We actually woke up to see the sun was shining although it was still partly cloudy and hazy. We welcomed the promise of a warmer day even if it was slightly warmer. And it was a nice surprise to see the sunrise as well. Very unusual colors in this part of the world.
We learned this morning about the Ho-Ho bus accident that occurred while we were in Malta on Sunday. There was a lady from the Zuiderdam on that afternoon coach that may have been injured. It was a good thing the ship had stayed late, because we think she did get checked out at the hospital, but returned before we left the port. We were told she showed up at the Pinnacle Grill for dinner in a wheelchair, but was doing OK. We did see a photo of that bus and it appeared it had run into one of those old walls. You just never know what a day will bring no matter where you are.
We were aware that there was going to be another muster drill this morning, but we sort of did not read the Daily newsletter that closely. We assumed it was like all the other drills we have done, which has been quick and easy. Well, not so today. This was a full-scale guest muster, a new requirement mandated for periodic implementation. We attended at 10am and had our cards scanned. Then we lined up under our tender boat like we used to do. Now, somewhere along the line, the public announcement mentioned for the folks to go to their rooms and wait for instructions. At least that was what many of us heard. So a lot of people did just that…went back to their rooms. Then we waited and waited until the Captain said for everyone to get to the promenade deck immediately. By the time he gave his talk, it was well after 10:30am. It was cold and windy, so people were taking the lounge towels to cover up. Crazy. If this was a real emergency, it would have turned into bedlam for sure. What surprises us more, is that lots of people play on their cell phones or talk incessantly during the drill. Not a great idea.
The Captain thanked everyone for attending the drill, even if it was not as speedy as he would have liked it. We still have several nautical miles to reach Alexandria, but I missed the number due to a loud TV. The ship is doing 15 knots in 12,000-foot-deep seas that are like glass. The winds had died down this afternoon, which is good and there is very little swell. The temperature was 76 degrees with it decreasing to 71 degrees tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow is picking up the pilot a 4:30am with a docking time of 6am. There will be two gangways put down so the tour groups can leave as early as possible.
The other job of the day was picking up our passports, which was easy once again. Our time was after 2pm, and at 2:20pm, there was no line at all. If we plan on going off of the ship in Alexandria, we will have to take our passports with us. We do not like doing this, but the only other option is staying on the ship. With the safety advisory printed in the newsletter, we will have to be vigilant about our surroundings and watch our belongings, especially in high traffic areas. It has been several years since we last visited Alexandria, but we do recall the same warning came with the stop back then.
Dinnertime for us was in the Pinnacle Grill this evening. Expecting it to be almost empty since so many people were on the all day tours, we were surprised to see it mostly full. We ordered our favorite wedge salads with clothes line bacon on the side. Our mains were lamb chops and a ribeye steak. We added some French fries and onion rings to share. While waiting for our dessert, waiter Roy delivered three little origami figurines of a blue penguin, a yellow dog and an orange praying mantis. It has been years since we have seen the waiters do that and we thanked him for his kindness. Finally we had one stroopwafel chocolate cake with sauce and ice cream. Happy to split it, we were full to the gills. And we had skipped lunch on top of that.
There was a singer by the name of Miss Lauren Day in the World Stage tonight. Her show was like scenes from a movie with matching stories.
Bill & Mary Ann
