Sailing through the Gulf of Aden - troubled waters
Friday 24th January.
Another full day. Up early and walked in the pleasant heat, before heading into breakfast. Then a rush into the Queens Room for Ti Chi. Fantastic way to meditate whilst moving every part of your body. God, l can hear my bones creak and groan, but you feel so refreshed and relaxed after 45 minutes of slow exercise. Then it was the obligatory Pirate drill. All guests had to return to their state rooms and sit in the corridors whilst the security teams repelled the attackers with water canons, which are now a common feature around on deck seven.
Room maids and stewards had to carry out head counts to ensure no one was missing. After which the captain came on the tannoy to explain the emergency procedure. He explained that we have a Royal Navy Commander on board who liaises with the authorities in the Uk and Saudi Arabia in case of problems, as well as armed security units, who are employed to repel any boarders.
Once we had the all clear, it was back to the buffet for lunch, followed by a talk on the Heritage Lottery Fund and the funding for the restoration of the Kennet and Avon canal. The canal linked together the river Thames at Reading to the River Avon in Bath. 87 miles of waterway with hundreds of locks that required replacing. Along with repairs to bridges, embankments and pump houses. Whole sections of feeder lake’s required work to remove silt and then resealed using traditional methods employed when the canals were originally built. They were covered in layers and layers of clay, each one trampled on by a heard of sheep, To a total depth of four feet. Although they did utilise a machine, similar to a steam roller, but with spikes that eliminated the use of sheep.
The project was partly funded to the tune of £25 million pounds, with the trusts having to find matched funding. And if l can remember correctly, it took 12 years to complete. But more importantly, they utilised many new inspired techniques to ensure that existing problems of flooding, seepage and wild life habit were resolved.
As you can tell, l found it both inspiring and illuminating.
More walking, then it was shower and a light dinner, followed by a comfy seat in the lounge listening to a string trio, whilst drawing plans of ideas of a planting and hard landscaping scheme for the garden.
Clocks forward another hour, making us four hours ahead of GB.
Saturday 25th January
Up quite early and walked for 20 minutes, the a small breakfast of porridge and prunes. We had decided to have a fast day, a proper one. Previously we had only done them halfheartedly. But our cloths were saying that the time had come to shed weight.
Then upstairs on deck 13 for our 45 minutes of Ti Chi. Superb, moved every joint and uses every muscle.
As soon as it had finished we were running to a lecture, given by a US ambassador, David Litt on the origins of Science, Mathematics and medicine. Surprisingly from the Arabs and Moguls. Who in those days were very open minded and learn from all nationalities and religions. They also translated scripts, debated theories, theology and calculated time and produced mathematically sound maps.
Another quick rush to the theatre for another talk. This time given by a Royal Navy liaison officer, Commander Peter Stanton Brown on the threat of piracy as we pass through the straight of Aden. The Commander explained in detail the procedures in place to manage any imminent threats, although he did reassure everyone that the threat level of piracy were exceedingly low. Due to the size of the ship, the speed that it travels through the straits and the protective measures in place. Such as armed guards, water cannons and the number of observers who have the latest technical equipment available to them. He then introduced the armed security team, along with the QM2 head of security and the head of Carnaval’s head of security.
They all reiterated what the commander had stated. At which point they opened up the floor for questions. At which point it degenerated into a slight farce. The first person asked what arms would be utilised, automatic weapons, hand guns, surface to surface missiles or what. The security team advised that it would be rifles, and they would come on board during the afternoon. He was then asked if the weapons and ammunition would be brought in by helicopter. They explained that a Boat used as a marine arsenal would come close by, and the appropriate arms would be transferred by a smaller boat. One American asked if the ship would ram and sink any ship that proved a threat, another guest what protection we would get from an Exocet Missile, whilst others wanted to know if we would shoot and kill the pirates. It went on in the same vane until they drew the question session to a close.
Then a spell on the loungers soaking up the sun, whilst reading until an old tub turned up, and a rib was lowered and headed for the QM2.
Guest near me asked if we were being attacked by Pirates.đŸ¥±they had in fact transferred the rifles and ammunition for the hired in security team to repel boarders.
