Today at sea was not the typical one….not by a long shot. Beginning with a very light breakfast in the dining room, we took a short walk outside to discover that it was a bit cooler than yesterday. And some of that sticky humidity was gone. We do expect a sunny, warm day two days in Aqaba, but after we leave and transit the Suez Canal, it will change even more.
Our breakfast was light, because we had been invited to a Cabaret Brunch on the upper level of the dining room at 10:30am. It was a mixed affair with the Pinnacle and Neptune suite guests and the President’s Club members. We guess there were around 114 people present. The printed title of this brunch was “Carried Away”, which made no sense. Barb thought our food would be carried away in a bag….like fast food. Then it dawned on us when we read closer that the music of this cabaret was featuring “Carrie” & the Ocean Band, along with the duo of Adagio.
Not wanting to chance sitting with total strangers, the two of us with Barb and Don included two more friends and asked for a table for six. No problem, we would be escorted by the dining room manager to our (silently) reserved table. However, just yesterday two very good buddies Mike and Pauline, new to the President’s Club, had asked if we had room for them. Had we known sooner, we would have saved two seats for them. As it turned out, the two ladies that were to be seated with us were whisked away to a different table, and Barb hunted down our buddies, and brought them over. It worked out well anyway.
Several tables had been removed in the center, and two platforms were set up for both bands. The program included twelve pieces of music, mixing familiar songs with classical. It was a real cabaret show, not backround music. Conversation among the guests was impossible due to the higher level of the music. While we listened, we were served a glass of champagne, a little jug of orange juice, and eventually, a glass of rose wine. Appetizers were a choice of a fruit plate, parfaits, pancakes, and a cheese/meat plate. Mains were lobster benedict, croissant with foie gras, steak and eggs, and a vegetarian tart. Desserts were apple crisp, oreo cheesecake, or a fruit sundae. The pancake appetizer was really enough for a full meal, and the steak and eggs were delicious. Apple crisps were our desserts. All in all, it was a really nice event appreciated by all. It was a wrap by 12pm, just in time for the lunch service down on deck four.
The best thing to do after such a meal, was go to the pool and relax for a while. Like we said, it was still warm, but when we exited the door to the Seaview Pool, it was the first time we were not hit with that oppressive heat. By the time we set up our lounges, it actually began to drizzle rain. It had to be isolated clouds passing over, because it never amounted to anything.
Before 4pm, we shared a small salad and a sandwich in the Lido, then found our seats later in the atrium across from the Ocean Bar to listen to the band. It’s also a good spot to visit with passing friends. Those that know us well know where to find us this time of day.
Dinner for us tonight was with friends Leta and Bill at their table for four. Barb had been invited to a birthday party dinner, so the fellows went upstairs to dine with more friends. That gave our waiters a night off, since most of their tables would be empty by 9pm at the latest. As always, we enjoyed some quality time visiting with them. It had been a long day, so we missed the show of Celli, two of Europe’s leading cellists.
So, there is one more country to address before we arrive to Jordan. We have been passing close to Saudi Arabia, with a population of over 28 million people. It’s capital is Riyadh, with Mecca and Medina being among Islam’s holiest cities. Saudi Arabia is a reclusive country, the birthplace of Islam, and one that is pulled in two directions at once…..into the future and into the past. Tourist visas are almost impossible to get, even though millions of Muslims take a pilgrimage into the country from all corners of the earth. They have Nabataean cities that rival Petra in Jordan, ancient fortresses, as well as modern architecture in the capital. You can dive and snorkel the Red Sea, see the world’s most famous deserts, the Rub al-Khalil and the Empty Quarter.
They eat a dish called khouzi or lamb stuffed with a chicken that is stuffed with rice, nuts, and sultanas. They love to drink cardamom-flavored coffee. Trademarks are oil-rich sheikhs, Bedouin nomads, and vast shopping centers.
Random fact is during the Bedouin feasts, excessive conversations among the usually boisterous Bedouin is considered a sign of bad manners.
And once again, this is a country we will probably never visit.
No doubt about it, the guests and crew members that are going to see Petra the next couple of days are so excited, you can feel the anticipation on the entire ship.
Bill & Mary Ann
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Report # 81 Day at Sea April 9, 2019 Tuesday Partly sunny & 82 degrees
