These days are blending. First, a little about my blogging process. I have a word doc that I write in during the day so that I remember the stuff that happened when I actually get time to blog. Sometimes, when a lot of interesting stuff seems to not happen, I don’t write. Or sometimes I get to an internet café before I write in the doc so I have no idea what I wrote. My last post, from Nassau, is not in my doc. So I only remember writing about the farting guy and the drunk guy.
Anyway, today was Freeport. Right off the ship there are only a handful of little shops, the tented kind (shirts, jewelry, hats…crap). That’s it. You have to take a cab to get anywhere. Also, we’re not really in this port too long. Last night Deanna said she wanted to get off early and see the actual city. I said I’d go with her if she actually went. We got up at 11:00am. We had to be back on at 1:00pm. We didn’t go anywhere.
Larrance and Jen did and they said there is some weird agreement with the cabs that come to the port. If you ask to go to the city they take you to another area of tented shops with the same crap and tell you it is the city. I didn’t get the details of why they do this, but I’m glad someone went to try to see the town and figure it out.
Everything has been very smooth on the seas. Tonight as we went to dinner I saw empty barf bags by the elevators. That ALWAYS means we’re heading for rough weather. There has been a winter storm cutting across America. The one with snow for New Orleans. Apparently that was starting to catch up to us. Basically a fun night of waves.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
12/10/08: Day 46: Nassau
Starbucks. Internet. We have an improv show tonight. Ta da.
Deanna and I ate breakfast this morning outside and watched the hovering seagulls. They are experts at floating in the air and then swooping down to quick grab food off plates. One got a piece of bacon and took off. The plate belonged to the husband of a lady sitting at the table...her husband wandered off somewhere. Instead of moving the plate somewhere safe she went to complain to the staff about the birds. You know, because the crew is incharge when it comes to birds.
I went back to the ship after a couple hours in town and then came back out to get another coffee at starbucks. On my way out there was an announcement that they needed a stretcher on deck 12 by the pool. I figured someone fell and hurt their leg or something. Then, as I got off the ship I saw an ambulance waiting. I walked past it and then paused...I remembered that Deanna was up sun bathing by the pool. So, I waited to see if it was her and hoped that it wasn't. Whew! Off to starbucks! Again!
However starbucks ran out of receipts. They give receipts with passwords and logins when you order. So, I came to an open area where all the crew get their internet for free. It is slow, but it is available.
I'm glad I did. While I was sitting here a guy walked by me and farted twice...audible. I also got to see Cletus (one of the crew staff) and another crew member help walk an EXTREMELY drunk guy to the ship. And then, another ambulance showed up. Who knows for what this time.
Just another day on the open sea.
Deanna and I ate breakfast this morning outside and watched the hovering seagulls. They are experts at floating in the air and then swooping down to quick grab food off plates. One got a piece of bacon and took off. The plate belonged to the husband of a lady sitting at the table...her husband wandered off somewhere. Instead of moving the plate somewhere safe she went to complain to the staff about the birds. You know, because the crew is incharge when it comes to birds.
I went back to the ship after a couple hours in town and then came back out to get another coffee at starbucks. On my way out there was an announcement that they needed a stretcher on deck 12 by the pool. I figured someone fell and hurt their leg or something. Then, as I got off the ship I saw an ambulance waiting. I walked past it and then paused...I remembered that Deanna was up sun bathing by the pool. So, I waited to see if it was her and hoped that it wasn't. Whew! Off to starbucks! Again!
However starbucks ran out of receipts. They give receipts with passwords and logins when you order. So, I came to an open area where all the crew get their internet for free. It is slow, but it is available.
I'm glad I did. While I was sitting here a guy walked by me and farted twice...audible. I also got to see Cletus (one of the crew staff) and another crew member help walk an EXTREMELY drunk guy to the ship. And then, another ambulance showed up. Who knows for what this time.
Just another day on the open sea.
Monday, December 08, 2008
12/08/08: Day 44: Port Canaveral
Notice no blog yesterday...same ole.
Today we were on the back deck eating breakfast and I overheard a lady say to another "I don't know if you're interested, but there are dolphins swimming in the water over there." Sure enough, there were. That was a nice sight. I don't think I saw any last cruise at all.
Today we're back in the mall using internet.
Today we were on the back deck eating breakfast and I overheard a lady say to another "I don't know if you're interested, but there are dolphins swimming in the water over there." Sure enough, there were. That was a nice sight. I don't think I saw any last cruise at all.
Today we're back in the mall using internet.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
12/06/08: Day 42: New York
Today was the day of brain farts. I left the ship without my sunglasses and camera. Deanna and I both left without our nametags…which weren’t important, but can help expedite our departure from the ship.
We walked around all day. It was about 35 degrees and felt like it got colder. We stopped at the post office to send off packages to my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and Rene…so keep an eye out for packages. The post office was technically closed so we used the automated system. Fairly good…especially if the packages arrive.
From there Deanna wanted to take me to the Fossil store to try and re-find a watch that I saw and really liked in Europe…only the watch I saw was Swatch brand. That explained why it was so hard for Deanna to find it online with Fossil.
Nice surprise today, we saw Jon Paul, Johnny, and Ryan from the Jewel JARs and next weekend gives the promise of Candi and Christopher. It was great seeing them again.
After that we hit a slight snafu, but that is Deanna’s story to tell.
We walked around all day. It was about 35 degrees and felt like it got colder. We stopped at the post office to send off packages to my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and Rene…so keep an eye out for packages. The post office was technically closed so we used the automated system. Fairly good…especially if the packages arrive.
From there Deanna wanted to take me to the Fossil store to try and re-find a watch that I saw and really liked in Europe…only the watch I saw was Swatch brand. That explained why it was so hard for Deanna to find it online with Fossil.
Nice surprise today, we saw Jon Paul, Johnny, and Ryan from the Jewel JARs and next weekend gives the promise of Candi and Christopher. It was great seeing them again.
After that we hit a slight snafu, but that is Deanna’s story to tell.
Friday, December 05, 2008
12/05/08: Day 41: Sea Day
We are sailing back to New York. There is a post office there on 42nd between 9th and 8th. I write this more to remember than to inform.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
12/04/08: Day 40: Freeport
Or giorni quaranta in Italian…I’m still learning. Today was a short day. The actual city is a cab ride away from the port and we had to be back on ship at 2:00, so I just kind of walked around the little shop tents off the dock. Bought myself a necklace even.
So, this part of our cruise isn’t as active as the Europe part. It is more designed for people looking to get out of cold weather and into warm weather and relax. I should save a ton.
I’m taking time off from the gym to see if rest is what my back tweak needs. It is getting annoying.
So, this part of our cruise isn’t as active as the Europe part. It is more designed for people looking to get out of cold weather and into warm weather and relax. I should save a ton.
I’m taking time off from the gym to see if rest is what my back tweak needs. It is getting annoying.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
12/03/08: Day 39: Nassau
Today we're in Nassau, Bahamas. Our ship doesn't leave until 11:00pm tonight. This is the latest a ship has ever left...at least the ones I've been on. It is mostly because the main attraction here is Atlantis, a casino and resort. You may recognize it from the last James Bond movie: Casino Royale.
I'm writing this from my second trip to Starbucks for internet. Deanna came with me the first time and her computer wouldn't connect. I haven't seen her since. It isn't the fastest internet. I've been trying to upload videos to facebook and I managed to have a video cancel twice, so I've given up.
Tonight we have our family friendly improv show at 9:00pm. It is weird to think we would be able to finish our show before the ship even leaves.
Tomorrow is Freeport and then we head back to NYC.
I'm writing this from my second trip to Starbucks for internet. Deanna came with me the first time and her computer wouldn't connect. I haven't seen her since. It isn't the fastest internet. I've been trying to upload videos to facebook and I managed to have a video cancel twice, so I've given up.
Tonight we have our family friendly improv show at 9:00pm. It is weird to think we would be able to finish our show before the ship even leaves.
Tomorrow is Freeport and then we head back to NYC.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
12/02/08: Day 38: GSC
GSC stands for Great (or Grand…I’ll have to double check) Stirrup Cay. NCL’s private island. I didn’t get off the ship. It was tender ships only. I simply took it easy. Ate, and worked out and hit the spa. Although I still have that weird pinched nerve in my back…it is getting annoying.
Around 4:00 or so they started getting everyone back to the ship because the weather was getting bad. We had everyone on board, but our ship stuck around while tender boats helped a Royal Caribbean ship get their passengers to their ship (they have a private island right next door).
Other than that is was eating and games. Fairly uneventful.
Around 4:00 or so they started getting everyone back to the ship because the weather was getting bad. We had everyone on board, but our ship stuck around while tender boats helped a Royal Caribbean ship get their passengers to their ship (they have a private island right next door).
Other than that is was eating and games. Fairly uneventful.
Monday, December 01, 2008
12/01/08: Day 37: Port Canaveral
Florida…well, we’re definitely not in Europe anymore. Since we didn’t have much time in New York we were all pretty much heading for internet access. Mike used to work on another cruise ship years ago and would port here twice a week, so he let us know there was an internet place and a Chik fila. Even though it had been years, he was right.
I used my iTouch to search for free internet. There was a signal out in the mall that was free, and there was a bookstore called Books A Million with coffee that either charged $5 a day or $20 for a year if you became a Millionaire (member). Deanna and I became members and found out we got 10% off for being crew. So, for a year we get 10% off as millionaires and an additional 10% off for being crew…plus the internet use.
The day was spent catching up photos and blogs and everything else internet related. I still have some videos to put up but that will have to wait. We’ll be back here at least 11 times before going to Europe again so it was worth the club price.
For those thinking about doing this itinerary there are other things to do here as well. The space center, Cocoa Beach, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. There were $10 shuttles that would go to the Mall, Walmart, and “the beach”…that $10 was good for all day, so if you went to the beach you would be able to catch the shuttle to wal mart from there, and then to the mall if you wanted or just back to the ship from any of the locations. There were also taxis that had varying flat rates. I overheard one saying a shuttle bus to Disneyland was $150 because it was an hour away. I’m not sure if it was round trip, but you might want to meet with people and not be afraid to say “WE NEED 4 MORE PEOPLE GOING TO DISNEY!” and fill up the van to split the bill.
We got back around 7:00 and are pretty much just chilling for the rest of the night. Maybe I’ll go to the gym. Maybe I’ll get right back on the internet. This is the part of our contract where we try to save money.
In other news the ship is slowly turning American. Not the passengers, the ship. Eggs have gone from brown to white, the raw sugar is no longer Domino brand, it is only a matter of time until the toilet paper goes from adequate European sized to large fat American butt sized.
I used my iTouch to search for free internet. There was a signal out in the mall that was free, and there was a bookstore called Books A Million with coffee that either charged $5 a day or $20 for a year if you became a Millionaire (member). Deanna and I became members and found out we got 10% off for being crew. So, for a year we get 10% off as millionaires and an additional 10% off for being crew…plus the internet use.
The day was spent catching up photos and blogs and everything else internet related. I still have some videos to put up but that will have to wait. We’ll be back here at least 11 times before going to Europe again so it was worth the club price.
For those thinking about doing this itinerary there are other things to do here as well. The space center, Cocoa Beach, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. There were $10 shuttles that would go to the Mall, Walmart, and “the beach”…that $10 was good for all day, so if you went to the beach you would be able to catch the shuttle to wal mart from there, and then to the mall if you wanted or just back to the ship from any of the locations. There were also taxis that had varying flat rates. I overheard one saying a shuttle bus to Disneyland was $150 because it was an hour away. I’m not sure if it was round trip, but you might want to meet with people and not be afraid to say “WE NEED 4 MORE PEOPLE GOING TO DISNEY!” and fill up the van to split the bill.
We got back around 7:00 and are pretty much just chilling for the rest of the night. Maybe I’ll go to the gym. Maybe I’ll get right back on the internet. This is the part of our contract where we try to save money.
In other news the ship is slowly turning American. Not the passengers, the ship. Eggs have gone from brown to white, the raw sugar is no longer Domino brand, it is only a matter of time until the toilet paper goes from adequate European sized to large fat American butt sized.
12/1/08: Quick Interlude
We're in a mall in Florida. Photos have been added to all blog posts from 10/26-11/20 and I've added a lot of photos to flickr. Some missing ones from 11/7, 11/12, and others.
Catch up!
Catch up!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
11/30/08: Day 36: Sea Day
So, we go through six straight sea days crossing over from Europe with nothing to tragic as far as waves. But leave New York? Ai yi yi. Today has slowly gotten rockier and rockier. Apparently we’re heading towards a storm system that is moving up through Florida and we’re either going to see the worst before arriving in Port Canaveral in the morning or we’re going through it right now.
Tomorrow we are able to get off the ship at 10:00 and don’t have to be back until 8:00pm. However, we were scheduled to do our shows. This meant we would need to do our tech at 11:00am, so we couldn’t leave until noon or so. And we would need to be back by 7:00 at the latest to be ready for our 8:00pm show. BUT…the ship was too rocky for the dancers tonight. Deanna and I were just finishing up dinner around 7:00pm when Larrance found us and said “Rance. Deanna. This isn’t a practical joke. They need us to do our shows tonight.”
The upside is we get all the time we want tomorrow and we’ve done our shows already. The downside is the audiences weren’t that full or attentive because everyone is getting sea sick. How do we know when it’s bad? When you see people in the Crystal Atrium (midship on deck 8). That is where the rockiness is felt least. There were at least 5 people there sleeping on the couches and some with families at their side. I’m really glad I have strong sea legs and haven’t really gotten sea sick.
Tomorrow we are able to get off the ship at 10:00 and don’t have to be back until 8:00pm. However, we were scheduled to do our shows. This meant we would need to do our tech at 11:00am, so we couldn’t leave until noon or so. And we would need to be back by 7:00 at the latest to be ready for our 8:00pm show. BUT…the ship was too rocky for the dancers tonight. Deanna and I were just finishing up dinner around 7:00pm when Larrance found us and said “Rance. Deanna. This isn’t a practical joke. They need us to do our shows tonight.”
The upside is we get all the time we want tomorrow and we’ve done our shows already. The downside is the audiences weren’t that full or attentive because everyone is getting sea sick. How do we know when it’s bad? When you see people in the Crystal Atrium (midship on deck 8). That is where the rockiness is felt least. There were at least 5 people there sleeping on the couches and some with families at their side. I’m really glad I have strong sea legs and haven’t really gotten sea sick.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
11/29/08: Day 35: New York
USA! We made it! Remember when I said a lot of stuff was going to happen today? Well, it did. For starters, we had immigration. Normally when you travel to the US from another country you have to go through customs and declare things you bought. Since the ship goes in and out of the country weekly this is all taken care of at one time…all of the 1200 crew…today. It started at 7:45 with US crew and crew that were signing off and then went alphabetical by last name. So it was us and the 180 crew that finished their contracts and signed off early in the morning.
It probably took until about 10:30 before we heard the announcement for a handful of remaining crew to go do customs with the added hint that they were holding up everything that was yet to come.
After immigration finished they immediately began the crew safety drill. It happens once a cruise and for whatever reason that meant it happened today. This means some random scenario happens and the crew reacts. Today it was a fake fire and then eventually the call to abandon ship. So, we can leave now…right? No. Another thing that had to happen was the Coast Guard came and tested the crew and ship…this may have been why we had a drill today instead of later in the cruise.
Finally around 11:30 we received the “all crew dismissed” and headed for the exit. Surprise! There were 190 new crew who had been waiting for the drill to end so they could come on, and this meant their luggage had to go through the x-ray. So, crew slowly started to gather to get off the ship and new crew slowly came on. Luckily they paused to let us off before continuing bringing people on.
Around 12:30 we were in New York! All we really had time to do was walk around a bit. We went to Times Square and 30 Rock. Bought a bunch of stuff at a drug store, including a Neti Pot…which I tried for the first time later that day. More news on how it worked tomorrow.
While walking back to the ship we saw Bill Hader from SNL. I didn’t want to seem like a crazy fan so I said “hey” and he smiled and said “hey.”
I’ll sum up the rest of the day being on the ship with this: Americans are not classy.
It probably took until about 10:30 before we heard the announcement for a handful of remaining crew to go do customs with the added hint that they were holding up everything that was yet to come.
After immigration finished they immediately began the crew safety drill. It happens once a cruise and for whatever reason that meant it happened today. This means some random scenario happens and the crew reacts. Today it was a fake fire and then eventually the call to abandon ship. So, we can leave now…right? No. Another thing that had to happen was the Coast Guard came and tested the crew and ship…this may have been why we had a drill today instead of later in the cruise.
Finally around 11:30 we received the “all crew dismissed” and headed for the exit. Surprise! There were 190 new crew who had been waiting for the drill to end so they could come on, and this meant their luggage had to go through the x-ray. So, crew slowly started to gather to get off the ship and new crew slowly came on. Luckily they paused to let us off before continuing bringing people on.
Around 12:30 we were in New York! All we really had time to do was walk around a bit. We went to Times Square and 30 Rock. Bought a bunch of stuff at a drug store, including a Neti Pot…which I tried for the first time later that day. More news on how it worked tomorrow.
While walking back to the ship we saw Bill Hader from SNL. I didn’t want to seem like a crazy fan so I said “hey” and he smiled and said “hey.”
I’ll sum up the rest of the day being on the ship with this: Americans are not classy.
Friday, November 28, 2008
11/28/08: Day 34: Sea Day 6 of 6
Today we have a busy schedule…do a 10:30pm show. I woke up with my back still killing me so after breakfast I went to the spa. My back pain got me thinking about when I was younger and my dad always had back pain. This also made me think about how when he came on the ship last year he said (after visiting the spa) that it was the first time in a long time that he was pain free. Therefore, to the spa I went. My back feels a lot better, but not pain free.
Since this is our last sea day I got out my phone and plugged it in. It has been off for 35 days. It still said “Oct 25th 4:01pm.” Tomorrow I’ll be able to check messages. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t have a message from Bob Kulhan asking how my journeys on the NCL Dawn are going.
The show was really nice. It was made up of most of our die hard fans. Even though it was an “adult show” there was one or two kids there who had been to shows. Really it was the end of a long trip with the promise of an early rise for everyone, so 10:30 was pushing it for some people.
Tomorrow is going to be a big day because there is a lot of stuff going on…more on that when it happens.
The picture is from Rosetta Stone. Deanna and I are learning italian and the picture is one of my favorite awkward conversations. Here is the gist of it (translated):
Boy: Hi
Woman: Hi. What is you name?
Boy: My name is Roberto Valle.
Woman: Nice to meet you.
(frame where they just stare at each other...I imagine the lady is creepy and the boy is just trying to deliver newspapers)
Boy: Bye
Since this is our last sea day I got out my phone and plugged it in. It has been off for 35 days. It still said “Oct 25th 4:01pm.” Tomorrow I’ll be able to check messages. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t have a message from Bob Kulhan asking how my journeys on the NCL Dawn are going.
The show was really nice. It was made up of most of our die hard fans. Even though it was an “adult show” there was one or two kids there who had been to shows. Really it was the end of a long trip with the promise of an early rise for everyone, so 10:30 was pushing it for some people.
Tomorrow is going to be a big day because there is a lot of stuff going on…more on that when it happens.
The picture is from Rosetta Stone. Deanna and I are learning italian and the picture is one of my favorite awkward conversations. Here is the gist of it (translated):
Boy: Hi
Woman: Hi. What is you name?
Boy: My name is Roberto Valle.
Woman: Nice to meet you.
(frame where they just stare at each other...I imagine the lady is creepy and the boy is just trying to deliver newspapers)
Boy: Bye
Thursday, November 27, 2008
11/27/08: Day 33: Sea Day 5 of 6
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’re almost there…America. I’m trying to think of what happened today. My back was still barely bothering me so I went to work out and try to loosen it up. Backfire! It is as if I never had a massage. Add to that I feel like I’m catching a cold again. Bonus.
Today I ate a lot, worked out, played a card game called Gloom with Brett and Jen, co-led the History of Second City workshop, and then we all went out to eat together for Thanksgiving. Destination: Teppenyaki…the asian restaurant. Larrance and Jen had never been. It was filling.
I now lay in bed full, feeling pre-sick, and aching in my back. Tomorrow is our last sea day before NY!
Today I ate a lot, worked out, played a card game called Gloom with Brett and Jen, co-led the History of Second City workshop, and then we all went out to eat together for Thanksgiving. Destination: Teppenyaki…the asian restaurant. Larrance and Jen had never been. It was filling.
I now lay in bed full, feeling pre-sick, and aching in my back. Tomorrow is our last sea day before NY!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
11/26/08: Day 32: Sea Day 4 of 6
Of course the day after I mention things aren’t rocky they get more rocky. Nothing bad, but not smooth sailing. A couple of days ago I kinked my back while working out. A bad kink that I’ve done before. Right between my shoulder blades and mostly on my right side, as well as some muscle being tight enough to make the pain get into my arm as well. I pulled it like this right when we first moved into Rene’s.
This time it has gone away a little quicker because I’m staying active, but I decided to really get it taken care of with a massage. She really dug into it…and it’s still there. Boo.
We had a really fun improv show tonight. Mike has been gone since Malaga day. He went home to see about a girl. I played a bird for him tonight…in his honor. He plays a lot of animals.
Our show was at 8:30…right in between the Gravity Defying Comedy shows. I caught the first half of the first show before I had to head up for our call time. Then I went down to catch the last half of the second show…including the show “Fountains.” And, for those who know what Fountains is, I may be in it next week. I’m iffy about it, but it would be a nice little tidbit to say I was in it. It will definitely be a one time thing.
This time it has gone away a little quicker because I’m staying active, but I decided to really get it taken care of with a massage. She really dug into it…and it’s still there. Boo.
We had a really fun improv show tonight. Mike has been gone since Malaga day. He went home to see about a girl. I played a bird for him tonight…in his honor. He plays a lot of animals.
Our show was at 8:30…right in between the Gravity Defying Comedy shows. I caught the first half of the first show before I had to head up for our call time. Then I went down to catch the last half of the second show…including the show “Fountains.” And, for those who know what Fountains is, I may be in it next week. I’m iffy about it, but it would be a nice little tidbit to say I was in it. It will definitely be a one time thing.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
11/25/08: Day 31: Sea Day 3 of 6
So, I’m starting to realize my brain has automatically been falling back on what it remembered from cruising: “after two days at sea we come to land.” Only we haven’t. So it is starting to hit just a little bit that we’re only half way through the sea days. The nice thing is it is still staying pretty smooth as far as waves go. I guess I was expecting huge waves like in Perfect Storm or Deadliest Catch.
Today’s notable moments were mostly at night. Earlier in the day the Bowling with the Stars semi-finals happened and Larrance came in first…but I was working out at the time and didn’t see it.
The big moment was the 7:30 Comedy Hypnotism show. It seems like a lot of these shows have the word “comedy” thrown in with them, like tomorrow night is Comedy Juggling or something along those lines. But the hypnotism show was great. Picture Katie Nahnsen (if you know her) doing some sort of “nice mom” character…that was the hypnotist. She had 15 people onstage and really set standards of things like needing to be willing to be hypnotized. As she was putting people in a trance it became apparent who it was working on and who it wasn’t. If it really wasn’t working she would assist them off stage.
There is that part of you that says “they have to be faking” but we had met some of the passengers and knew they wouldn’t just do some of the stuff they were doing. It is hard to explain the hilarity in full so I’ll explain my favorite combo. She told one person that they were very generous…the most generous person ever and that every time she said “money” they would be compelled to give her something of theirs, but she couldn’t accept cash. Another person was told they were the star of the show and every time the audience applauded that person would stand up and take a bow. She told yet another person that they were the safety officer of the ship and when she said “NCL” they would stand up and scream “Man overboard!” and then forget that they even did it. Finally she told someone that each time they heard “Man overboard!” they would think the person to their right pinched their butt. So that was the set up for hilarity. She’d talk to the audience and say “money” in her sentence causing the one person to give her stuff. She’d say how nice it was to cruise on “NCL” making someone stand up and scream “Man overboard!” which made the other person jump in their seat and look to their right at the person they thought pinched their butt. This would make the audience applaud and the final person would stand up and take their bow.
