At Sea and Packing Up

Before I start (although most of you already know this about me) let me just tell you I have a real spelling handicap. Bob tries to help, but this site isn't good with an accurate spell check. So just sound it out, laugh and follow along. Sorry. I am also aware that I change tenses and end sentences with prepositions. Hey, it's how I talk. Ok, on with the last day of the cruise.

We relaxed over a nice long breakfast with Paul and Pauline (the couple from Liverpool whose son had recently passed away from MS). They are fine people which we hope to meet again. I wish I had gotten a picture of them. It is harder to get as close to people on a cruise than on a tour, as you just see them here and there and by the time you find things in common, the cruise is over.

Packing was on our mind and everyone was saying their good byes. It's kind of sad and yet we're excited about the next half to this adventure. The Captain thanked us all in his announcements and wished us, "Safe travels, and may you have fair winds to carry you home." I like that.

We sat on the deck in the sparkly sun for a while. The wind was brisk but people were in bathing suits and swimming. Others were wrapped in towels and sweat shirts. And one lady who plopped down beside us kicked off her sandals and rolled up her jeans to tan her very hairy legs.

 We did see a dolphin and jumped up to watch, but it was so quick we didn't get a picture. As we relaxed, Bob said, "Look at us, "Here we are in the North Sea, sitting in lounge chairs, listening to a Caribbean Band sing, It's Gonna Be A Sunshiny Day." 

Then they announced that they were going to perform the airial show that they tried to do on rough seas last night. We hurried in to grab a spot on the fifth floor railing. It was spectacular and I'm so glad we saw it. They had songs and costumes for each of the four seasons as they spun above us. The kids were smiling this time as they knew it was going well and the fear was gone. Impressive!

We ran into Louie and Myra again and they gave us clear advice for getting to Malmo in Sweden so we could pick up our car in the morning. The train strike is still on, but I guess they have buses going. We are going to carry our  bags off the ship ourselves to speed things up...another workout. They assured us that it was not convenient but we should be fine.

We went back to the room to start packing. Usually I don't care if we're going home, but we had to pack carefully for living out of a suitcase for the next 12 days. Now to get it all back in!

We went down to say good bye to Marko and wish him well. He wants to follow our advice and get out there and "do it" while he can. I think he forgot the part about work hard and save first, but oh well, he's young and strong.

We had a great last dinner, exchanged emails and said good bye to our dinner mates. We were very fortunate to have such nice folks.

 Brian & Helaine

  Reiner & Marianne

  Mitch & Ann

Our lovely group. 

I'm not sure when I'll get to write again, but I'll keep notes and hope to have wifi often. As we tuck into bed a last time on the ship, this is our view. Good night.