Oct 23rd – Oct 25th
Sea/Vigo/Sea
The 23rd, a sea day spent leaving the canaries, wasn’t anything special, or atleast not to my recollection. We had a production show that night, “once upon a time”, and that was probably about it. Now I generally try to have fun with these shows because everyone’s played them so many times, so I take pride in cheering on the dancers (the female ones) through a series of hoots, hollers, and screams. It gets a little loud and obnoxious, but the dancers generally laugh and it keeps the mood good for all of us in the pit. Also, I think it makes the show more interesting for the guests if they see we’re all having fun. Well, Jamie, the production manager (and cool guy), asked me before the show today if I was going to be needing a muzzle, I guess being his way of saying tone down the cheering a bit. In the entire 3 months I’ve been hear, this has been the first time anyone’s really ever mentioned anything, sure, I get my fare share of weird looks from the band or dancers, but I haven’t yet been asked to shut it, so I guess I finally found that line. That lasted for about half of the first show before I was back at it. I tried, but I guess I just can’t help having a good time, so they’re going to have to deal with the encouraging sounds from the pit, despite however obnoxious they might be.
I had a fun day planned for Vigo. I met up with my friend who I’ve been catching up with the last few times (Ana), and she took me to the University of Vigo where she studies. She picked me up in the morning after I got out of my boat drill by faking going on a tour (escort the group to the bus and then not get on myself). We got to the school in about 25 minutes or so, and I went to the one class she had that day. It was some sort of mechanics class, looked liked a lot of physics to me that looked partially familiar from high school, but seeing as the class was taught in Spanish, I guess I can’t really be sure. Now why would I go to a class taught in a language I don’t speak you ask? Because I thought it’d be funny. So I sat there for the first 55 minute period pretending to understand the notes I was/wasn’t taking, took a 10 minute break with the class, and when back for the final 55 minute period. I don’t know how any one could understand that teacher though, the sound of the room made it terribly difficult to hear any detail. I took Spanish for 4 years way back when, but I didn’t hear more than 3 words he said that I could understand. Following the class, I went out with Ana and her friends for lunch at the food court in the area where all the students seem to go and grabbed a traditional Spanish college student lunch, whatever that’s worth. I didn’t do all that much talking do to the whole language thing, but I could talk with Ana and she’d let me know what everyone else was saying. Seems college guys in Spain talk about three things, Girls, Cars, and futbol (soccer). Not to far off from a Chicago college campus. Afterwards, we drove back to the school to drop her friends off and she took me back to the ship. It was an interesting time, and another one of those opportunities I wouldn’t likely get anywhere else, so I had a good day. I had the rest of the night off, out one day off that cruise, because we work soooo hard, ha. I’ll be back in Vigo again in 10 days, so I have to think of something new to do.
That day was followed by one last sea day as we made our way back to Southampton. Nothing special, just the usual farewell show. I also had a training thing in the morning which I almost missed due to the sleep button on my phone. I don’t know quite how it happened, just that I didn’t realize I had my 9:00 training that morning till 9:02, despite setting the alarm for it the previous night. Five minutes late when all is said and done is basically on time, right? So that was the 25th, tomorrow we start our final Canary Islands tour. Thanks for reading!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Lanzarote
Oct 22nd
Lanzarote
Another tour today, this time a Wine Route. The tour was exactly as the title indicates, and we stopped at 2 different bodegas where we could sample the local wines. The wine was all good, nothing really worth discussing further though. Lanzarote is actually kind of a cool island when you get past that initial city we stop at. The volcanic island has 100 volcanoes, and they really make for an interesting landscape to drive through. Supposedly, the island used to be very fertile, but recent volcanic eruptions (mid 1900’s) covered everything in ash, something crops certainly can’t grow in. Therefore, they grow grape vines because of their low water needs, and dig holes in the ground through the ash to the soil, where they can actually plant the vine. When you drive through the area, all you see are thousands of these large holes with vines planted in the center, and it’s really an amazing thing to see. And interestingly enough, the ash around the plant helps to irrigate it by absorbing the moisture of the night air and directing it into the soil. So yes, I even learned something on this tour. We also went to a statue made by the local artist, who’s name I’ve forgotten, but I know he’s extremely famous in Spain and had shaped the islands history. You’ll see all of these in the pics. That night we played a show for Mike Doyle, and that was about it. Thanks!
