Ruminations from the Silver Muse.

[drron]

 

[drron]

And now starts the drive back to the Muse. Fortunately today we had a much more aggressive driver who refused to let scooters or cars to cut in front so our 1.5 hour drives became an hour.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

A Vietnamese round a bout.

 

[drron]

For lunch we shared a pizza on the top deck. I have got to know the women doing the cooking pretty well because they noticed I would keep walking deck 11 for a considerable time. 24 circuits in the morning and 16 in the afternoon. They would often ask how many laps to go. If they weren't too busy when we were eating there one would come across and have a little chat. Silversea crew are special

We now set sail down the river on our way to the Bangkok cruise port. it is a busy river.














It winds around so you can get views back to where you came from.

 

[drron]

We didn't get out of the river before sunset even though we set off at 2pm. I was now on my afternoon 16 laps.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

The storm hit. However the heavy rain lasted only 5 minutes though light rain continued for some time. i started walking again as soon as the heavy rain stopped. had a huge effect on the pool deck though.

 

[drron]

That night it was back to La Terraza for dinner.


Mrsdrron had the carpaccio which was very nice and then the osso Buco which was so tough it was virtually inedible. Several other passengers report the same. We cancelled all future bookings. But friends got on in Singapore and they love La Terraza. However they also reported the Osso buco was very tough.



I had the lasagna which was disappointing and the sea bass which was very nice.



Mrsdrron had dessert and I a very disappointing cheese plate. They did find some gorganzola for me but it was way inferior to the previous product they had on board.



My red wine.


Night had fallen. Lots of fishing boats out most after squid. They came quite close at times.

 

[drron]

The next day was a sea day. Changing my exercise regime a bit, Still do the 24 laps on deck 11 in the morning but after lunch a new circuit. Take the stairs down to deck 8,walk to the boutique and take the stairs up to the Panorama lounge - thy are much wider steps and much easier to ascend - and then back to the forward stairs. 10 - 12 circuits is roughly the same steps as 16 laps on deck 11 but is in air conditioned comfort.

Sometimes I admire the floral displays as I go round.

Lunch in Kaiseki.

 

[drron]

Then dinner in Atlantide.


Mrsdrron had the crab salad and then the lamb cutlets.


And I had the smoked duck salads, tomato soup and mushroom risotto.




We are doing well on the trivia with a well balanced team then 3 of us go on to the putting. The other 2 are good golfers and if luck is running my way I do alright. very disappointed today though. two holes in one and a 2 but finished second to a fellow who had 3 holes in one.

There is French father and son who come to the putting. The son is 9 years old, plays of 19 in the men's club competition but is a delightful boy. One of my partners is obviously reasonably well known in Scottish golf as he gave the father his number and said just ring and I will arrange for the 2 of you to play a round at St. Andrews Old Course. Magic happens on Silversea.

 

[Flyfrequently]

The next day was a sea day. Changing my exercise regime a bit, Still do the 24 laps on deck 11 in the morning but after lunch a new circuit. Take the stairs down to deck 8,walk to the boutique and take the stairs up to the Panorama lounge - thy are much wider steps and much easier to ascend - and then back to the forward stairs. 10 - 12 circuits is roughly the same steps as 16 laps on deck 11 but is in air conditioned comfort.

Sometimes I admire the floral displays as I go round.

Lunch in Kaiseki.

How many steps do you do in a day @drron ?
And good on you !

 

[drron]

In the morning we dock at Laem Chabang.











Beautiful car park views.






The busses are ready.

 

[drron]

How many steps do you do in a day @drron ?
And good on you !

On sea days 15000 - 16000. A bit less usually in port. minimum 11000 but usually 14 -15000.
And it paid off. Only put on 4Kg in the 8 weeks away.

 

[drron]

On the first day in port we stayed aboard. We had no desire to spend 2.5 hours each way in a bus to spend 4-5 hours there. besides we have had over 100 visits to Bangkok. so whilst doing my lapa i watched ships movements. Turnover of container ships was quick.

 

[drron]

Lunch in Atlantide. forgot the menu this time. Rojaan had the minute steak with mushroom sauce that she was happy with.


Whilst I had the Quesidillas and the spicy tuna. I liked both.




For dessert it was something I have forgotten sorry.


Then sunset and the return of the Bangkok tours.

 

[drron]

Dinner in Atlantide, some menu changes.






Mrsdrron's white wine which of course is the grape of Pouilly fume wines from the Loire. The gentleman at the next table was not impressed saying Pouilly Fuisse wines were much better. The sommelier said they are totally different wines so does sir like Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. He replied sauvignon blanc. Pouilly Fuisse wines of course are made with chardonnay grapes. He compounded his ignorance by demanding a Chateau Neuf- de- Pape as his red wine. Just which one he didn't say.


Mrsdrron had the scallops and strawberry followed by the king prawns again she liked both.




I had the Carpaccio then the Prime rib. Excellent.




For dessert Mrsdrron as usual had the pavlova and I the sticky toffee pudding.

 

[drron]

On the second day I went on the Sanctuary of Truth and Pattaya viewpoint excursion. More cars parked further from the port.




And a fire engine parking lot. Bonus points for that surely.


Some views along the highway to Pattaya.














And then we arrive at the Sanctuary. More a tourist park.

 

[drron]

But the main attraction is spectacular. The largest wooden temple in Thailand.




In truth though this is not really a temple but one man's crusade for world peace. More cynically one man's folly.There is obviously a big effort to bring in the revenue with bus rides, jet skis and motor boat rides along with the zoo and elephant rides.

You are divided into large groups. We had to wait for enough English speaking guides. Then you have to put on a hard hat to tour the temple.

 

[drron]

First taken through the carving workshop.