So, to Antigua. We had been here before, in 1998, and had seen what the island could offer during that trip
On this occasion we had planned to do seperate things. Sue was to go on a trip to a private island for swimming, sunbathing and lunch. It all worked out very well, and she had a great time, and did not get back to the ship until 4.30
Ian was to go sailing.
That did not work out, because of an error made by the handling agents on the island. They had got their timings wrong, and the sailors were still on Black Watch when they should have been afloat under canvas. C'est la vie! Instead he was offered a Jeep safari at no cost to himself, with the fee paid to go sailing being refunded. It was quite enjoyable, but it finished up on a beach!! No real consolation, but it did fill in some time. Ian then returned to the ship, and successfully took part in shipboard activities, winning the quoits and the quiz.
Next stop was Phillipsburg, on St Maarten. This is a curious island, in that half is run by the French, and half by the Dutch. It is said that they split the island many, many years ago by a very simple method. Two officials met at a given spot, and then set off walking in opposite directions until they met up again. That decided what was french, and what was dutch. The dutch side is the busy one, where the main port and cruise liner berths are. Whilst we were there, two very large cruise boats came in, and also one of the sailing clippers. In addition, a largish Dutch Navy ship arrived.
One of the options here was to go sailing in a former Americas Cup 12 metre yacht. Ian had jumped at the chance, and found it to be an exhilarating experience. He said that given a chance, he would do it again. Everyone who went had to work for their seat, as the only paid crew were the skipper and two deckhands. Everything, except the helming, had to be done by the guests. It is amazing how time flies when one is enjoying oneself, and two hours on the water just whizzed by.
Whilst Ian was doing this, Sue went shopping. This island is shoppers paradise, and she found herself bumping into as many crew members as fellow travellers whilst doing her walk about. Those in need of retail therapy are in heaven in this town.
Unfortunately (or maybe for some, fortunately) we had an early departure for our Atlantic crossing (six days at sea) to our last port of call, Ponta Delgado in the Azores.
Both of us have picked up colds. Sue was first, and she has a right stinker. Now Ian has got it as well, though he is just in the early stages. Not man flu yet! Thank goodness we only have the ships entertainment to miss, rather than some interesting excursion or port of call.
We are due into the Azores on Sunday, so the signs are there that things are drawing to an end. To day is Monday, the skies have gone a bit grey, and the sea rather lumpy. At present the temperature is holding up, but that cannot last!