Most of us on this ship have been on since January 4, some 77 days ago. During that time we have seen and experienced some absolutely marvellous things: all the way from beaches, animals, churches, mosques, markets, music, dance, etc. We have possibly become a bit blasé, or some of us have at least. Tomorrow is a port day, the island is Mauritius, [ex British] which has a rich and flamboyant history. Many of the inhabitants are descendants of pirates that sailed these waters centuries ago.
In spite of this interesting island tomorrow, I am not really as excited as I should be, and that bothers me somewhat. I don't want to be that way, I want to always be excited about 'tomorrow', whatever it may be. I must work on that. However, in retrospect I think that I merely want these two days out of the way so we can get closer to Durban and get on solid ground in Africa!
Today was bait of a lazy day for me as there were no great lecturers that I wanted to take in. So Fellette and I worked on the text for the picture book of the voyage most of the morning before she went to aqua-size in the pool before lunch. I took in an afternoon lecture on the oceans that a marine biologist is presenting right now. Good subject matter but presented in a rather stiff manner, my thoughts. Then I went to a small group discussion. Fellette took in the lecture for something to do, did some jigsaw work and then choir practise.
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My comment on the merits of buying a Faberge egg caused a minor discussion today at lunch. I do not discount the idea of buying 'things' for an investment. It has been my limited experience, from two friends that did just that, that many of the promotions of paintings etc. for investment purposes turn out to be bad moves. I have no doubt that a savvy and knowledgeable investor may be able to seek out good buys for long term investment. Likely not a bad idea to check out if one is interested in diversifying your portfolio. I do doubt however, that buying on a Holland America cruise ship is not the best venue to increase one's investment portfolio. Personal view.
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At lunch today we were interrupted on the PA system with an announcement that there was a pod of some 200 dolphins swimming across our bow. It was quite an experience to see those guys leaping out of the water, in unison. After maybe three or four minutes it was all over and there was not a dolphin in sight.
After dinner Fellette and I attended a Cocktail Party in the Neptune Lounge, on our floor for the people who paid too much for their accommodation on the ship. The captain of course was there as well as some other officers on their best behaviour. We enjoyed ourselves immensely in the two minutes that we were there. Those functions just don't go down well with me/us. Must be another one of my defects I suppose.
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Nautical terms in everyday usage.
Footloose: The bottom portion of a sail is called a foot. If the foot is not secured, it is footloose and dances randomly on the wind.
Pics.
- Dolphins at noon.
- Faberge eggs in the shop.
- Today's inspirational door sign.
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