Thursday April 25
Last night they canceled the Cirque de Soleil show, moved it to the night we are in Funchal (Sunday). We are experiencing 30+ Ft. waves and 45 mph winds. Everyone looks drunk as they try to walk around the ship. Did manage to get to the gym and sit on the stationary bikes for about 1.5 hrs—but my bottom is still sore from not having ridden in so long. I also had to keep my eyes closed to prevent vertigo.
The captain announced that their biggest concern with the restless sea was the possibility of losing a lifeboat. If the lifeboat senses the water they could set themselves free. That is how high the waves and troughs were! One woman at the dinner table confessed that, after hearing the captain speak, she slept with her life-preserver nearby. I wasn’t that paranoid, but I did wonder what it would be like in the lifeboat with those waves.
Today, I was disappointed by the mystery dinner theater; the food was mediocre, a first time for us on the Epic. Also, the acting was not up to par. Maybe it was the crowd (not very responsive) or the ship’s rocking, but for what ever reason, the act dragged and was not funny.
The internet connection is very slow making it difficult Skype my parents. Once we get on land, we will be able to have longer chats.
Dennis and I decided against taking a tour in Funchal. Instead, we will walk a half hour into town, try to find an internet cafe, Skype my parents, upload my blog and Camino Tip, and check on email, etc. We also want to see if the return transatlantic cruises or offered yet. We would like to schedule the return trip. NCL offers a 12-day voyage leaving on October 1, from Copenhagen to Miami. I would like to see if there is an earlier one, arriving home around the 1st.
If time permits, after all this internet work, we will try to see some of the sites. There is a cable car ride that is takes us to a panorama of the city. From the top of the mountain, there is a wicker basket ride to the bottom. We’ll see what cost and time will permit.
Friday, April 26
We shifted forward an hour during the night. By the time a got up and worked out, it as after ten when we went for breakfast. I really appreciate the restaurants and use those more than the buffet; they are more cozy and the food portions are controlled.
It is hard to tell if I am putting on weight…the scale changes about 10 lbs. with the ship’s swaying. My best guess is that I am about the same, or a few pounds heavier. Unbelievably, Dennis has lost weight, which means he will have to be careful not to lose too much once we start pedaling.
Curiously, I am still not feeling excited about our upcoming adventure. Since Dennis and I prefer casual seating for dinner, the conversation usually includes a description of what we will do once we disembark in Barcelona. People are usually impressed with our plans—five months of hiking and biking is daunting for many. Yet, I feel ambivalent. I am looking forward to walking the Camino Portuguése and Hadrian’s Wall. The biking, on the other hand, just seems like a lot of work. Perhaps this is because I have not been pedaling a lot for the past several years. Hopefully, once I get back on the saddle, my outlook will improve.
Today I plan to write a book review, a blog, and a Camino tip. This evening we will see a satirical comedy act and maybe even an “a cappella” barbershop quintet.
Saturday April 27
Five time zones down, one to go. After exercising and having breakfast, I just want a nap. Tomorrow we will explore Funchal, the capital of Madeira, a Portuguese Island. It will be nice to walk around and enjoy the sites.
Today Dennis and I went bowling; there are six lanes on ship. It’s been years since I bowled, and I am not very good at it, so I used the kiddie bumpers; Dennis did not. In the last frame, I got a spare. Not realizing that I had to bowl one more ball for the score, Dennis got up and knocked down seven pins. Thus, with his help, I won 78 to 77.
This evening we saw the comic magician, Bruce Gold. I didn’t find him skillful in comedy or magic. We walked around the jogging deck than listened to music while sipping a beer. Dennis commented that cruising was a relaxing way to start our demanding trip. I agreed.
Sunday April 28
Sitting in internet cafe in sunny Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Will Skype my mom on her birthday and have a long chat. Tonight is the Cirque de Soleil performance. Everyone on the ship says that it is the best act of the week.
