The number of activities and places to go on the QM2 is staggering. Each evening we would get a copy of the Daily Program which highlighted what was happening the next day. Additionally, there was a theme during the cruise – Film Festival at Sea in partnership with BFI (British Film Institute). There were lots of activities in support of this special event including workshops, special screenings, discussions and lots more. Additionally, there were classic movies on the stateroom television, so lots of movie entertainment available.
IlluminationsKing Court BuffetWonderful Piano Bar
Of course, there were lounges to relax, various board games set up, entertainment (piano in the bar lounge, nightly shows in the main show room) and lots of other activities to keep you busy. If you ever got hungry, there were 5 different restaurants and food and beverage in 6 different lounge areas. We took advantage of the excellent Spa services for a manicure and pedicure. Shopping? Did I mention there were a number of high-end shops on the ship? And, of course, a casino. Fortunately, we weren’t into shopping or losing our money so we didn’t spend a lot of time in those areas.
Janeen getting her Manicureand her pedicureTheo Faberge Egg, Tremblant Violet – this came home with us.Philip Birkenstein – Theo Fabergé St Petersburg Collection
Janeen had an opportunity to get to know the Medical Clinic staff – and they were all wonderful and very caring group of people. Much thanks for all of their care and attention during her visit.
On the whole, it was a very relaxed crossing the seas were relatively gentle: there were a couple of nights of rock and roll but even that wasn’t significant really. Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was a very relaxing way to come across the Atlantic.
Once we arrived in NYC on QM2, we took a train from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Williamsburg. A train ride of 7 hours and multiple stops, but we didn’t have to change at any point which was wonderful.
As mentioned in the previous blog, we had been in Europe for the better part of almost 6 months. During that time, we visited 14 countries (France, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Egypt, Belgium and the United Kingdom). During this time, we took 13 different flights, travelled on planes, ships, river boats, buses, cars and trains and covered a lot of miles as a result.
Our train arrives
In looking back, over the last year, in addition to the 14 countries visited on this time in Europe we also visited 7 countries last year (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, The Caribbean, Saint Vincent, Barbados and Antigua) when we were in South America! It seems we like to travel as we have been away from our home in Williamsburg over 60% over the last 12 months. What does the future hold you might ask? Well, we have a trip on Oceania from Boston to Montreal and going to Los Angeles after this cruise in October, a Jazz Cruise in the Caribbeanin in January and a round trip cruise from Los Angeles to Australia planned for Mid-March to the first part of April next year. There is always the possibility of additional travel opportunities for sure.
Stay tuned, leave a comment, let us know what your travel plans are maybe we can connect somewhere in the wonderful world.
For the better part of 6 months, we have been traveling in Europe. It’s now time to figure out how to get home and rather than fly we have booked passage on The RMS Queen Mary 2 (RMS means Royal Mail Ship). The QM2 has served as the flagship of the Cunard Line since April 2004, and as of 2025, is the only active, purpose-built ocean liner still in service. Queen Mary 2 sails regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York City, in addition to short cruises and an annual world voyage.
The original RMS Queen Mary had been active doing the same route from 1936 to 1967 when she was retired and eventually found her was to Long Beach California where she is a floating hotel, museum, and convention space. We had been on board this ship a couple of times over the years so it was fun to schedule our passage on the QM2.
Our Ferry The Lounge at the front of the ship
Ryan coordinated our passage via ferry from Caen France to Portsmouth UK where we took a taxi to our hotel the night before sailing. The Ferry was easy – large ocean-going ship with lots of lounge space and various restaurants. The lower decks carried cars, semi-trucks and other vehicles while the upper decks were all for passengers. Our seats were in the forward lounge with large seating overlooking the bow. Fortunately, the two or three school groups that boarded with us were all in separate areas. There were also several duty-free shops on the ship offering various products including a fairly nice selection of wines. The entire trip took about 5 hours but we had smooth sailing throughout the trip.
Our first look at the QM2 was from our hotel room – looking out across the harbor in Southampton.
Once through the check in process, which went surprisingly quickly, we started to explore the common areas of the ship and found a place for a bite to eat.
At the time of her construction, QM2 was the longest, at 1,131.99 ft, and largest passenger ship ever built. Queen Mary 2 has a maximum speed of just over 30 knots (35 mph) and a cruising speed of 26 knots (30 mph). Instead of the common diesel-electric configuration, Queen Mary 2 uses integrated electric propulsion to achieve her top speed. Diesel engines, augmented by gas turbines, are used to generate electricity for electric motors for propulsion and for on-board use. The ship can take as many as 2,695 passengers supported by 1,253 crew – about a 2 to 1 ration (smaller than the crew ration on Oceania…)
Minolta DSC
Our cabin was on the top deck – 13 – all the way forward. It’s a nice cabin with generally good amenities. Being at the top of the ship has some disadvantages, however, as we get more motion as a result.
