Today was disembark day for my parents, but their flight wasn’t until 8:00pm so we hit the town. The biggest obstacle…and it wasn’t that big…was finding a place to keep their luggage in the port so we A) wouldn’t have to carry it with us or B) wouldn’t have to wait for them to go to the airport, check it, and come back.
Barcelona has a 21euro tour bus and that is what we did. They are double deckers with audio provided…three separate routes…a good way to see the city without walking. We rode the Blue route for a while and then got off near Sagrada Familia to take photos. Getting back on the bus from there was a longer process. We took the red route all the way around the north end of the city and walked La Rambla back to the shuttle area.
From there we taxi’d back to the port, got their luggage, and just like that they were gone.
The rest of the day we relaxed.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
5/30/09: Day 216: Cannes, France
Today my parents went off on their own….on an excursion! And, as much as it should NOT have meant that we did this, Deanna and I woke up around 8:30. We really should have slept in.
We just went to town to buy snacks and shop a little then headed back to the ship.
I think other than that it was just dinner and improv. Oh! My parents got treated to a dinner by one of the officers, so we all went to Cagney’s for steak! We got out of there RIGHT before our show. I need a little more “sit time” after a steak dinner so, well, I was farting a lot on stage.
We just went to town to buy snacks and shop a little then headed back to the ship.
I think other than that it was just dinner and improv. Oh! My parents got treated to a dinner by one of the officers, so we all went to Cagney’s for steak! We got out of there RIGHT before our show. I need a little more “sit time” after a steak dinner so, well, I was farting a lot on stage.
Friday, May 29, 2009
5/29/09: Day 215: Pisa, Italy
Pisa day. A little more relaxed. We met at 10:00am!
We port in Livorno…one of the more confusing ports as you may recall from other posts. Luckily there was a taxi willing to take us to the train station…apparently a rarity as we discovered on Matt’s birthday. We asked if someone could take us, the guy said “sure” And turned to ask the other drivers if they wanted to take us. They all shook their heads “no.” So the guy we talked to did it.
My dad didn’t think there was much he wanted to see in Pisa so he was in a mind set to take it easy. As we thought, there was plenty for him to photograph. I have been to Pisa three times now but never climbed the tower. I’m glad I saved it. We all bought tickets for the Baptista, the Cathedral, and the tower.
First, the Baptista. I had never been in this before. It looks like a really fancy grain silo from the outside. There were “silencio” signs around everywhere. It was slightly ornate inside but not as fancy as some of the other places. We got up to the top level looking down when someone said something that made all the other employees inside do some major shushing. A lady walked up to the baptism pool in the center and sang a note. It echoed forever. She then sang the note again followed by a lower one and then an even lower one. Because of the length of the echo she was able to sing a three note chord by herself. It was awesome. I got a little bit of video footage from it…remember 5.29.09 and come back to check that entry sometime in late July. By then I should have videos on you tube and I’ll link it here.
Next the cathedral, which I’ve been in before, but my pics are all on the hard drive I dropped so I took more. Then the tower. The climb was great and we saw Ric down below.
One of the best little parts came at the end. We stopped for food and Deanna had a little wine. My parents walked the shops right by the tower and Deanna and I walked around. A LOT of people who go to the tower pretend like they are holding the tower up with their hand…you know, by lining up the shot. So, they are just standing out there with their hands in the air. I told Deanna to start high-fiving them and I’d take pictures. The first couple of times she basically snuck up on people and shouted “HIGH FIVE!” This after all of our passengers are told to beware of pickpockets. She scared a couple guys. Once I told her to calm down and be cooler about it we got some good shots and gave a lot of people some stories for their vacations.
We port in Livorno…one of the more confusing ports as you may recall from other posts. Luckily there was a taxi willing to take us to the train station…apparently a rarity as we discovered on Matt’s birthday. We asked if someone could take us, the guy said “sure” And turned to ask the other drivers if they wanted to take us. They all shook their heads “no.” So the guy we talked to did it.
My dad didn’t think there was much he wanted to see in Pisa so he was in a mind set to take it easy. As we thought, there was plenty for him to photograph. I have been to Pisa three times now but never climbed the tower. I’m glad I saved it. We all bought tickets for the Baptista, the Cathedral, and the tower.
First, the Baptista. I had never been in this before. It looks like a really fancy grain silo from the outside. There were “silencio” signs around everywhere. It was slightly ornate inside but not as fancy as some of the other places. We got up to the top level looking down when someone said something that made all the other employees inside do some major shushing. A lady walked up to the baptism pool in the center and sang a note. It echoed forever. She then sang the note again followed by a lower one and then an even lower one. Because of the length of the echo she was able to sing a three note chord by herself. It was awesome. I got a little bit of video footage from it…remember 5.29.09 and come back to check that entry sometime in late July. By then I should have videos on you tube and I’ll link it here.
Next the cathedral, which I’ve been in before, but my pics are all on the hard drive I dropped so I took more. Then the tower. The climb was great and we saw Ric down below.
One of the best little parts came at the end. We stopped for food and Deanna had a little wine. My parents walked the shops right by the tower and Deanna and I walked around. A LOT of people who go to the tower pretend like they are holding the tower up with their hand…you know, by lining up the shot. So, they are just standing out there with their hands in the air. I told Deanna to start high-fiving them and I’d take pictures. The first couple of times she basically snuck up on people and shouted “HIGH FIVE!” This after all of our passengers are told to beware of pickpockets. She scared a couple guys. Once I told her to calm down and be cooler about it we got some good shots and gave a lot of people some stories for their vacations.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
5/28/09: Day 214: Rome, Italy
Well, my dad shut down Plan Awesomer. After meeting off the ship at 9:00 we all went to the Coliseum together with the plan to get to St. Peter’s by the end. Deanna and I talked my mom and dad into taking a guided tour. It was a little extra money, but they could get past the line of people waiting to get in.
Deanna and I got coffee and came back an hour later to meet them. They showed up about 90 minutes after they started…that cut our time down. We caught up by taking a taxi to Trevi Fountain. Then to the Pantheon…eventually ending in St. Peter’s.
As we were cutting minutes and racing through the city we realized that Rome is not a one-day city. But we did pretty good for one day.
After all was done and said Deanna and I chilled out before a 9:30 show. Improv style!
Deanna and I got coffee and came back an hour later to meet them. They showed up about 90 minutes after they started…that cut our time down. We caught up by taking a taxi to Trevi Fountain. Then to the Pantheon…eventually ending in St. Peter’s.
As we were cutting minutes and racing through the city we realized that Rome is not a one-day city. But we did pretty good for one day.
