World Cruise

March 10, 2009

Another time zone change last night. So I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning. After using the computer for a bit I finally got back to sleep for an hour or so. Then I went to the gym before breakfast again. And another sea day today, so I am preparing for the Sunday’s service and sermon.

First of all, why have I posted all the photos of the paper cut out doll with various people and in various places? I know some of you have heard of Flat Stanley because we participated in another Flat Stanley project for friends in Winston-Salem. In this case, our granddaughter’s kindergarten class in Seattle has started a Flat Stanley project so that the children can learn a bit about geography and other things. They send Flat Stanley all over and have his photo taken wherever he is. Then they use a map to show the kids where flat Stanley has been. We received him by email, so the photos are of Flat Stanley with our ship’s captain, on Easter Island with one of the statues, with some ladies from Santiago we met on the island, with the Moldavian dancers Igor and Natalia, with a band member playing the harp, with a police man in Valparaiso, with Scott in the ship’s theater control room, and with local residents dressed as pirates from both Pitcairin and Robinson Crusoe islands. We had fun with Stanley and explaining him to everyone was sometimes a challenge (especially when they didn’t speak English!).

A couple of days ago we had a 50^th anniversary and renewal of vows for some good friends on the ship, Arline and Irwin. The Captain presided, although I had supplied a copy of our Episcopal wedding vows for them to use in writing their own vows. Ronnie and I also wrote a poem of the occasion:

A Toast to Arline and Irwin

On the Occasion of the Renewal of their Vows

And 50^th Anniversary

From Don and Ronnie Goodheart

In a hamlet far far from here,

Lived a maiden; she was quite dear.

She was know by the name Arline,

And Irwin the jokester was her dream.

Arline was saucy and stylish;

Irwin had legs of Adonis.

So she cast well her magical web,

And in that hamlet they did wed.

Yes, Arline and Irwin – what a pair!

So well matched, it’s hardly fair.

After 50 years of marital bliss,

The love between them is hard to miss.

They enjoy life – it’s easy to see.

Together they were meant to be.

Around them you just feel at ease

You don’t have to dot all I’s and cross all T’s.

So now the moment let us seize,

To wish them well if you please.

For 50 more – who knows?

I wouldn’t put it past those pros.

Lift your glass for a hearty toast

Far from the hamlet and even the coast.

With lots of love and joyful sound

This special couple we now surround.

It was a fun evening, with about 25 or so participants, and a dinner following in the restaurant. The staff had baked a special wedding cake and the trio from the Philippines (who speak little English but sing Beatles and many other British and American pop/rock songs impeccably) came and serenaded the couple at our table. They took requests and even sang the Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody.

The next few days we are in the Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. We are looking forward to being back on shore and, of course, more great shopping opportunities!