Sun. May 29...Day 13

Day 13 May 29, 2011

 Today was a day at sea. Itmwasn’t supposed to be. We were supposed to “tender” at Ilfracombe, England. The ship would have dropped anchor and people would have been taken to shore in the life boats. We hadn’t planned on going ashore today. The winds were too strong today to be able to go to Ilfracombe. We stayed in Liverpool until 11:15 last night. We were still awake when the ship left the dock. It was interesting to hear it. Since we had backed in that morning, the ship just sailed away straight ahead.

Since there wasn’t a stop, they had to put together a program for today. They had the disembarkation talk. We went to it even though we are leaving the ship a day early. They had the crew of the ship come out and they sang a song. It was interesting to see the dining room stewards, stateroom stewards, cooks, laundry (towels, sheets, tablecloths etc) entertainment people together in one place. There are actually about 500 crew members all together. They do an excellent job.  Emily still isn’t feeling the best. We left her in the lounge area to read her books. That way she could cough as she needed to and not bother anyone.

When we went to lunch today one of the main (big wig) dining managers escorted Emily to our table. She was thrilled. Like I said, she has made a lot of “friends” on the ship.

I also went on an i-pod tour of the art on the ship. They claim that “The Rotterdam is decorated with art valued at over $2 million”. It is really interesting. They have Japanese, Chinese, French, and American art on the ship. Some are copies, others are originals.

A 19th century French clock. 

 This sculpture is made out of glass. It is called “The Sun”.

This is a marbled inlayed dance floor. It is made from marble of all different colors from around the world. There is also a table in the library that is similar.  Don’t be surprized, after all, this is a luxury liner!!!

 This afternoon after some wonderful naps, I did laundry on board for the last time, I hope. No pictures of that :)  Tonight was our last formal night. The dinner we had was very good. I don’t think that we’ve had a disappointing meal since we came on board.

Emily had escargots (snails) for her appetizer tonight.

Then all three of us had the dish called “Surf and Turf” (Lobster tail and filet mignon). Now doesn’t that look just yummy? Believe me, it was!!!

 And last but not least, a yummy dessert called “Chef Rudi’s toque”.  The chef’s hat “toque” was made out of white chocolate and filled with a chocolate mousse and served with a berry sauce and some whipped cream.

It has been very foggy all afternoon and evening. In fact the ship has had to blow its horn every two minutes all afternoon and it is still blowing now as I write this.

Good night from the foggy English Channel!! 

 Tomorrow: La FRANCE    Not home yet, but Cherbourg, France