.......idle jottings

[ho-hum]

Your comment is interesting V and since Dave too has expressed an interest also.

Maybe it is an idea to elucidate the security situation a tad further.

 

So, there are three personnel (enough but not over-run). Only two on duty at any one time.

 

The head guy is mainly stationed in the bridge liaising with the Captain and constantly receiving various info from a myriad number of intelligence sources of both government and private agencies as well as being informed of any radar contacts (2 radars), sending codes to various surrounding ships (who is a "goodie", who is a "baddie") and reporting to various naval presence (2 hours away).

So he is rarely visible to passengers.

 

The remaining (1) personnel is on duty touring the entire ship, discreetly checking potential boarding breaches, signage erected, chatting to crew and passengers (about security concerns), checking up on crew on watch etc.. All in a relaxed manner.

They are not dressed in full body armour and do not carry weapons.

They are dressed in black shorts and t-shirts.

They are also not aloof, macho men but courteous and friendly and smiling.

 

Several select crew are also conscripted as back up to the security personnel. These crew have had military experience, weapon firing etc.. So security personnel can be added to.

 

So you see V, their presence is benign and friendly and not at all "disturbing".

 

The crew and passengers are now trained.

If there is a concern, we group in the dining-room (portholes closed).

Personnel armour themselves and load guns.

If there is an attempted boarding: they fire.

If there is a boarding, Captain is evacuated from bridge. Bridge secured, equipment disabled and filled with smoke.

Personnel and Captain retreat to deck 1 along with crew and passengers who have moved by then. Doors are locked on inside. Captain has control of the vessel from deck 1.

All shipping and naval back up are informed by MAYDAY signals.

Naval vessels approach in about two hours.

Personnel are in radio contact with naval support outside. Codes are exchanged when danger has passed. Deck doors are opened. Crew and passengers checked.

 

And there are a myriad number of actions that can be taken in addition to this basic breakdown AND those are the ones known about !

 

The pirates preferred option are slow moving, low in water, goods carrying, cargo ships with no security.

 

You would'nt believe the poor security of these ships. When in Salalah we saw numerous boats with no (apparent) security at all. One had some barbed wire with mannequins holding "guns" and displaying fake, oil stained, American flags.

 

NOTE

Signs are displayed on three sides of ship. Sandbags are built at high level which would act as both actual defended positions and as deterrents to demonstrate that armed precautions are in place by professional security personnel.

[ho-hum]

At approximately 12.20pm Captain Lund announced Code Green.

Within 4 - 8 minutes everyone was accounted for in the Dining-Room.

 

Two skiffs were spotted 5 miles off the starboard bow travelling very fast. After 5 minutes they were seen headed towards a ship that had been following 15 miles away.

 

Everybody responded well.

Be reassured if it happens again, we will respond even better.

[ho-hum]

6 propeller US surveillance plane swoops low and heads round to ship/s behind.

The ship behind is gaining and is now veering off to port. It is a container ship (not a mother ship used by skiffs).

Security personnel walk around after removing armour and helmets (and of course weapons).

Captain was out first in fact checking on his passengers.

Good job Sea Dream.

[Jim Avery]

It seems the security personnel on board are doing a fine job. Adding excitement to what would be "routine" sea days of rest, eating, relaxing, drinking. Your reporting is better than BBC standards. You won't hear such detail on CNN either. Keep up the good work.:D

[vandrefalk]

Thank you for the excellent description of security! It's just so far removed from what we are used to -- but then, SD usually doesn't travel in such "interesting" environments!

Look forward to more!

Vandrefalk

[ho-hum]

Again blah-blah morning, seas, sun, elbow etc.. Life is good.

 

Sea Dream snap shots:

Weather: partly cloudy, 74-89F

Sun: 06.00am-18.43pm

Specials:

- Fashion Show

 

So we enter Salalah, Oman.

Salalahalalalalal...made famous for Sea Dreamers by Gareth (Club & Activities Director) assisted in dress sense and personal presentation by certain well dressed, cosmopolitan passengers hailing from Canada.

Now Gareth is a finished article and must rate as one of the best CADs of all time !

Pray Sea Dream dont make ridiculous demands on him and support him (and dont over-extend his contract creating undue stresses and strains which one day may break: sound familiar Sea Dream, in case you're listening).

 

Oh man it's hot !

 

14 passengers go on trip first thing (8.30am). Sounds quite dull (but worth seeing this part of the world).

 

We are moored in an industrial port: its 'orrible.

But no criticism of Sea Dream from ho hum.

There have been many unfair criticisms of mooring sites. What can Sea Dream do about it ?

 

Great lunch accompanied by a Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: it is a bargain at $51. Would have preferred a rose but the Provencal Domain Ott is overpriced at $71 even though there is a "reduction" from $81 (obvious marketing ploy).

