Today we would be leaving the Arabian Sea, and venturing into the Gulf of Aden…. making an entrance into a very sensitive part of the world….namely sailing around the tip of Yemen on the starboard and part of the coast of Djibouti on the port. There is a narrow sea passage where both countries come very close. It is named Bah el Mandeb, or Gate of Tears for the tragic history here. And it happens to be a place where ships can be in trouble in relation to pirate activity, for instance. Although we have not heard of any recent take-overs, it does not mean these things are still not happening. For that reason, the Captain kept the speed of the ship at the max of 24 knots, we suspect.
The timing on this passage was originally happening around 11:30am, but Captain Mercer seems to get a jump on the distance if he can, then slow it up. So by 10am, we went up to deck nine and began snapping photos of the islands we were approaching on both sides of the ship. Yesterday, we described Yemen, so today we can give some info on Djibouti, the country on our port side. With a population of 516,000, Djibouti is located at a point of three diverging tectonic plates. They have fumaroles that spew steam from the center of the earth. The lava flows resemble a lunar scene in the desert. It is a place to see whale sharks and manta rays. The local tribesmen and nomads eat roasted goat and fish suppers. It is served in newspaper. Djibouti has salt lakes, $5.00 cucumbers, as well as French and American military presence.
Here is an unusual fact: There is a national obsession with a substance called “qat”, a mild narcotic herb, where up to 40% of a family’s income is spent. It’s estimated that two months of productivity is lost yearly due to the side effects.
The only one we know on this ship that has actually stopped in the capital of Djibouti City is our former host, Tom. He said many years ago, a ship called on this port and there was one paid tour to a modern shopping mall. Then we were tablemates with the minister and his wife on a cruise 20 years ago. They also went to the capital city, and wished they had not at the time. Lots of poverty. These days we have not seen this country on the safe travel list, at least not from a cruise ship.
Many ships either passed us going the opposite way or we passed them doing 25 knots. Of course, they are probably on their way to and from the Suez Canal or Jordan, where we are headed. We spent much of the morning and early afternoon taking photos as we entered the Red Sea. We sure do not remember the weather being as hot and even humid as it was today. But then, we have to remind ourselves that we are three weeks later than usual.
While we were occupied outside, Ian, the port lecturer, had a fun time with travel trivia. He put on a slide show of places he has been, and turned it into a guessing game….like where in the world is Ian now? Great idea.
Today was Sunday, and the brunch sampler day in the dining room at 11am. Advertised as all your grand favorites served as a 3-course set menu, sampler-style, and sparkling wine specials until 1pm. It has been such a hit, that the dining room was full to capacity, we were told.
As far as the jewelry sales go, we were invited to a private showing of the newest collection in one of the suites on deck seven with sparkling wine as an enticement. They must have invited a select group, since the suites are not that large. However, this type of event was not up our alley, so we declined.
Lunch service in the Lido was back on the noisy side, darn. But we switched to the opposite side to eat. Much quieter and cooler. On the port side of the Lido, where the doors go out to the Seaview Pool, we have noticed that one of the glass doors has been removed. That leaves the hot air to enter from the outside. The only reason we see for this has to be for the walker and wheelchair access to the back deck. That is one thing these older ships do not have is easy wheelchair access to the lower promenade deck and the aft pool. Newer vessels have automatic doors, making access much easier.
The live entertainment with the bands and the lounges take turns with a day off each week. So tonight, the Ocean Quartet was taking their break. We took our seats there anyway, enjoying the silence for a change. Our form of entertainment is working the daily crossword puzzle, but verbally. Before we knew it, the time for dinner had arrived.
All five of us were present, and we were happy with our meal choices of potstickers, sweet and sour shrimp, and a shredded beef salad, most likely prime rib. Profiteroles, all two of them, were shared by us, while everyone but Barb (she never eats dessert) was happy with plates of fresh fruit, and one small slice of Dutch apple pie.
There was a curious note left with our nightly turn-down mail. It was regarding the new internet system on the ship, which apparently has caused some grumblings among the guests. Depending on the type of plan purchased, you are allowed a specific amount of megabytes. And since there is no way to track the usage on our end, people have been exceeding their time. The best suggestion that was advised was to log off, and don’t keep the wifi on. Our experience has shown that when the time reaches the limit for your plan, it cranks down to extremely slow, and ceases to send or receive anything. And perhaps the guests have been debited for overtime, but we are not sure of this. Since these plans are pricey, no one wants to have added charges to their shipboard accounts.
There was a duel variety show in the Mainstage….Elliot Finkel and Helen Wilding…piano playing and singing. Both did it quite well. By the way, now that we are in safer waters, the outside lighting on deck three has been turned back on. The 24 round the clock security guards were not present on the promenade deck this evening also.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, April 8, 2019
Report #79 Day at Sea April 7, 2019 Sunday Partly sunny & 82 degrees
