March 23, 2013 Sea Day

March 23, 2013  Sea Day

Sea days seem to go by quickly even though there are not always a lot of activities to do. Between three full meals in the dining room, cocktails with friends before dinner, a nap, Good Morning Amsterdam and a couple of lectures there is little time left in the day.

Our travel guide Barbara lectured on Things to See and Do in Victoria, Seychelles this morning. Then Joe Daley lectured on Ahmad Ibn Majid-The Sea Lion where he discussed the great mariner and explorer and some interesting things that come from the Middle East.

We have a new celebrity guest chef onboard by the name of George Geary who gave a cooking class on both a traditional and a savory (Goat Cheese and Walnut) cheesecake. George is an award-winning author of nine cookbooks ranging from baking to sauces and how to create the perfect donut. He worked in film and television creating such things as cheesecakes for the Golden Girls. His print media includes food dishes for stores like Macys and Bloomingdale’s. George also has a tour company where he conducts culinary tours of major cities in America. He also can be seen doing food news segments in San Diego several times a month. He and his partner, Neil—also on board—of 35 years, live in Corona, CA.  Last night they joined our cocktail group.

We had lunch with new friends Robert and Dennis who boarded the ship in Hong Kong. Robert is retired from Disney as an archive librarian in Burbank while Dennis is recently retired from marketing for a company in Irvine. They have been together 32 years and currently live in Cambria, California.

The afternoon lecturer was Robert Schrire who lectured on The Future – Bigger and Better where he discussed how we now live in a global village. He discussed how larger communities are better for the people as a whole but that leaders would prefer smaller regions where they can have greater control over the people.

Kent headed to the Explorer’s Café with Alec for cheesecake….a favorite every afternoon at 3 PM. Just what Kent needed.  Mark has more discipline!

The evening’s entertainment was a ventriloquist by the name of Brad Cummings.

Several people have commented to us that they are ready to go home.  What’s up with that?  Guess the sameness of all the food, people, entertainment and ship’s activities are wearing thin on some folks.  Mark is definitely not ready yet.  Kent is doing fine, but misses his students and friends he frequently sees.  There are also many more who never want the cruise to end, as evidenced by all those who continue to book future cruises at the future cruise desk.  Long live the cruise!