The day of the Griffin

 

Diva forgot to mention that in Tallinn they passed an office labelled Malware Bytes. Turns out it is a perfectly respectable cyber security company but it is not a name she would have chosen.

Riga is a lively place with many local people around the city - not just shuffling Saga pensioners this time. Lots of cafes with loud music. TSH and Diva saw a group of young men on a large cycle with beer provided. Singing loudly and having a great time (the men, not TSH and Diva).

In TSH's world, there is no crisis that cannot be solved by use of half a box of tissues. So when an unfriendly bird made a deposit on Diva's sparkly shoes, he was ready for an instant clean-up. Diva has two pairs of sparkly shoes with her. Both receive many compliments from passing guests and crew.

As usual, TSH and Diva attempted the Saga morning crossword. One of the clues 'Great venture' evaded them until they traded solutions with other guests. Turns out there was a misprint, the clue should have been 'Great vulture' and the answer was 'Griffin' - a word that Diva had thought of but could not connect to 'venture'. 

Jeosh, their butler, read their mid-cruise questionnaire and came to enquire about Diva's well-being. More than the safety officer has bothered to do so far. 

Diva and the four doctors

 No excursion today, just an unescorted walk around Kotor, which is one of the best ports along this coast. Interesting old walled town, good walks along the water-front, colourful flower market and a magnificent sail-away through a fjord.

They were not all doctors but they were all wearing white coats, which was enough. Diva was having some problems with her ears and went to the Medical Centre for syringing. She does not really have a problem with that procedure, which she has had many times. But it all felt a bit panicky in a strange location. One doctor to syringe, one to hold the basin (which Diva can normally manage herself), one to stand in front and issue orders about not moving, shaking or flinching. And the last to watch in horror from across the room. Ears are much improved but might need a return visit. Good that basic medical care is included in the cruise package.

 TSH has tried ouzo (good) and retsina (bad). He has decided to stick with cognac or malt whisky.

Diva is wearing a pair of sparkly but very comfortable shoes during the day and is receiving many compliments.

Fedex Customer Services sent TSH a triumphant email to say that they had sorted his issues, fulfilled their contract and delivered his bag to Athens. Pity he has no immediate plans to go there. Silversea have (maybe) hired a truck to move the bags to Venice.