Piracy Update - Now We're Cooking!

This morning, Wednesday, when I got up for my jog/walk we were sailing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.  That is the narrow passage out of the Red Sea between Djibouti (on the starboard side) and Yemen (on the port side).  Yemen has been the source of recent pirate and rocket attacks.

When I went out all of the decks above 12  (which is the pool deck) were closed off so I started walking around the pool.  I noticed one of the extra security men walking around deck 14, looking around.  After I had completed a few laps, he came down and asked me if I'd like to walk on the higher deck.  I said yes, and he removed the sign blocking the staircase.  Oceania security then came out and removed the other signs blocking deck 14.  The higher decks remained closed.  As we turned to the east and entered the Gulf of Aden, the coast of Yemen receded in the distance.  By that time another of the special security men came out.  I stopped and asked them if, now that we've cleared the narrow strait, the danger had been reduced.  They replied that it mostly had.  Soon they were on their walkie-talkies and they left the outside deck.  I guess we were safer, I hope.

Later in the morning, we saw a naval ship sailing by.  Based on what I found online, the vessel is actually a Chinese anti-piracy frigate!

The morning activity was a pasta cooking class in the Culinary Center.  We made 3 different pasta dishes.  As usual, it was fun and educational.

We're down to just 3 full sea days after today.  Somehow the days fly by.

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry