “bargain” I could have done better. You really learn chatting with seasoned travelers.  Yes, Becky, you told me about Travel-Zoo.com and I have subscribed, but never take the time to read the announcements.  One couple from the UK watches it (they have now been to 69 countries and live half the year at their house in Turkey driving back and forth to the UK – they just returned from Napal and loved it) and got their bargain trip a couple weeks ago on QM2 via Travel-Zoo which summarizes deals from various websites.  I will have to start following the site – oh, just too much to do.  Even the Australian couple thought I could have done better – live and learn.  Well, I could not get “on-line” and it is time for another ocean liner lecture, so catch you again soon.

Lecture done, and again enjoyable.  I checked some of William Miller’s books on-line (FLOATING PALACES) and finding no used copies may have to buy some on board.  I then came back to get my SLR to roam the ship taking some additional images to share, but first I just sat in the library looking out over the bow – yes, doing nothing!  Since the last time I posted a slideshow from Ireland the software had changed so I see that the “portrait” images were constricted last night even though I sized them differently, so the eight I just selected I may show individually – will decide when I get this post in the works.  Today was a slower paced day, and I just got my daily programme for tomorrow, and other than the DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY I may plant myself with a book someplace nice.  First time I have never carried a book with me to read (I do have two small ones on Northern Ireland) because I never get to them – but with over 10,000 books in the largest library afloat, I will get something tomorrow, probably a light mystery.

Part of the largest library afloat

So, let me share today, get changed for dinner (semi-formal tonight, formal again tomorrow), listen to music in a lounge and then head to dinner.  I am now three hours ahead of you.  Almost good night, as always, yours, RAY

The Queens Room – Ballroom

The Garden Lounge

Another view of the Grand Court

Another panel in the main passageway

I found this model of the QM2 in a side passageway

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 2 Comments

CROSSING CONTINUES ON QM2 – 31 May and 1 June

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Ray Boas

I am going to do something a tad different with this post, and following a few comments I will list what I did each day, and then give you a slideshow of some images around the ship – it is grand!

The Grand Court

 

But I have so many little notes of things to share, and with the IPOD/IPAD courses I realized how easy it is to make notes.  At dinner we sit in the same group, and our two hour dinners are great fun with great conversation, but at lunch time I have been able to sit with different people each day.  Lunches in the Britannia Restaurant (I avoid the cafeteria buffet restaurants – they are nice, but that is not why you are on a cruise) have taken 1 ½ hours, and today I made so many notes on my IPOD for the first time (I carry it on trips now as a timepiece since I stopped wearing a watch decades ago – I don’t want to miss a train or boat).  The fun thing I have found eating with different people is the sharing of experiences and the ideas I get for the future.  For example a couple from London today told me that a few days before sailing they booked their trip, and the cost was about half price and included air to NYC.  They arrived in time to catch a bus to the pier to sail with us.  But they could have come days earlier depending upon flights.  Yes, I have the website, and will watch it.  They also told me that often they will take the Euro Star train from London to Paris for lunch, and then return in the evening.  I can’t wait to do that.

My first note I forget to tell you that my bathroom aboard QM2 is larger than my roomette on The Canadian train that I spent four days and three nights on last August.  I also wanted to say that travelling on this ship with formal and semi-formal attire for dinner makes for a cruise that is not a “party boat” atmosphere that so many cruises to nowhere are.  This is what makes this special and so much like things were in the 1950s, an almost lost elegance.  Well, as John Tesh says, you want to buy experiences and memories, and that is what last year’s train trip was and this cruise now is.  My advice today is to keep this in mind, and also that “it is alright to do nothing.”  Cathy always enjoyed Dove chocolates with sayings inside the wrapper.  What I just quoted was inside the first one I opened after I lost her.

Sorting though the detailed itinerary of activities this is what I did on Thursday: at 10 I attended a lecture on the architecture of St. Petersburg; at 11 Nicholas Owen, ITN’s Royal Correspondent from 1994 to 2000, lectured on “Life with the Royals.” In the world’s only floating planetarium I saw “Search for Life” at 2:30, and at 3 PM listened again to Bill Miller (Mr. Ocean Liner) talk about “Maritime Royalty: The Cunard Queens.”  His lectures are fantastic and I will pick up some of his books.  From 4 to about 5:15 was the course “Using your IPAD” and I am going to become dangerous with my Apple equipment (David and Mari, you were right!!!).  I skipped going to the 3-D move “Adventures of Tin Tin,” but after our fun two hour dinner sat in on the Royal Cunard Singers & Dancers show Viva Italia.  Time then to turn in and advance the clock one hour (now a nightly event).

Friday June 1st started with, yes another Apple seminar on Airplay, Apple TV and iCloud.  At 11:15 Bill Miller’s lecture was “Getting There was Half the Fun: The Last Atlantic Liners.”  After lunch at 2:15 the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art presented their version of The Canterbury Tales.  Later at dinner I learned that in London they have wonderful shows for about 8 pounds – a fraction of a London Theatre ticket – now on my list when I get back from lunch in Paris.  Would you believe at 4 I attended “iPads and the tablet computing revolution: Get Creative!”  Then before dinner it was “Showtime: David Copperfield.”  Not the illusionist, but ‘Unusualist’ an entertainer direct from the UK and very funny and clever.

I did have some time in between these activities to take some images to share with you below.   And I have also started to follow the history displays around the ship and also picked up the audio tour to fill in more of the details.

So, hopefully I can get connected and update you.  Let me know if you want me to share with you the last minute cruise specials I find, and I was also told about bargains with “repositioning cruises” when ships are moved from one seasonal market to another.  Too much fun, bye, yours, RAY

 

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Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 5 Comments

ON THE QUEEN MARY 2 – 29 and 30 May 2012

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Ray Boas

It is time to start sharing my Trans-Atlantic crossing, but having completed my first 24 hours at sea I believe it may be hard to tell you all that happens on the Queen Mary 2 (the only remaining ocean liner with regularly scheduled crossings) – there is just so much to do, and I have been running and exploring all day. As usual I will be preparing my posts offline, and unfortunately my first attempt to get on-line Wednesday evening via satellite did not work. I have been told, however, that there have been satellite problems all day, but everything worked perfectly on the last voyage. Hope I get to use the 240 minutes time that I bought (since you are curious, a $90 package).

Looking back at NYC from the Starboard Side of QM2

I left Bellows Falls by Amtrak train shortly after noon on Monday for a 6 ½ hour trip to NYC’s Penn Station where my son Gary met me at the station. We then took the 7:11 NJ Transit train to my daughter Julie’s house for the evening. The kids were already asleep, but we were all up by 6 AM and I had some time to play with Nikhil and Devi before he went to playschool and she to a music class. About one on Tuesday Gary drove me back to the city, crossing Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, and then to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. It was hot, traffic heavy, but an uneventful and easy trip. Check-in at the terminal was smooth and before I knew it I was in my stateroom, unpacked and off exploring after a bit of lunch. Sailing time was shortly after 5 PM, and heading out of New York harbor is something that must be experienced.

The lecturer on ships gave some commentary as to how the docks have changed with the loss of cargo ships and cruise liners. I took many pictures and panoramas, but do not really like any of them (too postcardy). What is impressive is finally passing under the Verazanno Narrows Bridge with 14 feet to spare. Topside was packed with everyone

Passing under the Verazanno Narrows Bridge

enjoying the views. The first time I passed under the bridge I was aboard the USS SULLIVANS DD-538 and no one was allowed topside because rivets could still fall during the final stages of construction in 1964. Since then, this is my 5th trip under the bridge without that precaution.

(Continued on Thursday 31 May) Once at sea I toured more, and went to the welcome aboard show in the theater prior to changing for dinner. I choose the late seating at 8:30 to allow for a longer day. I joined my table for eight which includes three women (two from the UK and one from Michigan); an Emory professor who due to an inner ear problem cannot fly; a Connecticut attorney who likes the quiet time to work (both of these gentlemen’s spouses will fly over to join them); and a couple from Northern Ireland. You know the world is getting smaller as this couple lives in the town outside Belfast where I will spend three nights, and his mother lives in Portrush on the Antrim Coast where I will spend 2 nights. It is a nice dinner group, but following conversation I headed back to my stateroom after a long day. Wednesday’s program was there and it takes a long time to sort through the activities. One difficulty is an overlap of times, at least for my interests (although in chatting with another passenger she noted the same concern). Was I ever surprised to find computer classes on board (essentially for Apple products and Adobe Photoshop Elements). At the last minute I packed my new IPAD with my IPOD Touch and laptop in my bag. “But, Ray,” I thought to myself, “you don’t know how to use it, so why take it!” But then I remembered when David questioned me on the silliness of not taking my TracFon charger last year to Ireland when I discovered the phone had been bumped and turned on and ran down. “It is so light,” he said, “just take it.” So, yes besides all my chargers (and adapters) the IPAD is with me, and Thursday I am taking “Using an IPAD: learn how to use your IPAD effectively.”

My Wednesday activities were as follows: An Introduction to the ship’s internet system; lecture – FLOATING PALACES: THE GREAT ATLANTIC LINERS; Overview of Photoshop Elements (I have used it for years, got some hints and over the fright of trying things – I will pass on the next three $30 courses – will now pursue my own manuals); IPOD, IPADS and IPHONES – an introduction (more good hints). Then it was almost time to get ready for the first formal evening proceeded by the Captain’s Cocktail Party, and followed by a formal ball. There were two lines for the party, and I choose the line to meet the captain, and as you then entered the ballroom wait staff was lined up with trays of drinks to select. Many folks thought that in uniform I was an officer aboard the ship, but others did know I was US Navy. At the party I talked with several nice couples, and at the conclusion as I was heading for dinner another gentleman stopped me to thank me for my service – always nice. He introduced himself, gave me his card, and we had fun talking. He is Nelson Riddle’s son, Christopher, who lives about 50 minutes from me in Vermont, and he has enjoyed trans Atlantic crossings for decades. He told me to email him.

After a lovely dinner with my table mates I stopped and took a look at the formal ball before retiring to review Thursdays’ activity options and setting my clock ahead one hour for a time change.

Even though Thursday is done except for another formal dinner, at this point I am going to end writing to you and post this blog (I like to keep my posts to 1,000 words). My next post I want to share some images around the ship which gives me an art deco feel, which is probably intentional from the hay day of the great ocean liners. I will also let you know what I did as this unique adventure continues. Thank you for joining me, as always, yours, RAY

PS – at 8:30 your time we will be at a point about 30 miles south of where the Titantic lies.

And, since I have often showed you “out my window”  I have an interior room, but here it is

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 10 Comments