at sea

Friday, January 30: Easy to feel disconnected out here halfway to Hawaii. Satellite service for TV is out, no sign of life on or above the ocean other than us. Imagine how the early seafarers coped with months like this without technology or creature comforts or really even knowing where they were! No wonder there were mutinies and madness. [Larry, how did you make it across the Pacific in your sailboat?]

Why is there a roll when the sea is relatively calm (small waves of 4ft) ?

Some friends asked the director on board for a room and posted a meeting of people with interest in US politics. Had a roomful (about 35) show up eager to talk and meet again; people from US and Canada, Australia, and UK showed up - all hoping that Obama will succeed, whether or not they voted for him.

Digital photography “secrets” session was similarly filled. Missed a few lectures that were probably worthwhile, skipped the table tennis tournament, shuffleboard, movie, bridge, etc. Way too many opportunities to tell you all of them - one should never be bored. Yesterday I even tried my feet at a dance class - salsa.

Patches of blue sky allowed sunlight through creating patterns of glittering light on the ocean surface this morning. By afternoon we had sunny skies and the decks were full.

What a kaleidoscope of things to do, people, sights, and thoughts.

..25 degrees 65.1 N latitude, 145 degrees 21.23 W longitude..tomorrow another day at sea.

Guatamala

For those following in detail [that's you Bill] - here's what you asked for. We are at 13degrees 55.42 N latitude and 90degrees 47.56W longitude. Docked at Puerto Quetzal.

Inauguration viewed at sea

Hundreds of us from many nations watched the Obama inauguration today in the Queen Victoria's theatre and pub. Proud to be an American! The 50 buttons I brought along went fast, and not just to Americans. Now we all have work to do.

Transiting the Panama Canal an all day amazing trip. Can see where the third lane is being cut in. QV just makes it through, the Queen Mary can't fit. Really an engineering wonder.

Pacific calm and endless, and we haven't even gone far off the coast of Central America. Passing Costa Rica and Honduras today. Tomorrow we'll dock in Guatamala and I'll see a macadamia nut farm.

By the way, to get to my me.com account I need to use wireless and it's not working now; to get to my embarqmail.com account I need to be in the internet center AND be lucky, so if you haven't heard from me on email, that's why. I will post photos on here when the wireless is back up or I learn how to do it in the centre.

Weather warm and wonderful, seas calm. My sympathies to those up north.

at sea

Much to do in this floating hotel, inc people watching - many countries & languages - huge contingent of German tourists plus UK, Canada, Australia, etc. Dinner table companions English/Persian, Canadian, and from New Mexico for dinner; lunch varies - French, German, Australian, etc. Elderly repeat travelers fun to talk with. Well-known (to those who are cruise afficionados) William Miller entertaining lecturer about history of cruise ships. Been through the black&white formal night (met captain, drank champagne, maneuvered in crowded ballroom)but most enjoy the many spots to sit and read.

No reason to get unfit with the spa and fitness folks around. Anyone for walking up and down the staircases (10 decks) 4 times? Or pacing around the ship in the early morning (1 mile)?

Discovered a group of Rotarians so I will get make-ups afterall.