WEEK 4 NEW YORK TO BERMUDA

8 May 2022---NEW YORK

 

The night was rough we were rocking and rolling, everyone walked like crabs, this way, then that way, a guest was enjoying a martini in the observation lounge and nearly fell over when getting up, her comment “Guys I have really just had one drink, believe me, it’s the ship” We had a good laugh. 

Going down the steps you held on for dear life, made sure my fingers and toes were not close to any doors and our bathroom door open and closed on its own.

I have been lucky that I have not needed any white bags that are out all over the ship when we have rough seas.

This lasted all night and only stopped when we picked up the pilot just outside New York City. I woke up when the outside light near our porthole went on and hubby said it’s because they are picking up the pilot. Was worried about the rough seas but he told me they slow down and turn the ship to flatten the water, so they can pick him up. I have been lucky to see them do that but can’t remember where it was.

This coming week we have been told that we are not going to Norfolk due to high winds, so will be spending 2 days at sea before we reach Bermuda.

I left the ship early, it was cold, wet, and windy,7 degrees outside, so the umbrella and warm woolies came out on my walk to Bryant Park.

Took a few photos and then continued walking towards Central Park, my first stop was Rockefeller Centre where the ice-skating ring has been replaced with a roller-skating ring, also had lots of clothes hanging on lines (looks like a washing line) but did not know what that was for, took a photo to show you.

Then it was time to pop into the beautiful Catholic Church in 5 th Avenue, have been there before but it is just so impressive and beautiful, had time to sit down and have some quiet time, started feeling tearful and emotional, think am just so thankful for all our blessings and deserve nothing, just GODS GRACE.

A guard was very friendly but think he could see I was tearful, and my mascara was not making things easier, nice black eyes!! I stopped at the Apple Store which is very impressive and thank goodness for a restroom stop, then it was time for Central Park and a long walk to the Metropolitan Museum. 

The other night it was on CNN with some, or other awards evening and all the important people of New York were there, even Hillary Clinton. I popped in and then decided would spend my money on a coffee and 3 cookies at Levain Bakery, decisions, and choices all day long and my time was running out!

The walk to Grand Bazaars took me through Central Park and for a moment I did not know which path to take but found my way, then it was time for my coffee and cookie at Levains Bakery, was vrek lekker, also got hubby 2 cookies.

 On my way back got caught up in the Central Park magic, listening to a guy with the most beautiful voice giving his own show, I did not know which way to walk, thank goodness I asked, for I was going in the wrong direction and that ruffled my feathers, imagine walking away instead of too ship!

Passed a man with a dog that was paralyzed and hooked up in a little special cart, wheelchair dingetjie, was so heartwarming to see, was a little brown pug woefie, even took a video. Another young lady had her two doggies all dressed up in bling jackets, thought to myself ok, they are in New York, so will call it New York bling!! 

Here dogs have a good life and are important, so good to see.

At this time, I had picked up my pace and just wanted to get to a place I recognized so that I knew, ok I am going in the right direction, always scared I don’t get back to the ship on time and off they go without me!!

The ships don’t wait for anyone. I also had to stop and buy a suitcase to get all our clobber home and sweets, for we have been going through them, must be something about getting older, ouer mense hou mos van sweets,haa haa.

Never thought that I would buy a suitcase to take things back home, first time in nearly 10 years, looks like the crew’s way of doing things is rubbing off on me!! 

So ran into a store and bought a small suitcase (a carry on) and made sure its wheels turned in all directions for hubbies old one, I had to kick and pull to get it going in the direction I wanted it to go, that was on my way to New York from Miami, that one is old ,so maybe it is time for a new set of suitcases!! Skuld ons niks. Can’t believe in November 2023 hubby has been on the high seas for 10 years. Regte ou matroos en skipkat but what an amazing time it has been.

Today was another day of lots of walking so tonight I should sleep like a baby, also had time to post my weekly blog, post my pics and phone my mom and mother-in-law for Mother’s Day. My sisters had a family get together in PE, hope we will be home for the next gathering. My mother-in-law turns 80 in June so we will be heading to Cape Town for that and am very glad we should be home for that.

