Saturday, February 28. Hot, sunny.
Today was an easy day for us, no tours, a shopping list and no rush. Before we boarded the shuttle I called home and talked to Craig, Wally and granddaughter Alicia as Jeanette was driving, I caught up with Jeanette later and called Craig again before we sailed out of cell phone range. Nice to talk to the family. I also tried sister Moe but she was out and about I assume.
The shuttle from the ship to town took 55 minutes in the morning as the Manila traffic is amongst the worst in the world, but it only took 15 minutes to get back in the afternoon. Our destination was a place known as Robinson's Department Store, believe it or not.
We had our shopping list and soon started ticking them off: panties for Fellette, [as we left some in the Galapagos], dental floss and mouthwash for Doug as well as after shave lotion, a large map, felt pen, wine and last but not least, haircuts again. The haircuts were $4.75, the wine was $4.00/litre, [it tastes like the price] and the rest of the goods were equally inexpensive. We four had lunch at a Crepe Shop and were soon back at the ship.
We had a shower and got dressed for the sail-away party on our deck tonight with Jim and Gail. We sailed away from Manila with the crew somewhat sad as many or most of them have seen their family the last two days and actually had their families on board the ship. It was 'Take your child to work' today and yesterday on the ship. We walked up to the Lido, the buffet on deck eight before sail-away and it was worthy of note to see the visitors looks up there seeing all the lavish foods, for the taking. It was a little humbling or downright embarrassing.
In the afternoon there was an orphanage group of 22 kids ranging in age from seven up to 14. All they did was sing and dance, and they broke our hearts! Many people were openly crying, many choked back tears and it was wonderful. 40 minutes of innocent youthful exuberance; something that has been lacking on the ship. As the cruise director said they were earlier fed a nourishing meal of pizza, fries, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream!
Next was the 'sail away'. The ship had free, champagne, beer, wine and soft drinks along with canapés on the promenade deck as the bands played at dock level in the sweltering heat. It was again, poignant as the ship pulled away, that powerful deep ships horn sounding that beautiful yet sad sound that brings many a person to tears. It was made all the more meaningful because we knew that onboard was many a crew member who had seen his family and was now saying goodbye again, likely for many months. We were happily saddened as the dock faded into the distance, the band still playing Auld Lang Syne. Can you sense the moment?
To finish the day, we four discussed our upcoming safari in South Africa fast approaching with only 23 days to go. We decided to have room service and had a very nice meal on the deck. It was wonderful, almost too good to be true.
We have one day at sea and then bustling Hong Kong for two days.
Pics:
Our destination!
Welcome to a big city, do-nuts and all.
Haircut.
Lunch.
Doug and four Filipino babes visiting the ship.
Genuine toad-leather hand bags.
Mama doing the map installation.
Stars in the making!
A vey Americanized marching band, great though.
A very attractive white babe I met.
Orphans waving goodbye.
Have a Champagne!
Or a canapé?
Dinner on the balcony.
Now I know where we are!
Sunset.
A word of truth in there…
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