Restdays before Mumbai

Monday 30^th and Tuesday 31^st of January

These two days have been restful; the weather is hot and sunny so we have spent time sunbathing and relaxing on deck. Today Tues we have both felt very tired (Aah! say you, all working and coping with the cold, poor you)! I think it’s because we keep losing an hour at night as we travel further eastward. Monday night’s concert was brilliant with Anthony Stuart Lloyd and his entertaining luscious bass baritone voice backed by the Black Watch Orchestra such fine and versatile musicians.

Today’s afternoon concert was by our neighbours in the next cabin; Jo and Clare cello and violin. Nice light concert before evening dinner and activities.

Tomorrow we get to Mumbai!!!

Fd

Some pictures from salalah

Job's tomb, and some camels going paddling

Salalah

Sunday 29^th of January

What a great day today; in the port of Salalah. It was absolutely scorching hot with sun reflecting off the white buildings. Oman is really beautiful and is so clean and tidy in contrast to Egypt where there appears to be no pride in the environment.

Suuske went on a tour today to the beach and into the mountains and to Job’s tomb. (If any of you out there can tell us how Job came to be in Arabia let us know on the blog). She then went to the local Souk (market) where she met up with me ‘cos I went on a trip to Salalah on my own and that was to the same market. We had some local tea and it was so undrinkable: sweet beyond measure and thick.

The market was interesting with shops and stalls selling quality linens clothes and perfume not forgetting the frankincense which is from a tree that grows here in Oman. I was particularly impressed with the quality of Abaya’s with decorative stitching and in beautiful colours too. The market had a continuous smell of perfume and burning frankincense.

Back on board ship we had a relaxing pm and went to the church service.

We are now en route across the Indian Ocean to Mumbai. Don’t forget you can all comment on the blog!!!!

Burns Night

26/27 January

Thursday 27^th of Jan and Friday 28^th of January.

The sea is being very kind to us on this cruise! To date not an angry wave; how long can it last?

These last two days have been extraordinary warm and pleasant and to make life easier we are over the danger point of meeting any unwelcome visitors from Somali. However yesterday in the afternoon, two speed launches were making their way through the ships in our convoy. Reconnaissance? Don’t know but we did not see any sign of them after that. Any way Black Watch is looking more invincible because the visiting small boat mentioned in a prior blog had delivered two rather large guns and they are deployed at the rear of the ship.

I have just been to a classical recital by given by our neighbours in the next cabin. Clare (violin) and Jo (‘Cello). They are young excellent musicians performing today some technically demanding Bach, Mozart and Handel.

We reach port of Salalah tomorrow in Oman which is apparently a very old town dating back some few centuries but one that has been expanded and modernised keeping its historical character by the more progressive Sultan presently ruling Oman. Looking forward to it very much. Suuske is going to visit Job’s tomb and she may be able to become more patient!!!!! I am going on a more accessible tour to the City.-fd

Further days at sea

Thursday 26^th of January.

These days at sea are so relaxing. It’s been very warm today out on deck enjoying the cruise on the loungers.

Some more exciting things happened today re the pirate threat. We had a rendezvous with a small boat and some weapons have been brought on board. This plus all the other precautions means that it is taken seriously and we stand a good chance of repelling any attempted action by pirates.

Suuske has a new game with which she is amusing herself. She is, would you believe, numbering 1 to 10 in order of best the bums of the men on the ship!!! You don’t believe it? It’s true! She says there isn’t a 10 yet.

Cabaret tonight was probably the best yet! An opera/musical theatre singer called Anthony Stuart Lloyd. He is really really good. Bass Baritone voice so rich and he is so theatrical.

I must say about the band again! (I know it’s getting boring) but tonight they excelled again. They were faced with music from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Gershwin, Mozart and others and they played with such panache and style.

We lose another hour tonight so we will be 3 hours now in front of you at home.

Fd

A day at the launderette

Wednesday 25^th of January.

Today has been just great! We have had really hot sunshine, sitting out on deck, relaxing, a brilliant lecture on China by an ex ambassador, new entertainers and the normal high standard of service and food.

The new entertainers brought with them some difficult arrangements for the band but they excelled in playing them.

