Day 32 - At Sea

Day 32 – Monday 10^th February 2014 – At Sea

Today, the daily program has been slightly changed, so after the morning exercise, it is straight into the tango dance lesson.

Carpet Bowls

After the lesson, I normally go onto the top deck forward, Deck 11, to see if anyone is enjoying the facilities available.  The carpet bowls is a favourite of mine with the green almost stretching the full width of the ship.  There are two lanes and it becomes an art to be able to play the game.  Half way along the lane is small block of wood, placed in the middle and you have to manoeuvre the ball either side of it.  The skill is judging the roll of the ball while the ship is also rolling.  Adjusting the weight, as to whether you are bowling uphill or downhill.

This bowling area can also be used for practicing golf putting, with clubs, balls and a catcher available to see how good you are, very good for up the slope of down the slope skills.

Croquet Lawn

Croquet played on this small area is also a lot of fun.  The rules of the game are not too complicated, though I have been informed if they are running a competition.  The rules are changed according to how many are playing.  I have not got to this standard and quite happy bashing the ball through the hoops from where ever it has stopped.

Paddle Tennis

Paddle tennis can be played on the starboard side of the ship, and this can be quite busy.  The normal tennis balls are used, though not the racket, instead you use a bat, slightly larger than a table tennis bat.  In the afternoon, this court is normally occupied by the Theatre singers who obviously have been playing this game for a long time; it is good to see them here relaxing, before going to their rehearsals for the night show.

Chess Board

Just behind the games area is an open air chess board.  This is situated in a prime position on a raised level and slightly out of any head wind.  Unfortunately, this does not get used very much, apart from playing it, have only seen one other game taking place.

Midship Swimming Pool

This is the view from the chess playing area looking down onto the Deck 9 midship swimming pool with its two Jacuzzi.

With its shelter from the wind this is also a very popular area, apart from the sun loungers at pool side, there are around the outside very comfortable wicker settees and chairs with their soft cushions.

The choir practice was good with Colin at last coming along to join in one of the activities.  There is a new set of songs for this choir and a little more challenging than the last.

Following the afternoon tea and sandwiches went to the aft end of Deck 9 to take in the sun’s rays, it was cold with the wind blowing across the deck, but I survived.

Today’s cocktail, Harvey Wallbanger; vodka, orange juice, Galliano, went down very well, before dinner of aubergines/venison/lime cake.

In the theatre, an American who had won a got talent competition; he was a juggler/comedian, called Thomas John, the joke is in the name.  Afraid nodded off in this show, needed the rest, as arrive in the Hawaiian Islands in the morning.