Risk Assessment and brief recap of an entire continent

 Well, Australia came and went by in a flash. An advantage of cruising is getting to stop by locations which can be far apart and difficult to access by plane or car, but the downside is the brevity of the stops, almost all less than one full day, with the ever present knowledge that the ship will not wait for you if you aren’t back on time if you aren’t on a ship sanctioned excursion. That thought is never far from my mind. 

I’m a pretty adventurous soul and am fairly confident in my skills at map reading, communicating in English and endurance in walking. Up until now in our journey when arriving at a port of call it has been our common practice to go out together on a tour, usually organized by the ship, then return Gary to the ship. He is most comfortable if he is safely ensconced back aboard and then I will take off again for more casual exploration. 

I have a bare minimum of essentials with me which include my ship pendant necessary to get off and back on the ship, my driver’s license as a photo id, one credit card, one debit card, my insurance cards and small amount of cash, which until now has been in dollars. I carry these in a small flat wallet which I try to stash in either a small, slash proof, metal reenforced strap cross body travel bag, or that fits in hidden zippered clothing. (I have photo copies of all these on ship including my passport which I don’t carry unless necessary). I have my cell phone for photos, but which doesn’t have cell phone capacity but I can use it if I can get wifi, which is available in many urban places. I can carry the phone in the small bag, or sometimes I tuck it inside my bra, which sounds gross, but I find my bra can double as a holster of sorts that is both handy access and safe. I usually have a small backpack to carry a water bottle, maybe a windbreaker, a sun hat and with space to hold small purchases. There is nothing of value in it as that is most likely to be grabbed in a hit and run robbery. 

I have become more aware, especially on this trip, that I could look like a fairly easy target for theft even if I don’t wear any ostentatious jewelry or watches. A little old lady, especially on her own, might be looking to be an easy quick pick and who wouldn’t put up a fight. 

Now I really don’t want to be robbed, or more seriously injured, so this is becoming a bigger concern. Up until now I have been okay, if slightly more anxious, about my independent explorations, but I am leaving behind ports with English as the primary language and frankly I’m concerned about what may be some rising anti-American sentiment in the world. Hence the risk assessment and desire for implementation of a plan for future port stops that will not leave me in a vulnerable position. 

So, beside the obvious step of participating in the ship excursions, I am planning on trying to stay in a pack of other passengers who may be interested in some independent exploration. It makes sense that there is both more safety in numbers and there would be help immediately available in case of an injury or other emergency. The time has come to be more premeditative in my travels, before an incident occurs. No more, or at least far fewer, free range explorations for this 75 year old.

Now, back to the travelogue…..

New Zealand was once again a joy, very beautiful, quaint, charming people and landscape. Then sailed to “neighboring” Australia, only two sea days away, but with a totally different culture and vibe. The native cultures are distinct and unique to each country, the Māori in New Zealand and the Aboriginal people in Australia  Both are very strong and have ancient roots in their homelands, and neither have been destroyed, although there has been much repression by colonizing elements in both countries over the years. We have tried to find stories that honor those cultures.

Sydney is truly one of my favorite cities in the world, and I’ve been privileged to spend a hunk of time exploring in the past, with a couple of short revisits over the years. If you haven’t already heard it I have a crackling good story about flying from Sydney back to Denver, both leaving Sydney and landing in Los Angeles on September 11, 2001. As our ship tooted the big horn on pulling out of Sydney harbor I cried at the beauty and my gratitude for another visit. Really if you get a chance it’s worth the effort and time to visit. 

The harbor on a perfect Sunday morning. 

Lots of displays of pride support throughout the city. Nothing timid in their approach. Bold and I’m sure reassuring to the communities who identify as LGBQT+.

Interesting mix of earlier brick architecture that has been massively overshadowed by new high rise, high density buildings. This facade was intact but attached to a high rise. 

Effort has been made to preserve architecture in the immediate area of the harbor.

The ship had a great location right in the center of the harbor.

I found a wonderful multi level bookstore and did find a couple of books that called to me. Take me to the ship.  

Such a beautiful city…..

I did spend the day exploring Melbourne on my own. Bustling and cosmopolitan. Lots of mix of architecture with quite a few lovely old buildings still in active use. Lots of public transportation, all highly utilized. It was a weekday but I saw lots of people outside picnicking and enjoying the day. I didn’t get many pictures that day. 

A beautiful pedestrian bridge built to resemble a swan over the Swan river leading to one of their major stadiums. 

These are all of Perth, the far Western hub of Australia which is smaller than the Eastern cities but also very inviting. It is a bloody long way away from almost any other populated area. Hours by plane from Sydney or Bali in the other direction. Lots of folks out on a Sunday enjoying the great weather. 

Our ship was actually in port at Fremantle which was a short distance from the city of Perth but a charming small community on its own. Everyplace we visited in Australia was very clean and well tended. This was an artful car park in Fremantle. 

I leave you with a photo of a recent sunset taken as we sail out into the Indian Ocean heading toward Africa. Many sea days ahead. Thanks for following along. Feel free to leave comments here or email me.