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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Arabian Sea: Hot, Humid, Healthy and Happy!

We are at mid-point between Cochin and Mumbai, both cities on India's western coast. We are sailing on the Arabian Sea. We were lucky to be no where near the Nepal earthquake or surrounding areas that were impacted (thanks to those of you who were concerned about us). After this lazy day - a sea day, as they are called, we will be off exploring Mumbai.

 
Sunset over Indian Ocean - (c) Travelnwrite.com
Our cruise is providing us a sampler plate of exotic and tropical destinations -- just as we hoped we would have on this 35-night Far East Adventure that began in Bangkok, Thailand  and will end in Istanbul,Turkey. We knew it would be hot and we suspected humid - but what we've experienced as defied our imaginations. I dubbed Myanmar, "The Land of the Melting Makeup". 

It seemed cool on our deck while sipping morning coffee before 7 a.m. the other morning and that was because the temperatures had 'dipped' into the mid 80's and humidity to the low 90's. Yesterday  the temperature in Cochin was 94 and the humidity 97%.  Far more intense than Arizona in the summer or Puerto Vallarta in September. 

Exploring Cochin, India  by tuk-tuk - the only way to travel!

For those of you not on Facebook, I've been posting regular updates there - many of which show me wearing the same top in almost every photo taken (see above). It is the coolest one I brought with me - a tee shirt that soaks up the sweat (to put it bluntly) and that can be hand-washed between shore excursions. There's a lot of wearing and washing going on this trip by all of us - it is a nice feature of the ship to offer washing machines, dryers, and irons for guest use.

Indian Ocean - a sea day
Another plus for the cruise line is that while a great variety of ship's tours are offered there are options for do-it-yourself travel. Many of our fellow cruisers have organized their own land tours (primarily via Cruise Critic.com) and others of us have set out on our own to explore places. We're currently sailing with 140 of our fellow passengers still on land in India as they opted to travel from Cochin to the Taj Mahal and will rejoin the cruise just before we depart Mumbai on Friday.

Many of us opted to explore Cochin on our own and others chose the comfort of the air-conditioned ship-organized bus tours.
Oceania tour bus - Cochin, India
In Mumbai we will spend one day on a ship's tour - 'big bus' - to get oriented to the city and the second day plan to find ourselves another tuk tuk and set out on our own.

Heat and humidity aside, this is an amazing part of the world to visit. When back in the blogosphere world again I will show you more photos of the wonderful places we've been -- and yes, places that call our for return visits.

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts as you read the world headlines.  We remain hot, humid, healthy and most definitely happy we chose this routing!  Safe travels to you and yours~ and to my fellow bloggers, I will get caught up with  your blogs once we are again on land and I've got some time for reading.

Linking up (we hope):
Travel Photo Thursday
Weekend Travel Inspirations

18 comments:

  1. I hope you enjoy your travels and stay safe. Sweet hugs, Diane

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    1. Thank you for the good wishes, Diane. I will be back to blog reading in a couple of weeks and will get caught up with you then! Hugs, Jackie

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  2. I've heard that the ship tours can add quite a lump of money to the cruise. Think I'd want to adventure out on my own. Try to stay as cool as possible.

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    1. Yes, they are expensive and that's one reason we are doing many on our own. Our Tuk Tuk trip through town cost $23 and he took the same route as the cruise ship bus which would have been close to $300. . .and we got to enjoy the sights and sounds! It is an amazing heat here, Gaelyn!

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  3. It all sounds so very exciting and I will be looking forward to your in-depth reports and images later, Stay cool and hydrated.
    Helen x

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    1. I'll have plenty of both tales and photos as soon as I have the time to get them put together, Helen, in the mean time thanks so much for the visit!

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  4. At least your computer hasn't melted yet and you can still share with us. I actually love the hot weather, but with 97% humidity it gets old pretty quick. Sounds like a fantastic adventure you are enjoying and I am glad you are safe. Thanks for linking up at Weekend Travel Inspiration.

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    1. Hi Rhonda and thanks for the visit! Yes, I too like hot but this humid part is killing us. 95% again today with temps at 84 - melting! Thanks for the comment!

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  5. I'm glad that all is going well. I can't wait to see India through your eyes. I want to visit the Taj Mahal some day, but dear hubby is reluctant to visit India. He says that if I could just magically transport him to the grounds of the Taj Mahal and skip all the surrounding, he might consider it. Perhaps this cruise will be the key.

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    1. We had two lovely 'tastes' of India on the cruise stop. Some left the ship at Cochin (on a ship's tour) and flew to the Taj Mahal, spend two nights and then met up with the ship when we got to Mumbai. All of us had great times - it was so great that Joel and I want to return. You are right a cruise is a good way to get a taste.

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  6. I'm so glad you are safe - though roasty toasty! Wishing you a bit cooler weather and many more happy adventures. :-)

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    1. So far we are having a blast! Hot, humid and happy!!! Thanks for the visit. xoxo

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  7. I totally get the humidity factor. This is when you realise what a good fabric cotton is. Looks like you are discovering some great places.

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    1. My wardrobe has expanded with the addition of light cotton tops and pants purchased along the way in Thailand and India!! Next time I will pack for practicality and not appearances!! Thanks for the visit, Paula.

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  8. Hi Jackie...yes, the humidity in Asia can be overwhelming. I remember when I first moved to Korea and the humidity started around the middle of May and lasted until mid September. I thought I had died and gone to hell....haha. Four shower a day and new clothes each time was a daily event. My body handles it a bit better now, but not by much. Sounds like you two are having a fantastic time!

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    1. Oh Nancie, that shower tale made me laugh. I told Joel when they ask about what we did on the cruise I will say took showers, changed clothes, and washed and dried clothes! It is worth every drop of sweat though!

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  9. Jackie, I'd say I was envious of your trip, but truth be told I hate to sweat. Is there a time I can go to these places without sweating?! Lucky you...so many interesting sites. Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!

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