Today’s weather was as close to perfect as far as comfortable goes. The heavy humidity seems to have abated, and the temperatures were more in the low 80’s. This must have something to do with the ship heading southwest now. Whatever the reason, we sure appreciate the break from sticky and way too hot. The seas have been smooth-looking, but there is a definite swell causing some rolling and pitching.
Yesterday, we forgot to mention that there was a medical debark right before we were due to sail out of Reunion. It delayed the ship by almost an hour waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Few people noticed because of the sail away party going on. Some of the guests did witness a lady getting off in a wheelchair, but there was no luggage. Always a mystery, we will probably learn more later on. As always, we wish this passenger well. It could happen to any one of us.
While we are thinking about it, we are still experiencing a problem with posting the photos. We have not changed anything on our end, so the problem seems to be with the site we are using. It is being investigated, and hope it is solved soon.
Yesterday, we noticed some people on our deck had a note regarding the yellow fever vaccinations required for this trip. One of us got the shot, while the other could not due to medical reasons. The document declaring the medical exception was never asked to be seen by HAL. So in order not to experience any problems the day we debark in Maputo, we thought it best to bring this letter to the front desk. Upon looking at the passport, they did discover they made a mistake, because the last shot had expired three years ago. Now we are not certain which country will require this vaccination, but it may be for other future African countries. They are always thinking ahead.
The Mariner Appreciation Day events have begun. This morning, we had to go to deck five for breakfast, as the center dining room on deck four was being set up for a Mariner Brunch. This group of 84 guests were the Mariners with 900 to 1399 days sailed. The largest tables had been chosen for assigned seating, and hosted by Orlando and ship’s officers. The head dining room staff were making sure everything was perfect, to the shiniest silverware to the centerpieces of bright orange flowers. Turquoise and beige chair covers were used. This lunch started at 11:30am, while the regular lunch seating was moved to deck five. But it began at 12:30pm instead.
As for us, we spent a lovely afternoon at the aft pool of course. As long as the sun was out, we would be out with it. Being out in the fresh air has helped keep us healthy so far.
We were invited to a cocktail party hosted by Orlando Ashford, another smaller affair for the folks that will be getting off the ship in Maputo for overland safaris. This was added recently, and more than likely by request from enough folks that complained they would be missing the parties while we were away. Our time for late seating guests was 7pm. Not certain who we would know there, we did run into many folks we know that are either going with HAL, travel agency tours, or independent. Peter, the purser, joined our stand-up table, and answered as many questions as he could regarding visas and procedures. Since many of us are on the same flight at 11:30am, we all hope everything goes smoothly. And we also hope that if there is a next time to visit Africa, they will stop in Durban, South Africa, where no visas are required.
There was also a surprise letter in our mail slot today. Months before this cruise began in January, we had read on Cruise Critic that there was a rumor that Archbishop Desmond Tutu was going to be a guest once again on the Amsterdam. These things are always highly guarded as secrets, but wherever the rumor started, it was true. He will be coming on as a guest and recipient of an award for shared humanity in recognition of a lifetime fighting for equality and peace. He will not be speaking, as he is retired from public life. As this will be a travel day coming back to the ship after our safari, we highly doubt we will be here for this presentation. But we will certainly hear about it.
Following cocktails, we went to dinner at Bill and Leta’s table. It is always a pleasure to visit with them. Today they had been invited to the Mariner Lunch, and sat at the large table next to Orlando. We were surprised to learn that every table was hosted by a big wig or an officer. Sometimes there are no hosts. So it depends on the voyage and the ship, as they all do some things differently.
Another South African group called the Muses played two violins, one viola, and a single cello in the Queen’s Lounge. We chatted so long at dinner, we missed the show. Bet they will be back for an encore.
Bill & Mary Ann
