Today marked the third time the Amsterdam has crossed the mighty Equator around 1pm this afternoon. This time we are heading southwest in the Indian Ocean towards the islands of the Seychelles, truly a paradise from what we recall. Usually when the ship crosses the line, there is a celebration to assure safe passage by all. Guess King Neptune was asleep for the third time, because we will not have the wild and crazy ceremony until we cross it for the fourth time on our way back to Florida next month.
We have to say that the seas have been tame, smooth as silk, without swells or whitecaps. We are still on the lookout for sea life, but have had no luck. It could have been our imagination, but we spotted one white bird today, flying over the ship. It picked up the strong breeze and was gone in a flash. It may have been a tern or even a tropicbird. Captain Mercer did mention that we were within 400 miles of the Maldives, so perhaps a bird could venture out this far. Who knows?
While talks were on going about the next port in the Seychelles, and the America’s Test Kitchen was cooking flavors of the Med, we had gone to the Seaview Pool. The water is beginning to look murky, not exactly the way we like it. And there still must be problems with the temperature, since the error notice is still in effect. Best to use the showers instead. Just about when we got situated on the lounges, the ship sailed under a very black cloud. Without warning, it began to rain lightly. That turned to driving rain, that about flooded the decking in seconds. To tell the truth, it felt wonderful. We had enough spare towels to cover our heads and the beach bag full of books. By the time the rest of the sunbathers ran for cover, the cloud was behind us. The sun came out, and the deck was steaming. This is typical equatorial rain showers, and to be expected. This went on later in the afternoon into the evening.
Guest speaker Kate Ross has switched to talks about the Mughal Empire and the Taj Mahal. Tablemate Brenda should have made her visit to the Taj Mahal, and be touring Jaipur tomorrow. We really miss her, and look forward to her return in the Seychelles. Barry Dreyer, the other lecturer, spoke about the Indian Ocean, the body of water that covers 25% of the world’s ocean’s water. If we heard correctly, Captain Jonathon said the sea temperature was 86 degrees today – about the same as the air temps. It is no wonder that they are having trouble keeping the ship cool in all the zones.
A good place to stay cool was in the Wajang Theater watching the movie of the day – The Commuter. There are three movie times, 3pm, 6pm, ad again at 9pm. It is a nice substitute for those who don’t go to the Queen’s Lounge entertainment.
Dinner time has been a mixed bag when it comes to menu choices. Some evenings there are four things that may tempt us. Other nights, it is difficult to find one favorite. One of us ordered the meatloaf, and the other a Caesar chicken salad, even if it was not on the menu as such. The chefs are most accommodating when it comes to customizing an entrée. We both agreed that the appetizer of breaded and fried cheddar cheese was tasty. And desserts of no sugar added coffee fudge ice cream and an apple tart were a good ending to the meal.
We did not need to attend the show tonight, because we heard the entire practice of the Jukebox Rogues around 4pm. Good songs and powerful voices made a rousing performance for sure.
Walking outside after dinner, we found the deck to be totally in the darkness, except for lights in the bow and aft sections. Being out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, seemingly all alone, is a sobering feeling. The plus side of few lights is that the stars were shining brightly, something we rarely see that well with the lights on.
One more hour went back on the clocks tonight. Up until this change, we were exactly 12 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Savings Time. Whatever the difference, we are always glad to take the extra hour of sleep. The crew agrees as well.
Another day at sea was promised to be about the same as today.
Bill & Mary Ann
