Thrills, expensive and cheap.

Yesterday the band had the day off, so a few of us decided to have an adventure on our own and make the trek out to the island of Capri. I've been there once before years ago but it was on a tour with very limited time there and I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do. So off we went - me, Daniel, Mike, and Dave, all from the band. So I picked up more British turns of phrase and got picked on for being the only American, as usual. Daniel invested 15 minutes of his life that he will ever get back trying to get me to say 'water' and sound properly English (I'm proud to say I've finally mastered it). I got to play tour guide, so I had fun showing them where everything was and making suggestions for what to do there.

Capri is a 45-50 minute ride by hydrofoil ferry from where we dock on the pier in Naples. We got an early start (especially for musicians!) and were off the ship around 8:30am, caught the 9:10 ferry, and were in Capri by 10am. Because of hearing great things about seeing something called the Blue Grotto, I was really hoping to get to do that at some point during the day (Thanks, Chris!!). The guys were agreeable, so we signed up right away for a 2 hour boat tour that stopped at the Blue Grotto and also circled the entire island. That definitely turned out to be the best thing we did, although none of us really knew what we were in for. The Blue Grotto is accessible only by tiny little paddle boats run by local guides, that pick you up from your boat a few at a time to take you into the Grotto. The entrance is a tiny hole barely big enough for the boats to slide through, and the clearance is so low that everyone has to duck their heads basically underneath the waterline inside the boat. The guide pulls his boat in by grabbing hold of a chain that leads inside, giving a heave and then bending backwards almost horizontally to avoid having his head taken off by the rocky cavern ceiling. He also has to time the entrance perfectly - just in between waves - otherwise the entrance is submerged in water and it is impossible to enter. Actually many times of day and days of the year its just too dangerous to enter at all. Talk about an adventure!! I can see why they don't arrange to do this little bit of sightseeing with the guests from the ship. It definitely wouldn't stand up to insurance policies.

But once inside the cavern, the ceiling opens up and you can see why the Blue Grotto is famous. Sunlight from outside reflects from underwater to make the water a glowing blue color that is really incredible to behold. The guides also started to sing something in Italian as soon as we were inside, which echoed in the room and added a neat atmosphere to the whole experience. 5 minutes later, we had survived our tour of the Blue Grotto, and after some doing managed to pry ourselves out of the little rowboat (I had been crunched up sideways in the back, horribly uncomfortable but apparently making a comfy backrest for my friends who were squished up against me) and back onto our big boat for the rest of the island tour. We saw a few more caves, inlets, and cliffs, and all came away with amazing photos. We even got to sail through a tunnel through one of the huge cliff/rocks that are the symbol of Capri. The boat tour was really worth all the money we spent on it... actually I spent more yesterday than I care to admit. The trip to Capri and back alone (on the ferry) cast 32 Euros. Yikes! But so worth it. After the island tour we took the Funicular up to the top of Capri for some more stunning views and for some very expensive coffee and ice cream.

We stayed out as long as possible, maybe even pushed it more than we should have, and got back to the ship just before the deadline (whew!). It was truly an incredible day, and we all felt a big sense of accomplishment as we trudged back onto the ship completely exhausted. Once back on board I was ready for bed, unfortunately I had to stay awake for a very important rehearsal at midnight last night. A rehearsal at midnight? Whatever for, you might ask.....well, two weeks ago, Daniel signed both of us up (I guess we are a bit inseparable already, but this??) to volunteer to perform the dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller for the guests on Halloween, along with a group of cruise staff and cast members. We've had several rehearsals to learn the dance, and last night was our night to set the staging/blocking in the actual room we're going to perform in, and to have a couple of run-throughs. So the rehearsal had to be after midnight after the room was closed to guests. Yes, you read that right, I am performing the Thriller dance on Halloween. Crazy. But I have to admit, it has been really fun to learn. Daniel and I have gone all out and had our own separate little practice sessions to make sure we have it down. We can't wait for our big debut in a couple days!!! Life is so strange....but I must admit I thrive on life bringing the unexpected.

Old Friends, New Languages

Today, as every time we are in Civitavecchia, we docked nose to nose with a ghost from my past, the Celebrity Century. I spent 5 months on board the ship, my sister Chelsea managed to stay with me on board for a month, I explored the Baltics, Norway, Ireland and the Arctic Circle, saw the midnight sun for the first time from her decks. Today I looked across to the bow of the ship, Deck 7, where I spent countless hours reading and sitting in the sun, watching sunsets and passing part of every day as we crossed the Atlantic in the most beautiful weather. It was strange to look across at the benches Chelsea, Marie and I sat on a year ago. On board right now is one of my good friends Yuki, with whom I've done 2 contracts and have actually been able to visit once on land in L.A. I went to the ship today looking for her - security all remembered me and let me on board right away, which was flattering. I found Yuki and we talked a bit - we plan to spend our day together next week when we are here again and she is off work. Also this Sunday we'll be in port with a Norwegian ship, which my friend Erin is on. I knew her from the Majesty - she and I experienced swimming with dolphins for the first time together. We plan to meet and catch up this Sunday. I can't help marvelling at how small the world is, and how today I met a friend from Japan in Civitavecchia, and Sunday I will meet a friend from Australia in Barcelona. What a strange life...but I really love it.

