Our 10th Consecutive Day at Sea

I am sitting at the desk, looking out the window of our suite watching the waves roll by.  Tomorrow is a port day at Nuka Hiva, an island in the Marquesas.  Both Michael and I are totally exhausted after 10 straight days of working:  two bridge lessons and a bridge game every day, plus prep and clean up time (this also includes shuffling 24 decks of cards and putting them into the boards – very labor intensive), plus hosting, plus my iPad lectures.  Hanita, the Rabbi’s wife, has been so very helpful; she stays after the game and helps me shuffle the cards (and we get to kibbutz).  I think we are the hardest working non-crew members on the ship. 

I have some miscellaneous thoughts and ramblings to share.  I am constantly being asked if I have a moment to answer iPad questions.  Most people are pretty respectful about it and generally I can answer their questions pretty easily.  Folks are now requesting a photo workshop.  I tell them, let the cruise director know what you want.  I really don’t mind doing it, and I will be ever so grateful when we can move the lectures out of the conference room and into the Grand Salon when we get a VGA connector.  I don’t know what the cruise director has planned for future segments.

I have been able to do FaceTime with Deborah and Isabelle.  I sure do miss that little granddaughter of mine.  I need the connection with my loved ones at home.  That is important to my health and well being.  I have also done FaceTime with friend, Mary Lynn in Port Ludlow and with Carol and Rick, who are staying in our condo in Rancho Mirage.  I enjoy receiving emails from everyone, so continue to write!!  I don’t care if you don’t have anything to say, just keep in contact!

I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping.  I don’t think it has been all the wacky time changes we have experienced over these past two weeks.  I have asked for more padding on the bed and so hopefully this will help reduce the aches and pains I have each morning.  I am struggling with back spasms and a stiff neck, and when I use the stairs, my knees hurt.  These problems, while always there, are not so bad when I am home and can get regular massage to keep me loosened up.  But here on the ship, who can afford to do that every week?  I avoid taking pain medication and muscle relaxants so I don’t dull my mind in case I have to play bridge.  So far, I have only had to play a few times (yippee!).  Michael has had a sore throat, but has recovered. 

  

Yesterday, the crew had a tug-o-war contest between the different departments.  It was loud, noisy and lots of fun.  The captain of the ship is quite the character.  I have never seen a captain jump in the pool fully clothed (see previous post Crossing the Equator), nor dressed in a getup like this one.  I like the socks.  The crew loves these activities as they get to take some time off their regular jobs, and blow off steam and just have fun. 

Bar staff vs. the dining room girls -- girls gave it a good go!  Won 2 out of 3!  (they had a little help)

Our natty captain.  Check out the socks (green = starboard; red = port)

I am really looking forward to not wearing make-up tomorrow, lounging around in the morning until I am ready to go out, and walking on terra firma.  I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow because we want to find a beach to relax on and maybe swim in the turquoise water.  We have been incredibly lucky as the seas have been pretty flat the entire 10 sea days.  I dread to think how awful things could have been if the seas were rough.