I know it isn’t fake because you really have to be paying attention to every word to not miss your cue. I still feel like I’m not explaining it right, but seeing this type of show after getting to know some of the passengers made it feel less like fake stuff.
We talked with the guy who felt like he was getting his butt pinched and also at one point forgot the number 6. I asked if he remembered anything and he said “Yeah, I remember it all. I just don’t know why I was doing that stuff.”
The best part for me was afterwards when she tells people to let go of all of the things she has told them and they “wake up” she offers a parting gift to one person, and it is all of the stuff they gave her when she said “money.” The look on the guy’s face was priceless. He looked in the bag to see what his prize was and then quickly looked at himself to notice all of those possessions were no longer on his person. Bewildered. Awesome.
Today’s notable moments were mostly at night. Earlier in the day the Bowling with the Stars semi-finals happened and Larrance came in first…but I was working out at the time and didn’t see it.
The big moment was the 7:30 Comedy Hypnotism show. It seems like a lot of these shows have the word “comedy” thrown in with them, like tomorrow night is Comedy Juggling or something along those lines. But the hypnotism show was great. Picture Katie Nahnsen (if you know her) doing some sort of “nice mom” character…that was the hypnotist. She had 15 people onstage and really set standards of things like needing to be willing to be hypnotized. As she was putting people in a trance it became apparent who it was working on and who it wasn’t. If it really wasn’t working she would assist them off stage.
There is that part of you that says “they have to be faking” but we had met some of the passengers and knew they wouldn’t just do some of the stuff they were doing. It is hard to explain the hilarity in full so I’ll explain my favorite combo. She told one person that they were very generous…the most generous person ever and that every time she said “money” they would be compelled to give her something of theirs, but she couldn’t accept cash. Another person was told they were the star of the show and every time the audience applauded that person would stand up and take a bow. She told yet another person that they were the safety officer of the ship and when she said “NCL” they would stand up and scream “Man overboard!” and then forget that they even did it. Finally she told someone that each time they heard “Man overboard!” they would think the person to their right pinched their butt. So that was the set up for hilarity. She’d talk to the audience and say “money” in her sentence causing the one person to give her stuff. She’d say how nice it was to cruise on “NCL” making someone stand up and scream “Man overboard!” which made the other person jump in their seat and look to their right at the person they thought pinched their butt. This would make the audience applaud and the final person would stand up and take their bow.
I know it isn’t fake because you really have to be paying attention to every word to not miss your cue. I still feel like I’m not explaining it right, but seeing this type of show after getting to know some of the passengers made it feel less like fake stuff.
We talked with the guy who felt like he was getting his butt pinched and also at one point forgot the number 6. I asked if he remembered anything and he said “Yeah, I remember it all. I just don’t know why I was doing that stuff.”
The best part for me was afterwards when she tells people to let go of all of the things she has told them and they “wake up” she offers a parting gift to one person, and it is all of the stuff they gave her when she said “money.” The look on the guy’s face was priceless. He looked in the bag to see what his prize was and then quickly looked at himself to notice all of those possessions were no longer on his person. Bewildered. Awesome.
Monday, November 24, 2008
11/24/08: Day 30: Sea Day 2 of 6
30 Days! Today was another sea day. This one was broken up in the middle by the Bowling with the Stars tournament. There ended up being 20 teams with only 9 being able to play at a time. It was fun to see all the different types of passenger personalities come out. Mostly people who couldn’t bowl and didn’t care…just there to have fun. But there were some bad bowlers who weren’t necessarily gracious losers, and some really good bowlers…on land…who weren’t gracious losers when trying to bowl on a rocking ship.
My partner was of the “just here to have fun” persuasion so I had a good time.
I think that is all of note.
My partner was of the “just here to have fun” persuasion so I had a good time.
I think that is all of note.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
11/23/08: Day 29: Sea Day 1 of 6
So, aside from the little mention of the day earlier, things are pretty mellow today. The ride has stayed fairly rocky but nothing out of control. Little memories are coming back to me from our last contract. For whatever reason it was almost always smooth on the Mediterranean…probably because it is pretty well sealed off from the Atlantic. Since the waves started the little signs are there that say “this could last a while”…they aren’t actual signs, they’re barf bags that are placed by the garbage cans in front of each elevator.
Today was eating, Italian learning, working out, and more Settlers of Catan. After that we decided to go see if bowling was open. We had heard it wasn’t because of the waves…but it was. It is what I call Wave Bowling. You can throw a straight ball with no spin and have it hook. You can throw a ball with a lot of spin and have it go down a straight line. If you’re Brett you can throw a ball like an old man throwing an orange into a fire (as Deanna says) and have it catch major wave action straight into the gutter.
I can’t tell yet if we’re starting to go a little crazy…we might be.
Today was eating, Italian learning, working out, and more Settlers of Catan. After that we decided to go see if bowling was open. We had heard it wasn’t because of the waves…but it was. It is what I call Wave Bowling. You can throw a straight ball with no spin and have it hook. You can throw a ball with a lot of spin and have it go down a straight line. If you’re Brett you can throw a ball like an old man throwing an orange into a fire (as Deanna says) and have it catch major wave action straight into the gutter.
I can’t tell yet if we’re starting to go a little crazy…we might be.
11/23/08: Day 29: Minor Update
Our first sea day is just starting. Everyday now we gain an hour as we turn our clocks back. But...we're on the open Atlantic Ocean. In the middle of the night the waves started. I will try to get a little video footage of people trying to walk in these conditions. It is exceptionally funny right after a show to watch a crowd 1000 swaying back and forth with the waves.
I'm writing to let you know about a few things. One, I've received a shout out via the blog of Jeff Griggs (another Chicago improvisor on another ship) so I thought I would send his out: http://jeffgriggs.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.
Some people read these because they know me and are keeping up. Some read because they are improvisors who have been on ships and like to reminisce...some are improvisors dreaming of getting this gig and want to know more (that's how I started). There are a lot out there...more than I know of at this point.
I'm also stealing a plea of Jeff's...with a twist. Christmas is coming up. If you're a reader of this blog I would love to receive a Christmas card from you (Deanna would too). For letters you can reach me at:
Rance Rizzutto
Crew Staff
Guest Entertainer/Second City
M.S. Norwegian Gem
First Class Cargo
104 South Central Avenue #18
Valley Stream, NY 11580
USA
That address is only good for letters...not packages. We aren't even in New York until the 29th, so I don't know how reliable or timely the delivery to us is. So why not test it? Right?!
I'm writing to let you know about a few things. One, I've received a shout out via the blog of Jeff Griggs (another Chicago improvisor on another ship) so I thought I would send his out: http://jeffgriggs.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.
Some people read these because they know me and are keeping up. Some read because they are improvisors who have been on ships and like to reminisce...some are improvisors dreaming of getting this gig and want to know more (that's how I started). There are a lot out there...more than I know of at this point.
I'm also stealing a plea of Jeff's...with a twist. Christmas is coming up. If you're a reader of this blog I would love to receive a Christmas card from you (Deanna would too). For letters you can reach me at:
Rance Rizzutto
Crew Staff
Guest Entertainer/Second City
M.S. Norwegian Gem
First Class Cargo
104 South Central Avenue #18
Valley Stream, NY 11580
USA
That address is only good for letters...not packages. We aren't even in New York until the 29th, so I don't know how reliable or timely the delivery to us is. So why not test it? Right?!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
11/22/08: Day 28: Malaga
Spain…and the last day in Europe. I was looking to burn some euros before we left so we basically just walked around town and shopped. Malaga is really beautiful and it didn’t seem like a touristy place. At least not as much as some of the others. You couldn’t find tons of stores selling hoodies (or as Larrance coined tonight, “sweaties”) with Espania or Malaga on them. You couldn’t find venders selling purses, sunglasses, wooden letter train cars that link up to spell your name, laser sound guns that blow bubbles, or clacking magnetic stones. Just a lot of nice shops and a few that sold Malaga t-shirts. Also, not a lot of English speakers.
I did buy a new coat that is awesome. The thing about buying clothing in a country not plagued by morbid obesity is that the clothes fit. I bought an XL and the sleeves are long enough AND I’m not swimming in the rest of it that would normally be designed to accommodate what the USA clothing standards would assume would also be on my frame…a huge belly.
Tonight was Jane L. Powell, the Chocolate Goddess of Love. We watched her show and just kept telling Brett “just watch…she is phenomenal at working the crowd.” She still does the exact same show she did on the Jewel…it is still just as entertaining. Deanna and I came back to watch as much of her second show before we needed to head upstairs to do ours.
After all was said and done we came back to the room and I wanted to order room service. I like to tip. I only had US twenties and some leftover euro. Luckily Deanna had at least a buck. This was my first realization of “We’re really going back to the US. My euro will be useless for a while.”
I did buy a new coat that is awesome. The thing about buying clothing in a country not plagued by morbid obesity is that the clothes fit. I bought an XL and the sleeves are long enough AND I’m not swimming in the rest of it that would normally be designed to accommodate what the USA clothing standards would assume would also be on my frame…a huge belly.
Tonight was Jane L. Powell, the Chocolate Goddess of Love. We watched her show and just kept telling Brett “just watch…she is phenomenal at working the crowd.” She still does the exact same show she did on the Jewel…it is still just as entertaining. Deanna and I came back to watch as much of her second show before we needed to head upstairs to do ours.
After all was said and done we came back to the room and I wanted to order room service. I like to tip. I only had US twenties and some leftover euro. Luckily Deanna had at least a buck. This was my first realization of “We’re really going back to the US. My euro will be useless for a while.”
Friday, November 21, 2008
11/21/08: Day 27: Sea Day
Sea Day…so, that means the basics happened. I worked out. I worked on getting photos ready for downloading. I learned some more Italian. We also saw Ole Ole (flamenco dancing) and comedian Bud Andersen do their final show…they leave in Malaga tomorrow before we do our crossing. After that…SETTLERS OF CATAN!
So, that is the summary. Finer points…I didn’t have my camera on the way back from the gym, but I saw a lady sleeping in a deck chair that would have been a priceless picture. At least I hope she was sleeping and not dead. She looked almost exactly like Han Solo when he was frozen in carbonite.
Also, while we were playing Settlers there was one group of four playing bridge or something like it, and a group of older Asians playing Mahjongg. Every time Mahjongg tiles got reshuffled it sound it like bacon sizzling in the pan. There was usually always some noise going on in the game room, be it bacon or talking…except for one moment where everything went quiet right as a bridge lady said over the noise that wasn’t there, “It smells like one of us stepped in shit again.” Everyone laughed.
So, that is the summary. Finer points…I didn’t have my camera on the way back from the gym, but I saw a lady sleeping in a deck chair that would have been a priceless picture. At least I hope she was sleeping and not dead. She looked almost exactly like Han Solo when he was frozen in carbonite.
Also, while we were playing Settlers there was one group of four playing bridge or something like it, and a group of older Asians playing Mahjongg. Every time Mahjongg tiles got reshuffled it sound it like bacon sizzling in the pan. There was usually always some noise going on in the game room, be it bacon or talking…except for one moment where everything went quiet right as a bridge lady said over the noise that wasn’t there, “It smells like one of us stepped in shit again.” Everyone laughed.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
11/20/08: Day 26: Corsica
Since we’re on a 13-day crossing we’re hitting a few different ports along the way back to New York. Today we hit Ajaccio, Corsica. It is an island just north of Sardinia that is technically part of France. And it is famous for being the birth place of Napoleon. There are all sorts of Napoleon souvenirs in shops, as well as a museum and supposedly a bunch of the works of art that were pillaged during the Napoleonic wars.
I can vouch for the souvenirs. Deanna and I got off the ship and walked around a bit after some coffee. It became apparent quickly that the day was turning into a shopping day for Deanna so I went walking around. I’m sure there is something cool somewhere, I just didn’t find it today.
Jen said that she didn’t know a lot about Corsica, but knew they had been part of France for 250 years and if they had it their way they wouldn’t be. Sometimes there are even terrorists “fighting the system” but they usually stick to taking it out on the government and not the tourists.
