Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 10 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.
Sorry about yesterday’s short post. We were inundated with passengers stopping to say hello on a sea day. The word is out on the ship about these two crazy senior citizens who sold everything and have been traveling the world for almost 11 years. Some have even referred to us as “celebrities.”
We chuckle over these types of comments. We don’t perceive ourselves as celebrities. We’re simply home-free Jess and Tom, who escaped convention and decided to carry on and on, regardless of countless setbacks along the way. And there have been setbacks! When we find ourselves sharing some of those types of stories, we are even shocked by how we managed to work through some challenging scenarios.
But here we are, only 2½ months away from our 11th anniversary. As this special day looms closer, we find ourselves reeling from the depth and breadth of it all. We initially thought we might last a few years, but certainly not this many. So much has transpired in our worldly lives, and we are grateful to have ongoing outstanding experiences.
Today, we are anchored in the bay of Svolvaer, with tender boats (lifeboats) taking passengers to the small village. With the abundance of modern buildings, we decided not to go ashore. We had laundry piling up and wanted to take advantage of most passengers being off the ship and the resulting availability of washers and dryers.
We’re not like most other passengers returning to their homes after the cruise to empty their luggage, do laundry, and continue with their day-to-day lives. This is our day-to-day lives, and we must perform regular tasks and responsibilities regardless of where we are at any given time.
We won’t have access to a washing machine until we get to Minnesota in over 30 days and use the hotel’s coin-operated laundry. While in Las Vegas, we’ll rent a car for a few days to go to a laundromat, our mailing service, and renew our driver’s license.
As for the little village of Svolvaer, Norway, here is what the ship’s brochure has to say about it:
“Solvaer, nestled in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, captivates with its stunning beauty. A picturesque fishing village surrounded by towering mountains and serene waters, it offers an idyllic escape for nature-loved and adventure seekers. Explore the vibrant art scene, savor freshly caught seafood, and witness the magical northern lights dancing in the Arctic skies. Svolvaer promises an unforgettable journey to the heart of Norway’s untamed wilderness.”
Regardless of more potentially busy social interactions, I will need to nap today. I had a fitful night’s sleep and know a quick half-hour nap is exactly what I”ll need to return to my energetic social self. Tom, on the other hand, is well-rested and chipper as always.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 8, 2013:
may God bless you