Got a wedding Save -the- Date invite for next year and hope hubby will be able to make it, for the last wedding I had to go on my own but had a blast on his behalf!! 

 

9 May 2022---@SEA

 

Left New York and perched myself in the Observation lounge on the port side so that I could see all the buildings while sailing out, such a beautiful sight don’t think you ever get bored of that view. We were lucky to have a Fire Boat doing a Drill on the same side, busy spraying water from all its hoses, of gaaitjies, will post that pic later. We had been warned about the bad weather that was to come but boy were we in for a surprise!!

Toe ons die diep see in is toe begin die gewieg en gerol,went on all night and woke this morning to even worse weather.

Got hubby up at 6 for our gym session but that was short lived, I was on the rowing machine and had a view of him on the running machine but that did not last long, trap hier, dan daar ,dan hoog dan laag, toe is hy na die spinning fiets toe, eerste een se ratte was nie lekker nie en toe uiteindelik op fiets nr 2 reggekom.

Langs my het ek twee lee roei masjiene met niemand op nie maar die sitplekke beweeg vorentoe en agtertoe , voel soos 2 spoke wat saam roei!

Teen 7 uur is ons af vir ons koffie maar daai vinnige stappie op dek 16 ,was  ook vinnig en kort, baie winderig en koud, see wild en woes, glad nie lekker nie.

Alle buite stoele vasgemaak en swembaddens toe met nette ,dan weet jy, we in for a rough ride!!

Gaste lyk soos mense wat te veel gedrink het. So vandag is n koue mistroostige dag, geen son of buite le op die kaarte nie, hoop regtig ons seil uit onder die slegte weer sodat hulle darem buite kan kom more.

Na ontbyt is ek weer op my plekkie op dek 15,het al vergeet wou vertel van die badkamers en hierdie toilette wat voel hulle suig jou saam uit soos op die vliegtuie,weird gevoel en ergste is jy druk geen knoppie nie,hul werk randomly of as jy die deur oopmaak,so aan die genade oorgelaat en buite jou beheer!!Catch my drift,haa haa. Seker nie iets wat jy eintlik deel nie maar ek deel dit want soos my een vriendin sal se,it is what it is!!!

Hubby is on duty today and is running around, a lot of seasick people, one can understand with these rough seas.

I was hoping we would outrun this weather but no luck so far, when I went down to our cabin, I took a video of the water/waves crashing against our porthole even closed it at one point for looks like a washing machine cycle at your window and just not a nice feeling. 

Hubby came to check on me and not long after that the security came to our room on orders to close all the portholes, toe dink ek o koek, net nie se dinge gaan erger raak nie!!

Dit reen katte en honde buite, dink vir myself ai kan ons nie net n ou klein bietjie van die by die huis kry nie. Sou vanaand gaan uiteet het met die hele mediese span maar het klaar gehoor gaan nie gebeur nie want is te besig. 

Gelukkig die maand ons anniversary 43 jaar later, jip reg gelees,was saam op skool,so beplan dan weer n ete vir ons tweetjies. Hier waar ek nou sit heel voor op die skip sien ek, die reen en mis lyk asof dit wil begin lig en blou lug!!Lyk my ons is deur die storm,dankie tog.Hoor hulle praat van n walvis maar ek sien niks.Tot more.

 

10 May 2022--- @SEA

 

Woke up late this morning and after hubby had left for work, toe slaap ek nou eers lekker. The sun was out and so glad the seas had calmed down, so after gym and breakfast I walked on deck 8 where all the restaurants have an outside dining area and was good to just walk in the sunshine and have a view over the ocean after 2 days inside.

Sometimes wonder where all the other ships are? for only see 1 or 2 here and there on our crossings to different places or close to ports. Dis gewoonlik net see reg rondom ons met niemand in sig. When hubby was done with his shift this morning, we had time to do a quick walk on the open deck which was nice, just to that he could also get some fresh air for where he works there are no portholes.

DECIDED TO MAKE A LIST OF THINGS I HAD LEARNT IN OUR STORM OF 2 DAYS AT SEA:

Rough/Feels like forever

Not nice/Is Scary

Got no Control/Feel Helpless

What if things go wrong? What is the plan, waarheen hardloop ek.

