Day Thirteen – A wonderful Day at Sea.

You either love or hate sea-days,but when the sun shines early in the morning, then it’s usually the former. Today was one of those days. We woke early and went for breakfast just after 7.00. Even at this time of the morning towels and books had been placed on sun-beds reserving them for absent sun bathers. After eating we found two beds in a good position, resisting the temptation of mixing up the reading matter left in the sun, and lay in the early morning sunshine.

It was hot even at this hour and it got hotter. We managed about two hours relaxing before giving up our prime spots. Still many beds were still only occupied by towels.

We attempted a couple of games of shuffle board, but with the bright sunshine reflecting off the deck it was difficult. Well that’s my excuse for once again being defeated by Sylvia!! On the sports front we also played table-tennis in the afternoon, this time being invited to play doubles. As neither of us had played anything but singles this was a new experience. We split up and played a couple of very enjoyable games , a much better work-out than our normal games. We will probably attempt this again. 

The sea days begin to have some routine to them, with two Tate lectures[Pop Art in the morning followed by Surrealism in the afternoon] and the daily quiz [ second again but still in with a shout]. Yesterday’s question correctly answered by Victoria and Rosemary as BJORK.

Now for some food!!!! Every night at the buffet there is a different speciality menu and tonight’s was Indian. We wanted to go to the early show [ a vocalist doing Michael Buble and Josh Grogan style songs] and didn’t fancy having a set meal too late. So the buffet was the choice. The menu included starters of Mulligatawny Soup, Valoo Chatt, Lamb & Vegetable Samosas and Onion Bhaji [pictured above] together with a selection of salads etc.

For mains there was a choice of Butter Chicken Masala, Beef Biriyani , Prawn Bhuna, Lamb Rogan Josh, Pork Vindaloo, Vegetarian Tandoori Gobi, Sabzi Korma and Cabbage Foogath. All served with a selection of rice, chapattis and naans. As with all buffets you could have as little or much as you wanted returning for fresh plates.

The food is very authentic as the vast majority of the kitchen staff are Indian in origin, although the meals tend to be on the mild side. Talking to one of the waiting staff he explained that the crew would eat the same food except that there would be one chilli in the passenger’s dishes but SEVEN in the crews. PHEW!!!!

The sweets were divine very sweet and tasty. There was a selection from Gajar Ka Halwa [Sweet milk and carrot cake – above] , Phirni [Rice pudding] and Gulab Jamun [milk dumpling in sugar syrup]. In addition there was a selection of Asian fruit platters and pastries and tropical fruit salads. There’s plenty to choose from there Oliver!!

I’m always amazed at what a small world it is when you are travelling, meeting people that have some connection with you. Yesterday I met a couple who have lived in Ross[my home town] for over thirty years , the husband of which was given a lift to work on a regular basis by my brother Ernie. Tonight meeting up with our Irish friends for a late night coffee, we chatted about friend’s and family. Lawrence and Elizabeth were surprised that you used to be Rector of Dunmanway , Patrick, as they knew a previous incumbent. Indeed they once visited the Rectory and were surprised at the presence of tennis courts.[I can’t remember his name but I will find out]. Tomorrow Gibraltar.