Images of Thailand

Applique quilt taken from images from the bus. 

Images of Thailand

Bananas for sale
Dining out
Tiles in the temple
Jasmine wreath 

Images of Thailand

Spirit Tree wrapped
Disgarded franji






Colours of the temples 

Images of Thailand

Hats in the market
Decorated Buses
Flip flops
Vendor in the market 

Photos from the Wat 

Colors

The colors of the
Temples (Wat) in Thailand 

The Grave of Thomas
John Mortimer Holland
The war graves at Kanchanarbury, the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. 

Thailand

Thailand, a country that is very much part of our family. It is an inspiring country for a designer. There is color, composition and atmosphere in every mind picture.
Walking the pavements of Bangkok you come across situations that make you think…. The gal on the corner who sits with her treadle sewing machine amidst the car fumes, street chefs and vendors of ‘everything’. (in fact you can buy a new treadle for 1400 Bt $50)
The blind woman who sings like an angel as she stands on her small patch, microphone in hand and amplified music to accompany her voice in a box over her shoulder.
We ate local food in a small restaurants, traveled on a tuk tuk through the traffic, walked without a map and found ourselves amongst the locals on little back street klongs and Jasmine scented temples. In one Wat (Temple) we observed the Senior Citizens sitting and chatting under the shady trees in the compound waiting their turn for their free haircuts, medical checks and advice. Saffron robed monks walked amongst them and added serenity to the scene.
Of course shopping is a top priority in Bangkok and our bargains were excitedly examined when we arrived back at the hotel each evening…. One for each kid, some for friends and of course the grandkids feature high on the list. Having extra luggage on this tour has been a real bonus. I usually have to watch every pound.
Yesterday we visited the War Cemetery situated next to the Bridge on the River Kwai. 6500 headstones lay in carefully tended lawns each stone accompanied by a beautiful flowering plant…. Sometimes it was a rose, often a bright pink frangipani. Keith found his Uncles name in the book of names at the entrance and it directed us to the grave of Thomas John Mortimer Holland. We stood silently paying homage to an Uncle Keith and his brothers never knew, who aged 27, in terrible circumstances, died as a prisoner of the Japanese in WW2. I think we are the first members of the family to view his grave. Sadly his last brother passed away last year, it’s too late to show him the photo.
We drove through bright green paddy fields, crisp white salt pans, fields of sugar cane all accented by bright colored buildings, cars and the most amazingly decorated buses you have ever seen. They are art pieces on wheels. We sped down the river on fast water taxi's and sampled the wares of the boat vendors. I just don't know how they can cook on those little canoe type vessels!!!
We return home tonight and I have just a few days before I take off again to teach….but it's sure been an experience.

Last day in London

Our last day in London was spent visiting the city of Reading and an ulterior motive http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/ It was a short trip on the underground and then a half an hour on the train. Unfortunately we were held up on the way back and the trip took almost an hour and a half because someone had jumped in front of the train. I had just seen a documentary on the very same situation the night before on BBC Television. The effects on the police, train drivers and passengers was terrible. It was sad to be in the same situation ourselves the next day. The day was so cold, just 3 deg. I just went from shop to shop to keep warm. It doesn’t matter how many clothes you wear…. Your face and hands freeze. The plane trip was 2 movies and a long sleep. 11+ hours and once again a serious time change which always seems to affect me going home…..
Just on 30 years ago, Keith and I came to Bangkok on our first trip overseas. We came to pick up our Son Joshua, just 3 weeks old…. Now he’s almost 30. We were so scared. We stayed in the Maya Guest House organized by the adoption agency. It was made of bamboo for goodness sake. We awoke the next morning to find the room 5” under water…. I can’t actually remember why, I just remember that we only had cold water out of a hose like thing for a shower. They were making a movie just outside our window and after our compulsory 3 weeks stay, we worked out that the guest house housed a Brothel on the top floor… I wondered why there were so many men hanging around downstairs.
Joshy was handed to us out of a taxi at 9.00 am the morning after our arrival, he weighed just 3 lb and we managed to care for him in that interesting place toting him in the Bangkok taxis by day and staying up all night when he cried.
What a contrast as I sit here and write this note. We are on the 16th floor of the Marriott and in the executive lounge. The hotel is world standard, just sheer luxury as I look out over the city of Bangkok.
Joshua is almost 30, 6 ft 3” and gorgeous. This is about our 20th visit here and travel is matter of fact in comparison with 30 years ago.
We’re in for a day of shopping today and then sight seeing the next two days… then home…..

