DAY THREE AT SEA ON OUR WAY TO BORA BORA

 Day 28/138    January 17, 2024   Sunrise 6:17 AM   Sunset: 5.20 PM


Beautiful sunrise this morning.  

Quite a little sea spray this morning. 

Definitely on our way south 

Weather report shows warm weather in the forecast and possible rain.  Air feels humid. 

First talk this morning is by Viking Resident Historian wing commander (Ret.) William Simpson: "Warbirds of World War II- The carrier War in the Pacific.  Chart the role of aircraft carriers and warplanes in some of the fiercest naval battles in history.  Excellent talk but I kept falling asleep; probably because I woke up early at 4:30 AM and decided to get up,  put a load of clothes in the washing machine and go to the gym.  10 miles today.  

Equator Crossing Ceremony today: Guests wishing to take part in the plunge &  Aquavit Shot are welcome to participate and receive their official "Order of the Shellback" status.   John and I have done this before so I'll be photographing some of the participants.  

Fran attended the Photography Workshop with Mr. James Fraser: "Discuss What You Want From Your Camera."  I found it helpful. I made an appointment with him in the afternoon to have him look at my camera and give me some pointers. He and I also discussed Photoshop Elements which he has recommended to the class.  I purchased it a few days ago and have been learning the program and using it to edit my photos.  

After lunch I attended a Ship Officers' Q & A.  Captain  Fredrik Nilsson, staff  Captain Mats Strandberg, Chief Engineer Dag Austad, and Hotel General Manager Mukesh Kumar.  Lots of good questions from the audience.  It was announced that the Super Bowl will be shown on the ship as will the Academy Awards.  (yeah for me because I always try to watch the Awards).  Weighing on many passengers minds was what will happen to us if we're unable to use the Red Sea and Suez Canal.  Viking's executives are assessing the situation constantly and will make a final determination at the end of February or early March.  

Later Fran attended a lecture from Dr. Linda Bradley: "Gauguin's Depictions of Polynesia" . she discusses his paintings, carvings and woodblock prints from Tahiti and the Marquesas.

One last talk this evening with  Mr. Michael Bradley: " Navigator Captain Bligh, navigator Extraordinaire". He will explore Bligh and his crew as they survive navigating a lifeboat 3500 miles across the Pacific.  

Late dinner tonight with a new friend from the cruise in the Chef's Table.  Tonights menu is Japan; Cuisine from an Island Nation.   Looking forward to this.  Each course is paired with a premium wine. 


First course TATAKI THREE WAYS paired with Garofoli Komaros, Montepulciano, Marche, Italy 

Second course was KATAIFI SCALLOPS  paired with Selbach-Oster, Riesling Moselle, Germany
Next  course was CLEAR NOODLE SOUP

Main course was BEEF TENDERLOIN paired with Leone de Castri, Villa Santera, Primitivo, Apulia, Italy. 
Dessert was PASSION FRUIT SORBET with basil lemon namelaka, honey mousse, sesame, white chocolate powder  served with Ponte Proseco Treviso, Glera, Veneto, Italy.  


An excellent meal enjoyed by two happy cruisers, Linda and Fran 






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