20 October -At Sea

Today we have been cruising in the Arabian Sea, at noon we were still 1,000 miles from our next port, Cochin, India, with Mumbai on the port side.  The flying 🐟 were in abundance this morning, they were probably churned up in the wake of the ship.  Apparently there are many whales in this area but so far most are still sitting around  poolside!! Went to the lecture on Cochin, India, our next port and we're told it will probably rain on and off as is still the monsoon season.  Cochin is the second largest city in the state of Kerala and is considered to be the Venice of India - I will be able to clarify that after our excursion on a houseboat on the canals!  It is also the main area for pepper and the trade for pepper was brought about by the Jews centuries ago and of course the Dutch more recently.  Kerala State is about the size of Switzerland and has a population of 35 million!!!  

I decided to see a movie this afternoon - Absolutely Fabulous was showing in the Princess theatre.  Was a bit of fun, light entertainment.  

We dined early as had the Captain's Cocktail party at 7.45. We were in the last batch (Platinum & Elite) of three such events as there are so many repeat travellers now.  One  couple from QLD won a prize for having the most cruise days 1,200!!!! Obviously they don't follow AFL or whatever!! The usual fairly weak cocktails were served, some required more than that but we know from experience what the deal is.  We have a new captain on board, a nice Scottish man who resides in Colorado.  One of the ship's officers has his wife and little girl on board - she is 2 1/2 and named Sofia and is nearly as cute as our Chloe!!!!! 

Now back in our room and it is only  8.30 so think I will go to the late show to hear a singer called Sean O'Shea - might get a few rousing Irish numbers!!! 

Later......

Well, I went alone to the show and Sean Michael Patrick O'Shea turned out to be a fantastic entertainer from Canada and didn't sing one Irish song!  He fooled around a lot with impersonations but had a marvellous voice when he sang Dean Martin, FrankSinatra, Pavarotti, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and Elvis numbers.