After all was done and said Deanna and I chilled out before a 9:30 show. Improv style!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
5/27/09: Day 213: Pompeii, Italy
We all headed out to Pompeii today. We met at 9:00 right off the ship. The plan was to get a taxi to the train station, go to Pompeii, then catch the train further to Sorrento.
After about an hour in Pompeii we had hardly gone far at all because my dad was taking pictures of everything. I came up with a good idea…”hey, ladies. You go to Sorrento, I’ll stay here with dad and we’ll meet you if there is time. Otherwise we’ll see you on the ship.” I call it Plan Awesome. Why? Because the ladies were done with Pompeii.
So, they headed out and we stayed there for another 2.5 hours. It was cool because I got to see some stuff I had never seen before. But it was damn hot. We didn’t have time to go to Sorrento and do anything but walk to the port to catch the ferry back. Now, my dad tries to get his money’s worth and wanted to do more. We arrived in the main Naples station and headed out into town to try and find one of those tour bus thingies. By the time we got there my dad realized he was beat from walking around ruins in the blazing sun all day and we just walked the rest of the way back to the ship.
Deanna got back and said her and my mom had a great time. Plan Awesome = SUCCESS. I set the ground work for Plan Awesome II: Plan Awesomer…tomorrow we’re going to Rome and my dad wants to go to the Coliseum. The plan includes me and him going straight to the Coliseum while Deanna and mom go to St. Peter’s Square and go from there.
Later that night we went to see the show…they pulled it off again!
After about an hour in Pompeii we had hardly gone far at all because my dad was taking pictures of everything. I came up with a good idea…”hey, ladies. You go to Sorrento, I’ll stay here with dad and we’ll meet you if there is time. Otherwise we’ll see you on the ship.” I call it Plan Awesome. Why? Because the ladies were done with Pompeii.
So, they headed out and we stayed there for another 2.5 hours. It was cool because I got to see some stuff I had never seen before. But it was damn hot. We didn’t have time to go to Sorrento and do anything but walk to the port to catch the ferry back. Now, my dad tries to get his money’s worth and wanted to do more. We arrived in the main Naples station and headed out into town to try and find one of those tour bus thingies. By the time we got there my dad realized he was beat from walking around ruins in the blazing sun all day and we just walked the rest of the way back to the ship.
Deanna got back and said her and my mom had a great time. Plan Awesome = SUCCESS. I set the ground work for Plan Awesome II: Plan Awesomer…tomorrow we’re going to Rome and my dad wants to go to the Coliseum. The plan includes me and him going straight to the Coliseum while Deanna and mom go to St. Peter’s Square and go from there.
Later that night we went to see the show…they pulled it off again!
5/27/09: Day 213: Pompeii, Italy
We all headed out to Pompeii today. We met at 9:00 right off the ship. The plan was to get a taxi to the train station, go to Pompeii, then catch the train further to Sorrento.
After about an hour in Pompeii we had hardly gone far at all because my dad was taking pictures of everything. I came up with a good idea…”hey, ladies. You go to Sorrento, I’ll stay here with dad and we’ll meet you if there is time. Otherwise we’ll see you on the ship.” I call it Plan Awesome. Why? Because the ladies were done with Pompeii.
So, they headed out and we stayed there for another 2.5 hours. It was cool because I got to see some stuff I had never seen before. But it was damn hot. We didn’t have time to go to Sorrento and do anything but walk to the port to catch the ferry back. Now, my dad tries to get his money’s worth and wanted to do more. We arrived in the main Naples station and headed out into town to try and find one of those tour bus thingies. By the time we got there my dad realized he was beat from walking around ruins in the blazing sun all day and we just walked the rest of the way back to the ship.
Deanna got back and said her and my mom had a great time. Plan Awesome = SUCCESS. I set the ground work for Plan Awesome II: Plan Awesomer…tomorrow we’re going to Rome and my dad wants to go to the Coliseum. The plan includes me and him going straight to the Coliseum while Deanna and mom go to St. Peter’s Square and go from there.
Later that night we went to see the show…they pulled it off again!
After about an hour in Pompeii we had hardly gone far at all because my dad was taking pictures of everything. I came up with a good idea…”hey, ladies. You go to Sorrento, I’ll stay here with dad and we’ll meet you if there is time. Otherwise we’ll see you on the ship.” I call it Plan Awesome. Why? Because the ladies were done with Pompeii.
So, they headed out and we stayed there for another 2.5 hours. It was cool because I got to see some stuff I had never seen before. But it was damn hot. We didn’t have time to go to Sorrento and do anything but walk to the port to catch the ferry back. Now, my dad tries to get his money’s worth and wanted to do more. We arrived in the main Naples station and headed out into town to try and find one of those tour bus thingies. By the time we got there my dad realized he was beat from walking around ruins in the blazing sun all day and we just walked the rest of the way back to the ship.
Deanna got back and said her and my mom had a great time. Plan Awesome = SUCCESS. I set the ground work for Plan Awesome II: Plan Awesomer…tomorrow we’re going to Rome and my dad wants to go to the Coliseum. The plan includes me and him going straight to the Coliseum while Deanna and mom go to St. Peter’s Square and go from there.
Later that night we went to see the show…they pulled it off again!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
5/26/09: Day 212: Valetta, Malta
Today we all went out into the city to see the history of it all. We stopped in an archeological museum with a lot of megalithic artifacts first. Then to St. John’s Cathedral…my dad didn’t want to go in but once the rest of us saw just right inside the door Deanna went out and grabbed him. It was beautiful and interesting.
From there we split. My mom and Deanna went somewhere while my dad and I went to the places on the map. It is getting hotter…I imagine by the time our contract is up we’ll be out of the super hot temp just in time.
Tonight we had our shows. We had a quick little scene that wasn’t hitting very well. Last week we put a sketch in the crew show that I wrote and we tried it tonight in lieu of the one that wasn’t working. It was great! It is a ship specific scene…but also Cruise Director specific, so once he goes it won’t work at all.
From there we split. My mom and Deanna went somewhere while my dad and I went to the places on the map. It is getting hotter…I imagine by the time our contract is up we’ll be out of the super hot temp just in time.
Tonight we had our shows. We had a quick little scene that wasn’t hitting very well. Last week we put a sketch in the crew show that I wrote and we tried it tonight in lieu of the one that wasn’t working. It was great! It is a ship specific scene…but also Cruise Director specific, so once he goes it won’t work at all.
Monday, May 25, 2009
5/25/09: Day 211: Sea Day
The thing about this itinerary is it is packed with busy days. There is only one sea day and that is at the beginning of the cruise…most likely to help people get over any jet lag.
So we told my parents to take it easy and that we weren’t going to really be up and about until 10:00 or so.
