"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #85 Sailing Towards Al' Aqabah, Jordan March 25, 2017 Saturday Partly cloudy & 80 degrees 57 Pictures

Another day at sea, found us sailing in some of the most dangerous waters in the world right now. Around 1pm, we were cruising through the Gate of Tears, an area between the countries of Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, and the African country of Eritrea. It is a chokepoint on the way to the Red Sea, and also a place of extremely turbulent ancient history, as well as an area of pirate activity to mention a few. The Captain kept the ship at a steady 23 knots, not slowing for a minute. Many folks took the time to come outside in the heat and humidity of the day to take photos and video as we passed this point. Once the ship got past the Eritrea islands and Yemen coastline, the aft deck was about empty and quiet once again.

Perhaps because we put the clocks back one hour last night, there seemed to be many more folks enjoying breakfast in the dining room. There also appeared to be a lot of chatter regarding the questionnaire we got yesterday regarding the Grand Dollar activities. The general feeling was why change something that has made a lot of folks happy? We intend to vote to keep the program, despite the fact we seldom participate. What can it hurt to continue it?

Speakers continued their series on US-India relations, a very deep subject, while Mel Foster entertained the folks with women pirates. Our tablemate Martin attends most of the lectures, and so far, has enjoyed Melvyn about the best. In fact, at dinner tonight, we suggested that he might want to invite Melvyn and his wife to the table tomorrow evening. There will be room for two, because we have a Pinnacle Grill dinner, and will not be there.

A new movie was shown in the Wajang today…..La La Land. Finally, another new flic. Recently, we heard some of our friends suggest that when the new movies get released to the airlines, then we are able to show them as well. It must have been presented to Gene, our cruise director, who is in charge of that department. Sometimes, they do listen to the requests, and do something to make it happen.

Visiting with Barbie this afternoon, we learned that there are some newly added gentlemen dance hosts that came onboard in Muscat. She is so happy, because most of them can actually dance, and actually will circulate around the Crow's Nest inviting the ladies to join them on the dance floor. Someone on this ship has some drag to get HAL to add more hosts. Glad to see it worked, as it must have taken some heavy-duty complaining.

Taking a walk after a late lunch, we fund the promenade deck to be very warm and humid. We are experiencing a following wind, and despite the ship's speed of 20 to 23 knots, there was barely a breeze. We did get a treat…..a sighting of dozens of dolphins swimming under the ship, and jumping in the wake. They were gone just as fast as they appeared. Lucky we saw them.

Dinner time came quickly, and we were told ahead of time, that we had company tonight. Ray, one of the dance hosts, joined us by the invitation of Barb. He seemed almost overwhelmed with our quirky group, but we do have so much fun. We both had the wienerschnitzel, which Martin informed us was an Austrian/German dish. Makes sense, because it was served with a helping of warm German potato salad. Even better, or meals were served on the old plates we love. Endrien promised to keep up the special order as long as he can. Dessert was a helping of pistachio ice cream and one fruit plate. Having a full table usually means we do not leave the dining room until 10pm.

Not sure anyone was attending the show of Jo Little, described as Little Miss Dynamite of comedy and song.

Walking the promenade deck, we found most of the outdoor lights are still turned off. The forward section, as well as the aft section were lit. So what's the point?

Oh yes, the clocks went back one more hour tonight. Always a good thing.

Bill & Mary Ann

Islands of Yemen