And what do I mean by new languages? Well, I am noticing my English changing to match that of my friends. Spending most of my time with British friends is influencing my word choice and pronunciation, slowly but surely. For example, eight-thirty becomes "half eight". Elevator becomes "lift". Pants become "trousers", and so on. We have had several arguments about whether "disoriented" or "disorientated" is correct (Turns out they both are). Fortunately, I can also say that conversation with them is improving my vocabulary, grammar, wit, and dry sarcasm. My American-isms have started to affect them as well, and they always cringe when they catch themselves saying something stereotypically American (eg: "I know, right?") When they attempt to imitate an American accent it either comes out very Valley-girl or intense New Yorker, they can't imitate mine at all, beyond one word at a time. Its quite a lot of fun, actually - accents and differences in language have always fascinated me, and being made fun of for my accent is worth being able to spend time with them.

Lattes and Parades

Today I forgot that in many places in Europe, asking for a "latte" will get you a glass of milk. You must specify that you want coffee. So this morning I enjoyed a tall glass of steamed milk with my donut as I used the internet. I have found my café of choice here in Barcelona. There is an old gentleman who works here who remembered me from last week and takes care of me. He brings my drinks to the table for me, and helps me move my things when the table next to an outlet becomes available. And steamed whole milk with a bit of sugar really isn't a disagreeable drink in the morning chill. I quite enjoyed it. But I did order a cappuccino when I had finished it.

And now for some shocking news which I have withheld until now. My job on board the Voyager involves more than simply playing trombone. Once a week all musicians are forced to participate in the "Island Frenzy" parade. This short 5 or 10 minute parade is very like a Disney happening, and takes place on the Royal Promenade, a huge central area that feels like an outdoor street lined with shops. The singers, dancers, and hosts play the main performance roles, and we lowly musicians usually do things like carrying poles with animals atop them, while wearing ridiculous outfits. I have the distinguished role of a box pusher. Which means that I, yes, push a box. Atop it is a dancer in costume. I push her out into the middle of the Promenade, then I dance around the box looking happy until they get down, at which point I pull a lever to open the box and inflate a giant palm tree that was hidden inside it. After that important duty I join a line of performers who follow each other in a circle around the Promenade, smiling at everyone and clapping along to the music. We musicians have discovered that this humiliation is more bearable if we have a drink first, which has become tradition. Don't tell anyone, but I actually do have fun doing it, when I can forget that I am supposedly being paid to be a professional trombonist. :-)

Meet the band

Alto Sax: David Birks, Bandmaster, 45 from Seattle, Washington, USA

Tenor Sax: Voycheck, late 40's from Poland.

Trumpet 1: Dave, 27 from Scotland.

Trumpet 2: Jason, 28 from Georgia, USA.

Trombone: umm...you should know this one.

Drums: Victor Manecchia, in his 60's from Florida, once NY, USA.

Piano/Keys: Daniel Griffin, 22 from England.

Bass: Ziggy, in his 40's from Poland.

Guitar: Mike, twenty something, from England.

I'm closest with Daniel, though also good buddies with the trumpet guys. Hearing Dave quote Anchorman in a Scottish accent is already one of my best memories. My first day I was under the impression that Jason's name was Anthony (I still have NO idea why), and called him that for 2 days before I realized my error. As punishment he still calls me Angela, an interpretation of the pronunciation of my name that Daniel made for the first couple of days. Victor is a really great drummer, killer at jazz. He lived in Puerto Rico for 10 years jamming with all the latin drummers there and playing hotels, and has all kinds of interesting stories. He has also made it his goal to tell me a joke of the day every day. I found out yesterday that he tells everyone jokes of the day, but apparently when I'm out of earshot the ones he tells Daniel and Jason are always dirty. His jokes for me are always clean and usually pun-based. What a gentleman. :-)

Ship Specs and Second Show

Maiden Voyage: November 21, 1999 Passenger Capacity: 3,114 (But somehow we have over 3,200 this cruise...hmmmm) Godmother: Katarina Witt Gross Tonnage: 138,000 Length: 1020' Max Beam: 156' Draft: 29' Cruising Speed: 23.7 knots Tonight marks a very special occasion for me. I will perform for the first time in a real orchestra pit. It seems funny that I've never actually had the opportunity to do so before. The show is called Music in Motion, and during our tech run this morning I concealed my excitement from my more experienced fellow musicians as I opened the door to the pit, a story below the theater floor. It is exactly like the one that I remember at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, which I used to lean over and look in admiration at the musicians below. I almost got a little emotional today. Much to my shock a few minutes into the opening number the pit began to rise....we are alternately rasied and lowered during the show, so we are at times in view of the audience right on center stage. There is a strip of stage a few feet wide at the very front of the stage, making a half circle, so the performers are there in front of us, and also a strip of stage that comes up when we do so that the singers actually walk right in between the two halves of the band, when just our heads peek above ground level. At times there are performers all around and above us. It is something to see, I'm sure. The show is probably the most professional looking (set and choreo-wise) that I've done on ships - I guess bigger can be better. I can hardly wait for tonight. I know this will probably get old, but tonight I will be savoring the moment.