All in all I managed to get laundry done AND get a work out in, so not too shabby. We played Uno between breakfast and lunch. Went our separate ways and met again for dinner and the production show.
Unfortunately, one of the singers in the cast had a family emergency and needed to go home for the week. This only happens rarely, but it meant some minor lipsyncing. Don’t get the wrong idea. They are very professional and only went to lipsyncing because otherwise it would be the remaining male singer almost always on stage with no time for costume changes. It was pretty hard to tell. Deanna and I could tell because we recognized the voices from the last cast.
From there it was good night.
So we told my parents to take it easy and that we weren’t going to really be up and about until 10:00 or so.
All in all I managed to get laundry done AND get a work out in, so not too shabby. We played Uno between breakfast and lunch. Went our separate ways and met again for dinner and the production show.
Unfortunately, one of the singers in the cast had a family emergency and needed to go home for the week. This only happens rarely, but it meant some minor lipsyncing. Don’t get the wrong idea. They are very professional and only went to lipsyncing because otherwise it would be the remaining male singer almost always on stage with no time for costume changes. It was pretty hard to tell. Deanna and I could tell because we recognized the voices from the last cast.
From there it was good night.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
5/24/09: Day 210: Barcelona, Spain
Today my parents arrived! They were debating on whether to come on the cruise or not because flights are expensive. But, they did it!
They got in last night and apparently there was some huge celebration dealing with soccer (futbol). Since none of us really follow it we assumed they won the world cup. There were some people firing off blunderbusses and my dad, who has enough of a hard time hearing as it is, was standing right by one. So, we’re starting off with him having worse hearing.
Around 10am they showed up at the port to drop off their luggage and meet us. We took them up to Montjuic to see the castle and botanical gardens.
I was expecting them to pass out right after that because of the time difference, but my dad waited until we got in the middle of the 10:00pm show for the night. He would wake up to clap at the end of each number. Deanna and I were both tired, and this is day one.
Bonus items include: my day brought a 500G external drive for me; they brought red vines for Deanna; as an early birthday present they brought me seasons 3-6 of Family Guy. Deanna and I have been missing our nightly Family Guy since we left the states and the Cartoon Network turned into BBC News.
They got in last night and apparently there was some huge celebration dealing with soccer (futbol). Since none of us really follow it we assumed they won the world cup. There were some people firing off blunderbusses and my dad, who has enough of a hard time hearing as it is, was standing right by one. So, we’re starting off with him having worse hearing.
Around 10am they showed up at the port to drop off their luggage and meet us. We took them up to Montjuic to see the castle and botanical gardens.
I was expecting them to pass out right after that because of the time difference, but my dad waited until we got in the middle of the 10:00pm show for the night. He would wake up to clap at the end of each number. Deanna and I were both tired, and this is day one.
Bonus items include: my day brought a 500G external drive for me; they brought red vines for Deanna; as an early birthday present they brought me seasons 3-6 of Family Guy. Deanna and I have been missing our nightly Family Guy since we left the states and the Cartoon Network turned into BBC News.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
5/23/09: Day 209: Cannes, France
Today was supposed to simple. Take a tender into town, go to the café with the fast internet, come back. Technically, we did that. But, neither of our computers would connect to the internet so we walked around the shops. Deanna bought me a bright blue shirt and I bought a long pair of shorts. They are supposedly surfing shorts and they look like capris, but the bottom 8 inches of them can zip off so they look more like regular shorts. I’m super trendy now.
The tender was super rough right by the ship. It wasn’t that the weather was crazy or anything, the waves were just parallel with the ship so the tender rocked easily side to side.
My parents will be here tomorrow! Technically I think they are in Barcelona already. One thing they DIDN’T give me was their flight info.
Other than that I finally made it to the gym. It had been about 3 days. Other than that Deanna and I taught 7 people how to improvise and we proceeded to have a so-so improv show. Tada! I’m gonna go get some meat.
The tender was super rough right by the ship. It wasn’t that the weather was crazy or anything, the waves were just parallel with the ship so the tender rocked easily side to side.
My parents will be here tomorrow! Technically I think they are in Barcelona already. One thing they DIDN’T give me was their flight info.
Other than that I finally made it to the gym. It had been about 3 days. Other than that Deanna and I taught 7 people how to improvise and we proceeded to have a so-so improv show. Tada! I’m gonna go get some meat.
Friday, May 22, 2009
5/22/09: Day 208: Florence, Italy
Today we went to Florence. Aside from dropping my hard drive yesterday we also had a busy night. Improv show, Liar’s Club, and then a crew show starting at about 1:00am when all was said and done. After the show we had that show adrenaline going AND What Happens In Vegas was on the crew channel. So, we were up until 3:30…with a planned wake up time of 8:00am. Well…that didn’t happen.
We managed to get up and off the ship at 10:00am to get an 11:11 train. Plenty of time, but in Livorno you have to account for the shuttle to town and the bus to the train station. Everyone else had gone on the crew tour of Florence that left around 9:30, but the bus went straight there. We were glad that we went on our own.
It was a really nice. Just walking around and taking in the city. We bought a couple paninis to take to a park to eat. The park cost 10euro. We went to the next park on the map. It was a residence. We went to the next one. Yea! It was a kind of scrappy park by an art school. They had fruit and stuff for sale out front. We had our sandwiches and some strawberries. We also discovered a fun game called “throw the pigeons a big chunk of bread and let them figure it out.” As they peck at it they end up flinging it around.
On our way back to the train station we ran into the rest of the cast. It was around 2:45. Their tour was supposed to go until 5:00pm but they got told it was coming back at 2:45 instead. They were steamed a little about that. The whole bonus of going on the tour was the bus coming back late so they could see more in Florence.
We made our way back to the train and rode home.
Things are starting to “summer up” around here. A little more hot. A little more humid.
We managed to get up and off the ship at 10:00am to get an 11:11 train. Plenty of time, but in Livorno you have to account for the shuttle to town and the bus to the train station. Everyone else had gone on the crew tour of Florence that left around 9:30, but the bus went straight there. We were glad that we went on our own.
It was a really nice. Just walking around and taking in the city. We bought a couple paninis to take to a park to eat. The park cost 10euro. We went to the next park on the map. It was a residence. We went to the next one. Yea! It was a kind of scrappy park by an art school. They had fruit and stuff for sale out front. We had our sandwiches and some strawberries. We also discovered a fun game called “throw the pigeons a big chunk of bread and let them figure it out.” As they peck at it they end up flinging it around.
On our way back to the train station we ran into the rest of the cast. It was around 2:45. Their tour was supposed to go until 5:00pm but they got told it was coming back at 2:45 instead. They were steamed a little about that. The whole bonus of going on the tour was the bus coming back late so they could see more in Florence.