Our first day was focused on getting situated into our cabin and getting a general ‘feel’ for the ship. There are clearly a lot of areas to explore! Queen Mary 2’s facilities include fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea. Of course, there is the shopping area with some very expensive shops ready to take our cash any time!
A large library with lots of books, computer stations and a nice space to just sit and read
Each afternoon there is a High Tea. A wonderful experience with lots of tea and finger food.
Way to much to report in only one blog…more to come!
Over the years, we have been to any number of zoos around the country. Most recently, we visited the Pairi Daiza Resort – a very different kind of place near Brugelette in Belgium. Yes, there are a variety of animals, but we stayed in an apartment with windows directly out to the enclosures. The first night we stayed next to the Sea Lion area while the second night we had a window into the Tiger enclosure. Both locations were fantastic!
Pairi Daiza is organized representing five continents to reflect the origins of the animals in those areas. It is a very large place with more than 7,500 animals in spacious habitats including Giant pandas, elephants, polar bears, orangutans, rare birds, gorillas, walruses; more than 800 species are protected in the Park. Awarded “Best Zoo in Europe” it is also certified “Three Stars” in the Michelin Green Guide.
We arrived late in the evening and arrived just prior to their closing of the dining room (room reservations include both breakfast and dinner) which was fortunate. The first night, staying next to the Sea Lions we didn’t really appreciate what we could see. In the morning, it was clear the Sea Lions were active, as they kept barking!
Our second night was overlooking the tiger enclosure and we had some nice close encounters.
After buffet breakfast we toured around and one area in particular was quite fun. They have put in world where dinosaurs dominated the Earth. This unique exhibition had a bunch of them animatronically moving around, roaring and generally showing off. Our 5-year old grand girl really enjoyed this area for sure.
At one point, my grands and their mother went over the suspension bridge – this bridge was quite long and went over several different animal enclosures. They were all very brave!
Janeen particularly liked the entrance to the Chinese Garden – very similar to that at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino (CA) where she u volunteered in the Herb Garden. Called the Middle Kingdom, it’s filled with magnificent gardens and architecture.
The Chinese Garden, the largest in Europe, is home to Giant Pandas (not on display due to the weather) Asiatic Black Bears, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and many others.
Polar Bears have a wonderful space – and you get to see them up close as they swim by!
Turns out that during our visit several areas have been a transformed into a festive and colorful atmosphere with 9 giant masks creations, as well as the enchanting decorations. This all to celebrate Carnaval.
The following morning was clear and beautiful and we wandered around some more and enjoyed the exhibits and scenery.
There is a large building with a walk through aquarium with an abundance of different tanks filled with fish!
Just before lunch, our youngest son Ryan, joined us and we all celebrated his birthday.
Once that was done, we transferred all our stuff from into his car and continued our Adventure in France. Stay tuned, more to come!
What is the first thought you have when you think Egypt? Well, for me, it is always pyramids. Yes, over the last couple of weeks we have seen and earned a lot about Egypt and seen a bunch of different temples and learned about the gods they worshiped and how pharaohs and kings lived in ancient times but have yet to see or visit a pyramid. OK, I saw a pyramid when we flew back from Luxor, I believe it was the Step Pyramid – which is to be our first stop today. It made perfect sense to save the three pyramids for the last day as they align with the new GEM building and are iconic symbols of the ancients seven wonders of the world.
All Giza Pyramids including smaller ones for the children of the Kings
Pyramids were built as tombs for ancient Egyptian pharaohs, serving as a place to house their mummified bodies and treasures, with the belief that they would need these items to live comfortably in the afterlife; essentially, they were constructed to ensure the pharaoh’s eternal life and were considered a monument to their power and status. There are at least 118 known pyramids in Egypt, though many are smaller private pyramids. The most famous of these pyramids, of course are the Great Pyramid of Giza which will be our second stop on today’s journey.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
The pyramid of Djoser, sometimes called the Step Pyramid of Djoser was the first Egyptian pyramid to be built and is a 6-tier, 4-sided structure and was the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. It was built in the 27th century BCE during the Third Dynasty for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser.
Entrance into the complex of the Step Pyramid
Originally there was a wall surrounding Djoser’s Step Pyramid complex and it was some 10.5 meters (34 feet) high with recessed panels decorate the entirety of its wall. The Step Pyramid Complex was thus thought of as more than a tomb, it was Djoser’s royal residence for eternity.