They may be better utilised to cull some of the loud, overweight Germans who have a tendency to crowd and block stairwells, demolish the seafood counter on the buffet and commandeer the sun lounger.
Showered and changed and into dinner for a small piece of fish and salad. Then a leisurely relax in the lounge reading. Then again, everything is relaxing whilst cruising. Although racing between events, lectures, walking, eating, dancing and movies is anything other than leisurely. Also worked out another design for our garden back home, with a planting scheme to meet the location and conditions. Hopefully, by the time we get home we will have settled on the final design.
Sunday 26th January
Up and out into the muggy overcast 25 degrees, with the ship steaming at 23 knots through the Southern section of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. With the Yemen on the Port side and Somalia on the Starboard bow. You could see the outline of the coast quite clearly as l walked for 20 minutes, before heading in the meet Judith for a light breakfast as we were on another fast. Then we walked together and met a couple from across the water in Ayr, who told us there was a lady on board from Dunoon. It’s a small world. Then it was time to head up to deck 13 and our Ti Chi class, with our 18 sets of moves to perform. You start with a warm up, then it’s into the set pattern of moves. Won’t bore you with all the types of move, but the names of each is quite self explanatory. Things like “catching cloud”, “rolling ball”etc.
Quick rush into the lecture hall/ cinema for our first talk about steam ships. Including our own, in fact the last steam paddle ship in the world. The Waverley.
Didn't need to move, although l did pop out for a coffee before our second Islamic astronomy, and how between the 7th and 10th centuries, the Arabs were the leading proponents in the development and progression of science, mathematics and astronomy. In fact the Arabs discovered things that far exceeded those in Europe. It also discovered that there were more galaxies than just our our own milky way galaxy. It wasn’t until Hubble in the 1950s that the world realised that the Arab findings were absolutely correct.
In the 11th century, Islam as well as the crusaders destroyed the libraries and halted debate and free thinking, to their religious beliefs, and thought that sciences were in some way heretic. This Islamic doctrine unfortunately continues into the 21st century.
With numb bums, we then stay on for the 3rd talk of the day, and our final one.
It’s given by the US ambassador, and is on Dubai and the Persian Gulf. How it struggled until the onset of the growth in the value of the Perl. Totally due to the 17c European fad for jewellery and clothing adorned with Perls.
This continued until the quality diminished due to over harvesting. In its place, they discovered oil. The Uk was the protectorate of the area, until Harold Wilson and the Labour government decided to exit the area. Most of the smaller countries joined together for protection and economical benefits by forming the United Arab Emirates.
Apple for lunch, or should l say it was going to be, but it was awful, sour and tart. So we shared one piece of fish. Then back to the cabin for a haircut. Judith put the clippers on me, and l trimmed the sides of hers with the scissors.
Then outside, although all the seat cushions on the loungers were wet through. From all accounts, the heavens had opened whilst we were in the lectures. Eventually found a couple of relatively dry ones, and laid out to soak up the sun. Catchup on the diary and read my latest book.
Early dinner, then into the lounge before heading into the theatre for the Cunard philharmonic orchestra filmed in the uk with support from QM2 orchestra accompanied by the string trio and harvest. It was glorious until they brought on the four singers who bellowed out in discord to the harmony.
Monday 27 January
Early breakfast, and a good 30 minutes walking in the sun before heading in to Ti Chi. Initially is was going to be in the open on deck 13 but the winds were too great, so we headed down to the night club
First talk on the shared origins between Islam, Judaism and Christianity , headed Moses to Mohammad
Second talk about the birth of Dubai the city of gold - Ostentatious, big, brash. A sprawling City that has come from nothing to a top destination.
Third very interesting although mind blowing was about the Big Bang theory. Could understand the basics, must it is so complicated. Would need to be able to study it in greater detail to truly say thy l understand it.
In the afternoon we watched a special repeat show of two girl singers
Belle Voci
Then it was outside into the wind for a few laps around the deck, took it up to 17000 steps.
Had a nice drink before having an early dinner of roast duck with Pak Choi before relaxing in the lounge with live music whilst reading. Then before we new it, it was time for the cinema.
As we retired the captain informed everyone that he was having to change course for a medical emergency. They eventually dropped someone off onto a launch to be transported to the nearest major hospital in the Yemen. What a god awful place to be dropped into. And if they survive, what an unmanageable place to get out of.