The sommelier is brilliant by the way; everything just so.

 

Well we all meet up for cocktails before the Fashion Show.

Gyro tells ho hum about her trip outside Salalah; she and her husband are a very smart couple and ho hum enjoys their refined perspective and observations.

 

Donning the fashion reporter's hat.

There were no great "movers 'n shakers" fashionistas to report as ho hum was frantically occupied consuming the delicious canapes and quaffing chilled champagne.

However there is a certain gentleman accompanied by a family member that really makes an effort at dinner. He usually wears a jacket. It is blue-black with silver buttons on the arms and in his top pocket is a puffed up colourful handkerchief. Plain white shirt. Three buttons undone (which suggests the available sign is ON !). His trousers are dark red burgundy colour which immediately signals upper class in the UK but as a Scandinavian gentleman it denotes dandyish overtones (the men are so dull) the dark red Burgundy also signals discernment though. Plain black leather loafers: very elegant.

 

So again we dine outside, this time we are joined with two of the security personnel.

Both served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Irrespective of your views on the rights and wrongs of these campaigns, these guys deserve our respect.

Throughout the evening they were the most polite and well mannered (as expected).

They are also the most interesting people we have had the pleasure of dining with: their modesty and other personal attributes are a wonder for gentlemen both so young and without the advantages of some in their early years.

 

We will be repeating this experience at least another two nights with all (3) of the security personnel once we are passed potential piracy risk areas.

They were "blown away" (not a suitable metaphor for military personnel, ho hum knows. Forgive this lapse.) by Sea Dream's dining experience and were fussed over extra specially by all the waiting crew as a token of their appreciation to them and to demonstrate that they are just as accomplished at their jobs too. The word is R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

 

Garfield drops in again.

 

Later the security personnel need to report back (they do not consume any alcohol when in piracy risk area, by the way) and we have Garfield all to ourselves, again.

Can life get any better (it's rhetorical).

 

Oh and the stars ! OMG ! Being on watch has it's perks ! Being a passenger on a crossing is the best ! And we do it all over again tomorrow ! And the next day, and............

 

NOTE

The reports are always a day late. The piracy alert happened yesterday which will be reported tomorrow. OK

Oh and another thing. The security alert yesterday was Code Yellow.

[landman4455]

Dear Ho Hum

 

Our connection in cyberspace is that we did our first cruise ever from Singapore to Mumbai on Seadream II finishing last Friday. So our departure would have been at the same time as your arrival. Thank you for your entertaining posts in which there are useful tips.

 

We too were at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. It felt like an after-cruise reunion as most of the 65 passengers were there and all seemed to agree that it was a very good holiday.

 

After India's colourful, crowded, crumbling chaos intensified in Mumbai is a stark contrast to our return to our property on the edge of the Australian outback in Queensland where there are cool temperatures, clear skies with mist on the mountains not smog, dead quietness disturbed only by bird life at this best at dawn. We take this for granted so it is good to go away to appreciate it.

 

We are suffering an acute case of Seadream withdrawals. So your reminders of Chef Thomaz and Garfield was uplifting. The food was excellent perhaps the melon every morning a bit repetitive and the melting petit fours in the heat could be changed but that is being picky. There was certainly a great variety of food and no doubt it is a great challenge to obtain and maintain fresh food in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

 

We too met the 3 security guards. I did not realise such would be needed but they seemed very professional and keep all aware but relaxed.

 

Please say hello to Captain Lund, Dr Andy, Maitre De Jamie, the bartenders Shaun, Zolton and Roland who kept us in great humour, waiters Amar, Rhyden, Jamie et al, Elena and Jonas, the wonderful Rowena our cabin attendant and anyone else who will recall my 95yo father and me.

 

Both the crew and passengers as seasoned travellers were very kind to us. Seadream II is probably not a trip for an elderly traveller with limited mobility but we had a great time. The delightful Canadian couple from Edmonton were the only members of our trip continuing onwards to Athens so hello goes to them as well.

 

It occurred to me upon departing Seadream that the service is top-notch compared to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel where there were charges for everything. Seadream is very good value for money despite that we ate and drank too much!

 

Best wishes for happy and safe travels .......

[ctbjr1309]

These reports are fab, ho-hum. Thanks for entertaining and informing us. I must say that I am quite relieved to not be on this particular crossing as I just don't know how I'd fare under the scrutiny of ho-hum's microscope.....

[JES4845]

Double dittos for Ho Hum's reporting. Drinks on us!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[ho-hum]

SDII: Mumbai-Athens, Day 6 (Tuesday, 29 April, 2014)

Sorry got days wrong in earlier posts.

 

........blah-blah morning, seas, sun, elbow etc..

 

Sea Dream snap shots:

Next Port: Suez Canal, Egypt

Weather: partly cloudy, 74-89F

Sun: 06.00am-18.43pm

Specials:

- Dressing deserts with Garfield accompanied by 3 security personnel !

