TV Series, Madam Secretary

Aloha Everyone,

Madam Secretary is a political drama aired from September 21, 2014 to December 8, 2019.

It is an intelligent and thought-provoking drama series which incorporated real national and international events. One episode in particular mirrored real events and characters. The story was about Ang Sang Sun Kyi of Myanmar. Once idolized by the world as a democratic leader and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights.

After her mishandling of mostly Muslim Polingys minority, Ang Sang Sun Kyi was arrested. Followed by a military coup, she remains in jail. While the Madam Secretary series has terminated, the real-life story of Ang Sang Suu Kyi is unfinished. She is still very popular with Myanmar’s Buddhist majority.

Aloha -- Cathi

Safely Back in California

Aloha Everyone,

The good news is that J.J. and I safely finished our 15-days cruise to the Hawaiian Islands. Several passengers we met were staying on to enjoy another 15-days onboard the ship for another cruise to Hawaii.

The bad news was an email from our health provider. Scripps informed its members that due to a large number of staff affected by COVID, non emergency services are suspended. 

Aloha -- Cathi

Ensenada, Mexico/ Day 15 - Cruising in the Times of COViD

Aloha Everyone,

Ensenada, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is the third largest city with a population of 557,430 (2020 Data). Only 76 miles south of San Diego, California, Ensenada in pre-COVID times welcomed more than 700,000 cruise passengers per year.

Meeting Alejando “Alex” Aguilar, a taxi driver with an extraordinary gift of healing, was the highlight of our visit. Alex, a large man who towered over J.J., was a kind, gentle soul and over the 45 minutes to see the blowhole, he shared with us information about his family, his work and his gift of healing which he was suddenly blessed with about 8 years ago.

While Alex was driving us to the blowhole, one of his clients phoned. The man has been in excruciating physical pain and he was asking Alex for help. Not wanting to wait any longer, the man drove his car on the only road to blowhole and waited for our return. 

The roadside rendezvous resulted in a makeshift clinic. It was amazing to see a man who was walking tilted to one side able to stand erect, walk briskly with no pain and bend over to touch the ground.

For doubters, this could look like the whole thing was planted but then, what for? With permission from Alex and his “patient,” I am posting several photos.

As to the blowhole which enjoys the fame of being the biggest among the three blowholes in the world located in Ensenada, Honolulu and Kiama, Australia, J.J. and I weren’t impressed. Our view point from the top only showed sprays and the roaring sounds  of waves.

Aloha -- Cathi

At Sea / Day 14 - Cruising in the Times of COViD

Aloha Everyone,

Quality of food and range of selections seems to have been curtailed on this first Hawaiian Cruise of Grand Princess in two years. Everything is scaled down. One of the passengers was asking if she will be served escargot in the dining room. Response was sorry, but no. One of the main dining rooms is closed and only two specialty restaurants are open for business.

J.J. and I alternate from having our meals in one of the open dining rooms or eating at the Horizon Court on the 14th floor deck. Here is an array of our onboard meals with J.J.’s dishes leaning strongly towards meat-based diet.

Aloha -- Cathi

At Sea / Day 13 - Cruising in the Times of COViD

Aloha Everyone,

As a Covid precaution, the two of us avoid attending social gatherings. While Grand Princess offers Hawaiian hula, Hawaiian language, ribbon Lei making, ukulele lessons, including sales of ukuleles as well as destination presentations, J.J. and I stay clear of such events.

Some fellow passengers are expressing their disappointment on the quality of entertainment on board Grand Princess. There is limited live entertainment, with no circus acts or Las Vegas-style music and dance presentations.

We have been following changes in the travel industry in the face of a pandemic. I feel sympathetic to employees of Grand Princess. While they are under contract, it is our understanding that their wages are being adjusted based on the total number of passengers. It seems unfair. Due to the COVID protocol, many of them are working twice as hard only to see a reduction in their paychecks. The crew is not permitted to get off the ship. We will give our stateroom steward additional gratuity to supplement his earnings.

Aloha -- Cathi