Janeen in the colonnade
We entered Step Pyramid Complex via a colonnade entrance near its south eastern corner. This long hall is flanked by stone columns in the shape of bundles of papyrus or palm branches. These are engaged columns: instead of being free standing, each column is supported by a wall that is connected with the wall of the colonnade. At either end of the colonnade entrance is a nonfunctional imitation door that is made of stone. Their immovable leaves are built to be open, forever inviting visitors to enter and admire the king’s eternal palace. After passing through the colonnade, we approached the actual pyramid.
The stairs down into the Step Pyramid
The pathway to the tomb was without adornment
Janeen pointing out some wood that was used during the original construction.
The pyramid went though some restoration which was completed in 2019. This included filling in some gaps on the exterior with blocks similar to the originals. We entered through the south opening that accesses the tomb. There was not a lot of decoration but we went to where you can see down into the actual tomb. Once we finished our tour of the Step Pyramid we got back on the couch and head to The Pyramids of Giza.
The actual tomb for the king as at the bottom of this shaft.
It is clear that a whole lot of words have been used to describe the Pyramids of Giza, some of which I have clearly used to help paint a picture of what we saw on our visit. The city has clearly grown towards the pyramids over time as evident by the industry, fast food and other structures you see on the way.
First, there are 3 pyramids – each designated by the corresponding kings for whom they were built — Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
The northernmost, and oldest pyramid of the group, was built for Khufu, the second king of the 4th dynasty. Called the Great Pyramid, it is the largest of the three, its length on each side at the base averaging 755.75 feet (230 meters) and its original height would have been 481.4 feet (147 meters). The middle pyramid, which actually looks the biggest, was built for Khafre, the fourth of the eight kings of the 4th dynasty; the structure measures 707.75 feet (216 meters) on each side and was originally 471 feet (143 meters) high. The placement of the pyramid was on a higher level of the area thus making it ‘appear’ to be taller. The southernmost, and last pyramid to be built, was that of Menkaure, the fifth king of the 4th dynasty; each side measures 356.5 feet (109 meters), and the structure’s completed height was 218 feet (66 meters).
Another gauntlet of Vultures
People in line to get into the pyramid
Here we are again!
All three pyramids were plundered both internally and externally in ancient and medieval times. Thus, the grave goods originally deposited in the burial chambers are missing, and the pyramids no longer reach their original heights because they have been almost entirely stripped of their outer casings of smooth white limestone. A portion of the limestone casing still remains at the top of Khafre pyramid giving some idea of how it might have looked when it was completed.
It was a lovely day to visit.
We choose NOT to take a camel ride.
Khufu’s pyramid is perhaps the most colossal single building ever erected on the planet. Its sides rise at an angle of 51° and the sides are accurately oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass. Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone were cut, transported, and assembled to create the 5.75-million-ton structure, which is a masterpiece of technical skill and engineering ability. How the pyramids were built is still very much up for debate. The most plausible one is that the Egyptians employed a sloping and encircling embankment of brick, earth, and sand, which was increased in height and in length as the pyramid rose; stone blocks were hauled up the ramp by means of sledges, rollers, and levers.
Janeen going into the pyramid. Note the smooth wall of stone. The entire pyramid would have been dressed with this but the King died before it was completed.
Not only was the ceiling low, there really wasn’t anything to see at the end of the trip!
Janeen made it back to the sunshine
To the south of the Great Pyramid near Khafre’s valley temple lies the Great Sphinx. Carved out of limestone, the Sphinx has the facial features of a man but the body of a recumbent lion; it is approximately 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high. This was made during the reign of King Khafre (4th king of 4th dynasty, c. 2575–c. 2465 BCE).
The Great Sphinx is among the world’s largest sculptures, measuring some 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a royal headdress. The statue was carved from a single piece of limestone, and pigment residue suggests that the entire Great Sphinx was painted. According to some estimates, it would have taken about three years for 100 workers, using stone hammers and copper chisels, to finish the statue.
Our Egyptologist noted that the Sphinx (or “Stinks” as our granddaughter calls it) was carved from a hill which obscured the view of the pyramid, therefore requiring artisans to come up with an appropriate guardian in the view. It was so popular that subsequent pharaohs built their own crouching lions; like the one at the temple of Hatshepsut which we visited several days ago.
Assem, our Egyptologist, was amazing and we loved all the information he shared and the places he took us to. As this was clearly a bucket list item, it could not have been cleared any better then with our amazing trip with UniWorld.
All in all, a visit to Egypt should include coming to the Great Pyramid complex. Our visit was no exception and it was a lovely day with fantastic views. This was to be our last day for this adventure, our flight back to Germany was scheduled for 1:30 AM the next morning so we arrived at the airport several hours early and tried to continue to absorb all that we had seen and learned over the last 10 or so days.
