April 5, 2024

I decided to combine all of the sea days into one post. We will reach Cape Verde at noon tomorrow and the 4 day Atlantic crossing has been pretty calm. It is windy with some waves and some motion on the ship but really a smooth crossing overall. The weather has been sunny and in the mid 70s for the trip.

So if you have read my blog from previous cruises, you know that we really like sea days! Lots going on to keep us busy or we can just relax on the veranda and read or watch for sea creatures. Other than the occasional bird, none have appeared on this trip.

I watched 2 movies – Anatomy of a Fall and American Fiction. I enjoyed both but was slightly frustrated with the ending of Anatomy of a Fall. Today they will have “Friday afternoon at the movies” and will show The Boys in the Boat. I read the book and recently saw the movie – so I will go just to get my favorite – the freshly popped popcorn! Loved the movie.

We have had dance classes – our dancer, Michelle, is from Australia so we learned the Nutbush which is an Australian line dance that kids there learn very early. She promises that they will start playing the music on deck one day and we should all get up to create a flash mob. We also learned the bachata which is kind of like a salsa. Norm doesn’t do the classes but I really enjoy them.

I went to a jewelry making class and made this bracelet – tree of life.

No participants for blackjack tournaments so I hope it attracts more people next segment. I am playing in the casino a little, but there are really not many gamblers on this segment.

We went to a wine tasting which was Stars of the Southern Hemisphere. One white wine and the rest were reds, all from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. We enjoyed them all but the Penfolds was a favorite.

We had dinners in Red Ginger and Tuscan Steak, all wonderful as usual. Red Ginger was with Jordan, one of our singers, and Marck, our general manager. Usually the entertainers don’t get to go to those restaurants so Jordan was really excited and loved the food.

Of course there was a cooking demonstration where the executive chef, Colin, made beef stroganoff and beef tartar. Before the demo, Colin introduced the head team of chefs. There are 76 chefs on the ship. They have enough eggs to serve each guest 12 – 15 during the voyage. With about 660 guests on board, that’s a lot of eggs. They also go through 100 pounds of sugar a day.

The pastry chef, Nyoman, made chocolate mousse and tiramisu.

Today there will also be a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories from the boutiques.

What have I forgotten? Trivia of course. We continue to do well – haven’t had them all right since that one time, but always place at least third and have lots of fun. I also did Name That Tune with James and Shelley and 2 other couples that joined us – they have it with the excellent pianist in Martinis after the show.

We have been enjoying all of the shows. Last night was Debonaire, which featured songs from Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin and more. It was the fist time we have seen that one but some of the songs were performed in other shows by the talented teams on other Oceania voyages.

There have been more lectures on photography and other topics. I went to one, but generally like to watch them on the TV later.

My tooth has settled down with the regimen that my dentist from home recommended. Fingers crossed it stays calm until we get home.