Passing the Equator--Cheers! Ole!

January  11  --  Day 7 at Sea

Another day at sea. Up at 5:30 to walk the promenade for a mile. Today I watched the pinnacle Grill chef make his famous crab cakes.  Yum.  He used Dungeness crab with no bready fillers.  Just crab, finely diced vegetables: red  peppers, garlic, onion, chives.  He used mayo to hold the mixture together, made small cakes and coated them with panko.   The sauce was excellent.

I had my class at 2:00 today—opposite Mitzi Gaynor.  I didn’t expect many, but I had as many or more than I did the first day.  I did a workshop on creativity and had several good writers.  Most of them are there to journal or write memoirs. 

At the evening show we had the ms Amsterdam singers who did a medley of tunes from the 50^’s. Did I mention that Ron and I are among the young ones here—well except for some of the entertainers? 

After the show we walked a 2/3 of a mile before turning in.  I considered staying up until 1 when we were scheduled to cross the equator.   Our first crossing. To celebrate we were treated to champaign at dinner. The captain promised he wouldn’t make the announcement when we crossed, though if I hadn’t been so tired I’d have been tempted to stay up for the occasion.  If I had stayed up I’d likely have missed it since there are no strings of lights or signs on the water. 

Tomorrow early, we arrive in Ecuador, which by the way means equator.

January 12  --  Day 8 at Sea

We are docked at Manta Ecuador.  We were provided with a shuttle to take us off the port and into town to the market place.  It was like far too many market places.  The locals push their wares.  Ron bought a Panama hat for a good price.  Taxi drivers descended on us wanting to take us for a ride.  I bought a jade-like cross.  I’m wishing now that I had gotten a small painting but I suspect there will be more at the next port which is near Lima, Peru.  Manta is big on exporting tuna.  Lots of fishing boats in and around the harbor. 

We were back aboard before lunchtime and spent another leisurely day by the pool and in the dining room.  I wrote a bit—still haven’t settled in or found my perfect spot. 

Tomorrow is another day at sea and another class. I’ll be continuing my sessions on creativity.  “Writing Beyond What You See.”

Getting on the internet continues to be somewhat difficult.  I couldn’t post today—hopefully tomorrow will be better.