Lanzarote
Another tour today, this time a Wine Route. The tour was exactly as the title indicates, and we stopped at 2 different bodegas where we could sample the local wines. The wine was all good, nothing really worth discussing further though. Lanzarote is actually kind of a cool island when you get past that initial city we stop at. The volcanic island has 100 volcanoes, and they really make for an interesting landscape to drive through. Supposedly, the island used to be very fertile, but recent volcanic eruptions (mid 1900’s) covered everything in ash, something crops certainly can’t grow in. Therefore, they grow grape vines because of their low water needs, and dig holes in the ground through the ash to the soil, where they can actually plant the vine. When you drive through the area, all you see are thousands of these large holes with vines planted in the center, and it’s really an amazing thing to see. And interestingly enough, the ash around the plant helps to irrigate it by absorbing the moisture of the night air and directing it into the soil. So yes, I even learned something on this tour. We also went to a statue made by the local artist, who’s name I’ve forgotten, but I know he’s extremely famous in Spain and had shaped the islands history. You’ll see all of these in the pics. That night we played a show for Mike Doyle, and that was about it. Thanks!
Las Palmas
Oct 21st
Las Palmas
I did a tour today called “Guayadeque Aboriginal”, which took me towards the center of the island to look at caves. These caves, formed in the volcanic mountains, have been inhabited for hundreds of years, and some still are today. We were taken into one cave house, which at this time, has all the modern conveniences of living in the city. It’s a small area to live in, but really interesting to see how these people have spent there lives on the side of a mountain. After that, we went to a museum about the caves and lava flows, and then to a restaurant for lunch. I ended up eating with the guide and bus driver, which was really cool. We went off in the bar area, had some really good potatoes, bread, cheese, and egg like appetizers. I also was able to get a local Canary Island beer, something I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to find in the US. We also stopped in different cities on the island to walk through and look at architecture. It was a nice tour, and I was glad to be able to experience some different parts of the culture. Following that, I rested up and eventually had a big band set to play that night.
Las Palmas
I did a tour today called “Guayadeque Aboriginal”, which took me towards the center of the island to look at caves. These caves, formed in the volcanic mountains, have been inhabited for hundreds of years, and some still are today. We were taken into one cave house, which at this time, has all the modern conveniences of living in the city. It’s a small area to live in, but really interesting to see how these people have spent there lives on the side of a mountain. After that, we went to a museum about the caves and lava flows, and then to a restaurant for lunch. I ended up eating with the guide and bus driver, which was really cool. We went off in the bar area, had some really good potatoes, bread, cheese, and egg like appetizers. I also was able to get a local Canary Island beer, something I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to find in the US. We also stopped in different cities on the island to walk through and look at architecture. It was a nice tour, and I was glad to be able to experience some different parts of the culture. Following that, I rested up and eventually had a big band set to play that night.
Tenerife - nice!
Oct 20th
Tenerife
Second time to Tenerife, and let me say, it was amazing. I haven’t even written yesterday’s blog yet because I want to write this one and then go to sleep. But after a boat drill in the morning, the bassist, Thad, and I grabbed some body boards and went off to find a good beach with some waves. Body boards are simply foam boards they you lay on and use like a surf board with waves, except these are more squared off and you can lay your entire torso on them. So we ended up taking a bus from Santa Cruz, where the ship is, across the island to Puerto de la Cruz, where we then picked up a taxi to the beach El Socorro. Thad actually speaks Spanish due to living in Mexico for some time a while ago, so he was able to talk to the locals and other people with the same plan in mind to figure out directions. So we got to the beach and it was unbelievable. First, the sand was amazing, black sand. It’s a volcanic island, so all the beaches are black, but the sand is really fine and just feels like velvet when you walk in it. It’s the nicest, softest sand beach I’ve ever been on. So we get on the boards and get into the water, where there are already a lot of people surfing or body boarding. The water was warm, like mid 70’s, and the wetsuit we borrowed from the ship’s dive shop probably wasn’t needed, but nice to have anyways. Well, the waves at this place were huge, or at least they were by my standards. I’d say they were at least as tall as I am, so 6 feet from the top of the water. The attendant we talked to seemed slightly ashamed that it was low tide and the waves weren’t as big as usual, but believe me, any bigger and I’d probably be dead. These waves would just swallow people up, and I had a number of spills where I’d just get flipped head over heal under water completely out of control waiting for the moment where I was able to get a footing and jump up for air. It was just unreal how this water could destroy you. So just getting out to the spot in the water right before the waves would break was difficult because you’re trying to swim through these walls of water that have nothing else in mind than to push you into shore as far as possible. Sometimes you could dive under the wave with your board, but if you timed it wrong or didn’t go strong enough, you’d get flipped over backwards and be stuck