November brought yet another trip, this time to West Africa on Regent Cruise Line. Kitty could stay home and have visitations for feeding, but Cuddles had to go to Maryland and stay while we were gone.
We would be home in Tennessee after New Years 2019. This was a sad trip, for me. My wonderful husband was excited to get on the road! I haven't been home for Christmas for a while, and that makes me sad. No interaction with Church friends, services, decorations happy sounds around everywhere in stores. There was no indication of holiday celebrations once we got on our plane and headed overseas. It was a long flight, with extra challenges, but we arrived; the last couple to board to ship,It was a long cruise, our room was lovely with a balcony, large bed,bathroom, TV, dresser and walk in closet
The ship moved along from North to South; stopping at various islands; moving over the equator twice and finally to Cape Town South Africa. That was the quick version, The islands were full of poverty and sadness except in the children. Children seem to find a way to may them selves happy. Bus tours on a few islands allowed us to get a glimpse of life in this far away country.
Towards the end of the tour, in Capetown, we went on a catamaran to see the seals in this one area. Tom, being a man without sunscreen or a hat insisted on sitting outside in front of the vessel. Knowing I would be burned to a crisp I sat inside. This was a fun excursion, a seal was allowed to come on board, a pelican was allowed to come inside and partake of the fishy treats. Upon our return I noticed Tom was already "RED". That evening a stranger came to live in our cabin. He looked like a prize fighter who had lost many fights. Tom's face had swollen due to sun blisters, his eyes were swollen. His face was weeping, yet he claimed no pain. I was glad for him but I felt hurt just the same, as I had severe sunburn in my past. Eventually,about 4 days, my husband's face reappeared back to normal. We went on a safari, so to speak. A wild life preserve was our next stop proving to be the best of the whole trip. Picked up some great pictures of elephants, zebras, hippos, and a bunch more I cant remember the names of right now.
I had a tiny Christmas tree decorated with lights in our cabin with a miniature nativity. I left that for our room steward to share with her children at home. A gigantic Christmas tree was being dressed by the crew, while holiday music played, in the center of the ship. Large colorful balls and wonderful accoutrements were joyfully placed. Scrumptious festive treats of all sorts, and savory food extraordinaire, ice sculptures, filled the dining room. 4 tables were used for the display of ginger bread buildings decorated spectacularly surrounded by a moving Christmas train. Now there was a feel of Christmas celebration.
We managed,after many delays, to settle in to our seats on a plane home. When we arrived the lights on homes were still aglow, reminding me of the little things I missed. Cuddles was glad to see us and as fast as I could the car was packed to get back home to Tennessee.
No tree, no festive lights, no festive food or treats of any kind, but it was still good to be home at last.
I thanked the Lord for a safe trip home and look forward to Christmas 2019, when my daughter and her husband will join us. Praise the Lord for the ability to see the world and to have a home to return to.
So many blessings I don't deserve.