I would like to recommend a book I purchased in Minneapolis. It's called 'She' written by Kobi Yamada and published by Compendium Publishing. ISBN 1-932319-14-X
It's simple and to the point and will sit on my kitchen bench for all to read.
Here are just some of the quotes.
She had a way of turning obstacles into opportunities - celebrate her magic.
She went out on a limb, had it break off behind her, and discovered she could fly - celebrate her faith.
She was an artist and her life was her canvas. - celebrate her brilliance.
Just heard they are planning big demonstrations and a possible coup here tomorrow, so maybe another life experience.!!

London Underground

As I mentioned before I find the whole ambience interesting. I imagine that if I used them every day I wouldn't be quite as interested.
At least the advertising agencies should be pleased that I enjoyed their posters and signs. The colours were also a strong contrast to the "compulsory black" that most people wore.
My red shoes, jacket, shirt and bags stood out a little. 

London Underground

Which one is the Beached Whale and which one is the native?no I'm not suggesting it's Keith 

Documentary Camera.

We're enjoying the experience... you should see the looks when a middle aged woman pops out a camera like this and points at objects such as an eye in a poster.
"Eh what's she doin" ? we heard one young couple comment as I photographed a poster on the wall of Harrods 

London Underground

It’s absolutely freezing but the excitement of being in London diminishes the fact that I hate being cold.
I’ve surprised myself….I’ve found the most wonderful inspiration in the most unlikely of places… the British Underground. After filming for a couple of days I felt a little uneasy… (you know security and all that, however it’s completely understandable.) I saw a sign today stating that it’s illegal to take photos in the underground.!!!! eek
So all I can do is explain what I see and why I think it’s interesting.
The first thing I enjoy is the fact that you are in a tunnel, that wonderful cylindrical shape, which combined with the images of posters and artificial light seem to wrap around you as you walk through them. The sounds are magnified and today we were entertained by the most beautiful classical music played by a busker. Almost every tunnel is tiled in one form or another…. The older the better I think. Some walls have repeat patterns, others are interesting images made by some craftsman many decades ago.
I photographed such images in the NY underground immediately under the World Trade Centre. The images were mosaic eyes depicting different nationalities. They are all gone now.
Here in London the train doors are bright red and the silver windows frame the images of the people they are carrying. Every nationality, so many forms of dress. Tunnels lead to yet another tunnel and the wind whispers through telling you that a train is about to approach. I love the posters and the big red and blue round logo telling you this is an underground framed on a mosaic wall…. Well you don’t really need to know because you’re in there…. but they are going to make sure you’re certain of just where you are. As you can tell I want to photograph it all!!! It’s frustrating.
Today we walked the walk. St Paul’s Cathedral, where I photographed the tiles, wonderful images of cupids and some graffiti carved into the wall. “JH 1791” son Jamie’s initials. It’s 215 years old.
It was freezing around Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. We visited the British Museum and viewed London from the London Eye. We ate sausages and mash in a London Pub and dodged the rain before catching the subway home to our hotel.

Dull Day but full of Beauty.

There's beauty in even the dullest of days.
London barely reached 5 degrees today. 

Victoria and Albert Museum

This is a ceiling in one of the stairways in the V&A. We must always remember to look up... 

London Eye

I love this photo.... it's an unusual photo to say the least but appeals to my sense of humor. The capsul below us had this large picture on it. I saw the potential for an interesting photo and waited until just the right moment. 

The beauty of winter

Snow covered road just out of Long Prairie Minnesota 

Freezing 2

Temperatures in the Osakis area of central Minnesota dipped to 21 degrees below zero Friday morning, with winds of about 15 mph, so the wind chill would have been around 45 below zero.
Folks I thought I would die out there in the cold…. It hurts your temples and teeth when you are outside for too long… and by too long I mean 1 few minutes. A man in Osakis died yesterday because he froze…..
Well traveling is the spice of life. Keith and I left our hotel in Minneapolis at about 10.30 am yesterday morning, arrived in our NY hotel at 8.30 pm. Left again at 5.00 am this morning and arrived here in London at 10.00 pm London time. To be honest, it’s two good movies and a couple of meals duration….
Last night in the shuttle we met an Elvis Clone. I spent the entire time just wondering how he got his hair that high…. Of course I didn’t want to stare, but he was sitting in the front so I could examine it quite well. It rose in coif like spun cotton. I looked at Keith’s hair which is ½” long and thought “what man would spend all that time on their hair” I can’t even work out how he did it…he wasn’t a young pup either.
I’m thinking of starting a Cell Phone revolution. I’m sure someone could design some way to stop people talking very loudly on their cell phones about the most intimate of subjects.
When you’re stuck in a confined space like a line or plane….. you have no choice but to listen….what do you do, stick your fingers in your ears and whistle Dixie?. Before we take off, the conversation increases…. In the USA you can use your phone until the plane moves….I reckon it’s a competition to see who can be the last to turn the darn things off… You should hear it when the plane lands…. Bang go the wheels…… ding go the phones… it’s just amazing. Flossy next to us had an argument with her boyfriend. Another guy was working out strategies with his invisible friend of how to dump his wife. Of course you get the execs making big decisions and talking in clipped tones as they prance around with hands in their pockets and attachments glowing on their ears…(personally I think they are just talking to the neighbor) I’ve learnt the most amazing things really. Who needs the soaps.!!!!
Another drama last night. - I think I’m losing it. I forgot to pack the cord to my computer…… I’m so fussy about those things, but I left it for Keith to get from under the desk and then forgot to ask him to get it!!!!!! However, today I purchased an IGO unit, which will be just super, powers, my computer, and everything else, cell phone, palm, camera, ipod…. So it was a blessing in disguise…. An expensive one at that.

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." Henri Matisse

Freezing.

There's a wind chill of -40 today. The guy on the news said that if you go outside, you have 12 minutes till you freeze. Well this gal is staying inside until we leave for the airport in fact it's unbelievably hot in this room. We've pumped the heater up high because we're trying to dry Keith's sox. The things you have to do on the road. !!!!!!

inspiration

This is where the colours come from. Palm trees. Blue sky, railings,
fabrics plants and buildings. 

Down South....

This simple little quilt was designed after we visited Haiti, Key West and Miami. 

Vietnamese Soaps

It was maintenance day today. Haircuts, nails, computer classes and then a movie....
Maintenance on the road is a bit of a chore at times, however, today was interesting. The gal doing my nails was more interested in the soaps on TV.... I was beginning to wonder if I was going to have any nails left as she came at me with the cutter whilst watching the TV. Suddenly she yelled "Oh No"....
It seems that a fight broke out on the TV.... "Do you watch this"? she asked.
"No, what happened" I innocently said. I then had a half hour of entertaining drama performed for me by my Vietnamese nail cosmetician. Sometimes she waved her brushes around in exaggerated fashion. She changed her voice portraying different characters and with her accent it was absolutely charming. I admit to urging her along a little too. !!!I learnt of the naughty daughter who ran over her brother in the middle of the night.... the father with two girlfriends who was going to end it all and really wanted to go to jail because he had nothing else to live for!!!! I don't know the name of the soap, maybe some of you can recognize it...from my relayed information. It was great fun.

Dear Della

I have a very dear friend who is 78, we laugh, think on similar lines and enjoy time together with friends two or three times a year - and when we’re together I just walk a little more slowly.

I have a good friend who is 40….We laugh at the same things, enjoy traveling together, have similar experiences in life…but she walks faster than me only because she’s taller!!!!!

I have a good friend in her mid 60’s. There’s always a smile in her voice whether it’s on the phone, in person or in an email. She’s walks with a spring in her step always.

I have a good friend just a year younger than I who has my same energy level… we laugh all the time. Walking is out of the question when we get together …. We set a fast pace and run.

I have a good friend who is a wonderful listener and adviser. We walk the same walk although we’re different personalities.

I have 100’s of friends I've met in class and on tours. I usually associate that with a fast walk or in fact, at times plain running.

I have a friend in her 70’s who’s struggling right at this moment. Her walk has slowed completely. I wish I could have her walk with me.
Yesterday we traveled all day and in the solitude of a passenger, my friend was utmost in my mind. Last night I couldn’t sleep.

