Volendam day Eleven Thursday 3/11/11

Clocks went back an hour last night so we got an extra hour in bed. When we did get up we nipped into the laundrette and set the clothes off washing whilst we had the first part of breakfast and drying during the second course! All the rest of the morning was spent in the theatre, firstly hearing about Captin Cook and his adventures and then the First Officer spent an hour telling us all about the equipment and systems on the bridge and the ship and answering questions. The most important apparently being the coffee machine on the bridge. Lunch was in the lido area around the empty pool. I guess as it was swilling over last night they took the opportunity to drain it so they could clean it. Sea subsiding and much calmer now, sea state reached 7 and the wind was around 40 knots at times overnight. Not a lot happening of interest so blog catchup time 'til afternoon tea! Got involved in a conversation about what to do in Sydney and have been advised against hiring a car as public transport is pretty good and traffic is awful. Missed the puting competition but Carol came back with a sleeve of Holland America golf balls for achieving a hole in one. Decided again to try the cafeteria for dinner but were very disappointed this time. Back to the main dining room from now on despite the length of time a meal takes. Went to the show which was a young aussie (well vietnamese really) girl who was a very accomplished concert pianist. Acoustics rather spoilt by having a live hand mic sitting on the piano top!
Very tiring this cruising game so we weren't able to keep awake for the Indonesian crew show though we hear it was very good.