An Update From the Front on Day 3 of Quarantine

 We're sitting on our balcony in the bay of Sorrento, Italy watching the tender operation on Day 3 of our quarantine.

Wish we could go ashore but, oh well!

Day 1 of quarantine was certainly an adjustment day.  Before we were put in quarantine, I was able to get a photo of one of the Easter chocolate displays they had set up around the ship.

That was the end of Easter and Passover celebrations for us.  After a health check by the ship's doctor we kind of figured out what the routine would be.  Meals in the room from any restaurant, daily health checks, and suite cleanings by a special crew.  So, we suffered through a French dinner and watched the sunset on Day 1:

Day 2 was the turnover day in Civitavecchia.  The day started well with decent temperatures and a good view from the balcony.

Then things took a turn - it was time to bunker (fuel) the ship.  The barge pulled alongside right below us and the noise and odor began.

And this process took about 5 hours and forced us to spend most of that time off the balcony.  We did make use of that time to pace the suite and accumulate many steps - between us we had over 16,000 steps!  At least they provided us with plenty of water to keep us hydrated.

Finally, the bunkering came to an end but not before I had the chance to observe the hi-tech method they use to determine if they have put on enough fuel:

Yep, a guy with a flashlight looking down into the tank!  

Also, during the day, I was also able to have my barber come to the room and give me a great haircut.

For the sail away, we did get a good view of the Superman themed ferry and the rising full moon.  And, ultimately, a great sunset.

Now it is time for some general musings about our quarantine.  It is easy to get down, thinking about how much we would enjoy roaming around Sorrento.  But then I stop and think - war in Ukraine, people dying of Covid, starvation, wars, and countless other maladies and I realize just how good we have it.  We're healthy (okay, a little coughing and sniffling still), we're well taken care of, and we have a wonderful family and friends (and thanks to all of the good wishes from you out there).  It's a wonderful life!

And how about masks?  Well, I've always been a supporter of masks, but now I wonder.  When Riviera was sailing the Caribbean before crossing to Europe (and for the crossing), masks were not required for the guests, just for the crew.  And the ship was "healthy".  When we got to Europe, masks were required for everyone and Covid has broken out (apparently 20 guests tested positive when Linda and I did).  Now, I know there are multiple other factors, but, for me, it raises a question about the efficacy of masks.

Okay, enough musing for now.  On to the Rule of Civility for the day: Rule #43. Do not express joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery. Now, I know that none of you out there have expressed joy at our Covid quarantine, but just in case, please heed this rule!

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry