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Cruise World-Days 31-33: Sea Days--Picton, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia
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!!!
