Bits and pieces after 3 days at sea...

I mentioned earlier that there may not be a lot of interest to you that happens on sea days. We have two blocks of long sea days; the first is from Southampton to Madeira 4 days, then 5 days from Madeira to Barbados.

So some meaningless drivel from Doug:

- We have not heard a single North American accent since we landed in London several days ago. We are likely known as the loud [North] Americans. I must confess that the Brits do speak much softer than we do. I must make an effort to be much gentler in our speaking habits. I blame that trait on being a printer and having to communicate in noisy circumstances.

- I think we are now acclimatized and, also, more importantly, relaxed. The wake-up time is now somewhat more reasonable, six for me this morning.

- The early morning habits on this ship are somewhat different than the last two Holland America [HA] ships. At 6 AM in the buffet, there is virtually nobody there. On HA there seemed to be a chronic bunch of people that gathered there and solved the world problems very early in the morning. Also there was always somebody prowling the halls at all hours.

- Smoking seems to be somewhat less prevalent than on HA. Maybe it is just the passage of time.

- I thought that the average age of the passengers was down, but that may just be that we are getting older???

- My observation is that there are not many widows travelling alone. Maybe British men live longer?

- Entertainment on board: There is of course the usual daytime things like bridge, dance lessons, cooking demos, talks, etc. but I want to talk on the evening entertainment. Usually there is a 'show' of some sort after dinner. It may be a soloist, pianist, magician, comedian, and once in a while 'a Broadway Spectacular', except it will have British theme on this ship. Tonight it was 'Another Opening, Another Show'. The theatre holds 800 people. We arrived there 25 minutes before the time and it was packed. I left and did the blog.

All of my life I have virtually no interest in watching a bunch of young lithe women and fruity young men, dance and jump around the stage for an hour in exotic costumes singing 40 to 60 year old songs. What is so appealing about it? Do people pay to see this ashore, or is it because it is free or because it is the need for culture in ones life, or is it just for something to do? I must confess that on occasions, when there was no shortage of seating, I have attended some spectacular shows. Once a year is enough however. My lovely wife is one who is so afflicted and I must confess thoroughly enjoys the shows. So do Ian and Judy so I am the odd man out obviously. Maybe "I just ain't got no couth!"

- We are in Madeira tomorrow, our first port. It is a very colourful and interesting place even. We have been here several times but always enjoy it, but this time the weather may be an issue. It is on the same latitude approximately, as Casablanca, Bermuda and Los Angeles. Cruise ships usually stop in to either The Canary Islands or Madeira when heading up, down, or across the Atlantic. Taking on fuel is one of the reasons, also the passengers need a little 'shore time' lest we get nasty!

The photos show; our only sunrise that was half decent, Fellette patiently sitting while I take 'not another photo of me!'', and the decks on the ship. We are on B for Bermuda Deck. A bit high up in rocky weather!