Caribbean Cruise & Hollywood, Fl Jan/Feb 2017 Part 1
1/28/17 3:15pm
Albany International Airport, Albany, New York
I am sitting in the Albany airport sipping a Jade Citrus Green Tea while watching a plane taxi down the runway and pull up to the terminal. I don’t think it’s my plane. It’s just under two hours until my flight so it’s likely not my plane. I am going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (after a changing planes in Baltimore) for a Carnival Cruise to the Western Caribbean.
I am very… hmmmm. Nothing. I am very nothing, I suppose. The excitement of an adventure is balanced out by the anxiety of any number of things that could go wrong. I am self soothing by breathing deeply, closing my eyes, and mentally walking myself through various scenarios where things go wrong and are easily fixed, despite the fact that they likely won’t go wrong to begin with. I’m doing this to calm myself. It’s working, but also subduing the positive excitement. Although writing about this in real-time is helping a little bit and I’m starting to smile (without forcing it), which further helps the pendulum shift away from fear.
I woke up this morning around 9am – not stupid early, but slightly early for me – and finished up the last little bit of packing that needed to be done. I did not need to rush and I had plenty of time to go through my usual routine and triple check that I had everything packed that I needed for this trip. I left my apartment earlier than I had planned to (I planned everything out beforehand with step-by-step instructions of where I needed to be and at what time I needed to be there to help ease the impending anxiety). I stopped at Panera for lunch and then drove to the Albany Park and Fly, of which I was rewarded a handsome discount through my union.
I left my car, grabbed my bags, and boarded a shuttle bus. It was just me and the bus driver. And we talked about the weather and how this whole Park and Fly thing worked as it was new to me. At the airport, I tipped the driver after he helped me with my suitcase (which was a gift from my dad for my birthday and absolutely rocked – it’s great to be able to fit everything into one large suitcase as opposed to two smaller ones). I also have loads of stuff in my backpack (AKA: Man Bag – which, not at all ironically, was something I purchased from modernmanbags.com), including snacks, swimming trunks, and a change of clothes.
It was very cold outside, but not below freezing. I did not dress for the weather as I did not want to lug a coat around with me whilst traveling and I wasn’t going to need it where I was going. I wore a flannel shirt, a hoodie, scarf, winter hat, and my fingerless gloves.
I rolled my luggage into the airport and was instantly shocked. It was like stepping into the twilight zone… I have never seen so few people (literally, less than ten – counting airline staff) at the counters in the Albany airport. I’m used to flying out early and getting to the airport before the sun comes up when flying with my dad.
There was literally no one in line at the counter when I rolled my luggage up and, when I made my way up to the second floor, there were only two people ahead of me at the TSA check. I breezed through TSA and received a compliment from one of the agents: “nice Batman lanyard,” she said (Compliment count: 1). Yes. There is a Batman lanyard attached to my man bag.
After putting my belt and hat back on, I stopped at Starbucks before wandering around the nearly deserted airport. Since there was no one around, I took lots of pictures of Lego J. Fred while my obnoxiously hot Jade Citrus Tea cooled down. Eventually, I found a comfy spot to sit and write.
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1/8/17 4:20pm
Albany International Airport, Albany, New York
PANIC!!! EVERYBODY PANIC!!! NOW!!!
My flight has been delayed by 50 minutes! With only a 55 minute stopover in Baltimore, I’m not going to make the connecting flight to Fort Lauderdale. Everybody can start panicking right now!
I, however, am not actually panicking... surprisingly. In fact, this very thing-that’s-going-wrong is one of the scenarios I ran through my head several times over the last few days and while self-soothing here at the airport.
When I saw the dreaded “delayed” notice next to my flight on the TV in front of me, I calmly finished eating the chicken panini I had ordered from an airport restaurant, took a few sips of water, and walked over to the short line that was beginning to form at the counter. Some other travelers were freaking out (though, surprisingly, not on the outside) and were calmly exploring their options with the Southwest employees at the counter. By the time I had reached the counter, some info had come in over intercoms and radios and phone calls that the employees were taking part in. They swapped planes. My flight is now going to be on a plane that was supposed to be going elsewhere. My flight is now only delayed twenty minutes, which gives me 35 minutes to make my connecting flight. It won’t be the first time I’ve run through an airport to make a connecting flight.
I’m mostly worried about my luggage not making it. However, it’s out of my hands and if it doesn’t make it to Fort Lauderdale with me, Southwest will have about 19 hours to get my stuff to me before the cruise departs. And if it misses my cruise, they have one more day to get my stuff to Key West, which is the first port that my cruise visits.
I packed a couple shirts and a pair of shorts in my man bag and I have all my meds with me. So, I’m prepared for this and not panicking. I’m not relaxed, mind you… but at least I’m not panicking.
It’s 4:39pm and the plane is here already. Maybe they can leave a little earlier… c’mon universe, you got this.
I’m smiling and sort of laughing a bit. This is becoming more of an adventure and less of a vacation – and it’s exciting.
I’m glad that no one is losing their sh-stuff over this. If people were outwardly panicking and flipping their sh-stuff, I’d be in a much more panicked state and my anxiety would certainly be out of control.
I can hear Southwest staff and pilots talking over their radios. They are trying to make things happen. It’s not an “Oh well, too bad” attitude; it’s a “we got this” attitude. And they do “got” this.
If I make my cruise on-time with my luggage, I’m going to write southwest a nice letter praising them. The ladies at gates C2 and C3 shall receive a standing ovation.
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1/28/17 7:20pm
Somewhere over Baltimore, Maryland
– on the way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As the plane deboarded in Albany, we were provided with a soldier returning home to his wife and child, who was probably around 7. There was a sign and excitement and applause from the crowd of people who stopped to watch. The soldier said “thank you” to the crowd and many of the crowd replied, “thank YOU.” Heartwarming.
Boarding began earlier than they had said it would. I sat in the front row of the plane and was joined by Cody who said he is originally from Broadalbin, New York and is returning home to Salt Lake City, Utah where he works as a film editor.
We exchanged pleasantries before take off, which was not very much time at all. We were in the air much sooner than they said we would be and we were told by the pilot that we would be landing just a little later than the original plane was scheduled to land.
There is a lot of room to spread out here in the front row. I spent much of the flight reading. I’m re-reading “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman. I chose to re-read this short novel on my vacation because it is a nice, smallish story with not too much to stress over. Which is good for a relaxing vacation. I also chose it for this trip because it’s something I can talk about if anyone sees me reading it and wants to strike up a conversation, which – I think – is a clever concept for a solo traveler. I can talk for hours about Gaiman. He’s not only an amazing author; he’s kind, exceptionally polite, and kind (it bears repeating). He’s also cool, whereas most of the epic fantasy writers of today are not. Also most epic fantasy book covers are uber cheesy and it’s embarrassing to be seen holding them, which is not the case with Gaiman’s book covers.
We landed only five minutes behind when my original flight was scheduled to land. I am hopeful that there was plenty of time for my luggage to find its way off of my plane from Albany and onto my plane to Fort Lauderdale. There is some sort of additional delay – something mechanical that should delay take off for another fifteen minutes, according to the pilot. Someone hollered “free beer” in response to the announcement.
Baltimore airport is really much bigger than Albany airport. Even so, I had plenty of time to snap some pictures and use the restroom on my way from gate to gate. I reached my gate in about ten minutes and, just as I arrived, heard an announcement that boarding would begin soon. I lined up among 45 kids (I know there's 45 because there was announcement for the 45 kids to begin boarding). They must be a class. 12 year olds, maybe?
I actually got to board before the kids and I’m sitting in the third row this time. I have loads of time to write while they fix whatever mechanical thing is broken.
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On the flight out of Baltimore, a middle aged couple sat next to me and an old guy sat in front of me – he was entertaining, in that he was bossy to the flight attendant, but not impolite, and likely drunk. He was certainly highly buzzed by the end of the flight after his fourth beer (it was a two and a half hour flight!) plus however many he had before boarding.
It was a long walk to the shuttle pick up, but my luggage is awesome and rolled smoothly the entire way. Just as we reached the shuttle pick up, the shuttle pulled up.
The shuttle stopped for a family of four at another pick up spot and the seven of us talked about our cruises (all different ships) and the hotel.
I checked in and went to my room. I dropped my bags and plopped down on the bed. I was pretty wiped out after a long day of traveling. After a bit, I made myself comfortable, changed into pajamas, and went to sleep at about midnight.
I woke up much later than I wanted to (8am), shook some life into myself, and walked across the street and down a block to Panera. The “grab and go” breakfast at the hotel was seriously lame – just muffins, granola bars, and coffee.
Brian, the second Lyft driver, talked about how he studies
in between Lyfts and he recently passed the boards to be a nurse. He also
explained how Port Everglades is not Lyft-friendly and that it’s always a
hassle to get through the first checkpoint, which is probably why the first
Lyft driver didn’t want to take me. We got through security in no time. In
fact, the security officer didn’t even want my ID. Both Brian and I were
shocked.
