Bit of a Blog : B2B2B : SoA : embarking 20/01/22

[NorbertsNiece]

Pic heavy post. We climbed and climbed up to the National Park. Much dust in the air most of the way with the sun obliterated. Only clear blue skies above the dust line.

 

The forest is extraordinary. Self seeded and allowed to remain natural. Massive. Awe inspiring. Pics from a coach don't do it justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We are on the edge of a volcano. The air is fresh and clear. 4,000 feet. There is snow visible on peaks. No time to really explore or hike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We head for the visitor centre in El Paso. Fascinating exhibit but this is designed to be a comfort stop so rather rushed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

The volcano on La Palma erupted for 85 days last year! More than 1000 homes were destroyed and livelihoods shattered. Due to the well advanced warning by geologists no lives were lost, human or animals. Residents were forewarned that although the exact location of the eruption hadn't been ascertained the area was known and when smoke shot out from Cumbre Vieja  on 19th September the authorities were prepared, as were the 6,000 or so inhabitants who had half an hour to vacate their properties,  their pets and livestock having already been relocated. New mountains and horizon exists where nothing had before.

 

My pics don't do the scene any justice whatsoever. The landscape is bleak and black of course. We are not permitted close.... it is still extremely hot though dead. Abandoned homes exist on the edge of the lava flow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Final photo stop.

 

Google maps couldn't cope 1. with the roads and 2. with the altitude!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Sunday roast.

A pic with the most amazing Executive Chef. He leaves on vacation after the next cruise. I, for one, will miss you Mr Rajeev Pillai

 

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[NorbertsNiece]

Our next port of call, Funchal, Madeira has been cancelled. High winds and swell predicted marginal for a safe arrival or safe gangway procedure. We will be heading straight to Lisbon with arrival 2nd February as planned with no replacement port. Our safety and comfort is Captain Ryan's primary concern.

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Sailaway should've been 1630. There was a late returning tour. Then the Captain's announcement re Madeira. Now a shout out for 5 guests. Gangway still rigged. 1710.

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Cast off was 1835 ish following another shout out for one passenger so the others must've been found. 

 

Turns out the hand held scanner had zapped them back and out again 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[NorbertsNiece]

Have seen this gentleman a number of times on my deck..... he's a butler....

 

 

Here's the included excursion my friend would've been going on tomorrow.

 

 

And here's the paid excursion I had been so looking forward to!!!

 

 

Thanks for following. 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 12 / 67

 

Good morning.

Unscheduled sea day.

 

 

[JuCru]

So sorry you will miss your sidecar ride.  It sounds exciting!  But I am sure you will find lots to do at sea today.  Look forward to hearing about it.

[NorbertsNiece]

A tour around the in room TV.

The TV is set to the muster / safety drill when checking in. When viewed the rest of the programming may be selected. The remote control is relatively simple. Use that back arrow to navigate out of a section and the arrows to scroll the screen.

 

 

 

 

Satellite TV

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Video on Demand

 

 

 

The navigational map has been shared daily.

 

Today and News

 

 

 

Explore Ashore..... bookable excursions 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Dining and Bars

 

Menus for all meals for that day are available.

 

 

 

 

Guest services

 

 

 

Spirit of Adventure

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Today I have done laundry. Dried some, hung some. Bring your fabric softener or your own tumble drier sheets. The line in the bathroom was brought with.... the one provided is very short.

Mongolian lunch by the pool.... not advertised so keep an eye out!

Played scrabble. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

More on laundry. Some items needed self drying. As you can see there's not a very long line in the shower so we've improvised. We also have a collapsible laundry basket (B&M).

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

All crew tested negative LFT today. We have ours tomorrow. Also copies of our Passenger Locator Forms for Portugal have been received, completed by Saga. Thanks for doing that!

 

Turkey and all the trimmings on the menu tonight!

 

A cookery demo tomorrow followed by a talk by Captain Ryan and Resty the Cruise Director.... looking forward to both.

 

Thanks for following.

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 13 / 67

 

Good morning. Calmer waters today.

 

What a typical sea day looks like in the 'Today'. Clearly Covid testing isn't typical. We highlight things of special interest. Quizzing, for example, is a daily activity we enjoy with reasonable success.

 

 

 

 

[Wacktle]

Thank you for posting photos of "Today". Do you know whether the fitness classes, like yoga, have to be booked, or can you just turn up?

[NorbertsNiece]

Just now, Wacktle said:

Thank you for posting photos of "Today". Do you know whether the fitness classes, like yoga, have to be booked, or can you just turn up?

As far as I'm aware just turn up. Too early for me lol. 

[NorbertsNiece]

Cookery demonsration.

 

Two dishes from the Amalfi restaurants prepared today. The first is 'Pasta e Faggioli' a bean soup. Technical problems with the cooking plates remedied by Resty. Chef had to change to the other set in the meantime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 1, 2022 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

The second dish : Grilled Swordfish Steak with Sicilian Tomatoes, Capers in Aromatic Olive Oil Sauce.

 

Questions from the audience invited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We had a very informative and often amusing audience with Captain Ryan. Resty did a great job interviewing him, socially distanced, and questions taken from the audience.

 

The very first issue addressed was that of the AidaNova having been berthed in Funchal yesterday when we were unable. Captain Ryan was very clear that his decision not to approach the port was correct for the circmstances we found ourselves. There continues to be an element of doubt in some passengers minds.

 

 

 

 

 

[wowzz]

5 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

There continues to be an element of doubt in some passengers minds.

Isn't it amazing how many ex-captains are on board,  who all know better !