As I learned during
a Q&A session between the kids on board and the Captain, seas typically do
not exceed 3.5m on any given voyage, at least absent any major storms. The 5m
seas continue, and now Heidi is seasick, unfortunately, her first time ever. As
these waves hit the ship (as a quartering ‘headwind’ from the right), they
bounce off and crash in various directions, the seaspray thrown into the air, very
rapidly swept downwind. There are big birds swooping around, riding these waves
up and down, disappearing and reappearing behind waves. I’ve not seen any of
them dive into the ocean for food, so not sure what their deal is. It’s amazing
that you can see birds more than 100 miles offshore.
Tonight’s Cultural
Pre-Port Lecture concentrated on Cape Town, South Africa, our next destination.
Michael Williams, on board to teach drama, is Director of the Cape Town Opera.
He is an accomplished playwright and writer, and tonight gave us an introduction
to his experiences as a white in South Africa, describing the transition away
from apartheid. He wrote a critically-acclaimed opera chronicling the life of
Nelson Mandela, soon to be performed in London (or was it Australia?). His wife,
Ettie, gave us some great insights on where to go and what to eat, and it looks
exciting. Their wonderful daughters Ellen Anne and Emma also gave a powerpoint
presentation to the dependent children’s school group, telling them all the
things to see and do, showing them pictures of their schools, home, etc.
Can’t wait to get
there!
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| The kids with the Captain and Hotel Director, after their neverending Q&A session. Tate's question about the ship's stabilizers got a particular eyebrow-raise from them. |
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