After a delay ( the pilot was sick and we had to wait for a replacement) in Atlanta, we arrived in San Diego with just about 2 hours to spare. We found our shuttle, took the 10 minute ride and boarded Holland America’s Volendam. Just 1500 passengers, and not the newest ship, but very well maintained. We unpacked our belongings, had our mandatory life saving drill and went for dinner. We have a tough captain. He said if anyone failed to show up for the life boat drill, they could not sail. We sailed on time at 5 pm. Of course our dinner was delightful, but we were all fading fast as we practically crawled into our staterooms, and slithered into our beds, and were asleep by 8 pm Pacific time. That is 11 pm our body time. Did you know we all got up around 4 am? I believe we all woke up at 3 am today, but promptly went back to sleep for another couple of hours.
Today, Thursday was an “at sea” day. There is so much to do. Some of us went to the exercise room, some went to computer classes, some to a lecture on the rain forest, some played shuffleboard, some went to high tea, some went to cooking class, and on and on. However, we all spent some time on the sun deck soaking up some beautiful rays in about 70 degrees weather.
One of the nice things about cruising is the people you meet. For lunch we sat with 3 couples. One was from Calgary, one from North Carolina and the other from Oregon. Nice people, nice conversation. Our group of 10, Rich and Pat, Jann and Pete, Sherry and Margo, Carol and Ruby, and Ron and I are all sitting at the same dinner table. I am thankful for this because I was led to believe it would not happen, but it did. We have very nice and fun people with us.
Below is a picture of my sweet and sassy shrimp plate and one of the gorgeous fresh flower arrangements. Tomorrow is another day at sea, we will see what it holds for us. Did I mention, we are having extremely smooth sailing. That makes me very, very happy. Take care until next time. Sue Biggs
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