Today marks the fifth and final sea day as we approach the country of The Gambia. The weather has remained warm and humid, and the seas have been most cooperative. Passing clouds kept the heat of the sun down, and a breeze had the promise of relief.
While waiting for Barbara H’s lecture on Senegal to be televised, we spent some quality time at the aft pool. In general, this has to be the only world cruise that we have done in recent years that has the fewest amount of serious sunbathers. There is never a demand for lounges back here, which is nice. There was that one exception today, when a “new” couple decided to take over some obviously occupied lounges. Why, we cannot figure that out. But this couple proceeded to discard the occupants things, and put their stuff on it. The usual occupants were sitting at a table nearby, eating lunch. This is a big no-no, and they soon found out when the regulars stopped them from the take-over. Apologizing, the newbies found their own lounges, and set up right near the offended couple. Go figure?
Making Spanish-style tapas was the subject for America’s Test Kitchen. We have not attended a demo since our freebie last January. Not quite the same as “hands on” cooking for a small group, like they offer on non-grand voyages. The excuse that there were too many five star and above members to have the special private classes was no excuse to discontinue it for this cruise. Just our humble opinion, don’t advertise something you cannot deliver on.
The exc lecture on Senegal was tops on our to-do list today. Of course, we would listen to this later in our room. Stopping at Barbara’s desk yesterday, one of us asked for the flyer on how to deal with waxed fabrics from Africa. Well, they had run out, and instead of telling us to come back later, Barbara got up from her desk, and went down to the office to get more copies. If she retires, we will surely miss her, and her lifetime knowledge of the entire world. The young and upcoming lecturers can read from a book, but Barbara tells it from experience, a most rewarding way to share important info. And if you have more questions for her, she will research it, and get back to you.
Sunday Brunch was the big draw for many hungry folks today. It worked out well with the chair covers in the dining room, since last night was a gala evening. The 3 course set menu had a surprise today, according to Barb, who dined there with her buddies. It seems that one of the small eats was seasoned with a substitute pepper, so potent, that it numbed their lips and mouths. Barbie said it could be compared to drinking kava in Fiji, that paralyzes the mouth and all the way down the hatch. A different type of pepper had been used and too much of it, according to Petr, the head chef. By the time it was discovered, many guests were moaning as they tend to down the tiny portion in one mouthful. Hmmm, that’s why we don’t go to this brunch, because half the time, we don’t know what we’re eating. Lunch for us was a Dive In burger and chicken sandwich (nowhere near as good as the burgers).
Later in the day, we went to our usual spot outside the Ocean Bar to find there was no music playing by the Ocean Trio. Dancers, both guests and hosts, waited for a while, but they were a no-show. Then we saw Mark, the event planner, put a sign on the piano, saying that one or two of the members were ill, and may return after Cape Verde. Wondering if they had the dreaded noro virus, we asked Shiv, who makes a daily stop to chat with us. Checking the sign, he said no, it was not noro, but sore throats and bad coughs that kept two members down. Yes, good they were not here, as none of us want to share that with them. The regulars did attempt humming some music, but soon gave up, and left for greener pastures. Now you would have thought that some piped-in music could be provided for the regulars that frequent this lounge. Remember, when the crowd leaves, so does your drink revenue.
Good time for us to make a swept through the shops once again. This time we made hits with some clothing, purses, and semi-precious jewelry pieces. Still have more credit left for another spree when the Swarovski collection is unveiled soon, as one of the pendants of amethyst calls for matching earrings. Or look at watches again.
This evening we were invited to a President’s Club event called Sliders and Sides Party, held in the Lido Dome at 7pm. Exclusively for our small group of 40 or so guests, it was probably the last time we would be able to get together before the cruises ends. The bar area of the Lido pool area was cordoned off. We were greeted by Evel, the beverage manager, who headed the receiving line starting with Captain Mercer, Henk M, and three other officers. Taking seats with our buddies, Barb, Susie, Woody, and Don, we made room for Peter, the purser, who toasted us with his beer.
Drinks arrived, followed by the long plates of ground steak sliders with fries. The second serving was more plates of fish and chips. And this is appetizers? We could barely do them justice, since we had to go to dinner after this party. The head chef, Petr, was visiting tables, so when he came to us, we had many questions for him. One was if his family was still onboard. The answer was yes, and they would stay on until we reach Florida. What a trip for his two boys to remember. Guess thy have been home-schooled, as well as learning about the world first hand.
Other questions involved writing the menus and food descriptions. He agreed that sometimes the names do not necessarily fit the final item. They do their best, but these menus are created in Seattle and open to interpretation here. Recently, the use of foreign languages has complicated the menu choices. Barb asked about the mistake with the brunch this morning, and Petr was well aware of it. Guess a lot of folks were shocked at the mouth-numbing brunch item. He promised no more surprises and no more substitutes.
Following the awesome party, we went to dinner, but were mostly disappointed with our choice of prime rib. Having an outside cut turned out to be not the wisest idea. This time the meat was so over-done, we could hardly cut it with the sharp steak knife. Should have sent it back, something we seldom, if ever, do. One of us got a piece of prime rib, big enough to feed four. Having to leave ¾ of the over-size portion, it was the first meal that we did not like. Dessert made up for it…..one scoop of strawberry ice cream, and an apple crunch tart. Very good.
The show tonight was a variety one, featuring Pete Neighbour and Bruce Parker. Both were good the first time around, and even better the second time.
Tomorrow will probably be a very long day, since we will be going into town early, then re-considering doing the one and only tour of this entire world cruise. So Banjul, The Gambia….here we come.
Bill & Mary Ann
Sliders of ground steak, fries, and coleslaw
Woody, Susie and Mary Ann
Eddie and Lee with new friends in the Lido Pool Bar
Woody, Susie, May Ann, Bill, and Barb – friends since 2007
Eddie and Lee with Shiv, our favorite Head Housekeeping Officer