Tonight we had our first night with two shows. The first show was pretty well packed and the second was medium…medium for that theater is around 500-700 people, so it was still well attended. Things got stormy just before the second show and a really big wave shook the stage in our final number. We’re all ok. Glad we got the big theater shows out of the way before the crossing starts
I can vouch for the souvenirs. Deanna and I got off the ship and walked around a bit after some coffee. It became apparent quickly that the day was turning into a shopping day for Deanna so I went walking around. I’m sure there is something cool somewhere, I just didn’t find it today.
Jen said that she didn’t know a lot about Corsica, but knew they had been part of France for 250 years and if they had it their way they wouldn’t be. Sometimes there are even terrorists “fighting the system” but they usually stick to taking it out on the government and not the tourists.
Tonight we had our first night with two shows. The first show was pretty well packed and the second was medium…medium for that theater is around 500-700 people, so it was still well attended. Things got stormy just before the second show and a really big wave shook the stage in our final number. We’re all ok. Glad we got the big theater shows out of the way before the crossing starts
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11/19/08: Day 25: Rome
Last Rome day for awhile. The whole gang made it this time as well as Kim, one of the youth counselors.
The morning started off like a comedy show. See, we’ve honed in on a good system for group travel: Meet right off the ship at blank o’clock. We’re all adults here, and I am particularly not fond of the whole group waiting for a late person…in any situation. This is more of the “you snooze you lose” school of thought. Mike and Brett are the night owls and usually make snap decisions on whether they’ll be attending early events. So, that being said…loopholes have been found.
As Deanna and I were walking from our room to get off the ship we saw Mike coming the opposite way saying “I locked my key card in my room.” This means he couldn’t get off the ship even if he wanted to. No biggie. The room stewards could let him in. Then as we get outside, about 3 minutes go by then Brett says “I gotta take these contacts out” and heads inside. About 3 minutes after he leaves Kim says something about not having enough Euro and heads inside to get change made. So it was the show up on time so we know you’re coming but then go back to do the late stuff. Regardless, we left in time to catch the train we were wanting to catch…to find out Mike had left his wallet in his room and had no money. Commercial break!
We covered Mike, and it meant he had to hang out with us instead of taking off early. Today was all about the Coliseum. There is a line to buy 12euro tickets…OR there are guides around outside who can get you past the line AND give you a tour for 23euro. We did the tour. Lots of great information plus it included a free tour of Palatine Hill right next door which included the Forum. That tour was very informative. The both were, but I retained more from the Palatine Hill one.
Jen, Larrance, and Mike split off from the rest of us before the Palatine tour. So the remaining four of us started walking to catch a 3:39 train after our tour. We got turned around a bit, got back on track, and after some speed walking to what was possibly the furthest away track in the terminal, made our train with one minute to spare. That train plus a shuttle ride got us to the ship 30 minutes before we were supposed to be on. Safe!
The morning started off like a comedy show. See, we’ve honed in on a good system for group travel: Meet right off the ship at blank o’clock. We’re all adults here, and I am particularly not fond of the whole group waiting for a late person…in any situation. This is more of the “you snooze you lose” school of thought. Mike and Brett are the night owls and usually make snap decisions on whether they’ll be attending early events. So, that being said…loopholes have been found.
As Deanna and I were walking from our room to get off the ship we saw Mike coming the opposite way saying “I locked my key card in my room.” This means he couldn’t get off the ship even if he wanted to. No biggie. The room stewards could let him in. Then as we get outside, about 3 minutes go by then Brett says “I gotta take these contacts out” and heads inside. About 3 minutes after he leaves Kim says something about not having enough Euro and heads inside to get change made. So it was the show up on time so we know you’re coming but then go back to do the late stuff. Regardless, we left in time to catch the train we were wanting to catch…to find out Mike had left his wallet in his room and had no money. Commercial break!
We covered Mike, and it meant he had to hang out with us instead of taking off early. Today was all about the Coliseum. There is a line to buy 12euro tickets…OR there are guides around outside who can get you past the line AND give you a tour for 23euro. We did the tour. Lots of great information plus it included a free tour of Palatine Hill right next door which included the Forum. That tour was very informative. The both were, but I retained more from the Palatine Hill one.
Jen, Larrance, and Mike split off from the rest of us before the Palatine tour. So the remaining four of us started walking to catch a 3:39 train after our tour. We got turned around a bit, got back on track, and after some speed walking to what was possibly the furthest away track in the terminal, made our train with one minute to spare. That train plus a shuttle ride got us to the ship 30 minutes before we were supposed to be on. Safe!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
11/18/08: Day 24: Florence
It was weird to be back here so soon. Our days go by way too fast because of trains and such. I know we caught a 9:11 train…so I think that meant we caught a taxi at 8:30. It was just the two couples this time. We wanted to shop at a leather craft school (lower prices because they’re made by students, eat a sit down meal, but our main goal was to go to the Uffizi art museum. At one of the VIP parties a few weeks ago one of the passengers gave us a list of 12 or so things to see in the museum…and WHY. So, I used that as my main guide. I can’t list any of them off, but I saw them, and if you showed me a picture I would recognize it and be able to tell you at least one thing that is important about it.
I think we had to catch a train around 3:00pm to be back on time. Jen and Larrance really wanted to sit down and get some food. So, around 1:30 we were finishing up on the top floor of the Uffizi. Jen and Larrance had already gone downstairs and Deanna was going through slower because she had an audio tour. When I found her we rushed back through so I could show her the things on the list from the passenger.
On our exit we hit another floor that we had to cruise through. I will go back for this floor alone. A lot of old books with fancy calligraphy, and two of the things on my list that I didn’t see.
We made it to get food but had to bust butt to get back to the ship.
I was going to workout, but I was tired…and I didn’t nap…so the tired part just sort of hung with me throughout the rest of the night.
I think we had to catch a train around 3:00pm to be back on time. Jen and Larrance really wanted to sit down and get some food. So, around 1:30 we were finishing up on the top floor of the Uffizi. Jen and Larrance had already gone downstairs and Deanna was going through slower because she had an audio tour. When I found her we rushed back through so I could show her the things on the list from the passenger.
On our exit we hit another floor that we had to cruise through. I will go back for this floor alone. A lot of old books with fancy calligraphy, and two of the things on my list that I didn’t see.
We made it to get food but had to bust butt to get back to the ship.
I was going to workout, but I was tired…and I didn’t nap…so the tired part just sort of hung with me throughout the rest of the night.
Monday, November 17, 2008
11/17/08: Day 23: Nice
Now that we’ve started the 13 day cruise we’re going backwards from what we normally do. So, since we were in Villefranche just two days ago we took the bus into Nice today. I grab onto Spanish and Italian pretty easily and plan on learning them more while we’re in the Caribbean so I can get us around better when we return (even though a lot of people speak English). French isn’t my style. Too many unspoken letters…too many ways to pronounce a single vowel.
Anywho. Nice was nice. Now, you are saying Nice as “niece” in your head when you see it capitalized, right? Not every time though…like I could start a sentence and not be talking about it. Nice try. See?
One little thing that we’ve been missing on these cruises, as I’ve talked about, are sea days. Sea days help us catch up with rest. Normally we go, go, go and then get a sea day right after Barcelona. Not this time. We get a sea day before the last port and then plenty of sea days to go around for everyone.
While I’m out and about the ports I go back and forth from thinking “let’s get to the next destination we’re going to see in this port” to “Holy crap! I’m eating a sandwich with Deanna on the French Riviera!” Deanna prefers the latter moments.
Tonight we have the VIP party and then who knows. I almost fell asleep before writing this and Deanna was asleep seconds ago with her finger on an open page of a book.
Side note…and I didn’t get a picture of this…while we were sitting along the beach in Nice we saw a guy walking along the beach with a cane while holding a cat. Keep in mind the beach is made up of stones and not sand. The cat started to fidget so he let it down. It had on a chest harness attached to a leash. The cat sort of just stood there, then the man would drag it. This repeated a few times before he picked the cat up again. I said, “Well, I guess that explains why you don’t see many people walking cats.”
Anywho. Nice was nice. Now, you are saying Nice as “niece” in your head when you see it capitalized, right? Not every time though…like I could start a sentence and not be talking about it. Nice try. See?
One little thing that we’ve been missing on these cruises, as I’ve talked about, are sea days. Sea days help us catch up with rest. Normally we go, go, go and then get a sea day right after Barcelona. Not this time. We get a sea day before the last port and then plenty of sea days to go around for everyone.
While I’m out and about the ports I go back and forth from thinking “let’s get to the next destination we’re going to see in this port” to “Holy crap! I’m eating a sandwich with Deanna on the French Riviera!” Deanna prefers the latter moments.
Tonight we have the VIP party and then who knows. I almost fell asleep before writing this and Deanna was asleep seconds ago with her finger on an open page of a book.
Side note…and I didn’t get a picture of this…while we were sitting along the beach in Nice we saw a guy walking along the beach with a cane while holding a cat. Keep in mind the beach is made up of stones and not sand. The cat started to fidget so he let it down. It had on a chest harness attached to a leash. The cat sort of just stood there, then the man would drag it. This repeated a few times before he picked the cat up again. I said, “Well, I guess that explains why you don’t see many people walking cats.”
Sunday, November 16, 2008
11/16/08: Day 22: Barcelona
Our last time in Barcelona for awhile. Taking advantage of the end of season lack of crowds we hit some popular spots. Deanna, Jen, Larrance, and I hopped on the Metra (very smooth and easy to figure out) for stop number one. Gaudi’s La Pedra. An apartment building designed by Gaudi and very much containing lack of straight lines.
I gotta say…I’m a straight line guy. I like lines. Gaudi’s stuff is cool, but just not my style. That being said, I still have some great photos coming.
Deanna and I had walked by this building before, but it is famous for its roof. So we got there right around opening time and paid to go up. Surprise, surprise…NO LINE!
From there we grabbed a bite and then headed back to the Metra to get to a stop near Park Guell (a park designed by Gaudi). The entry way reminded me of a slightly fancier Enchanted Forest (7 miles south of Salem)…so…I was expecting more. But the over all design of the park was well done with plenty of great views all around.
From there we all kind of went separate ways to return to the ship. I then did laundry. I am really good at laundry. I like it better than most chores and Deanna hates doing it, so I take it. In theory so she’ll do other chores like cleaning the bathroom or doing dishes…two things that we don’t have to worry about on the ship.
We also found out that Brett went to an internet place and downloaded the first three episodes of 30 Rock and the last 6 of The Office…which I am going to watch…NOW.
I gotta say…I’m a straight line guy. I like lines. Gaudi’s stuff is cool, but just not my style. That being said, I still have some great photos coming.
Deanna and I had walked by this building before, but it is famous for its roof. So we got there right around opening time and paid to go up. Surprise, surprise…NO LINE!
From there we grabbed a bite and then headed back to the Metra to get to a stop near Park Guell (a park designed by Gaudi). The entry way reminded me of a slightly fancier Enchanted Forest (7 miles south of Salem)…so…I was expecting more. But the over all design of the park was well done with plenty of great views all around.
From there we all kind of went separate ways to return to the ship. I then did laundry. I am really good at laundry. I like it better than most chores and Deanna hates doing it, so I take it. In theory so she’ll do other chores like cleaning the bathroom or doing dishes…two things that we don’t have to worry about on the ship.
We also found out that Brett went to an internet place and downloaded the first three episodes of 30 Rock and the last 6 of The Office…which I am going to watch…NOW.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
11/15/08: Day 21: Villefranche
Today was beautiful in France…at least from the seat of the restaurant with free Wifi it was! Photos are up on flickr (some Pisa and Pompeii photos are missing, they might be up on the 17th).
That’s today! I was supposed to teach a workshop with Deanna, but they put us in a weird place on the ship that is only known about by the kids, and they put the workshop at the same time as their final bingo and free cruise drawing where you have to be there to win. So, no one showed up. We were ready though.
That’s today! I was supposed to teach a workshop with Deanna, but they put us in a weird place on the ship that is only known about by the kids, and they put the workshop at the same time as their final bingo and free cruise drawing where you have to be there to win. So, no one showed up. We were ready though.
Friday, November 14, 2008
11/14/08: Day 20: Livorno (Florence)
A lot of photos have been added to Flickr...use the link to the right. I'm still working on adding photos to the blog posts. I ran out of time in the internet cafe.
Day 20…yikes. Days are burning by on this leg since we’re out everyday.