I lost one of my gold bracelets yesterday… I was shattered…. But losing my bracelet pales into insignificance compared with not being able to walk with Dear Della.

And to the person who finds my bracelet, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A collage of the art at HOB

I took so many photos. The colours and honesty of the images are just wonderful 

More colours

Now I wonder what would happen if I tried to do this at home? 

Colours

 

The quilt curtain

This sure made my heart beat faster. I had very little time to eat I was so excited by the surroundings. 

House of Blues

 

Bottle tops and license plates

This was part of the serving counter in the House of Blues in Orlando 

Folk Art

What is folk art? Most of these artists have not been to art school or got fancy degrees in art and design. The pictures come from the heart. 

Keeping Traditions Alive

The great thing about traveling is spontaneity. A casual comment from a friendly taxi driver gave us two of the most wonderful experiences we've had here in Florida.
Last night we attended Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede.
The show is essentially a modern-day Wild West revue, pitting the audience against each other in a good natured way as the South and the North battle to win various horse riding competitions. The $28 million production is staged in a 128,000-square-foot facility that seats 1,200 It features acrobatic horsemanship with 32 magnificent horses, festive patriotic and country music, singing, dancing, comedy, ostrich racing, a fabulous Southern-style four-course feast and plenty of audience participation.
That says it all folks. No quilting involved. Not even a hint or suggestion, just plain good fun, food and patriotism to stir the heart.
No I haven't become American. I'm a patriotic Aussie and a staunch Royalist. I love all the flag waving and hand over the heart patriotism. Cynicism has no part in my beliefs. No shades of grey, just red white and blue.
Unfortunately I couldn't take photos. I was just itching to sneak some... however; I obeyed the rules and made word pictures.
"Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits! Come to the House of Blues and experience our popular Sunday Gospel Brunch, featuring inspiring gospel performances and an amazing buffet to feed the body and the soul... "
And that's just what we did. Brunch today at the House of Blues turned out to be a highlight of out trip. I started snapping pictures before we even entered the building frustrated that I didn't bring the right camera.
Let me explain about my cameras. I have a fancy Sony that takes a little experience to use and I get super results. I also carry a Sony HDR camera to make documentaries. (no I lie, Keith carries it) and I have a little Sony point and shoot always in the bag. So today I had to use the point and shoot because I was led to believe that I couldn't take photos....
Quite frankly, I saw quilts in almost everything I saw at the restaurant. Made of corrugated iron and stressed wood, every inch of the structure was a picture composition.
As I walked into the theatre part of the dining room I took a huge breath because there before me was a quilt. In fact it was the stage curtains, some 40 ft high and 60 ft wide. A crazy quilt of huge proportions. Take a look at the URL Below. I spent time chatting to the manager and she gave me some information on the quilt and I have undertaken to find out more information and hopefully publish it for you all to read.

http://www.ihobf.org/download/Preserving_Culture_Quilting_Activity.pdf

Eastern Influence

Did someone say there were rides at Disneyworld... I was too busy taking photos of beautiful things. 

Designs

This is the ceiling of the chinese exhibition in the Epcot Park at Disneyworld 

Disney World images

 

Reflections

I could be anywhere in the world taking this photo. But they come from Disneyworld. The way I see it. 

Buildings in MGM Disneyworld

To heck with the rides..I enjoy the artistic side of Disney World and these photos should explain why.

Disneyworld

5.00 am Friday morning and this is my time to catch up on business events. Chats with students, enquiries by my editor, requests for letters and news from home. I don't even attempt them late at night after a busy day. Keith on the other hand can log into the computer in his office and work late into the evening as he does at home, isn't technology amazing. I often wonder where it will end.
I've mentioned in previous blogs about the amount of electronic gear I carry. This trip I've introduced Keith to the Ipod and PDA. He's enjoyed them both. The PDA (our small hand computers) stores all the information we need as travelers. In my pocket, I have all the information on plane times, weather, lists, invoices, contacts, contracts etc. It sounds a little over the top but if you wish to be efficient and run a successful business... it's the way to go.
My Ipod is my relaxation and stores not only music, books, photos, I can use it to store my class notes and presentations. It plugs straight into my digital projector for teaching which I use in class and for lectures. I have 3 cameras and a phone.... all need to be charged and I have cords everywhere.... but well organized.!!!! An efficient office on the road. That’s the first job for the morning then off to explore the delights of Disneyworld in Florida. It’s an amazing experience…
Yesterday we visited MGM. As an Artist I enjoy the artistic side of the parks. The buildings are designed with flare and great detail. The Park salutes the world of showbiz — from the Hollywood classics of yesteryear to the best in popular entertainment. adventure: from rock 'n' roll fantasy to Broadway-style stage spectaculars, from the silver screen to the TV screen to behind the scenes.
It was an absolute delight.

