Life is back to normal onboard the ship, after being gone for 8 days, and spending 2 more days in Hong Kong. We found out at breakfast, that 150 people went home at the end of this segment, while about the same number were to join us. However, due to delays in flights, around 15 unlucky people missed the boat yesterday. Now they will have to go to Singapore to board the Amsterdam on March 9th. That is one good reason we have almost always flown a few days ahead of a cruise, and stay two nights in a hotel. You never know with flights when delays could occur. Better to leave yourselves some wiggle room. And besides, with the time change, it does help immensely to overcome jetlag with a few days of leisure.
Sure was pleasant getting back on the lower promenade deck for our AM walk. Gone is the snow and ice too. We can feel the humidity in the air, as well as warmer temps. Our buddies are all back in their favorite teak lounges, reading, relaxing, and always looking for a reason to chat. Bet it is not long before people start to complain about the hot weather.
There was so much catching up we had to do in our room, the computer was calling us. We knew we would pass on the talks on what to do and see in Phu MY, Vietnam in the Queen's Lounge. Besides a trip to Saigon and the resort of Vung Tau, there is nothing to do in Phu My (pronounced fu me). It is just a spot on the river to dock in an industrial area. Bet we have been to Ho Chi Minh three times, and once to Vung Tau. With no offense meant, once was enough.
Anyway, two guest speakers, Georgina Bexson and Brian Stoddard, educated the folks on everything Vietnamese. As for us, we met Barb for lunch in the dining room. Such a better place to catch up on news over a pleasant meal of taquitos, clam chowder, and mini-burgers. We all lingered until 2pm, while the waiters began setting up for formal dinner. Oh excuse us, gala dinner.
The entire rest of our day was well-spent room-bound. Have to admit, one of us actually fell asleep on the couch while writing reports. For an entire hour, I understand. AS our folks used to say, there is no rest for the wicked. Better yet, traveling is hard work, and someone has to do it. Might as well be us. You can always catch up on sleep later on.
Dinnertime came upon us so fast, and we toyed with the idea of staying home. However, a room service dinner did not sound appealing. So we donned the fancy clothes, and met with our tablemates for dinner. We had company, Rauol, a member of the navigation team. Since he was seated closer to the fellows and Maureen, the conversation stayed across the table. Rauol seemed content to devour his meal, more than visiting with any of us. Can't say we blame him, with appetizer like chilled Alaskan crab legs. Do you know that giant King crabs go for a whopping 980 HK dollars, or over $127 US dollars for one? By the way, new soup bowls appeared today. Philip told us at lunchtime, that most all of the new thin soup bowls were chipped or broken. So they had to go out In Hong Kong to buy replacements. These heavier bowls cost $1.00 USD, while the fancy thin bowls ran about $5.00 US dollars. And they never kept the soup hot. So you don't always get what you paid for.
Like we mentioned before, tonight was gala. So what was with the fellow sitting behind us dressed in a plaid flannel shirt and jeans? Guess almost anything goes, since he had a collar, he was OK. Scoop resented that, because two years ago, he was wearing an expensive t-shirt, and was asked to leave and go change. No collar, no dinner? Personally, we have not seen anyone turned away from the dining room on Gala Nights. At least on this grand voyage so far…..
The singers and dancers were back on stage with Heat, a good performance every time we see it.
A new band is in the Crow's Nest called Sirius Four. According to Barb, they play music from the 70's and 80's. She preferred the previous band that stayed on for two weeks.
Good news, the clocks went back one hour tonight, and did we all appreciate that or what?
Bill & Mary Ann
