Trip Day 7 - surprise surprise

Wednesday May 30

Today we were supposed to go to Sydney, Nova Scotia. It didn’t happen.

When I had to get up at about 4 am the moon was so pretty that I had to take a picture. The sea looked pretty calm.

As always James got up early to make his rounds on deck 6. Brrrr way too cold. He saw the pilot come on board but then our captain turned the ship around again ( James said: on a dime) and headed out again. The wind was so strong that the ship could not dock. Up to 26 knots it’s ok but the wind blew 45 knots. Captain announced that he was very sorry but he had to make the decision that we would have another day at sea. 

James said what he could see was all industries and didn't look very inviting. That made us feel better at the moment. You can see a tanker etc way in the distance from the balcony.

Now it was different. The ship rocked and some passengers felt sick. James and I had no problem and we decided to go to the big restaurant to be served rather then having to carry the plates ourselves. We sat on a table for 6 but were only 5 because a lady’s husband felt sick. And she had to leave half-way through too. James had a “full English” and I had “Forest Mushroom Benedict”. Very nice.

Because we suddenly had a day at sea the crew had composed an impromptu new itinerary. At 10 am we went to the showroom for a lecture on “the secret language of ships” which was very interesting ... with what they have to be marked, what the different flags mean, the whistle signals etc.

Afterwards we found some USA, British and German news flyers and had a little libation at a window seat. 

Then we headed to the Lido Deck and were happy to see Kate and Dave.

It was noon but James and I didn’t need lunch. But we took a look at the dessert.

An hour later we played giant connect four next to the pool. It is not that easy to see the “whole picture” when it is that big. 

At 2 pm we all went to another impromptu event, the Filipino Crew Show, which we thought was excellent and got standing applause at the end.

We also had to have a look at the map what the ship was doing.

From there we went to the daily tea-time to which we had never been. It was in the “proper” diningroom. Some called it “high tea” and we had a big discussion about that. Making tea by bringing a little can with hot water and a teabag to your table is not our idea of how tea should be made. We sat with three other travelers and had lively conversations. And yes, they actually served scones with jam and cream, not the best ever but fun. The four of us discussed "Jam first or cream first?"

Ah, my knee is giving me trouble. We usually like to take the stairs. So much easier. But sometimes you have to give in. At least because of the elevator I know what day it is.

When we sat at our dinner table we had a nice sundown. There was a lot of salt on the outside of the windows though. But still ...

10 pm performance was Greg Rodman, an acclaimed guitarist known for his dazzling technique and unusual emotional depth (ship's daily itinerary). He was INCREDIBLE! Have a look at the above link. James and David met him later in one of the bars and told how very nice and pleasant he was. He had asked at the end of his show not to be shy and that he likes talking to people. Bummer, I would have loved to meet him.

Guess who waited in our room?