We made our way back to the train and rode home.
Things are starting to “summer up” around here. A little more hot. A little more humid.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
5/21/09: Day 207: Civitavecchia, Italy
So, I normally sit down and write about actual days a few days after they actually happen. Just now I was cleaning some space off my computer and putting it on my external hard drive. As I leaned back with the computer it pulled the drive off the desk and it fell…hard. It had everything on it. It doesn’t work now. The worst was I set myself up for a terrible “I told you so” kind of moment by telling Deanna to be careful by it when she got something out of the refrigerator.
My only hope is that I can take it somewhere to have the data recovered. I have all the headshot stuff backed up, but I just lost all the photo originals from a ton of stuff…most recently, all ship photos up until 4/18. And it fell within 5 minutes of me emptying the Recycle Bin.
Some of you may remember that my desktop computer fell down the stairs before we left for our first contract. I can’t win with this stuff.
So…anyway…Deanna and I went to Sorrento yesterday and did internet in Malta. The End.
My only hope is that I can take it somewhere to have the data recovered. I have all the headshot stuff backed up, but I just lost all the photo originals from a ton of stuff…most recently, all ship photos up until 4/18. And it fell within 5 minutes of me emptying the Recycle Bin.
Some of you may remember that my desktop computer fell down the stairs before we left for our first contract. I can’t win with this stuff.
So…anyway…Deanna and I went to Sorrento yesterday and did internet in Malta. The End.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
5/17/09: Day 204: Barcelona, Spain
Today Deanna and I decided to head up to Montjuic…a mountain with a park and an Olympic stadium on it. We had our route all figured out. We would take the subway to the entrance, walk through, and take the funicular down.
Once we got off the subway we were at the entrance of the park and found an auto show…right in the middle of the entrance…that cost 10euro. So, we found a way around.
It was a nice walk. At the Olympic stadium we saw a huge tower. Deanna said she had read a story somewhere that the tower was where the Olympic flame was and it was lit by an archer who shot a flaming arrow up to it. As a safety measure they used a really combustible fuel so that even if the archer missed by less than 6 feet it would light. I have a lot of pictures.
As we walked along and got right up by the actual stadium Deanna got out her Barcelona book and read that the tower we were looking at was actually an artsy telephone tower, and that the flame was in a dish on top of a tower right along side the tower. Same story for how it was lit. I took a picture.
We then walked around to the other side of the stadium where the road was. This is where we found the tower that held the Olympic flame at one point. So, we saw three potential flame towers, one being real.
Our goal from there was simply to find the funicular and ride down. We looked for a bathroom along the way an stumbled into the Olympic museum…and it was free! It was a cool place with a lot of historic info, like how the Marathon got started (a soldier ran the 40k from Greece to Marathon at full speed to deliver a message and died of fatigue…something like that), and that the Olympics happened for about 1000 years before Christianity shut it down in the late 300s. Until it started up again in 1898. Seeing old equipment next to modern equipment was interesting…especially archery. A wooden bow next to a carbon bow with the sight and that aiming bar and all that jazz.
We made it back and later in the day watched the Spanish Ballet group (flamenco stompy clicky dancing). Three women and one man. It made us think my sister could get a job on the ship doing that. At the very end while the Cruise Director was making his announcements on of the dancers came out without the dress part on to get something from the stage…thinking a curtain was closed so she could go out. Everyone saw her except the cruise director. It was hilarious and awkward.
Once we got off the subway we were at the entrance of the park and found an auto show…right in the middle of the entrance…that cost 10euro. So, we found a way around.
It was a nice walk. At the Olympic stadium we saw a huge tower. Deanna said she had read a story somewhere that the tower was where the Olympic flame was and it was lit by an archer who shot a flaming arrow up to it. As a safety measure they used a really combustible fuel so that even if the archer missed by less than 6 feet it would light. I have a lot of pictures.
As we walked along and got right up by the actual stadium Deanna got out her Barcelona book and read that the tower we were looking at was actually an artsy telephone tower, and that the flame was in a dish on top of a tower right along side the tower. Same story for how it was lit. I took a picture.
We then walked around to the other side of the stadium where the road was. This is where we found the tower that held the Olympic flame at one point. So, we saw three potential flame towers, one being real.
Our goal from there was simply to find the funicular and ride down. We looked for a bathroom along the way an stumbled into the Olympic museum…and it was free! It was a cool place with a lot of historic info, like how the Marathon got started (a soldier ran the 40k from Greece to Marathon at full speed to deliver a message and died of fatigue…something like that), and that the Olympics happened for about 1000 years before Christianity shut it down in the late 300s. Until it started up again in 1898. Seeing old equipment next to modern equipment was interesting…especially archery. A wooden bow next to a carbon bow with the sight and that aiming bar and all that jazz.
We made it back and later in the day watched the Spanish Ballet group (flamenco stompy clicky dancing). Three women and one man. It made us think my sister could get a job on the ship doing that. At the very end while the Cruise Director was making his announcements on of the dancers came out without the dress part on to get something from the stage…thinking a curtain was closed so she could go out. Everyone saw her except the cruise director. It was hilarious and awkward.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
5/16/09: Day 203: Villefrance, France
This is the one time we will be coming to this port because Cannes is packed with people for the film festival. We sat at a restaurant and used internet all day. The End.
Friday, May 15, 2009
5/15/09: Day 202: Livorno, Italy
Today was hilarious and painful. It is Matt’s birthday and he wanted to go to Lucca. Ric was assigned to an excursion he signed up for so the remaining 5 of us decided to go. Now, Livorno is one of the worst ports in that the port itself is far away and they know it and therefore they don’t offer a free shuttle to the city…AND you can’t walk. The hard way to get somewhere is to take the 5euro shuttle to the 1euro bus to the train station. We knew this and planned to meet and all get a taxi to the train station. It had been done before with no problems.
Well, not on Matt’s birthday. None of the taxis would take us because they said they were all reserved for tours. So, we got in line for the shuttle…and got stuck behind the lady trying to buy tickets with US$. If you’re in another country…USE THEIR MONEY. America isn’t that much of a super power…and don’t be stupid. We were also stuck behind the people who didn’t understand that the shuttle was pretty much their only option, and didn’t understand that the entire line of people was waiting for them. We were ALSO stuck behind the guy trying to sell back 4 tickets. The main dilemma for us was that we were trying to make a 10:00am train and if we missed it we would have to wait a while for the next one. We didn’t make it.
