Since it was so nice outside, we did not go inside the Queen's Lounge to listen to Barbara's talk on things to see and do in Osaka. We have been there at least twice, but it has been several years ago now. One thing for sure, it will not be warm and humid as it is here, on our way to Guam. Guess we need to enjoy it while it lasts.
The guest chef, Denise Vivaldo, is still cooking up a storm in the Culinary Arts Center. Her classes filled up immediately after we boarded. Since we are entitled to one hands-on cooking class, which includes a nice lunch in the Pinnacle, and a free apron, we hope to sign up with the following chefs later on in the cruise. Today we got the list of classes that will be available in March with a returning chef, Paulette. We are kind of hoping to hold out for George G, who is also a regular. However, he was unsure if he would be invited back. Sure hope so.
We hope to catch Mark Lax's talk on Saipan and Guam, and the shipwrecks that are in these very deep waters. The WWII history is going to be everywhere we go in these next two ports. In fact, up until yesterday, there were no tours in Saipan. Now the shore excursion office is offering a north and south highlights tour for 3 hours for $90. Both are loaded with war history.
Two more tours have been added in Osaka. They are both described as easy, and are recommended for guests who prefer little or no walking. They are both 2 hours in duration and thee cost is $100.
We spent the afternoon being totally relaxed at the Seaview Pool. We had a following breeze, but strong enough to keep us comfortable. Friends Bill and Leta always know where to find us, so they made a stop for a visit. They always get a table for two that can seat four, so that way they can invite company occasionally. They invited us tomorrow, so that should be really fun.
We took our walk later in the day, which worked out better as the worst of the heat and humidity were gone. Hoping for a good sunset, we were disappointed. Usually in this part of the world, the sunsets can be stunning. So far, we have yet to see a spectacular one.
Even though it was Barb's birthday, she was invited to a table upstairs with her long time buddies. Our waiter, Slam, mentioned that he had a birthday cake for her, and we all suggested that he serve it anyway. We could dig up a balloon or something to put in her seat. Barb would have had a good laugh with that one. Guess they changed their mind, because it is possible that the cake is frozen, then decorated at the last minute. Perhaps they will celebrate tomorrow instead. Too bad we will miss it.
Just as we were finishing up with our meals and lingering conversation, we noticed that the head waiters were packing huge containers of food into the back end of the dining room. In our area to be exact. Turned out the staff had prepared Indonesian food for the wait staff, and they would soon dine on a meatball soup, ramen noodles, rice, and shrimp crackers. The largest container, perhaps 20 gallons, contained a fruit mixture with a creamy jello soup. They almost seemed giddy as they prepared the tables that were all vacated by now. One of our waiters said that they called it "family night", and they would share some home-made cuisine that had been prepared by themselves. We all gladly left our table, so they could start their party.
The clocks went back again tonight. We have calculated that we have had nine time changes since leaving Florida. And of course, the big change by crossing the International Dateline, losing a day. It is no wonder that it messes with your body's time clock, even with gaining the extra hour. With this change in time, we are eating dinner at breakfast time. Still, we are told, it is better than losing the hour every couple of days.
Tomorrow is Super Bowl Day with the festivities beginning at 8:30am in the Queen's Lounge. We cannot imagine drinking beer, cocktails, or hard liquor that early in the day. Perhaps the special game day food is OK, but still too early for us. You can bet that we shall peek into the lounge and see what's happening in there, then probably retreat to our room to watch the game on our TV (reception permitted).
Bill & Mary Ann
A few sunset pictures to enjoy…..
As good as it got.
