A day at sea was what we all needed after two busy days in port. It would have been easy to sleep in later this morning, but we do not want to give up our table in the Pinnacle Grill at breakfast. The minute we are not there or arrive late, it will be occupied by someone who thinks they are missing something. It's funny how we all become territorial.
We half-expected the weather to be a lot cooler today, as we are heading northwest now. But we were wrong, because the air temperature was still warm, and when the sun did peek out, it was still hot. The problem was that it was mostly cloudy and windy. The sea swells were at least 10 feet, and the ship was rolling quite a bit most all day.
We had gone to the Seaview Pool like we do on sea days, and did enjoy some sun for a while. Greg wandered on back and joined us, bringing us up to speed on their day in Saipan yesterday. We knew they had hired a driver and went to see the WW II sites. Heo had already sent his photos of their tour with Ginni and Rich. Suddenly, the clouds got darker and it began to sprinkle. Thinking it would pass over, it did not and we were getting wet. Taking cover, we stayed a little longer then left before the noon whistle. It is better to hear the Captain's talk while in our room, since the speakers around the pool are not the best.
He addressed one of the questions asked of him concerning our entrance into the port yesterday. He explained in detail everything the pilot had told us, and then thanked our hosts, Luisa and Gene for asking the question. Then he mentioned that the clocks would go back one hour tonight to be on Japan time. Made sense to us, but later in the day, Kimberly reversed that request and said we would do the hour back in a few days from now. Well, that's a first.
There were new speakers giving lectures today. One was Tim Tamashiro discussing Okinawa, and Asumi Hama talking about Japanese essentials. We guess the port talk on the first port in Japan will occur soon.
There were dance classes during the course of the day, but with the motion of the ship, we doubt they happened. The Sit, Knit, and Needlepoint group has expanded to some of the ladies working outside on the promenade deck. It is incredible how quickly some of their blankets are completed. We were happy to complete our 8 laps around the deck.
Lunch was room service Cobb salads, a shared beef panini, and a chicken quesadilla. Time for another walk around the deck, we found it to be very wet. One of us is much more cautious, paying attention to the signs that say slippery when wet. The showers continued off and on all afternoon. Good time to finish yesterday's pictures and report. By the way, we noticed that there was a noodle bar in the Lido at lunchtime. Not sure what that was all about.
Dinner had several good things for a change. The Thai beef salad was one of the appetizers, along with a salad and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Once again, the soup is spaghetti soup, but still tasty. Our mains were sweet and sour chicken with rice and bell peppers. Very good and served hot as could be. The rolls were also much better….softer and no seeds. They got it right. Dessert was one panna cotta, but served in a glass instead of upside down on a dessert plate. No fun unless you can wiggle it.
A new performer joined the ship by the name of Venus Tsai, a violinist who has played since she was 6 years old. Having dinner at a table for two, we seem to finish much earlier than we used to. And it is way too early to wait for the showtime. If she has a day performance, we may be able to catch it.
We wonder if the weather will cool off more tomorrow? The Captain did say the seas might level off for smoother sailing. Hope he is correct.
Bill & Mary Ann
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