For those of you who are worried about Somali Pirates there are very good plans in place. Friday Night and Saturday are the danger times, but you will see from the photos that there are many contingency plans. We have razor wire all around the ship, High powered water cannons at various stations around the ship; we have a L/Commander from the Navy on board to advise. There are warships not far from us and plotting our voyage all the way. Also on board we have had emergency safety drills. Because of the ship’s speed and manoeuvrability and height in the water it’s most unlikely that an attack will be made in the first place. However because of the precautions it is obvious that it’s best to be prepared and safe.

Yesterday Suuske went to Valley of the Kings and I stayed “Home”. It gave me a chance to get to the launderette and wash and iron. I know my place!!!

However I realised that on board we have some middle class/upper middle class people who are so protected by their incomes environment and privileged lifestyles that they have no concept of the real problems of the less fortunate in our society and espouse some obnoxious theories about how things should be governed and how these less fortunate should be dealt with! If you want to know more of these right wing thoughts they have talked about with some conviction comment on this blog and I will tell you. You will be horrified!

Fd

Some more photo's

ready for the pirates

 

temple of Luxor

suuske walking the planks

Sharm and safaga

Monday 23^rd of January

Sharm el-Sheik at the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula is one of Egypt’s premier resorts. We had been here before so we did not go on trips to Sinai etc. We spent some time ashore both morning and afternoon and had a nice time in the warm sunshine. Tomorrow we will be in Safaga and Suuske is going on an excursion to the Valley of the Kings. That means an early start so equally an early night.

Black Watch gets new entertainers and lecturers from here for the next leg of the journey. The last lecturers and entertainers were really good displaying skills and knowledge that was well worth while and truly professional. Fd

24^th January

Up at 4.30 am for early breakfast, and start-    in coach by 6.30 for 3 ½ hours journey to Luxor

It is  a  desolate landscape, with some occasional  shacks  for houses.  We first of all went to see temple of Karnak-  it is really amazing that these antiquities were built several thousand years ago-  the detail on the monuments, and the original paint was awesome. We had a terrific guide- lady with PHD in Egyptology, who really brought history to life- weather was very pleasant, but I would not like to visit much after February, as it much be extremely hot here.  Tourism has taken a knock after the Arab spring, and for a town like Luxor, which depends almost entirely on income from tourists, this must have severe consequences.  There were a lot of young boys trying to sell souvenirs, while they should be at school, but parents depend on the income these children generate.

After a lovely lunch we went to see valley of the kings-  part of our entry fee entitled us to go into 3 tombs, where the original hieroglyphics again did not fail to amaze me.- as before there were nowhere near as many tourists around as there should be at this time of year.

Our last stop was the famous temple of Luxor overlooking the Nile.  A mosques was built here several hundred years ago, as the temple had not been excavated then, and was covered by several metres of silt from the river. There is also evidence of the early followers of Christianity, with a beautiful  mural of what is thought of as the Last supper.

After a long journey back, we arrived at the boat at 8.30, where we had a quick meal

Altogether a day I won’t forget – photo’s to follow- suuske

Some photo's

                                               Suuske having afternoon tea

Sea and Port Said

Friday 20^th January

It’s getting warmer! We spent some time today in very warm sunshine on deck on the loungers. It was very very nice especially as it’s January and it’s probably very cold at home. We lost another hour’s sleep last night as the clocks went forward another hour. It has been another great day culminating in a brilliant cabaret this evening. Very funny comedian called Andy Rudge and the superb voice of Suzi Woods. Oh! And band is back on form probably playing their best yet tonight.

We are in Port Said tomorrow. Last time we were here I got offered three camels for Suuske! Wonder if price has gone up!!!

21^st January

It is early in the morning, and we are just about to moor in Port Said.

I had originally planned to go to Cairo today on a medieval walking tour, but this was cancelled. As I have already been to see the pyramids and the Egyptian museum on a previous visit, I don’t mind missing the 3 ½ hour coach journey too much.  I have however booked to see the Valley of the Kings and Luxor when we are in Safaga- it is too good an opportunity to miss, and although we plan to come back in the future, you never know.  Fred would not be able to do this with me anyway, as the terrain is too uneven, but there is a nice lady on board who also will do the trip without her husband. It is lovely that it is getting warmer- nearly time for the sun cream. Suuske.

Saturday 21^st January

Port Said today! What an awful place. We didn’t go on a tour because we have been to Cairo before. We did venture out on shore but problem is that one has to run a gauntlet of stall holders selling what can only be called tat! I remember this from last time but I don’t think they were as aggressive and persistent as they were today. I feel very sorry for the people who have to live here, a place neglected, dirty and sad.

Back on board we spent a pleasant time on the sun deck reading and taking in the warm sun. However the wind has turned and it went very cold.

We leave this evening for Sharm el-Sheikh a much nicer place and to get there we traverse the Suez Canal.

More time at sea

Thursday 19^th January

Another good day aboard Black Watch, this is a nice ship, a ship that looks like one and not a block of flats on water. Because it is, in cruise ship terms, small with only 800 passengers one gets to know people. It may be small in size but its got character and a big heart!

There has been a series of lectures on the Arab Israeli conflict and today an extension of that exploring the Arab world. They are most informative and enlightening and we are looking forward to two more in the series.

Suuske has been walking and swimming again today. I am exhausted……….watching it happen!

Cabaret tonight was not so good. A tribute to Elton John but poorly done. However the food on this ship is just fantastic. We are both being sensible and managing not to overdo the eating but it’s difficult.

Fd

St John's cathedral in Malta

Malta

Wednesday 18^th of January

Today was really good! We spent most of the day in Valletta such a very old historic city. I went in the mobility scooter and Suuske walked. The Cathedral of St John was a very special place and worth a visit. Suuske found Marks and Spencers but that was not so worthwhile! On the way back to Black Watch we went to the War Museum; another place interesting and thought provoking. Malta the George Cross island was almost obliterated by bombing and almost starved waiting for convoys to be successful in getting through. Whilst in the museum there was an amusing situation because two young girls were there also and they were being instructed by a guide who went through the history of both wars in minute detail. The two girls were unfortunate enough to be there at the time he was and they couldn’t get away from him. We were in about three-quarters of an hour and got through the exhibits with some leisure. When we left he was still delivering his monologues to them in the first part of the museum. Talk about being bored! Bet they are still there now!!!

Cabaret again tonight but band was not on form. Think that was because they had new music to do for the violinist soloist and had not had sufficient rehearsal. But hey never mind, we’ve all been there.

fd

Another day full of activity!!

Thanks to all my family for the wonderful comments they are making about me being active!
here is another section about yet another activity I have undertaken


Tuesday 17^th of January

Overnight and through most of today the sea has been a little more aggressive. Not bad but a few rollers have taken some by surprise! Strange really when we travelled all through the Bay of Biscay in sunshine and calm and now in the Med it’s been grey and rolly!!!

Nevertheless it’s been another great day aboard Black Watch. Food is just excellent and we are a little more aware of all the various areas on the ship. The staff are just brilliant too; one of the waitresses has taken to calling me Sir Fred and another Uncle Fred.

Suuske has been very active again with another 20 times around the deck. (5times is a mile). She has also been swimming in the sea water pool. Enjoying herself? I should say so!

Cabaret was great again this evening with Suzi Woods taking main stage. Fantastic voice and accompanied by the brilliant Black Watch orchestra.

We arrive in Malta tomorrow morning and look forward to seeing Valletta.

Fd

Wednesday 18/1/2012 at 5 Am

I am up at my usual time, so thought I would write something as well.

It is really interesting to see that many  of the fellow cruisers are older people. In fact I am probably one of the younger travellers on board.  However, for me it brings home the concept of personalisation.  All lectures, and other activities are fully attended, and age is just a number here. I can’t see many of these people just sitting in a daycentre, although many have physical challenges.

As Fred said, I swam in the outside pool- the water was lovely, and the waves were fantastic-  I love swimming in the sea, but am always worried about jelly fish or standing on crabs- no chance of that here- I will certainly  do it again.

I too  am looking forward to seeing Valetta again-  it is some time since we were here, and, as the port is so near the town, we have decided to go out independently today- fred has the buggy, so we should have a nice time.
Suuske

Monday 16th of January

Monday 16^th of January

Monday morning comes around but cruising Mondays are OK! Today en-route to Malta has been a rest day for most people except Suuske who continues to be up and doing all the time! 10 times round the deck, Yoga and round the deck again! We both then did a lot of reading. We feel sorry for all you folks at home for whom Mondays are the usual day to day things! Hope you are all ok! Thinking of you!

fd

Gibraltar

This sea is unbelievable! There is just no sense of voyaging at all it is so calm. It’s like being in an excellen  hotel and you don’t realise you are at sea until you look through the windows. Sunshine all day today but we did miss an hours sleep last night as the clocks went forward an hour. Suuske has been active again!!! But she has decided not to continue with the choir. Don’t think it’s what she is used to!

