Friday 15 August
Into the North Sea as we head back to Rotterdam and disembarkation tomorrow morning. The North Sea is still very flat, but in the 12 days since we cruised up, the daylight hours have receded from 22+ (including twilight) to about 18 - indicating how quickly the "day time" shorterns. It's hard to imagine what it would be like living in 24 hour darkness for 2 to 3 months every year.
Norway is a wealthy country but has very high taxes and is very high cost (petrol just on $3 per litre and coffee close to $10 a cup). On the other hand, it has a very strong welfare system and very generous employment conditions. It also has the third oldest constitution in the world - behind San Marino and the USA. Its scenery is just stunning and its people seem to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.
Into the washing this morning and found that I could multi task ie have breakfast while the machine did it!! The clear cruising conditions have everybody out - library is full, classes are full and the seafood lunch even attracted a queue. The first time the ship has felt full.
Been a little concerned about Ted from our dinner table as we have not seen him for a few days (when he said he was not feeling well) - he does not appear to be a healthy 77 year old, but it seemd he is ok and sticking to his cabin.
Packing has to be done for 1am collection and just one dinner and show to go. We are scheduled for 7.30am disembarkation, so it won't be a big night of sleep.
Sailed past many North Sea oil and gas platforms during the day and we had Ted back for our last dinner. We had a good group on our table and all got on well. The last night bombe alaska spectacular was probably our best ever. Our final show was a dancing with the stars spectacular - 6 passengers with partners from the ship's dancers. Interestingly, I was not invited to feature!!!
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