This morning we dropped anchor off shore
near Portuguese Island. The seas were extremely rough.
In order to get ashore you had to board a Zodiac (a large rubber dingy seating
an impossible number of people). Yesterday we had lifeboat drill on deck 6. So
I went to deck 6 to view the embarkation. Wow those guys work hard, lifting and
plonking people of all weights, ages and sizes into a bouncing boat! Inside the
boat they were assisted by two more guys as the dingy rocked and rolled on the
sea. I realised mom would not be able to handle that day and decided to stay on
board with her.
Lunch the previous day had been a buffet where we were truly
buffeted around by the hordes (2000 odd people – some decidedly odd!). We got
to the breakfast buffet as they were closing to go ashore. I plaintively asked
"What about us?" We were told we could go to the restaurant. What
bliss! The buffet lines were non existent and we discovered that we could order
from the menu!
After breakfast I had a brisk walk around
the ship, worked for 1 hour and then went to the pool deck for a dance lesson.
We learnt the Salsa – basic steps in line dance style. As a lot of people were
ashore there were only a few of us there. Soon afterwards it was lunch. Now we
knew. We went down and were taken to a table with other people and struck up a
conversation with them – something I could never do at home – I would always
wait until I was asked something – now I initiated the conversation.
I had done some research before coming on
board and saw that they catered for gluten problems. I ventured to ask the
waiter. He said just wait and called the maitre de on duty. He went through the
menu for (not with) me and told me what I could have. I was presented with a
lovely hot big gluten free roll. At the end of the meal they asked what dessert
We would like. Mom said Ice cream and I said "For me as well."
"No!" said the waiter. "Let me check." He came back with
ice cream for mom and a jelly for me! He told me "No ice cream.
Jelly!" so jelly I had.
Mom went up to sleep and I went down to
what was to become my favourite hidey hole. Deck 6. There were no chairs but
the view was magnificent and when the Zodiacs returned I could view the comedy
again. It was not so eventful now. The guests were a bit more comfortable and
the weather had started to co-operate. I also had a brisk walk around the
walking/running circuit on deck 12. Once around is about ½ km.
That night I asked for a gluten free roll
but did not ask for help with the menu. The food is fabulous. So far I have had
curry three times out of five meals.
Stephen's one man show was excellent.
The ship rocked me to sleep for the best
night's sleep in I don't know how long. I had taken a sleeping tablet but I
wondered if I really needed it.
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