New Friends

The ship is nearly empty today, during our five days in Manaus most people are off on various day and overnight trips into the jungle and several trips to Rio de Jainero. I'm glad we ventured into town Sunday and Monday as it has rained on and off for a good part of the day. We'll just relax and study on board today. The crew is busy cleaning and painting, the ship is immaculate inside and out. Although we were told not to expect "cruise ship" hospitality the crew are all exceptionally accommodating. The food continues to be very good and varied. We are looking forward to our first "special dinner" on Friday. These are served in a separate room with champagne, hors d' oeuvres, and a five course sit-down dinner.

During lunch on deck this afternoon we were joined by fellow Life Long Learners Betty & Boyd, who must be at least in their mid 80's. They are newlyweds of seven years. Betty is adorable in her polyester pants suits, coiffed white hair and Mac computer!! They are swimming with the dolphins tomorrow, and Betty takes her tape player on deck for daily water aerobics in the pool. She had treked in Nepal and biked/camped in the Arctic Circle in Finland. She just gave up tennis this year because, "I can't see the ball until it hits me". Yesterday they walked to the Opera House in town, quite a trek. They both communicate via e-mail and Boyd takes digital photographs and posts them on line. Hope we are doing the same in twenty five years!!

My Spanish lessons are calling.