- Disco

 

For the amusement of passengers, Garfield arranges a demonstration in the main Salon involving the preparation of a desert using various meringues which, when assembled resemble a swan (or should do).

The security personnel are hand-picked for the ridicule which will certainly follow, when they are invited to replicate the assembly.

They range from "what the hell is that !" to amazingly good (a natural).

Garfield awards them a ceramic plate of Sea Dream to each.

Great sports awarded by a round of clapping and extra photos to be snapped next to these hunks. Lady with pronunciation issue is flirting outrageously with these hunks; they are permitted a much wider range of latitude when they try to pronounce her name !

Aint life unfair !

 

Ho hum has spa appointment for the Thai hot compress massage concentrating on his elbow beautifully and professionally executed by the attuned and healing hands of Pla.

Elbow is almost back to normal but still a tad tender.

 

And then it happened !

 

As reported yesterday: two "skiffs" spotted 5 miles off the starboard bow travelling very fast (20-25 knots).

"Code Yellow - Code Yellow" (not Code Green as inaccurately reported yesterday) announced by Captain. We file into restaurant. Within 4-8 minutes everyone is present.

And at lunch, a 6 propeller US surveillance plane swoops low and heads round to ship/s behind Sea Dream (the direction in which the skiffs veered off to).

Security personnel followed by Captain make their rounds soon after in good old fashioned reassurance mode.

 

A lazy afternoon followed due to the very high temperatures (must have exceeded forecasted high of 89F). Passengers still chatting about The Event !

 

We meet for cocktails.

This time the "knock out" attire is worn by Elena, the CAD.

A short whitey-cream skirt with a fabric under-piece overlayed with tiny whitey-cream sequins, bordering on the translucent.

And then the top ! A most amazing red, sleeveless piece with tiniest of straps completely covered in red oblong shaped sequins. The back is held by a single hook allowing the garment to splay open discreetly and tantalisingly revealing her beautiful light brown toned back.

Her jet black hair is tied back: gypsy-esque.

Wow !

Well thankyou ho hum she says with her beautiful wide smile.

Mon plaisir mademoiselle, mon plaisir.

 

On our way to dinner, our fellow table diners meet up with the head of security personnel and we stand around chatting about any updates (a light is seen in distance from the pool area). Other diners file past us, each saying hello.

The lady with the earlier pronunciation issue (who has been taking advantage of the champagne) requests extra personal security (wink-wink) from the well honed security personnel !

 

And so to dinner outside with Garfield (for entire meal) and Fabian (provisions master) all alone on top deck.

It cannot get any better than this !

Garfield and his stories.

Fabian and his dry wit and Gallic nonchalance.

The two combined are a hoot !

Two of the longest serving crew members onboard. The stories. They really should do an "Evening with Garfield & Fabian" it would be a sell out.

 

Fabian has also provided two excellent wines ! So very generous of him.

A fabulous Pouilly-Fume (from the French, Loire region: the most subtle sauvignon-blanc in the world) and a gorgeous Bollinger rose champagne to accompany Garfield's extravaganza of a desert especially made for just this table.

 

What an evening. The temperatures are rising so after dinner, ho hum soaks in the pool.

 

Nobody has energy to do the Disco at TOYB.

 

So back to the cabin: the air conditioning hardly seems to make a difference. So sleep on top of sheets.

Sea Dream cannot cope with high temperatures with current air-conditioning set up.

Another reason (among the many) never to do Asia ever again.

Passenger complaints likely to be high tomorrow morning.

Oh and dont forget the crew.

If it's bad for us then it will be bad for them also and then they have to listen to us complaining how bad we slept.

A double whammy !

 

Ho hum can sleep anywhere at anytime.

Empty headedness has its perks.

Cant imagine not being able to sleep (even after two coffees at dinner) !!

[CDreamer]

SDII: Mumbai-Athens, Day 6 (Tuesday, 29 April, 2014) Oh and dont forget the crew. If it's bad for us then it will be bad for them also and then they have to listen to us complaining how bad we slept.

A double whammy!

 

Yes.... And THIS is what now and always has set SD apart from the rest.

 

Ho Hum, thanks for your honest and detailed review... Just another reminder as to how much the hardworking Captain(s) and crew work to help make all of our times on board not only as safe as possible but worth every penny spent.

Edited May 1, 2014 by CDreamer

[ho-hum]

Dear Ho Hum

 

Our connection in cyberspace is that we did our first cruise ever from Singapore to Mumbai on Seadream II finishing last, waiters Amar, Rhyden, Jamie et al, Elena a.......... everything. Seadream is very good value for money despite that we ate and drank too much!

 

Best wishes for happy and safe travels .......

