Jan 15th, 2020 Day 12 of 128

It’s another exciting day at sea on the Holland America Amsterdam.  We have definitely gotten into our sea day routines of schoolwork, project Linus blanket class, watercolor classes and lectures.  That takes us up till about 3pm.  Today the afternoon was a great opportunity for my mom and I to both take a nap.  The girls spent some time in Club HAL and getting a jump on some more schoolwork. Next week we have five days that we have excursions so they wanted to get a little bit ahead so the don’t fall behind.  They are being so conscientious about their studies.  I am really super proud of them both.  So tonight the birthday celebrations began.  We ate at the specialty Italian resteraunt on the ship at Megan request, as tomorrow is her 11^thbirthday.  Tomorrow we will have dinner at our usual table in the main dining room and I know they will spoil her there.  Lastly, Geoffrey the Club HAL coordinator is planning a surprise party for her tomorrow evening.  He asked the pastry chef to make her a special birthday cake and we are going to decorate an area on the ship and some of the crew was invited to come and all yell surprise for her.  We are finalizing up the details, but it should be amazing.  So tomorrow we will spend the day in Recife, Brazil touring the city and learning about the history and culture of this part of Brazil. We have been asked to be cautious of pickpockets in this port and so we will be vigilant, as we always are. Someone had asked about activities on the ship, specifically exercise.  There is a full gym here on the ship and even personal trainers. They offer many classes throughout the week including Yoga, Pilates, Spin classes, and aerobic classes.  There is a full salon and spa.  The prices are a little steep, but the convenience of having it here on the ship is worth it.  There is a type of general store that also sells liquor that they will keep for you till we get off the ship in four months, a gift shop, and a jewelry store that also has cosmetics and perfume.  There is quite a library on the ship and it has a section dedicated to games and puzzles you can use.  There is a coffee shop that has all things latte and Frappe you could want, for an additional fee.  Enjoy a couple shots of Megan’s birthday celebration from tonight.  She’s rocking her new hair due. More goodies to come tomorrow for her special day!!  Hugs and Love…Debra

P.S. I tried unsuccessfully to add photo for an hour. Maybe tomorrow. I have a feeling the further south we head the less cooperative our internet service will be. Never fear. I promise to type nightly as usual, you just may get multiple days to read once we get to civilization. LOL!!