I did a leg workout late last night after the show because I knew things would be non-stop today. Ai yi yi. We walked a lot and climbed a lot of steps today. The Livorno train station is near to Pisa, a little further away from Lucca, and just under 2 hours away from Florence. We got off the ship at 7:45 to catch a train to Florence. It started with a train to Pisa at 8:26 to catch a Florence train that made a lot of little stops…but we finally got there.
There were a few things Deanna wanted me to see. The “Florence Duomo” (as she knows it…she says it has a more official name), and the statue of David. Those were the two big ones and we had about 4 hours before we needed to catch the train ride back.
The Duomo. A church. Churches seem to come in two flavors: super fancy on the outside; or super fancy on the inside…never/rarely both. This was a super fancy on the outside place, but still cool on the inside. The nice thing about this Duomo…for E3.50 you could climb to the top of the dome. That was a lot of stairs for my recently worked out legs, but worth the view. The climb took us not only right up by the art work inside the dome, but up and outside on top. The view was awesome.
It turns out that going down on wobbly legs is harder than going up. This time of year is perfect for coming to see Italy. The season is ending so there are way less people and it is much cooler out. While we were climbing the tiny, tight stairwells Deanna said “imagine this 30 degrees hotter and packed with people.” That would have been awful…especially since there is one part of the stair climb that is two way, but also has people coming back down from the dome. That would be yuck.
After that we went to see the statue of David. Carved from a single piece of marble. Amazing. And I’m not talking about his penis, perves. The little details are what got me…veins on arms, wrinkles on knuckles, toenails. Amazing.
From there we had time to eat and hop on the train. There was an empty seat in front of me (those kind where it is two seats facing two other ones) that had gum on it. So, I thought no one would sit there. Wrong. A lady sat her two sons there. I took a few pics of them so you can see the kids that were practically on my lap for two hours. The nice thing was we got on a train going directly from Florence to Livorno. The nicer thing was it made 5 stops total. If we would have waited a little longer in Livorno for the direct train we would have probably got there in the same amount of time if not faster.
We had our VIP party and I rocked my ascot. Now, I sleep.
Day 20…yikes. Days are burning by on this leg since we’re out everyday.
I did a leg workout late last night after the show because I knew things would be non-stop today. Ai yi yi. We walked a lot and climbed a lot of steps today. The Livorno train station is near to Pisa, a little further away from Lucca, and just under 2 hours away from Florence. We got off the ship at 7:45 to catch a train to Florence. It started with a train to Pisa at 8:26 to catch a Florence train that made a lot of little stops…but we finally got there.
There were a few things Deanna wanted me to see. The “Florence Duomo” (as she knows it…she says it has a more official name), and the statue of David. Those were the two big ones and we had about 4 hours before we needed to catch the train ride back.
The Duomo. A church. Churches seem to come in two flavors: super fancy on the outside; or super fancy on the inside…never/rarely both. This was a super fancy on the outside place, but still cool on the inside. The nice thing about this Duomo…for E3.50 you could climb to the top of the dome. That was a lot of stairs for my recently worked out legs, but worth the view. The climb took us not only right up by the art work inside the dome, but up and outside on top. The view was awesome.
It turns out that going down on wobbly legs is harder than going up. This time of year is perfect for coming to see Italy. The season is ending so there are way less people and it is much cooler out. While we were climbing the tiny, tight stairwells Deanna said “imagine this 30 degrees hotter and packed with people.” That would have been awful…especially since there is one part of the stair climb that is two way, but also has people coming back down from the dome. That would be yuck.
After that we went to see the statue of David. Carved from a single piece of marble. Amazing. And I’m not talking about his penis, perves. The little details are what got me…veins on arms, wrinkles on knuckles, toenails. Amazing.
From there we had time to eat and hop on the train. There was an empty seat in front of me (those kind where it is two seats facing two other ones) that had gum on it. So, I thought no one would sit there. Wrong. A lady sat her two sons there. I took a few pics of them so you can see the kids that were practically on my lap for two hours. The nice thing was we got on a train going directly from Florence to Livorno. The nicer thing was it made 5 stops total. If we would have waited a little longer in Livorno for the direct train we would have probably got there in the same amount of time if not faster.
We had our VIP party and I rocked my ascot. Now, I sleep.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
11/13/08: Day 19: Civitivecchia
My plan was to go to the Coliseum today…regardless of who was coming with me. Then, sometime in the middle of the night or early morning I heard heavy rain. Now, to you in houses you might be thinking “oh,yeah…been there.” But, keep in mind we are in the middle of the ship and two levels down. We’re talking major storm. Lightning, thunder and water spouts a.k.a. tornados. So, I didn’t wake up early and I didn’t get off the ship.
The nice thing was that they decided to show movies in the Stardust theater to provide something to do in the bad weather. Brett and I saw Ironman at 11:30am.
We then though it might have cleared up and went to brave looking for an internet café. Right as we got off the ship it started raining and I turned right back around to go watch the 2:00 Dark Knight showing.
Other than that we had a great show in the Spinaker.
The nice thing was that they decided to show movies in the Stardust theater to provide something to do in the bad weather. Brett and I saw Ironman at 11:30am.
We then though it might have cleared up and went to brave looking for an internet café. Right as we got off the ship it started raining and I turned right back around to go watch the 2:00 Dark Knight showing.
Other than that we had a great show in the Spinaker.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
11/12/08: Day 18: Naples
Today Deanna and I (and Brett also, but on a separate bus) took advantage of a crew tour. Every so often the ship will arrange tours for the crew at a discount price. Today the tour was to Sorrento, a nice little town on the water known for shopping, and Pompeii, a nice little town that was frozen in time when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in August of 79AD…only to be discovered in the 1700s while a family was trying to dig a well for water.
Sorrento was nice. That about sums it up since I wasn’t really into shopping. Although, I saw a little cart with ties, bow ties, and ascots. Ascots? Really? Yes. Naturally, I had to have one. I bought a light blue ascot that I plan on sporting at the next VIP party in two nights.
Pompeii was fantastic! This city was a business city that contained a population of about 15,000 people. I’m always blown away by the stuff I see that is that historic. We’re talking 79AD is when it ended, so who knows where it began? The art work in the bath house was amazing, as was tile work just in some entry ways. That plus acoustic theaters, original paint work, and the view of Mt. Vesuvius. Fantastic. Our tour guide, Fabio, had a postcard that actually showed a painting of the mountain on one of the walls of the ruins. That mountain is tall today, but had a huge peak before. It erupted and buried the city in 40 feet of ash and stone. Many of the bodies they found had crushed skulls as if falling rocks were their demise rather than the ash.
And they aren’t even finished digging. Well, there is more to be dug up…they are holding off and deciding that the money they get should be focused on upkeep more so than new finds.
Tonight we had another show and it went well. I didn’t wear the ascot.
Sorrento was nice. That about sums it up since I wasn’t really into shopping. Although, I saw a little cart with ties, bow ties, and ascots. Ascots? Really? Yes. Naturally, I had to have one. I bought a light blue ascot that I plan on sporting at the next VIP party in two nights.
Pompeii was fantastic! This city was a business city that contained a population of about 15,000 people. I’m always blown away by the stuff I see that is that historic. We’re talking 79AD is when it ended, so who knows where it began? The art work in the bath house was amazing, as was tile work just in some entry ways. That plus acoustic theaters, original paint work, and the view of Mt. Vesuvius. Fantastic. Our tour guide, Fabio, had a postcard that actually showed a painting of the mountain on one of the walls of the ruins. That mountain is tall today, but had a huge peak before. It erupted and buried the city in 40 feet of ash and stone. Many of the bodies they found had crushed skulls as if falling rocks were their demise rather than the ash.
And they aren’t even finished digging. Well, there is more to be dug up…they are holding off and deciding that the money they get should be focused on upkeep more so than new finds.
Tonight we had another show and it went well. I didn’t wear the ascot.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
11/11/08: Day 17: Malta
Man, I didn’t go anywhere today. I worked out, AND I finally got a haircut. I haven’t had a haircut since right before CSz tournament in the end of August.
That’s about it.
That’s about it.
Monday, November 10, 2008
11/10/08: Day 16: Sea Day
The earlier part of the day has been mostly eating, learning Italian, and watching the extra stuff on the Sweeny Todd DVD. I also watched pool/billiards on the Euro Sport channel. The kind with the bigger table and all the extra balls. I don’t get it. All the commentary was in German so that didn’t help either. When they sank a red ball they got a point. When they sank a different colored ball they got points equal to its number and a judge would take that ball out and put it back on the table. But…they took forever to actually get to the point of sinking shots.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
11/09/08: Day 15: Barcelona
Walkin’, y’all. That’s what we did today. Saw a lot of cool stuff like the Arc de Triomf and Sangria Familia. You’ll have to see pics.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
11/08/08: Day 14: Villefranche
I didn’t get off the ship today. I’ve been nursing a sore ankle since I twisted it in my last CSz remote. It was better for one day, and then we started doing all of this walking around Europe. Deanna and Jen’s plans included walking around Villefranche and shopping for soap. Borrrrrrrrinnnnnnnggggg. : )
So, I stayed on the ship and hit the gym. It has been 4 days since I went. Since I haven’t worked out in awhile my workouts have gone like this:
Day 1: Triceps and Pecs. Good workout leaving the muscles feeling tired. Very hard to wash my hair in the shower.
Day 2: I think I rested. Triceps were a little sore, I could have worked pecs more.
Day 3: Legs: Triceps even more sore. After workout it was hard to walk down or up stairs because legs were wobbly.
Day 4: Legs were a little “ow”
Day 5: It hurts to walk! Slow down!
Since everything was sore for about 3 days after the work out I waited until after our show on Naples day to workout because I have to pick up Jen at one point and didn’t want my muscles to say “I don’t think so” during the show. And we just didn’t have time on the two days after that.
Anywho, I worked shoulders and will try to get in biceps tomorrow. Bored yet? I hope you guys are good at skimming. I ramble sometimes.
Also…dear news, it is okay to stop talking about Sarah Palin. And DEFINITELY okay to never mention Joe the Plumber. I know news is slower after the election, but there has got to be something, right?
So, I stayed on the ship and hit the gym. It has been 4 days since I went. Since I haven’t worked out in awhile my workouts have gone like this:
Day 1: Triceps and Pecs. Good workout leaving the muscles feeling tired. Very hard to wash my hair in the shower.
Day 2: I think I rested. Triceps were a little sore, I could have worked pecs more.
Day 3: Legs: Triceps even more sore. After workout it was hard to walk down or up stairs because legs were wobbly.
Day 4: Legs were a little “ow”
Day 5: It hurts to walk! Slow down!
Since everything was sore for about 3 days after the work out I waited until after our show on Naples day to workout because I have to pick up Jen at one point and didn’t want my muscles to say “I don’t think so” during the show. And we just didn’t have time on the two days after that.
Anywho, I worked shoulders and will try to get in biceps tomorrow. Bored yet? I hope you guys are good at skimming. I ramble sometimes.
Also…dear news, it is okay to stop talking about Sarah Palin. And DEFINITELY okay to never mention Joe the Plumber. I know news is slower after the election, but there has got to be something, right?
Friday, November 07, 2008
11/7/08: Day 13: Livorno (Pisa)
Today we headed to Pisa. We had learned a few lessons from our journey last week. Instead of taking a shuttle to a bus to a train station we took a taxi to a train station. There were a couple of passengers who recognized us as we got off the ship and asked what we were doing in hopes of finding out the best way to get places. They hopped in the cab with us and also the train to Pisa.
Once on the train we knew it would be a quick 10 minute jaunt to the next stop…PISA!!!........wait…why is the train stopping?
Apparently a rather common thing in Italy is a strike or protest. Sometimes the train workers strike for fair wages, but today the students were striking for some other reason and blocked the tracks far ahead. Our 10 minute ride turned into a one hour sit. Eventually the train started moving and stopped one stop past Pisa Centrale, which actually put us right by the leaning tower.
Another day for great photos. I was hungry and hadn’t had coffee so I was a little on edge, but after a nice snack and caffe latte it was game on. Again, great pictures were taken that you probably won’t see until December.