Once we got off the shuttle and bought bus tickets we realized the bus was taking forever. We finally found a taxi to the train station and had a 20 minute wait until the train to Pisa (where we would have to transfer to the train to Lucca).
When we got to Pisa around 11:10 we checked the schedule. Next train to Lucca…12:30. Ugh. This DID allow us to walk around Pisa and we went back to the park where I climbed the pole.
We eventually made it to Lucca and had a nice walk around. Oh, I forgot to mention that on the shuttle one group asked Deanna (because she is easiest to recognize from our show) how to get from the shuttle to the train and she told them where to buy bus tickets. That started a wave of other people asking her questions to the point of when she was buying bus tickets two ladies said they were just going to go with Deanna where she went so they wouldn’t get lost. That didn’t happen.
Well, not on Matt’s birthday. None of the taxis would take us because they said they were all reserved for tours. So, we got in line for the shuttle…and got stuck behind the lady trying to buy tickets with US$. If you’re in another country…USE THEIR MONEY. America isn’t that much of a super power…and don’t be stupid. We were also stuck behind the people who didn’t understand that the shuttle was pretty much their only option, and didn’t understand that the entire line of people was waiting for them. We were ALSO stuck behind the guy trying to sell back 4 tickets. The main dilemma for us was that we were trying to make a 10:00am train and if we missed it we would have to wait a while for the next one. We didn’t make it.
Once we got off the shuttle and bought bus tickets we realized the bus was taking forever. We finally found a taxi to the train station and had a 20 minute wait until the train to Pisa (where we would have to transfer to the train to Lucca).
When we got to Pisa around 11:10 we checked the schedule. Next train to Lucca…12:30. Ugh. This DID allow us to walk around Pisa and we went back to the park where I climbed the pole.
We eventually made it to Lucca and had a nice walk around. Oh, I forgot to mention that on the shuttle one group asked Deanna (because she is easiest to recognize from our show) how to get from the shuttle to the train and she told them where to buy bus tickets. That started a wave of other people asking her questions to the point of when she was buying bus tickets two ladies said they were just going to go with Deanna where she went so they wouldn’t get lost. That didn’t happen.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
5/14/09: Day 201: Civitavecchia, Italy
Since yesterday was so angry we decided to take it easy today. Deanna and I just strolled around Civitavecchia not taking a train or anything. We said we’d go out for an hour before coming back to work out.
Luckily we got out there before full-city-nap-time. There was a big open air market with lots of stuff. Normally I find something good but today was Deanna’s day. She got a shirt that looks like Ted’s Twilight costume. Let me explain. In Twilight, when the sun shines on a vampire they sparkle like diamonds…Ted’s shirt for the 3rd Floor Twilight sketch was completely covered in sequins. Deanna found a shirt like that for 4euro. She also found a belt and some sunglasses. I almost bought a belt for Brett. I still might if I see it again.
We stopped in a little shop called Hula Hoop to eat. It was by no means a restaurant. They had sandwiches and cappuccino though so it was good enough for me. At one point as we were eating two old tourist ladies came in and began to communicate using the native tongue…”ICE CREAM. Do you have IIIICEEE CREEAAAM?” They got pointed to the freezer where there was packaged ice cream bars. They seemed a little disappointed, but intrigued. More native tongue: “Flaaaaayyyy-ver? Flaayyyyyy-ver?...Vanilla?” They left.
Other than that we went back to the gym and worked out. I ran 5k before getting to the rest of my workout. I’m back in running action!
We then had what I think is one of my favorite improv shows. The crowd was great, the games were fun. Good times all around.
Luckily we got out there before full-city-nap-time. There was a big open air market with lots of stuff. Normally I find something good but today was Deanna’s day. She got a shirt that looks like Ted’s Twilight costume. Let me explain. In Twilight, when the sun shines on a vampire they sparkle like diamonds…Ted’s shirt for the 3rd Floor Twilight sketch was completely covered in sequins. Deanna found a shirt like that for 4euro. She also found a belt and some sunglasses. I almost bought a belt for Brett. I still might if I see it again.
We stopped in a little shop called Hula Hoop to eat. It was by no means a restaurant. They had sandwiches and cappuccino though so it was good enough for me. At one point as we were eating two old tourist ladies came in and began to communicate using the native tongue…”ICE CREAM. Do you have IIIICEEE CREEAAAM?” They got pointed to the freezer where there was packaged ice cream bars. They seemed a little disappointed, but intrigued. More native tongue: “Flaaaaayyyy-ver? Flaayyyyyy-ver?...Vanilla?” They left.
Other than that we went back to the gym and worked out. I ran 5k before getting to the rest of my workout. I’m back in running action!
We then had what I think is one of my favorite improv shows. The crowd was great, the games were fun. Good times all around.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
5/13/09: Day 200: Naples, Italy
Day 200! Holy crap. Just the other day as I was watching the news they were talking about Obama’s latest achievements and I realized I’ve been on this ship since before he was elected. So, we’ve reached the 200 day mark…and it sucked.
Of all the times that we’ve been to Naples I had only actually got off the ship twice, and both of those times meant getting on a bus and going to Pompeii. The other times we’ve had rehearsals, or it was raining, or I was tired, or I was fighting ninja Nazis.
We got a map at the information center. It was a map for these hop on bus tours that go all around the city. Unfortunately this meant the at the colored lines of the bus routes covered a lot of street names. All we really wanted to do was walk to the train station to see how long of a walk it was and know how to get there. Well, we got lost. Slightly irritating. The map’s lack of names…more irritating. I figured I would just stop in a shop and buy a map. We couldn’t find a map ANYWHERE. A lot of book stores. A lot of photocopy stores (like, too many of those. How many copies do they need?). NO MAPS!
I was soooooo done with this place. Deanna continued on and I headed back, finally finding a map near the ship. Once Deanna came back she had purchased the same map.
We’ll see how I fare next week.
Of all the times that we’ve been to Naples I had only actually got off the ship twice, and both of those times meant getting on a bus and going to Pompeii. The other times we’ve had rehearsals, or it was raining, or I was tired, or I was fighting ninja Nazis.
We got a map at the information center. It was a map for these hop on bus tours that go all around the city. Unfortunately this meant the at the colored lines of the bus routes covered a lot of street names. All we really wanted to do was walk to the train station to see how long of a walk it was and know how to get there. Well, we got lost. Slightly irritating. The map’s lack of names…more irritating. I figured I would just stop in a shop and buy a map. We couldn’t find a map ANYWHERE. A lot of book stores. A lot of photocopy stores (like, too many of those. How many copies do they need?). NO MAPS!
I was soooooo done with this place. Deanna continued on and I headed back, finally finding a map near the ship. Once Deanna came back she had purchased the same map.
