Subject: FW: Report # 14 Sailing Towards Nuku Hiva January 13, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy, rain & 79 degrees
Report # 14 Sailing Towards Nuku Hiva January 13, 2016 Wednesday Partly cloudy, rain, & 79 degrees
Well, just as the Captain said, the weather took a turn today. It was wet and wetter. During breakfast, we watched as sheets of water cascading down the aft picture windows in the dining room. The ship is getting a super-wash.
Good thing there are tons of activities to keep everyone occupied today. Key lectures continued in the Queens Lounge. Two guest speakers gave talks on the Pacific Ocean, and the voyages of the Mayflower. Our location guide, Barbara H, gave people hints of what to do and see in Nuku Hiva. A different behind the scenes speech offered was a look at the back stage workings of the Huber Marionettes. The puppet master described in detail how the puppets are made and how he operates them. Sure was interesting to see how his career evolved over the years.
Today we will concentrate on the artsy side of cruising on sea days. This ship offers many creative outlets for the talented passengers, both advanced and those who want to learn. Around 8am, a big group of mostly ladies were gathered and waiting for the Polynesian team members conduct a shell-making class in the Lido pool area. Perhaps it was the mention in the newsletter that space and supplies were limited, that enticed the folks to be first in line. The class actually began an hour ahead of time, not 9am, since it was full.
A most favorite pastime for some folks is watercolors class. It is held sea days at 9am, and again at 1pm. This year the instructors are Carol and Margaret. We know some people that discovered they had a talent they never knew they had before taking these classes. At least one of them continued with the craft at home, and eventually began to sell their art, and enter into contests.
Several people, including a few fellows, join a group called sit, knit, & needlework. It is non-hosted and held in the Explorers Lounge. Knowing that this activity takes place on most long voyages, they come prepared with the yarn and kits to complete while sailing. Then while in the ports, they search out materials in foreign countries. On past trips, we have seen quilts, sweaters, hats, socks, and mittens, as well as wall hangings created in four months or less. Busy hands, happy hearts.
Arts and crafts always draws a big crowd. It is held in the Lido at 2:30pm, where instructors Judi and Skip supply the craft materials, then teach the folks to create useful little items. Today the project was a small glass tray that they covered with fabric. Since glue was involved, the instructors even supplied hand wipes to clean their sticky hands. Tomorrow they will be making rolled paper necklace beads, something we have seen and bought in foreign countries.
We did get some exercise this morning, but did get wet doing it while strolling the lower promenade deck. The rain came off and on for most of the day….sometimes really heavy. No chance of seeing any sun today, or anytime soon we suspect. It held off long enough for us to sit out back by the pool. The clouds were blue-black on the horizon, actually very impressive. No matter where you looked, we could see rain hitting the ocean. Luckily, it was windy, but the seas were not choppy or rough. Manny, our favorite bar tender, came back with our glasses of water at exactly 11:45am. He does this daily on sea days. This time he warned us that a huge cloud was about to arrive, and we would need to take cover. We could tell that it was coming, because the breeze dropped 10 degrees. Before we knew it, the ship was going through the car wash once again.
We surprised Barbie by going to lunch in the dining room at noon. She laughed when she saw us waiting there. We all had the navy bean soup, while we each tried a different entrée. The portions are just right, and you don't overeat. It was around 2pm by the time we left, after settling all of the problems of the world (we wish).
It was a good time to visit friends Bill and Leta. We spent some of the afternoon chatting on their veranda. Sure brought back memories of when we were "neighbors" on deck six on a couple of world cruises several years ago. We got acquainted over the railing and veranda divider. Been friends ever since.
Did we mention we got our second installment of President's Club gifts today? One of them was flowers, but way different than we have ever seen. This arrangement was a collection of no water flower bulbs (really amarylas). Each extra-large bulb was dipped in wax, then decorated with more colored wax. Since they are completely sealed, there is no need for water. The stems are already 12 inches high, and the six bulbs are secured somehow in a shallow glass tray. Anyway, while we were at the front desk making a date to participate in an upcoming cooking class, we saw samples of these bulbs that are available to purchase. Each one is $16.50 or three for $45. So we really appreciate our gift now. It is guaranteed to bloom within 3 to 6 weeks. So along with the ones we have planted already, our room should be very colorful and happy.
This evening was the second gala night of the cruise. The dining room was decorated to compliment the theme of Black and Silver, followed by a ball of the same name. And we had company, a lovely young lady who works in the jewelry shop onboard. She is from a tiny island in the Caribbean belonging to the country of Colombia called Isle de la Providencia. It just happens that we have been there once, and by total accident, one of us was wearing a t-shirt from there today. She could not believe that we had been there, since most people have never heard of it. Anyway, the evening was delightful as she shared her life as a child and also spoke a lot about the food they love there. She had all of us drooling describing the fresh salsas and seafood dishes that her parents fixed at their restaurant on the tiny island. We all invited her back anytime she wishes.
The ball began at 9:30pm, close to the time we finished dinner. In the past, these balls started at 10pm, but the attendance was not always the best. So now, they start these affairs earlier. Crowded, folks showed up in their best black and silver attire to dance, enjoy some cocktails, and hope to win the prizes of onboard services and more.
The good news was that the clocks went back another hour tonight. Or is that good news? It is happening so often now, we won't know what time it is, as dinnertime becomes lunch, and lunch breakfast.
We have been warned that the internet may be spotty or lost at times on our way to the Marquesas. Simply put, there is not enough landmass for us to get the signals strongly. So we will post when we can.
Bill & Mary Ann