Tuesday 28th January
Up early and walked for 30 minutes, let Judith have a small lie in, before heading in for the prerequisite tomato juice followed by fresh fruit.
The seven United Arab Emirates
John Laverick, the QM2 and the Panama Canal the engineering side and history, plus the reason why the ship is still too large to go through. Although the other two ships, Victoria & Elizabeth can manage it, being thinner and not so tall.
The stars, how they are formed, and what happens when they die. Starts with the explanation of the future death of our own star, the sun. Once again the facts and figures are too complexed to take in, but you appreciate the basics.
Jayne Ayre. The poet, for a talk and recital. She was captivating, what with her stories about her life interspersed with some fantastic poems. She is such a clever unassuming, down to earth person who makes you smile inwardly. She entertained us for an hour, but we could have listened to her all afternoon.
Dinner at 6.15 after having a nice glass of wine in the room whilst we got ready for the gala evening. Formal ware this evening, dinner suite with black tie and long evening dress for Judith. Glorious dinner of hot pressed pork belly for starter, followed by lobster, cray fish and scallop Thermidor. Absolutely beautiful. So tender and full of flavour, cooked to perfection.
Wednesday 29th January
Calm seas, and the sun is shining as we pass the mountainous cliffs of Oman, albeit rather shrouded in mist, caused by sand storms being blown off land from the dessert, according the the captains report.
Manage 30 minutes walking around the deck on 7 before heading in for breakfast and my first cup of coffee. See and chat to my walking buddy Steve, an ex paratrooper and more latterly fireman from London. Carol his wife said that he was very poorly. Too much alcohol from the night before from all accounts. He didn’t attend the Ti Chi, so he must have been suffering.
It’s a rush again today, with three consecutive talks. Keeps us on our toes, moving from one area to another, plus it gives my bum a slight reprieve from too much stagnation. I asked Judith if she new of any exercises to strengthen up the muscles in my posterior. She suggested that l could become gay. Not impressed with such an idea.
First talk concerned the emergence of England in India during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, through the initiation of the East India Company and the allegiance between England and the Ottomans, selling them weapons to fight against the French.
As communication was protracted due to the amount of time it took to navigate around Africa, they decided to build relationships with Persia, Aden and other states surrounding the Red Sea. This ultimately allowed the UK to have an option of various shorter routes overland to India. Resulting in an increased presence and ultimately control of the Indian Ocean, as well as the Persian Gulf.
The second talk was from professor Isbouts on Leonardo da Vinci and the lost painting of The Last Supper. He has produced a film about it for National Geographic, which will be shortly available on Amazon prime. But we watched 40 minutes of it, which was enlightening. Especially the tracking down of the oil masterpiece in Belgium of all places.
The final talk we attended was on the Apollo Missions, and the the need for the US to be the first to step onto the moon, initiated by JFK wanting to beat the Russian in the space race. Just to prove that they could.
After lunch we walked, and then settled down in the sun to read, whilst watching the odd dolphin break the mill pond of water, slowly flowing buy. Nevertheless, the peace was interrupted on a regular basis. The armoury vessel turned up, launched the rib, which immediately picked up the three rife cases. A bit of excitement, to make up for the lack of being attacked by pirates as we passed Somalia and the Yemen.
Then the captain came on and explained that the company had taken advice from the World Health Authority and decided not to visit Hong Kong. We return to Singapore instead. Making it four days, two and two. Due to the CoronaVirus outbreak in China.
They also advised that they may be other changes, but they will let us know!
Would imagine there are a lot of people thankful for the change in destination. Not only the Brits flying back to the UK, but also those flying in to pick up the cruise.
Just as my eyes were flickering, trying to stay away from closing completely after reading the same paragraph four times. We were aroused by a flypast from a Royal Navy lynx’s helicopter, followed by a sail past by the frigate Montrose. She stayed with us for about 20 minutes, until she shot off to the East. With a cacophony of horns from the QM2 and the Montrose in reply, as the helicopter landed on the rear of the frigate in full view of all the passengers on board.
Back to reading, afterwards we walked for about 20 minutes, but leisurely as Judith’s foot had started paining her.
