After those two pix……when I boarded the bus again, I noticed the front seat where the guide sits, and has his mic and hand-out material and whatever he thinks might be needed on the day’s tour.

We’ve all been there…..the more remote the destination, the less (western) “elegance” can be expected. The overhead panels on our bus a/c spurted water on most of the seats. (Yes, I hear you say, at least you *had* a/c, which is exactly correct, not remotely to be expected. ) It’s *very* hot, and I suspect I do cold-weather travel rather better than the hot-weather variety. Also, the “facilities” can be, umm, “modest”.

At some of the stops we do, we are treated to a short presentation of local music and/or dance. These 12 year old girls performed their folk dance - the little sweetie at left was utterly entranced.

 

We’re in Surabaya today, went to the Trowulan archaeological sites.

While the island of Bali is 80+% Hindu, the rest of Indonesia (including the island of Java, where we are now) is 80+% Muslim. This little girl was all dressed up for Ramadan, which started several days ago. She was racing around, into everything, she’s gonna be trouble. Love the pink sneakers.

The Hindu holy man sprinkled water on our heads as we entered a sacred temple area…right after he took iPhone pics of us.

 

Bali.

After our day in Broome, we walked back up the gangway, and I saw this bird on a nearby suite partition. Now, tonight, apparently she has become a passenger.

Also Broome.

Our humorous guide reacting to the “Monster from Down Under”. We got to hold the littler ones, my 24-inch guy peed on my hands, possibly for the belittling comment about the “monster from Down Under”.

We’re told these guys can can have an astonishing 1,600 psi pressure when their jaws clamp shut. They’re just occasionally not particularly adept at grabbing food that’s just in front of them.

 

Broome, Australia. Stiflingly hot and humid. But lots of crocs and other beasties.

14 of the next 20 days are sea days, no ports. We like ports better than sea days, but, on the other hand…..pretty much have to go from Point A to Point B, and from Point B to Point C. Tomorrow we dock in Brooke, Australia. After that, our destinations are decidedly less “western” if you will - Indonesia and Africa. Suits me just fine.

Fremantle Prison, home to 19th century convicts transferred from Britain. (I can think of at least one current candidate)

We were officially welcomed to Perth, just off the gangway.

 

WW1 memorial in Perth, with a view of a (growing) skyline.

 

Bunbury, on the west coast. We had a very interesting guide who demonstrated aboriginal tools, and did a quick impromptu performance on a didgeridoo.

Also in Albany - an impressive museum dedicated to ANZAC (Australia & New Zealand Army Corps) and their campaigns in WW1, most especially Gallipoli.

Torndirrup National Park, near Albany. Gorgeous.