2 December 2022, At Sea in the Atlantic Ocean
More and more Christmas decorations appear throughout the ship. Outside, it is a gray and cloudy morning.
My breakfast was granola + muesli + berry slurry, orange juice, and coffee.
Tai Chi goes through a series of gentle, slow, controlled motions. Probably the easiest is “The Wise Owl.” Slowly turn the head to one side. Stop and glare. Then move the head back to center and then to the other side. Stop and glare again. Repeat.
Olga Stavrakis spoke at 10am about “Food and Agriculture of the West African Coast – Sub-Saharan Africa.” South of the Sahara Desert are the Sahel, then the Savanna, then Rainforests. Men raise the cattle with big horns. The women raise the crops: grains and root crops. One pot meals, because of limited firewood. Palm oil.
The natives were not credited for domesticating plants and animals, so that they could be exploited. Exporting Shea Butter and Palm oil today causes hunger for African children.
Jeremy talked about our next two ports at 11am. My goal for Takoradi, Ghana was the Market Circle, but Jeremy showed us a photo of it leveled to the ground, currently being rebuilt. The shuttle bus will now go to the Best Western Plus Atlantic Hotel instead.
The oil boom has increased the population.
They speak French in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The shuttle bus will go to the Pullman Abidjan Hotel, but I do have a good tour there.
Captain Smit’s noon report included the fact that we will be Emerald Shellbacks after crossing the Equator at the Prime Meridian tomorrow. Jeremy had told us that the ship will go 46 miles out of its way to make this milestone.
Today’s Lido lunch special was the Asian Noodle Soup Station. I chose the Udon noodles with several meats, chicken broth, scallions, frizzled onions, and water chestnuts. Delicious. My dessert was fried banana with the legendary Bread Pudding and milk.
The Zaandam’s centerpiece Pipe Organ played at 1pm. Two Christmas songs were included.
Restful afternoon.
Good dinner conversation comparing travel agents. Dinner was delicious. Opened wine bottle #7, another Beringer’s Zinfandel Rose. I ate the Salmon & Spinach cake, Mustard Crusted Tuna with Onion Rings (2), Tres Leches Creme Caramel, and decaf coffee.
“On World Stage: Clara Vee. By guest request, your Mix piano bar performer Clara Vee will be taking over the World Stage! Come and enjoy some iconic favorites including Queen, Elton John, and Adele. One night only!” Clara Vee’s enthusiastic performance had a feeling of greatness.
Two chocolates, etc. were waiting in my room along with “Tonight the ship’s clocks will move backward one hour.” 🙂
Quote of the Day: “I have wandered all my life, and I have traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”
Hilaire Belloc.
Photo gallery by Barbara Cummings
Cummings Family Adventures 