Well...I blew this one! Located on the west coast of the island of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca is not only the capital but also the largest on the island. We were told that the city really mirrors the other ports we've visited in Spain, so I opted/suggested a catamaran cruise knowing Cheryl enjoys that type of activity also. Unlike other shore excursions where you exit through the local terminal to catch a bus, this one disembarked the ship directly to the catamaran which had pulled alongside...in fact, it was directly beneath our cabin - we could've jumped! I don't think they would've appreciated it, to say the least. This was the second time we've been able to hop on a small boat directly from the ship - the other was in Lima, Peru a couple years ago - just a pretty cool way to exit the ship!
We left around 9:30 - there were only a couple dozen folks onboard so we had plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the cool sea breeze...before the clouds opened up and rained on us! We actually enjoyed it - others weren't too pleased, but it was a nice change from the clear, sunny weather we've been having since the onset. Eventually the rain passed and we anchored over an area about 20' deep, crystal clear water, and hundreds of tropical fish. Cheryl went in and took a few pictures with her underwater camera, but they didn't come out too well. In fact, most of my photos for the day are pretty boring too. We had a light lunch of ham sandwiches & chips, a couple beers, and some locally grown olives. Two hours later we headed back to the port and because of security measures, had to be land-dropped for processing back on the ship. A nice time, and a nice break for both of us as we've been running pretty hard all week. The downside is...absolutely no pictures from the city itself, but we're told it's just as beautiful as what we've experienced so far. If the harbor-front is any indication...fantastic! Reminds me of San Diego - dotted with hundreds of sailboats and a handful of multi-million dollar yahts - very beautiful!
Around 3pm, another storm system moved in - this one was huge, or so Cheryl tells me. I was in the shower and missed it all. Cloud to ground lightning - rain coming down sideways. Good thing we decided not to venture into the city. The first real rain we've seen this entire trip - weather has been picture perfect.
Last evening we attended a Caption's Social - a 30 minute meet 'n greet for 5-star mariners. Really a nice gesture by Holland America...a chance to meet Captain Willems & his Officers. There were only ten of us so the one-on-one time was very nice. He's young (the Captain) - born in 1972. He's been with Holland America since 1993. We asked about family - no kids - then learned his wife works onboard in the Shore Excursions Office. That's really convenient, and there are several other Officers on various ships where husbands/wives work on the same ship. As most of you probably know, the typical ship employee works a contract for 8 or 9 months away from home - away from their spouse - away from their children. That's a tough duty, and something I'd have a hard time doing, though there are probably times when Cheryl wishes she could send me away for several months! On Sunday evening, our small group will be having dinner with the Captain, so we're looking forward to that and should be able to get a few pics for you.
One of the couples last night was from New Zealand and once again, we were peppered with political questions. Very nice folks mind you, but they, like so many foreigners on this ship, can't understand, with 300 million people in America, why we can't come up with two decent candidates. They said the people in New Zealand are really concerned because as the U.S. goes, so goes New Zealand. My friends, we're on the fringe of some very interesting, and probably 'turning' times with both candidates, though I won't cite my political preferences here. Both have their respective strong attributes, both have well-documented weaknesses & flaws. Fortunately, both (or either) will be flanked with cabinet members more intelligent & wiser than them. And fortunately, I don't see either going beyond one term.
Tomorrow's a sea day before we arrive in France - a welcomed break for us. Typically, we find a nice vantage point on the ship and play cards - either against each other or with friends. Our very best times were playing with a couple from Sacramento - Herb & Jane, back in '13. We were on a world voyage with about 50 sea days and had so much fun playing with them - at times the mood & competitive spirit turned nasty & spiteful, but all in good (great) fun and we miss them dearly. Thankfully, we've stayed in touch on a regular basis and look forward to sailing with them again. Such wonderful folks.
The first day of the NFL season tomorrow too! The ship will be broadcasting many games 'live' from several of the lounges, but with a time difference of 9 hours (here to Arizona) it'll be a challenge staying up. A 2pm game in Phoenix will be 11pm here.
Have been asked by several about the average age of passengers on this trip. With the world voyages, we averaged 77.5...a numbered provided directly by Holland America. I'm guessing here for you, but I would estimate 58. We seem to have several younger folks on vacation from work doing the first leg of 12 days, and then older, retired folks (like me) doing the entire trip. Unlike the world voyages, we've seen very few with severe mobility issues, and there are a couple teenagers onboard with only one very young pre-schooler. One huge, very noticable difference....the mix of passengers from Australia, New Zealand, England, Africa, Ireland, Scotland, & Spain are MUCH more friendly, polite, & helpful...despite the language & accent barriers. We've only run into one nasty, very pushy lady our first week...she's either from America or Germany...everyone else is or has been extremely nice!
Oh...and the words recognized by everyone...the universal language..."please" and "thank you" - they STILL work, my friends! A close third..."where's the toilet".
That's it for this installment. Sailing now toward Toulon, France, arriving Monday morning.
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