cigars

We're close to Cuba and the cigar stores are abundant, as is the smell of cigar smoke as you pass by the bars. 

Walgreens

Obviously it was an old picture theatre, but how clever of Walgreens to keep it in it's original state. They got my vote 

Building Facade

This facade is on the local supermarket building.... I just loved it. 

Old buildings in Key West

 
 

Key West

Key West. Visit it and enjoy. We drove from Miami to Key West in just over 5 hours. You actually drive from Island to Island for most of that time. The largest span over the water is on a 7 mile bridge surrounded by pale green water. Absolutely spectacular. Key West itself is an anomaly. Beauty and wealth in a still functioning fishing village. You can walk the back streets and find yourself transported into another era. One that was illustrated by Norman Rockwell so graphically in the 1940’s/50s. Vintage is the era I enjoy and Key West is all of that. We sampled the local fish dishes, and of course Key Lime pie….. We left the garish T’shirts and the tourist junk to the bus tours and just enjoyed the ambience. On the way home we visited an opulently designed restaurant celebrating the life of adventurer and writer Zane Grey (1872-1939) - original name Pearl Grey. He was a Prolific American writer and pioneer of Western as a new literary genre. Grey produced over sixty books, and almost as many have been published posthumously. In his works Grey presented the West as a moral battle ground, in which his characters are destroyed because of their unable ness to change or redeemed through a final confrontation with their past.
The walls of the building were 1940’s fabric, the carpet a small grey and white log cabin design and the lift and shop fronts had been purchased in France and shipped to the area. Focal feature in the building was a 50 ft wooden boat owned by Tennessee Williams. Fantastic.
I’m disappointed that I’ve not seen crocodiles wandering the streets… then again the Americans are always looking for the kangaroos in the main St of Adelaide.

South Beach Miami

A feast for the eyes 

Life Guard Stands.

I would love to see these on our beaches. The colours were wonderful 

painted shades

Isn't this fabulous. I see a quilt in the making. 

Coral stone

Many of the buildings are made of sandstone which appears to me to be cut from coral.... I could be wrong, I have to investigate further. However, the textures are wonderful. Can we have fabric like this please.? 

Tropical flowers

The flower stalls were a riot of colour. I've seen these flowers before in Asia, but they were a reminder that we are in a tropical enviroment. 

Art Deco

This design is on the theatre in the mall, the building itself was a honey gold and the accents in green and rust. 

Art Deco designs on some f the buildings

 

