1st March, Semarang, Java

I write while we are in Tanjung Priok, the gateway port for Jakarta and the tightest, most difficult docking I have ever experienced, but more about that after I have written this and move onto the 2nd..

Yesterday, the 1st, we docked in Semarang, yet another ‘wheelie’ required and I’m beginning to wonder how I manage to have such ‘luck’.  We had to turn in the northern end of the basin, because there was insufficient depth for us further south.

Overview of Semarang

Overview of Semarang

The port and 'wheelie' (green) before backing in.

The port and ‘wheelie’ (orange) before backing in.

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After Benoa, where we had wives, children and family galore, yet another welcome was arranged for our Indonesian crew, who had family within travelling distance, to show them our lovely ships and where they work.  As is the custom, yet another group of beautiful dancers and musicians greeted us.

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Happy time on 'A' deck with family

Happy time on ‘A’ deck with family

Enjoying lunch

Enjoying lunch

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On the way into Jakarta, some photos, taken through the taxi window, so apologies for the quality

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We took a jaunt ashore, bakingly hot, well into the 90’sF, we took a taxi into town.  Being a Sunday, most of the retail areas were closed until 10 a.m., so time was spent having a coffee, while half of ‘the mob’ reconnoitered possible targets for a raid 😕

Having been successful, (thankfully with relatively few mementos)  I ventured to suggest that we went to a market, at the least there would be some photo opportunities, however before we did so, some photos of the centre.

Going home with the shopping

Going home with the shopping

many use the horse and buggy transport

many use the horse and buggy transport

Some use rickshaws

Some use rickshaws

Most use motor bikes or mopeds, whole families!  health and safety would have a fit!

Most use motor bikes or mopeds, whole families! health and safety would have a fit!

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Mopeds and bikes took up whole streets as a parking spot.

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Then, onto the market, hot and humid, we didn’t stay long and certainly didn’t use the opportunity to eat, ‘questionable’ cleanliness being the cause.

One of many food stands

One of many food stands

Nest to this......

Next to this.…..

Bustling streets

Bustling streets

Vegatable seller

Vegetable seller

This lovely lady, sitting outside her son's (presumably) stall

This lovely lady, sitting outside her son’s (presumably) stall

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In need of a change of clothes and the air-conditioning, we returned to the ship, a haven of luxury.

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