| The interior of the Buffel had many displays of how life was like in those times and you could also have a go at a few things. They had added cannons since Ben's last visit. The ship also had a few leaks where the rain came in. |
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| Due to the time constraints we were unable to take a water taxi to the Hotel New York so we went by tram and walked. Ben hurried them up as we had to get back so we had our coffee and apple pie. As he paid the bill he also bought us a little pot each with HNY on which was really sweet of him. Then we walked back towards our ship. |
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| We made it and the security guard checking passports was very funny. Once boarded we saw the sign - ARGH! We could have taken that water taxi after all!!!! No idea when it changed but not when Gary and Allan left either. How frustrating. We decided to stay on so I let Ben know about the change of time as he was waiting for us to leave. We returned to the cabin and were being sung at from the terminal balcony. Then we went for a little wander before saillaway and there was a gorgeous aroma of what smelled like gravy coming from the bridge. Alas the door said Officers Only so we were left drooling. |
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| While I stayed forward, Pam went aft and bumped into Gary. I got chatting to a bloke from the Isle of Wight as we waited. The pilot flag went up and now it was only a matter of time before we headed off towards Guernsey. |
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| As we were preparing to sail and after we left we were sung at again. As we moved backwards slowly, the second officer looked up at us and told us to cover our ears as he was about to blow the horn. Bring it on! There weren't many people where I was anyway but it was the best place to be to watch the bridge proceedings and be made deaf. The captain waved to all the people at the terminal who were shouting goodbye to us. |
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| A firetug started a salute which was a pleasant surprise. As I'd mentioned earlier we had no idea when we arrived this was Bouddy's first call to this beautiful city. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Ben had yet again made the visit memorable so thank you, Ben. Also my watch didn't stop once unlike September! As we turned and straightened poor Ben and anyone else on the quayside got a bit wet from the tug. |
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| As we sailed away from beautiful Rotterdam, I moved aft to get more shots of the firetug. Pam was still there and said they hadn't heard the horn. |
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| Once we went back inside we got ready for formal night. It was also the captain's booze-up in the Neptune Lounge which he wouldn't be attending. Waiter service was a bit naff. They had many trays full of Martini cocktails or large sherries but hardly anything else. I asked for a white wine and the waiter got one for me. Never had another. Gary and Allan joined us before we headed to dinner. When it came to dessert they got their radishes with the cheese and biscuits. I had asked for some but they never came so Jane gave me hers which I promptly dropped into my dessert. No one could believe I would eat it but I did and it was delicious. Well you know how silly you get when you've had a few. The waiter also brought a plate of radishes and celery which Pam and I devoured. |
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| We didn't stay to chat but went to the show with Gary and Allan which was by the Boudicca Theatre Company then it was time for bed. We saw our Daily Times listed we would arrive in St Peter Port for 1pm and sail at 8pm instead of being there six hours. Pam again was off fast while I stayed up longer. In the morning we went walkies after breakfast in the Secret Garden. A cleaner was singing so clearly happy and the painters could have finished Pam's bag. She did tell them hers had a Bouddy kiss. Then we went to the lecture by Peter Rushton about cruising down the decades. |
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| When we went back to the cabin we saw the Isle of Wight! We were both a little sceptical but it was indeed the Island. We went to get some elevenses and this time I tried the beef tea. It was really nice but not enough of it. Pam's also right, we needed a blanket on a lounger. Our captain came on for the noon announcement and told us he had decided instead of sailing at 8pm we would stay until 9.30pm. I liked him! Of course as we were at dinner it would mean missing sailaway. Never mind. It would give us a lovely sunset for our departure providing the weather held. Gary and Allen were enjoying the weather so we chatted with them for a while. We could see Marco Polo just about anchored in the distance. I was going to go forward for our arrival but the wind was so strong there I nearly lost my glasses. Instead I walked back aft but the crew were beginning to prepare the tenders so, after letting me through before cordoning the area off, I stayed to watch them. |
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| Even though we were an hour late than originally scheduled, they hadn't put the excursions back so we had a mad rush to get to the Neptune Lounge to collect our tender ticket. Marco Polo was due to sail at 1pm so we would miss her leaving. Damn! We were tender number one and got in the front of the queue. The sea was pretty choppy but the tenders are rubbish. Every one should allow you to sit up the top. Being stuck inside in no good for ship shots! Luckily Marco Polo was late and raising her tenders so at least we'd get to pass. |
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| As we waited to go to our boat to Herm Island, we saw Marco Polo sneaking past the wall as she headed out towards open sea. |
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| We boarded the boat and sat up top. It was fairly cold again so I had many layers on which just about kept me warm. What happened to summer???? Once everyone was on, excursion group and fare-paying passengers, we headed towards the tiny isnald. |
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