Sunday March 31^st

Still at Sea in the Red Sea

We stopped moving for a while in the middle of the night. I looked outside but didn’t see anything untoward out there. I could think of 3 reasons for stopping. 1. We needed to off load someone of something, or take someone or something on board. 2. We have been going too fast, and so as not to arrive at Aqaba way ahead of our appointed time, we were going to wait it out in the middle of the Red Sea for a while, and 3. Our engines had failed.

All seemed quite plausible, and there we sat motionless for what seemed like ages. Eventually we felt that familiar throb of the engines starting up, and we were off again. We may never know what the delay was all about.

We are currently still in the Red Sea, with Egypt on our port side, and Saudi Arabia to our starboard side.

Today is another day jam packed with great lectures, and lunch was a very brief stop in the Kings Court. One of the lectures was the 2^nd in a series of talks about the Crusades. Now I didn’t really understand the Crusades when we learned about them in High School, and even after 2 excellent lectures on board I am still confused as to what was going on, but it seems like the Crusaders were also quite confused. We have had several lectures about the history and politics of this region – all very interesting, and I do think we should get some sort of continuing education diploma at the end of the cruise. My brain is currently over flowing with facts.

To prevent total brain overload we missed the last talk of the day in order to get some sun, and Brian wanted a beer. We walked all around the outside decks, but were unable to find a good spot out of the wind, which has suddenly become quite fierce. Finally we went to the Pavilion Pool. We have always avoided this pool in the past as it smells of chlorine, and is usually very humid – but somehow today it was just right, and even though the sliding roof was closed it didn’t feel stuffy at all. We found 2 great loungers in the sun and devoted the rest of the afternoon to reading and swimming. Although there were 2 other people in the pool they were just soaking in the water and didn’t interfere with my laps so there I was splashing up and down the pool having the best time. It’s so exciting to find a new venue to enjoy!

We decided to take a break from the Britannia restaurant tonight and had dinner at the Kings Court Alternative Restaurant, which was Coriander tonight. We love Indian food, so we devour it at all possible opportunities. The meal and the service did not disappoint and we had a splendid evening. I love being at a table with other people, but once in a while it is fun (and more romantic) to just be the two of you.

At 10:00 PM there was meant to be stargazing on Deck 13 with our astronomy speaker, Paul Fellows – weather permitting. Well as it turned out weather was not permitting. The first sign that this may be a problem was when we discovered that the Promenade Deck was closed due to high winds, so we could not go for an after dinner stroll. Then we had to fight our way through the high winds on deck 12 to get up to deck 13 – things were not looking good. Then we gazed up into the heavens and not a star was in sight through the thick cloud cover. All of this, and the observation that we were the only people braving the great outdoors was the definitive sign that there was not to be any stargazing tonight alas.

Dejected, we returned to the cabin to regroup, and for me to try to fix my windswept hair before we headed down to G32 to participate in what was described in the daily programme as Queen vs the Bee Gees with DJ Chris. Now, returning to the cabin after dinner, and before our after dinner activity is always a mistake. Once we are back in the cabin, and I have removed my shoes, the possibility of us leaving again until the morning is very low. Tonight was no exception, although I had really wanted to see what was happening in G32.

So instead of dancing the night away we set about the very sensible task of packing our backpacks for our Petra Tour tomorrow. Now the tour is 10 hours, and 4 of that will involve driving to and from Petra from the port. One hour will involve lunch (which will be at 2:30 to 3:00 PM. Horrors!), and the rest will involve walking. The predicted temperature for tomorrow is 6 degrees with rain. Now I am not sure how 6 degrees translates into Fahrenheit, but I know it is cold. So along with reading material for the bus ride, snacks to sustain us, camera equipment and extra batteries, we have also packed puffy jackets, fleece jackets, and rain gear. Then there is also the sunscreen and hats in case it does get sunny. Scarves have been added in case there is a sand storm. Of course in go our water bottles. By the time we were finished our backpacks look like we are going on a major expedition. Then I realized I needed to add hair ties in case my hair got annoying, and a damp cloth in case we get sweaty. Now my backpack is bulging, but hey, I’m prepared for any eventuality. Yay!

I am so excited that we will get to see Petra tomorrow, I bet I won’t sleep a wink tonight.