Last Sea Day Before Hilo, Hawaii

The mats in the elevators let us know what day it is.

It's a good job we have those mats everyday or we would never know what day it is. Especially when there are a lot of sea days. They end tomorrow as we are at Hilo tomorrow.

This photo is a stain glass mosaic in the lower dining room where we eat our breakfast every morning. There is one on each side of the room but there were guests sitting in front of the other one. Perhaps I'll be able to get a shot of it later. No hurry, we still have 24 days.

This morning while Bob walked the plank, oh no, the deck I attended a presentation on the Ecology of Islands. What makes islands like Hawaii and Tahiti so unique. We learned also about animals and birds on these and other islands and how they got there and why some are unique to certain islands and are not found anywhere else.

Wow, they sure had the air-conditioners ramped up this morning, when I left the lecture I went out on deck to get warm. The weather has been lovely all week I hope it stays that way tomorrow when we are in port.

Bob & I started a game of hand & Foot but after only one hand we put the cards away as it was time for lunch in the Lido. What a sin, should we ever miss eating on time. Funny when Bob's home I never know what time he is coming in to eat. Usually late, like after it's burnt, dried out, gone cold, etc.Oh well I guess he;s not working now so nothing to keep him from being on time.

After lunch we went to the Showroom for "Cruise Views with the Captain", The Captain and the Hotel Director held a Q & A about our ship, the Statendam, and itinerary. We learned how the Departments all work together in running the ship and all about what is done with recyclebles, gray & black water, etc. They were very interesting to listen to and to hear what all they were saying.

The Captain announced yesterday, besides the Knoningdam being built and put inyo service in 2016; her sister ship will be built and put into service in 2018.

There was a special afternoon show held at 3:00PM; an Aloha Hawaii Concert, Featuring the living legend Henry Kaleialoha Allen, playing all 3 of the Hawaiian instruments, backed by the HAL Cats. Featuring the popular music and songs of Hawaii. Such as "Blue Hawaii", "The Little Grass Shack", "Lei of Stars" and "Hawaii Calls". Mr Allen's wife did the introductions to the songs and told about them and what TV shows and Movies he had been in or worked with other artists. His nieces performed the "Hula" to some of the songs. A very nice afternoon.

Tonight was formal night again so besides getting dressed up we also have special menu;s that night, Tonight I had a fruit medley for starters and Beef Wellington for my entre. Bob had a chilled melon soup and grilled chicken. We both had a chocolate dessert; however Bob's was sugar free.

After dinner we went to the Showroom again, this time to listen to David Pengelly plsy his Ukuele and tell stories, then Bernie Fields, from last night, took the stage and treated us to some more Harmonica tunes,

It was another busy day at sea, looking forward to seeing Hilo tomorrow.