Author Archives: Sparky
ATW-1 wrapup
The first segment of our around-the-world trip was a 22-night cruise on the Carnival Luminosa, plus one day preceding the cruise. So this is basically a cruise review. The Carnival Luminosa We have now lived on this ship on two separate journeys that combined for 52 nights. We know the ship well. It is a … Continue reading
ATW-2 Day 1: Disembarkation in Sydney
This was a busy day. It began early, with me rising before dawn to catch a glimpse of the iconic Sydney Opera House as we docked. I wasn’t disappointed – I got some good photos. But disappointment – and panic – soon followed when I realized that my phone was unable to connect to the … Continue reading
ATW-1 Days 22 & 23: At sea
Our last two days aboard the Carnival Luminosa and the end of ATW-1. Day 22 was pretty sedate. We had breakfast, then I read and worked on the communal jigsaw puzzle ( 3,000 pieces – NO chance that it will be finished before we reach Sydney). I bought a day of internet because I had … Continue reading
“Darkest Fear” by Harlen Coben
Copyright 2000 by Harlen Coben. Published by Dell, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc, New York. This is #7 of 12 in the series of Coben books featuring Myron Bolitar, professional sports agent, former professional basketball star and occasional detective. In this one he is approached by … Continue reading
ATW-1 Day 21: Noumea, New Caledonia
New Caledonia. Another place that I never expected to see. But, after breakfast with Panama and Amy, we saw it. The city, anyway. I am sure there is much more to the country than what we saw in our walking tour, but we are being very frugal – we still have over 4 weeks to … Continue reading
ATW-1 Days 18-20: At sea
Day 18 was one of the 3 sea days on which I purchased the 24-hour internet plan ($30 per day) so I blogged in the morning. We had no breakfast because we were anticipating a large brunch at the Fahrenheit 451 Steak House – the specialty steak restaurant on the Carnival Luminosa – courtesy of … Continue reading
ATW-1 Days 16 & 17: At sea
On the road again (where the “road” is the Pacific Ocean), headed pretty much due west toward Australia. On Day 16 we had breakfast, then went down to the piano bar to sign up for a free caricature. We will sit for that Monday. We played cards and Marlene kicked my butt, winning all 4 … Continue reading
ATW-1 Day 15: Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Mo’orea is a place I have never been. Never even heard of it. But I have now been there. I can check off an item that never appeared on my bucket list. It is a dramatic island. It looks like the setting for Mutiny on the Bounty – jagged mountain peaks, pristine beaches. I learned … Continue reading
ATW-1 Day 14: Papeete, Tahiti
The second port of call for the Carnival Luminosa was Papeete, Tahiti. I can’t say that Tahiti was on my bucket list because it was so remote that I never thought I would get there. But I have now gotten there. I only saw the city – Papeete – and I think the best parts … Continue reading
“Live to Tell” by Lisa Gardner
Copyright 2010 by Lisa Garder. Published by Bantam Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. The story begins with the mass murder/suicide of his family by the father of Danielle Burton. Killed were Danielle’s mother and her two siblings – a brother and a sister. Danielle was … Continue reading