 

BUT THEN THESE THOUGHTS CAME TO MIND:

Won’t last forever

This too shall pass

All things have a beginning and end

Some things in life you can’t control, only the way you react and how you are going to deal with it.

Choices

I tried my best

Never give up

In life we have different seasons summer, winter, autumn and spring and we never stay in one season for ever, they come and go like, years, day,night and Life!! LIVE TODAY.

On our way from our cabin we passed other crew cabins with their washing bags that are outside in the passage, and are collected by the room steward every morning, the one bag had this wording on it, NEVER GIVE UP! Toe dink ek yes, run the race to the bitter end and never give up, wow sometimes easier said than done ne!!

Tomorrow we are back in Bermuda and the best news of the week the crew have shore leave so hubby is off and we will be getting off together for our first rondloping together on this contract.

Planning on going to our special spot so we will see, and just lie on the grass with that stunning view over the sea, hope to get a photo or two but can’t promise anything, told you he does not like pics and don’t feel like a fight over a photo!!

The next day he is on duty, and I have booked an excursion on a catamaran with snorkeling, swimming, etc. and the thing that made me choose this specific excursion a portion of this trip’s proceeds go towards Cancer Research with contributions being made to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, how special is that!! So, the following people I will be thinking of you while I am on this tour, Lindy, Pete, Inge, who are fighting the fight now, just so many friends and loved ones, will post pics to show you what it was like through my eyes, especially for you. Bye for now.

 

11 May 2022---Bermuda

 

We were up early this morning and made it to the gym at 5.30, were just in time to see the pilot boat coming in to drop of the pilot. The weather did not look great so not so sure about a nice sunny hot day. The plan was to get off at about 11 and that time came and went only to hear later there was a problem with the crew and shore leave. Well, that got hubby all worked up and he jumped in and sorted it out after taking charge of a few technical issues regarding the crews covid testing and vaccinations.

He is not someone that gets worked up easily but boy this got him going en toe is dit kwaai wees en hy wat se, ek se nog heeltyd vir julle doen dit so en so en julle luister nie. Moes eintlik lag toe ek storie hoor, dink almal was groot ogies want hul het hom nog nie kwaai gesien nie.

Die arme crew wag nou al weke om af te klim en hy weet wat dit vir hulle almal beteken,so ek was bitter bly toe die Bermuda regering dit toestaan na hulle al die dokumentasie gekry het.

Then off we went to our special spot not far from the port,we passed a few fat sheep,lyk vir my soos dorper skape, dink hulle is vir die pot!! n area wat voorheen ou geboue gehad het ,is nou plat gestoot en die area is net met gras bedek,soos n park.Toe ons om die draai loop, toe le ons pragtige grasarea en see uitsig voor ons.

Today was not going to be a swimming day so we just lay under the tree with our stunning view over the ocean. I could not resist picking up sea glass while hubby enjoyed his freedom after being stuck on the ship for weeks. Amazing how something so small can be the biggest gift, lying on the grass under a tree overlooking the ocean, getting a break from your work and out of a confined space.The 2 years with covid have really been tough on the crew.

 It was lunch time, and a Bermudian couple had their lunch not far from us, did think wow, what an amazing place to enjoy your daily lunch break with this stunning view.

On our way back to the ship we stopped for his favorite thing, ice-cream en moet erken daai winkel verkoop nog die lekkerste roomys,also stopped to get him some t -shirts. He normally comes on a contract with 1 short and 1 t-shirt that’s it!! Se altyd vir my hy werk mos, hou nie vakanise nie!

The weather made a turn for the worst, a mist closed in and it looked like the rain was on its way, so got back to the ship just in time, now it was time for a siesta but that did not last long for a phone call woke us and off he went.

I am hoping the weather will be better tomorrow for the poor passengers, their trip did not start well with the storm and today was not great, the wind was strong. Are planning to get off the ship tonight and going for a walk in the Dockside area, nog n bietjie wind kry voor more se werksdag, want hy is aan diens. It is late afternoon and things are looking a lot better.

