Day at sea

Spent the day enjoying doing very little. I walked deck 13, which is open, but it's windy and wet. Took a nap this afternoon. Cruising the North Sea and heading into the Strait of Dover at midnight. Sad that I won't get to see the cliffs because it will be dark. That's more of my history nerd leaking out. I've learned that okay in any language sounds the same. Spent some time talking with an older German couple who have been to the U.S. multiple times. They were very eager to talk to us. Also, 99 percent sure my family are the only African Americans on the ship that aren't crew and staff. We get some funny looks from some - we're told they're Russians - but other than that, people are friendly. They have a staff of entertainers, called the Animation Team, who do all kinds of crazy stuff to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves. One night they had Viking night. (yeah, okay.)

Anyway, here's Kathy and I with Mohamed and Henricka, who were trying to entice us to come to the Viking party. Henricka, who is from South Africa, is wearing the Missouri Enjoy the Show pin I took along. There are about 600 English speaking folks on board, less than 70 are American, and around 35 are Canadian. Met some crazy fellow country men (and women) in the elevator. Recognized them immediately when they spoke. One couple from Tennessee and one from Florida. We spend the evening watching the television show "Castle" in German. I don't even like Castle, but I'm tired of cycling through CNN, which is hte only English-language channel we get. Incredibly excited about the next stop in Cherbourg, France. I'll get to visit to the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pont du Hoc in Normandy. This history nerd is going to totally geek out.