Tuesday July 3, 2007
Today, all day, we got to blob out on deck or in one of the ship’s many lounges … relax … eat at leisure … enjoy luxury ship-board life to the full … and watch the great grey waters of the North Atlantic glide by!We’ve been in the open sea since late yesterday, sailing for Norway and what promises to be a week-long visual feast amongst stunning fjords, towering landscapes and coastal villages.
We’ll be cruising the length and breadth of the best of these fjords … making quick stops some days, longer stops on other days … sometimes docking, other times dropping anchor off-shore and disembarking by tender.
Ahh, YES – bring it on!
A day like today of non-stop cruising is great fun on the ‘Marco Polo’, and there’s always heaps to do – even on an overcast, rainy day. Like what, you wonder? Well, like
* stretch-&-relax exercises … a pilates class … a gym workout … a ping-pong tournament in the health club … a golf-putting tournament … or a game of shuffleboard on the Promenade Deck
* an art auction in the Charleston Club … a read in the library … chess or trivia challenge in the card room … a game of bridge … a flutter in the casino … a round of two-for-one bingo … or a dance class (foxtrot, anyone?) in the Ambassador Lounge
* a Spanish-speaking lesson in the Palm Court … a maritime history lecture (on Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar) … a relaxing Swedish massage in the Mandara Spa … or a warm leisurely soak on one of the top-deck jacuzzis.
As is our custom, Mrs Cooney and I chose the latter activity, and took a bath-with-a-view – enjoying uninterrupted 180-degree views of the North Sea as it stretched out all around us.
Anyway, enough of this. I’m signing off and falling into bed. We’ve got less than five hours of darkness tonight – and a busy day to follow.
TOMORROW: Two train rides in the mountains, and a downhill scenic drive around 13 hairpin bends. So stay tuned …
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
P.S. If you want to leave a message for anyone in our group, just click on ‘COMMENTS’ under the title for today’s blog – it’s easy-peasy.
Oh it brings back such fabulous memories .. seeing that lovely jacuzzie – yahooooo. I’m amazed you & Rob didn’t do the ‘playing chess’ option .. knowing what keen players you are – tee hee.
All good back here. Settled into new offices – Shawn & Kristin move in upstairs on Saturday. Off home now for a lovely hot spa – you inspired me with that gorgeous photo. Will think of you both while I’m there sipping my wine – in the rain 🙂
Actually tisn’t raining at the mo – so should be O.K.
Hope you’re not pigging out too much on that divine food – yep am green with envy.
Missing you – luv me xxxx
Hi Brian and Margie,
Its fantastic to see your trip. Im blog’n in everyday to see what you are up to. Great reading it feels like we are there with you. Glad to see that you are all well, and missed the trouble in london. Enjoy the rest of your trip! miss you both lots of love Nicki Travis and Daniel x x x x x
HELLO!!! you kiwi Midlife travellers… hope is all going well for you?? A big HELLO to BEV I do hope she remembered to get my Padding Bear??? I do hope that you lot are enjoying the WARM weather!!!Mmmmmm… Well while you lot are away we have had a number of TORNADOES in New Plymouth, luckly no humans have been in danger. Temps are getting FREEZING in the south and we are waiting for the SNOW but I guess thats winter, hoo huum… I have just came home after a 15hr shift and I always log onto your blog. Safe Travels and my thoughts are with you having a FAB time. This kiwi is tired and I will be in contact again soon.
Karen (Christchurch)
p.s. keep up the good stories…. I loved the one about Mr H and his breakfast…….. BYE for now
Atten Betty Squire
Hi Mum – Sounds like you are all having a lovely trip – I sent an email to you via Pattty’s email address – Did you get it? Anyway hope all is well? – Everyone is fine here – still depressed about the America’s cup but the Kiwis did a great job. The children send their love.
Hope to hear from you soon
Love Ants
Hi, this is a message for Shirley Oed from Christine Osborn in Waikanae. I am following you all around. However sorry to hear about the rain which is also following you! From a recent phone call to Germany I heard that they have a very “user unfriendly” summer and that it rained up the North Sea end of Germany as well as way further down. England too isn’t spared with floods and rain at Wimbleton. However have a great time: rain, hail, or sunshine. It is still better at your end than being here in the N.Z. winter.
I am sitting in my little office dressed like an Eskimo as I don’t want to put the heater which would dry out my brain even more. So I am typing with open finger mohair gloves and am dressed in louble layers.
No need for Shirley to write back. When we were on the “Marco Polo” and also “cruising” ariound Europe afterwards we had a sabbatical from emails and she should have that luxury too.
Much love, from John and Christine
P.S. The baby shower for Tash last Saturday was a success. Only Tash was overcome with emotion when she was “deposited” by Neil and was faced with the good “contingent” of young (from the youth group) and all the other “ages and stages”.
Hi there. My name is Laura-Lee Paulo and im originally from Waikanae beach. Just in search of people that may have known my foster nana that passed away in 2014. Her name was Shirley Oed and she used to live near Kapanui School in Waikanae. Not too sure if its the same person you are talking about in your post of like 9 years ago ? thanks