Monday May 25, 2010

En route to Palermo this evening. Had a nice relaxing day at sea. Weather seems to have broken as today was sunny (but still coolish -- upper sixties, low seventies). Very comfortable. I spent some time this afternoon outside on our verandah needlepointing.

The streets of Olbia. Do not be fooled by this picture. I bumped up the light level so that you could see more. It was actually a much grayer day than this

Yesterday we were in Olbia, Sardinia. This was a replacement stop for Tunis which was canceled after the terrorist attack. Fortunately, no terrorists in Sardinia! It was just a quiet Sunday and the weather was, once again, cool and cloudy with on and off light rain. 

New shoes

We did not schedule a tour for Sardinia and because of the weather I didn't think it would be wise to do too much touring as nothing would likely appear at its best. Consequently we just strolled the streets of Olbia. Russell surprised me by buying me another summer scarf. I am sensing a theme here. It's absolutely gorgeous. I got some shoes too and a hat also. It was a good day to be me!

New hat and scarf

You will see from the few photos that I took, Olbia isn't much and to my surprise I didn't take any photographs today -- surely the first time that has happened on this trip. 

Waiting for Indonesian staff show to begin

I probably should have taken photos at the Indonesian lunch that was held today for all the people on this boat who are continuing on after Rome (others will be getting off and getting on this Thursday). The scrumptious Indonesian lunch was preceded last night by a variety show put on by some of the Indonesian staff members on board. There are a lot of Indonesians who work for Holland America. The company has, I believe, two training facilities, one in Indonesia and one in the Phillipines. Consequently nearly all the staff on board are from one country or the other. 

Indonesian dancer

Indonesian singer

I have to say that I have been very impressed by the staff on board this ship. They are very friendly and upbeat. They do an excellent job and they seem happy to do it. It's hard work though and talk about long hours! I wouldn't be able to do it, that's for sure -- especially the upbeat and happy part. No way. I would be exhausted and with me that's no prescription for a positive mood -- Russell can attest to that!

Finale -- what can I say? I told you I didn't take many pictures today or yesterday. I've got to show you all something and this was the best of the remaining images!