Showered, dinner and a movie and to bed.
Another full day. Up early and walked in the pleasant heat, before heading into breakfast. Then a rush into the Queens Room for Ti Chi. Fantastic way to meditate whilst moving every part of your body. God, l can hear my bones creak and groan, but you feel so refreshed and relaxed after 45 minutes of slow exercise. Then it was the obligatory Pirate drill. All guests had to return to their state rooms and sit in the corridors whilst the security teams repelled the attackers with water canons, which are now a common feature around on deck seven.
Room maids and stewards had to carry out head counts to ensure no one was missing. After which the captain came on the tannoy to explain the emergency procedure. He explained that we have a Royal Navy Commander on board who liaises with the authorities in the Uk and Saudi Arabia in case of problems, as well as armed security units, who are employed to repel any boarders.
Once we had the all clear, it was back to the buffet for lunch, followed by a talk on the Heritage Lottery Fund and the funding for the restoration of the Kennet and Avon canal. The canal linked together the river Thames at Reading to the River Avon in Bath. 87 miles of waterway with hundreds of locks that required replacing. Along with repairs to bridges, embankments and pump houses. Whole sections of feeder lake’s required work to remove silt and then resealed using traditional methods employed when the canals were originally built. They were covered in layers and layers of clay, each one trampled on by a heard of sheep, To a total depth of four feet. Although they did utilise a machine, similar to a steam roller, but with spikes that eliminated the use of sheep.
The project was partly funded to the tune of £25 million pounds, with the trusts having to find matched funding. And if l can remember correctly, it took 12 years to complete. But more importantly, they utilised many new inspired techniques to ensure that existing problems of flooding, seepage and wild life habit were resolved.
As you can tell, l found it both inspiring and illuminating.
More walking, then it was shower and a light dinner, followed by a comfy seat in the lounge listening to a string trio, whilst drawing plans of ideas of a planting and hard landscaping scheme for the garden.
Clocks forward another hour, making us four hours ahead of GB.
And then to Bed.❤️
Saturday 25th January
Up quite early and walked for 20 minutes, the a small breakfast of porridge and prunes. We had decided to have a fast day, a proper one. Previously we had only done them halfheartedly. But our cloths were saying that the time had come to shed weight.
Then upstairs on deck 13 for our 45 minutes of Ti Chi. Superb, moved every joint and uses every muscle.
As soon as it had finished we were running to a lecture, given by a US ambassador, David Litt on the origins of Science, Mathematics and medicine. Surprisingly from the Arabs and Moguls. Who in those days were very open minded and learn from all nationalities and religions. They also translated scripts, debated theories, theology and calculated time and produced mathematically sound maps.
Another quick rush to the theatre for another talk. This time given by a Royal Navy liaison officer, Commander Peter Stanton Brown on the threat of piracy as we pass through the straight of Aden. The Commander explained in detail the procedures in place to manage any imminent threats, although he did reassure everyone that the threat level of piracy were exceedingly low. Due to the size of the ship, the speed that it travels through the straits and the protective measures in place. Such as armed guards, water cannons and the number of observers who have the latest technical equipment available to them. He then introduced the armed security team, along with the QM2 head of security and the head of Carnaval’s head of security.
They all reiterated what the commander had stated. At which point they opened up the floor for questions. At which point it degenerated into a slight farce. The first person asked what arms would be utilised, automatic weapons, hand guns, surface to surface missiles or what. The security team advised that it would be rifles, and they would come on board during the afternoon. He was then asked if the weapons and ammunition would be brought in by helicopter. They explained that a Boat used as a marine arsenal would come close by, and the appropriate arms would be transferred by a smaller boat. One American asked if the ship would ram and sink any ship that proved a threat, another guest what protection we would get from an Exocet Missile, whilst others wanted to know if we would shoot and kill the pirates. It went on in the same vane until they drew the question session to a close.
Then a spell on the loungers soaking up the sun, whilst reading until an old tub turned up, and a rib was lowered and headed for the QM2.
Guest near me asked if we were being attacked by Pirates.đŸ¥±they had in fact transferred the rifles and ammunition for the hired in security team to repel boarders.
They may be better utilised to cull some of the loud, overweight Germans who have a tendency to crowd and block stairwells, demolish the seafood counter on the buffet and commandeer the sun lounger.
