DFR Travels: First of EIGHT Sea days!

Tuesday, January 10. Calm seas, cloudy sky. Room temperature outside, nice

Seven days until we see land. Heading South West towards French Polynesia, some 2700 miles away!

I am not sure how this next week will go. That is a long time not to step on land. There is all sorts of things to do on the ship to keep one entertained one way or the other. It is impossible to do everything and everyone has different aspirations and expectations. But, eight days at sea without seeing land is a bit of a challenge for most of us methinks. I am not much of a mixer and am looking forward to some nice weather, reading a bit, getting in some walking and trying to stretch my body without being fanatical about it. In other words, relax, that is something I cannot do at home. Wish me luck on that!

Today is the first time that the wearing of masks is NOT mandatory. In crowded indoor situations or an elevator aboard the ship we will feel more comfortable with them on though. It was like a breath of fresh air this morning walking down the hall to have breakfast.

It is now 8:00 in the morning, Fellette has been awake since 5:00, I got up at 6:00, had a coffee, got dressed and went out on our balcony and did some stretches to try and work out a 'knot' that I have in my back. I call it a Tension Knot, brought on by the issues I brought on myself with concerns for my sister and somehow my inability to properly pack and prepare for this trip. As a result I only have the socks I was wearing when I left home. Friend Jim kindly lent me a pair yesterday. Now I have a chance with laundering daily.

Life on a Round The World Cruise is not all sightseeing wonderful things all the time. We have to undergo some frustrating and annoying experiences to experience the gems and treasures sandwiched between some annoyances.

For example, on the coach rides to get to the sites we may have a guide whose command of English is not the best. It is his job to try and give his 25 or more passengers a crash course in everything about his country, city, island or whatever he sees fit. He has a captive audience. After some time I wish he would stop talking and let us sit in dignified silence instead of babbling on. Other times I wish the ride was longer so I could learn more.

I am amazed at the determination and resiliency of the many handicapped passengers who soldier on, getting on buses, boats, canoes and struggling up paths with unsure footing with great difficulty. This is not from experience this trip, but seeing this in different form the last few days reminds me of previous trips where the same human spirit is an inspiration. I myself understand this more now as I have some balance issues that I did not have when we last did a cruise three years ago. Walking down or up stairs on this ship with a mask and glasses the last week has been a challenge for me with a damn mask on I tell you.

Today Fellette got her hair washed and cut. The prices are ridiculous but, it is what it is. We just never seemed to have the time before we left home!

The big adventure for us today was: Fellette's haircut, some first time stretching, a nap after lunch and we took in three lectures today with a mix of subjects. However the best of all was that I have a feeling of being at ease for the first time since we left home 10 days ago. Fellette is just happy all the time and with her hair cut and the ship's library now open plus me not so grumpy, she too is at ease.

Craig is now publishing my blog so it will not be done at any precise time, particularly on weekends, plus we change the clocks 24 times during the voyage. There also may be no blogs at all some times due to no internet connection including in the next week or so.

Good Day, Lazy Day…