30 September at Sea

Yesterday's post had a slight error - that helicopter manouvre should have read 45 minutes.  Apparently the passenger became seriously ill and it was decided she/he should be airlifted to a hospital in Spain. But in order to do that we had to turn the ship around and head towards land and then after the operation get back into the right channel which at that time was quite busy.  All good, we made up time and are right on track for our arrival in Naples in 2 days.  I presume the accompanying person/family are still on board as only one person airlifted.  

The past two days have been very relaxing - we do our own thing then meet for happy hour at the Wheelhouse Bar at 3ish!  From there head to the Fusion Lounge for drinks & canapés buffet for the Elite passengers. Nothing elite about us except that we qualify due to number of days travelled on Princess.  Thankfully we get plenty of walking in as is about 2 miles from one end of the ship to the other!!!!!  Have met some terrific people, and there are definitely some you would prefer to ignore.  Some particularly obnoxious Australians, loud and ignorant.  

My mahjong group is great, Stella from Daylesford and a couple from Perth. Cathy, (Perth) is an old Ansett girl, ran the travel department in Pt Hedland. Stella's husband worked with the Emirates Royal Family's Airline as an engineer in Dubai.  

Last night was the first formal night and we did dress up but low key compared to some.  Wish I could have taken a pic of the lady I was sitting next to at the Captain's Cocktail party - she was from Darbyshire, a bit crusty, and she was done up to the nines!  She wore a very fancy fascinator, jewellery like you couldn't imagine (I suspect fake) but diamond/glittery, she had a wide bracelet that continued down to her middle finger, etc etc. The gown was long and low cut,  shoes amazing.  A shame she was wrinkled and old like me.   But she was fun and we enjoyed people watching and commented on a few interesting people and poor fashion choices and she said 'don't these people look in the mirror before they leave home?'  

Dinner again in the Michaelangeo Dining room and we were seated with a couple from Hanging Rock and two from Perth.  I asked if the Vics knew the Philbricks and they said yes, of course.  She is Marilyn and his name is Chinka (obviously a nickname) and he is a solicitor in Woodend.  I didn't catch the surname but Chris, you will know who I am talking about.  Marilyn spoke very fondly of you. 

The entertainment later was forgettable, a second rate comedian.  

The alarm is set for a 5.30 start for the Grand Final in the morning.