waiting to regain control. So after fighting for a long time trying to get out to that good area to catch the waves, I’d eventually turn around and inevitably make a fool of myself. I had a few good runs, and it’s hard to completely suck lying on a board, but some of the kids there were just great at timing the waves and riding down the faces, even getting inside the tubes. We had just under 2 hours, which might not seem like a lot of time, but when you work that hard swimming out to these waves and are continually getting the crap beaten out of you and force fed salt water through every hole in your head, 2 hours takes forever. Thad didn’t even make it the whole time. And probably the coolest part was waiting for the right wave, because when you were that far out and looked back, you’d see this black sand beach, a coastline of huge cliffs, and behind it all, a 12,000 foot volcano that spawned the island. So the scenery was just unimaginably gorgeous, I really hope to be able to see that place again someday after I’ve left Europe. I wasn’t able to take too many pics on account of being wet, but did my best to grab some shots before I left. Unfortunately, the coast line I described can only be seen in it’s full beauty out at sea, and I wasn’t about to paddle out with my camera, so I did my best with what I had and got some shots of the area. But it was an unbelievable trip and well worth the bus and cab fares. However, my chest and arms are horribly bruised and battered, as could be imagined when tons of water is heading straight at you. But I’m dead tired now, and have an early tour tomorrow. We had Pete Matthew’s show tonight, and then a BDay party for the dancer Nicole. Ok, that’s all, time to recover from the beating I took. Have a good one.
If you want to see pics, do a search for Tererife El Socorro. Tenerife is the island, Socorro the beach. There should be stuff online, but believe me, this place was like nowhere I’ve ever been. Seeya!
Tenerife
Second time to Tenerife, and let me say, it was amazing. I haven’t even written yesterday’s blog yet because I want to write this one and then go to sleep. But after a boat drill in the morning, the bassist, Thad, and I grabbed some body boards and went off to find a good beach with some waves. Body boards are simply foam boards they you lay on and use like a surf board with waves, except these are more squared off and you can lay your entire torso on them. So we ended up taking a bus from Santa Cruz, where the ship is, across the island to Puerto de la Cruz, where we then picked up a taxi to the beach El Socorro. Thad actually speaks Spanish due to living in Mexico for some time a while ago, so he was able to talk to the locals and other people with the same plan in mind to figure out directions. So we got to the beach and it was unbelievable. First, the sand was amazing, black sand. It’s a volcanic island, so all the beaches are black, but the sand is really fine and just feels like velvet when you walk in it. It’s the nicest, softest sand beach I’ve ever been on. So we get on the boards and get into the water, where there are already a lot of people surfing or body boarding. The water was warm, like mid 70’s, and the wetsuit we borrowed from the ship’s dive shop probably wasn’t needed, but nice to have anyways. Well, the waves at this place were huge, or at least they were by my standards. I’d say they were at least as tall as I am, so 6 feet from the top of the water. The attendant we talked to seemed slightly ashamed that it was low tide and the waves weren’t as big as usual, but believe me, any bigger and I’d probably be dead. These waves would just swallow people up, and I had a number of spills where I’d just get flipped head over heal under water completely out of control waiting for the moment where I was able to get a footing and jump up for air. It was just unreal how this water could destroy you. So just getting out to the spot in the water right before the waves would break was difficult because you’re trying to swim through these walls of water that have nothing else in mind than to push you into shore as far as possible. Sometimes you could dive under the wave with your board, but if you timed it wrong or didn’t go strong enough, you’d get flipped over backwards and be stuck waiting to regain control. So after fighting for a long time trying to get out to that good area to catch the waves, I’d eventually turn around and inevitably make a fool of myself. I had a few good runs, and it’s hard to completely suck lying on a board, but some of the kids there were just great at timing the waves and riding down the faces, even getting inside the tubes. We had just under 2 hours, which might not seem like a lot of time, but when you work that hard swimming out to these waves and are continually getting the crap beaten out of you and force fed salt water through every hole in your head, 2 hours takes forever. Thad didn’t even make it the whole time. And probably the coolest part was waiting for the right wave, because when you were that far out and looked back, you’d see this black sand beach, a coastline of huge cliffs, and behind it all, a 12,000 foot volcano that spawned the island. So the scenery was just unimaginably gorgeous, I really hope to be able to see that place again someday after I’ve left Europe. I wasn’t able to take too many pics on account of being wet, but did my best to grab some shots before I left. Unfortunately, the coast line I described can only be seen in it’s full beauty out at sea, and I wasn’t about to paddle out with my camera, so I did my best with what I had and got some shots of the area. But it was an unbelievable trip and well worth the bus and cab fares. However, my chest and arms are horribly bruised and battered, as could be imagined when tons of water is heading straight at you. But I’m dead tired now, and have an early tour tomorrow. We had Pete Matthew’s show tonight, and then a BDay party for the dancer Nicole. Ok, that’s all, time to recover from the beating I took. Have a good one.