Tonight is not only our late night improv show, but our second VIP party of the night. During the party Deanna and I were talking with a guy named Dave. We started talking about what he had done on the cruise and that led to stories of the Uffizi. Apparently his son studied art in Italy and gave him a list of the 12 pieces of art he needed to see in the Uffizi and why…then he gave us that list. SCORE! We’ll be using it and attempting to go to Florence next week.
I made the running order for the show tonight and it ran short. Not a big deal. It’s improv and we simply added a Day in the Life to the end. The volunteer was Elli…the guy who was with us in the taxi, train, and Pisa. As Deanna was interviewing him and he was talking about the train strike there were three guys in the back who were shouting out “OH! Yeah! Screw those guys!” They had been stuck on a train as well. First I bring Jen and that lady together via expensive gelato, now these guys and us found each other via train strikes. Peace at last.
Once on the train we knew it would be a quick 10 minute jaunt to the next stop…PISA!!!........wait…why is the train stopping?
Apparently a rather common thing in Italy is a strike or protest. Sometimes the train workers strike for fair wages, but today the students were striking for some other reason and blocked the tracks far ahead. Our 10 minute ride turned into a one hour sit. Eventually the train started moving and stopped one stop past Pisa Centrale, which actually put us right by the leaning tower.
Another day for great photos. I was hungry and hadn’t had coffee so I was a little on edge, but after a nice snack and caffe latte it was game on. Again, great pictures were taken that you probably won’t see until December.
Tonight is not only our late night improv show, but our second VIP party of the night. During the party Deanna and I were talking with a guy named Dave. We started talking about what he had done on the cruise and that led to stories of the Uffizi. Apparently his son studied art in Italy and gave him a list of the 12 pieces of art he needed to see in the Uffizi and why…then he gave us that list. SCORE! We’ll be using it and attempting to go to Florence next week.
I made the running order for the show tonight and it ran short. Not a big deal. It’s improv and we simply added a Day in the Life to the end. The volunteer was Elli…the guy who was with us in the taxi, train, and Pisa. As Deanna was interviewing him and he was talking about the train strike there were three guys in the back who were shouting out “OH! Yeah! Screw those guys!” They had been stuck on a train as well. First I bring Jen and that lady together via expensive gelato, now these guys and us found each other via train strikes. Peace at last.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
11/6/08: Day 12: Civitevecchia (Rome)
So, here is what goes into a Rome day at the beginning…”why are we waking up at 7:00am?” Around 9:00am you get your answer. Oh! Rome!
Today in Rome was fantastic. Deanna had planned a tour for us since she was here last year. We took off at 8:00am. All of us. Even Mike. Mike was actually early and everyone else was late by one or two minutes…which was enough for Mike to feign outrage (he is always the late one).
We’ve mastered the train system by now, so we bought our tickets and hopped on a train. We took a different route out of the San Piedro stop this time that lead pretty much straight to the Vatican, and was a little more scenic. The weather was fantastic and I have some glorious photos.
Summary of locations I remember: Vatican, Castle Sant’angelo, Piazza Novaro (or something close to that name), Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and a few things that we just came across that I don’t have the names of.
The nice thing about this time of year is that there aren’t many tourists. There are still a lot of tourists, but I guess it is CRAZY in the summer.
Some interesting things that happened along our journeys…there are people roasting chestnuts and selling them. All over. We stopped for coffee and I saw a guy roasting some and thought “I’ve never had roasted chestnuts.” It was 5 euro for a scoop of about 8 of them, so I bought some and we all tried them. I don’t think it is something I’m anxious to eat again, but glad I tried it.
The real fun zinger of the day was when Jen and Brett stopped for gelato. Brett got a cone for 4 or 5 euro. Jen asked for a scoop but on a different cone. The guy said it is a little more money and she said ok. He put some cream in the cone, put the gelato on the cone, added little edible cones and doodads including a little umbrella and sparkly pom pom stick. He hands the cone to Jen. “That will be 15 euro.” FOR A CONE OF ICE CREAM! She was blown away and had to have Deanna go get Larrance because he had her money and had only given her 10 to cover gelato. She said it was worth it.
We had our improv show tonight and in the first game I asked for a suggestion by saying “Jen spent 15 euro on a cone of gelato today. What is something you could buy for 15 euro?” Jen laughed and said something along the lines of “hey!” I heard someone say something from the back but didn’t understand. “What was that?” I asked. “We paid 15 euro for gelato too!” Jen found a friend.
Tomorrow, Pisa?
Today in Rome was fantastic. Deanna had planned a tour for us since she was here last year. We took off at 8:00am. All of us. Even Mike. Mike was actually early and everyone else was late by one or two minutes…which was enough for Mike to feign outrage (he is always the late one).
We’ve mastered the train system by now, so we bought our tickets and hopped on a train. We took a different route out of the San Piedro stop this time that lead pretty much straight to the Vatican, and was a little more scenic. The weather was fantastic and I have some glorious photos.
Summary of locations I remember: Vatican, Castle Sant’angelo, Piazza Novaro (or something close to that name), Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and a few things that we just came across that I don’t have the names of.
The nice thing about this time of year is that there aren’t many tourists. There are still a lot of tourists, but I guess it is CRAZY in the summer.
Some interesting things that happened along our journeys…there are people roasting chestnuts and selling them. All over. We stopped for coffee and I saw a guy roasting some and thought “I’ve never had roasted chestnuts.” It was 5 euro for a scoop of about 8 of them, so I bought some and we all tried them. I don’t think it is something I’m anxious to eat again, but glad I tried it.
The real fun zinger of the day was when Jen and Brett stopped for gelato. Brett got a cone for 4 or 5 euro. Jen asked for a scoop but on a different cone. The guy said it is a little more money and she said ok. He put some cream in the cone, put the gelato on the cone, added little edible cones and doodads including a little umbrella and sparkly pom pom stick. He hands the cone to Jen. “That will be 15 euro.” FOR A CONE OF ICE CREAM! She was blown away and had to have Deanna go get Larrance because he had her money and had only given her 10 to cover gelato. She said it was worth it.
We had our improv show tonight and in the first game I asked for a suggestion by saying “Jen spent 15 euro on a cone of gelato today. What is something you could buy for 15 euro?” Jen laughed and said something along the lines of “hey!” I heard someone say something from the back but didn’t understand. “What was that?” I asked. “We paid 15 euro for gelato too!” Jen found a friend.
Tomorrow, Pisa?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
11/5/08: Day 11: Naples
This is our second time in Naples. This is also the second time that I haven’t made it off the ship in Naples. I think we’re planning on Pompei next time around…because it is our last time here in our first four months.
So, aside from the great news early this morning about Obama winning, I didn’t do much.
I’ve been tearing into Italian via Rosetta Stone hoping I’ll at least be able to better understand the language in the remaining few weeks we have here. I’ve been able to get by with “Caffe Latte” and “gratzi” so far.
Tonight was our sketch show. Show number two. This crowd wasn’t as responsive as the last, but they still seemed to like it. There are a couple of songs that will hit harder with an American crowd. Not just because of the English barrier, but because the American sense of humor is different than the European sense.
Deanna has a big day planned in Rome for us tomorrow.
So, aside from the great news early this morning about Obama winning, I didn’t do much.
I’ve been tearing into Italian via Rosetta Stone hoping I’ll at least be able to better understand the language in the remaining few weeks we have here. I’ve been able to get by with “Caffe Latte” and “gratzi” so far.
Tonight was our sketch show. Show number two. This crowd wasn’t as responsive as the last, but they still seemed to like it. There are a couple of songs that will hit harder with an American crowd. Not just because of the English barrier, but because the American sense of humor is different than the European sense.
Deanna has a big day planned in Rome for us tomorrow.
11/4/08: Day 10-11 Pt. 2 (read pt 1 first)
Oh goodness. Part two takes place around midnight our time…6pm EST. The results from the first closed polls were minutes away. Deanna and I fell asleep.
This was all part of the plan. We would sleep with the TV on and when it woke us up we would be further into the voting. Problem. The TVs switch to the “menu” channel after being on one channel for a long period (probably about 2 hours). We both woke up to the music on the menu channel around 2:30am (8:30pm EST).
“Let’s change to CNN.” Problem. The remote wasn’t working. It would control the power and the volume but not the channels. There are a few unmarked buttons on the remotes that I thought were for programming it and thought we might have reprogrammed it while lying on it.
Earlier Brett had said he was going to go watch in the library. I had said I was definitely out because of how sick I was…but my plan at that point was to watch in the room and that was no longer an option. We headed out to the library.
No one was there, and the TV was static on the navigation channel with no remote to be found. So…TO THE GYM!
In the gym we turned on a couple of the exercise bike TVs but they had no volume. That was when I remembered there were two flat screens in the dumbbell room that I remembered hearing volume on…AND…one was always set to BBC, the other to CNN. Score!
Deanna and I watched the results in there. We pulled over two weight benches, inclined them, and were locked in. During a break I called reception to see if they had extra remotes since ours wasn’t working. She said that there was a problem with the TVs, not the remotes. No one was getting reception. I wonder if it was because so many people tried to watch the same channel at the same time. I don’t know.
A lady came in to work out and was watching with us. She was very careful about asking questions. She got to “so, where are you guys from?” When we said Chicago she said “so…you’re for Obama?” Yes. Bam. “OH! Me too! I’m so excited! I wanted to watch from my room and the TV wasn’t working!”
Once the polls closed in the west coast and they announced the prediction that Obama won the lady started jumping and clapping, Deanna started crying for joy, and I just felt relief.
I really thought McCain’s concession speech was great. It made me realize at least that he is for a unified America and that Palin was more responsible for the tactics encouraging the “boo”s from the crowds. Palin is the Jerry Springer Show of politics.
So, at 6:00am-ish (12:00am EST) after listening to Obama’s acceptance speech, Deanna and I went to bed.
This was all part of the plan. We would sleep with the TV on and when it woke us up we would be further into the voting. Problem. The TVs switch to the “menu” channel after being on one channel for a long period (probably about 2 hours). We both woke up to the music on the menu channel around 2:30am (8:30pm EST).
“Let’s change to CNN.” Problem. The remote wasn’t working. It would control the power and the volume but not the channels. There are a few unmarked buttons on the remotes that I thought were for programming it and thought we might have reprogrammed it while lying on it.
Earlier Brett had said he was going to go watch in the library. I had said I was definitely out because of how sick I was…but my plan at that point was to watch in the room and that was no longer an option. We headed out to the library.
No one was there, and the TV was static on the navigation channel with no remote to be found. So…TO THE GYM!
In the gym we turned on a couple of the exercise bike TVs but they had no volume. That was when I remembered there were two flat screens in the dumbbell room that I remembered hearing volume on…AND…one was always set to BBC, the other to CNN. Score!
Deanna and I watched the results in there. We pulled over two weight benches, inclined them, and were locked in. During a break I called reception to see if they had extra remotes since ours wasn’t working. She said that there was a problem with the TVs, not the remotes. No one was getting reception. I wonder if it was because so many people tried to watch the same channel at the same time. I don’t know.
A lady came in to work out and was watching with us. She was very careful about asking questions. She got to “so, where are you guys from?” When we said Chicago she said “so…you’re for Obama?” Yes. Bam. “OH! Me too! I’m so excited! I wanted to watch from my room and the TV wasn’t working!”
Once the polls closed in the west coast and they announced the prediction that Obama won the lady started jumping and clapping, Deanna started crying for joy, and I just felt relief.
I really thought McCain’s concession speech was great. It made me realize at least that he is for a unified America and that Palin was more responsible for the tactics encouraging the “boo”s from the crowds. Palin is the Jerry Springer Show of politics.
So, at 6:00am-ish (12:00am EST) after listening to Obama’s acceptance speech, Deanna and I went to bed.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
11/4/08: Day 10: Valletta, Malta Pt.1
Bummer number one…I couldn’t find a falcon. I really got my mind set on buying a Maltese Falcon. That’s about the only bummer and it is super minor.
Malta is beautiful. It is old. Filled with all sorts of fortifications from many wars gone by. I need to read up more on this place. It has been ruled by many countries and during old times (I’m told) was a place for Catholics to avoid religious persecution and find refuge. The Maltese language is a mix of Italian and Arabic. Anytime I’ve seen Arabic it was written in their alphabet. The stuff around here is all written in the English alphabet…it was interesting to see the more Arabic words spelled out.
