It's been a little while since I've posted so I thought I'd put up another issue even though not a lot has really happened since the last post.

We recently crossed the mid point of the Atlantic Ocean. So we're about halfway to the Azores. For several days, all we've seen is ocean outside the ship. We have been in the vicinity of a few other ships along the way but they're really rare out here.  It's just us for miles. (Of course, that's nautical miles.)

The past few days have been rainy and cloudy; not the best for sitting on the veranda. But today the weather has improved--even though it's still somewhat cloudy, the sun has come out and the temperature is warm enough to sit outside, which I'm doing as I write. Of course, the rain isn't a big inconvenvience because you can stay inside the ship and do everything you want. It's just nice to be able to get some fresh air. Our captain, who does an announcement over the PA system at 10:00 am every day, has told us that we should have good weather now and in the Azores.

We haven't been spending too much time at the nightly performances so far. We went to the first night which was an introduction to the cruise and then the second night, which was the shipboard performing group of dancers and singers doing Broadway numbers. That was really good and they do an excellent job. Since then the performers haven't really attracted us so we've had evenings free. Which is fine...we eat a leisurely meal, get a drink or two either before or after dinner (um, or I suppose it could be both) and just relax, which afterall what a vacation is all about, at least for us.

We have spent a good amount of time exploring the ship. There are several pools, both indoor and outdoor. A spa. A library. A number of restaurants and bars. A casino (which doesn't do much to attract me, but it seems requisite on a ship). Of course, there are shops with all sorts of goods including expensive watches and handbags, plush toys, keychains with ships on them, and sundry useful items such as medicines (should you be feeling unwell or suffering from mal de mer) and other helpful things such as razors. We've spent some time finding and to some extent using all of these places.

We have been going to a lecture series by a history professor who has been really interesting. First she talked about the history of Spain and then Portugal, both topics which fit into our cruise itinerary.  Her third presentation though was about American madams and brothels of the 19th century. It was really interesting and entertaining even though it had nothing to do with our destinations. Well worth the time though. She has a few more lectures coming up which I'm looking forward to hearing.

Okay, I'll write again in a couple of days. Thanks for reading.