If you want to see pics, do a search for Tererife El Socorro. Tenerife is the island, Socorro the beach. There should be stuff online, but believe me, this place was like nowhere I’ve ever been. Seeya!
Funchal
Oct 19th
Funchal
On the 19th, I did a tour entitled “Funchal Highlighs and Botanical Gardens”. I actually ended up with the same tour guide as the first time I was in Funchal. This tour took me up the mountain the city’s built on, we stopped at a church, took the group across a valley in a cable car, went to a botanical garden, and then a place to taste the local wine. It was a nice tour and completely different than the one I did the first time I was in Funchal. That night we were supposed to play Pete Mathews show, but something happened with Pete’s flight, so we swapped shows with the Jacqui Scott who was supposed to be performing the next night. Then, that night, one of the dancers was having a super hero themed birthday party. So, me not accustomed to traveling everywhere with a super hero costume, had to make my own. I did however, bring my Canadian boxer shorts on the ship with me, so that sparked some ideas. I put the shorts on over my jeans, and put on a white shirt where I wrote “Captain Canada” on the front using gaff tape. I thought it was a funny idea, considering I’m not Canadian. So there was my Friday, have good one.
Funchal
On the 19th, I did a tour entitled “Funchal Highlighs and Botanical Gardens”. I actually ended up with the same tour guide as the first time I was in Funchal. This tour took me up the mountain the city’s built on, we stopped at a church, took the group across a valley in a cable car, went to a botanical garden, and then a place to taste the local wine. It was a nice tour and completely different than the one I did the first time I was in Funchal. That night we were supposed to play Pete Mathews show, but something happened with Pete’s flight, so we swapped shows with the Jacqui Scott who was supposed to be performing the next night. Then, that night, one of the dancers was having a super hero themed birthday party. So, me not accustomed to traveling everywhere with a super hero costume, had to make my own. I did however, bring my Canadian boxer shorts on the ship with me, so that sparked some ideas. I put the shorts on over my jeans, and put on a white shirt where I wrote “Captain Canada” on the front using gaff tape. I thought it was a funny idea, considering I’m not Canadian. So there was my Friday, have good one.
Sea Days
Oct 17th and 18th
Sea days
I’m writing this a week after the 17th, so I don’t really remember much. But, they were sea days so there can’t be much to report on. The 17th we played for Jonathon Kane, the Elton John guy, and the 18th was a production show. Did anything really happen during those days aside from that though? No, not really. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Sea days
I’m writing this a week after the 17th, so I don’t really remember much. But, they were sea days so there can’t be much to report on. The 17th we played for Jonathon Kane, the Elton John guy, and the 18th was a production show. Did anything really happen during those days aside from that though? No, not really. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Canary Pics
Just copy and paste the link and the pictures should come up no problem.
Funchal - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Funchal/
Tenerife - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Tenerife/
Las Palmas - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Las%20Palmas/
Lanzarote - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Lanzarote/
So I was able to get everything posted from my room! It took a little while doing it in the 30 second intervals so I don't get charged, and all the pics had to get uploaded in groups of three, but you know what - you guys are worth it! Thanks for reading
Funchal - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Funchal/
Tenerife - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Tenerife/
Las Palmas - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Las%20Palmas/
Lanzarote - http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Lanzarote/
So I was able to get everything posted from my room! It took a little while doing it in the 30 second intervals so I don't get charged, and all the pics had to get uploaded in groups of three, but you know what - you guys are worth it! Thanks for reading
Southampton
Oct 16th
Southampton
It's about 1 PM currently in Southampton as I writing this. I decided not to go to the internet place like I usually go because I really don't have all that much I need to get there, and I can try posting pics from my room internet connection. Also, my friends weren't going this time, meaning I can't borrow pounds from them to buy a snack at the cafe and I'm not about to change money over for a few dollars. So today is just the usual turnaround day, new people get on, we do our drill, welcome aboard show and parade, and that's about it. So I just got caught up with all my posts, hopefully I can get some pictures uploaded as well. I hope everyone is well back at home and have a great day!
