"Must buys" in ports.

DebbieandJerry · September 25, 2009

Ray, beautiful items. I hope I get to go to the places that you have visited.

RayColey · September 26, 2009

I always feel as if I'll never get to that port again, so I try to find out ahead of time what is unique to the areal. A number of years ago (OK a high number) I went through the orient and got some ivory items for myself and for my dad. When my dad died, he left all the things to me. Now I have quite a collection, all obtained when it was legal to do so, and I've added jade as well:

The ball is the first thing I got for my dad. He had gotten one in Shanghai in 1923, but lost it years later.

These I collected on that and one subsequent trip. After that, the ivory was verboten.

This is the rest of the ivory I collected, and a little jade tree.

My dad added these things, and left them to me (some from Egypt)

Here is the jade that came from Hong Kong

Of course, I can't add to this collection anymore, but it means a lot to me, to recall the trips I made and as an ongoing tie to my dad.

Grandy · September 27, 2009

In Junneau Alaska we purchased a beautiful rug from a art gallery. It only cost $25 to ship home . We were going to hang it on the wall but ended up putting down on the floor. Really is a conversation piece (three large hallibut )

joeandterri · September 27, 2009

Ray,

Your collection is beautiful!

I've been able to collect some sea shells acquired during snorkeling in Okinawa and Barbados. Not from a cruise but travel and a visit to our Navy son and his family. I read that you can't collect shells in the USVI. So, I guess I'll have to purchase some other trinket while in port! Hey, let's go SHOPPING! LOL.

bowlcoach · September 27, 2009

I guess we are the only ones to end up purchasing one of those "gemstone" globes. We picked this one up a few years ago in St. Maarten.

RayColey · September 28, 2009

That globe looks pretty nice, Mike, and if you do a lot of cruising, it's handy to show people where you've been. I like it.

Longboysfan · October 16, 2009

Same thing - when in the Caribbean I look for Vanilla and other spices.

1shipshape · July 4, 2010

Ray, you have an amazing collection. I also liked the globe! We bought a metal piece of artwork in Astoria, OR of a mountain and a bear that is really amazing. It was at the shops right on the dock. I'd say that is one of our most memorable. It is hung on the wall in our family room. We also got a really good deal on an Alaskan picture album with an imprint of the State of Alaska and all the major cities. That is also on display in our family room on the cocktail table with a glass top, so we put the album right underneath.