Showered and changed and into dinner for a small piece of fish and salad. Then a leisurely relax in the lounge reading. Then again, everything is relaxing whilst cruising. Although racing between events, lectures, walking, eating, dancing and movies is anything other than leisurely. Also worked out another design for our garden back home, with a planting scheme to meet the location and conditions. Hopefully, by the time we get home we will have settled on the final design.
Sunday 26th January
Up and out into the muggy overcast 25 degrees, with the ship steaming at 23 knots through the Southern section of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. With the Yemen on the Port side and Somalia on the Starboard bow. You could see the outline of the coast quite clearly as l walked for 20 minutes, before heading in the meet Judith for a light breakfast as we were on another fast. Then we walked together and met a couple from across the water in Ayr, who told us there was a lady on board from Dunoon. It’s a small world. Then it was time to head up to deck 13 and our Ti Chi class, with our 18 sets of moves to perform. You start with a warm up, then it’s into the set pattern of moves. Won’t bore you with all the types of move, but the names of each is quite self explanatory. Things like “catching cloud”, “rolling ball”etc.
Quick rush into the lecture hall/ cinema for our first talk about steam ships. Including our own, in fact the last steam paddle ship in the world. The Waverley.
Didn't need to move, although l did pop out for a coffee before our second Islamic astronomy, and how between the 7th and 10th centuries, the Arabs were the leading proponents in the development and progression of science, mathematics and astronomy. In fact the Arabs discovered things that far exceeded those in Europe. It also discovered that there were more galaxies than just our our own milky way galaxy. It wasn’t until Hubble in the 1950s that the world realised that the Arab findings were absolutely correct.
In the 11th century, Islam as well as the crusaders destroyed the libraries and halted debate and free thinking, to their religious beliefs, and thought that sciences were in some way heretic. This Islamic doctrine unfortunately continues into the 21st century.
With numb bums, we then stay on for the 3rd talk of the day, and our final one.
It’s given by the US ambassador, and is on Dubai and the Persian Gulf. How it struggled until the onset of the growth in the value of the Perl. Totally due to the 17c European fad for jewellery and clothing adorned with Perls.
This continued until the quality diminished due to over harvesting. In its place, they discovered oil. The Uk was the protectorate of the area, until Harold Wilson and the Labour government decided to exit the area. Most of the smaller countries joined together for protection and economical benefits by forming the United Arab Emirates.
Apple for lunch, or should l say it was going to be, but it was awful, sour and tart. So we shared one piece of fish. Then back to the cabin for a haircut. Judith put the clippers on me, and l trimmed the sides of hers with the scissors.
Then outside, although all the seat cushions on the loungers were wet through. From all accounts, the heavens had opened whilst we were in the lectures. Eventually found a couple of relatively dry ones, and laid out to soak up the sun. Catchup on the diary and read my latest book.
Early dinner, then into the lounge before heading into the theatre for the Cunard philharmonic orchestra filmed in the uk with support from QM2 orchestra accompanied by the string trio and harvest. It was glorious until they brought on the four singers who bellowed out in discord to the harmony.
Monday 27 January
Early breakfast, and a good 30 minutes walking in the sun before heading in to Ti Chi. Initially is was going to be in the open on deck 13 but the winds were too great, so we headed down to the night club
First talk on the shared origins between Islam, Judaism and Christianity , headed Moses to Mohammad
Second talk about the birth of Dubai the city of gold - Ostentatious, big, brash. A sprawling City that has come from nothing to a top destination.
Third very interesting although mind blowing was about the Big Bang theory. Could understand the basics, must it is so complicated. Would need to be able to study it in greater detail to truly say thy l understand it.
In the afternoon we watched a special repeat show of two girl singers
Belle Voci
Then it was outside into the wind for a few laps around the deck, took it up to 17000 steps.
Had a nice drink before having an early dinner of roast duck with Pak Choi before relaxing in the lounge with live music whilst reading. Then before we new it, it was time for the cinema.
As we retired the captain informed everyone that he was having to change course for a medical emergency. They eventually dropped someone off onto a launch to be transported to the nearest major hospital in the Yemen. What a god awful place to be dropped into. And if they survive, what an unmanageable place to get out of.
