After departing Key West we had two sea days before arriving in Panama. Normally, these days are very relaxing. However, with the construction noise, not so much. We enjoyed onboard lectures by destination consultants (they tell us about the sites to see in the upcoming ports) and talking with other passengers. The weather was warm but a bit cloudy. We started reading some of the books we brought with us and it was nice to have time to start this blog. When we're in port every day it is difficult to find time to write. We also enjoyed ordering "tea time" snacks at 4:00 p.m! Ah, such a life. We'll return home and reality will hit hard!!!!
On Saturday night we had the first show by the ship's group of entertainers. They are a nice and talented group of young people, although we are missing the group we got to know and love on our world cruise. Haven't seen these young people around the ship during the day, involved in activities with the guests, or having dinner with passengers like our other group did. Hopefully, they will make themselves more available as the cruise progresses.
Well, it's been at least a couple of hours since we've eaten so it's time to get ready for dinner!! I'll be back tomorrow after we have our day in Panama. Should be fun. Already miss all of you. Please keep us posted on what is going on in your lives so we rejoice in your blessings and share your needs in prayer.
Later that evening......
OK, just returned from dinner and MUST add this note. Our evening waiter on this cruise was our favorite waiter from our world cruise last year. On our last cruise, when we docked in his hometown of Cochin, India, his mother came aboard for the day and brought a few "eligible" young ladies for him to meet since he is still single. When we asked him how he felt about the situation he explained that Indian marriages are frequently arranged by families. He was fine with his mother bringing the young ladies to him. Afterward, he told her that he had only two requests. One was that the girl would be "a little bit pretty" and that she had a good education. Other than those requests, his family was free to choose his wife. OK, fast forward to our current cruise. We had a chance to talk with him at dinner tonight and ask him about his "status". He told us that he was engaged!!!! When we asked how it happened, he said that while he was working at sea his parents met with done girl's family and the two families decided that their children would be a good match. When Sham (our waiter) arrived home on vacation recently his parents took him to the young ladies home where he and his parents talked with the girl and her parents and decided that these two young people would, indeed, be married. The date is set for August. It will be a HUGE wedding with 2,500 guests. After talking a bit more, he invited us to attend the wedding. This would NEVER fly in the U.S. but it's a fascinating arrangement. Just thought I would share this story with you. Hopefully, you find it as interesting as I do. Now, finally, good night.
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