Silver Wind: Richards Bay, South Africa, Day 6

After two days of big game drives, this diva was ready for some rest and relaxation. Mel set out for an all-day tour and I’ve kicked back on board Silver Wind for a “sea” day. After breakfast in La Terrazza, where fluffy pancakes are prepared to order, I watched a first-run movie in my suite and then claimed a comfy corner in the newly completed Observation Lounge to read and take in the scenery of Richards Bay. After the early morning coffee set up was removed, serve-yourself soft drinks appeared, so everything I need is at hand. From my lofty perch, I could see the tree-lined shore and had the room nearly to myself until it was time to leave for lunch.

Formal dining room lunches aren’t normally my first choice—I’m more the casual poolside grill type—but today’s menu featured Mexican dishes and I couldn’t pass up vegetarian tacos with guacamole and cheese, chicken and goat cheese quesadillas, and enchiladas. Of the three dishes, the spicy quesadillas were my favorite.

Then it was back to a leather sofa in the Observation Lounge with my book and a rum punch from the pool bar. Past passengers will recognize the space the lounge occupies as the former fitness center. A structural addition during Silver Wind’s recent dry dock relocated the gym to its current starboard side location adjacent to the new spa and the Observation Lounge took its place overlooking the ship’s bow. Its shelves are stocked with reference books and board games, but, like me, the few passengers who’ve found their way up to the lounge on deck nine are curled up with novels or snoozing. Or both.

Mel will undoubtedly regale me with his adventure ashore today when he returns; however, I don’t feel like I’ve missed a thing.