Going Trans...atlantic.

Our last port, Tenerife, is already three days behind us, which is hard to believe. We are officially halfway across the Atlantic, which means we are about where that little blue arrow is on the itinerary map that I've posted above. Halfway between Tenerife and the Bahamas. Not a bad place to be, really - so far the weather has been great - already warm enough to sunbathe, which we are all enjoying after a month of being bundled up in coats and scarves.

The crossing has been pretty busy for us so far, and today was the busiest yet. We had a really late night at a rare All-crew party in one of the guest lounges, and today I got up early (9:30....yeah that IS early, seriously, ask any musician) to help my boss do some paperwork since I'm going to be taking over the Assistant Musical Director position when he leaves in Galveston and the current AMD Dave Riddell steps up to MD. We then had an hour and a half rehearsal with tonight's guest ent, Sean O'Shea (vocal impressionist), followed by a sound check in another lounge, followed by the two show showtimes of Sean's act, followed by the "Black and White Ball" which was basically us playing heavy big band tunes for almost 2 hours. Needless to say, after finishing past midnight we were all pretty exhausted, mentally and chop-wise. Luckily for us tomorrow is an easy day, with just one mid-afternoon jazz set. And even more lucky for me, it doesn't involve me. Day off for Andrea!!! I tell you what, after all the playing I did today I really feel like I deserve it.

Cartagena and Funchal, Madeira

Our first port of call this cruise was Cartagena, Spain, a port I have been to only once before, on a previous crossing when I was on the Celebrity Century. Its a beautiful port, and I was excited to visit it again. I succeeded in seeing some new things this time as well. I went out with three of my friends, and we picked something somewhat randomly from the recommended "things to see" list on the tourist map. We walked up to Concepcion Castle, explored a little bit and enjoyed some amazing views from the top of that hill. It was quite a hike, but well worth the view. After we finished, we ended up at the very same cafe I remember eating at almost exactly one year ago, which was pretty surreal.

After one sea day in between, today we arrived in Funchal, Madeira - an island belonging to Portugal. It is gorgeous! I got off as soon as the ship was cleared since I had to be back early for rehearsal. I spent this day on my own, wandering around town and some gardens, doing some shopping and sightseeing. One highlight of the day was buying some fresh-made Madeira style bread, with melted gralic butter on it....wow. One of the best things I've had in a while. (reminded me of the rolls with garlic butter they have at the Cottage in Rim Forest, for those of you who know...:-))

I came back on board in time for rehearsal, for a guest entertainer who goes by Count Dima, and makes much of his Romanian=transylvania=dracula heritage. You think you've seen it all......and you have to play this show..... Here is a link to a video of a bit that he did in the show, that he calls his "Draculaphone" for some unknown reason. Sometimes there are just no words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0sceTkhA7c