 

12 MAY – BERMUDA

 

Last night we decided to go for a walk, and what an amazing sunset, the sky was this beautiful orange color when we got off the ship. Not long after that the rain was back, and we had to run for cover. Ended up at the Onion and Frog Pub and that is where we decide to have a drink and a snack.

The food was good and the wine very expensive, paid more that 15 $ for a glass and it was not more than 250 ml, so think should keep to the beer, is cheaper and more, haa haa.

Ook in die kaptein van die skip daarso vasgeloop, so hy het seker ook n breek nodig gehad,vars lug en time out!!

Baie lekker geslaap en maar weer ons porthoe toegemaak want soos ek laas gese het ons oornag in Bermuda en die crew het tyd tot 2 uur in die nag om terug te keer skip toe en dink die gaste kan heel nag enige tyd terugkom. So mense heelnag aan diens.

Woke up this morning with big eyes for when I peeped out of our porthole the weather did not look good and was booked on the catamaran excursion, but knew they operate rain or shine that is there motto!! So, no turning back now.

 It was time for breakfast, then I decided to sit in the observation lounge until it was time to go on my execution. I was still sitting/lying on my couch when suddenly hubby appeared behind me, that was a nice surprise, he said I must meet him for lunch before I get off.

Well after our lunch I got off the ship for my excursion and my eyes are big for the weather is crazy with a hectic wind blowing, took a video to show you for don’t think you are going to believe me.

One excursion is called the Wild West Kayak Tour and had to giggle when a guest made a comment that is no lie! Wild it will be today, that is for sure.

Ek is nou groot ogies and keep on thinking our tour might be cancelled for can they really go on in this weather? 

Just then our pink catamaran comes around the corner and our guide says follow me your boat is here, toe dink ek ,ok hier gaan ons ,hoop ek sien my man weer!!!

Our guide says we are going to have a rough ride for a while but as soon as we go around the corner to the West side of the island things will get better en wragtig dit is toe ook so.

We sailed for a while and we passed our special spot where we visited yesterday and I recognized a few places before they let the anchor drop for our snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in shallow Bermudian water. 

Wow, what an amazing experience it was, had a fantastic time, the water was chilly, but I decided to do everything I could and thank goodness the sun did come out.

 I first did the snorkeling and saw some beautiful fish, then it was time to use the kayak and after that I tried the paddle board, but only got to my knees as soon as I tried to stand up, I wanted to fall over, so stayed on my knees. Don’t think I will master the standing up and balancing.

Had a nice swim and then it was time for some Bermudian Swizzle and freshy baked chocolate cookies from the catamaran’s oven. This was so special for you are anchored with amazing 360 degrees island and ocean view, can get in and out of the water and enjoy lying in the sun. This is one of my highlights and would recommend it.

A mother and daughter were next to me and enjoyed their talk and comments, they were on a mother and daughter cruise, she said her mom is her best friend, how special is that, will post pics and another family of 3 were so funny, the granny talked nonstop and what a character, full of beans and  fun ,enjoyed all her chirps, actually went up to both of them and said you are lucky to have these special people in your life, appreciate them. They entertained all of those around them.

Well as the afternoon went on the swizzles and cookies were flying!! Had to laugh at granny she eventually said maybe I had one swizzle to many, after my 3 I need the bathroom and was not keen to use it but had no choice, to my surprise was clean and tidy and not bad after all. 

Our guide said please only things that come out of your body can go into toilet, nothing else!!

This island is one of the most expensive to live on, a gallon of gas now cost $10, and food is also very expensive, while explaining our safety procedures also told us that don’t have sharks in these waters, but the life vests strap is also called a shark strap, for if it touches you in the water, you think you are being attacked by something!! So be warned tuck it away.

If you ever come this way, contact RESTLESS NATIVE CATAMARAN SAIL & SNORKEL, was so enjoyable loved every minute.  

Sitting with a sore toe, when I got into the kayak, I bumped my toe and now have a sore very blue toe, lyk vir my verstuit, hubby says could be broken! Was chewing some nuts this morning and a piece of my tooth also broke off, so better be careful ,crazy two things on one day!! will just have to stay this way until I am home, thank goodness no pain and not my front tooth !! imagine that, dan begin ek soos n matroos lyk,haa haa.

