December 24 (Sunday) – At Sea – A lazy day for Robin and Roger, as Robin had been up a good part of the night with vomiting. We had gale force winds so I gave him some sea sickness pills and he was able to lie in bed most of the day. Alex who had also been vomiting during the night ended up in the medical department as he was diagnosed with kidney stones and was in a great deal of pain. They put in an IV and gave him pain killers. After a few hours he was able to get back to his room by 10 PM. Peter was also feeling rather unwell and was very concerned about his father. Alex got dinner in the Medical Center and the four of us went to the cafeteria where soup and a light meal ensued for the 2 who were under the weather. We hope tomorrow will be a lot better.
December 25 (Monday) – At Sea – Christmas Day. All the sick seemed better today. Roger went to the Church of England service with the Vicar – The Rev John Van Huizen (there was a Catholic mass was on at the same time 8:45 AM with Father Joseph Vella presiding). Robin felt well enough to go to breakfast, while the others had breakfast in bed. Alex went to the Medical office for another IV treatment while Roger & Robin went to the service by the Captain Aseem A. Hashmi of 7 lessons (all read by staff & officers form different parts of the world) and 9 carols – great way to get into the Christmas Spirit. Calls to family, Pub trivia and Croquet rounded out the rest of the day before dressing for a delicious turkey dinner, a brilliant New Zealand Tenor – Ben Makisi was the evening entertainment, capped off with a drink at the Commodore Club. A fun way to spend Christmas and glad all felt better.
December 26 (Tue) – At Sea – Smoother seas this Boxing Day. A lazy day, mainly in the cabin and wandering around the Ship, recharging batteries for the busy shore days ahead. The Evening entertainment “From Bizet to Broadway” by The String Dolls – two talented ladies playing violins.
Roger & Anne Travels 