Since today was a Sunday, and we were at sea (no port), there was another Sunday Brunch in the dining room starting at 11am to 1pm. Looks like this has become a tradition, which really involves a lot of work for the kitchen staff. The head waiters kept the middle section of the lower dining room free of breakfast eaters. As a result, we were seated in a different area. The good thing was that our usual morning waiters were moved to that area. They have come to memorize our starters of orange juice, coffee, and yogurts with fruit. They have these items ready and waiting every morning we come in. Recently, all of the fresh berries have disappeared. Our waiters are so sorry that they apologize. We know the drill…….when they have an abundance of fresh produce, we have some of it every day. With the next container delivery expected in Pago Pago, we hope the berries are replenished.
On location talks described Dravuni Island and Nuku'alofa, two places we have visited last year. In a few days, a flyer from the shore excursions will probably be on our mailslot with openings for tours in these areas. The pressure is on, although the price never changes, but some popular tours can be sold out. And there is always the reminder that if you go independently, you will probably not get a driver that has insurance coverage. Something to think about all the time, especially after the story Kainoa told about a driver that let his clients off halfway into the tour, stating that he had to go home because his wife was having a baby. He said he called for another driver, but that person never showed up. Remember, if you miss the ship's all aboard time, they will not wait. We have seen it happen more than once.
The Polynesian troupe onboard has been entertaining the folks at lunchtime in the Lido Pool area. Today, it must have been 200 degrees in there. With a following breeze, there was no relief from the heat. We swear that on the aft deck, we could fry an egg on that imitation teak decking. Only the diehard sun-lovers were back there today. And for a lot of the time, many spent the time in the pool, which was cool and clean. The two of us included.
There were two visitors flying overhead ……..two female frigate birds. Since there are no nearby islands, we tend to think that the birds have hitched a ride from a recent stop, perhaps Fanning Island. These birds cannot land on the water, or they will drown. Their feathers do not have the necessary oils to keep them afloat.
There was a different type of trivia at 1pm.. It was called BBC Earth: Trivia from Earth. It was held in the Crows Nest, in addition to the usual team trivia that Gene does in the Crows Nest as well, but at 11:45am. A final trivia game is played at 7:30pm in the Piano Bar, appropriately called Pub Trivia.
We have not had a chance to check out tea time in the lower dining room at 3pm. It is a good time for a snack, especially if you eat dinner late. As for us, we came back to the comfort of our cool room, and ordered room service lunch. Salads and a shared sandwich would do just fine.
Going for a walk, we found that it was now raining. That dropped the temperatures a lot, which was a relief. Most all of the teak lounge chairs were occupied today with folks reading, working on computers, or sneaking a nap. One reward during our walk, was seeing a rainbow, which lasted only a few minutes.
Before 7pm, we headed to deck nine to watch the sunset. Every night presents a different view, especially with the various layers of clouds that exist down here.
Dinner was a tad bit disappointing this evening because the prime rib was a little on the tough side, and cooked more than we like it. Still tasty, but after missing it on another night, we were looking forward to a better meal.
Showtime was an Aussie gal, Chelsea Gibb, a singer from Adelaide. Also, the clocks went back one hour tonight. That is always a good thing, especially when the heat and humidity zap the energy from many folks.
One more sea day to Samoa.
Bill & Mary Ann
Another South Pacific sunset….this one was at 6:58pm.
