Bon voyage! (Part 2)

Continuing from where I left off, the exploration of the cruise ship continued on...

The ever spacious space/walk-way on either sides of the ship (I think it's deck 4) It's also the assembly point in case of emergency.

So from Deck 11 (right next to the gym), there is an area where you can actually look at the captain's navigation and control room. The wind is pretty strong up here.

The Windjammer cafe. Love the variety of food!!! Super!!!

So creative! Edible but not allowed to eat 'em.

Our room on Deck 7. Everyday, without fail, we came back to the room with a new towel animal on the bed. This round it's an elephant... Very impressed by the services and hospitality of the crew here. 

Deck 13 houses a basketball court, golfing area, table tennis, etc.

They also have rock climbing. Too bad I didn't get to try it!

Port of call on day 2: Port Klang, Malaysia

We only went off the ship to grab some supplies in a sundry shop in Port Klang's Cruise Center.

Picture shows the massiveness of our ship (the taller one) versus the shorter one.

Because being on the ship can get you lose track of what day it is, they purposely change this carper flooring daily with what-day-it-is-signage. This helps a lot because you really don't realize what day it is! I find it pretty cool...

Deck 5: The Royal Promenade

One of the signature wall of UP.

Heading back to the ship after Port Klang.

A long swim and soaking in the sun with a good read. Sunnies and sunblock are the must have's.

Watching the sun setting over the horizon on the front part of the ship. 

This is one of the best spots to view sunset/sunrise/

Our dinner in the Sound of Music dining room. One of the best things here, apart from the foods, is the service of our serving Indonesian waiter. He's so good, friendly and sincere that he told us about his family back in Indonesia and his experiences in the cruise ship. and more...

Every night, on deck 11, the main pool area, there will be movie time so you can sit anywhere around this huge area and watch it together. This night it was Suicide Squad. The other night was The Legend of Tarzan & Ghostbusters.

We arrived in Phuket, Thailand on the 3rd day of cruise. Thailand, you're beautiful! The heat is comparable to that we have in Sabah. So the key to enjoy the day is to dress comfortably. 

(Go for comfort over fashion. It always wins. :) )

Breakfast for champion. Right after breakfast, I was planning to queue up for the tender ticket for us at 9:30AM (Door opens at 10:15AM) but I have a hunch to go and look at how long the queue is (that was around 8:30AM). And it turned out to be already quite long! Of course I didn't even think of waiting to come back and line up at 9:30AM. I waited from 8:30AM until door opens to collect the ticket at 10:15AM. Phew! What a journey just to get off the ship to go to Patong, Phuket.

Leaving our ship by a ferry that can fit about 200 people per trip to Patong, Phuket. Apparently there is no cruise center as the one in Port Klang. Maybe they're trying to keep the sea as clean as possible.

Patong beach

My first impression of Phuket: Breathtaking. But hot. Definitely hot. But very beautiful.

Almost every hotel we passed by have this. As a sign of respect to Thailand's former king.

Thailand's new king.

Jungceylon Mall, Patong

Pineapple fried rice was gooooood. Their tomyam soup is also da bombbbbb. Different from the tasty one is Sabah, too.

A quick manicure while killing time.

Looking at this sight makes me miss Simba and Mali back home.

Patong beach right before sunset. Personal opinion: Sabah still has the best sunset view by far.

When we came into our room after a long day, this towel animal of the day was hanging there as if it's greeting us saying, "Welcome back to your humble room!" 

Of course this is just a personification, but still, it put a smile on our face and warms our heart :) Thanks Roy

Formal night. It is a night where everyone is suppose to wear formally to dinner. Shorts and tank tops are not allowed. We opted for fine dining instead of buffet that night.

One of the highlights during the cruise: Ice skating show production!

Skaters from different countries (France, Canada, Japan, Mexico)

We discovered that there is a grand piano placed in a board game room called Cloud Nine. Since anyone can play it and it's vacant, it was a time where I got my fingers running on the keys and worship. I crave for His presence in the middle of all the fun and happenings. It's very true, nothing beats His presence! Enjoyment is temporary, but true joy is found when you and Him are one!

Desserts! Endless desserts...

On the final night, we went to the jazz bar because we were told that there's good jazz music band playing there every night. It was gooooood. So good that I can stare and listen to this without making any conversation (and still be comfortable).

Back in Singapore!

Hope you enjoy reading, scrolling and savoring the pictures and the story line...

Love and blessings,

Nethy

One of the best feelings

Dad went to Europe for two weeks earlier this month and sometimes he send us updates, pictures and even videos. Things were fine and smooth here and also there but still, I found myself missing him a bit. When the earthquake struck weeks ago, one of the first batch of people I informed was my dad and mom and of course, Gan (as he was in KL at that time). I wanted dad to know how we are doing and not to worry much. The first thing in my mind was to eliminate any worries for him (also for them).

Mannn. The earthquake was unbelievable to me. I never ever thought it would hit this land (since its not apart of the ring of fire and stuffs like that). That morning was one of the mornings I would remember well. I was in a deep sleep when suddenly, the house walls begin to move back and forth, shaking steadily strong. I literally jumped out of bed as I know it was not a dream (not that I ever had an earthquake in a dream before). I heard a shout from the kitchen and the next thing I know, I was outside the house, watching for any possible danger. Praise God, it was a brief quake.

And of course, on that day itself, everyone in Sabah (And I'd like to believe, Malaysia) mourns for the deaths of some courageous mountain guides and climbers due to the quake. It was a brief quake for me, but, it was brief and powerful enough to take lives of some people. I cried when I heard of the loss of these dear people although I didn't know any of them. Especially the mountain guides. 

p.s. - Looking forward for the charity concert dedicated to the mountain guides this weekend. Sales from the tickets will all go the MG right away (and this can be assured as the charity concert was a joint effort of various local artists and they willingly organised this without getting any payment! Salute!) Always wanted to contribute something for them, apart from prayers. You can come and join too!

As we waited for dad's arrival, we found out that his flight has been delayed and hence, he will only arrive two days later than we expected.

I never knew this before but, one of the best feelings was when Dad came home safely. Couldn't help but to hug him. There was such a relief at that point of time. More than getting the souvenirs from him, I treasure his presence more. 

I guess that's how it is when we are with our heavenly Father. When we feel his tangible presence, deep and loving enough to make us feel whole, secure and full of joy. No words are needed. Just His presence alone.

Nethy.