June 5, 2024
Back in Belfast
Today I got the news around 10:30 am in Cork, that I am scheduled to fly to Grand Canary, Spain at 3pm tomorrow and I can access my baggage on the ship, at noon before heading to the airport. I quickly packed up all my stuff at Edel's and had a quick goodbye, for now, because we are determined to meet up again soon, somewhere warm, so she can have a proper ship experience!
It then took me about 5 hours, to drive back to Belfast in my sporty Kia Rio rental; did I mention I got a standard transmission to make things more of a challenge and exciting! I haven't driven stick in roughly 30 years & add on the opposite side of the road driving! Party!! Poor Edel did a couple of body jerks while riding shotgun and not in control, over our week of touring.
I am staying at a different hotel downtown this time in Belfast and the picture above, the Protestant headquarters, is right outside my window. I am also just 2 hotels down from the famous Europa hotel, the most bombed hotel in the world! Good Karma right!
Late tonight I found out that our itinerary, once we set sail on the 15th, is also changed for first couple of days but it means I am going to miss hooking up with my dear friend Tom Powl in Hamburg, Germany. I talked to him tonight and sent new itinerary below and he is going to see if perhaps we could meet up at another point. I hope so, really would love to see him!
Have I mentioned how good the food at Eco Cove Resort is? Everyday you are given a choice of 2 entrees for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus they put out a snack every day at 4pm and you get tea/coffee and cake or savory pastry, every morning outing between the first and second dives or snorkels. Here a sampling and some of my favorites!
When Camie and Timothe got engaged I spoke to the Resort and arranged a special dinner on the dock for them and they also decorated their suite. It was lovely and Bosco and I also paid for their drinks that evening. The next day, the Manager of the Resort sought them out, after breakfast and said he also had a special treat for them. I was sitting with them and he has a thick Indonesian accent and what we heard was he was going to meet them at 8 pm and take them into jungle, behind our huts and take them to get coconuts, that come in many colors? We also heard him say they make a special treat, very sweet and we thought he said crepes? We were intrigued, but also curious why at 8pm in the dark and he also mentioned cholesterol?? The rest of the day, we joked about the great coconut adventure they were about to get! Special newly engaged package!
Day 3 started with a trip out to see Manta Ray . Sure enough we saw one in the first few minutes. The only thing disappointing was the amount of trash in the water here - plastic everything. The guides clean up what they can, but it appears to be a losing battle. SO SAD!