When we headed off for breakfast, the carpet in the elevator told us that today was Thursday, not Wednesday. Not that it really matters all that much, since every day is a “Sunday” to us, ever since retiring 16 years ago. Plans for the day would be similar to yesterdays. But keeping in mind that Captain Mercer mentioned thunder showers in his talk yesterday, we were prepared to change those plans. Yes, the late morning did begin with partly sunny skies, but it became obvious that isolated black clouds were dumping rain all around us. They can navigate around and in between showers some of the time, but not all of the time. Once we had set up our lounges, it began to spritz. Sure it felt great, but when it became heavier, we knew it was time to go. Watching the deck attendants usually tells us what is up ahead. When you see them collecting the rolled up beach towels off of the lounges, it is time to pack up and run for cover. That’s what happened ½ hour after we went outside. We gave up around 11:30am.
Back in our room, we took the time to catch up on recording info from the ports we have visited so far. Specifically, we keep track of the currency exchange rates, souvenir buying, eating out, credit card purchases, time changes, shipboard account activity, and many other details that occur daily. Best kept daily or the task can get away from you. Also, it is important to monitor the shipboard account, as we have already found some mistakes posted. One of those was a posting of three lunches in the Pinnacle Grill, when we have never eaten lunch in there yet. Our go-to girl, Barbara, at the front desk has already taken care of getting it taken off of the account.
Barbie also told us that the second channel of ESPN has been showing favorite TV series now that we cannot get that signal. It’s called Prime. This is nice, because usually, all we get is the blank screen, saying no signal. Now we can watch Blue Bloods, Elementary, or Bull and many more during the day. Good option to all of the news channels.
Even though the weather improved, we caught up on lectures we have missed on the TV instead of going back to the pool. It was also a good time to do the homework on the upcoming ports of Tonga and Auckland. Lunchtime was spent in the Lido, while listening to the arts and crafts instructor. There is such a large group, all we really heard was the constant chatter of the crafters.
The first photo competition is in full swing. Passengers are encouraged to submit photos into any of the five categories. We think the only way to submit these is by bringing your camera to the photo department, where they can be transferred for printing. There is a $5 fee per photo., but they are yours to keep after the contest is over. Also being promoted is the video of the Pacific Islands on a ship USB for $19.95.
While listening to the Ocean Quartet, the clouds outside the windows began to take on some colors of the sunset. We made our way to deck six forward, and stayed outside until 15 minutes before dinner time. The sun was dipping behind a bank of dark clouds, as it often does in this part of the world. But on the horizon, we spotted some isolated clouds with rain coming down here and there. One such cloud had a vertical rainbow right beneath it. That sighting was even better than the real sunset.
They had the best rack of lamb tonight in the dining room, but it was covered with a tomato-like sauce, which we thought was odd. Even more so, when Slam brought the mint jelly on the side. Slam reported that one guest had ordered nine chops, and another lady had the lamb for dinner, and the lamb entrée for her dessert. They were that good, although we shared one serving of a cream puff for dessert.
Going outside for a short walk, we saw the moon rising in the cloudy sky, attracting the more serious photographers to capture it. Other folks went to the show featuring the Sand Man, Marcus Winter, a New Zealand performer. He reportedly brought stories alive in sand and sound. Mesmerizing was the description. Maybe we will see it next time, since we had finished dinner before 9:30pm.
The clocks went back one more hour, making us 3 hours ahead of Pacific time, and a day ahead as well. Still confusing…..
Bill & Mary Ann
