23/3/3016 Wednesday -
As well as being our third and final sea day on the vast, and in our eyes completely empty, Indian Ocean, today is also the day for piracy drill. We feel as though we might possibly be the only ship on the ocean, but have nevertheless been alerted to a small risk to our security in this region.
Today we can see the horizon as there's a contast between the pale blue and white sky and the deep bluey grey sea. And there's nothing between us, in any direction. This view reminds me of the yoga nidra visualisation of the unconscious mind - that's "the endless restless sea, waves on the ocean, the endless restless sea". I wish I could bottle these sounds.
Since yesterday's blog we remained cocooned in our safe haven, have enjoyed a black tie dinner, sharing a table again with Chris and Keith, which is both relaxed and really good fun, and a welcome cocktail party with the captain. The dinner was one of the special Marco Pierre White menus that appear about once a week, this time with a really delicious lobster main, prosecco poached strawberries dessert, and a port soaked Stilton with cheese and biscuits. It did feel special. In fact the whole day seemed like a pamper day. But because of the tv ads, I am really trying not to say "This is the life", but you know what, it really is. As the clocks went back again overnight we are now at GMT+6.
Breakfast this morning was in the open air at the back of the ship. I adore these times, breakfasting together, in the peace and quiet.
Piracy drill came reassuringly as scheduled at 10:30 a.m. The arrangements were basically this: get away from the windows, keep the lights off and curtains shut, sit on the corridor if you have an outside cabin, and sit inside if you have an inside cabins. Cabin stewards have to keep a record of everyone present. As our cabin steward is aware of my joint situation he let me back into the cabin after about 5 minutes, but Khachik was able to carry on doing his crossword in the corridor!. I won't be so lucky if it ever becomes something more serious than an exercise.
The rest of the day has been another beautiful sea day, nothing going on in the sea, but plenty to entertain us on board.
First there was an ice carving demonstration, followed by a beautiful salad lunch, then the port talk about Columbo including all the information we needed for our excursion to the elephant orphanage tomorrow. After that we had a bit of a lie down, because we can, before our art class of figure painting at 3:30, really enjoyable, and we're doing ok. this one is two African women selling fruit in vibrant colours.
Hopefully there'll be some free wi-fi soon so I can upload photos of all these delights. Then a late afternoon swim and hot tub, and for Khachik an hour in the gym and finally dinner, another lovely five courser with Chris and Keith, the high spot of which for me was a meringue and chocolate swan on sticky toffee cream.
Tomorrow we are in Columbo, so it might be the next day before tomorrow's blog appears.
Bye for now xx
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