This greeted us this morning

Greeters

Didn't get the sign but it said Welcome Crystal Cruises

Me with the two dancers from our tour

White Elephant outside the Buddahist Temple

Me with all the Buddhas

Altar inside the temple

Thursday, Feb 23,2012

Greetings from Semerang, Java Indonesia

IT IS HOT AND HUMID HERE!

Today we had a tour around the city.  They showed us where the rich people live and they live like our poor except of course the Royal Family which has beautiful housing in it’s own complex.  As I travel to these places I can see why everyone hates Americans.  We really are spoiled brats.  Of course I say this as I am sitting on a luxury liner for 94 days!  I am the most spoiled of all!

We took a tour of  a cigarette factory where they were rolling  cigarettes.  They work 4-5 hours a day and get paid $1.25 and are happy to have a job.  Unemployment here is 60%  yep, 60%.  After driving around for a few more sights we went to a hotel where they served coffee, tea and pastries and they had a show for us!  Two dancers.  It was very entertaining.

We then went to a Buddhist Temple.  I have  never been in one.This one was 6 floor tall and we went up to the top floor.  Bill chose to walk rather than ride the elevator.  He stopped at each floor. We did have to take off our shoes like we did in the Mosque.  It was quite interesting! Outside they had hundreds of Buddhas and 2 large White Elephants!  We were in a Mosque in Brunei in 08, saw the Hindu temple but did not go in.  Have been in Catholic Churches, Protestant Churches, Synagogues so I think I have now been to all the major religious ones.

The peddlers can be annoying but you know me I love bargaining with them. This morning as we were walking to the tour buses they were kind of aggresive.  James told me to hit them with my cane!!!!  I got a few things and did really well!  Bill even got into it and did okay for himself!  Anything that is wood must be placed in their freezer for 48 hours to kill any bugs or worms that they are known for.  I asked tall Peter if it was the same freezer as our food he said no it is the freezer they keep if someone passes onboard!  Gregg and Sue if you are ready this you might have to pick us up in LA with my Escalade!  Especially if I keep buying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

90% of the population here is Muslim unlike Bali which is Hindu.  Everyone is friendly and they all co-exist with no problems.  Indonesia has the larges Muslim population in the world.  

Bali was a much prettier island this actually has a 4 lane highway each way but it is not pretty like Bali.  Most of the big buildings in town were built when the Dutch were here in  the 17 and 18 hundreds.  Of course they do have the American Embassy McDonalds, KFC, Ace Hardware.   

We set sail this evening and will be at sea tomorrow (Fri) and arrive in Singapore on Saturday till Sunday evening. Sunday morning is the end of this segment.  2 segments down I can’t believe how fast this is going!!!!!

This evening they are having local entertainment for us.  Looks very interesting and I will post about it tomorrow.

So from Indonesia I am going to sign off and since it is still afternoon here instead of good night just God Bless.