We’ll see how I fare next week.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
5/12/09: Day 199: Valletta, Malta
It is calming down a little now that we realize we’re spending money fast here. Also, it is nice to not wake up early every morning to see something. Today we just went to a restaurant off the ship to use internet. I’ve been doing research about getting headshots up and running.
It also looks like Deanna and I will be stopping in Alaska and Oregon before Chicago. I’ll be trying to do headshots in both cities we visit (I’m aware I listed the names of states)…we’ll also more than likely be doing our Silent Treatment show. So keep an eye out for that.
We had our shows tonight instead of on Rome day. The actual day will probably vary in the following cruises. I like today. It is one of those days that we leave port early so it isn’t like we’re rushing to get on the ship before it leaves.
It also looks like Deanna and I will be stopping in Alaska and Oregon before Chicago. I’ll be trying to do headshots in both cities we visit (I’m aware I listed the names of states)…we’ll also more than likely be doing our Silent Treatment show. So keep an eye out for that.
We had our shows tonight instead of on Rome day. The actual day will probably vary in the following cruises. I like today. It is one of those days that we leave port early so it isn’t like we’re rushing to get on the ship before it leaves.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
5/10/09: Day 197: Barcelona, Spain
It all begins again. Deanna and I walked to the city instead of taking a shuttle. It is a long walk. We had planned on going and seeing a park up on the mountain, but the weather was kind of iffy so we walked along the waterfront. As is the usual case, we needed to get food. Deanna wanted to get a good meal and we found a restaurant that looked decent…the waiter greeted us and showed us the menu, he was nice. I ordered chicken and Deanna got the steak he recommended. I also got a cappuccino…tasty. When we got our food it was, standard/sub-standard. My chicken was ok…it was about 7euro. Deanna’s steak was fatty and flavorless for around 14euro. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but we weren’t going to eat there again. The waiter came and asked if we wanted dessert. We both asked for cappuccino. He came back with these two half cappuccinos. I know they were half because I had already had a whole one earlier. I just wanted to get the check and leave.
We asked for the check and he acknowledged us, then proceeded to go to three other tables showing them fresh fish. I was at the point of giving him 2 minutes to bring the bill before he would need to chase us for the money. After taking his time to bring it we saw that our steak, chicken, salad, bread, and cappuccinos came to 49.05 (about $70). We put our money together. I put 45euro on the tray while I got coins out of my pocket. He picked up the tray in a hurry and walked off. For taking so long to bring the check he sure had time to grab it. He came back saying there wasn’t enough. Yeah…I know. I put 4.10euro on the tray and we were done. I wish I remembered the name of the place so I could tell you not to go.
My favorite part of the day was watching the street vendors…the illegal ones. I know they crack down on unlicensed street vending in Italy, and now in Barcelona too. The vendors appeared to be mostly African with a few Indians…selling purses, sunglasses, or belts. All of their merchandise was on a 4x6 sheet. If they were selling purses they had ropes attached to the corners of their sheet so they could quickly pick up their stock and run if the cops came. The sunglasses guys would cover the sunglasses with another cloth then roll and fold up their sheet. Sunglass and belt guys usually had a backpack that their folded sheet would fit into and they would blend into the sea of tourists.
These guys were constantly on the move as police patrolled. At one point we saw a police car by a tourist bus stop we were checking out. Then I heard a commotion and looked behind me to see about 30 guys with their huge sheet-sacks of purses running across the street. Slowly followed by three police on foot. It seems like a constant cat and mouse game. As soon as they catch one that only means that the rest of them have free time to sell.
We asked for the check and he acknowledged us, then proceeded to go to three other tables showing them fresh fish. I was at the point of giving him 2 minutes to bring the bill before he would need to chase us for the money. After taking his time to bring it we saw that our steak, chicken, salad, bread, and cappuccinos came to 49.05 (about $70). We put our money together. I put 45euro on the tray while I got coins out of my pocket. He picked up the tray in a hurry and walked off. For taking so long to bring the check he sure had time to grab it. He came back saying there wasn’t enough. Yeah…I know. I put 4.10euro on the tray and we were done. I wish I remembered the name of the place so I could tell you not to go.
My favorite part of the day was watching the street vendors…the illegal ones. I know they crack down on unlicensed street vending in Italy, and now in Barcelona too. The vendors appeared to be mostly African with a few Indians…selling purses, sunglasses, or belts. All of their merchandise was on a 4x6 sheet. If they were selling purses they had ropes attached to the corners of their sheet so they could quickly pick up their stock and run if the cops came. The sunglasses guys would cover the sunglasses with another cloth then roll and fold up their sheet. Sunglass and belt guys usually had a backpack that their folded sheet would fit into and they would blend into the sea of tourists.
These guys were constantly on the move as police patrolled. At one point we saw a police car by a tourist bus stop we were checking out. Then I heard a commotion and looked behind me to see about 30 guys with their huge sheet-sacks of purses running across the street. Slowly followed by three police on foot. It seems like a constant cat and mouse game. As soon as they catch one that only means that the rest of them have free time to sell.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
5/9/09: Day 196: Cannes, France
Short time in Cannes. The Cannes Film Festival starts in 4 days. We won’t be here. I think I mentioned that last week.
Deanna and I just walked around in a direction we didn’t walk last time. I really just wanted to get coffee and maybe find some internet…score! We found a café with free internet that was SUPER fast. I was able to catch up on all of my TV shows.
From there we just walked. Through the streets of shops. Down by the topless beaches (which seems to be every beach). And that was about it.
We had to be back on a tender no later than 1:30. That meant watching my TV shows, eating dinner, and that was about it…before our 11:00pm improv show. I remember looking at the clock at 9:59 and thinking “I think I’ll just go to bed early tonight.” Luckily I remembered the show.
Deanna and I just walked around in a direction we didn’t walk last time. I really just wanted to get coffee and maybe find some internet…score! We found a café with free internet that was SUPER fast. I was able to catch up on all of my TV shows.
From there we just walked. Through the streets of shops. Down by the topless beaches (which seems to be every beach). And that was about it.
We had to be back on a tender no later than 1:30. That meant watching my TV shows, eating dinner, and that was about it…before our 11:00pm improv show. I remember looking at the clock at 9:59 and thinking “I think I’ll just go to bed early tonight.” Luckily I remembered the show.
Friday, May 08, 2009
5/8/09: Day 195: Livorno, Italy
After all the early mornings and excursions and walking we slept in today. Which meant we woke up at 9:00am-ish instead of 7 or 8. At around noon we went into Livorno to look around and see shops. Luckily some were open. We need to learn that 11:30-3:30 is sleepy nap time.
