Part 1...Visiting Darwin...A beautiful city...Busy downtown area...



The two little ones played with the hanging braches of a Banyan tree in the middle of town.

The shuttle ride to Darwin from the port wasn't more than 10 minutes from start to finish. Waiting in line to board the shuttle took about 35 minutes. In essence we could have walked into town but, we enjoyed the ride seeing a little more than we would have on foot.


We actually had to purchase a few items which made the outing all the more fun for us.  We'd been told by other travelers to purchase insect repellent in Australia since we'd be unable to find many options in Bali.


The sports store where we purchased a new Fitbit for me.

Secondly, after noticing several passengers wearing FitBit fitness tracking devices, I was determined to purchase a new one since my years old tracker had bit the dusk awhile back.


The Intersport store has typical sportswear and equipment.

I've found using such a device forces me on my feet more, taking stairs instead of elevators and generally be more active.  After returning to the ship and setting up the FitBit, I'd done over 1500 steps in the first two hours.  At this rate, it may be possible to do the desired 10,000 steps a days.


We walked up and down several blocks looking for the store.  It was a beautiful day, warm but tolerable in the shade.

It wasn't that I detected any of the wearers necessarily appearing more fit than non wearers but for me, its had always been a good motivator, digital person that I am. 

Plus, my last wristwatch died a few days ago and for the low price I'd paid for them, it didn't make sense to replace the batteries.  The new wrist-worn FitBit also doubles as a watch. Perfect.


A pleasant park in near the shopping district.

We wandered about Darwin feeling totally comfortable and safe in the lovely city.  The high temperature was offset by a cooling ocean breeze.  The city was clean and low key with an abundance of shops and restaurants.  Of course, whenever the cruise ships came to town, the businesses thrives.


The Darwin State Square.  Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory in Australia.

When we entered a local chemist shop, it was jammed with dozens of cruise passengers. Cruise ships carry few toiletry items onboard and an opportunity for a stop at a pharmacy is always a popular tourist attraction.

As we wandered about the town, we were amazed by how similar is it to New Plymouth, NZ which we left only a little over a week.  In many ways it feels as if its been much longer ago since we left when we've so easily immersed ourselves into life aboard ship.


The Darwin State Square Building.

We apologize for the last posting once again.  Not only did we have a very busy morning, we just left La Scala Theatre after watching yet another movie, a perk included in the cruise fare.  Now after 4 pm, its time to dress for the evening and to attend a special party for Crown and Anchor members at 4:45. 

After the party, we'll head to the bar for a pre dinner beverage and by 7:30 make our way to the main dining room for what most likely will prove to be yet another enjoyable evening at a shared table of eight or ten.

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Photo from one year ago today, April 24, 2015:
Due to the poor wifi signal on the ship, we're unable to post the year-ago photo today.  We'll get caught up as soon as we get a better signal.  If you don't see a post, know that we're struggling to get online and will be back as soon as possible.  Thanks for your patience.