It’s a quiet Friday evening, yes, I haven’t had another ‘moment’, the date is correct. As we are about to cross the International Date Line, we put our watches forward last night by 24 hours. The 28th January ceased to exist for us; we went to bed on the 27th and woke up on the 29th. We have another clock change tonight, back 1 hour and then we’ll be on New Zealand time.
Apart from the business emails, I have been writing letters today. I haven’t put anything on the blog as yet, however I know it’s filtered through on some of the guest’s blogs, that we had an incident with a tender in Rarotonga. No injuries, all is well except the tender suffered some fibreglass damage. I’m still dealing with the paperwork and not in a position to write about it at the moment.
I have been replying to guest’s letters, a great number of them (and all positive, nice comments, I have to add). I love writing; I have a collection of 7 fountain pens, heaven knows how may ink colours, nice stationary, blotting paper, in fact all the necessities. I ‘seal’ my letters, using wax and have my ‘stamp’ too, it adds a nice, personal touch.
I used to use this type of sealing wax, however it involved lighting a wick and letting the wax drip onto the envelope before ‘stamping’ it.
This proved to be awkward, I would find myself leaving a trail of ‘drips’ and it never quite landed where I intended, including trousers, desk and carpet. 🙄 Not only that, the wick ‘smoked’ and I always had a dread that one day, one of our fire-fighting teams would enter my cabin with a fully charged hose 😉
A solution had to be found and in fact, it turned out to be a simple one; I found they made sealing wax sticks that went into a glue gun, eureka! No mess, no smoke and one could place the ‘dollop’ of wax exactly where one wanted to.
Sealing wax stick
Glue gun with stick in it
Take one’s stamp, (keep it on damp paper before use)
Apply wax liberally
Voila! A personalised seal
You ought to try it, it’s wonderful and your mail recipients would love it. (No, I don’t have stock in any of the suppliers) 🙂
Some of you know that I wrote a book. My father left us a short biography and I appreciated it. I thought I would do the same for my daughters, who would then pass it on, (hopefully). I’m trying to find time to edit it and add more, however failing miserably at the moment, not enough hours in the day, I’m sure I’ll get around to it eventually. I might try to put some extracts of it in the blog, some of my experiences are hilarious and we all need some humour in this day and age!
Well, I thought I would write something for you, these days at sea don’t provide much opportunity for photos. Incidentally, if there’s any part of the ship you would like to see in photos, let me know and I’ll try. Areas like the Engine Room are difficult, (won’t fit in the camera lens).
858 miles to go before we reach Waitangi, Bay of Islands. Some meetings and no doubt, more writing, a Captain’s dinner tomorrow night too.
Dear Captain Jonathan,
So glad to hear the incident did not result in any injuries. I know the Amsterdam is in good hands with you at the helm. Hope you have an enjoyable stay in New Zealand,
Regards and Cheers to you and your crew
After reading your blog, I find each time I’m on a cruise ship you are there with me with all the reports I have read in your postings. I just got off a cruise and the questions asked to the Captain and staff I just had to ask him about the distance he was able to go from the ship. Of course one staff member had to look for the chain around his ankle (joke). That statement you made once I found interesting. This was a different line so maybe that makes a difference.
Yes would like to be on yours ship once and make myself known and to meet you.
Hello Captain,
Love the info on the wax seal. Classy!!
Alexandra
Captain Jonathan – Master Mariner and Maritime Epistlographer
Your January 29 post brought back memories of my youth when as a 15 year-old I joined the Bank of New South Wales (Australia’s first bank and oldest company, established by Governor Lachlan Macquarie on April 8, 1817) in April 1963 at Wyong New South Wales (NSW). As the probationer my duties were that of a Junior. Each morning before the doors opened my task was to refill the ink wells on the desks in the public space. The large bottles of ink had to be held carefully so as not to spill over what were supposed to be clean white blotting paper desk pads! Then to the long wooden quills and making sure the nibs were clean!
Then 12 months later after a transfer to Gunnedah branch I found myself in a new role at the Bank’s Tumbarumba NSW branch and the Ledger Keeper/Junior. Each day I would sit on a tall stool (sometimes just stood) in front of a tall slopped desk, large enough hold a very large ledger to sit. The pages of the ledger contained the individual ledgers for each customer’s account. I would post each deposit or cheque to the ledger by hand (by then the ballpoint pen was permitted for use in the ledgers), manually adding or subtracting the respective amounts to or from the previous balance. These were the days before the calculator!
