Salaha
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2010
1
13
46
Trip End
Apr 19, 2010
Salalah, Oman
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
17th Jan – At sea. Feeling very delicate this morning. Really didn't feel like going line dancing but thought I had better. We had far too many turns to do which did not help how I was feeling. I then went up on deck to do some sunbathing. Very windy. I met up with Carol & Jeff for lunch in Café Bordeaux. They go there every Sunday lunch time (so they get to know when a week starts otherwise you lose track of time). They asked that I join them every Sunday. Me & Carol then went to sit up on deck but it was too windy so sat down in the sheltered area. I went back to the cabin to go to the launderette. Amanda called in as she had 5 mins to spare so painted my nails (with a glass of wine in our hands of course). I went to the dinner table and then with Carol & Jeff went to the ballroom dancing (I watched of course). Left there at 12. 30 am but unfortunately the clocks were going forward 1 hour.
18th Jan – At sea. The sea is a little rough again. We are sailing through tricky waters – pirates! I went line dancing because tonight we have a "Hoe Down" which is a night of line dancing and I desperately needed more practice if I am to go. Amanda had to host a table at the Portunus Gold members lunch at 12 noon so she took me along. We had champagne, 5-course meal with wine. I did go up on deck for a little while after but it was really windy so I decided to give it up and go to the gym. I spent an hour in the gym.
I met Amanda for pre-dinner drinks in the Officer’s Bar. Hannah (Assistant Food & Beverage) hosted our dinner table. I then went to the line dancing evening with Carol. It was really good to show off our skills. Amanda popped along to see how good I was - I think she was impressed. It finished at 12 midnight but clocks had to go forward an hour AGAIN!
19th Jan – At Sea. Still travelling through tricky waters – no lights during the night. I managed to get up and go to the line dancing class. Then went up on deck with Carol to do some sunbathing. It was about 79 degrees but quite windy. Lovely though. Had to go to the Launderette for Amanda’s uniform. Got ready for the Captain’s Portunus cocktail party. It was black & white night which I love because of all the lovely dresses. After cocktails Amanda hosted our dinner table. Unfortunately half way through dinner Roger’s wife, Maureen was sick at the table. We all thought it was Noro virus so we had to move to another table. It was awful and I really felt sorry for her. Carol & Jeff took me for a brandy in Raffles after as we were too late to go to the show.
20th Jan – Salaha, Oman. Got up but immediately started thinking about Maureen who was sick. Was it Noro virus? Will we all get it? Amanda found out that it was caused through too much drink (a bit embarrassing for Maureen). The weather was really warm 77 degrees but it was raining quite hard in fact the roads were flooded. I watched Amanda on her drills. She was driving the lifeboat. She came back soaked through. I had a tour booked for 12.30 pm. It was to go around Salaha. It was quite good. The rain had stopped and the sun came out for most of the trip. The escort on the coach said that it was a one-day monsoon. We went to the ruins of the Palace of Queen of Sheba , the Taqah Castle and the natural springs. We spent the last 30 mins at the Frankincense Souk (market). I didn’t like it because they bother you too much. I felt a little uncomfortable.
Tonight we (the table) have an invite to the Captain’s party (the select few!) It was taking place by the swimming pool although the dome was closed. We had a good time – it lasts for 45 mins. Amanda was invited to go to dinner with the Purser (a departmental thing as that Purser is getting off in Dubai). He invited 3 staff and the parents of one of the other staff and myself. It was at the Grill which is at the end of the ship outside. It was a fantastic evening – very warm and so calm.
Amanda has been offered another crew cabin so it looks as if I will be in this one on my own for the rest of the cruise.
Comments
Great to read your update. Sounds like the weather is a little unpredictable, hope you took a few warmer clothes with you. Seems as if you are enjoying yourself and have made some friends. Are they doing the whole trip with you or just part of it? The Suez Canal sounds fascinating, I was hoping to follow it on the web cam but missed it!! Love getting the text messages all we need now are for you to post some pictures, would love to see some of your destinations.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Lots of love, Maryke x