Deanna and I just walked around to see things. We had to be on the ship by 2:00 so we couldn’t really go to far. We may try to get to some Neolithic ruins next time we’re here…maybe.
Today as I’ve been sick and Deanna has too we’ve been mostly hanging out watching election coverage. As I type this it is 8:40pm. 1:40pm Chicago time. We won’t see polls start to close until 1:00am. Right now McCain is on doing a speech in Colorado. Ugh. I swear, if he calls us “my friends” one more time…ugh.
I’m really hoping Obama wins. I’ll have to figure out where I’m going to live otherwise. Let’s drill now, right? McCain knows how to deal with our enemies. He knows how to deal with our friends, right? He says so. I guess he forgot about his record.
I’m going to go vomit now.
There will be a part two to this day.
Malta is beautiful. It is old. Filled with all sorts of fortifications from many wars gone by. I need to read up more on this place. It has been ruled by many countries and during old times (I’m told) was a place for Catholics to avoid religious persecution and find refuge. The Maltese language is a mix of Italian and Arabic. Anytime I’ve seen Arabic it was written in their alphabet. The stuff around here is all written in the English alphabet…it was interesting to see the more Arabic words spelled out.
Deanna and I just walked around to see things. We had to be on the ship by 2:00 so we couldn’t really go to far. We may try to get to some Neolithic ruins next time we’re here…maybe.
Today as I’ve been sick and Deanna has too we’ve been mostly hanging out watching election coverage. As I type this it is 8:40pm. 1:40pm Chicago time. We won’t see polls start to close until 1:00am. Right now McCain is on doing a speech in Colorado. Ugh. I swear, if he calls us “my friends” one more time…ugh.
I’m really hoping Obama wins. I’ll have to figure out where I’m going to live otherwise. Let’s drill now, right? McCain knows how to deal with our enemies. He knows how to deal with our friends, right? He says so. I guess he forgot about his record.
I’m going to go vomit now.
There will be a part two to this day.
Monday, November 03, 2008
11/3/08: Day 9: Sea/Birth Day
Today is our one sea day on the cruise. As I mentioned before, we’ve been looking forward to this for rest. I think I went to bed around 11:30pm or so.
Today is also my birthday. Brett gave me his cold for an early birthday present so I was in bed until 10:00. Deanna woke me up and I distinctly remembered thinking “C’mon…it’s my birthday. At least wait until my alarm goes off at 9:00.” Then she said something along the lines of “…we should go get breakfast. It’s 10:00.” That woke me up.
I do not like missing breakfast on the ships.
We had breakfast and lunch. I started kicking in to learning Italian via Rosetta Stone again. And Brett came by with a great gift…a 6-pack of Bravo Root Beer. For whatever reason in the last month or so I got on a big rootbeer kick. I was telling Brett about this in Barcelona yesterday and I guess he was listening. I’m about to enjoy one now.
Today is also my birthday. Brett gave me his cold for an early birthday present so I was in bed until 10:00. Deanna woke me up and I distinctly remembered thinking “C’mon…it’s my birthday. At least wait until my alarm goes off at 9:00.” Then she said something along the lines of “…we should go get breakfast. It’s 10:00.” That woke me up.
I do not like missing breakfast on the ships.
We had breakfast and lunch. I started kicking in to learning Italian via Rosetta Stone again. And Brett came by with a great gift…a 6-pack of Bravo Root Beer. For whatever reason in the last month or so I got on a big rootbeer kick. I was telling Brett about this in Barcelona yesterday and I guess he was listening. I’m about to enjoy one now.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
11/2/08: Day 8: Barcelona
Yike. It was raining today. We were up at 9:00am to say goodbye to Monica and go into town…except the weather delayed our exit. Around 11:30 I got bored and decided I wanted to go. Deanna and Brett came with. We met a few of the singers and a dancer from the production cast and they let us know the ropes as far as where the crew shuttle is and what to see in the town.
Deanna, Brett and I headed up La Rambla. A long strip of road with little shops. It actually stopped raining for a while.
From there Brett and I split off to head back through the gothic area and check out a mall near the shuttle stop.
Other than that, business as usual. The ship took off a little late, and once we got out to sea it was rocky and will probably be more so tomorrow on the sea day.
Deanna, Brett and I headed up La Rambla. A long strip of road with little shops. It actually stopped raining for a while.
From there Brett and I split off to head back through the gothic area and check out a mall near the shuttle stop.
Other than that, business as usual. The ship took off a little late, and once we got out to sea it was rocky and will probably be more so tomorrow on the sea day.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
11/1/08: Day 7: Villefranche (Nice)
France!
Of the three languages we come across (aside from English) on this cruise French is my worst and it is a tie between Spanish and Italian for slightly better than worse.
Villefranche is a nice little town in France that is very close to Nice and relatively close to Monacco. We stayed right in town today. I wasn’t really out there for too long. We wanted to make sure we were all on the ship in time so we hadn’t planned a lot. I went in, walked around, had coffee with the others while they ordered food, and went back to the ship to work out for the first time.
With all of this site seeing we haven’t been on the hunt for internet cafes. I can’t imagine I’ll be looking for one until we get back to the states…so pictures might be a long time coming.
I’m planning on changing the template for my blog and cleaning up the side links once we get to an internet café. So, once this looks different you might want to scroll back down through old posts to see if there are photos or videos.
Of the three languages we come across (aside from English) on this cruise French is my worst and it is a tie between Spanish and Italian for slightly better than worse.
Villefranche is a nice little town in France that is very close to Nice and relatively close to Monacco. We stayed right in town today. I wasn’t really out there for too long. We wanted to make sure we were all on the ship in time so we hadn’t planned a lot. I went in, walked around, had coffee with the others while they ordered food, and went back to the ship to work out for the first time.
With all of this site seeing we haven’t been on the hunt for internet cafes. I can’t imagine I’ll be looking for one until we get back to the states…so pictures might be a long time coming.
I’m planning on changing the template for my blog and cleaning up the side links once we get to an internet café. So, once this looks different you might want to scroll back down through old posts to see if there are photos or videos.
Friday, October 31, 2008
10/31/08: Day 6: Livorno (Pisa)
Happy Halloween! Today we were up and off the ship at 8:30am with plans of going to a little walled city called Lucca. To do that we needed to take a shuttle, to a bus, to a train, to another train. About 1.5 hours of travel in all. The nice thing is we’ve got this travel by train thing down already. And the trains are a smooth ride…not like the L in Chicago.
The only downfall was that it was raining…or as the captain always says “liquid sunshine.” One of our main goals was to rent bikes and ride around on top of the wall that goes around the city. Fail. Too wet. We did get another phenomenal Caffe Latte and had a long meal.
I was beat. I was really struggling during the meal to stay awake, and this was at 2:00pm. I needed to be awake for a VIP party at 7:00pm and a 10:45 improv show (which went great).
Thinking back on the last contract I had with Second City we were dreading sea days. Those in the know will recall a sea day is just that. You’re going from one location to the next and it means one full day will be at sea. We have one sea day on this itinerary and we are looking forward to it so we can just chill.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
10/30/08: Day 5: Civitivecchia (Rome)
Let me start off by saying “that was close.” We had planned to meet right off the dock at 8:00am. If you showed up, you went to Rome. If you didn’t, you decided to stay on the ship. At least that was the plan last night. This morning, when the ship was supposed to have docked at 7:00am but was still out on a rocky sea and heading away from the port, things got fluid. Some people bailed, mostly based on lack of sleep…since we’ve been having a lot of early days and last night was rocky making it hard for some to sleep.
Deanna, Brett, Beth, Monica, TJ and I headed out. A shuttle bus, a walk, and a 50 minute train ride and we were in Rome! Right by the Vatican! We walked around there a bit then headed over to a castle (Castel Sant’Angelo). Deanna went there when she was here last year and it was tops on her list of places to take us because it has a great view of the whole city. I wish I could have spent more time there. It had a lot of history and info about Rome and the Egyptian influence on it years ago. Plus, apparently Voldemort was there years ago (see photos).
Beth, Deanna and I had a small coffee break there…very smooth café latte. Then we headed out to find a place to eat. I got the spaghetti alla carbonara (with eggs and bacon) and it was great. All of us were pretty beat and got back to the ship around 4:40 to try to get a nap in before our 6:00pm call time.
Which leads us to our improv show. It went great! We had a good turn out and Jen made a nice running order.
Tonight is the crew Halloween party…but we’re meeting and leaving at 8:30am tomorrow to hit Lucca and possibly Pisa, so I’m not going. Everyone has been sleep deprived with the mornings as I mentioned earlier.
One nice tidbit…well, kind of. With all of the economic chaos going on in the world right now the dollar to euro value is a little better. I know at one point it was 1.6 dollars per euro and today it was around 1.25 when I used the ATM. Score! What will it be tomorrow?!
Deanna, Brett, Beth, Monica, TJ and I headed out. A shuttle bus, a walk, and a 50 minute train ride and we were in Rome! Right by the Vatican! We walked around there a bit then headed over to a castle (Castel Sant’Angelo). Deanna went there when she was here last year and it was tops on her list of places to take us because it has a great view of the whole city. I wish I could have spent more time there. It had a lot of history and info about Rome and the Egyptian influence on it years ago. Plus, apparently Voldemort was there years ago (see photos).
Beth, Deanna and I had a small coffee break there…very smooth café latte. Then we headed out to find a place to eat. I got the spaghetti alla carbonara (with eggs and bacon) and it was great. All of us were pretty beat and got back to the ship around 4:40 to try to get a nap in before our 6:00pm call time.
Which leads us to our improv show. It went great! We had a good turn out and Jen made a nice running order.
Tonight is the crew Halloween party…but we’re meeting and leaving at 8:30am tomorrow to hit Lucca and possibly Pisa, so I’m not going. Everyone has been sleep deprived with the mornings as I mentioned earlier.
One nice tidbit…well, kind of. With all of the economic chaos going on in the world right now the dollar to euro value is a little better. I know at one point it was 1.6 dollars per euro and today it was around 1.25 when I used the ATM. Score! What will it be tomorrow?!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
10/29/08: Day 4: Naples
First off…I’d like to thank Amanda for her blog. She was on the cast that was here before us and her blog was slightly on the pessimistic side. Probably because they had been to the ports so many times…whatever the case, we thought Naples would be awful. It looks awesome from the ship. I guess we’ll find out next week when we get off the ship.
Today was a lot of rehearsing and then our first show. We only had one show tonight because there are only 1000 English speaking people on board and the theater seats right around that many. Better to seat them all than to have to 50% filled shows…or worse, some uneven 70% 30% split.
As far as first shows go, it went great! We got some great laughs. The show is solid. The next two days we’ll actually have time to get off at the ports, so tomorrow is Rome!
Today was a lot of rehearsing and then our first show. We only had one show tonight because there are only 1000 English speaking people on board and the theater seats right around that many. Better to seat them all than to have to 50% filled shows…or worse, some uneven 70% 30% split.
As far as first shows go, it went great! We got some great laughs. The show is solid. The next two days we’ll actually have time to get off at the ports, so tomorrow is Rome!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
10/28/08: Day 3: Malta
Today we were in Malta…if I remember correctly (typing this a day late). Malta is amazing from the ship, next time we’ll get to go see a little of it I hope. Very rich in history.
Lots of rehearsals and such today. Tomorrow is our first show.
At night we sailed in between Calbria and Sicily…the HOMELAND! It was fun to just be in that area even though it isn’t one of the stops.
Short post. More tomorrow.
Lots of rehearsals and such today. Tomorrow is our first show.
At night we sailed in between Calbria and Sicily…the HOMELAND! It was fun to just be in that area even though it isn’t one of the stops.
Short post. More tomorrow.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Day 2
Look! I’m keeping up with daily updates!
Today we had minor things to do…beside rehearsing. Deanna needed to get her key reset because it wasn’t opening the door, and we needed to go to the finance department to get our cards linked to a credit card. Everything is run through your key card…your door, your spending…that is why wallets seem weird after a bit.
Rehearsals were getting a little more full today. Covering the full show, checking props and such. Other than eating and doing rehearsals I managed to unpack and that is about it.