In Love with Miami

Still behind with the blog, and catching up on the past few days’ news.
I'm in love with Miami. From the city to the sea there is outstanding beauty. We stayed at South Beach which has a wonderful reputation for its art deco buildings.
Hundreds of buildings have been restored to their early 20th-century appearance.
South Beach was at the heart of an economic boom in the "Roaring Twenties," when rich families looked for a new way to spend their money on holiday destinations. We walked some 10 miles taking in the raised boardwalk that runs between the hotels and the beach for about 50 blocks. It was a warm Sunday morning and the patrons spilled out onto the pavement waiting to be seated at their favorite restaurant. There was a stream of very expensive cars. I had no doubt that they had been prepared well for the days viewing, with newly blackened tires and glistening exteriors. The warmth of the day added to the overall feeling of well being and I had absolute delight in searching the facade of the buildings for yet another design.
As I mentioned the walk took us along the boardwalk which runs behind our hotel....quite frankly you could just sit there and people watch. However we were fascinated by some of the people we met. Dressed in extremely sober style... probably what we would say is "neck to knee" striped dresses. It took me a while to realize that all the women wore wigs, but some had their heads covered with a constructed turban. I was fascinated... and spent time on the net finding out just why this mode of dress was worn. It seems that the women were Orthodox Jews and were dressed "Modest". Legs, neck and knees covered. No hair to be shown, not even a even a wisp.... The men however were resplendent in the most beautifully tailored suits and head covering. What a contrast in dress between the ‘Modest’ Jewish attire and that of the dedicated beach goers. Ipods are the compulsory accessory and Keith and I didn't let the masses down. I walked the boardwalk listening to a pod cast on the life of one of my favorite composers Georg Handel. I stopped often to photograph the water, the beach and of course the iconic life guard stands. The colors were a feast for the eyes.... Each hotel set up mini towns of beach chairs and umbrellas. The contrast between the blue sky, turquoise sea and colored installations made my heart soar. Sure... I know I'm waxing lyrical. But that's the sort of thing that I get great joy from.
The shopping district of South Beach was as exciting as the beach front. It's a wide mall flanked by art deco buildings of every hue. Restaurants, flower stalls and beautiful people walking small, expensive dogs accent the centre. I went wild with the camera and we finally stopped, sat in the sun and just watched the parade.
I don't think we’ve walked that far at one time for a long time and we got back to the hotel with aching legs....however, there is so much to see and we took off for more tourist pursuits relying on our trusty GPS.

Lace sold by the Mexicans.

This was a cloth, hanging in a tree and visible to tourists as they passed by. I was tempted to buy it... but know from experience that I buy such things and then when I get home... "what do I do with them?"

Wonderful Images

I loved the strong graphic images that still remain on the site. 

Tulum Ruins

 

Tulum

Thursday was class again; we began very early to allow the students time off to visit Cozumel Mexico.
Keith and I took a trip to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.
Tulum's greatest attraction is its location. It stands on a bluff facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are nothing less than spectacular. In Maya, Tulum means "Wall", and the city was christened thus because it is a walled city; one of the very few the ancients ever built. It was inspiring visiting these ancient ruins that some say began life as early as AD 500. There was a rush to get back to ship on time for our 6.00 lobster dinner. No one wanted to miss the lobster so it was a very full day. I was exhausted and retired early with the intention of getting plenty of rest before a full day of teaching on Friday. I must have slept well; I woke to find that I had slept on my chocolate, placed on my pillow by the cabin assistant….. Choice Joyce, how do these things happen to me.? Friday was our last day at sea and a full day of class. What a way to go to work. I can highly recommend it. However, frivolity aside, the organizers worked incredibly hard to prepare a wonderful trip for the students. Preparation for the class was challenging with the restrictions we had in the classroom but class couldn’t have gone better. I enjoy the chance of working with my peers in a situation like this. We get the opportunity to visit and compare notes on the life of a Traveling Quilter. I imagine it’s the same in any work situation… it’s hard to understand the complexities unless you are involved. Classes over. Fond farewells and the final dinner. Regie the rubber roo, (a 4 ft blow up roo) was won by friend Rita from Alamogordo NM… she now has the responsibility of caring for him for the rest of his life. You go Rita. !!!!!!!

Grand Cayman

There’s a great thrill when you walk out onto the balcony of your state room and all you can see is a turquoise sea. We have arrived at Grand Cayman a British protectorate. I remember hearing that the Island was devastated by hurricane Wilma just a few months ago. There was some discussion at the dinner table last night as to what we would find on the Island as a result of Wilma. It appears that the entire Island was under 4 ft of water. Most of the trees had been flattened and as we drove around we noted the damage.
Columbus discovered Little Cayman and Cayman Brac during his fourth and last voyage to the New World, on May 10, 1503. While sailing from Panama to Hispaniola, severe winds pushed his ships off course west. The ship's log reported "... we were in sight of two very small islands, full of tortoise, as was the sea about, inasmuch as they looked like little rocks." Consequently, Columbus named the islands Las Tortugas after the abundant sea turtles sighted.
They came under British control in 1655 when Jamaica was captured from the Spanish by Oliver Cromwell's army. They officially became part of the British Empire under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670, after which Spain recognized British possession of "all lands, islands, colonies and places situated in the West Indies." For almost 300 years after that, the islands were administered as a dependency of Jamaica.
Home to many expatriates we had the opportunity to visit with a quilt group on the Island. They met us at the National Museum and we were transported by car to the home of one of the group.
It was an interesting day; we learnt about the history of the Island, shared quilting ideas over lunch and returned to the ship a little wiser for the experience.


'Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.'

Tropical Delight

The project I designed for the cruise was actually taken from a photo of a fern I took in New Zealand last year. It’s a Drappliqued fern overlaid with appliquéd fern fronds and a bright orange hibiscus. We’re not using machines on board; however, I’m using a machine to demonstrate appliqué and the stitching. The students all achieved the project and werethrilled with what they achieved. For some it was their first attempt at drawing since they were chidren.... It's surprising just what you can do!..

"Once a year, go some place you've never been before. "

Mexican hats

This collage is a selection of hats I viewed in Mexico. 

Mexican Rugs

 

Near Miss

There are over 3000 people on board, made up of over 50 nationalities and there is great camaraderie amongst the passengers. Conversation comes easy. Each day that passes the suntans become more intense or the red increases. Yesterday (Tuesday) was my first day off and we left the ship quite early. Those sun tanned faces reflected the happiness that most of us were feeling and it seemed that the entire 3000 people decided to move at once, but it was quite well organized and we disembarked efficiently. Our tour was to leave at 10.00 and we had an hour and a half drive through the Island of Jamaica to the Martha Brae river where we were to experience a raft tour down the swiftly moving river.
The Legend of Martha Brae
The legend tells of an old Arawak witch, who lived on the bank of the River Matibereon.Having heard tales of the Arawak gold, Spanish treasure hunters captured the witch to lead them to the treasure.Pretending to comply she led them into a cave, then suddenly disappeared.Frightened, the Spaniards ran out of the cave but the river engulfed them.The witch then changed the course of the river forever.Passed on by mouth the legend still lives on.
Our tour director Colleen, was slick and well versed, she projected her spiel with clipped deliberate diction and waited for the applause with the timing of a professional speaker. We were taught to say ‘mon’ after every passage of speech. “Thank you mon” “Peace mon”
We observed the remains of the typhoons that have devastated the Islands of the Bahamas over the past few months. Sadly many houses remain in ruins.
On arrival at the river we were given the choice of rum punch or fruit punch…. I chose the rum of course, it was pink and liquid gold…. Just delicious. Around the bend of the river came a number of rafts made of bamboo. The owners mainly with Rastafarian head dress waited patiently for their turn to carry the passengers. Some days they get work, others they don’t. The rafts are made up of 12 bamboo poles, 30 ft in length and about 6” in circumference lashed together to make a crude platform, our guide say they last about 6 months. A rough seat was assembled at one end and the oarsman balanced the weight of the two passengers as he manipulated the raft with a 30 ft pole down the swift flowing river. It was a wonderful experience, very relaxing. One of the oarsmen sang as he rowed and I'm sure he was related to Harry Belafonte.
After our return to the town and in view of the ship we decided to walk into the town, time was limited and we accepted a taxi ride for the sum of two dollars….next thing we find we are being whisked away from the town by a slick driver who decided we could tour all the scenic sights in less than an hour. I began to feel the panic rising. Keith was in the front. The driver turned up the reggae music so loud that I couldn’t be heard if I tried to speak… and he assailed us with his staccato dialogue. We drove for more than 10 minutes and turned up a rough dirt track….. I looked for a way out and was so angry that we had found ourselves in this position…. This doesn’t happen to me, I’m cautious. How could we be conned so easily. He stopped the car and said, get out…. I questioned him…. Trust me lady….. Keith got out and I followed and it appeared that he had taken us to a private look out that was quite beautiful. We had to walk out on a platform full of holes and perched on a doubtful foundation…. Then pay $2 for the privilege. I felt more comfortable when we turned to go back down into town…. But as we were driving through the slow moving traffic I noticed that there was a commotion up ahead… our friend in the driving seat held his hand on the horn and inched forward and we found ourselves surrounded by angry shouting people who were in some dispute in the middle of the road… crowds milled around our car and I got out the camera and filmed the incident catching on film a few left crosses by some solid young women in the middle of the throng.
Obviously we made it back to the ship in time and breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled up by the security guard… he decided the $70 would be a good fee for his services… Keith pulled out a $20 and that was too much but we paid for the experience and will be sure not to get into that sort of a pickle again.

todays work