 

 

 

Dear (Jamie) Landman,

 

May ho hum first say how appreciative he was that you firstly posted and then posted so eloquently and heartfelt.

The last time we (the readers of this forum) received news from you was that your "old man" would be too ill to travel. Did ho hum mis-understand ?

Well ho hum hopes this does not sound patronising but "good on ye" for making the trip.

Of course ho hum passed on your hellos and was met by many stories about you and your father and what a great "vibe" you both had (ho hums words). Your presence was enjoyed and appreciated, certainly by the crew.

The Edmonton couple were especially pleased that you said hello and requested your email. Ho hum explained that he did not have your email but may one suggest that you email the ship directly (sd2-concierge@seadream.com) with a message for Shelley & Chris (Cabin 316), they would be delighted to hear from you.

May ho hum respectfully suggest that you also email your appreciation directly to the crew within the email message to Shelley & Chris (Cabin 316).

They told ho hum you are cattle ranchers in the real outback of Australia. That obviously explains the "landman" handle.

Ho hum is intrigued how you both experienced Sea Dream and particular India having come from, as you say, total quiet and well, an isolated way of life.

Well we ALL wish you and your father well; please keep in contact.

Ho hum is sure readers of this thread would love to hear from you.

 

Kindest regards cobber.

 

PS

As you know, Anzac day passed a little while ago (Commemorating those that fell during WW1&2 from the Australia & New Zealand Corps). So it is significant that you posted around this time. Next year, of course, will be 100 years since the Allied soldiers landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula (On 25 April 1915, eight months into the First World War).

[vandrefalk]

Ho Hum,

Interesting you mentioned Anzac Day -- last year we did the Istanbul-Venice trip and one of our stops was Gallipoli. It was a fascinating day, made more so by the fact that we had some 30 Australians and New Zealanders on board. It meant so much to the rest of us to see how important it was to these folks -- Nat, the CAD, had even arranged for a wreath to be presented at one of the cemeteries by the group. One couple had both great-uncles fight there -- one survived and went to London -- the other's name was on the wall. A very emotional day. . . . .

Vandrefalk

[landman4455]

Dear Ho Hum

 

Back again; thanks for your posts, your response and for passing on good wishes to Sea Dream II passengers and crew.

 

Yes, ANZAC Day is an important event in Australia. It is a public holiday and interest and numbers at annual services every April 25th are building in recent years due to the centenary next year. We missed the event this year being on SeaDream and that was the first time I can remember that Dad as a WW2 veteran on active service in New Guinea has not been at home for it.

 

18 months ago he had a nasty fall at home at night. Prior to that he marched with enthusiasm every ANZAC Day and was driving every day on our cattle property, often driving a 10 ton bulldozer, fencing and mustering.

 

So now at age 95, he told me he was bored at home and wanted to travel. How do you say 'no'? So I didn't. At the end of a huge drought when he was 90, we went to Egypt and Greece and to Russia in 2011. The Seadream cruise was a better option for someone with limited mobility and, as he had been almost everywhere in the world, the India trip appealed as it was not too far to travel from Australia. We 'down under' are a long way from everywhere.

 

On the weekend before our trip started, I spent 4 days mustering cattle for an annual sale. Dad was in the care of my sister who managed to allow him to be so dehydrated that he needed hospitalisation. So we had to cancel the flights at the 11th and I took him home and unpacked as we felt very sad. Dad for the previous 100 days had bounced out of bed asking 'how long before we left' every morning. Worse, I saw on the internet that Seadream was not coming back to Asia in 2015 and this was essentially the last luxury cruise this season in the area.

 

Dad recovered quickly and his sad looks in the morning prompted me to ring the travel agent who wonderfully arranged for us to fly to Phuket to join Seadream, missing just one day. I asked Dad if he was willing to do this and his instant reply was "yes". So, with a 2 hour wait for the 'plane and a 3 hour drive to the airport, arrangements for 1000 acres of cattle and re-packing, it was a frantic exercise in a couple of hours!

 

Dad handled well the long flight to Phuket via Singapore. We arrived unknowingly at Thai New Year. To meet us was a beige BMW and young driver in black wayfarers, black outfit and brown mullet hairdo, looking like he had just stepped out of a nightclub. I gathered that he was the son of the car owner and the deal was that he could drive around in luxury all day if he collected us early on the holiday.

 

I followed the driver's GPS as we toured dumpy but delightful Phuket with its eclectic housing, businesses interspersed with pineapple farms and stalls. There were the red and gold miniature monuments to Buddha on every site and in typical Thai style sales from every possible counter space.

 

Suddenly we dived off into a residential area of pastel houses, the quality gradually deteriorating and the number of mangey cats and dogs increasing. We arrived at a marina where dozens of Thais were waking under Palm trees from the new year celebrations the night before. With no ship in sight, I said to the driver 'wrong place?' and he chattered away on the mobile 'phone. Back in the car and away from the noticeably hot and humid weather after the mountains at home, we went down more alleys over gravel tracks and arrived at another landing spot.