Theatre show tonight was excellent. Brilliant band and singers and dancers! For those of you interested its 3 rhythm piano electric bass and drums (One of the best drummers I have heard!) and front line is Sax (Doubling) Trumpet and Trombone. We get to Gibraltar tomorrow. First port of call and we can be on land again.

fd

Sunday 15^th of January

Our first ports of call today; these were Gibraltar and across the straits to Ceuta in Morocco. We had an organised trip In Gibraltar and it took us all around the rock and as high as the roads would take us. Most spectacular is St Michael’s cave which is a grotto of magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. These are lit up in pastel shades making the whole cave bathed in a comforting glow of soft lighting. There is also a very large theatre in the cave and while we were there the piped music was from Lohengrin. Wagner opera would be really impressive and memorable in here. Back to ship for lunch and the short journey across to Ceuta. Ceuta was closed, even the cathedral and the churches and this being Sunday it was bound to be asked “are there no congregations”?! Never mind it was a lovely sunny day and we had a nice time there anyway it being a lovely town.

Day 3

Friday 13^th Jan

Had a bit of trouble downloading pictures but there will be some! Friday the 13^th today but nothing of a suspicious or connotations bad luck came our way. The sea today has been flat calm. Not even a swell. And there is a distinct rise in temperature!

Cabaret tonight was a superb violinist with a great sense of humour; comedienne and a fantastic musician.

I have been spending quite a lot of time outside, and saw the first of many ( I hope) amazing sunsets. I have also attended my first ever yoga class-  it is something I have wanted to do for many years, but have never had the time for. I have discovered I have quite a lot of work to do to get as supple as some people who are older than myself, but   I will certainly go again.  As Fred said yesterday, the food is fantastic, but it is not too difficult to stick to healthy options- all you need is self-control.

The Black Watch in Southampton

The first 2 days at sea

Thursday 12^th of Jan

First full day at sea! Suuske very busy at gym, running around the deck, doing pilates and joining the choir. ME?!! No way! I relaxed quite a bit. Watched the dolphins following the ship but they were too quick to achieve a good photo and I went to the classical concert by pianist. Black Watch hospitality is really very good. We are both going to have to watch the diet. One could put on pounds in a day!! More Dutch people found. This part of the voyage could have been rough but the Bay of Biscay is so smooth today, thankfully! We finished the day in the theatre cabaret show.  Excellent musicians.

11^th January

A decent journey to Southampton no concerns or hold ups. Reached The Black Watch and the boarding process was also easy. Car is parked near terminal. Cabin is very acceptable and it didn’t take long to unpack and put things away. Amazing really considering the amount of luggage we need! Then it was everyone to muster stations for the mandatory safety drill!

Black Watch left Southampton 5.45 pm and we had our first meal in the restaurant. The food on Black Watch is really excellent and the restaurant ambience is good. So we enjoyed our first day on board met new people and it didn’t take long for Suuske to find some Dutch people. They get everywhere these Dutch folk!!!!

6 hours to go

Just cleared my last inbox for work and will be logging off my work computer for some time!!
All packed now, but Fred will have the mammoth task to load the car (don't know what we will do if it does not all fit in)


Southampton- Here we come!!

one day to go

Both Fred and I have been busy  finishing all work off before we are off- I have a final meeting at 4 and  some more work to do tonight.  -  Alistair( son no. 2 ) cooked a lovely chilli yesterday, and we enjoyed spending some time  with Maggie , Lucy and him.
Mostly packed- hope to be in the car for 10AM
Next post will be from the boat-  Hopefully not from the Bay of Biscay feeling seasick!!

3 days to go

Another day of preparation- won’t be cooking (again) today-  need to go to work, Army, and do        (hopefully) last load of washing. Still have not had time to work out how Kindle works (on to do list for today)

5 days to go

There seem to be cases everywhere, and both Fred and I are still working to make sure that everything is left in a organised way.

I am sure  we will get there, but at the moment I can't imagine it.

countdown

6 days to go!! too much to do- not enough time to do it in.