Southampton
It's about 1 PM currently in Southampton as I writing this. I decided not to go to the internet place like I usually go because I really don't have all that much I need to get there, and I can try posting pics from my room internet connection. Also, my friends weren't going this time, meaning I can't borrow pounds from them to buy a snack at the cafe and I'm not about to change money over for a few dollars. So today is just the usual turnaround day, new people get on, we do our drill, welcome aboard show and parade, and that's about it. So I just got caught up with all my posts, hopefully I can get some pictures uploaded as well. I hope everyone is well back at home and have a great day!
Vigo
Oct 13th – 15th
Sea day/Vigo/Sea day
The 13th was our sea day sailing out of the Canaries toward Vigo. I don’t really remember anything from that day, nothing special happened. Oh, except I did drink that bottle of wine I bought in Madeira (with some friends of course). It was awful, so I guess I can be glad I only paid a few euros for it.
The 14th was spent in Vigo. I didn’t sign up for a tour, but instead met up with that canoeing tour guide (Ana) again that I had seen on Sept 20th. So I met up with Ana a bit after 1:00, got lunch at a French restaurant in the area, and headed back to the ship afterwards. That night we played the Elton John show again, and that was about it for the day.
The 15th was the last day of the cruise. Nothing much happened, just our usual farewell show. Our Cruise director, the person in charge of the entertainment division, is signing off after this cruise, so that’s kind of a drag. He’s been a really cool guy and I hope his replacement has the same energy that Graham had. Right now it’s around 11:00 PM on the 15th, and I’m about to head upstairs to listen to the Jazz set that I don’t have to play tonight, and then probably head to the Dungeon. Tomorrow is Southampton and the beginning of Canary Islands Cruise #2!
Sea day/Vigo/Sea day
The 13th was our sea day sailing out of the Canaries toward Vigo. I don’t really remember anything from that day, nothing special happened. Oh, except I did drink that bottle of wine I bought in Madeira (with some friends of course). It was awful, so I guess I can be glad I only paid a few euros for it.
The 14th was spent in Vigo. I didn’t sign up for a tour, but instead met up with that canoeing tour guide (Ana) again that I had seen on Sept 20th. So I met up with Ana a bit after 1:00, got lunch at a French restaurant in the area, and headed back to the ship afterwards. That night we played the Elton John show again, and that was about it for the day.
The 15th was the last day of the cruise. Nothing much happened, just our usual farewell show. Our Cruise director, the person in charge of the entertainment division, is signing off after this cruise, so that’s kind of a drag. He’s been a really cool guy and I hope his replacement has the same energy that Graham had. Right now it’s around 11:00 PM on the 15th, and I’m about to head upstairs to listen to the Jazz set that I don’t have to play tonight, and then probably head to the Dungeon. Tomorrow is Southampton and the beginning of Canary Islands Cruise #2!
Las Palmas and Lanzarote
Oct 11th and 12th
Las Palmas and Lanzarote
I had an early tour the 11th that took the group to a number of sight seeing stops. We drove into the city and stopped at a beach, walked through a park, went to a couple museums, and eventually made it out to an extinct volcano with a huge crater. So I got some good pictures of the area and then headed back to the ship with the bus. We had a big band set that night, and then that was that day.
The 12th was spent in Lanzarote. I left the ship around noon to take the shuttle into the city. Unfortunately, Lanzarote kind of sucked. It was really touristy and there wasn’t any character to the town. I guess it’d be good if you wanted to lay on a beach, but the city itself, or at least the area where we were, wasn’t anything special. There were some good tours going out, so maybe I can get on one of those next time I’m here. Tomorrow’s a sea day as we travel to Vigo. Seeya!