My first stop after the atrium was to find food. It was,
after all, four hours since I last ate. I was afraid to try and sneak snacks
through customs. I heard that lunch was being served on the Lido deck, so I got
in a glass elevator and rode almost all the way to the top. I walked through
the buffet, which was packed, and past Guy Ferrari’s Burgers, which had a long
line. There was literally no one in line at Blue Iguana Taco Bar, which was especially awesome, because (tacos!) that’s where I wanted to eat anyway. I had been looking
forward the taco bar since booking the cruise.
I ordered a chicken taco, added a bunch of toppings at the
toppings bar, and sat down at the Blue Iguana Bar where I ordered a beer and bottle of water.
Then I quickly went back inside and out of the cold and rain. The ship was still boarding, so there weren’t too many people about. I got lost multiple times and could not get to where I wanted to get to. Many venues and areas were closed off with signs indicating private parties (there was a wedding on the ship). I went this way and that way and doubled back so many times that I didn’t know if I was coming or going.
Eventually, I found a way out on the
promenade deck and took pictures of these huge ships (bigger than mine), one of
which is the Allure of the Seas, which is one of the biggest cruise ships currently
(there is an actual ice skating rink on board).
-----------------
Then I went and grabbed a burger from Guy Fieri's and sat inside. (Red Meat Count: 1)
At 9:00pm, I went to the blues piano bar for Piano Tunes
with Johnathan. Entertaining. Just not my type of entertainment. I may stop in
again on other nights, but I’m just not feeling his voice. It’s good, but he
sings like he’s playing to a stadium. It’s all very showy and over the top. I like real and down
to earth voices.
I have an apple at the end of
each day as a small, but sweet, reward that I earned for simply making it to
the end of the day.
Oh well. I’m looking forward to waking up in Key West
tomorrow! One of the most awesome things about cruising is the excitement of
waking up some place new each day. I can’t wait to see Key West!
Albany International Airport, Albany, New York
I am sitting in the Albany airport sipping a Jade Citrus Green Tea while watching a plane taxi down the runway and pull up to the terminal. I don’t think it’s my plane. It’s just under two hours until my flight so it’s likely not my plane. I am going to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (after a changing planes in Baltimore) for a Carnival Cruise to the Western Caribbean.
I am very… hmmmm. Nothing. I am very nothing, I suppose. The excitement of an adventure is balanced out by the anxiety of any number of things that could go wrong. I am self soothing by breathing deeply, closing my eyes, and mentally walking myself through various scenarios where things go wrong and are easily fixed, despite the fact that they likely won’t go wrong to begin with. I’m doing this to calm myself. It’s working, but also subduing the positive excitement. Although writing about this in real-time is helping a little bit and I’m starting to smile (without forcing it), which further helps the pendulum shift away from fear.
I woke up this morning around 9am – not stupid early, but slightly early for me – and finished up the last little bit of packing that needed to be done. I did not need to rush and I had plenty of time to go through my usual routine and triple check that I had everything packed that I needed for this trip. I left my apartment earlier than I had planned to (I planned everything out beforehand with step-by-step instructions of where I needed to be and at what time I needed to be there to help ease the impending anxiety). I stopped at Panera for lunch and then drove to the Albany Park and Fly, of which I was rewarded a handsome discount through my union.
I left my car, grabbed my bags, and boarded a shuttle bus. It was just me and the bus driver. And we talked about the weather and how this whole Park and Fly thing worked as it was new to me. At the airport, I tipped the driver after he helped me with my suitcase (which was a gift from my dad for my birthday and absolutely rocked – it’s great to be able to fit everything into one large suitcase as opposed to two smaller ones). I also have loads of stuff in my backpack (AKA: Man Bag – which, not at all ironically, was something I purchased from modernmanbags.com), including snacks, swimming trunks, and a change of clothes.
It was very cold outside, but not below freezing. I did not dress for the weather as I did not want to lug a coat around with me whilst traveling and I wasn’t going to need it where I was going. I wore a flannel shirt, a hoodie, scarf, winter hat, and my fingerless gloves. I rolled my luggage into the airport and was instantly shocked. It was like stepping into the twilight zone… I have never seen so few people (literally, less than ten – counting airline staff) at the counters in the Albany airport. I’m used to flying out early and getting to the airport before the sun comes up when flying with my dad.
There was literally no one in line at the counter when I rolled my luggage up and, when I made my way up to the second floor, there were only two people ahead of me at the TSA check. I breezed through TSA and received a compliment from one of the agents: “nice Batman lanyard,” she said (Compliment count: 1). Yes. There is a Batman lanyard attached to my man bag. After putting my belt and hat back on, I stopped at Starbucks before wandering around the nearly deserted airport. Since there was no one around, I took lots of pictures of Lego J. Fred while my obnoxiously hot Jade Citrus Tea cooled down. Eventually, I found a comfy spot to sit and write.
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| The vacation adventure begins! |
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1/8/17 4:20pm
Albany International Airport, Albany, New York
PANIC!!! EVERYBODY PANIC!!! NOW!!!
My flight has been delayed by 50 minutes! With only a 55 minute stopover in Baltimore, I’m not going to make the connecting flight to Fort Lauderdale. Everybody can start panicking right now!
I, however, am not actually panicking... surprisingly. In fact, this very thing-that’s-going-wrong is one of the scenarios I ran through my head several times over the last few days and while self-soothing here at the airport.
When I saw the dreaded “delayed” notice next to my flight on the TV in front of me, I calmly finished eating the chicken panini I had ordered from an airport restaurant, took a few sips of water, and walked over to the short line that was beginning to form at the counter. Some other travelers were freaking out (though, surprisingly, not on the outside) and were calmly exploring their options with the Southwest employees at the counter. By the time I had reached the counter, some info had come in over intercoms and radios and phone calls that the employees were taking part in. They swapped planes. My flight is now going to be on a plane that was supposed to be going elsewhere. My flight is now only delayed twenty minutes, which gives me 35 minutes to make my connecting flight. It won’t be the first time I’ve run through an airport to make a connecting flight.
I’m mostly worried about my luggage not making it. However, it’s out of my hands and if it doesn’t make it to Fort Lauderdale with me, Southwest will have about 19 hours to get my stuff to me before the cruise departs. And if it misses my cruise, they have one more day to get my stuff to Key West, which is the first port that my cruise visits.
I packed a couple shirts and a pair of shorts in my man bag and I have all my meds with me. So, I’m prepared for this and not panicking. I’m not relaxed, mind you… but at least I’m not panicking.
It’s 4:39pm and the plane is here already. Maybe they can leave a little earlier… c’mon universe, you got this.
I’m smiling and sort of laughing a bit. This is becoming more of an adventure and less of a vacation – and it’s exciting.
I’m glad that no one is losing their sh-stuff over this. If people were outwardly panicking and flipping their sh-stuff, I’d be in a much more panicked state and my anxiety would certainly be out of control.
I can hear Southwest staff and pilots talking over their radios. They are trying to make things happen. It’s not an “Oh well, too bad” attitude; it’s a “we got this” attitude. And they do “got” this.
If I make my cruise on-time with my luggage, I’m going to write southwest a nice letter praising them. The ladies at gates C2 and C3 shall receive a standing ovation.
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1/28/17 7:20pm
Somewhere over Baltimore, Maryland
– on the way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
As the plane deboarded in Albany, we were provided with a soldier returning home to his wife and child, who was probably around 7. There was a sign and excitement and applause from the crowd of people who stopped to watch. The soldier said “thank you” to the crowd and many of the crowd replied, “thank YOU.” Heartwarming.
Boarding began earlier than they had said it would. I sat in the front row of the plane and was joined by Cody who said he is originally from Broadalbin, New York and is returning home to Salt Lake City, Utah where he works as a film editor.
We exchanged pleasantries before take off, which was not very much time at all. We were in the air much sooner than they said we would be and we were told by the pilot that we would be landing just a little later than the original plane was scheduled to land.
There is a lot of room to spread out here in the front row. I spent much of the flight reading. I’m re-reading “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman. I chose to re-read this short novel on my vacation because it is a nice, smallish story with not too much to stress over. Which is good for a relaxing vacation. I also chose it for this trip because it’s something I can talk about if anyone sees me reading it and wants to strike up a conversation, which – I think – is a clever concept for a solo traveler. I can talk for hours about Gaiman. He’s not only an amazing author; he’s kind, exceptionally polite, and kind (it bears repeating). He’s also cool, whereas most of the epic fantasy writers of today are not. Also most epic fantasy book covers are uber cheesy and it’s embarrassing to be seen holding them, which is not the case with Gaiman’s book covers.
We landed only five minutes behind when my original flight was scheduled to land. I am hopeful that there was plenty of time for my luggage to find its way off of my plane from Albany and onto my plane to Fort Lauderdale. There is some sort of additional delay – something mechanical that should delay take off for another fifteen minutes, according to the pilot. Someone hollered “free beer” in response to the announcement.
Baltimore airport is really much bigger than Albany airport. Even so, I had plenty of time to snap some pictures and use the restroom on my way from gate to gate. I reached my gate in about ten minutes and, just as I arrived, heard an announcement that boarding would begin soon. I lined up among 45 kids (I know there's 45 because there was announcement for the 45 kids to begin boarding). They must be a class. 12 year olds, maybe?
I actually got to board before the kids and I’m sitting in the third row this time. I have loads of time to write while they fix whatever mechanical thing is broken.
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1/29/17 9:00am
Panera Bread, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
It’s drizzly and cold in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 53 degrees. Which is not awesome for vacation. I’m waiting for breakfast here at Panera – they don’t have tablets to order from at this store.
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| *Lights as far as the eye can see!* |
The woman next to me (who I later learned was Beth with husband Chip) and I laughed at buzzed, bossy guy and exchanged befuddled looks with the flight attendant – who actually handled things really well despite being swindled into giving at least one free beer.
After landing, Beth and I discovered that we were staying at the same hotel: Extended Stay America. We both called the hotel (she got through first) and requested a shuttle. We were worried that we would be too late because the shuttle was advertised as running until 10:30pm. It was 10:32pm. Beth said they told her they were sending the shuttle.
The airport was empty and huge and I didn’t take any pictures…
At the baggage claim, I saw my luggage there meandering its way down the conveyor belt and I felt a huge wave of relief.
It was a long walk to the shuttle pick up, but my luggage is awesome and rolled smoothly the entire way. Just as we reached the shuttle pick up, the shuttle pulled up. The shuttle stopped for a family of four at another pick up spot and the seven of us talked about our cruises (all different ships) and the hotel.
I checked in and went to my room. I dropped my bags and plopped down on the bed. I was pretty wiped out after a long day of traveling. After a bit, I made myself comfortable, changed into pajamas, and went to sleep at about midnight.
I woke up much later than I wanted to (8am), shook some life into myself, and walked across the street and down a block to Panera. The “grab and go” breakfast at the hotel was seriously lame – just muffins, granola bars, and coffee.
The forecast calls for a high of 57 degrees and rain until like 5pm, which is no good for the start of the cruise, but it can only get better, right? And that’s what the forecast says: better.
RE: Mickey Mouse -- I bought Mickey on my first solo trip every and have brought him along on every solo trip ever since. When I was little, I had a plush Mickey Mouse that I brought with me everywhere. Actually, I still have that Mickey Mouse and he is sitting on a shelf in my closet.
RE: Mickey Mouse -- I bought Mickey on my first solo trip every and have brought him along on every solo trip ever since. When I was little, I had a plush Mickey Mouse that I brought with me everywhere. Actually, I still have that Mickey Mouse and he is sitting on a shelf in my closet.
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1/29/17 2:35pm
Atrium Lounge, Carnival Conquest, Port
Everglades, Florida
I checked out of the hotel at 11am and used Lyft for a, er… lift
to the port. While standing under the car port at the hotel, a Lyft driver
arrived and told me he didn’t have ID, so he couldn’t take me to the port. I
canceled my Lyft and ordered (is that the right term?) another one.
The port was very busy and traffic was hardly moving. Port
Everglades is a big port and there were a lot of ships in port today. It was
not a pleasant drive with rain, which was driving itself at times. Once we
reached my port... terminal... thing, I gave Brian a big tip because of all the stop and go-eyness
and I felt bad because it was supposed to be a quick Lyft.
Boarding was not terrible, but it wasn’t awesome either. The
lines through customs, multiple security checks, and check in were short, but
we were being ushered through quickly like cattle – without any time to stop
and process what was happening and what needed to be done next. When I took the
Norwegian cruise a handful of years ago, I recall everyone being very calm and
friendly with big smiles. People today weren’t miserable, but they weren’t
exactly cheerful either. Nancy checked me in and she was nice, but you could tell she was on auto pilot. She made jokes, which seemed rehearsed, and gave me my sail and sign card.
My boarding pass was stamped #10 and I was directed to find
a seat in a large crowded area. Up until now, I was going with the flow and
didn’t really have much time to process anything. At that moment, however, I
began to panic a little bit. I had to find a seat amongst: all.these.people.in.this.large.crowded.space.
