I didn't think I would enjoy the days at sea but honestly they are a welcome relief from the very early morning wake up calls and the hustle and bustle of the off shore excursions even 'tho exciting. There is plenty to do or nothing, whatever suits.

Two days after the trips to Egypt - Cairo and Luxor, I came down with a sore throat and head plus a tickly cough which sent me crawling to the Doc. I had no temperature, naturally they are concerned if you do in case you show symptoms of swine flu'. Turned out I had an acute sinus infection - antibiotics, and strong pain relief prescribed. The Doc. said he had never seen eyes as inflamed and painful looking as mine, the pain must have been obvious. All due to the air conditioning, going from cold to hot all the time and you can only imagine what I was breathing in on the buses.

Down the track I am feeling better but am lacking energy so the fitness has gone out the window as has the eating - the latter a good thing.

I have kept busy attending several computer classes, sorting postcards into a photo album, attending next port lectures and art auctions - fun to watch but too expensive to purchase. Watched a demonstration on how to shake a mean martini. Failed to win at Bingo. Gone to onboard sales of ongoing rubbish, handbags, scarves, watches and cheap junky jewellery all for $20 a pop. Fun watching the new passengers pushing and shoving all wanting a bargain. The heart of the shopping is the boutiques shop with fashion apparel, fine jewellery, crystal, diamonds, pearls, watches and cosmetics. After picking up the daily NZ news (one measly page) checking the photos taken from the port stops, I cruise around the shop - just in case I spot something I just have to have!!!

Attended a few classical piano concerts, always a favourite, song and dance and comedy acts. Then nice to sit in the deck chair on the balcony and sea watch!! Also the Movies Under the Stars is a nice way to relax and be entertained.

We came through the Pirate Zone unscathed but precautions were in hand such as the strategically placed water cannons around the decks. A sonic beam was positioned so that if needed, it would blast the eardrums off anyone who happened to get in the way.

Our lovely Captain Graham Goodway reluctantly left the ship at Dubai. He wanted to continue on to Sydney but rules only allow Captains a certain time of command. His replacement Captain Todd McBain, from Alberta Canada is equally charming, very relaxed and open.

Weather has continued to be very hot and humid with temperatures reaching around 42c some days. Even the 'bakers' - the folk who lie on deckchairs all day long, dripping with gold chains and diamonds with skin like crocodiles are finding the heat too overpowering and have sought comfort around the many bar areas.

It's hard to believe that we are on the last leg homeward bound as the time has flown by. I know the adjustment will be hard as I just can't imagine driving a car, going to Pak’n’Save and actually cooking again. Oh shame, I hear you all saying.