Relxing

So far logging too many hours of sleep.  We have not even made it to dinner one time. Not to mention any shows or late night dance parties.

The ship blacks out and turns into a ghost ship every night.  We never expected that after 6PM
nightly, all of the decks would be off limits.  The pirates are a REAL threat.  There are 24 hour lookouts on all decks.

My travels began in a fine fashion in the BA first lounges and comfortable cabins.  The never empty champagne glass from Seattle to London caught up with me.  Being uncomfortably tired at Heathrow was baffling until I realized this must be what a hangover is like?

Then...after the two hour taxi trip from the Bombay (very clean) airport and finding Becky's brilliant decision of accommodations at the Taj Palace, all I can say is Wow!  Of all of the top notch hotels, the Taj Palace takes first place. Becky thought that Buckingham could take lessons from the Taj.  Our butler wore a morning suit, yes complete with tails.

Dubai Shopping Mall makes the MOA look like Wallmart.

Betsy, most astute! Uncle Harry spotting.

Flying Fish

Today we followed the coast of Oman.

Flying fish.

Water hoses which at first we thought were posed ready to shoot at the pirates, but later learned that they were to keep the sides of the ship wet and slippery.  What pirate could climb up a slippery ship side?

Marines on watch.

Keeping Watch

 

GAB spent many hours keeping watch on deck 5.  Today she took herself up to a higher deck.  Still no pirates in sight.

Black Out

GAB is having great difficulties with the ship's black out rules.

Pirates!  They do pose a threat, or so they are telling us. GAB is certain it is another dog and pony show (TSA) and has flexed her muscle (mouth) with the crew.  My thinking is more along the lines of liability?

Our balcony curtains must be drawn from 6PM till 7AM daily. 
As dusk falls, orders are given to darken ship. Passengers close the curtains, while crew members install blackout curtains in public areas.
The purpose, is to make it harder for any pirates to identify the type of ship and how far away it is. The darkened ship also makes it easier for the lookouts, equipped with night vision goggles, to see.

There is no late night hot tub, swimming pool, or visiting the outside decks during those hours as well.

But, leave it to GAB to support smoker's rights.  She knew there must be an outdoor space provided for them. She does join them on an outer deck after dark; not for fresh air however.  It must have been determined that Pirates do not notice little burning tobacco embers on the ends of white sticks.

VIP Hairdresser

 

VIP Hairdresser

Hillary now GAB.

Katherine's First Birthday "Party"

Mr. Kyle's very important very last minute party prepping.  Wouldn't you know that it included a bike?

Birthday Skater Girl

 Saving cake.  From the biker boys.

 Not saving face!  Betsy, please notice the extreme thought in cake color coordination.

 

My big party girls.

I finally got to meet him! The illusive Baby Sam.  Look Betty Jo, he's a cute as a button.

Mr. Kyle kicks of the adult (booze-less) fun.

 

Uncle Matt flies down the hill.  Look at that big smile!

Baby Sam and his Aunt Michelle take the 5K.  She just just kept going and going and going?

 And here goes Joe.

My baby and her birthday girl.

 

It was a great party for all! And no rain.

Late Night Party Prep

Making it an orange party.