Once back to Germany, where we are staying with our son and his family, we were able to get caught up with all our chores, do some laundry and get ready for the final month of this Grand Adventure. Stay tuned for more travel as we still have to get back to Williamsburg and that too will be a different adventure.
For the past week, the S.S. Sphinx has been our home while we explored a dozen or more ancient temples and learned a lot about the history of Egypt and life along the Nile River. However, it was time to say goodbye to this lovely ship and wonderful crew as we fly back to Cairo this morning. In Cairo there is still several places to visit including the ultimate Egypt symbol – The Pyramids of Giza. A special thanks to the UniWorld Crew and particularly Sameh Elsayed the Hotel Manager. Sameh, and his crew on the ship made it comfortable and very enjoyable for everyone. While we have travelled with UniWorld on 8 previous trips, our time on the S.S. Sphinx was very special. This could have been related to the wonders we saw each day, but the ship and crew certainly had a big impact too.
Assem Omar, our Egyptologist, travelled with us back to Cairo to be able to accompany us to the remaining wonders of our trip. After landing at the airport, even before we got to The Four Seasons Hotel, we were off for another adventure. This time to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
The 36 foot tall Ramses II greets visitors as they enter the GEM
The Grand Egyptian Museum is an archaeological museum about 1.2 miles from the Giza pyramid complex. The Museum will host over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilizations, and will ultimately include the complete Tutankhamun collection, and many pieces will be on display for the first time. With 872,000 sq ft of floor space, it will be the world’s largest archeological museum. One of the stated reasons for building such a fantastic museum was to show the world that Egypt has the ability to take care of its history in the hope that those items held in non-Egyptian museums might be returned home.
Inside the museum, behind us are the specific cartouche for a number of the pharaohs.
Originally scheduled to open in 2012, but due to a multitude of problems, it has only partially opened this past October 2024. The Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, commercial area, 12 public galleries and the exterior gardens are open for tours, while the Tutankhamun gallery and Solar Boat Museum are not yet open to the public. Most of Tutankhamum tomb material is still at the Egyptian Museum opened in 1901, which we visited earlier when we first arrived in Cairo.
An unnamed goddess stands behind Ramesses Il, blessing and protecting him. Statue-of-God-Ptah-King-Ramesses-II-Goddess
The building’s north and south walls line up directly with the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The front of the museum includes a large plaza filled with date palms and a façade made of translucent alabaster stone. Inside the main entrance is a large atrium, where large statues are exhibited.
In January 2018, an 82-ton 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II was installed in the entrance to the Museum. It was the first artifact to be installed and had to be installed during construction due to its size.
The Grand Egyptian exhibits cover about one-third of the total museum’s 50-hectare grounds displaying over 13,000 artifacts in 12 galleries arranged by time period (c.3100BCE~400CE) and theme (Society/Kingship/Beliefs) from the museum’s total collection of 50,000 objects.
High Priest Minmose
Minmose succeeded his father Hori as High Priest of Onuris, a god of war and hunting whose cult center was at Thinis near Abydos.
Falcon Outer CoffinMenkaure Statue
This impressive falcon is hollow inside, suggesting that it once contained a smaller coffin of a sacred bird. The gold sun disk on its head emphasised the divine nature of this special falcon.
The valley temple of King Menkaure’s pyramid complex at Giza was never finished. Some statues, including this one, were delivered and stored in the unfisished building. The king is shown with strong muscular body, small head and very large hands and feet.
Scribe Statue Some officials displayed their high level of education by showing themselves as scribes. The papyrus scroll spread over their lap indicated that they could read and write
Kneeling Statue of Queen Hatshepsut
Kneeling royal statues had been produced since the Old Kingdom, but Hatshepsut’s sculptors were the first to make them in over life-sized forms. Large statues offering nu pots to the state god Amun-Re lined the processional path in her mortuary cult temple.
Once we got inside, Assem directed us up the grand stair and highlighted various objects on display. Many of the items were similar to those we had seen in other locations or at least the gods they represented were familiar.
These models show marching troops of Egyptian spearmen holding large shields and Nubian archers carrying bows. Nubians were known for their archery skills, and perhaps helped Menthotep lI’s southern army to defeat their northern rival and so reunite Egypt
In the gallery area, we wandered through various exhibits and marveled at all the items on display.
The overall museum is quite amazing. At the end there is a view of the Pyramids bringing the entire adventure into perspective.
The overall museum is quite amazing. At the end there is a view of the Pyramids bringing the entire adventure into perspective.