 

I noticed the boards were inches different in height and not secured on the boardwalk and wondered how I would get luggage and Dad in the heat along it for 100 metres. Suddenly, some Australians appeared out of the bushes and asked if I was lost as they were looking for 'Seadream'. We were pleased to find each other as they had a package which was probably engine parts.

 

Suddenly, 2 crisp white uniforms appeared with navy hats on the platform and greeted us like Dr Livingstone in deepest Africa. Dad seated on the wheelchair was carried by 4 able bodied SeaDream staff back to a tiny dumpy old green boat with cracks that showed the water underneath. The engine spluttered and suddenly we were off. What fun! At this point, I smiled to myself, that, if this was the mode of transport to Mumbai, I had been severely ripped off.

 

Then the beautiful Seadream ship appeared from behind the palm treed islands. We had made it.

 

Dad now rather exhausted was taken up the steep gangway and a warm welcome was given to us. If this doesn't demonstrate the wonderful stand of Seadream service, nothing else will.

 

Dad recovered from his epic journey and we had a fabulous holiday. Both the staff and passengers were very kind to us offering assistance continually.

 

So that explains why we nearly didn't but did make it to Mumbai. We loved seeing Colombo, Cochin and Goa even though it is a local government nightmare for Australians with its open sewers, piles of refuse, roaming animals, crazy traffic and crumbling footpaths. We whizzed around in tuk tuks and taxis bumping into other Seadreamers at the sights loving it all and especially the colour and abundant tropical foliage.

 

I shall take your suggestion to email a thank you to the staff at Seadream II when I have all my thoughts together. My intention was to email Shelley and Chris as I have their business card closer to the time that they will be home.

 

Thank you again for passing on my regards to all.

 

Best wishes are extended to you for safe and happy sailing ......

 

JRM

[ho-hum]

SDII: Mumbai-Athens, Day 7 (Wednesday, 30 April, 2014)

 

........morning, seas, sun, elbow, same-o, same-o

 

Sea Dream snap shots:

Next Port: Suez Canal, Egypt

Weather: partly cloudy, 60-80F (cooler, thank God)

Sun: 05.40am-18.21pm

Special events:

- Talk "the wind in the rigging" (dont ask, never go: mid-mornings at the TOYB cant be beat besides ho hum knows everything worth knowing and champagne tastes so good at this time of day besides barman Roland may be feeling lonely)

- Liars Club (ho hum rules himself out: never lied in his life)

 

An un-eventful day; most welcome.

 

A bit of bad news tho'.

The security personnel who were going to stay on after their prescribed duty period have had orders to report to a floating arsenal used by all assorted security personnel who safeguard ships passing in the Gulf of Aden and beyond from where they will wait a day before joining a Norwegian tanker.

Now this arsenal sounds rough but the stories of these ships sounds even worse. They bring energy drinks, cereal bars and energy biscuits onboard with them. They dont eat or drink from provisions onboard: they need to remain healthy.

Contracting gastro-enteritis or such like is not helpful. Everybody is disappointed. Their dining card was completely full.

Hope they remember a special souvenir for a Canadian chum !

 

Now there are rumours going around the ship all the time.

One rumour that is gaining credibility concerns the Captain !

Very un-wisely, in ho hum's humble opinion, he has challenged the head of security (ex-Commando, sergeant major) to an endurance test !

Ho hum asks Captain Lund at cocktails, if it were true. "Why yes ho hum".

Ho hum questioned his sanity. Steiner, the chief officer smiles in the wings (glancing forlornly at the Captain's epaulettes: soon to be his).

Furthermore he adds, he will be joined by the new-ish Spa manageress, Tanja.

A tall, athletic, young lady, without an ounce of fat on her toned frame.

She used to be an Olympic skier for her country: Germany. Yikes ! She will be good then. Pity its not a penalty shoot out competition !

 

Another lazy afternoon followed after a long leisurely lunch with two beautiful companions: blondie and "pronunciation" lady (who is now a firm favourite, offering the most outrageous opinions ranging from men to health to religion to s- * - x; ho hum is getting quite an education as well as being hugely entertained).

 

Cocktails out on pool deck then it is Japanese dinner evening (again outside).

This time we dine with the hip Belgian travel couple and "pronunciation" lady whose own pronunciation is now heavily impaired due to the liberal consumption of champagne which she reliably informs ho hum contains all the vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates needed. Ho hum nods approvingly, he suspected the same himself but now here was the proof from an un-impeachable source with the body looking 20 years younger to prove it !

 

A good time was had by all.

Too good a time as we miss first round of Liars club.

