'Round Britain

I've had really busy couple of days trying to see as much as possible on this 'Round Britain cruise. I wish we did this one more than once a year, I really enjoy it. I got to visit Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, for the first time. Nick and I managed to figure out how to take a public bus and then a short walk on our own in order to see the famous Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, prehistoric monuments of unknown purpose that are incredibly still in place. Its a bit like Stonehenge, only different, haha. I was really glad we were able to navigate our way out there and back in the short amount of time we had. We were quite proud of ourselves for managing it. We also had a wander around town and looked inside the 12th century Cathedral there, as well as some ruins known as the Bishop's Palace.

In Glasgow, we got to meet some of Nick's relatives, who took us out to lunch at a nice pub-style restaurant overlooking the firth and Dunbarton Rock. It was nice to get to meet them.
Today we were in Liverpool, and the band had the night off. A few of us went to a pub to meet up with Albert, our trumpet player last contract, who lives nearby. It was good to see him and catch up a bit. After that Nick took me back to the Cavern Club to see inside, something I hadn't been able to do last time. I had been on a tour that only stopped for a photo outside. This club is a replica, just a few feet from the original, which was sadly demolished. But it uses the original bricks, which is neat. We spent a bit of time down there, there was some live music. It was a great day off! Not that we really needed one after only a week on board, but I'll take it where I can get it.
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Settling in

Today is my 4th day back on board, and we are in Invergordon, Scotland. We had a crew drill this morning, so I couldn't get out until nearly noon. It being too late to go very far afield, I decided to wander around the small port of Invergordon, population 4,000. I visited the Maritime Museum, did some essentials shopping at a local pharmacy, and wandered the antique and thrift shoppes. Its raining out, and I've stopped to have an espresso at a local cafe called the Crazy Horse. So far it is very relaxed for its name. I've decided to stay for a pot of tea as well, always welcome on a rainy day and when you're fighting a bit of a cold as I am.

Yesterday Nick and I had a really great day in Edinburgh. We decided to make the trip out to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is docked in exhibition there. It was the personal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth for decades, and she and the royal family and countless dignitaries traveled on her, all around the world. It was really interesting to walk the decks, from the bridge to the engine room, and all the royal rooms in between. The Queen's room itself is quite modest, really, but so elegant and immaculately maintained. I found it interesting that she and Prince Philip slept in narrow single beds in adjoining cabins. The royal dining hall is the biggest room on the ship, and it is incredible to think about who has dined and been entertained there. I found it interesting that many aspects of our ship are inspired by the Royal Yacht, such as our officer bar being called the wardroom, and even the color and design on the ship. After our tour we had tea and scones on the upper deck now known as the Royal Tea room. It was a really lovely day out.

We had our first normal show night last night, our first real test as a band to perform together under pressure in the theatre for a full guest entertainer show. We did well, and I felt very proud to be playing with this band. After the show Tim said, "we've finally graduated, we are no longer a college at sea!" Which basically means no one is needing to learn as they go, everyone is pulling their weight and no one needs to be babysat. Its a great feeling, and so rare to have everyone come together and have each member be strong and reliable. We did it! I think its going to be a great contact. Both our new members are great. Manuel, on bass, from Argentina, is solid, intuitive and can really groove. He's happy playing upright bass as well, which is a bonus. He's very friendly, about my age, and often speaks in American slang which confuses me. Where he picked it up I have no idea. Films maybe?? Frank, on trumpet, is Czech, from Prague. He seems to be great all around, I've really noticed how musical he is. I love executing phrasing, dynamics, and articulations with him already. Apparently he runs a Cuban band back in Prague. He's a bit older, maybe 50, very friendly and easygoing. I think he's going to be great as he continues to settle in. So those two are our new members. As a reminder, the others are:
Tim: English, 40's, musical director, alto sax and doubles.
Bryan: American, 31, tenor sax and doubles
Gianni: Italian, 45, drums
Vlad: Ukranian, late 30's, guitar
Dusty: American, late 30's, piano
And me!

Here's to a great contract with all of you fantastic musicians!
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