I did find a nice light jacket in one store. With sleeves that are long enough AND for a skinny person. In the midst of finding and purchasing it I lost my sunglasses. We tried to tell the Asian ladies working there that we were looking for my Occhiali da Sole. They pointed us to the sunglasses for sale. I said “no…Cerco…Trovato” knowing (pretty sure) that that meant lost and found. They understood and started looking. We couldn’t find them. Luckily they were one of the 3 for $20 pairs of sunglasses we bought in FL. As we left the store one of the ladies came running out and had my glasses. ‘RAY!
Now we are back on the ship and trying to piece together our future.
I did find a nice light jacket in one store. With sleeves that are long enough AND for a skinny person. In the midst of finding and purchasing it I lost my sunglasses. We tried to tell the Asian ladies working there that we were looking for my Occhiali da Sole. They pointed us to the sunglasses for sale. I said “no…Cerco…Trovato” knowing (pretty sure) that that meant lost and found. They understood and started looking. We couldn’t find them. Luckily they were one of the 3 for $20 pairs of sunglasses we bought in FL. As we left the store one of the ladies came running out and had my glasses. ‘RAY!
Now we are back on the ship and trying to piece together our future.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
5/7/09: Day 194: Rome, Italy
Deanna and I headed into Rome today. We’re trying to take it easy a little…not only so we save money, but because my parents are coming on board in a couple weeks and we want things to still be fresh to us when we see it with them. So, we went to see the Cappuccini Monks and the Villa Borghese.
The Cappuccini Monks (thus named because of the hoods they would wear with their robes) have a church with an inside cemetery. The difference from most cemeteries is that this one is decorated with the bones of the dead monks…like on the walls and evert where. It isn’t that big. Just five rooms along a hallway that probably wasn’t even 100 feet long. Amidst the bone decorations were usually 5 monks…dead ones. Their robed skeletons standing with cross in hand. Some of them still had skin on them. Creepy. I didn’t research it enough to know if they were buried for a while before getting posed or if they were there straight away. It was a 1euro donation to see, so affordable and interesting!
Villa Borghese was a big park with many attractions that we just sort of walked by. As we first entered we saw a place that rented bikes. We thought we would get a tandem bike and go around the park for an hour. The guy tried to upsell us to one of those four person car-bike things saying the tandem was heavier. We said “no” but then figured it was only 10euro. He said he just needed a piece of ID to hold until we got back. I only had my ship ID and gave him that. No. He wouldn’t take it. Deanna tried to tell him that it was good. He said no. She got mad. I got my 10euro back and hauled her away. Not worth the effort for a car-bike we didn’t want in the first place.
As we were walking around our bodies realized we had walked a lot on our excursions the day before, and our brains realized we had two shows later in the night. We started to walk to the train station.
It was a long walk and I got us lost. We always say Deanna will be in charge of directions if we’re on Amazing Race…but somehow I was in charge of getting us back. Once one of us gets lost and the other knows it they will say “you’re off my Amazing Race team.”
As we were walking up to the train station we saw a crowd boarding a train that we then saw whisk off to the destination we wanted. Oh well. We then checked the schedule. The train that just left would make 9 stops before getting to Civitevecchia. The next train only made 5 and would be there in 25 minutes. Score.
Our shows seemed just slightly less attended than the ones in America, but more well received. So, that was a nice bonus.
The Cappuccini Monks (thus named because of the hoods they would wear with their robes) have a church with an inside cemetery. The difference from most cemeteries is that this one is decorated with the bones of the dead monks…like on the walls and evert where. It isn’t that big. Just five rooms along a hallway that probably wasn’t even 100 feet long. Amidst the bone decorations were usually 5 monks…dead ones. Their robed skeletons standing with cross in hand. Some of them still had skin on them. Creepy. I didn’t research it enough to know if they were buried for a while before getting posed or if they were there straight away. It was a 1euro donation to see, so affordable and interesting!
Villa Borghese was a big park with many attractions that we just sort of walked by. As we first entered we saw a place that rented bikes. We thought we would get a tandem bike and go around the park for an hour. The guy tried to upsell us to one of those four person car-bike things saying the tandem was heavier. We said “no” but then figured it was only 10euro. He said he just needed a piece of ID to hold until we got back. I only had my ship ID and gave him that. No. He wouldn’t take it. Deanna tried to tell him that it was good. He said no. She got mad. I got my 10euro back and hauled her away. Not worth the effort for a car-bike we didn’t want in the first place.
As we were walking around our bodies realized we had walked a lot on our excursions the day before, and our brains realized we had two shows later in the night. We started to walk to the train station.
It was a long walk and I got us lost. We always say Deanna will be in charge of directions if we’re on Amazing Race…but somehow I was in charge of getting us back. Once one of us gets lost and the other knows it they will say “you’re off my Amazing Race team.”
As we were walking up to the train station we saw a crowd boarding a train that we then saw whisk off to the destination we wanted. Oh well. We then checked the schedule. The train that just left would make 9 stops before getting to Civitevecchia. The next train only made 5 and would be there in 25 minutes. Score.
Our shows seemed just slightly less attended than the ones in America, but more well received. So, that was a nice bonus.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
5/6/09: Day 193: Naples, Italy
Earlier in the week Deanna and I signed up to be escorts on the excursions. The crew can go on the excursions for free if they’re picked, but you have to keep track of the people and fill out a report. When you sign up you get three choices. Deanna and I signed up for the same first and second choices thinking we could go together. So, today…early…Deanna went to Capri and I went to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. At least now we know they’ll probably never send TWO people on the same excursion. There was one other person on the same excursion as me, but she was on a different bus and in charge of that group. I saw her maybe 3 or 4 times throughout the day.
The good news is that I got to climb to the top of Mt. Vesuvius (from the parking lot)! Still, it is about 550 meters to get there. I was supposed to stay at the back of the group and that was definitely easy to do on the climb up. The trail let us see into the crater at the top. At one point I thought I saw some of the last people, but there was about 100 meters of trail left to the end. I went to the end to see if anyone from our group was there and to herd them…there wasn’t. I started power hiking back and finally found the end of our group. As you start the climb there are two guys handing out walking sticks. When you return the stick they ask for a tip. There were a lot of people there and if they get 1euro a stick they’re wealthy.
From there we went to Pompeii. I was glad I got to see it again, but unfortunately the public bath part was closed. That was one of my favorite parts from last time because the roof wasn’t wooden so it didn’t collapse or burn in the ash.
Now I’m back, my feet are tired, and I’m watching German TV...that home fixer show...they just play a snippet of the Inspector Gadget theme song.
