Did we mention there is a photo contest happening onboard? The hopeful contestants were able to submit photos in three categories: city, people and nature. Just for the fun of it, we asked how to go about submitting a photo. The first thing we were told was from your cellphone, camera, or computer. OK…..no cell phone picture, no camera "stick", but we did have the photo on the computer. The manager gave us the email address and said she would make a copy of the photo, and display it with the rest of them. There was no charge as there has been in the past. The winners in each category will have their prize pictures professionally framed and gifted back to them. If we wanted the enlarged photo back, they would charge $5.00. Fair enough, but as we passed through the gallery after dinner, ours was not on display yet. Oh well nothing gained, nothing lost. The deadline for submitting your best shots is tomorrow, May 1st.
The weather was really strange today starting with heavy overcast and gray skies. By noontime, it was almost sunny at the aft pool, but there was a nicer breeze. A few hours later, a strange fog or sea haze developed everywhere, and it blocked the horizon. There wasn't a chance of a sunset, but there was high humidity. During his noontime talk, Captain Friso mentioned that it is going to be very hot tomorrow in Banjul and we had to be sure to bring water with us. Once again, he did mention that the channel into Banjul will be shallow with little room for error. It sure sounds as if he still is not sure we will make it into the port. There is a plan to open the bow at 6am for scenic cruising, but we are not sure the sun will be up by then.
There was a taco zone in the Lido Market for lunch today. We had custom-made hotdogs from the Dive-In Grill. They are custom in the fact that we ask for hamburger buns instead of the black-seeded hot dog buns. We always have them add pickles, tomatoes and shredded lettuce. We have quit the double-coated naked fries since they always seem to come in a greasy clump.
Today we bit the bullet and began the chore of packing. Bagging up the small stuff really takes time, but once it is done, the rest falls into place. We did not realize how useful the three stacks of drawers were as they held a lot of things like clothes, socks, purses, extra toiletries, and lot of camera things. All of the contents did get packed and our kind room steward removed them later in the day. Two pieces of luggage are done, and we have seven more to go. One a day is about right we figured.
During our afternoon walk, there was an announcement that there were dolphins on the starboard side. We happened to be right there, but only saw one. They must have been really fast or there were few of them. All we have seen are a couple of scattered flying fish. It was very late in the afternoon, when we spotted some dark birds flying off of the water, but at a distance where you needed binoculars. We do expect to see a lot more birds tomorrow while in Banjul.
Dinnertime had some different items. We currently have a guest chef onboard who contributed to tonight's menu. There was an interesting appetizer and one main with beef roulade. One of the starters was a crab and shrimp-like fish ball. It said it came with tater tots, but actually it was the crab and shrimp mixed with tater tots and deep fried. It was really good with an aioli sauce. One of us had the everyday shrimp cocktail and we both ordered Caesar salads. Mains were the rack of lamb with mashed potatoes – very tender, and more Pinnacle Grill quality. The other one of us had the KFC or fried chicken. Our waiter cannot say KFC, but we can. We like it as much as they do. Our waiters have been serving our food quite hot, and it really has made a difference. No dessert, except for a sliced banana and a cup of coffee.
The Beatles: All Jazzed Up was the theme of the show tonight. The Grand Voyage Band returned with an encore of the best of the Beatles. Always a favorite of the crowd.
Tomorrow we will be in Banjul, if we can make it through the shallow channel. We are betting it will work out just fine.
Bill & Mary Ann
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