Yup, we are now on an 8 day trip from the East to the West, Yokohama across to Seward in Alaska. This notorious stretch of ocean can be a little less than smooth but up to date, since leaving Sydney, the sea has been very kind to us and it has been agreeably warm. With the temperature now dropping under the 20 degree mark, whether it is fine or not, getting a dose of vitamin D and fresh air is going to get a bit harder than it has been. So far, it has been fine (a pity it wasn’t in Yokohama) and there are still people relaxing out on the open decks, especially those who have only just joined and who may have been getting over a long travel session. Already, there are signs of more people with the snuffles, but that would be the same even if we were ashore. My initial dodgy head at the beginning of the day was put down to caffeine withdrawal – easily and successfully cured.
Whether it was the undoubted success of our ukulele concert or a quarter of the newbies on board, we are not sure, but an extra 50, yes, 50, newcomers came along to sign up for the classes on this leg. Salomon therefore split the newcomers up into two groups. The 31 ukuleles we had available on board has shrunk to 26 and we are not very happy about that, nor do we know where they have gone, or who has got them. We doubt that all five were taken off in Yokohama, but nothing would surprise us. Of those carrying on, we were offered the choice of two further groups, ‘Aloha’ for the middle level (Paula) and ‘Nawiliwili (the spell checker is going to love that…) for the more advanced – and I opted for that, but with some reservations, as there are two or three really experienced players.
All it was, was a sign up today, and I think that Salomon was overwhelmed by the interest. Having said that, the ship’s ‘Reflections DVD’, filmed on board had the choir session and a segment on our concert. The general consensus was that the choir came a distinct second. But, I would say that wouldn’t I?
Now, as the new system has been implemented in terms of the clock changes, our lesson should have been 1pm to 2pm, so leaving the sign up early, we managed a bite to eat just before the clocks changed. Very nice roast turkey, creamed spinach and pasta, then we sat outside for a bit of sunshine whilst we still could. We didn’t win trivia, scoring 12 and two thirds.
Early show was a performer I realise I had seen before some time ago, though I can't remember when, but he wasn’t on my famous spreadsheet. Pity, as he hasn’t improved. A short Mexican Australian, who asked that if we saw him out on deck, that we should say whether he was a singer telling jokes or a comedian who sings. To be brutally honest, the first description would be nearer the mark, but even that was an exaggeration, as this was a poor show by any standard. Another entertainer who is probably well past his sell by date. We didn’t escape out of politeness (others did) and our seating position. We won’t be going to his second show.
Dinner, we had a new waiter, William, who I think we have seen before and he coped with us very well. Knowing the Princess system pretty well by now, for my main, I opted for the vegetarian korma curry - but with the lamb shank. As before , the lamb was perfect and it made a nice dish – others wishing that maybe they should have done the same. We opted out of the 9:45pm show at the last minute, a Barbra Streisand tribute act. We chatted to Cruise Assistant Director Jamie instead.
Back to the cabin and for a change, we tuned into the recorded lecture, which was part 1 of an 11 part series, by Paul Kearney on the History of Rock and Roll. Very enjoyable.
Day 34 – July 23rd – the first
Another fine day at sea. Cutting down at breakfast, I had toast, a banana and coffee – plus a chocolate croissant. Cut down? Yup. I skipped the pineapple… On to trivia after a full house Shed meet (which seems to be attracting a bit of attention, as occasionally we get a newbie and one waiter takes a head count. Only a point or so behind the winners so a good effort and then on to another Cruise Critic/Pacific Circler’s lunch. A 12 noon lunch is a wee bit early for us, so just a small bowl of pasta and a glass of water.
We scooted out for the 1pm Ukulele class - middle group, so Paula’s group, but we both went as there were enough ukuleles. Salomon is threatening an exam – which may be easier for those with their own ukes, as they can practice.
Once again, clocks forward 1 hour and with quiz at 3:15 for a change (another Captain’s Welcome aboard party), no time to do much. Just 2 behind the winners, but Garry’s turn for the snuffles, so he rested.
No luck connecting not to the internet as such, but the internet banking. Not sure why. It was formal night again and the early show was the orchestra playing music for dancing. Here, I must confess, that after a sterling performance on the dance floor with Paula, we sat down and a dishy young blonde (dancer?) in a lovely red dress asked ME for a dance! It rather caught me on the hop so to speak and I had to turn her down, as those who know me well will know that I only dance with Paula - and she just makes me look good! Needless to say, I got a lot of ribbing later, but at least the dancer didn’t get her toes trodden on.
Dinner was fillet steak, which was very nice indeed and I succumbed to the same chocolate hazelnut dessert as before.
The late show was American juggler, Dan Bennett. Should have changed his name to Gordon. He came on in casual trousers and spent half his time hitching them up, trying to make the mike wire more comfortable, but his very fast, nervous, overly Americanised patter detracted so much from his act that this was another fail. It might have been OK for precocious American children, but not for mature, worldly-wise Australasians, used to decent shows.
And on to the cabin and watched part 2 of the Rock and Roll lecture series.
Groundhog day tomorrow as we cross the International Date line, so we get Saturday July 23rd all over again, which then puts us about 12 hours BEHIND GMT, instead of ahead. Very confusing for some. Later in the cruise, just before returning to Auckland, the clocks jump forwards a day. Let’s see if the (new) captain does those hourly changes at 2am or 2pm.
The sea is still smooth, but rain and cooler weather is forecast.
As we approach Alaska, we had a note to say that we need a hard copy of our ESTA paperwork. For those not familiar, the US Visa waiver system is an electronic on line system ($14 for 2 years) but there is no stamp in your passport. At some minor US ports, they do not have a full set of electronic terminals so you need the hard copy. There will be a face to face Immigration interview each time we enter US ports for the first time, so that means before and after Canada.
The Internet is dreadfully slow at the moment as most people are on it, so picking a time to try and connect is not easy. So apologies if you had to wait to read this.
No comments:
Post a Comment