Hubby says I am like an ou skaap,tande begin nou ook ingee!! Tomorrow we have all morning to walk about and set sail at 3 o clock. The weather has been horrible but otherwise has been a good cruise.

 

13 May 2022 ---- BERMUDA

 

Today I waited for hubby, we got off for a quick walk and to get some more supplies. The weather a bit better than yesterday but the sun is evading us this week. On our way back I wanted to do a little more wandering about, so hubby returned to the ship, and I walked past a USA Navy ship that was docked next to us, huge is 500 FT long and could see a Marines Helicopter parked inside the ship, called Cape Race and is wragtig from Norfolk.

I was on my way to watch the SailGP Event in Bermuda, with all the different countries high speed F50 foiling catamarans in the harbor area. The different teams were from Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, Australia, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, and USA. 

The competition starts tomorrow on the 14,15 th May 2022, today was just a practice round, they have been here for 2 weeks getting ready for the race.

I was sitting on steps near the lighthouse very close to the boats and just could not get enough of them, got a few nice photos to post and a video to show how amazing these boats are, they run/sail just above the water once they get going on their foils. 

So cool, would love to sail on them, are super-fast, just looks lekker.

Is Season 3 of the Sail GP 2022/23, Bermuda was race 1, the following places where they race are, 2. Chicago,3. Plymouth,4. Copenhagen,5. Saint Tropez, 6. Andalucía Cadiz Spain,7. Dubai and 8. New Zealand 9 and 10 to be announced. Got chatting to a local lady and she gave me a bit of background she says loves Bermuda, a chilled vibe and no scary snakes or animals.

Kept checking the time for did not want to get carried away and the next thing the ship sails into the deep sea without me. 

Well, little did I know how close a couple came to being left behind, I went up to deck 8 to watch the sail-away and saw the ship security officer pacing up and down then I knew, they are looking for passengers and sure enough a few minutes later the passengers on the ship start clapping and shouting as a taxi comes speeding towards the ship. Think they had made an announcement on the PA system, that I missed in the crew area, so everyone knew they were looking for guests.

 Next minute a man comes running towards the ship with a lady in pursue!!! They made it by the skin of their teeth that’s for sure, ek skoon bewerig vir hulle part, that is a very close call. Should have taken a video to show you but before I knew what was really going on, it was all over, so hol daai tweetjies!! Gangway pulled up and off we go! 

Time for my last week of sailing, looking forwards to return home, like I always say great to get away but: No place like Home! 

Hubby got 2 weeks then it is his turn to pack! Packing  the night before signoff, the highlight of all crews’ contracts.

 

14 May 2022---- @SEA

 

The sea has been calm and flat, a great blessing, did not even feel like you are on the ocean. Had a good night and was ready for the gym when the alarm went off this morning. When we got outside for our walk decided to rather stay outside on the open deck and keep walking and enjoy the fresh air.

Once we were in the lift on our way out, kept saying but something does not feel right and hubbies comment you don’t look right or look different, only to discover I had forgotten my glasses in the room, so we had a little chuckle about this. The glasses had to wait till later, for was not turning back now.

So lyk my het te lekker geslaap,skoon deurmekaar!!

Die passasiers kon darem vandag in die son le, op n rustige see,met ons stadige terug seil na New York. 

Het vir die 8ste keer aangemeld vir my covid antigen toets  vandat ek by die huis weg is en deur die Here se genade was ek weer negatief. Wil nie eers dink wat sou gebeur het as ek positief getoets het nie.

More is my laaste rondloop in New York en manlief werk, so is op my eie. Plan is Central Park, Hudson en Chelsea kos markies.Ons wil more oggend vroeg opstaan en weer gaan stap want dan kan ons sonsopkoms met die inseil in New York ervaar, hoop die weer speel saam.

Aandete vanaand weer seekos,so ons weeklikse hoogtepunt more is einde van week 4 en volgende Sondag ,sal my laaste blog post wees vir die kontrak.Mooi bly.