Las Palmas and Lanzarote
I had an early tour the 11th that took the group to a number of sight seeing stops. We drove into the city and stopped at a beach, walked through a park, went to a couple museums, and eventually made it out to an extinct volcano with a huge crater. So I got some good pictures of the area and then headed back to the ship with the bus. We had a big band set that night, and then that was that day.
The 12th was spent in Lanzarote. I left the ship around noon to take the shuttle into the city. Unfortunately, Lanzarote kind of sucked. It was really touristy and there wasn’t any character to the town. I guess it’d be good if you wanted to lay on a beach, but the city itself, or at least the area where we were, wasn’t anything special. There were some good tours going out, so maybe I can get on one of those next time I’m here. Tomorrow’s a sea day as we travel to Vigo. Seeya!
Tenerife
Oct 10th
Tenerife
Today was our first stop at Tenerife. It was a really cool island, and from the ship, you could see all these black mountains that make up the coastline and surround the city. The geology is all dark rocks due to the volcanic history of the island. I hadn’t signed up for a tour because there was nothing available that I liked, so I figured I’d walk around the city. So I got off the ship mid day, but after seeing the mountains, I knew that I had to try to climb one. So I walked towards the edge of the city and tried to find the best candidate for climbing. Once picking my target, I got started and traversed my way up the steep sides through the cacti and other foliage. I hiked up the mountain for about 90 minutes total, always seeing a slightly higher peak the further I progressed. Luckily, I avoided falling and made it off the mountain a couple hours later relatively unscathed. Then I walked back through the city, bought a well-deserved bottle of water and pastry, and made it back to the ship. We had a long rehearsal at 4:00 for the two evening shows, and that was about it. I’m looking forward to returning in 10 days or so.
Tenerife
Today was our first stop at Tenerife. It was a really cool island, and from the ship, you could see all these black mountains that make up the coastline and surround the city. The geology is all dark rocks due to the volcanic history of the island. I hadn’t signed up for a tour because there was nothing available that I liked, so I figured I’d walk around the city. So I got off the ship mid day, but after seeing the mountains, I knew that I had to try to climb one. So I walked towards the edge of the city and tried to find the best candidate for climbing. Once picking my target, I got started and traversed my way up the steep sides through the cacti and other foliage. I hiked up the mountain for about 90 minutes total, always seeing a slightly higher peak the further I progressed. Luckily, I avoided falling and made it off the mountain a couple hours later relatively unscathed. Then I walked back through the city, bought a well-deserved bottle of water and pastry, and made it back to the ship. We had a long rehearsal at 4:00 for the two evening shows, and that was about it. I’m looking forward to returning in 10 days or so.
Funchal
Oct 8th/9th
Sea day and Funchal
The 8th, the second sea day, was nothing special. I barely remember anything from that day, probably cause its 3 AM of the 12th as I write this. But we had a production show and jazz set, that’s about it.
The 9th however, that was a fun day. It was our first port, and Funchal was unbelievable. On the Island of Madeira, Funchal is a Portuguese city (along with the rest of the island I believe), and looks like Villefranche, but bigger. I went on a tour that drove us to a few different places, one of which being to the top of the second tallest sea side cliff in the world, which was cool. We also went to a small city on the bus where we had a chance to walk around and do some shopping. I found a super market and bought a big bottle of water, a bottle of medium sweet Madeira wine (for the sake of culture), and laundry detergent, all for just over 5 euros. Also, the area has tons of banana trees, it’s kindof what they do there, so that was great seeing as I have one back at home that is unable to produce bananas. It was a really nice port though and I’m hoping to be able to walk around the city one of these visits.
Sea day and Funchal
The 8th, the second sea day, was nothing special. I barely remember anything from that day, probably cause its 3 AM of the 12th as I write this. But we had a production show and jazz set, that’s about it.
The 9th however, that was a fun day. It was our first port, and Funchal was unbelievable. On the Island of Madeira, Funchal is a Portuguese city (along with the rest of the island I believe), and looks like Villefranche, but bigger. I went on a tour that drove us to a few different places, one of which being to the top of the second tallest sea side cliff in the world, which was cool. We also went to a small city on the bus where we had a chance to walk around and do some shopping. I found a super market and bought a big bottle of water, a bottle of medium sweet Madeira wine (for the sake of culture), and laundry detergent, all for just over 5 euros. Also, the area has tons of banana trees, it’s kindof what they do there, so that was great seeing as I have one back at home that is unable to produce bananas. It was a really nice port though and I’m hoping to be able to walk around the city one of these visits.
Southampton
Oct 5th – 7th
At sea/Southampton/At sea
I don’t know that there’s anything significant to report. The last few days have just been kind of laid back here on the ship. We’ve just had our usual shows and that’s about it. I was able to get online for a bit in Southampton and get a couple pics posted. Other than that, I’ve just really been enjoying my new ability to go online. I’m getting back into my stocks for the first time since being on the ship, so I have another reason to be excited for this coming week (as if a new itinerary to the Canary Islands wasn’t enough). One more sea day tomorrow and then we’ll be at our first stop. Seeya!
At sea/Southampton/At sea
I don’t know that there’s anything significant to report. The last few days have just been kind of laid back here on the ship. We’ve just had our usual shows and that’s about it. I was able to get online for a bit in Southampton and get a couple pics posted. Other than that, I’ve just really been enjoying my new ability to go online. I’m getting back into my stocks for the first time since being on the ship, so I have another reason to be excited for this coming week (as if a new itinerary to the Canary Islands wasn’t enough). One more sea day tomorrow and then we’ll be at our first stop. Seeya!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Pics
So I'm still having the posting probs, so copy these addresses over. The florence and Rome pics are great!
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Cadiz/Seville/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Rome/second%20visit/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Livorno/Florence/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/villefranche/nice%20eze%20and%20monaco/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Cadiz/Seville/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Rome/second%20visit/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/Livorno/Florence/
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/jazzn85/villefranche/nice%20eze%20and%20monaco/
Vigo
Oct 4th
Vigo
I had another tour today in Vigo, this time to the “Border Country”. After almost sleeping past my departure time, I was woken up by the crew drill announcement that was scheduled for that day, 5 minutes before I needed to be in the theatre to pick up my group. So I got upstairs and left on the tour without breakfast. I did try to bring some cereal boxes with me off the ship, but got stopped by security, which I think is BS considering the boxes were unopened, but whatever. The tour took us up to a hill for some views of the city, and then into Portugal to a fortified city, again, another photo-op type tour. It was fine though, very relaxed. Then, the rest of the day I had off, no shows tonight which is nice. Right now, I’m about to head up to the dive shop for a birthday party for on of the people who gets me on these tours. Tomorrow is a sea day, followed by the start of our first Canary Islands cruise!
Vigo
I had another tour today in Vigo, this time to the “Border Country”. After almost sleeping past my departure time, I was woken up by the crew drill announcement that was scheduled for that day, 5 minutes before I needed to be in the theatre to pick up my group. So I got upstairs and left on the tour without breakfast. I did try to bring some cereal boxes with me off the ship, but got stopped by security, which I think is BS considering the boxes were unopened, but whatever. The tour took us up to a hill for some views of the city, and then into Portugal to a fortified city, again, another photo-op type tour. It was fine though, very relaxed. Then, the rest of the day I had off, no shows tonight which is nice. Right now, I’m about to head up to the dive shop for a birthday party for on of the people who gets me on these tours. Tomorrow is a sea day, followed by the start of our first Canary Islands cruise!
Lisbon
Oct 3rd
Lisbon
Not much of a day today. We had found out yesterday that there was a rehearsal at noon, which meant I couldn’t go on my tour as planned, a real drag. Especially since the rehearsal was for the sound guy because he’s new this cruise and not yet comfortable with everything. So I did my rehearsal, tried to get online in the terminal, which didn’t work for some strange reason, and played the show that night. Following that, there was a masquerade party that night, and seeing as I didn’t bring my extensive mask collection with me on this cruise (ha), I improvised by wrapping my head in toilet paper and going as a mummy. And despite it being a totally ridiculous idea, it worked out pretty well and I think my “mask” got the most laughs out of anyone’s, not to mention, I could rip it to pieces when I finally removed it midway into the evening. So that was Lisbon, luckily, I think we have one more stop there right before we make our crossing to the Caribbean.
Lisbon
Not much of a day today. We had found out yesterday that there was a rehearsal at noon, which meant I couldn’t go on my tour as planned, a real drag. Especially since the rehearsal was for the sound guy because he’s new this cruise and not yet comfortable with everything. So I did my rehearsal, tried to get online in the terminal, which didn’t work for some strange reason, and played the show that night. Following that, there was a masquerade party that night, and seeing as I didn’t bring my extensive mask collection with me on this cruise (ha), I improvised by wrapping my head in toilet paper and going as a mummy. And despite it being a totally ridiculous idea, it worked out pretty well and I think my “mask” got the most laughs out of anyone’s, not to mention, I could rip it to pieces when I finally removed it midway into the evening. So that was Lisbon, luckily, I think we have one more stop there right before we make our crossing to the Caribbean.
