Tanning is hard work! January 25, 2012

I'm getting the hang of it a bit more now and have learned to download any attachments, (at least when I am at the ship's internet area ) and so here is a photo from the Hotel Director's cache.
I am working on my tan and went to a lecture today about astronomy!

A Day Out of Rio de Janeiro - January 21, 2012

Hello from The Silver Whisper, a day out of Rio de Janeiro.

Yesterday we went off ship for a tour of Salvador de Bahia and I saw things I did not see last time, or maybe I just forgot them.  There were some lovely santos type statues in the middle of a man made lake in the lower part of the city and we saw many of the very lovely residential sections and beaches as well.  Then our small tour of just 8 (an American Express bonus) went up to the old part of the city and I finally recognized something.  Churches predominated but I saw the inside of one which I did not remember and I am sure I would have done so as it is EXTREMELY ornate.  It is gold covered wood, carved floor to ceiling and the ceiling was moiré gold and paintings.  I took pictures, sbut am still awaiting my tutoring on how to pass them along.  We were told that the church is very similar to one we saw in OURO PRETO in the state of Minas Gerais where we toured when visiting Andrea and Brian when they lived in Brasilia.  Or, as I happily remember it, the trip where we got the amethysts. Tonight is a formal night and I plan to wear them!

Carl did not feel too great after walking on cobblestones so much, and I may have continued difficulties in getting him to tour.  But, I plan to do more, although not huge amounts.  We have nothing planned for Rio except I hope to find a church for Sunday.  So far, there have been no religious services of any kind except for a notice that anyone wishing to lead Sabbath services on Friday night is invited to do so.

The seas have calmed and the weather warmed up.  The champagne continues to flow  ( or whatever your choice may be) and we have a very nice cabin butler and maid.  I have already warned them that we will indubitably be messing things up more as our company arrives.  The food is good and portions reasonably sized, but we are still skipping at least one meal a day.  So far, no weight gain!!!!!!!

I was in a very short fashion show the other day.  There is a shop on the ship and while we were killing some time one day and looking around, the young lady in charge asked me to model something from the new things they were bringing on at the next port.  Luckily I found something which was not up to my you know where and felt very comfortable in a three piece skit, blouse and jacket outfit.  It was easy and fun and they were definitely appealing to our senior type passenger list, so I fit right in! Unfortunately it was one of the sea bumpy days and so I was unable to twirl properly and show off the “flirty” skirt.  They were lucky I stayed on two feet!

Portuguese Lessons and Piano Concerts - January 18, 2012

Amy and all other potential travelers (with us).  I have written about the formal wear but think I need to add that the Informal nights do not mean much dressing down.  The women all wear nice dresses or pantsuits or slacks and fancy tops and the guys have to wear a jacket but do not need a tie. The casual nights are usually upon leaving port and still mean no jeans or shorts (cargo or otherwise!)

So far we have still not left the ship but at least the weather has improved for a smoother ride.  I have not taken any Dramamine in two days! 

They had a couple of very enjoyable piano concerts and I am working on picking up a few Portuguese phrases in the beginner's class.  You can work with me when you come, Andrea!

No progress yet on the pictures thing, at least as far as me being able to send them from my camera.

This photo was taken by the Hotel Director - we were near Tortola, British Virgin Islands

    

About 1/3 of the passengers are on the full cruise.  There are only about 50% Americans on board.  We will bet off in Salvador and I will try and send something after that.

Three days in - January 9th, 2012

We are now three days in and still speaking.  Wonder of wonders!

First, Amy and anyone else who is wondering if a tuxedo is required for Formal nights, if you have a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie, all is well.  The ladies dressed up nicely although not quite Red Carpet style.  That is, no trains or strapless.  Of course, this is an older bunch so that is rather to be expected. 

We are having a bit of bouncy weather and so I have had to resort to Dramamine, but it seems to do the job.  I tried the Pilates class  and gave up half way through it.  Between the bending like a pretzel and the motion of the boat, I was really nauseous.

The ship is very nice and the crew as well.  Our stateroom is fine except for the area in front of the bed which is juuuuust high enough for us to pass and our height makes me nervous about hitting my head.  The ceiling curves there as we are in the very front of the boat.

We set sail on January 6th!

We boarded the Silver Whisper in Fort Lauderdale on the feast of the Three Kings.