This is the first of four sea days as we continue south easterly “paralleling the North Eastern coast of South America, passing the countries of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana…” prior to entering the Brazilian Amazon Delta. (We might have “paralleled” these countries, but they were too far off to be visible.)
Today is gorgeous!
Yesterday was “exhausting,” not just for me, but also for many who made had made the most of their stay on the paradise island that is Barbados. Our table had just four out of a possible nine present for dinner where I enjoyed an excellent Cunard chicken curry during that dinner…not particularly healthy!
Show time after dinner, featured a superb flute player, demonstrating virtuoso playing of several different types of that instrument. The routine billing in the Daily Programme belied the superb entertainment on offer, and the excellence of the resident eight-piece Royal Court Orchestra. However, the production team are at times, over zealous with the smoke machine.
This morning, after a decent sleep, I made good use of my balcony, allowing the continual “swoosh” sound of the ocean to relax me like gregorian plain chant.
The longed for temperatures of the high 20s Celsius have blessed this voyage for around five days now, and it’s not going to cool down anytime soon. The Medical Centre has reassured me about my malaria medication, and also about some insect bites that have manifested themselves unexpectedly. (No charge!)
I have, yet, to embark on my daily walk, but now, it’s time for lunch, and of course….whist; I knew there was something!
At noon today, we had sailed 6,213 nautical miles from Southampton. That is roughly the distance to Cape Town, which usually takes 14 days. However, we are now on schedule, having taken on fuel in Barbados, after the abortive attempt two days ago, to refuel from a barge near St. Kitts. (see below)
It’s hard to believe that I am heading towards Brazil and the Amazon; this has to be the journey of a life time.
More later,
Best wishes,
David.
Day 18 continued.
I think I have, now, regained my knowledge of, the game of whist, and some of its vagaries. However, I am not keen on the idea of devoting nearly two hours every day we are not in port. There will be sights to behold as we sail up the Amazon, as well as at the southern tip of the continent. I do enjoy playing cards however, but all that can wait until the sea days are less interesting. I scored 111 today. The cards fell quite well, but at times I could have played better.
Once out of that windowless whist venue on 3 Deck, the sky had, by now, clouded over, but, the breeze on the open deck was warm and therapeutic. Just why I was tempted to take afternoon tea, I’m not quite sure. This used to be a “queue-up-for” event, and being late assured one of disappointment. Another “easy-on-the-eye” harpist serenaded those partakers who, including me, were disregarding that increased risk of heart disease and the onset of type 2 diabetes!
Afternoon Tea, every day, from 15.30 in the Queens Room.
I am thoroughly enjoying this day of inactivity, but am a little disappointed that the Christian Fellowship meetings at 9am, are far too evangelical and obsessive for my comfort. One has to have had that “Road-to-Damascus” experience to feel at ease at such gatherings.
Now to return to the Promenade Deck to “work off” that delicious afternoon tea.
Again, thanks for reading,
David.
Any comments (always welcome) will be responded to at the first opportunity.17.08 hrs local time (GMT -4)
David's Cruise 