Cadiz
Oct 2nd
Cadiz
Today was my second time in Cadiz and was able to sign up for a tour to Seville. The tour was just Seville on your own, and was really just a free bus trip into the city with 4 hours of free time to look around. It was a really nice city and had an unbelievable Gothic church that I was able to get into for 2 euros with my student I.D., sweet! Before that, I had been walking around the university area of the city, and wandered into the school itself which was an absolutely gorgeous building with even more gorgeous girls there. Never have I wanted to speak Spanish so much, ha. It eventually started to rain though, which kindof sucked, but aside from the university area and that church, there wasn’t all that much more for me to see without risking being late. They had a bull ring there that would have been cool to check out, but the tours never line up with any of the events.
Then that night, we played a show for this Transylvanian named Dima, and his accent really made him sound like Dracula. It was a good show, the music was actually somewhat difficult, and then he bought drinks afterwards for everyone. Fun day and night, good time to be on a ship.
Cadiz
Today was my second time in Cadiz and was able to sign up for a tour to Seville. The tour was just Seville on your own, and was really just a free bus trip into the city with 4 hours of free time to look around. It was a really nice city and had an unbelievable Gothic church that I was able to get into for 2 euros with my student I.D., sweet! Before that, I had been walking around the university area of the city, and wandered into the school itself which was an absolutely gorgeous building with even more gorgeous girls there. Never have I wanted to speak Spanish so much, ha. It eventually started to rain though, which kindof sucked, but aside from the university area and that church, there wasn’t all that much more for me to see without risking being late. They had a bull ring there that would have been cool to check out, but the tours never line up with any of the events.
Then that night, we played a show for this Transylvanian named Dima, and his accent really made him sound like Dracula. It was a good show, the music was actually somewhat difficult, and then he bought drinks afterwards for everyone. Fun day and night, good time to be on a ship.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Cagliari/Sea day
Sept 30th and Oct 1st
Cagliari/At sea
I had big plans for the 30th in Cagliari, I was all set up to go on the flavours and sounds tour that I had done maybe a month before with all the amazing food, but I had a rehearsal get scheduled during that time. The show was brand new to the ship and no one knew this entertainer, we needed to be there. So, I slept in, didn’t get off the ship as I figure I’ve already walked around the city enough times, and did the rehearsal (which lasted well over 2 hours, ehhhh). Luckily, that doesn’t usually happen, but the timing of it all with me missing the tour was kind of a drag. We played the show then that night and had a jazz set afterwards, a long day as far as playing is concerned.
The next day was just a sea day as we head toward Cadiz. Nothing really important happened, usual sea day.
I’m writing this now at 3:30 AM hoping that I can stay up long enough to see us enter the Gibraltar Straight at night, something my friend mentioned was really cool. I’m signed up for an early tour tomorrow to Seville, but didn’t get the call as expected. I’m going to show up anyways and see if I can get on the bus. My guess is that they forgot to call, but we’ll find that out tomorrow. That’s all for now, thanks!
Cagliari/At sea
I had big plans for the 30th in Cagliari, I was all set up to go on the flavours and sounds tour that I had done maybe a month before with all the amazing food, but I had a rehearsal get scheduled during that time. The show was brand new to the ship and no one knew this entertainer, we needed to be there. So, I slept in, didn’t get off the ship as I figure I’ve already walked around the city enough times, and did the rehearsal (which lasted well over 2 hours, ehhhh). Luckily, that doesn’t usually happen, but the timing of it all with me missing the tour was kind of a drag. We played the show then that night and had a jazz set afterwards, a long day as far as playing is concerned.
The next day was just a sea day as we head toward Cadiz. Nothing really important happened, usual sea day.
I’m writing this now at 3:30 AM hoping that I can stay up long enough to see us enter the Gibraltar Straight at night, something my friend mentioned was really cool. I’m signed up for an early tour tomorrow to Seville, but didn’t get the call as expected. I’m going to show up anyways and see if I can get on the bus. My guess is that they forgot to call, but we’ll find that out tomorrow. That’s all for now, thanks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)