Breakfast was very social this morning after we all spent two full and exciting days in Sydney. No doubt, it is a most welcoming place with friendly people. And we all remarked that despite some rain falling, we made the best of the time we had there. It was pointed out that we have passed the halfway mark for this world cruise. Where the time has gone beats us.
One of us used the morning time catching up on unfinished reports, while the other went for a nice walk in the wind and rain. The lounges were being gathered up and lashed down while he was walking the deck. The temperature was 77 degrees, overcast, and rainy. Not a day for any outdoor activities, inside stuff went on as usual. During the evening, the swells and winds had picked up to where we are feeling the motion of the ocean once again. According to the Captain's talk at noon, he stated that we are hugging the coastline as we sail north towards Townsville. We have another 808 nautical miles to reach that port at a speed of 18.5 knots. The confused sea swells were at least 6 feet or more, and expected to get worse. The current system that is causing this roughness is ahead of us, so we do hope it continues on a path away from the ship. Captain Rens stressed that we all be careful around and about the ship, a wise suggestion to take seriously.
Another good excuse to stay in our room working on two days worth of photos. One thing we missed was the passport collection time for our pick-up on deck three. Failing to read through the entire letter, I missed the time by 45 minutes. Not a problem, I joined a number of other guests at the front desk who did the same thing. Within minutes, the passports were recorded with a slip added to it, and I was handed the receipts to fill out to collect them later. According to the letter, that will be before we arrive in Singapore. In the meantime, Australian immigration officials will do the departure clearance without our presence. Then Indonesian authorities will inspect the passport and provide the required visas.
Today's suggested dress for dinner was formal, which has been the case with the start of each segment. It is like we are starting over again. There was another Block Party a 4pm where the guests are invited to come out in the hallways with a glass for complimentary wine. The Captain , Florin, and some other officers walk each passenger deck along with a boombox for music. They briefly greet all that participate as they run down each hallway. Then at 7pm, the Captain raised a glass welcoming the guests that boarded in Sydney in the World Stage which might last half an hour. The majority of passengers dine early, so many might have missed the toast.
Once again, dinner was formal and most everyone we saw complied with the suggestion. We had salads as starters with mains of orange roughy and one tenderloin "Oscar" without the Oscar, which was crab. The meals were much better than last nights. Dessert was one scoop each of pecan ice cream.
A singer by the name of Angie Narayan was the entertainer this evening. She performed a tribute to women in music promising soulful rhythms and powerful melodies.
And we got the gift of one hour back on the clocks tonight, thank you very much. The crew agrees.
Bill & Mary Ann
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