For the un-initiated: this comprises of 4 crew; each of whom gives a description/meaning of an unusual word. One of which is the correct word only: the rest are fabrications, explained in such a manner and with guile to lure you into selecting the in-correct one.

Garfield (desert chef), Jamie (hotel manager), Dr.Andy (doctor) and Tanja (spa manageress) offer the various explanations.

 

Now when Tanja rose from her seat to deliver her explanation, well ho hum nearly fell off his chair ! Bellissimo, a beautiful young lady in the "little black dress" customary for most European women going out for drinks except she had refined "little down to tiny" and revealed such amazing well defined, bronzed limbs supported on 4" heels. Wow !

Ho hum has revised his opinion, this lady could win the endurance test.

A very accomplished person indeed: she is instantly admired for her politeness, manner and assuredness being herself (at her most glamorous) and that above all else is the most captivating quality of them all.

[ho-hum]

Dear Ho Hum

 

Back again; thanks for your posts, your response and for passing on good wishes to Sea Dream II passengers and crew.

 

Yes, ANZAC Day is as it was not too far to travel from Australia. We 'down under' are a long way from everywhere.

 

On the ............

Thank you again for passing on my regards to all.

 

Best wishes are extended to you for safe and happy sailing ......

 

JRM

 

.....words fail old ho hum !

What a story, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

[ho-hum]

Has it really been 8 days ! Gosh !

 

........morning, seas, sun, elbow, same-o, same-o but GOUT returns !

 

Sea Dream snap shots:

Position (at 08.00am): Red Sea (one inch in on map from bottom entrance ! Stop giggling)

Next Port: Suez Canal, Egypt (the country which recently handed out the death sentence to over 600 people in just one trial: USA look out, this is serious competition tho' you still lead in incarcerating more prisoners per head of population than any country in the world !)

Weather: sunny, 74-89F (oh c**p its hotter !)

Sun: 06.15am-18.56 pm (reliably on time, great job Mr.G)

Special events:

- cooking demo with Chef Tomasz (didnt attend, sent blondie instead. Yea v sexist).

- SD v EOS challenge (no doubt followed by announcement that Steiner, the chief officer will be the new Captain !)

- Club Member's Party (caviaaaaaRrrrr: blondie so excited !)

 

An un-eventful day for the most part (most welcome) however Silvio had lead the "Walk a Mile": the morning exercise comprising of 16 laps of the deck (equating to one mile) which raises money for charity (Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, this time). This is undertaken only on re-positionings.

No ho hum doesnt take part: keen on safeguarding and preserving his knees as long as possible ! (but he gives to the charity, the philanthropist that he is though not quite on the Bill Gates level)

Oh forgot the most important fun part !

By the time of the start, temperatures were up to 30C and rising: Silvio leads walk dressed in a full length BATMAN outfit !

What a guy ! Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba S I L V I OOOOOO ! Ho hum's hero (soon to be replaced).

 

And so the time arrived !

 

At 15.00pm today the challenge between Sea Dream & EOS Security began.

The 3 burly security personnel performed over 100 press ups in 2 minutes (which beats ho hums record of 10 in 2 days).

Captain Lund & Tanja (Spa Manager) followed; the Captain completed 80 (Tanja slightly less).

Then followed "rip curls" again the security personnel were in the ascendancy but again the Captain was not far behind.

 

Then helmets were donned and Weighty body armour jackets were fitted.

The temperature was over 30C and the humidity stifling.

They then ran and briskly walked around the deck for ONE WHOLE HOUR !

All completed the task.

And the winner: Captain Lund ! Unbelievable !

Tanja finished the course too. Incredible !

 

The event was attended by all the passengers and we were amazed by the degree of physical endurance the Captain and Tanja had.

The passengers celebrated their hero and heroine, not really quite believing what had just happened !

And Captain Lund is (much) older than the security personnel ! Astounding achievement !

Ho hum removed the helmet and jacket off Tanya and offered to do the same for the Captain, he declined citing that passengers wanted to still take photos (not for his personal vanity but for the enjoyment of the passengers). Selfless act.

 

So when the Captain entered the library for the Club Members Party in the evening, the passengers heartily applauded. He appeared none the worse for the endurance test.

 

Due to the heat, we decided to dine in the air-conditioned Dining-Room.

 

We dine with the Captain and the head of security personnel !

What a privilege !

The Captain provides a Puligny-Montrachet and a Pommard. A white and red Burgundy, both by Louis Jadot and both utterly charming: served by the "just so" Pablo (sommelier).

And then the stories begin !.

Ollie, the security personnel tells us "tales of derring do" followed by the Captain's own adventures (prior to Sea Dream).

The wonderful meal passes in an instant (loved the vegetable fajitas from the Raw Cuisine menu !)

 

As other passengers file out, they nod their appreciation to our dining companions.

