Friday 8th February – Horta, Faial, The Azores.

We woke up this morning, had breakfast and went out on deck, but only for the few minutes we needed to get over the shock we had as we went out. ...........  It was cold!

Alright, maybe not cold like it is in the UK at the moment, but definitely less than we’ve been used to.  People were wearing trousers, and sweaters, and even coats!  Oh my, you can tell we are getting closer to home.

But today we are in Horta.  We didn’t arrive until 1pm, and it was still cold.  So after lunch, and putting on our fleeces for the first time in weeks, we set off for a walk round the little town. 

It’s a lovely little place, which I am certain would look brilliant with a bit of sun.  There’s not a lot to do and there isn’t much in the way of shopping.  But, for an afternoon’s stroll (much needed after 5 days at sea), and some time sitting in a pleasant cafe or bar watching the world go by, it is just the ticket.

Some pictures..

The trees are deliberately trimmed to look like this.  Amazing!

A pretty little park in the town centre, with these black swans.  Really lovely.

If you head left out of the port, towards the little hill (that Peter climbed last year), you'll find this tiny bay.  Really lovely, it reminded us of Cornwall.

Ponta Delgada tomorrow, and my flight home. (Now pulling sad face as I type this).

Thursday 7th February – My last sea day

Tomorrow we’ll get to the Azores and Horta, a place I’m looking forward to.  The day after we’ll be Ponta Delgada, where I will board a plane and leave Peter and Co to continue the cruise without me.  I need to be back at work on Monday.  The ship will arrive in Tilbury on Thursday February 14^th.

So in a way, it’s quite sad.  I’ve helped Peter set up his classes for the last time, I’ve cut enough paper for the last sessions, started packing my clothes and stuff and generally started to prepare to leave.  Awwwwww!

This has been an absolutely brilliant cruise.  I’ve had so many fantastic days, which I’ve shared in this blog, but there are many things I haven’t mentioned.  For instance, the  quizzes every night have been fun, and although we’ve not spent a lot of time in the Captains Club, the couple playing classical music there are very good, creating are wonderful pleasant atmosphere in the evening. 

There’s the day we crossed the equator, which I wrote about earlier and the quiz “Rock your socks off!” which all future passengers should attend if the opportunity arises.  The same applies to the pantomime, Cinderella, and the cut down version of Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat, “Go Go Joseph”, which really was absolutely brilliant.  Andi Ford, the comedian, certainly made us chuckle too.   

The food has been very good too and much better than last year. ( Apparently that’s because they changed the chef).  The only thing lacking it seems is vanilla icecream.  (And Peter won’t eat any other flavour).

Downsides?  Well, I suppose you get used to the way things are done on this ship.  Beds are singles and there are no coffee making facilities in most of the cabins. There isn’t a launderette, which is really difficult after 6 weeks. The Eastern European waiters and waitresses don’t smile quite so quickly and easily as others and there are probably loads of other little extra’s and facilities on other ships that aren’t available on this one.  But if you talk to the passengers, the difference and the plus side of the ship is the atmosphere.  I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, a general friendliness which sort of exudes from everything and everyone, making you feel comfortable and at ease.  Although I am sure it doesn’t suit everyone, many of the passengers I’ve spoken to completely agree, and many of them keep coming back because they like this ship.

Me, well, I’ll be very sorry to leave.  Peter is already trying to work out when and which ship he’ll be working on next.   If it’s this one, and I can join him, I will be absolutely delighted. All I have to work out is how do I get the time off!

Tomorrow we’re in Horta.  I’ve not been before, so I’m really looking forward to it. 

Tuesday 5th February – Sea day

Actually, it’s our 3^rd sea day since leaving Barbados.  And we’ve been pretty chilled to be honest.  Peter has done a few more paintings as they have been selling like the proverbial hotcakes.  I nagged him to paint a monkey from Isle De Salut, which he did.  Since I commissioned it, I get to keep it if it doesn’t sell.  (Fingers crossed).

Since it’s a sea day, I thought I’d talk about passengers.  I have to say, the women on here have enlightened me in the art of growing old, and how not to do it. (See these cruises are not just for fun, they can be educational.)  Trying to counteract the effects of age can have mixed results, and on a ship with several hundred women over sixty, you get to see the full spectrum from effective to downright scary.

 I’ve decided that wigs are not the way to go, nor is pinky red curly hair.  Bikini’s are not attractive, not matter how good the figure, since most of the skin exposed is..............  How shall I put it? ...........    Hmmmmmmm...........Crinkly!  Protecting less than pert boobs from accidental but total exposure is a must, especially as it has a sort of car crash attraction when the people around can see it is going to happen.  And retaining the hairstyle you had when you were 16 is also not a good idea.  (I mean.......Pigtail plaits?  Honestly?)

The ultimate crash comes from a lady who suffers from curvature of the spine, aged (wrinkly) skin, and a rather large nose. These in themselves are not scary.  What is scary is the thick (and actually glorious), mass of long hair dyed jet black on top.  The whole image just needs a broom and a peaked hat.  No matter how good the hair, methinks maybe it should be toned down, just a little. But then, maybe I shouldn’t judge.  Me, mirrors and hairbrushes don’t get together very often. I think I could give Wurzel Gummidge a run for his money most days.

Just to prove the point, the photo’s on this post are from a “formal” night.  As you can see, Peter looks good, despite the fact he hates the bow tie.  I’m sorry about my picture, it was either this one on the one where my eyes are closed.  I’m not really growling at you, honest. (And see what I mean about hairbrushes).

Another sea day tomorrow.   Let’s see what that brings.