Painful Day at Sea

 I woke sometime towards morning in excruciating pain from a spasm in the nerves or muscles in my neck.  It was almost impossible to move, and the thought of the possible pain when I did move deterred me from trying.  I tried to wake Brian but he did not hear.  I could have nudged him awake, but every possible move came with spasms.  I managed to sit up with pillows awkwardly behind me and wait for daylight.  

When Brian woke, he helped to get me settled on the sofa and brought coffee.  No matter what is happening first thing in the morning, coffee is helpful.  I managed to get a little flexibility by repeatedly wetting a towel in hot water and warming my neck.  And once I could move, I stood in the shower with the hottest water directly on my neck. 

At the Spa, Tetie was available in the afternoon for a treatment on my upper back and neck, and that helped immeasurably.  It was supposed to be for a half-hour but she generously spent more time, and charged me less. It lessened the pain, but mobility was still an issue.  When I talked to someone beside me or needed to look at something, I had to move my whole upper body. 

We attended the Meet the Captain presentation in the Princess Theatre.  He is a very personable man.  We note that he frequently praises and thanks the crew. 

At noon he reported that there were now 22 cases of influenza, and again cautioned us to be vigilant about hand washing and sanitizing, and to report any symptoms to the medical staff on deck four.  And to take extra caution with eating and drinking when ashore.  The time went forward one hour again last night. Our balconies were washed this morning. 

The evening show was the ship’s troupe of musicians and dancers with Spotlight Bar.  This group joined the ship in Sydney and this presentation has been put together in the week since then.  It was described as a vibrant bar atmosphere where people connect with local storytellers who share tales of their colourful lives through song.  Few of the songs were familiar to me, and the story did not seem to hold together particularly well.  But then I am both a Dinosaur and a Philistine as far as popular music and dance is concerned. 

We have no photos of any activities today, so I will attach this one of the Discovery Princess.