Days 48 & 49 – Feb 22 & 23 – Days at Sea

On Feb 22nd at around 11 am we heard via CNN about the tragic earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.  It was terribly hard for some of us to grasp the horribleness of this event, since we had just been there 11 days ago.  I kept thinking of my encounters with a few of the citizens of this lovely city.  I wondered how they were doing and how hard they had been affected.  For about an hour or so that was all Sharon and I could do was watch the news coverage.  It was terribly sad seeing the destruction done to the Cathedral, since we had both spent time walking around it.

Once again we are sailing through rough seas. 

    This sign warning of the Tasmanian Devil is now on the door to our stateroom.

At Sydney, the CEO of Holland American came aboard.  Therefore, that night we had a BIG celebration to celebrate our stay “Down Under”.  However, we understand that everytime the CEO is on ship an “over the top” extravagance occurs this one was called “A Taste of Australia”.  Both Sharon and I enjoyed ourselves, good food and music but to my taste it was just too much, too much of everything, especially people.  You (especially if you are using a walker) could hardly walk through the crowds and it was a challenge to find a table.  This is an aspect of cruise life that rattles me, but it’s all part of the experience so I just relax and try not to think of the impact on the environment that all this waste has.  

They drained the pool for this display!!!!

Our entertainment consisted of a folk band and an Aborginal Dingeradoo player.  I thoroughly enjoyed the music, except when they were both performing at the same time.

And it was here at the Fruit Display that you found those of us who try to make good food choices.

Dancing by the pool.