In the Barents Sea - 11 July

Not a lot of news today as we are still cruising, arriving in Longyearbeyn/Spitzbergen tomorrow morning.  The sea is like a mill pond today, very cold outside although we were able to sit on our balcony this morning with our books. There isn't a great deal to do really - unless you want to play bridge (which I'm not really interested in) or play American Mahjong or fill in a jigsaw puzzle etc.  So, I decided to play bingo this morning (might as well start getting ready for the retirement village) and was tinny enough to win two of the four games, netting a total of $110 US.  

Lunch was lovely, lots of variety and all nice and fresh.  Today was Indian food on the pool deck but I opted for the salad bar with yummy crab claws and salmon.  Last night we dined in Signature's, one of the specialy restaurants, and as usual, asked for a share table.  The other two were from Bangalore in India, dripping in diamonds, & she didn't speak any English at all.  He did, but in a mumbled way.  So, after the first course they spoke to each other in Hindi all night.  Ah well, can't win them all.  Otherwise we've teemed up with some terrific people from all over the world.  

The weather is cold, probably just like it is in Melbourne.  I definitely won't need the bikini this trip.  

Last night we had the Block party - everyone congregated in their areas outside suites and the Captain and various Officers ran (literally) around the decks shaking hands with every single passenger.  A photographer followed so there will be a fun video somewhere to be purchased I'm sure! 

I did get a kick when my dear friend Jan K. sent an email saying Collingwood had won by 3 points.  Then deflation set in when the Australian newsletter (distributed daily) arrived last night and I read they had LOST by 3 points!  Can't trust those Pies!

Not sure if there will be wifi tomorrow but will try to connect.