We sailed from Oranjestad, Aruba this morning under predictable partly cloudy skies. The port visit went well, everyone enjoying the finest beaches in the Caribbean, and the annual Carnival – rated third only to Brazil and Trinidad (we are told). The small city of Oranjestad was alive with thousands of people viewing the Carnival Parade that included hundreds of folks dressed in festive costumes, marching (actually dancing) along the parade route with incredible truck-mounted sound systems blaring. The parade lasted for four continuous hours. I think it was a great time – probably more so for the local folks who had friends and relatives in the parade – but the tourists enjoyed it too.
Surprisingly, our Direct TV link worked and the cadets and crew aboard were able to watch Denver upset Carolina in the Super Bowl – I guess if the Patriots can’t be there, at least an AFC team took home the honors.
We have eight training days left before we dock in Buzzards Bay, but before that Key West. There will be many family and friends meeting up with their cadets in the tiny island of the Florida Keys. But the academic focus is most important, as the First Class cadets have many oral assessments to complete, and examinations to prepare for. We have the unenviable task of getting the young people out of port mode and back on classroom/lab mode – but we will overcome!
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