It was one of those near perfect days at sea, as the Zuiderdam continues its travels up the West Coast of Africa. Despite the overcast skies, the temperature of 82 degrees was tolerable as was the nice breeze that came along with it. The humidity had dropped to 75% and we could feel the difference. Sailing within 12 or more miles off of the coast, the seas have been smooth with little to no swell. The sun did appear in the afternoon, but it was not as intense as it had been for the last several days. Pretty soon, we will be complaining that it is getting cold, so we had best enjoy the warmth while we can.
This morning Ian had Q and A with Henk, our hotel manager. This was the place for the guests to inquire about some things we have all been wondering about such as, what got so many people sick? His answer confirmed our suspicions that it was a food-borne illness, possibly brought onboard with produce shipments while in South Africa. That could be lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, carrots and fruit. The most contaminated fruit products are the melons. They can harbor bacteria on the outside skin or rind, and it can be transferred with the simple cutting of the fruit with a knife. Same applies to oranges and apples, which are abundant on the ship. The old saying goes like this: If in doubt, throw it out. And according to Henk, that is exactly what they did. Being in the food service industry for 20 years, one of us knew that a little bleach in the rinse water solves most all of the bacteria problems. Henk reassured everyone present that the problem seems to be better, and will be gone soon.
Other questions involved the upcoming events that will occur while we are in Amsterdam on April 18th, celebrating their 150 year of its inception. Our buddy Rich, who went to the talk, said that our group of President's Club members, those who will be inducted, and the two Pinnacle suites will be spending the evening in the city of Rotterdam. We assumed that affair was just a cocktail party with a drive back to the ship. Now we are hearing that we will be guests at the Holland America Line building for cocktails and dinner. Gus Antorcha, the new CEO of HAL will be our host, along with several others from corporate we are guessing. We will arrive back to the ship by 9pm, where there will be another event held in the Lido poolside for everyone. As stated on our invite, more details will be forthcoming.
Ian also gave a port talk on Banjul and Dakar, one of which we will not be visiting, since we are not getting the visa. Greg and Heo, being Australian citizens, found out today that they do not need visas for The Gambia, so they will be getting off of the ship that day. It will be a new port for both of them and they are game for exploring.
The usual events took place on the ship, while we worked on photos and reports. Looking ahead, one of us needs to prepare well ahead of the port stops in order to keep up. Greg pointed out that once we reach the Canary Islands, there are few sea days in between. Port intensive is the word for it, so the more than can be done now, the better for all.
We enjoyed a light lunch splitting two sandwiches. They have run out of potato chips, heaven forbid. Or at least, they are going to be doling them out carefully. We are not sure when the next big delivery will be, but rumors have it that it may happen in Senegal. Bet they will be most careful when ordering local produce as the contaminates are odorless and tasteless.
Tonight there were four of us for the dressy dinner. It had been such a lazy day, we did not feel up to dressy, but we did go dressed nicely. Greg and Heo had gone to lunch in the Pinnacle Grill, and were not overly hungry. One of the entrees was surf and turf with lobster thermidor and a slice of tenderloin. They both agreed it was good. One of us had the chicken, but with the sides from the salmon. The other had beef rib meat with mashed potatoes and green beans. Both were ample. One of our friends, Linda, had a birthday tonight, earning her a specially-made cheesecake. Before they left the room, they had sent some slices our way. It went well with the strawberry jello and sorbet we had ordered. It was nice to have only the four of us, making conversation much easier for a change. Barb, Susie and Woody had gone to the Pinnacle Grill, but two of them will be madder than wet hens since they had calves liver on the menu tonight and they missed it.
The show tonight was "Dream", a performance by the Zuiderdam's singers. Better than another movie we guess.
Another day at sea tomorrow is working for us.
Bill & Mary Ann
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