One aspect of each ledger page was the heading with the customer’s name. Written in large script with flowing curves, each time a new sheet was required provided me the another opportunity to develop and refine my skills. I took great pride in my work and my signature over the years has reflected the style I developed in those early years.
I too treasure the art of letter writing, albeit I do not have many opportunities these days to actually “put pen to paper”.
The world’s history and in particular its maritime history is based on the diligent way it has been recorded. Great mariners of the past wrote a log each day, so you, as a 21st century mariner, follow in that great tradition. The people where the Epistlographers* who held the pen that wrote their life’s story!
*A person who practices the art of writing letters. These letters are written with emphasis and much regard to timeframe and the cultural environment. The art of studying letters and learning how to write them is called epistolography.
I have a story about sealing wax, but I will save that for another day!
Looking forward to seeing the ms Amsterdam when you berth at White Bay Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, February 10. You may be busy while in port, however, if there is an opportunity it would be great to meet up with you.
Regards
Allan Gibson OAM and Lois Gibson (Passengers ex Seattle, September 6 2015)
Cherrybrook, (Sydney) NSW Australia
What a wonderful description Allan, so well written that I could picture you sitting on your stool! Marvellous and thank you for sharing. I’ll look forward to the sealing wax story 🙂 You are correct, Sydney is going to be busy for me. I have some Very Important guests joining on the 11th, so my schedule will be full. I’m sure it won’t stop Karen finding the shops though, ha ha!
I would love to see the Captain’s quarters. This is one of the many “white areas” on the deck plans that everyone wonders about!
Sorry if this is a no-no, but as long time HAL cruisers we’ve seen most everything else!
I was once given a little set of wax and seals. What a mess I made, but a lovely effect!
I’m not sure if you would want to see mine, Patricia, my desk, believe it or not, is a clutter, however if you can put up with the mess, I’ll try 🙂
Would be a treat!
You’re a good sport!
Love reading your blog. It is such fun to follow your journey. Only wish I were aboard with you. Glad you got into the Cook Islands this year. I was disappointed when we didn’t make it last year.
If you ever publish your book and it is available for purchase, please put the information on your blog. I would love to be able to read it.
Safe travels, and I will be looking forward to further reports and wishing I were aboard the Amsterdam again..
Enjoying following the ship, currently on the Prisendam , just rounded Cape Horn to calm seas and a passport stamp. Enjoy New Zealand. We are off to the Antarctic.
Dear Captain Jonathan,
Yes I heard of the tender incident at Rarotonga – but all is well as I understand. I heard one passenger did not get off the tender and walk to shore because of fear of ruining her leather sandals. (I guess walking barefoot was not a good option) I bought some leather sandals in Positano, Italy on a recent trip so I can relate to this woman’s concern.
I write on paper too now more than ever since it is so appreciated – and now I want my own wax seal – more stylish than a paper seal. Yours is very handsome.
The crew and passengers are sailing with the best captain.
Safe travels!
Best, Rosie
Hi Rosie, when I’m in the U.S., I use a company called ‘Nostalgic Impressions’; they’re based in Tampa and have a great website. You can get all you need there 🙂
We share a passion, paper, pens, writing. Now you have given me a new use for my glue gun. I’m sure your children will treasure your written word as you do your fathers. Look forward to reading a few snippets.
Jonathan – welcome the ‘correct’ time zone!
Another storm in Sydney Australia today, thunder’ lightning, very, very frightening (echoes of Queen!) Hopefully these summer storms will give way to better weather in February before you enter Australian waters and berthing in our ports. It will be nice to see the ms Amsterdam in Sydney soon!
Regards Allan Gibson OAM (ex Seattle Sept 6)
As always, Captain, just a wonderful blog!
Thank you so much for your time in writing to each if us.
I will look forward to seeing the ship on the 8th of February in Melbourne. Might even take my drone out for the sail in at Williamstown
Regards
Noel Bell
Dear Captain Jonathan:
Just to say that Holland America is most fortunate to have you as a Captain of their vessel. You have been lauded for your efforts as the Captain when the incident you can’t write about right now, occured.
Hope we are fortunate enough to sail on your ship one day.
Susan & Bennett