I wondered down the first row and found a seat at the end. I sat down and practiced deep breathing and other self-soothing
techniques and – to make a long story short – I survived. I don’t know how long
I waited there, but they were just starting with group one when I sat down.
I put my sail and sign card on my Batman lanyard and waited for
group #10 to be called. Once it was called, I proceeded to another area with my
group. We were then directed up an escalator and across a bridge. And then I
was on the Conquest.
I stepped into the main atrium and was met with music (a DJ
playing island rock tunes) and this sight:
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| The lights and colors! Awesome! |
My first stop after the atrium was to find food. It was,
after all, four hours since I last ate. I was afraid to try and sneak snacks
through customs. I heard that lunch was being served on the Lido deck, so I got
in a glass elevator and rode almost all the way to the top. I walked through
the buffet, which was packed, and past Guy Ferrari’s Burgers, which had a long
line. There was literally no one in line at Blue Iguana Taco Bar, which was especially awesome, because (tacos!) that’s where I wanted to eat anyway. I had been looking
forward the taco bar since booking the cruise.
Blue Iguana and Guy’s Burger’s are under a roof, but open to
the pool deck. It was pouring and it was freezing (although, much warmer than
back home). I was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and shoes (not exactly
vacation attire).
I finished my taco pretty quickly and wondered around the
ship with my beer. My first stop was the whale tail (Carnival’s signature) to
get a selfie.
 |
| Sunflower Atrium |
Then I quickly went back inside and out of the cold and rain. The ship was still boarding, so there weren’t too many people about. I got lost multiple times and could not get to where I wanted to get to. Many venues and areas were closed off with signs indicating private parties (there was a wedding on the ship). I went this way and that way and doubled back so many times that I didn’t know if I was coming or going.
I finished my beer and found a comfy spot on the third floor
of the atrium, which is where I sit as a write and await the muster drill at
3:30pm.
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1/29/17 10:30pm
Stateroom, Carnival Conquest, Out to Sea
The muster drill: not an awesome time. We mustered at the
scheduled time outside in 54 degree weather for at least 45 minutes if not
longer while the crew counted heads multiple times. I recall the drill being a
much simpler thing on Norwegian. Luckily, I had kept my hoodie on, but I wished
I had also put on my winter hat and gloves. I met Glenda and Lynn from Georgia
who, it turns out, are my stateroom neighbors, and Joel, who is with a group of travel
agents.
When the muster was over, I went back to my stateroom 6440
to try and warm up. However, it was very cold inside my room, too.
My room steward, Leny, stopped in and introduced himself. I
perused the Fun Times for something
to do and picked a couple things that might
interest me. I unpacked some things and organized my stateroom a bit.
to do and picked a couple things that might
interest me. I unpacked some things and organized my stateroom a bit.
Then I went and grabbed a burger from Guy Fieri's and sat inside. (Red Meat Count: 1)
At 7:30pm, I walked past an acoustic guitar player who was
looping and looping and looping and looping and spending more time clicking
things with his feet than playing and singing. He was also strumming away like
he was playing a rock concert at a stadium as opposed to a tiny stage in the casino
(where, literally, no one was watching/listening). Talented looper. Not my
thing. I just can’t take extended intros to songs while the performer clicks
things with his feet over and over and over again and eventually gets to a point where he isn't even playing the guitar anymore. I enjoyed the acoustic dude
on Norwegian much more, because he was, well, acoustic.
I stopped into Karaoke. It was an older crowd. Fantastic
singers. Old songs. There is something cool about an elderly man or woman
belting out standards.
At 8:30pm, I went to the main atrium and caught some of
Disbanned, Carnival Conquest's house band. They were playing 70s disco tunes. There is a
lead male and a lead female singer, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and lead
guitar. They were joined by a three piece horn section that sometimes plays by
themselves and sometimes with Disbanned. They sounded pretty good. The female
lead is a great singer. The male lead is sort of meh.
So, I left early and wondered around the ship some more.
Still cold out, but no longer raining.
I love being on a ship out to sea at night. It’s pitch black
all around (except for the neon lights on the ship).
I came back to my stateroom and found the towel animal and
tomorrow’s Fun Times. I changed into my pajamas and went through my evening
routine. And I realized, to my dismay, that I did not have an apple. I felt a
little bit sad about it. I like “apple time.”
I have an apple at the end of
each day as a small, but sweet, reward that I earned for simply making it to
the end of the day.