First couple of days

Hello everyone - just letting you know that I've arrived in one piece to the ship, and have made it through my first couple of days here.

The Voyager is HUGE and beautiful. I have hardly even seen any of it yet, but I've been impressed by what I have seen. The band is 9 piece - two trumpets, 2 saxes, piano, bass, drums, guitar, and me of course. Its already been fun to play with such a big band. I won't go into detail about the players yet, because I haven't really gotten to know them yet. I did get to go out for pizza today in Naples with a few of the guys, though, my first real social interaction since I've arrived. I've been a bit busy with training and settling in, but I know I'll know everyone well enough very soon. I am the only girl in the band again. Apparently I just missed a girl drummer, but her replacement signed on when I did. So I'm roomed with a girl named Sandra, from Colombia, who is the Spanish Hostess on board. She'll be here until we stop sailing from Barcelona, which means I get the bottom bunk in December - Yes!!

Other fun things about this ship and the band in particular - we get personal Aviom systems (expenisive equipment which means we each have control of a personal mix in our own headphones, no need for moniters), and I have a little mic that clips on the bell of my trombone, so I don't have to worry about playing into a mic or arranging a mic stand so it isn't in my way. Working in a real theater is nice as well, the theater was make-shift on the Majesty. Its also a nice change from Continental tour to be able to show up to the gig and have everything already be set up for you, music stands, mics, avioms, stand lights, etc...even a spit rag is there waiting for me (aren't the techs thoughtful?). :-)

So far I've played a welcome aboard show, a big band set, a broadway show, and tonight a vocal impressionist. Since we have week long cruises, things will soon settle into a routine, so I'll explain more about all that later. I've also been told that we almost always have a night off every week. Hooray!

Well, thats all for now. Myfingers are tired from pushing the keyboard letters so hard on this ship's computer. :-)

Surprises and Blessings

Here I am finally posting again! Let me fill you in on what has happened in the past few days - hang on tight 'cause its quite a ride. On Wednesday afternoon I was enjoying a day visiting my best friend Hannah when the phone rang. I got a call from my agency, asking me if I would be willing to take a contract that began on Sunday, but which would require me to fly out early Friday morning. After some salary haggling (I got a raise!) I decided to take the contract, which is 6 months on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas, a huge 3,100 passenger ship - the biggest I've ever been on. So less than 48 hours later I was on a plane to Barcelona, where I'm now in a hotel, joining the ship tomorrow. This has all happened so quickly I've hardly had time to process it, and my head is still spinning. But having a steady job for the next 6 months is a very exciting process, as is working for a new company.

I promise to fill you in with more about the ship and job itself soon, but I wanted to share a little bit about the blessings God has given to me today. The first and biggest was a surprise last minute meeting with my old and dear friend James Middleworth. As I sat in Texas for 4 hours waiting for my next connection, I looked ahead at my itinerary and noticed I had about a 6 or 7 hour layover in Heathrow airport, London. My dad suggested I try to get ahold of someone I knew to pass the time, and I remembered that James lives not too far from London. A phone call later and we figured out we could actually see each other! James has been in the London area for months now, and it was so unexpected and wonderful to get a chance to see him. In the time I had, he took me on the Underground (aka the tube) into central London, to Hyde Park, where we walked around for an hour or so. I got to see the famous Peter Pan statue erected because of J.M. Barrie's time writing bits of the story there in the park, as well as monuments to Princes Diana and Prince Albert. It was a beautiful crisp fall day, and the park is lovely. After that we made a quick stop in front of Buckingham Palace, basically so I can now say I've been there. James was a fantastic tour guide, and he even sportingly dragged my wheeled backpack for about 5 miles around London. (I was carrying my trombone) What an amazing day! A totally unexpected chance to see and catch up with a great friend, plus seeing some of London for the first time. I kept feeling like I needed to pinch myself and wake up - there was no way I could have been home yesterday and strolling through Hyde park with James today. Did that really just happen?? I can hardly believe it. God gave me that layover for a reason, and I'm so glad he did!!

A couple of other blessings came my way today - a technician named Charles Digg did me a great service by helping me print a document I absolutely needed in order to join the ship, which was emailed to me only after I had departed. Without him things would have been so difficult for me. And ontop of that, after he rescued me we had a great talk about all sorts of things, for about 40 minutes, and he was such an encouraging and lively man. I loved meeting him. Tonight I got to my scheduled hotel only to find out there was no room at the inn (literally), so I had to take a cab to this hotel. It is much nicer, though, and I was brave enough to eat my dinner with two ladies from South America, neither of whom spoke more than 3 words in English. I did pretty well holding a conversation with them, and was pretty proud of myself. And now, utterly exhausted, but happy and grateful for the day's blessings, I'm going to sleep. Wish me luck on this new adventure!!