12/12 Nearing the Equator

Monday 12 December          nearing the Equator

It is utterly unbelievable that it is 12/12/11 because it seems only a week ago that it was 11/11/11. We are just following a dead straight course day after day at a steady 32km/hr. Thoughts on a treadmill at a steady 6km/hr – you might be maintaining a steady heart rate of 136 gazing out to sea, but as soon as you watch the dial it goes up to 142, and if you notice the man next to you restart his machine so as to sneak some extra time it goes up to 148. There has to be a metaphor for Life there?

The entertainment schedule today was thin and didn’t suit us anyway so apart from some gym time we spent the whole day in the cabin/balcony. Watched a movie, played mindgames with the neighbours by sunbathing au natural – just a very relaxing day.  The sea has been flat, flat, flat.  Thus making the journey very smooth and comfortable.

We popped in to watch the Brazil port excursions talk – not very interesting. We noticed the lady who supports Richmond and made a point of scurrying across to the other exit to meet her. J approached her with something like “so you are from Aussie too?” and she pretty much said “Yes” and kept on going. Richmond Suck!! (Very few aussies on board)

Dinner was interesting. The male couple from the adjoining table turned up late as usual and the waiter then dropped the little nut of news that the Asian chap is Phillipino. Manuel and Renelda assumed he was Indonesian and he apparently thought they were Chinese. We finished early and went to watch the end of the formal concert – just as well, it was very dry and we saved ourselves a big yawn at the second show. Back to one of the lounges for a coffee and watch the people drifting through from the show.

J writes:  I had become aware in the last few days of how close to Christmas it has become and yet it does not feel like it. No carols, no decorations.  Then today, the ship has been transformed, several trees, lights on potted plants, greenery and baubles on staircases and bars.  The onboard shops are decorated as well.  Very pretty, still no Christmas carols though. 

Staircase Complete with mirror in the casino section.

Main foyer complete with perspex grand piano.  White floor is water.  Very pretty.