Tuesday, 16 August 2016

Days 54 & 55 - Heading for Hawaii and a trivia win.

Nothing of interest to report (nothing new there…) before the advanced ukulele class at 1pm, with Salomon.  As this was the advanced class, we were only really observers, and Salomon spent most of the time on musical theory.  A good session, but without either printouts, a white board or slide show, it was at times a bit too confusing.  Our musical theory knowledge is minimal, though my brother did do a fine job in explaining some of the basics a few years ago.  The notes in the different keys made sense, though I do remember playing the scales as a youngster, but without knowing what the keys, such as two sharps or two flats, actually were.

Paula went off for a massage at 2pm whist I tidied up some computer files, mainly video clips, either my own ex-YouTube.  The laptop struggles with any advanced video editing, so I don’t really try at sea – but when I get home, I never seem to have it high on my list of priorities.

At afternoon trivia, we finished equal first – but would have won if we’d stuck with Garry’s answer.  We guessed the wrong number of triple word score squares on a scrabble board and the other team got it right.  It was a fast guess as Renee wanted the first team to answer.  Ho hum.

The early show was Canadian comedian Scott Harris.  So-so.

At dinner, probably for the first time on this cruise, we felt it wasn’t up to standard.  The steamed pot-stickers were a bit doughy and undercooked.  Garry and I both had the vegetarian curry, but with a lamb shank on the top.  Last time, it was perfect.  This time, the lamb seemed to be a little undercooked and probably not as hot as it could have been.  Those who ordered the tempura, deep fried bananas for dessert expected the dish to be hot.  It was cold.  The meal elicited a few genuine complaints from people who don’t normally whinge.

Thankfully, the evening ended on a high, with the production singers, dancers and orchestra with ‘Save the Last Dance’.  It was a very pleasant surprise to see some brand new scenery, with built in coloured lights.   A thoroughly enjoyable show.

Clocks BACK an hour tonight, so now we get a run of 25 hour days.

 

Day 55 – Strings and things

We welcomed two newbies to the Shed.  Ed and yet another Ray.

Morning trivia, we WON! With 16/20, a bit of a surprise.  Sadly, we didn’t win a sheep station, just the least popular of all prizes – lanyards.

Intermediate ukulele, no theory lesson, but a couple more sheets of music for our portfolio, then to the buffet at 2pm.  A dollop of vegetarian curry plus a couple of pieces of what was supposed to be hot red Thai chicken. It wasn’t hot, but it was nice.

It was about time we had an ice cream.  So we did.

The early show was Salomon with half the violin duo ‘Fiore’, Maria.  They are an item, having met on the ship, but they did manage to put a show together, despite a minimal amount of practice.  As usual, Salomon managed to incorporate the Chicken Dance within a classical piece.  They got a huge reception from the audience and they really do want to continue to perform together, so ultimately, they’ll need to get their contracts aligned, as Salomon gets off in Hilo, having already had his contract extended twice.

Another formal night and the food was back to excellent.  Very nice fillet steak, so I ended up with 3.  My own 2 and 1 donated by Paula.

It was a real strings day, with the late show featuring an American violinist, Doug Cameron.  He played well enough, but it felt as though the concert went on a bit too long.

Afterwards, the music in the Wheelhouse bar was a bit too loud with the party band, so along with Ron and Angela, Lynda and Graham, we retired to the buffet for a late hot chocolate, just before they closed the coffee machine.

Clocks back another hour overnight and bed at midnight.

Half way through this sea spell and it is getting warmer.

 

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