Barbara J. Hamby

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Wednesday--Willlemstad, Curacao

We docked in port at Willemstad around 2:30 a.m. We had been warned last evening about the noise the thrusters maneuvering the ship into the dock would make. We were not sleeping well anyway, since Floyd seems to be getting a cold. Our cabin has never been comfortably warm without bundling up in sweaters or robes and blankets. Heavy robes are provided in the room. Once the ship docked, all was quiet and we went back to sleep.

Around 9:30, I got up and went to breakfast. I brought back a light meal for him, which he ate about 11:00 and went back to bed. I resumed updating logs.

We have tickets for a trolley-train ride this afternoon around the city. Floyd has decided not to go, but I probably will.

After a very light lunch (too soon after breakfast), I took the trolley-train tour of Willemstad. Floyd stayed behind to sleep and work on getting over his cold. This city’s architecture is definitely Dutch and the many pastel buildings are colorful. The story goes that, many years ago, a governor of the island decreed that all buildings (at that time, all white) should be painted in colors, as white gave him migraine headaches. When he died, they learned that he owned a paint company and was not subject to headaches.

When I returned to our cabin, Floyd was still resting, but feeling rough. I took a short nap, then went to the pool for a swim/exercise session. A crowd was lounging around the pool, so I did a solo performance for that audience. Toward the end of the swim, a couple from Kentucky joined me and we chatted briefly.

Back at our cabin for a shower, I found Floyd feeling better, but still wanting to rest. I went to the pool (Lido) deck where the barbecue buffet was being served and got him some ribs and coleslaw. He ate well while I went back to the buffet for chicken and vegetables. We didn’t skip dessert, either. I brought him ice cream and I had a small, but rich pastry.

Later, I saw The Queen (the movie, that is). I think any awards the film and/or its actors receive will be well deserved.

After a trip back to the cabin to check on the still sleeping Floyd, I went up to the Lido deck for ice water and a stroll on the warm, breezy deck. The lights of the city sparkled, especially on the very long bridge they claim is world famous.