Tanja has been invited to dine with a large table and wears a real "little black dress" (not the really tiny one of a few evenings ago). As she leaves, ho hum's beckons her over for a group photo of the challenge participants in their evening wear (head of security, Captain and Tanja).

Then follows various juxtapositions including ho hum: what illustrious company.

Tanja sits with us and the competitors re-live their feelings of the challenge: fascinating to listen to.

 

We adjourn to TOYB where George & Din Din are belting out songs. Very good.

Still it remains hot, so we descend to cooler climes of the Piano Bar with Shaun.

We stay for a Few drinks and begin to leave when we notice the other two security personnel. They are dragged into the bar and ho hum and blondie have all (3) of the security personnel to ourselves served by Shaun and Veronica comes over from the desolate casino.

More drinks (this time they are allowed to imbibe). More stories ! Emails swopped, offers of accommodation given. Hand shakes, back slaps, more drinks follow to the wee hours !

 

What a day ! The people you meet ! But the Captain & Tanja: simply amazing ! Respect.

 

Photo attached showing boat position

2 May: 14.38 UTC passing Jiddah (close to Mecca)

[ho-hum]

Here's hoping map comes out (see attachment)

[Jim Avery]

What a tiny little ship on such a big ocean. Note to Mr. Hum, hold iPad the other way round when taking pictures.:eek::D At least I think that will do it.:D

[ho-hum]

Sea Dream snap shots:

Next Port: Suez Canal, Egypt

Weather: sunny, 80-93F (OMG even hotter than yesterday !)

Sun: 05.39am-18.15pm

Special events:

- SD Extravaganza

- Talk "Aerial policing in the Middle East" hmmmmm interesting and he's an interesting guy and it's rather hot, maybe, just maybe.......

- Chef's Degustation Dinner (yum yum)

 

.....morning, seas, sun, elbow, same-o, same-o but GOUT abating.

 

Another un-eventful day and again most, most welcome.

Security personnel left at 03.30am on a zodiac (just a few hours after leaving them in the piano bar !).

 

Ho hum decides not to go to the lecture, he finds a spot known by a certain regular as "The Office" (which always make ho hum chuckle). This regular sits there imperiously sipping his Red Stripe like a Roman Emperor (hi Charlie if you're out there).

It is in the shade and a beautiful breeze provides refreshment. Sitting for an hour beautifully chilled: no compulsion to read, talk, whatever.

Roland (you all know Roland, right) is preparing the bar: a chilled glass of water is placed on a napkin on the table (no words spoken not even glances). Happy are we.

The music is a chilled style and doesnt jar.

Glance over to Roland who wanders over with a glass of champagne. Turns to leave. Ho hum thanks R. A smile and he returns to the bar, ho hum is happy.

 

Now Roland is a special guy.

He has introduced a new style of martinis which ho hum has dubbed "Martinis for people that dont drink Martinis" (yes it is so very clever of ho hum).

He has enthusiastically and painstakingly re-examined this classic drink and has given it an upgrade.

For example he now gets to know a passenger and passively studies their character.

After just a few days he says "would you like a martini made just for you ?"

So let ho hum attempt to describe a basic martini that he has devised from which he concocts variations to the ingredients to suit the passenger's character.

One is a "Jasmine Martini".

It is the colour of a tropical sunset comprising of an individually made syrup, fresh lemon juice, couple of dashes of Peychaud's bitters (from New Orleans), Beefeater 24 gin (with sencha tea and green tea). This is mixed and left to settle for a 2 hour period.

He will again adjust it for the individual. It is presented and decorated appropriately.

It tastes divine.

There are other martinis: Oriental, Earl Grey...

Sea Dream has updated the tea selection (and they are amazing), this offering seems to be continuing the trend

 

Well the morning drifts by (just the two of us) and ho hum's iphone is now linked to the music system and Leonard Cohen songs are selected. Heaven.

 

A fresh Caesar salad (individually hand made) is set up outside the kitchen area and is prepared by Alistair (sous chef) accompanied by a chilled Italian pinot grigio of exceptional freshness. A soft (white) cheese plated is selected to follow. Excellent cheeses provided by Sea Dream, again they seem to have upgraded the quality. And cheeses are being cut correctly (it no longer resembles children's playdo). Wonderful.

 

Meeting at HQ follows.

 

Tonight blondie has arranged a "ladies night" with ladies available to dine from the crew. This one off event (only permitted on some crossings and only when passenger numbers are very low) is a big favourite. Ho hum takes a myriad number of photos and a special photo for his friend (the shoe fetish guy): see attachment at end.

Ladies from left to right (blondie, Ivana-head of housekeeping, Veronica-casino manager, Tanja-spa manager, Marissa- hairdresser, Arla-concierge & Katherine- shop manager)

[ho-hum]

Try again

[ho-hum]

What a tiny little ship on such a big ocean. Note to Mr. Hum, hold iPad the other way round when taking pictures.:eek::D At least I think that will do it.:D

 

This any better Jim ?

