Another day at sea began much the same as yesterday. The seas have calmed a bit, but the rolling and pitching continue. We have become so used to the motion, we barely notice it unless we are walking the promenade deck and see the bow of the ship dip deeply where we lose sight of the horizon. It does bother some folks, so that might be the reason there have been so few people using the lounges on this deck. The drop in temperature may be a factor as well. No doubt, it is warmer in the Lido pool area, but we rarely go there. When the retractable roof is mostly closed, it seems claustrophobic to us. We have to have the fresh sea breeze blowing in our faces.
We forgot to mention that yesterday we were asked to turn in our passports that had been given to us before arriving to Sydney. We had received a letter explaining that the Australian Border Force will clear us without a face-to-face drill. That was a tedious process in Sydney, which we are most happy to avoid in Fremantle. The desks for collection were set up on each passenger deck, and there was no waiting at all to collect the receipt we will need for the next time. One thing they are taking a closer accounting of is our yellow fever vaccination cards or a letter of exemption from a certified doctor. These will come more into play when we reach the upcoming ports in West Africa.
Another invitation arrived last evening from the Captain, Henk ,the hotel manager, and Ian, the travel director. It is a "private" Amsterdam 2020 Grand World Voyage Reflection Get-Together at 2pm in the World Stage tomorrow, February 20th. It was worded: Join us for a reminiscing slide show, complimentary sparkling wine, and an address from Captain Friso. There will be heartfelt words of reflections by the crew and a toast to your well-being and sailing together again. Well put.......but, we have a problem with the "private" part. It is too bad that everyone on this trip isn't included, as it separates the guests even more. But what do we know?
Well today was Sunday, a day at sea, and another reason for Sunday Brunch in the dining room from 11am to 1pm. It was reservations only, but we heard that the room was not as full as the previous two brunches. We are surprised that Barb does go with our tablemates, because one of the items they served used to be caviar. The key words are "used to". We have yet to see a trace of caviar anywhere on the menu, unless you would like to pay a high price for it. The one time we attended a brunch back when it began several years ago, we donated the caviar to Barb, who was pleased as punch. As for us, we were quite content to stick to our tradition breakfast at 8am.
Ian gave a port talk on Fremantle/Perth this morning, which we will watch on TV. Of course, we have been there several times, and have taken numerous tours of both towns. And the last time we even had a two night stay in a hotel in Perth, waiting for our plane ride back to the USA. Of course, that's when everyone headed home…like it, or not. The day after we flew out of Perth to Sydney, the international flights had been grounded due to Covid. One of our friends had not made it out on time, and had to go to the American Embassy for help. He got lucky, and did leave, but could have been stuck in Australia for who knows how long?
The arts and crafts group were making masks and hair pieces for Mardi Gras, which is coming up soon. The regular arts and crafts in the Lido was making seashell cards. Since we have avoided that area of the ship 100%, we do not know how well that group is attended. It must be a good and popular activity because the group is divided into two different sessions for one craft.
And now we are starting to see dance lessons with the Zuiderdam dancers. Could it be that the ladies that were used to dance hosts and teachers rallied for this activity, since there are none on this trip? Would love to know.
We had a lazy day, which was nice. Finally found some time to read a few books from the library and do some needed computer work. Sitting on the veranda, we needed sweatshirts and blankets. Going east to west, we have no sun at all during the day. Dinnertime came around quickly, and all of us were present. The coconut-breaded shrimps were the most ordered appetizer, and the fish and chips were also number one. Tonight the fries were crispy and hot, although we did not figure out what the dip ws on the plate. Barb said tomato sauce, Susie said marinara, and we said….who knows? It was not catsup. We discovered they have jello here, which Barb says is sugar-free. It did come with one coveted blueberry on top of the whipped cream.
There was a new showman on the stage tonight by the name of John Thiering from Australia. He creates drawings in sand with his hands, and it appears on the screens. We have seen this show before and found it mesmerizing. We are sure Greg and Heo will go to check it out and report back tomorrow.
Almost forgot….. the clocks were put back one more hour tonight, and that will put us on Perth time.
Bill & Mary Ann
