Grand Africa, voyage, day 66 sailing the Atlantic Ocean

14 December 2022, At Sea, Atlantic Ocean

I will try again.

Good morning from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  Family, your photos are on my wall, and you are still sailing with me.  🙂
My favorite breakfast this morning was an Egg Benedict with sausage, pineapple, orange juice, and coffee.
Most of my Tai Chi was sitting in a chair, because of ocean swells and motion.
CDR Mike West, USN ret lectured at 10am about the sinking of the Bismarck during World War II.

At 11am Jeremy gave us his Port Essentials for San Juan Puerto Rico, two days away.  Instead of docking at the foot of the Old Town, we will dock at the distant Pan American Pier to be able to go through US Immigration, USCG Inspection, and Health check.  However, there will be a shuttle bus to the downtown Plaza Colon.

Kate Ross spoke at 1pm “West Africa, Yesterday and Today.”  During her Covid isolation, she had a lot of time to reflect and to grow.  African time is different from what we are used to.  Instead of histories written by foreigners we should realize that there are Berber and Islamic texts and scholarship. Archaeological discoveries.  And oral histories.  The Wolof ethnic group of Senegal had Griots who would memorize history and genealogies.  Alex Haley of “Roots” found one in Juffure, The Gambia.
The Songhai kingdom 1400-1500’s AD was a great civilization.  The Empire of Mali became the Mali of today.  She recommended the book “A Fistful of Shells” by Toby Green.
Terrorism by Islamic Militants is a problem in West Africa, caused by climate, cultural differences, etc.  She concluded with two good stories from her husband back home, who had seen them on “Sixty Minutes”:  the restoration of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and Cape Town’s School of Magic.

I went to the popular 3pm Arts & Crafts class early.  At 2:25 that half of the Lido was already full.  I stood and used the time to write in this journal.  Someone said that there were two empty chairs, so I took one.  Photographed the instructions and the sample necklace & earrings.  Collected my kit, returned the tools that I had checked out in October, and left.  I do not enjoy the crowded mob.

I had a good appetite for my second complimentary Pinnacle Grill dinner tonight.  This is the special steak & seafood restaurant.
This time I ordered the
    Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
    Grilled Lamb Chops
    Sides:  Asparagus with Hollandaise
                  Sautéed Mushrooms
                  Baby Beets with blue cheese
    Creme Brulé 
    Thin flat bread made for me
    Pot of hot tea
This time I did not order too much food.  It was all absolutely delicious.

Stopped by the Photo Gallery and picked up my expensive photos and thumb drive.
“On World Stage:  comedian John Joseph.  He’s been in film and television and was the opening act for Julio Iglesias for ten years.”  And he was really funny.

Jack has been texting me photos of the Christmas cards we have received.  I am honored to be pictured on my sister Joan’s Christmas card this year.
Waiting in my room were two chocolates and tomorrow’s Daily Program.

Quote of the Day: “Travel is like a giant blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.”  Ross Morle

Photo gallery by Barbara Cummings