I just heard from a friend in KL that the smoke condition is horrible. Better you don't call there.

I am sure you will LOVE it. Make sure you see:

The Amber Fort
The wind Palace (Hawa Mahal)
Camels pulling carts and Brahma bulls

In New Delhi dont miss the RED FORT...very impressive.

In Agra we spent from sunrise to sunset at the Taj Mahal, the different lighting of the sun painting the marble from pinks to bright white to yellow. We also spent one whole day at Fatehpur Sikri, the city built then abandoned.

I wish you could also see:

Jodhpur: the blue city and the massive Umaid Bhawan palace (now a hotel, we stayed here

Udaipur: the Lake Palace and the stunning Shivniwas Palace (both also now hotels, stayed there also)

Khajuraho: the mysterious and very controversial temples (adult supervision required)

:-)

[ 08-16-2005: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

Just approaching the top of the Mallaca Straights and about to enter Indian Ocean.Still smoky,but starting to clear,went through the worst of the smoke during the night.Went out on the balcony about 3 am and the smell was very strong.

Hi dmwnc1,
Looking forward to the tour of India.It will be a highlight.I believe that there will be 3 coach loads doing the tour.We fly from Colombo to New Delhi,then on by coach to Jaipur and Agra before flying back to Mumbai to join the ship.

We are now in the the Indian Ocean,day 3 of 4 sea days,on a SW course from Mumbai to Mahe in the Seychelles.Formal night tonight and then tomorrow we cross the equator with a poolside ceremony at 2pm when King Neptune will visit.
The 4 days in India were...
awesome..............
a really full on 4 days with early starts, (5am,6am,and late into hotels at night) but I would not have missed one single moment of the amazing trip.The sights seen will be imprinted on my mind forever.India is a vast amazing country,full of contrasts .We have all heard of the teeming throngs of people who live there,but nothing can prepare you for what you see,until you experience it for yourself.The Taj Mahal was magic.We have ridden on elephants,visited grand Forts and Palaces and experienced both City and Country life.

You sure will have some cherished memories.

Mike--in TaiShan until 01 Sept, and then a short cruise with Star Pisces.

[ 08-26-2005: Message edited by: Deck 9 001 ]

quote:

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Originally posted by bmajor:
As we entered Richards Bay today I saw a Cruise ship moored in the distance which appeared to have the name Deleos.
It is a fairly old cruise ship.
Anyone know anything about her?

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quote:

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Originally posted by bmajor:
...which appeared to have the name Deleos.
It is a fairly old cruise ship.

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Particularly for our Brits on the list is Fort William, where one building has been kept as a museum of the British presence in India. Fascinating things there, including uniforms, weapons, pictures and other relics of the Raj, and even, from the Seven Years War, actual letters, these are the original, from General Clive written during the Battle of Plessy!

Very interesting place.

quote:

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Originally posted by Ernst:

I guess it is the Doulos you saw - click here to get to her homepage

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First we saw a classic P&O, "Strath" liner departing. The lines of "A troopship is leaving Bombay," ran through in our minds. Shortly thereafter our "Laos" arrived, a white beauty amid the less-than-colorful ships at anchor and pierside.

The next day, a taxi across to the ship, then boarding, it was our first MM voyage, and a sunset departure, looking across the city toward the "Towers of Silence," as I recall. It was really a moment to be treasured.

Off the South Coast of South Africa and about to round The Cape.Seas are not as big as I expected them to be ....yet.
Swimsuits and bikinis have given way to jerseys and sweatshirts as the air gets cooler.
Most folk are spending the day packing,and
wondering how they managed to accumulate so much "stuff" in 30 days and also staring in wonderment and disbelief at the final accounts.

It has been a great voyage,on a great ship,with great staff,and wonderful and friendly group of fellow passengers.

Spending a few days in Capetown post cruise,then back home next week.

******