Day number two at sea on the way to Mozambique started much the same as every day. The sun was shining through a lot of clouds and the temperature was up in the 80's by 8am. Still humid, it may be a little less than it has been. We have been traveling due south and getting further away from the Equator. That's good news since we expect more temperate weather in the days to come.
Finally being caught up with reports and photos, we headed off for our morning walk earlier. Once again, there was a lecture happening delivered by our very own entertainment director, Philip. He was covering My Fair Lady to Camelot. We have heard that his talks are excellent. Following him, was a new lecturer by the name of Kate Ross. She spoke about China's influence in Africa. Finally at 1pm, Daniel Silke talked about South Africa, where we are headed very soon. The history is complicated to say the least, so he will be educating everyone well before our arrival.
It appeared that the clouds were becoming heavier, and it sure did look like rain at the Seaview Pool. Normally the navigation team can miss the big clouds, but it was not so by noontime. Greg had stopped by for a visit just after the noon horn was sounded. Captain Friso came on the speakers and did go on about a sudden change in the seas and skies. He predicted that rain would begin (which it did) and the seas were going to get rougher by this evening. He was correct on both counts. It is possible that he mentioned something regarding our next port of Maputo, but we had difficulty hearing it with noise at the aft pool. Not sure if he said we may be moored and tendering?
Tonight was a formal one and dubbed "The Grand Masquerade". You may ask what this was all about? We weren't even sure. But the daily newsletter explained it was a night to sneak between music clubs in disguise. They asked the folks to wear their own masks if they had brought them along. We remember the days when we were gifted elaborate masks at dinnertime. Those days are gone, which for the most part, we are glad. On our way to the dining room, the first crowd we ran into was in the Ocean Bar at 7:45pm. That's when it began as a wandering party from venue to venue. Each music venue participated in this event. Naturally, the bottom line was selling beverages while listening to the music. It would last until 11pm or until the bars closed.
Formal dinner was good tonight, although we stuck to the tried- and- true shrimp cocktails and Caesar salads. Mains were one rigatoni dish with ham and cheese, and one rack of lamb which won the prize. The lamb was Pinnacle Grill quality this evening. We shared a small slice of a chocolate brownie, which was not a brownie but a creamy pudding. Good, but not a brownie. It was nice to see most folks had dressed for the occasion.
Due to the masquerade event, there was no show in the World Stage, but a musical venue with the Grand Voyage Band. Early this evening while going for the PM walk, we happened by the dance crew practicing for another show. Kind of fun to see what goes on behind the scenes.
By the time we arrived back to the room, we were rocking and rolling quite a bit. It may get worse during the evening. But the good news was we put the clocks back another hour tonight. Always welcomed. And the quote for the day was : Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -R.W. Emerson-
Bill & Mary Ann
