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(There was an error in 07, I misheard the distance we travelled by bus. 300 km in a morning without a molecular transporter is well nigh impossile.) Last night before supper we were entertained by a stage pickpocket who did the usual watch removals etc. and finaled with emptying a punter's pockets then removing his shirt whilst he still wore his jacket, curious that the act has not changed much in 60 years. After supper, we played cards without John cheating - an unusual event ! We travelled 166 miles by sea to Rhodes, expected temperature 20 deg C. Docked on time about 0800. Breakfast chat is all about the old city and that one may visit a museum built about 1400, but which exhibits artefacts going back 2000 years or more. We walked ashore and within minutes were inside the old walls and found the usual plethora of tourist shops. Having trawled through the streets we found the Museum - 8 euros / head BUT we flashed drivers licence and passport and got the old fogies rate of 6 euros ! The exhibited works are astounding and well worth a visit. We retraced our steps back to a cafe we had seen earlier and the 6 of us parked on the open air first floor for lunch. Jan espied Dave and Jandy across the square and we gave them a shout to join us. The beer came in boots. We had a delicious lunch. I have been asked to supply pictures of the participants - so they are attached. My cabin minder left a satisfaction questionaire - which Jan promptly nicked, removing the opportunity for me to comment on the overall crap signage around the boat and even outside to find one's way back when ashore. The are 16 decks in common use, not all the lifts reach all the levels. There are no indicators outside the lift about where it reaches. When you leave the lift the only way to check the floor is to stop, turn around (impeding traffic) and look at the wall by the lift door. It is beyond my comprehension why the large glass balustrade panels by the lift do not have a deck number displayed. Also, except on the wall by the lifts, there are no deck numbers anywhere on board. I walk decks 14,15,16 on my nightly stroll, remembering where I am requires being sober. I can't walk right around the deck on one level. Yesterday I tried to walk at 4pm not 10pm and failed because of a sea of bodies lying in the sunshine. The ladies complain that the various bars / lounges / facilities are also poorly signed. There are maps for emergency evacuation but they omit deck numbers. There is no list of facilities indexed by deck number. To find the Card Room needs the services of Sherlock Holmes, or troop down 10 decks and the ship's length to Reception. I have been asked if I am enjoying myself. Suffice it to say I would not come again - even a freebie. It IS a lifetime experience, like the guillotine or childbirth. But I am making the best of it with beer and good company. And one can hardly get off and go home ! Tonight Dave and Jandy are celebrating - this means are having an extra drink, not wishing to leave them alone we joined in lemoncello being the preferred poison. We played cards until late - then I walked and returned to my cabin to find: We are at risk of piracy between Aqaba and Dubai 'We would like assure all guests ... ...invited to not go on deck ... ... precautionary measure ... etc etc ' I told you I was not going to enjoy this !! We're supposed to be in Port Said at 1900 tomorrow, expected temp 22 deg C having travelled another 366 miles but are not allowed ashore into the war zone. |
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