The Waiting Game

The Waiting Game

We were treated to a glass of sparkling wine once we were on the plane and then after take-off a full course meal starting with an Icelandic fish delicacy with pickled vegetables, an excellent beef tenderloin, and cheesecake with a gingerbread crust. Too bad it was served at one in the morning! We both managed to catnap on the plane thanks to seats that only reclined 40% not the 100% we are used to. However, the most important thing is that we arrived in Iceland right on time.

We were met by a Scenic representative who drove us and another couple to a hotel to wait for the ship to be ready. And wait, and wait, and wait. We were offered a tour of the city on a bus to visit a church and a museum but decided to pass on it in favour of a walk to The Pond to look at the various species of duck and gulls that were there. Saw a black-faced gull but that was the only new species and I may have already seen one. I'll have to check my lists when I get home.

We got back to the hotel and went for a lunch of soup and delicious bread before retiring to the lobby where we found a spot to lie down and have a much needed afternoon nap. At three o'clock there was a commotion in the lobby as the captain of the Scenic Eclipse arrived. The bad news was delivered - the ship isn't ready. Now the staff is scrambling to find us hotel rooms. We will be on our own for dinner, breakfast and lunch tomorrow. The problem with getting dinner is that dinner reservations are extremely difficult to get. Another tour will be provided to keep us occupied until 4 pm when the ship is supposed to be ready. The explanation is that the ship wasn't cleaned to their standards - but we think it must be something much more serious. People are seriously pissed and with good reason. There is a cocktail party tonight at 5:30 to meet the owner of Scenic - it should be interesting judging from some of the yelling that is going on. We are still waiting to hear where we will be staying tonight. More on this disaster later.

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