Certainly it was warmer than 67 degrees today, even with the strong winds blowing across the decks. Judging by the growing number of people sporting sunburns, we assume it was hotter sitting in the sun the last couple of days. What many guests seem to forget, is that the further south we travel, the more intense the UV rays can be. Always pays to be careful.
Breakfast in the dining room was even busier than yesterday. Guess many people got wind that the food and service are both good here. Of course, it is another sea day where folks have the time to relax over omelets and hot coffee. And besides, we did have an hour back on the clock last night for some extra winks. However, Asep told us that there was a long line already at 7am for the dining room breakfast. Obviously, these folks forgot to set their clocks back last night. Oops! Not wanting to wait an hour, Asep re-directed them to the Lido, which opened at 7am.
Besides the 9:30am fire drill for the crew, it was a regular day at sea. EXC guide Ian gave his talk on Cartagena and the upcoming transit of the Panama Canal. Guest speaker Tim Runyun continued with stories of pirates.
Getting in some exercise, we walked the deck to find thousands of flying fish leaping here, there, and everywhere. If there were birds out this way, they would be really fat. Also, the swells and winds have increased to where it was difficult to walk a straight line. Heavy spray was coming off of the waves, and dousing one side of the deck. This is always a good reason to research prevailing winds, since today, the mist rendered one side of the lanai lounges unusable.
It was another perfect time for us to resume a little more packing, making use of a sea day. That took us until lunchtime, when we paid a visit to the dining room once again. Keeping it light, an order of soup, salad, and one entrée of pork piccata was sufficient. There was only half the amount of people for lunch, giving the wait staff time to prepare the center of the dining room for a wine tasting. We had been invited to this tasting, but since we do not drink wine, we did not attend.
Finally, the movie we have been waiting to see was on TV today….The Green Book. Barb told us to be sure to watch it, as she really liked it. We did, and she was right. It was a good, well-acted movie for a change.
We had to laugh today, since we were recognized by two very nice ladies while going on one of our walks. Apparently, one lady has been reading the blog, and knew that was one of us by the blouse worn, which has shown up in several photos….probably over the last few years. Always fun for us to meet new people, who probably know us better than most.
Later in the day, we stayed in the aft section of the lower promenade, and relaxed in what little bit of sun we could find. Sheltered from most of the wind, we can see why people even get burned back here. Going back inside, we noticed that the Share A Goal signs with personal wishes were being removed. First a solvent was used, but it did not do the job. Another worker came out with a power sander to get the job done better. With a few coats of white paint, no one will ever know the wishing wall was even here. Also, we’re pretty sure that the 2019 GWV logo that was painted above the bow is also gone.
Dinner for us was in the Pinnace Grill. Tina, the manager has gone home, and a new fellow has taken over. Other than being seated, we never spoke to him again, as he never engaged a conversation. Even half of the regular staff were replaced with new waitresses, as well as a new wine attendant. We have always ordered the Caesar salad, but the new version is nowhere as good as the old one. Not made tableside anymore, the dressing lacks the strong taste of garlic and parmesan cheese that we have grown to like. The rest of the meal was fine, but this time, no one came by to ask how we liked it, or did we need anything. Yes, one of us did need the sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for the baked potato. Never did get anyone’s attention either. Oh well, saved a few calories, which allowed for one scoop of mint chocolate ice cream for dessert. We may want to re-think keeping all of the reservations we made.
Tomorrow we will be in Cartagena, Colombia, but only for a short time – 7am to 1pm.
Bill & Mary Ann
