Day 8 – No Sunrise, a Reunion, and the Sun King 👑

The day started once again very early: I was awake by 5:45 AM. The constant time changes are really messing with my rhythm. 😂

After my morning deck walk, there was the obligatory early riser coffee at 6:30 AM. By 7:12 AM, I was promptly outside on deck because I didn't want to miss the sunrise over the Atlantic, of course.

But unfortunately, that didn't happen. As it slowly got brighter, the sky turned hazy, accompanied by a few drops of rain – liquid sunshine, indeed. There was no sign of a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic.

While I waited, I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveler. We chatted about the weather and the 'liquid sunshine.' And how small the world can be sometimes: She had worked in my hometown for many years, is now retired, and has moved to Oldenburg. To think that I'm in the middle of the Atlantic and meet someone with a connection to my own hometown. Lovely!

At 7:30 AM, we headed to breakfast in the East Restaurant. However, the coffee machine was once again out of order, so the restaurant manager had to step in personally. The reason was quite amusing: Apparently, I was the first coffee guest of the day – and the milk system hadn't even been installed yet. 😂 Well, good morning then!

After that, I observed the slightly rougher seas from Deck 5. The Atlantic showed a more turbulent side today.

At 9:00 AM, the most unpleasant agenda item of the day arrived. And at the same time, a true premiere: After more than 25 AIDA trips, I was finally able to see the hospital from the inside.

The reason was my fall on Saturday before embarking on Sunday. The injury to my left eyebrow needed stitches – and now the threads had to come out. Luckily, the ordeal was over quickly: Everything was done by 9:30 AM.

Afterward, I treated myself to a black tea at the Sol Bar. By 10:00 AM, the sun gradually showed itself, allowing me to enjoy some time on the pool deck. See, the liquid sunshine apparently clocked out!

At 11:00 AM, there was a reading with author and actress Petra Nadolny in the Theatrium. Afterwards, I admired the wake of the AIDAsol at noon from the Ocean Bar. However, I quickly retreated to the AIDA Bar. The reason: It was annoying how many people felt the need to conduct their phone calls on speakerphone – entertaining the whole room at once. Not everyone wants to involuntarily participate in all conversations. 🙈

Around 1:30 PM, it was time for lunch. The menu featured the Daily Burger, and this time it included my absolute favorite: Chili Cheese Burger! A poem! There really are no further words needed.

After that, a lovely surprise awaited me at the excursion counter: A scout recognized me. We had traveled together on the transatlantic voyage in April. It's always surprising and wonderful when someone recognizes you months later on board. Such encounters make a trip feel even more personal.

At 2:45 PM, it was time for some eye care. I allowed myself a little break in the cabin until 4:00 PM. 😴

Punctually at 4:00 PM, we continued with the game 'Who am I?'. It was written that I was none other than Louis XIV, the French Sun King. With well-placed questions, I was able to solve the riddle in the end. Apparently, my royal intuition was better today than the weather that morning!

Right at 5:00 PM, we headed to Shuffleboard. And this time I was delighted to celebrate a victory for my team! Then quickly back to the cabin, freshen up, and on to the next appointment.

The next appointment was the 'Break-Out Shooting.' This is a fun photo montage where I positioned myself behind a torn canvas, making it look as if I was ripping it apart. A pretty cool idea and a lovely memory of the world trip!

At 6:30 PM, dinner awaited me at the Bella Donna Restaurant.

At 7:30 PM, the Prime Time with the new hotel director was on the agenda. Afterwards, at 8:30 PM, we attended the show of mental magician Marc Gettmann. Mind reading and astonishing tricks provided entertainment.

The evening was to conclude with a karaoke event starting at 9:15 PM – this time on the pool deck. The turnout was huge, and the unfamiliar atmosphere outside wasn't quite my thing. After more than an hour of waiting for my own song, I had enough and made my way to my cabin.

That night, the clocks will be set back another hour. My biorhythm will thank me! 😂

A day filled with many small encounters, a successful Chili Cheese Burger, a premiere in the hospital, and a successful Shuffleboard game. Though the hoped-for sunrise did not occur, the sun finally did show later on.

Tomorrow, new impressions await me – and hopefully a slightly more restful sleep!