Sea Day #3 of 3
It’s another sea day and I have learned we have crossed the imaginary line that now puts us in the Indian Ocean. We are still en route to Fremantle, Australia. Last night we got an invitation to a gathering today at 2:00pm for those of us currently on the ship from the 2020 World Cruise. You can sense a weirdness among the passengers as we approach the place where our 2020 World Cruise ended traumatically and abruptly. We tried to sleep in this morning, not very successfully. I was up and ready to go to breakfast when the Pinnacle Grill opened at 8:00am only to discover it was still only 7:00am. So I went and had some tea and waited and let Megan sleep in. I am happy to report my back in still feeling a bit better yet today I would say I am about 50% back to my mobility and normal activity. Still a way to go, but I will take it!! I had breakfast and then went to Project Linus this morning. I am making great work of my blanket thanks to my back feeling better. We headed back to the cabin after PL and Megan had tutoring at 12:30pm and I took care of some business/ my honey do list, that I had planned to tackle today. We will have two port days coming up and I wanted to put some things off my mind. I got to see Beh, one of our amazing regular servers in the Pinnacle Grill, this morning as well as this evening for a special Italian winemakers dinner I went to. Beh is sadly getting off the ship the day after tomorrow so today was our chance to say good bye.
What a time of reflection today. There was some never before seen (by the passengers) photos shown of our luggage and it’s adventures once we left the ship in 2020. One photo in particular was of the crew lining the 3rd level deck just as I remembered them saying goodbye when we got off the Amsterdam on March 22nd, 2020. It definitely evoked some emotions that leaked out of my eyes. The captain gave a touching speech and then turned it over to Henk and Ian the for a little Q&A session. Ian asked Henk some questions about his most memorable moments of that day and about what he did during the pandemic. Next, came a video presentation where they asked each of the 21 crew members currently on board, all the same questions. It was a time of reflection, remembrance, and a bit traumatic reliving that day for many of the crew and for the passengers as well. I think it was a lovely way to gain some closure and to celebrate what we have triumphantly and successfully survived. We all kinda had a chance to mourn the loss of our beloved MS Amsterdam and I can not tell you how therapeutic is was to be in room filled with people that walked the same journey alongside my family and I. From the chaos of the times, to the struggles and stress we were all experiencing. The fear and the uncertainties of each day as we sailed into Fremantle. I knew this time of the World Cruise and this port would evoke some memories for me. I celebrate the emotions I am feeling as difficult as they are. I am blessed to be here right now in this time traveling and living life again. I am so proud of my family and for all the obstacles it has overcome in these three years. We are so lucky to be able to remember to never wait till tomorrow because it never a guarantee. A philosophy we have adopted in our lives and try to live by.
I went to the Pinnacle tonight for the Italian Cellars Masters Dinner at 6:00pm and Megan went to have dinner in the main dining room with Gail and Marty this evening. I had a five course meal with four wine pairings. The food and the wine were both exquisite. My favorite wine was a jammy red from J Lohr Vineyard in Paso Robles. It was nice to talk with the Sommelier about my experiences having had their wine before and living so close to Paso. I had three new table mates this evening I had not met before and enjoyed getting to know each of them. We brought a farewell gift to Beh, a couple of Disney Numio’s for his daughters and a gratuity to him for him amazing service for the trip. I hate goodbyes but love that he is getting to go home to spend some time with his family. Tomorrow we should wake up just as we are coming into Fremantle. I am anxious to visit this port and to leave it as well, at least on a ship this time. It will be the most emotionally sail away party I have ever been to. But not for a couple of days as this is an overnight. I will enjoy the adventures this port has in store for us.
Hug those close to you and give thanks for the blessings in your life.
Live Vicariously Through Debra 