Sea days
We
are at sea for the next few days. Pure cruise
days, no ports-of-call at all.
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I Believe Devil's Island Is on the Right But the Prison
Was On Ile Royale, in the Centre |
From
Trinidad, the ship aimed her bow for the Island Group known as ‘Devil’s Island’;
made famous in Henri Charriere’s Book “Papillion”.
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Hut Where Alfred Dreyfus Lived (Foreground)
After Prison Closed (Top of Picture) |
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Watch
the movie if you want to get a feel for the conditions in the 1930’s in this
part of the world. The history of Devil’s Island is not a happy one. Not even
for the Warden or the Watchmen who had to be there.
The
temperatures outside were hot, sticky, humid, awful. Living here would not be
for me, I am too Nordic for this part of the world.
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Some Stones Remaining From the 'Insane Asylum' (R. Edge of Isl)
Look At the Wind |
Devil’s
Island was only listed as a ‘sail past’ - because the Island could not handle
our numbers? Or was it because we could not use a tender efficiently to get to
the old penal colony? No matter, we did
not go on land; we did not even get very close to the Island group but just
circled around for a view of a horrible place.
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| Crew Dressed Up As Prisoners |
Somehow the Island gift shop people made it on board, and sold T-shirts of Devil's Island for U.S. $27 apiece. Strange that they could get to us, but we could not get to them?
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| Virtual Reality? |
The
lifestyle on board became beach-like. The lounge chairs were mostly filled;
people lived in bathing suits next to the rather largish pool. The smaller,
covered pool was less crowded. The free Ice cream stand was busy with patrons.
Deck personal carried drinks, snacks, whatever towards the recliners. Those
drinks are not free; you need to pay extra for anything from the bar.
It
is strange to watch people come from breakfast and then ‘rest’ and eat more to
then just ‘go for lunch’ and rest some more.
Carol
and I took in all the lessons the ship had to offer. There were lectures and
seminars that were provided each day and we attended what interested us. A series
of DNA lectures got my attention. The man who gave these lectures was very
knowledgeable and had divided his research into ‘cases’ of forensic
discoveries. It felt like a bit of detective work that was being shared with
the audience. For example:
Were
the bodies dug up near Ekaterinburg, Russia, really the Romanov family? He
proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, using DNA science that yes, those were the
missing bodies the Russians were looking for. He explained each step that was
taken and how the DNA analyses led to an objective conclusion.
I
found it interesting, Carol not so much.
She
favored her gemology lectures, spent hours hearing and learning about rocks,
about where they are found, what their hardness grade is on the Mohs Scale.
We
do our thing, each to his/her liking.
For
me there were not enough lectures, I am hungry for information, newness, and
knowledge.
Between
the learning, the meals, the socialization, time flew past.
The
ship added special ‘shopping ‘days, where items were on sale. Amazing to watch
how people almost fight to get at the perceived bargains.We
picked out some gifts to bring back, like $10 silk neckties that I know are just
about cost. Carol found 2 shawls she liked.
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| All Dressed Up and SOMEPLACE to Go |
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| New Hair - Fancy |
Carol
tried a new hairstyle from the on board hair salon.
We
watched the movie ‘Victoria and Abdul’, we kept busy.
It
sounds a bit boring but really, time flew by each day.
We
met a varied bunch of people each day, especially at dinner time. We opted to
not sit at the same table each day, but to be moved around. Sure we had a few,
ahem… difficult times, but most people were interesting enough. Some were
delightful, others…. not so much.
Our
efforts to meet the people we delight in every night for dinner met with the
logistics of the ship. At first, it just did not seem to work for us. So, let it be as
it is, we are establishing our own routine. This arrangement works for us.
John, the Maitre D’, got to know us and we him, he takes good care of us now.
Tipping helps when you are on board and need not be excessive, but it makes the
crew notice you.
Our
next port of call is Brazil, so let’s jump to that one.
