Last night, our
Astronomy lecturer took us up to the top deck to point out some of the more
prominent constellations. With his “magical laser pointer”, he was able to show
us the Southern Cross, the Milky Way and several planets along with Sagittarius.
Some claimed it was too cloudy. Coming from a big city, I disagreed-I found the
skies sharp and black and the contrasting shimmering stars to be crystal
clear!! The strong winds, however, were
blowing us around. I felt like a ragdoll and left a little early because the
crowd and darkness overwhelmed me physically.
Friday February 5, day #31.
The captain had
promised a roller coaster ride of turbulence for most of the day and the crew
took important measures to protect us throughout from 15 ft. swells. They even removed all deck chairs from both
pool areas. And, there were
"seasickness bag stations" strategically placed throughout.
I also took a
few precautions by removing glassware from my room and taking a motion sickness
med, just in case. Yet, I loved being rocked back and forth to sleep last
night.
I just attended a Sudoku class. I like the
techniques he taught us but felt mortified when I couldn't easily solve the
daily NYT puzzle right after class!! The
instructor made it seem so simple but I guess I need more patience.
My cap fell off
my bottom tooth. I will definitely need to contact my dentist upon arrival back
in Miami.
Tonight, Ellen
and Russ from our dinner table #303, invited the entire table to their suite
for cocktails. Their room is spacious and comfortable and conveniently holds
both their walker/chairs. They served
hors d'hoevres and drinks. Apparently, with a series of upgrades, they paid
$100,000 for this room for the entire 115 days.
Sadly, this
evening the ship was sooo rocky that dancing was a challenge and a bit
dangerous so, I stopped dancing early. Instead, I watched the comedy movie
(Reese Witherspoon and Sophia Vergara) with free popcorn and turned in early. I
tried to watch a DVD of Brides head revisited but it did not hold my interest.
Day #32:
Last night I was
truly rocked in my cradle all night long. I dreamt I was doing all the major
ball room dances and using my individual jet pack, landing in all the big
cities as planned.
I can’t believe
I waited in line, at lunch, for the big Asian bar-b-que. However, choosing my
own fresh ingredients and talking with folks in line made it worthwhile. It was
delectable!
Irma Wright
turned 74 and I gave her the birthday card I bought in Picton.
At dinner, the
cruise director announced the didgeridoo player would no longer perform tonight
because he blew his eardrum. Instead, they replaced him with the yo-yo and top
performer. Oh the horror! I have never heard of a didgeridoo!! My dinner mates could not believe that as a
world traveler, I had never heard of the didgeridoo!
Barbara, the
tour guide destination host joined our dinner table last night. Others have
agreed with me that she has at least two personalities: 1) a passionate,
helpful, well-informed world cruise tour guide and presenter and 2) a curt,
rude, defensive one-on-one consultant. Fortunately, she kept personality #2
mostly at bay during dinner. When officers are invited to dine at your table,
everyone gets free wine (red and white).
I ordered my usual Sprite Zero.
170 of us will
leave the ship in Sydney.
For the first
time, I really enjoyed the production team show. The theme was Latin music and
dance and included numbers from Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, and the country of
Miami. Strangely, it opened with an Afro-Pacific dance performed by very White
dancers.
I had my first
late snack with Frannie, newly retired from New Orleans, fellow ballroom dancer
with trademark long red wavy hair. She goes on singles cruises and is with BJ
her New Orleans buddy with whom she has cruised several times. They are platonic
and dance well together. She wears colorful slacks and wears pretty hair
ornaments. Frannie will celebrate her 60th in Hong Kong next month.
Ballroom dancing
and freestyle dancing up in the Crowes nest was lots of fun! Hanging out with
the 59 and under drinking crowd was a bit awkward. I could not relate to the
conversation.
Tonight, we
turned the clocks back ONE more time!
Day #33:
I woke up
anxious that I will leave the ship in 4 days!
I have too much organizing and packing to do and must cancel at least 2
Sydney hotels by tomorrow.
Our morning team
divided our cumulative winnings and earned $356 Dam in addition to other
earnings.
My last Sunday
brunch was special and I experienced another 2 degrees of separation
conversation about another fellow passenger who has been in trouble with
security twice.
I enjoyed a
refreshing 1.2 mile walk around deck 3. There was a nice breeze, comfortable
75• temperature, and no humidity. My fit bit read 10,000+ steps by days end.
I attended the
workshop on the didgeridoo and learned all about the culture of (the 360)
Aboriginal tribes that had multiple languages including separate one for males
vs females. He acknowledged that
throughout history, women have been oppressed and suppressed and as a result
they have become depressed. We practiced Dhinawan's techniques together each
holding our own didgeridoos. One note
resembles the Mr. Ed, "pwrrrrrr" blowing into the instrument.
This afternoon,
they held the contest for teams who constructed ships out of everyday item to
test for flotation and creativity. All three constants were good and two
floating while holding 12-packs of soda.
Jason's model replica of a ship was so impressive that I thought he had
purchased the model in a local store. He used all handy supplies he had found
on board. It was wonderful!
We arrived in
Australian waters early at 6:30 PM, so the shops and casino were shut down
early.
I chose anytime
dining and sat with two couples, one from New York but living in Boynton Beach
and the other lives in Buffalo. I think they were mother and son but couldn't
be certain. The woman was soft-spoken and discussed practice of reading poetry
to her granddaughter.
Jaime Allen, “i-magician,
delivered a mesmerizing performance on the main stage.
After the show,
a group of us ballroom danced then went up to the Crowe's Nest Lounge to
continue dancing and chatting. The casino staff danced with us too. We learned
through an insider that one of our solo travelers unruly drunken behavior
(promptly a security call last night), might get him kicked off the ship. He is known for his reckless, immature
behavior. This might be his wake up call because he obviously needs help. I wish him well.
Melbourne is
tomorrow. Australia will be my 90th nation visited!!!
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