January 28th, 29th, 30th

Sunday, 28th January. Last evening began with yet another cocktail and champagne party in the Queens Room with other selected passengers. After dinner we went to the theatre and it was a terrific show both for scenery, pyrotechnics, dancing, singing and costume, we really loved it. It was Rock @ the Opera from Freddie Mercury to Madame Butterfly and Pinball Wizard – it was breathtaking.
Today was a restful day lazing (sleeping) on the balcony before lunch. We were heading north westerly, paralleling the Peruvian coast all day. We were sailing in the Humboldt Current (or Peru Current) that brings colder waters into the equatorial region and is largely responsible for the rich marine life and diversity of animals found in and around the Galapagos islands. (I forgot to mention that in Valparaiso a pelican flew quite close to our balcony.) The temperatures were 26 degrees with slight sun so very comfortable outside. We went to the unveiling of the Bellarri jewellery today – there’s always something to try on!! I was also able to get our Australian visas on the Internet today, now just the Indian ones to sort out – we forgot to apply for them at home!! We have made contact with Dennis and Juli Gaugel, the American friends of Art and Janet Eklund, whom we met on QM2 a few cruises ago. It was informal dress and so I wore my new one from ‘Sacs’… We had a delightful evening meal with a wonderful menu to choose from, we have started with escargot or caviar quite a few times, and there is always an unusual chilled soup with a hint of liquor, followed by choice of salad before the entrée. Tonight I had Doraido, a Chilean fish, which was delicious, and Alan is delighted with the choice of meats available (but having normal portions.) The desserts are very tempting too as are the hand made chocolates that arrive daily with coffee (I usually have four - but must stop here Jacintha I can’t allow myself to continue!) Our fellow diners joined us in the Queen’s lounge for drinks. When they retired we went to the casino for a while and I came out $9 up.
Monday 29th January. We put our clocks back one hour last evening and so we are now 4 hours behind the UK. The temperature was 28 degrees and very humid. We went to learn all about diamonds today – and there’s more talks to come!! At mid-day we passed Trujillo, Peru’s second largest city at a distance of 270 miles on our starboard side and had sailed 1692 miles from Valparaiso with 1726 to go to Acapulco. I am back at the gym after a two day break because of other commitments, and I need it!! We had drinks this evening with Dennis and Juli Gaugel and that was a most enjoyable meeting. Formal dress again and this time with a Latin influence. We had drinks with Geoffrey and Jill after dinner and then went to the casino where I played Craps again - but lost this time!
Tuesday 30th January We crossed the equator at 6.00am this morning and are now in the northern hemisphere again; it is hot and sticky about 28 degrees this morning. Today we will be paralleling the coastline of Ecuador 90 nautical miles east of the Galapagos Islands, which consists of 19 separate volcanic islands. (Darwin 1831-1836 on HMS Beagle scientific voyage etc.)