November 12 - Last Sea Day

We lost an hour last night so time to get up came too early.  We had some  pretty stiff breezes today but as we were running with the seas there was little motion at all.  I had wondered before we boarded how a ship of this size would handle in a transatlantic crossing.  Granted we’ve had no rough weather but it has been absolutely great.

After breakfast we checked e-mails and updated the blog.  Then it was time for the final round of trivia.  We had little chance of winning outright so our only hope was to gamble enough points on the final question and win that way.  We gambled and we lost!  Oh well, we didn’t need a Seabourn teddy bear anyway.

Lunch today was fun.  It was another Seabourn tradition, the Galley Market Lunch.  The main dining room was set up with tables at one end with cold salads and meats.  In the middle were tables with wonderful desserts (more about that later).  For everything else you had to go into the galley and make a circuit through.  As we entered there was a stewardess giving shots of vodka or aquavit.  We each had one and did it bottoms up.  There were stations set up on the route through the galley.  First up was the fondue station.  I had some; Al didn’t but it was good.  Next up was the seafood bar with crab legs and claws, nice size shrimp, mussels and sushi.  I took some of that and decided to come back for another look after enjoying my crab and mussels.

Further along were roast suckling pig, beef loin, a variety of gratins (both vegetable and seafood), stroganoff, fish & chips, wursts and sauerkraut and more that I can’t remember. We sat with most of our trivia team and had a lovely time.  The sommelier was Philip who took care of our first party in our cabin.  As for desserts, it’s unfortunate that there were so many to choose from all at once.  I found a wonderful Limoncello cake.  Al had a lemon meringue thing and some of our tablemates tried the Baked Alaska.  Everything tasted wonderful!

After lunch it was time to do one of the things that I dislike most – pack!  I must say, we clearly didn’t buy enough stuff along the way because I have plenty of room in the suitcases.  The only large thing we bought is being shipped home.  We do have an extra walking stick to add to Al’s collection.  Since we came with two (which we did use) and they won’t fit in a suitcase we’re going to duct tape two together.  Duct tape is an essential travel accessory in my opinion.

After packing we went out on deck and played a couple of Scrabble games.  Once again we split them so we’re tied again.  Maybe we’ll break the tie in the airport lounge tomorrow.

The wind has moderated a little and we’ve seen a number of birds.  On the port side (we’re on starboard) there are evidently a number of oil platforms.  We saw a couple while we had lunch.  Anyway, a few minutes ago a helicopter passed over and we think it must be related to a platform.

Al forgot to bring his camera to the dining room for the lunch.  No photos. So sorry.

This evening we met our British and Australian friends for drinks and dinner again.  We ate outside and it was quite nice.  The heavens were cooperating with a light show in the distance.  Lots of lightning is around.  The captain told us they are calling for rain in Rio tomorrow. I hope not because we’re planning on being up to see us sail in.  I’ve heard it’s spectacular.  We have a private car, driver and guide arranged through Seabourn for the day. They will take us wherever we like and then drop us at the airport at the end of the afternoon.  I’m hoping we’ll see something of Rio (H. Stern is on my list) but I confess I have little apprehension.  We have received several warning sheets about Rio and crime while on the ship.  Obviously since we are homeward bound we have most of our valuables with us not in our packed luggage.  I hope we’ll be okay.  Well, dinner is over, the bags have been set out and it’s time to say nighty-nite.