The weather has gradually cooled down. Even though the forecast was for 80 degrees, it was really in the low 70's when Captain Jonathon gave his afternoon talk. There was also a slight chill in the breeze , keeping most swimmers out of the pool. Not bad when you are in the water, but once you get out, it is downright cold.
We spent half of our time visiting with friends who pass by on their way to lunch. We all seem to have our routines established at this point of the trip, so we know how to locate most folks. One person we miss is our tablemate Ruud, who was always gambling in the casino in the late afternoon. Now that he is home in Holland, we notice there are very few people playing the slots or even at the tables. Maybe night time after dinner is a busier time.
Might as well get a jump on our next country, Jordan, which we will visit tomorrow. Jordan has a population of 6,343,000 mostly Arabic-speaking people. They live in an area of 34,486 square miles that borders Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Territories. All countries that have serious conflicts. Jordan, however, is the most stable of the Middle Eastern countries. Great historical events include stories from the Bible, mysterious lost cities, and the fame of Lawrence of Arabia. All of this has kept Jordan at the centerpiece of history.
Jordan is home to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, to name a few. As for us, we have always had a positive experience while visiting these sites.
April to May and September to October are the best times to visit this country. Again, things to see are Petra, the rose-red rock-hewn Nabataean city. Or see the Roman ruins of Jerash, the Crusader castles, and the bastions of Karak and Shobak. Mt. Nebo is the spot where Moses looked out upon the Promised Land, another spot to visit.
Things to do are a visit to the Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum to listen for the echo of Lawrence of Arabia. Based on a novel written by TE Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia took place around WW II, when he and the local forces took the area back from the Ottomans. The movie is a classic. Another good movie to watch is "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", where the stunning climatic scenes of that flic were filmed at the Treasury building in Petra. Seeing it for the first time back in 2001 was quite a thrill.
You can also dive or snorkel in the Red Sea, but wearing a wetsuit is a good idea. The one time we did this, the temperature of the water was crippling. A different type of swim can been done in the Dead Sea, with extremely salty water. We understand you cannot possibly sink in this stinging sea.
A good place for hiking is in the Dana Nature Reserve. A totally opposite experience is a visit to the capital of Amman, one of the Arab world's most hip and sophisticated cities.
What do the locals eat in Jordan? Lots of spit-roasted lamb, brushed with spices, and served on a bed of rice with pine nuts. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans), pita bread, hummus, white cheese, veggies and fruit are big here. Dips made from fava beans mixed with oil, pepper, and cumin seasoning is delicious. Other items you will find everywhere are falafel, lamb or chicken kebabs. Minced lamb or beef combined with spices are grilled and served with a skewer. Rice dishes with lentils, roasted chicken and seared fish are found at many restaurants. Also popular is the grape leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice…..an acquired taste for sure.
What do you drink with all of this? Lots and lots of tea. Alcohol is available, but only in licensed hotels and restaurants, due to the fact we are in a very Muslim-oriented country. Or at least this is what we have been told.
Trademarks: Obviously, Petra, Wadi Rum, Bedouins in robes and checkered head scarves.
Random fact: In 2000, the Pope authenticated the place where Jesus was baptized at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. But didn't we visit that very same place claiming to the baptismal river when we visited Israel?
The port city of Aqabah is our port of call for tomorrow, so we shall write some more then.
Today we got the low down on last night's 1000 Arabian Nights deck party. Crowded like sardines was the general opinion. Especially when viewed from deck nine. There has to be some serious drinkers among us to bring out such a showing. Oh yes, it was free drinks, duh. And more food. Wish these events would be timed for a sail away for instance, when more people would be able to participate. And once again, it was observed by some of our buddies, that those who could get away with squirreling numerous cans of beer or soda did just that. Always entertaining.
Seems that every day at sea had produced a lot of ship sales such as $10 fashion accessories, casino game tournaments, Greenhouse Spa specials, always future cruise sales, shore excursions, and photo gallery. And every day, the new free Navigator program for cell phone owners gives directions on how to connect to it. We sure hope that this does not replace the paper version of the Navigator, as we do not own a cell phone, and don't intend to get one.
Another interesting promotion for future cruises is the way they are being promoted. For those folks who may not want to do the grand voyages, they suggest putting back-to-back cruises together to create a 74 to 110 day summer trip. This would appeal to those who like doing the Mediterranean with no trans-oceanic flights. Then there is another long one with back-to-back Prinsendam European cruises but with free prepaid gratuities, an airfare credit, extra shipboard credit, and better suite benefits. The future cruise consultants have gotten quite creative, and probably do sell these special combos.
If all of this gives you a headache, then you can get relief with special indulgence spa packages. Seventy-five minute treatments will set you back $109 for back, neck & shoulder, scalp, hand, arm, foot and ankle massages. Or try a mini-facial or body exfoliation treatments for the same price. Bet they get a lot of customers……..
Seems that our cruise director has been quarantined with a unknown illness. He has been absent from the 9:30am coffee chat, as well as doing the 10am talk and the follow-up talk after Captain Jonathon gives his pm talk. With so much contact with the general population, we are surprised it took so long for him to catch the super bug. Hope he is better soon.
Mel Foster gave a talk on painters, poets, and philanderers of the Med. Barbara H spoke about things to do and see in Athens. And a movie called "Mr. Church" was shown in the Wajang.
Dinnertime was nice with just five of us. Hearing that Carole, our watercolor instructor, was looking for a table to join, we checked our table first to see if anyone was missing. Didn't know at the time that three would be gone, so we asked Endrien to go find Carole and bring her to our table. She gets along fine with all of us. So he did, and she did, and it worked out fine. Although there was a 24 ounce porterhouse steak offered for an entrée, we all chose the breaded sweet and sour shrimp. It was so good, that we were glad to have passed by the monster steak. Besides, when you do order this massive piece of meat, everyone teases you all night. Hard to consume it all, we always feel bad when we leave half of it. This way, we had a little room for an upside down apple/walnut cake, and a scoop of cheesecake raspberry swirl ice cream. Good company and good food, what else could we ask for?
The entertainment was Graffiti Classics, a very good and funny act, we heard. Sometimes, they do have winners.
Be nice to be in a port tomorrow, as well as the following day, as the Amsterdam will be staying overnight. By the way, after dinner, we took a walk on the lower promenade deck to find that all of the lights were back on….no more dark center. Bet the razor wire disappears soon.
Bill & Mary Ann
PS Konni and Del…..sure miss you at the back pool, it's way too quiet back there. And when the 2019 world cruise itinerary is announced, we will make it a point to report it.
