There is a handful of us that continue to go on our morning walk, round and round the lower promenade deck, avoiding the puddles and drips from the lifeboats. As long as the wind was not blowing, one can stay fairly dry.
Barbara H was giving her lecture on Guam and Saipan in the Queen's Lounge at 10am. Curious as to how many people attend her talks, we ducked inside to check it out. Entering the lounge on deck five, we were surprised to find the place full to the max. Two things figured into this…….the fact that not too many folks have been to these ports, and also the inclement weather sent everyone inside. We did not stay long, because we knew that this talk could be viewed later in the coolness of our stateroom. We bet that most of the passengers stayed in place for the following lecture by Dr. Lax about Captain Bligh and Mutiny on the Bounty.
Lunchtime came for us and Barbie after noontime. Since she and Martha would not be joining the table tonight, we enjoyed a long lunch with her. Both gals were invited to their second Pinnacle dinner with their hosts. Lucky them, they had been gifted with a complimentary dinner each month of the world cruise. Nice touch.
Sometime during course of the afternoon, the rain stopped for a short time, and some folks made it to the pool. We had gotten side-lined with doing research on our upcoming overland trip in China. While we were in Ft. Lauderdale, our travel agent had sent a Fed Ex package with our final documents for this private excursion. Since it was "overcast" outside, it was a good time to double-check the updated info. If we had questions, this would be the time to communicate with our agent. Turns out, we will have questions, because some of our inner China flights had been rescheduled with different airlines. Never know how the luggage weight restrictions vary from airline to airline. We always strive to travel as light as we can on these side trips. This one may be different because every stop may have different types of weather. Cold and colder, we suspect. Over the years, we have enjoyed safaris while traveling in warmer climates in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka. This time packing may be a challenge. Good thing we have plenty of time to prepare, since we don't get to China until February 22nd.
A flyer was delivered advertising Super Bowl Sunday, which will be televised Monday beginning at 8:30am. The feed will come in through the internet, we all hope. Special beverage packages were offered in the Queen's Lounge with unlimited drinks for $35, or beer buckets for $24 to $30, and the always game day drink specials. If you want a front row VIP package, that would set you back $50 per person, providing unlimited drinks for the duration of the game with service from your own butler. You get to keep the souvenir glass, and the next day's hang-over is free. Ha-ha.
It was another gala night in the dining room with decorations of red, white, and blue. When we saw our waiters dressed in red and blue vests with matching army hats, we had to ask what the theme was. Maureen beat Slam and Yuci to answer the question…….it was Boogie Woogie bugle boy of the Company B. Translated…….relating to the history of WWII in the area we are currently traveling. To extend that theme, it was recommended that the party continue in the Piano Bar, Ocean Bar, and Crow's Nest after dinner.
The dinner menu had most of the expected items you would find on formal night. Escargots, lobster bisque, beef wellington, and rack of lamb. Desserts were cheesecake, pecan pie, and Snickers cake. The officer and his special lady who joined us tonight ordered the Snickers cake, which he said was a sweet, sticky, nutty cake…very chocolatey. We swear these kids are getting younger and younger, as the 3rd Officer in the Navigation team barely looked old enough to drink the wines that were provided. Or, it could be we are all getting older? Never…….
The clocks went back another hour tonight. We can all use the extra sleep.
Anyway, we hope for a better day in the weather department tomorrow. It is what it is, right?
Bill & Mary Ann