The good news is that I got to climb to the top of Mt. Vesuvius (from the parking lot)! Still, it is about 550 meters to get there. I was supposed to stay at the back of the group and that was definitely easy to do on the climb up. The trail let us see into the crater at the top. At one point I thought I saw some of the last people, but there was about 100 meters of trail left to the end. I went to the end to see if anyone from our group was there and to herd them…there wasn’t. I started power hiking back and finally found the end of our group. As you start the climb there are two guys handing out walking sticks. When you return the stick they ask for a tip. There were a lot of people there and if they get 1euro a stick they’re wealthy.
From there we went to Pompeii. I was glad I got to see it again, but unfortunately the public bath part was closed. That was one of my favorite parts from last time because the roof wasn’t wooden so it didn’t collapse or burn in the ash.
Now I’m back, my feet are tired, and I’m watching German TV...that home fixer show...they just play a snippet of the Inspector Gadget theme song.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
5/5/09: Day 192: Valetta, Malta
This is the most amazing city to see sailing in and out of. We’re only in town until 2:00 so we don’t get to see much. Luckily, Stacy invited us to go on his friend’s bus. That’s right…he has a friend in Malta who drives a shuttle bus. So, we got to go see the lovely ex-capital city of Mdina! It is a walled city that looks ancient and holy like everything else around.
We all went and had enough time to look around and get some 25 cent cheese pastries.
Other than that we finally saw the new dancer/singer cast do their first show. They’re good. Oh, and we now get some German TV station that has this poor-man’s version of Extreme House Makeover. They basically fix a house, and play 10-30 seconds of popular 80s songs in the background every so often. The songs are what kill me because they make no sense. I don’t have an example.
We all went and had enough time to look around and get some 25 cent cheese pastries.
Other than that we finally saw the new dancer/singer cast do their first show. They’re good. Oh, and we now get some German TV station that has this poor-man’s version of Extreme House Makeover. They basically fix a house, and play 10-30 seconds of popular 80s songs in the background every so often. The songs are what kill me because they make no sense. I don’t have an example.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
5/3/09: Day 190: Barcelona, Spain
We made it! Crossing complete!
It was nice to have a calmer main port day in Barcelona. The crew were always rushed in New York because we got in at 9:00 and left at 3:00. Here we get in at 5:00am and leave and 7:00am. That means people can get out of their cabins sooner and show up later, thus giving the stewards more time to clean the rooms.
Sometimes you can get perks on the ship if you’re crew. Deanna volunteered to get a free facial in the spa so that new passengers who were touring the ship could see the experience and possibly book an appointment. The bad part was that it was right in the middle of the day from 12-2pm. We tried to get off the ship for coffee around 10:30, but it was still crazy with people leaving so she went back to the ship and I went into town to unsuccessfully find free wifi.
I came back right around 1:30. Deanna came to the room soon after and said that her facial got cut short because the lady booked a 2pm appointment. Apparently Deanna did the whole thing to get the 90% oxygen blast (I have no idea) and that didn’t happen because of the paying customer. She headed into town.
Later that night as we ate dinner there was a great pink sunset at the back of the ship complete with dolphins jumping out of the water. I’m not kidding.
It was nice to have a calmer main port day in Barcelona. The crew were always rushed in New York because we got in at 9:00 and left at 3:00. Here we get in at 5:00am and leave and 7:00am. That means people can get out of their cabins sooner and show up later, thus giving the stewards more time to clean the rooms.
Sometimes you can get perks on the ship if you’re crew. Deanna volunteered to get a free facial in the spa so that new passengers who were touring the ship could see the experience and possibly book an appointment. The bad part was that it was right in the middle of the day from 12-2pm. We tried to get off the ship for coffee around 10:30, but it was still crazy with people leaving so she went back to the ship and I went into town to unsuccessfully find free wifi.
I came back right around 1:30. Deanna came to the room soon after and said that her facial got cut short because the lady booked a 2pm appointment. Apparently Deanna did the whole thing to get the 90% oxygen blast (I have no idea) and that didn’t happen because of the paying customer. She headed into town.
Later that night as we ate dinner there was a great pink sunset at the back of the ship complete with dolphins jumping out of the water. I’m not kidding.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
5/2/09: Day 189: Cannes, France
I’ve never been here before. You may know of the Cannes Film Festival. That happens while were out here!...and it also happens the one time we go to Villefranche instead (to dodge the crowds for the festival.
I like it better than Villefranche already because it is bigger and seems like it has more to do. We’re not there very long and got a late start. Deanna and I had lunch with Cherry and Serena. They have become really good friends with Deanna and they leave tomorrow.
Other than that I managed to go to the gym for the third time in 14 days.
I like it better than Villefranche already because it is bigger and seems like it has more to do. We’re not there very long and got a late start. Deanna and I had lunch with Cherry and Serena. They have become really good friends with Deanna and they leave tomorrow.
Other than that I managed to go to the gym for the third time in 14 days.
Friday, May 01, 2009
5/1/09: Day 188: Pisa, Italy
We decided on Pisa. There was still a whole part of the city we hadn’t seen before so we went back. Today was a national holiday in Rome which meant pretty much everything was closed. A restaurant here and there, but that was it. Luckily there were a lot of street vendors selling things. We walked, we sat and ate, we walked.
At one point we found this park with tall poles for climbing. I have never been able to climb well up ropes or poles, but I tried and made it to the top without the use of my feet. Oh, I tried to use my feet, but they just kept slipping on the pole.
Our normal routine to Pisa is 5euro taxi to train station; 1.6euro train to Pisa and the same to come back; 5-6euro taxi to ship. What we didn’t take into account was that there were usually 4 or 5 of us together and that cut the cost. It is 20E for a taxi to the train station. We could have tried to take a bus, but they were closed because it was a holiday.
We did make it up to see the tower, but just briefly before walking back for our train. Everyone was taking pictures of people looking like they were holding up the tower. I tried with Deanna but just couldn’t get it right. So, I started taking pics of people getting their pics taken.
At one point we found this park with tall poles for climbing. I have never been able to climb well up ropes or poles, but I tried and made it to the top without the use of my feet. Oh, I tried to use my feet, but they just kept slipping on the pole.
Our normal routine to Pisa is 5euro taxi to train station; 1.6euro train to Pisa and the same to come back; 5-6euro taxi to ship. What we didn’t take into account was that there were usually 4 or 5 of us together and that cut the cost. It is 20E for a taxi to the train station. We could have tried to take a bus, but they were closed because it was a holiday.
We did make it up to see the tower, but just briefly before walking back for our train. Everyone was taking pictures of people looking like they were holding up the tower. I tried with Deanna but just couldn’t get it right. So, I started taking pics of people getting their pics taken.
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