Thursday evening
We sailed into a pea-souper around 3.30, moving very slowing
and sounding the ship’s whistle every few minutes; then it became lighter about
an hour later, but still out there. It’s been pretty bumpy all day too. Today
there were some cultural items in preparation for Hawaii: hula dancing, good
band and some language tips.
At dinner I finally met my table mates and they’re all
lovely: Debbie is there as a carer for her elderly parents who are celebrating
their 67th wedding anniversary, Nancy and John, apparently a
well-heeled family. Then there are two single friends travelling together,
Anita and Dorothy. I’m staggered that I’ve actually remembered all their names!
I went for a short walk a few times around one side of the deck: the wind chill
factor on the other side was almost zero. There’s still a swell and we’re still
rolling but making good speed. Tomorrow night is our first formal night.
Friday
Well, this morning we have sunshine for the first time.
After breakfast was the service/bible study – today was on Giving, which our C
group studied recently. (If anyone’s interested, we’re doing the Stay Positive
series from Life Church – bite-sized 30-minute encouraging messages: just ask
Dr Google to find it for you! :o) )
A presentation in the showroom was about the history of
Hawaii through hula. A male dancer first in ancient style and then two ladies
showed today’s modern version: they’re so graceful! I went back to the
stateroom with a cuppa and sat at my lovely big window, just watching the ocean
drift past and realised that I’ve finally arrived at “holiday mode”. Just
sitting there, doing absolutely nothing: it’s so relaxing watching the water;
the swell is somewhat lower this morning and the rocking is a little gentler.
The oceanview stateroom is perfect and I don’t find it a problem not having a
balcony; I’m only one deck above sea level and have never been so low in the
ship, but I really like it. There are lots of places where I can go in the open
when I want to. Again, the Zaandam is such a lovely size and it never feels
like there are crowds of people anywhere.
I’m sitting in the Lido now writing this, up at the window
watching the ocean (because the cabin stewards are doing my room). I tried to attach some pictures today it took too long, I’ll wait till
land where I can get free wifi.
I got ¾ mile done on the deck today – still too cold to stay out there
any longer!
Tonight I'm having dinner with our friends in the special restaurant and it's formal night, so we get to dress up!!!
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