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Final port stop followed by our return to Shanghai and flight later that day back to Shenyang. All in all another special few weeks and a chance to visit what was for me a new and lesser known part of China along with our first trip to Laos and a little bit of feet up comfort on board a...

To hot and I had walked to far to attempt the walk back to the ship. So I ventured back by tram. Price is about 150Y for a single journey or you can purchase an all day ticket for 600Y. I hopped off the tram half way back and checked out the famous "spectacles" bridge and surrounding areas.

It was a hot day and Mrs Woodyren returned to the ship for lunch. I headed off to walk to the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. An eye opening, interesting and confronting day all in all.

Second port stop was Nagasaki. A great port stop where you can just walk out from the cruise terminal and find interesting areas or access their tram system. We had a look around within easy walking distance of the ship initially.

Fukuoka Castle and the surrounding parks and gardens.

First Japanese port was Fukuoka.

We were among the first to board Spectrum of the Seas. Just a few random photos of the ship and boarding. Our Crown & Anchor status allowed us to receive priority boarding. Shanghai terminal has a lounge for suite and Pinnacle access in a different area with check-in done inside the lounge...

After returning to the hotel I took a walk to scout out the cruise terminal area in preparation for tomorrows boarding. We had disembarked in Shanghai previously but never embarked from there. It was a balmy summer night and the area around the port was a hive of activity with locals enjoying...

Early morning flight from Kunming to Shanghai. Our friend flew out as well but she returned to Shenyang as we headed to Shanghai to do a cruise to Japan the following day. From Pudong airport we traveled by three different metro lines for around 90 minutes to our hotel in the Boashan area of...

We had one more day in Kunming so caught the metro and then walked to Kunming Old Town. Obviously purely decorative. Telcom tower. As a lifetime railway worker I am amazed how they manage to sell individual pieces of ballast in China.

We traveled by train the next day back to Kunming. We booked the same hotel that we had stayed in previously near the Kunming South train station. Having time that night after checking in we walked about 3 klms to a night food area. The food was well worth the walk...

Our trips are often for a few months or more. This theme has been pretty constant for many years. Step one is being reminded constantly for a few days prior to our trip that I need to pack. Once I get rolling it takes me 15-20 minutes to fill my suitcase. I don't use checklists and we have...

On our last day the ladies were feeling a little tired and just relaxed around our resort. I headed into town to climb Mt Phou Si (Mt Phousi, Mt Phu Si) which is really Phou Si Hill. It is only about a 100mts high. It's right in the centre of town and offers great views over the Mekong and...

There was a bear rescue centre in the park.

Day 3 was our short trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls and the bear rescue centre. We were picked up by a minibus outside the place in town where we booked our ticket and then we stopped at a nearby backpacker place where we were joined by many young European backpackers. The drive to the falls was...

Evenings were spent back at the resort watching the sunset over Mekong with a few local beers or a wine. Henry the host would pop in for a chat most nights. A mix of guests from all over made for interesting conversations. Sunset cruises on the river each evening.

Day 2 was just another visit to town to eat and explore more temples, walk around town and snack on local food. While in town we booked a tour for the following day to the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls and managed to find the train ticket office to book our return trip to Kunming. Favourite ice...

Breakfast was provided at the hotel each morning and then the rest of our meals were usually eaten in town at small local markets or riverside eateries. Noodle dishes like this were less than $5. We had a few of the local durian. Great crispy pork.

Our 4 days in Luang Prabang were spent in the city and local area. Our resort was about 10 minutes drive or 30 minutes walk for the city centre with a free drop off by arrangement. We usually took the drop off and then walked back. Many interesting temples. Inexpensive places to eat and a sort...

Our hotel accommodation in Luang Prabang. On the Mekong Resort. The resort is constructed from original dwellings recycled from a Thai village. We had originally booked two regular apartments for 5 nights to accommodate the three of us but we had a nice surprise and were very happy to...