Remember that happiness is a way of travel not a destination.” Roy M. Goodman
Boy the captain wasn’t kidding at his noon briefing yesterday when he didn’t give a sunrise time and just said it will be late. Jeff’s alarm went off at 7:30 and it was so dark outside we could see stars! Jeff was good and went to the gym, I stayed in bed until he came back and then finally got out of bed about 9:15. We went to breakfast and then on to Port Talk presentation.
At Port Talks, the cruise director tells us about future ports. He shows pictures, tells us a little history, gives time of arrival and departure, what the local currency is and currency conversion rates but most importantly he tells us where the markets (souk) are located and if there are shuttle buses and the cost. Plus, we get helpful hints like … you’re expected to bargain (but only if you’re interested in buying), start at half the price, agree on what currency in the beginning, how to get a cab and to agree on fare before you get in, other local transportation sources (city bus), and important sites you might be interested in seeing and where they are located in relation to where the ship is parked. Today he covered our first 4 ports – Funchal Madeira (Portugal), Arrecife Lanzarote Canary Islands (Spain), and Agadir and Casablanca (Morocco).
The venue was packed for this presentation and as soon as we sat down and the theater started filling up, we were hearing a lot of coughing and it kept getting worse. Jeff had one mask in his pocket which he gave to me and then he went back to the room to get another one. That’s the most coughing we’ve heard since the cruise started, but we are at day 6 so that’s probably the COVID incubation period … (heavy sigh).
At the noon briefing, we have traveled 2663 so far with 832 remaining to our first stop, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Closest land is Delgato Azores, and we are 675 southwest. Day before yesterday, the Rotterdam had to cancel their stop in Delgato due to high winds. It is 82 degrees. Sunset is 8:26 and sunrise is 8:40. The good news is we don’t have to change the clocks tonight. There will be two more time changes once we are in the Mediterranean.
Today at lunch was Cake Bliss. I got pictures but did NOT partake. They always look so pretty but taste so bland to me. That just leaves more for everyone else!
At the noon briefing we have traveled 3148 miles and 357 to go to reach Funchal. We’re traveling at 19 knots. Sunrise tomorrow will be at 830 but we get into the pilot station at 7. Our closest line is the Canary Islands (which is out stop the day after tomorrow).
Watercolor class this afternoon. Here’s some of my fellow artist’s artwork:
And here is the watercolor that I did today:
Music trivia preceded this evening’s main stage entertainment which was “In the Mood” with the dancers and singers. With the exception of once dancer and one singer, it was the same group that was on our South Pacific cruise this past fall. They did an outstanding job – we were not disappointed. We rounded out the evening at our usual stop for after dinner drinks – the Rolling Stone, which is where the Zuiderdam Ball was held. All the officers stood out in the hall and after the Captain and his partner, Chantel, completed their dance, they all disappeared.
AND FINALLY, it was FORMAL night. Here’s some pics from us playing dress up!
