Subject: FW: Report # 16 Sailing Towards Nuku Hiva January 15, 2016 Friday Partly cloudy & 80 degrees
Report # 16 Sailing Towards Nuku Hiva January 15, 2016 Friday Partly cloudy & 80 degrees
By the end of today, we should have completed the halfway mark to French Polynesia. Sure makes all of us realize the massive size of the Pacific Ocean. For days now, we have been very far from any land or islands. The only birds we have seen are four boobys that have seemed to hitched a ride with us from Panama City. At night, they are perched on the flagpole of the bow, and during the day, they are flying around the ship, and diving in the waves and wake for flying fish. These fish are few and far in between. Someone asked us if we might see whales. But we believe most of the humpbacks have headed south last fall, and are already in the feeding grounds of Antarctica. We still keep watch just in case there are a few strays.
Today, we thought we'd cover the activities that involve food and drink in one way or another. Not the regular meals served all day, but events that offer food demos or drink making. One such cooking show was held today in the Wajang Theater/ Culinary Arts Center that featured Gene and show chef David taking on head chef Paul and event manager Mark. Making different dishes, they battled to see what team might come out ahead.
There was a sign-up for a Saturday Signature Cocktails Mixology Class, where you can learn to make the specialty drinks they serve on the ship. The price is $12.50 to indulge, but free to watch. It will be held in the Crows Nest.
Another sign-up took place yesterday for a complimentary wine tasting if you make reservations for a dinner in the Canaletto Restaurant. We still have not eaten in there, although, we have talked to many folks who either love it or hate it.
Yesterday, there was a cooking demo in the Wajang on how to make stocks and sauces. Show Chef David was the host, and from what we have seen from watching his previous shows, he is a very accomplished chef, considering how young he is. Soup stocks and gravies are two areas that this staff excels.
An activity called Sip and Savor takes place at the Wine Cellar most days at 5pm. This cellar is really a small cubbyhole across from the Wajang, near the Pinnacle Grill. If you walk through on deck four, you'll find people eating canapes or cheeses while drinking a variety of wines. The cost is $5 per person, not a bad price for wine and food. Since there are a limited number of seats, the group is small.
Have you ever heard of a "foodie fight"? Well, they have them here occasionally. We have never gone to one, so we don't know what it involves.
We listened to Barbara H's talk on Rangiroa, our second stop in French Polynesia. Since we were recently there, we recall every part of the atoll. This time we hope it will not be raining. Also, we hope the stop will not be cancelled, as it has been on some past cruises. The tides are a huge factor whether or not we get into the lagoon.
The guest speakers talks continued. One was all about mysterious and elusive sea creatures, and the other one dealt with the history and effects of going from sail to steam on the old ships.
Most of our day was spent at the pool. Even though we are crossing the Equator, the weather has been pleasant. Yes, it is warm, but not as sticky this time of year. There was even a nice almost cool breeze outside this afternoon. What has us all laughing is the fact that the time changes are not really correct. Sunrise has been somewhere around 4am, with the sun setting at 4:30pm. We don't know the reason why, but we have been setting the clocks back daily now for four days. Tonight has the change of ½ hour back. That will put us on Marquesas time. What has occurred is that most everyone is experiencing tiredness, especially in the late afternoon. Many passengers were sunbathing today, but were secretly sleeping. The snoring gave them away. Sometimes, you simply have to give into it, and catch up on the sleep. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up to get sick. And we sure don't want that.
Dinnertime brought us back together for another fun evening. Fish and chips was the popular entrée tonight. And the entertainers were the four Brits named the Jack Pack, imitators of the Rat Pack. Just a way younger version. Their shows filled the Queens Lounge at both show times. We knew they would be good.
Cannot believe we have been on the ship for 10 days now. As always, the time is slipping by rapidly.
Bill & Mary Ann