Tuesday 28th January
Up early and walked for 30 minutes, let Judith have a small lie in, before heading in for the prerequisite tomato juice followed by fresh fruit.
The seven United Arab Emirates
John Laverick, the QM2 and the Panama Canal the engineering side and history, plus the reason why the ship is still too large to go through. Although the other two ships, Victoria & Elizabeth can manage it, being thinner and not so tall.
The stars, how they are formed, and what happens when they die. Starts with the explanation of the future death of our own star, the sun. Once again the facts and figures are too complexed to take in, but you appreciate the basics.
Jayne Ayre. The poet, for a talk and recital. She was captivating, what with her stories about her life interspersed with some fantastic poems. She is such a clever unassuming, down to earth person who makes you smile inwardly. She entertained us for an hour, but we could have listened to her all afternoon.
Dinner at 6.15 after having a nice glass of wine in the room whilst we got ready for the gala evening. Formal ware this evening, dinner suite with black tie and long evening dress for Judith. Glorious dinner of hot pressed pork belly for starter, followed by lobster, cray fish and scallop Thermidor. Absolutely beautiful. So tender and full of flavour, cooked to perfection.
Wednesday 29th January
Calm seas, and the sun is shining as we pass the mountainous cliffs of Oman, albeit rather shrouded in mist, caused by sand storms being blown off land from the dessert, according the the captains report.
Manage 30 minutes walking around the deck on 7 before heading in for breakfast and my first cup of coffee. See and chat to my walking buddy Steve, an ex paratrooper and more latterly fireman from London. Carol his wife said that he was very poorly. Too much alcohol from the night before from all accounts. He didn’t attend the Ti Chi, so he must have been suffering.
It’s a rush again today, with three consecutive talks. Keeps us on our toes, moving from one area to another, plus it gives my bum a slight reprieve from too much stagnation. I asked Judith if she new of any exercises to strengthen up the muscles in my posterior. She suggested that l could become gay. Not impressed with such an idea.
First talk concerned the emergence of England in India during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, through the initiation of the East India Company and the allegiance between England and the Ottomans, selling them weapons to fight against the French.
As communication was protracted due to the amount of time it took to navigate around Africa, they decided to build relationships with Persia, Aden and other states surrounding the Red Sea. This ultimately allowed the UK to have an option of various shorter routes overland to India. Resulting in an increased presence and ultimately control of the Indian Ocean, as well as the Persian Gulf.
The second talk was from professor Isbouts on Leonardo da Vinci and the lost painting of The Last Supper. He has produced a film about it for National Geographic, which will be shortly available on Amazon prime. But we watched 40 minutes of it, which was enlightening. Especially the tracking down of the oil masterpiece in Belgium of all places.
The final talk we attended was on the Apollo Missions, and the the need for the US to be the first to step onto the moon, initiated by JFK wanting to beat the Russian in the space race. Just to prove that they could.
After lunch we walked, and then settled down in the sun to read, whilst watching the odd dolphin break the mill pond of water, slowly flowing buy. Nevertheless, the peace was interrupted on a regular basis. The armoury vessel turned up, launched the rib, which immediately picked up the three rife cases. A bit of excitement, to make up for the lack of being attacked by pirates as we passed Somalia and the Yemen.
Then the captain came on and explained that the company had taken advice from the World Health Authority and decided not to visit Hong Kong. We return to Singapore instead. Making it four days, two and two. Due to the CoronaVirus outbreak in China.
They also advised that they may be other changes, but they will let us know!
Would imagine there are a lot of people thankful for the change in destination. Not only the Brits flying back to the UK, but also those flying in to pick up the cruise.
Just as my eyes were flickering, trying to stay away from closing completely after reading the same paragraph four times. We were aroused by a flypast from a Royal Navy lynx’s helicopter, followed by a sail past by the frigate Montrose. She stayed with us for about 20 minutes, until she shot off to the East. With a cacophony of horns from the QM2 and the Montrose in reply, as the helicopter landed on the rear of the frigate in full view of all the passengers on board.
Back to reading, afterwards we walked for about 20 minutes, but leisurely as Judith’s foot had started paining her.
Showered, dinner and a movie and to bed.
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