Tuesday - Homeward Bound

First time ever while cruising...a fellow passenger came up and remarked I was in his seat, even showed me the pen marks he made on the seat cushion. I offered to move but he declined. Still!

On a whim, I took a Beginner’s Bridge Class this morning. What a disaster! Any notions I might have had about my card memory abilities were shattered. The instructor was pleasant and exceedingly patient, as were the dozen or so others there to learn. I hesitate to call them “beginners” as each of them knew something about the game. I joked I should have been in a class titled “I know nothing about bridge.”  I was amused that several (notably NOT the instructor) urged me to return for another lesson, assuring me I would catch on. Sorry, but like chess, this is one strategy game I leave to others. 

Now, Dr. Schroder’s second lecture (The Neanderthal in all of us) was a huge success. I believe that like me, others so enjoyed her initial talk that they encouraged others because Illuminations was standing room only for this one. The essence of her talk was that Neanderthal Man was not what we have been lead to believe. It’s astounding what bones can tell about the individual. Neanderthal had no arthritis, bigger brain capacity, bigger lungs as compared to Homo Sapiens. Also, they used fire to heat caves and to roast grains making them more easily digestible. They hunted in groups and ate mammoth, saber toothed tiger and other large creatures. They had superior tools from Homo Sapiens man, who did not get up close and personal with their prey. Homo Sapiens threw spears, while Neanderthal attacked with axes and knives. Neanderthal Man understood music, as a reindeer flute was found in Siberia, and art, as indicated in cave paintings in Belgium, France and Siberia. 

So why did Neanderthal Man die out while Homo Sapiens did not? No one really knows but there is much speculations. Homo Sapiens domesticated the dog and modified caves for family groups living together. Homo Sapiens seems to have better communication skills. Strongly suggested by the findings from The Pit Of Bones in Spain is that Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens interbred to form a new race, but bone proof of that has not been found. Though modern man has about 5% Neanderthal genetic material, which Dr. Schroder demonstrated with multiple images of current famous people who possess definite Neanderthal facial traits: low forehead, large eye sockets and rounded jaw.

I learned that teeth are even better indicators of a person’s life experiences than bones. Evidence of use of penicillin mold and willow bark (aspirin) have been found in Neanderthal teeth, evidence they self-medicated to reduce pain and wound infection. 

Personal note: I realized about half way this lecture that I am taking notes as though Mom were going to be reading this. I really miss her inquisitive and exploring mind. I wish I could find another who shared my curiosity about this world. 

Also Dr. Schroder is an unusually audience-oriented speaker. She planned for this series of lectures by touring New York’s Museum of Natural History and choosing skulls and reconstructions that the passengers aboard this ship could actually see during their stay in NYC. She even offered succinct directions to finding the Museum. 

Les Evans spoke on the “Magic of Concorde.” It was too much like the lecture I heard on this subject a couple of crossings ago, so I listened but took no notes. He was not as interesting a speaker as the previous guy who’d been a designer engineer on Concorde. I’m not as flight mad as Joe who actually flew on the SST, or Sheila who wishes the plane would return for a bit so she could experience it. 

The seas are still rough and the wind is Force 6 but the sun shone nearly all day long so everyone's humor was good. 

I started to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom in 3D but left after a bit. Chris Pratt is pretty to look at but this story is just too predictable and over-done. I left to enjoy RADA’s performance of Cunard Street, a history of the shipping line. Much better way to spend an hour or so. 

Had dinner with Karen and Richard. I’m going to meet her for the Captain’s Cocktail party tomorrow as she wants to attend but Richard does not. 

Claire is our knitting social host and is delightful. She reminds me of Imogen from several years ago. 

Pretty good day, even though I took no pictures.