As we near the Horn of Africa, the Somalian coast brings with it some potential piracy issues which makes me understand why when you go to the Sinfonia tracker online, it puts us the other side of Africa. We have been told that when we exit the Red Sea, satellite connection will be terminated for three days. It means internet connectivity will also be reduced or non existent. I’ll write up the blog on my notebook each day but if it’s not posted online, it will be because I don’t have internet access.
This morning dawned hot and humid. It is muggy and hazy with the sea calm and hot.
Although we can’t see land due to the haze, we know it is not far off as there is suddenly a lot more bird life.
Last night we had a really lovely dinner. The food on the Sinfonia has been exceptional. Those that complain must be the super-fussy ones. I have seen no reason for complaint. The entertainment has had some great highlights. Like last night! Mike and I went to the “Handful of Keys” production with Ian von Memerty….he was excellent…here he is with the Sinfonia translator – the lovely talented Jessica…
And here is Ian tinkling the ivories…
It was altogether a lovely evening.
This morning I got up just before 7am and went for a walk around the deck. Then I stopped by the dining room and picked up coffee for Mike and I. We have decided to skip breakfast this morning and give our tummies a break after way too much food of late. Now we are sitting quietly in one of the lounges. The internet is buzzing along very swiftly this morning, so I thought I would get the blog posted early.
I added to today’s to-do list “mending!” I got out our travel sewing kit and repaired a couple of tears and hems that had come undone over the last couple of weeks. Mike is such a perfect travel companion. He had on his ‘to take’ list a sewing kit. I didn’t have it on mine, but when I encountered one before we left, I popped it in my suitcase. This morning, I knew exactly where it was and the sewing job proceeded. Mike knew he had packed one specifically for this occasion, but just could not find it. I had completed repairing the tear in my nightie and had started on his shorts when he gave up looking for it. We had a good laugh at our (completely) opposite personality types. The one thing I can do is thread a needle and do some tacking. Hours and hours of cross stitch made me very capable using needle and thread!
#449 of my 1000 thanks is for my reading glasses. My eye-sight has suddenly deteriorated and I need them for almost all reading. My Bible has particularly small font and I put my glasses on and if required have a tiny torch to light my way! This morning, still in Jeremiah, I was reminded of this…
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…”
And that never ends. He always loves us and is drawing us towards Himself.
For the rest of today, I have to write at least one yacht blog. What I know about buying sailing yachts is dangerous. I always find these a challenge, but the internet is loaded with information so I try to pick the best bits and from what I’ve gleaned, I write the article in my own words. I also have to hit the gym.
And I still have washing to do. Another great pleasure of the day will be reading more of Anna Karanin by Leo Tolstoy. I’ve got to a particularly lovely part.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going!
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