On Board at last

Thursday 14th Jan

Here we are finally on board the Explorer and settled into our beautiful cabin. What did I ever do to deserve this?!

We wandered round San Diego yesterday morning as the hotel had let us keep our room until 2 pm which was gracious of them. The Gas Lamp Area where we were consists of streets of old picturesque, restored buildings....of mixed eras and colours. Not so long ago many of them looked ripe for destruction but the decision was made, because of the proximity of a new base ball stadium, to upgrade the whole surrounding area, so they were restored and beautified. Most seem to be restaurants but there are a few shops scattered between. One of these happened to be a travel shop so I found the electric coil I had been searching for and bought in a pharmacy nearby some motion sickness wrist bands...just in case.

We arrived at the port shortly after two and were very soon aboard. No hassles or delay which was wonderful after enduring airport security in Toronto and Calgary. We were greeted almost at once, for those of you who know, by Becca and Kate. Unfortunately Kate will leave us on Sunday: she is now working permanently in Charlottesville and says proudly that she has managed to "stay put" for four months....something of an achievement for Kate!

When we were told our cabin number (I had prepared myself for the possible disappointment of not having a balcony this time around) I realised we had struck gold. It is 7004....John Serio's on the Spring 2009 voyage, We have a huge deck with 2 chaises longues and a table AND 2 chairs. The cabin is much larger than 5008: it is very spacious, and again we are on the Port side. which hopefully means the magnificent view of Table Mountain in Cape Town! All this information especially for Theresa, Nilo, Mindy and Beth.

We had the strangest boat drill last night. It was to be at 9 pm so, knowing this, I was all ready in my life jacket, closed toed shoes on and carrying a hat, when over the intercom came the announcement 'all passengers to the Union for boat drill'! The Union?! Well... that's where we went. The Explorer's safety officer took the drill as we all sat around as though for Global Studies, and after hushing us he told us in his very Russian accent how important silence is, so that we would hear instructions, (but would we understand them?!). He showed us how to wear and use the life jacket, answered some questions (What do we do if we're attacked by Somali pirates in the Indian ocean?....Honestly!) and packed us off to our cabins. I was glad to hear the Semester at Sea chief Doctor remark this morning that he had never in all his years at sea experienced a boat drill like that one! We shall of course have a proper one on Sunday evening when with everyone aboard, we leave for Hilo, Hawaii.

We set sail for Ensenada, Mexico at 11 pm last night....George and I were already in bed asleep! At about 2 am the ship started to rock, roll and pitch as it tore through the water at speed. Objects slid and fell in the cabin and bathroom and I thought sleepily 'Oh dear!' and promptly fell asleep again: George on the other hand got up and secured our precious bottles of wine! There was much talk this morning at breakfast of the rough night which had taken most people by surprise....I thought "You ain't seen nuthin' yet!" but wisely kept mum.

We anchored in port at Enselada at 8 am this morning and the seas outside the sea wall must still be rough because even at anchor we are experiencing lots of movement. We shall be going out to sea tomorrow and returning on Sunday morning to pick up the students and Life Long learners...Liz and Audrey included.

George and I saw a seal swimming just below us as we leaned over the balcony and then discovered when we walked round to the starboard deck that there is a little colony of seals at the end of the wharf wall. They were basking and barking in the sun....what a racket but lovely to watch.

Wwe sat in the faculty lounge tonight sipping our pre-dinner drinks and gazing at a lovely sunset sky and the lights on the hills of Enselada twinkled in the fading light. Berthed nearby was the Carnival liner Elation....she was garlanded with lights from stem to stern, an impressive sight.

All the dining room stewards are back and gave us quite a warm welcome: I remember their many talents and skills from the great entertainment they gave us in the Union last year and appreciate them on many levels. Our cabin steward is Crispen, a delightful man who has been working on this ship for many years.

More meetings tomorrow for George and I shall attend in the morning and lie on our balcony in the sun all afternoon.....quel vie! I miss you all and must thank Fiona, Tessa, Bryn, Jo S, Dia and Lynn for emails which I hope to answer tomorrow.