January 8, 2019 - Sea Day Going to Exmouth

January 8, 2019 - Sea Day

It is hard to believe that we left home just a week ago. We have seen and done so much in these few days that it feels like we have been gone for several weeks. That is a good thing. We are having a Grand Time even though this is not a Grand Voyage.

We left Geraldton behind last night and are now cruising toward Exmouth. That will be a tender port tomorrow. 

Today started with another 4 mile walk before breakfast. The rest of the day was full of lectures and a cooking demonstration that was given by a local Western Australia chef. He showed us a pork tenderloin preparation that I look forward to trying at home. We also heard about the upcoming zodiac tours and the shore excursions in the next 4 ports. Anticipation builders. 

This was our first Gala Night. The menu featured cracked peppercorn beef with grilled shrimp. Not the filets and lobster tails we became accustomed to on the World Cruise, but close. Rack of lamb was another feature. Alice ordered that and I had the beef. Both were very good. 

It was interesting to observe the attire. There were a very few tuxedos and some long gowns. Men without ties and jackets seemed dominant. Women were more style conscious with nice dresses or pants. With a dress shirt, bow tie and jacket I fit in just below the tuxedos. Alice in a nice top and pants equaled the ladies at the top tier. 

We had a good time, but it is disappointing to see how formal nights have been degraded. This is nothing like a Grand Voyage.

At dinner on our first night aboard Jennifer and Richard from Toronto were seated at the table next to us. We had a very nice time with them. Last night they did not join us. We thought perhaps they had gone to The Pinnacle restaurant. Met Jennifer during my walk this morning. She explained that they had been wanting a fixed seating and had finally gotten a table upstairs. They were trying it out and if they liked it, they would not be coming back to open seating so in a few days we should ask Rianto for their table. We will miss them. Tonight no one came to that table until we were finished eating. That did not detect from our good time.

Tomorrow when we will tender to Exmouth it is forecast to be hot.