If not get those glasses checked (and maybe cut down on the wee shots)

[ho-hum]

yes breakfast was very nice thankyou

 

Todays Special: Norwegian egg on toast over smoke salmon, mustard and capers.

[vandrefalk]

The pic of the ladies shoes reminds me of ladies I used to see in the Riyadh airport -- presumably their husbands recognized them by their shoes! :eek:

Vandrefalk

[ho-hum]

Sea Dream snap shots:

Next Port: Suez Canal, Egypt

Weather: sunny, 74-89F (should be grateful for small mercies, at least it's not raining as on SDI)

Sun: dont trust their reports anymore how can it be later one day then earlier ?

Special events:

- Talk "The sun shining down"

- pass around: mini hamburger & mini painkiller

- movies (Hollywood rubbish)

 

All the same stuff (sea, sun etc..) life cant get any better.

 

Painkillers ! Now there's a story !

Just ask Enes the next time you see him of taking back to the vessel a very large gentleman from Joost Van Dyke who had consumed too many Painkillers.

On return to ship, this gentleman began to come round and insisted on joining fellow passengers in pool who just happened to be a large party of gay Belgian hairdressers.

A lovely bunch of fellas; true gentlemen.

Learnt a lot that day.............about hair products !

Excusez moi, s'il vous plait !

Well really, the standard of readers of this thread is shockingly poor these days !

 

So Spa treatment by Pla. Mmmmmmmmm the elbow is 90% recovered due to the treatment by Pla.

 

Before lunch, a few gather round the watering hole (TOYB).

Most of the passengers are at the lecture in the darkened Salon shutting out the beautiful morning outside.

Blondie, "pronunciation" (P) lady and moi are the sole TOYB attendees.

P lady has seen the doctor due to puffy ankles and its been suggested she take water tablets and drink water with lemon juice.

Well she's up and down off her stool like a damn yo yo gleefully proclaiming "its working, its working !" And checking her ankles, indeed they have reduced noticeably.

We all celebrate with a champagne for this minor miracle of modern science or God's direct intervention.

Ho hum goes off to read on the large table twinned with the "Office" (occupied by one of the longest day passengers: odd chap).

After a few minutes Roland asks whether ho hum would like the Leonard Cohen to be played again.

"Leonard Cohen ! You like Leonard Cohen ? I love Leonard Cohen ! Put it on, put it on. Louder, louder !"

And so for the next 45 minutes she proceeds to tell us the time when she stayed on Hydra (Greece) in 1961 for the whole of that summer !

"Dance me to the end of love" plays; we all dance intwined with one another.

She resumes her tale of that summer, of course children may be reading this so some details (well most details in fact) have to be edited out.

Suffice to say ho hum gathers there were a lot of glamorous young people wearing very little clothing and surprisingly very few beds so they had to share a lot of the time ! Poor souls !

Maria Callas, Onassis, Nana Mouskouri (White rose of Athens song) and the man himself with his Norwegian girlfriend: Marianne all stayed there, during one of his most creative periods in his amazing life, in fact all their lives.

Well she was in another zone and transported us back to the island and time (we know Hydra quite well).

What a time to be alive surrounded by some of the most brilliant artists of the time.

No lecture could surpass one second of the time at TOYB that morning !

 

We have lunch. Ho hum turns off the music. Passengers are filing out, blinking from the lecture into the light: LC is not for everyone.

An amazing time had by all. A pact is formed to eat dinner together as soon as possible.

What a woman ! Blondie and P lady and moi.

 

But not tonight that is reserved for the wonderful Ivana (head of housekeeping) and fabulous Fabian (provisions master) where we imbibe the same fabulous Bollinger rose champagne provided by Fabian on desert night with Garfield. An entry level chablis by the brilliant Guy Laroche: his Saint Martin. And another repeat. A Pommard from Bourgogne, the same as provided by Captain Lund on the evening of the dinner with himself and Ollie, head of security personnel.

Pablo, the sommelier clears the regular glasses and replaces them with three glasses each, a decanter filled with Pommard, an ice bucket with the champagne (white cloth hanging around the neck) and a chilled chablis. The wines are opened, corks placed for inspection and tasting undertaken. All perfect.

We can get on with the evening. Salut !

We are on an isolated table on the top deck, the breeze is divine and the temperature is perfect.

Our guests are in their crisp white uniforms.

The chatting begins remembering funny events.

The meal is divine though sadly if ho hum described every course, it would take far too long.

Suffice to say, a lovely evening was had by all. Garfield joined after service, Silvio had paused in his rounds earlier.

Wonderful evening with two great ambassadors for Sea Dream (three, counting Garfield).