All at sea - 6th January

Slept fairly well, though we are obviously going through some rough water. Amazing how the ship creaking sounds like footsteps in the cabin.

Breakfast was like a standard hotel buffet, though with the addition of bottles of Cava next to the fruit juices. After breakfast we made our way slowly to the Neptune Lounge for a talk about Funchal. I had expected a bit of history, but it was basically a summary of where the possible tours went. Then came a talk more to my liking about the islands of Maderia and Porto Santo and when they were discovered. A strong connection with Cristopher Columbus exists in the region as he married a local daughter of the Govenor.

While Mum was having a rest I actually managed to get to the gym and spent 30 mins walking uphill, reading and watching the other ships through the large windows in the front of the gym. After 30 mins listening to piano playing in the Observation lounge we went down to Lunch, a buffet in the Palm Cafe. Another rest for mum, and another talk, this time about photography, for me.

Then came the highlight of the day for mum as we joined in with the table tennis tournament. Ok, we got knocked out first round, but still managed to put up a good show. There were a few very good players there and it was a really enjoyable hour.

This was our first formal evening on board, and it started with a cocktail reception. We had our photos taken with the captain, though I may have insulted him somewhat by telling him he looked far too young to be a captain. Dinner was good again, served by our waiter Sunny, then it was back to the Neptune lounge for a concert by Leo Andrew, an extremely good singer. Mainly old musical numbers and ballards which were much appreciated by the audience. The average age on board is probably in the mid 70s, or possibly older, and an astonishing number of elderly ladies travelling on their own. As one said to us, she feels secure and safe, gets good food, tours to places of interest and lots of friendly conversation.

Back to library for a read and a drink (beer for me and tea for mum) while we hear and feel the ship hitting some big waves!

Very strange being on a ship in slightly rough situations - in the bedroom doors and drawers open at miscellaneous times, and there seems nothing you can do to stop them. Feels like sharing a room with an anxious poltergeist. I'm going to try putting some sort of bar in the wardrobe had led to keep them closed - not sure what to do about the drawers.

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy