Yep – here we go again!  Another storm, rough seas, gale force wind from the starboard side – we’re listing at about 5%?  I don’t know, I just know we’re all walking like we’re 3 sheets to the wind!  I tried to take a picture – kind of hard to see but look at the horizon vis-à-vis the balcony railing! 

Ditched the gym this morning, figured we could miss a morning.  Hit the Lido for coffee and fruit, crazy as usual, be we also slept later than usual, so it could always be like this at 7:30 in the morning.  Then it’s back to the cabin to hold onto every grab bar there is in the shower and off to the theater for Ask the Captain.  We have a new captain, who came aboard in Yokohama – totally unannounced.  That alone was really weird.  He’s British and has this very calming, almost sleepy way of speaking.  He’s interesting enough, but the best is that we are now really, really moving.  We’ve got roll, we’ve got pitch – and he just ignores it all.  During the Q&A portion of the talk there was this horrendous bow slap – so loud and echoing – most everyone in the theater screamed. Seriously, screamed.  The captain? Eh, he just keeps talking right though it like nothing happened!  It was hysterical.  We understand this isn’t anything for him, but still, it was so funny – his total non-reaction. Not even to reassure the passengers that everything thing is fine.

Ian was up next with his port talk on the next 4 ports, nothing really new and interesting.  But we haven’t been to any of these upcoming ports, so it can’t ever hurt to listen. Plus Sue and Norm are there and they actually found a cool Akita manhole cover – of which they graciously let me take a picture. I’m claiming it! Why not?

 Left before the Q&A for a quick lunch in the Lido.  It’s hysterical watching everyone try to walk and balance their food. Even the waiters are having issues and we’re all just laughing at each other.  The Captain gives his noon announcement, which includes an explanation of the Beaufort scale for winds.  The Beaufort scale tops out at 12 – which is basically hurricane strength winds.  We’re going through Beaufort scale 11 winds!  60 knots!  And 16 to 20 foot swells!  We’re going for more rides all afternoon!  Woohoo! Sort of hard to see – but just keep watching the dip and sway of the railing on the balcony through the sliding glass door.  No way I’m going out there to get the video!

You can hear the wind howling through the closed promenade doors! 

A quick cabin break and we are back down to the theater for Dr. Kam and Japan history part 2.  It is the same exact presentation he gave before, but we have to be there for the seats if we want to hear Ian’s presentation on our last 4 ports which comes next.  I blogged again during Dr. Kam – looked like I was taking notes.

Nothing else the rest of the day.  Tonight, buffet again – why not? We can pick and choose and get what we want – and I’m telling you again, and again, and again – the fish is WAY better up there.  I ended up having Asian – sushi and spring rolls.  Plus a zucchini and tomato Quiche.  Ed had tenderloin and salad.  Always nice up there with our sweet little line chefs who all know us know.

Then it is off to the comedian’s show – where he actually managed to stand on the stage – which is still rocking and rolling!  Very funny again.  And then it is the cabin for our end of evening movie and we are done for the day – with Dramamine onboard for me!  And everything that is movable on the floor or stuffed into the sofa cushions!