DAY 64-KOMODO ISLAND

                            "HUMP DAY"
       Yes, sadly, our cruise is half over today.  Day 64 of 128 day world cruise.  The first half would have been much better had we both been healthy.  We're hoping the second half will be much better health wise.  The ports and countries ahead of us are some of the most interesting history wise, especially in the Middle East.  I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as we do.  Yesterday evening we sailed into the Suva Sea after passing by Timor.  Still smooth sailing!
This is the link to photos taken at dinner last night.

https://goo.gl/photos/ZAaNqPs5E8j5j3z1A

               85 degrees with 62% humidity and rain showers over Komodo this afternoon.

Kids begging for apples and fruit.  Money too!!  Jamie made several PA's telling us not to throw ANYTHING overboard.

KOMODO ISLAND
       This morning we sailed close by some very beautiful Indonesian Islands while making our way to Komodo.  The sea was still very smooth and I enjoyed watching the little flying fish getting out of the ship's way.  We dropped anchor here around noon and will be tendered ashore as there is no dock. Komodo is one of 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia.  It is a very small island only 22 miles by 9 miles with a population of 2,000.  They are former convicts who were exiled to the island.
        The reason for our stopping here is to see the Komodo Dragon.  At 10 feet long and weighing up to 300 pounds it is the largest lizard on Earth.  There is only one excursion here and it is to visit the Komodo National Park to see this amazing creature.  Of course we did this tour in 2010.
       Komodo also has a beach with “pink” sand, one of only seven in the world.  The sand appears pink as it is a mixture of white and red sands formed by pieces of shells.    

THE KOMODO DRAGON

        On our 2010 tour, our group was guided down a trail through the park for an hour’s walk.  We had 3 Indonesians with us with long forked poles to ward off the dragons if they decided we smelled like a good lunch.  They cannot see very well but do have a keen sense of smell and hearing.  Although the ones we saw hardly moved, our guide told us they can chase their prey at a speed up to 18 mph.  They are also excellent swimmers.  They use their tails to knock down their prey, serrated teeth filled with deadly bacteria that can cause a serious flesh rotting infection within days, and razor sharp claws which they use to rip into their victim’s belly.  They only eat once a month (hoping these were fed recently) and can eat 125 pounds of meat at a time, which is nearly half their body weight.  Our guide said their diet includes:  deer, wild hogs, and water buffalo.  And yes, on rare occasional native!  Newborn dragons will live up in trees for 3 to 4 years until big enough to fend for themselves.

Here is the link to some of the beautiful Indonesian islands and the Komodo Dragon photos from 2010:

https://goo.gl/photos/EPLVjSViunCmC18QA

MEET THE CREW:

       Ok, my son has been bugging me because I have not been to good at interviewing more crew members.  It is not easy to do because they are always busy working.  I hate to interfere with that.

This is Geovanni who started working for Regent in Miami where we boarded two months ago.  He is 32 years old and from the Philippines where he worked in hotels as a bar and food waiter prior to being hired by Regent.  He has a wife, two girls (11 & 1), and a son (6).  He is an assistant waiter in evenings and pool waiter during the afternoons.  I asked how he liked working on the ship and he admitted to having an "adjustment" period initially.  I think he really misses his family.  He is a delightful young man.

This is Ola who is on her 3rd contract (contracts vary but usually 8 months in length) with Regent. She is 31 years old and from Belarus.  She loves this job (and it really shows) as she loves to travel. Every chance she gets she is off the ship exploring and taking photos.  She has a professional quality camera that puts mine to shame.  I have seen her several times ashore.  I asked how many boyfriends she has and she giggled, "None".  She said she has two cats instead!  This is not a very flattering photo of her because she had been working in the 86 degree sun during lunch time.  She is really a very lovely lady with a great personality.  During the Krew Kapers show at the end of each segment she performs on stage as a belly dancer.  She is always a passenger favorite and gets a huge ovation. She said she had 2 1/2 years of belly dancing lessons.  She is great, believe me!!

 Please meet our friend, Emmanuel.  We have sailed with him 2 or 3 times before this.  His wife, Miriam, is also on board working as a suite stewardess in housekeeping.  They were married in 2008 and have a 9 year old girl.  He is 48 years old and one of the most senior crew members on the ship. He started working on ships with Radisson Cruises in 2001.  Radisson was bought by Regent so basically he has worked 15 years for Regent.  On his vacations he says they stay busy taking care of the house, garden, and family.  During the evenings he works as a waiter in Prime 7 (the steakhouse). We always request to sit at one of his tables.  During the day he sometimes works in room service or up on pool deck at lunch time.  It was 3 pm when I did this interview and he was busy cleaning up after lunch.  Regent is good about trying to keep married crew members together on same ship and same time.

PLAN FOR THIS EVENING:
       Will be sailing from Komodo at 6:00 pm for Bali where we will be arriving at noon tomorrow.  I have asked the chef to prepare veal osso bucco for 5 this evening.  Brad & Carla Sue Broecker and Susanne Peters will be joining us for dinner.  We did not care for the Aussie singer, Karen Beckett's, show last night.  Another new headliner entertainer, Cy Leo, tonight.  He is billed as a virtuoso harmonica player, singer, and song writer.  He is from Japan so thought we would give his show a try.