It is 9:16pm over here as I type this. I’m watching CNN. It’s the European version, which makes the coverage better for US stuff because they don’t seem biased at all. CNN normally doesn’t seem biased…at least nowhere near the bias of FOX News. But European CNN just…well…isn’t in the US, so they are neutral. It is nice to see stories about other countries. Tel Aviv just had a calling to the US people living there to vote. This should be a great turn out, voting-wise. Another thing that is odd about watching the news at 9:00pm at night is seeing the financial report and hearing “the US Stock Market just sounded the closing bell, let’s see the results.” What? It’s 9:00pm! Why would they close so….OHHHHH. They’re probably running things over there on US time. Right.
Tomorrow we arrive in Malta. By “we” I mean “the ship.” Our first show is the day after that so we’ll be busy with rehearsals. I also have a small pile of clothes that needs to be thrown in the dryer and possibly also ironed to get rid of wrinkles.
Today we had minor things to do…beside rehearsing. Deanna needed to get her key reset because it wasn’t opening the door, and we needed to go to the finance department to get our cards linked to a credit card. Everything is run through your key card…your door, your spending…that is why wallets seem weird after a bit.
Rehearsals were getting a little more full today. Covering the full show, checking props and such. Other than eating and doing rehearsals I managed to unpack and that is about it.
It is 9:16pm over here as I type this. I’m watching CNN. It’s the European version, which makes the coverage better for US stuff because they don’t seem biased at all. CNN normally doesn’t seem biased…at least nowhere near the bias of FOX News. But European CNN just…well…isn’t in the US, so they are neutral. It is nice to see stories about other countries. Tel Aviv just had a calling to the US people living there to vote. This should be a great turn out, voting-wise. Another thing that is odd about watching the news at 9:00pm at night is seeing the financial report and hearing “the US Stock Market just sounded the closing bell, let’s see the results.” What? It’s 9:00pm! Why would they close so….OHHHHH. They’re probably running things over there on US time. Right.
Tomorrow we arrive in Malta. By “we” I mean “the ship.” Our first show is the day after that so we’ll be busy with rehearsals. I also have a small pile of clothes that needs to be thrown in the dryer and possibly also ironed to get rid of wrinkles.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Day 0 - 1
Today actually started yesterday, so they blend. Jen, Larrance, Mike, Brett, Deanna, and I all arrived at the airport by 2:45pm on the 25th. As did our director TJ and our producer Beth.
After a 6 hour flight and a 6 hour time difference we landed in Madrid around 7:00am and later landed in Barcelona around 11:00am. While we were in the Madrid airport a girl came running out of a store she worked in and came up to Brett asking if he had an extra Obama button. We were all wearing Obama buttons. She was really excited about Obama and said they were really hard to get “over here.” Jen had gone out and bought us each a button and had an extra, so Brett gave his away. We were told by our friend Wes, who just came back from a week in Italy, that Europeans are paying really close attention to the election and are pretty pro-Obama. For a few days on his trip he was getting negative reactions once people realized he was American…that was before he wore his Obama t-shirt. When he wore the shirt everyone was giving him the thumbs up or saying “yeah! Obama!” or something positive. This election is going to make or break the US in regards to it’s standing with the world. Vote Obama!
A quick shuttle to the pier and we were on the ship. I only really had a couple of hours of sleep on the plane so I was pretty tired. I managed to squeeze in about three little naps throughout the day. We had a safety meeting, rehearsal, etc. The worst part was the safety announcements. They happen every first day of a cruise, and happened right during prime nap time…and they happened loudly. Add to that each announcement got repeated three more times in other languages.
Really tough to stay awake. We had a quick music rehearsal and then all me for dinner for Mike’s birthday.
I think we got back to the room around 10:00pm…and I woke up at 10:00am the next morning. I think I’m pretty caught up on jet-lag.
After a 6 hour flight and a 6 hour time difference we landed in Madrid around 7:00am and later landed in Barcelona around 11:00am. While we were in the Madrid airport a girl came running out of a store she worked in and came up to Brett asking if he had an extra Obama button. We were all wearing Obama buttons. She was really excited about Obama and said they were really hard to get “over here.” Jen had gone out and bought us each a button and had an extra, so Brett gave his away. We were told by our friend Wes, who just came back from a week in Italy, that Europeans are paying really close attention to the election and are pretty pro-Obama. For a few days on his trip he was getting negative reactions once people realized he was American…that was before he wore his Obama t-shirt. When he wore the shirt everyone was giving him the thumbs up or saying “yeah! Obama!” or something positive. This election is going to make or break the US in regards to it’s standing with the world. Vote Obama!
A quick shuttle to the pier and we were on the ship. I only really had a couple of hours of sleep on the plane so I was pretty tired. I managed to squeeze in about three little naps throughout the day. We had a safety meeting, rehearsal, etc. The worst part was the safety announcements. They happen every first day of a cruise, and happened right during prime nap time…and they happened loudly. Add to that each announcement got repeated three more times in other languages.
Really tough to stay awake. We had a quick music rehearsal and then all me for dinner for Mike’s birthday.
I think we got back to the room around 10:00pm…and I woke up at 10:00am the next morning. I think I’m pretty caught up on jet-lag.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dear America....BYE-YIIIIIIIIII!
We're just a little over 22 hours until we're airborn(-e...you know, that vitamin tab you put in water that not only tastes bad but has also been proven to not really do anything but taste bad?).
Today everyone was way more solid as far as material went. Like I said earlier, you gotta sleep on it to make it stick.
We did a lot more work on the songs and got to run it through from start to finish a few times. We came in at 49 minutes without laughs. For you non-theater folks, holding for laughs will extend the show...it is hard to time that when it is just us going over it for the nth time.
I think we're all pretty solid and luckily we'll have a long flight to memorize anything and look at notes. Last time we only had the length of a flight to Miami, and we were dead tired. Tomorrow...I forget...twelve hour flight? Long. That is what I remember.
I have charged my iPod, Shuffle, and PC. Hopefully between all that and a book I bought I'll be okay. I'm hoping there will be a movie, and even more I'm hoping I sleep a lot.
If you know Deanna personally and want to get her blog, email her.
Other than that...BYE-YIIIIIIIIII!
Today everyone was way more solid as far as material went. Like I said earlier, you gotta sleep on it to make it stick.
We did a lot more work on the songs and got to run it through from start to finish a few times. We came in at 49 minutes without laughs. For you non-theater folks, holding for laughs will extend the show...it is hard to time that when it is just us going over it for the nth time.
I think we're all pretty solid and luckily we'll have a long flight to memorize anything and look at notes. Last time we only had the length of a flight to Miami, and we were dead tired. Tomorrow...I forget...twelve hour flight? Long. That is what I remember.
I have charged my iPod, Shuffle, and PC. Hopefully between all that and a book I bought I'll be okay. I'm hoping there will be a movie, and even more I'm hoping I sleep a lot.
If you know Deanna personally and want to get her blog, email her.
Other than that...BYE-YIIIIIIIIII!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Holy Crap! and A Follower
You guys...it is Thursday night. We leave in less than 48 hours!
Rehearsals started yesterday. 9am-6pm. So...day jobish. Yesterday after rehearsal we had told a bunch of people we were having a going away party type thing. All of our cast showed up and a nice assortment of mostly improvisor friends showed up. Thanks to everyone who came out, it was great to see you...especially if I knew who you were.
Our show line up includes two group songs that are improv based and those have taken up the majority of our time. The first day we worked part one and pretty much nailed it. Easy as pie. I was kind of thinking "whoa! Awesome! If that was easy the second one should be too!"
Well...
We're definitely getting it, but it was no easy task. Part of the difficulty is that there is a quick little callback to the first song in it which requires us remembering the first four lines. If we nail that...rock stars.
Every part of me just wants to pack and be ready. That will have to wait for tomorrow night at the soonest.
So, one more day of rehearsals that includes more work on the songs then running from open to close a few times. We'll still have some rehearsal time on the ship, but people are itching to get to the ports in Europe.
Also, I have 1 Follower. Hi Mr. B. I don't know who he is but he is listed as a follower of my blog. Yay.
Rehearsals started yesterday. 9am-6pm. So...day jobish. Yesterday after rehearsal we had told a bunch of people we were having a going away party type thing. All of our cast showed up and a nice assortment of mostly improvisor friends showed up. Thanks to everyone who came out, it was great to see you...especially if I knew who you were.
Our show line up includes two group songs that are improv based and those have taken up the majority of our time. The first day we worked part one and pretty much nailed it. Easy as pie. I was kind of thinking "whoa! Awesome! If that was easy the second one should be too!"
Well...
We're definitely getting it, but it was no easy task. Part of the difficulty is that there is a quick little callback to the first song in it which requires us remembering the first four lines. If we nail that...rock stars.
Every part of me just wants to pack and be ready. That will have to wait for tomorrow night at the soonest.
So, one more day of rehearsals that includes more work on the songs then running from open to close a few times. We'll still have some rehearsal time on the ship, but people are itching to get to the ports in Europe.
Also, I have 1 Follower. Hi Mr. B. I don't know who he is but he is listed as a follower of my blog. Yay.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Math
I've been trying to take a nice little chunk out of each day to work on lines. I really don't have all that many lines to memorize when it comes down to it. Our show is on a ship traveling through Europe...so English may still be a majority language from time to time on the ship, but if so...barely. Thus, our running order is more on the side of music and physicality.
I've found that memorization is easier with breaks. If I work on lines a little each day for a week before rehearsals I have the advantage of sleeping at night each day. Every night I sleep after working on lines makes them stick. A much better technique than working on them all day Tuesday (the day before rehearsals). Just like cramming for a test I guess. Sure, you'll remember the answers for the quiz the next day...but what about the next week and the next?
While I was working on lines I started trying to memorize the running order. Sometimes when you're out on stage you don't get the luxury of getting to go backstage to look at a running order and see what is next. I think I'm out for 3 or 4 in a row at one point...which is pretty common. As I was doing this I noticed that I was in a lot...of the 17 things we're doing, I'm not in 4. That's awesome. I also realized that that won't necessarily mean I'm in a majority of the show. Of our 45-50 minute show I'm already guaranteed to not be in 7-10 of those minutes (the Pictionary sketch). So, time-wise it probably works out evenly between everybody.
This time around Deanna and I are doing two contracts in a row for sure. Hopefully more if we're not burnt by then. Strangely, this has become the trend. It used to be the people doing the boats would do one and then there would be a big window of time in between them going on another...OR...it would be one person going for a year straight with some plan in mind of paying off bills and moving to LA or NY.
The current cast on the Gem all resigned on for a second contract (so they have been on 8 months and we're coming to take over). I might be misinformed, but I believe the cast of the Dawn just did the same...at least some of them did.
I'm itching to go.
In other news, my phone is acting like an idiot. I've had to reset it (take off the back, pop out the battery, pop back in) about 5 times today. Good that I won't even be using it in Europe. Also, my laptop (specifically the DVD ROM) is acting up. We bought it when we first went to Maine, so it is getting old. I'd love to pay off some debt before gaining some.
I've found that memorization is easier with breaks. If I work on lines a little each day for a week before rehearsals I have the advantage of sleeping at night each day. Every night I sleep after working on lines makes them stick. A much better technique than working on them all day Tuesday (the day before rehearsals). Just like cramming for a test I guess. Sure, you'll remember the answers for the quiz the next day...but what about the next week and the next?
While I was working on lines I started trying to memorize the running order. Sometimes when you're out on stage you don't get the luxury of getting to go backstage to look at a running order and see what is next. I think I'm out for 3 or 4 in a row at one point...which is pretty common. As I was doing this I noticed that I was in a lot...of the 17 things we're doing, I'm not in 4. That's awesome. I also realized that that won't necessarily mean I'm in a majority of the show. Of our 45-50 minute show I'm already guaranteed to not be in 7-10 of those minutes (the Pictionary sketch). So, time-wise it probably works out evenly between everybody.
This time around Deanna and I are doing two contracts in a row for sure. Hopefully more if we're not burnt by then. Strangely, this has become the trend. It used to be the people doing the boats would do one and then there would be a big window of time in between them going on another...OR...it would be one person going for a year straight with some plan in mind of paying off bills and moving to LA or NY.
The current cast on the Gem all resigned on for a second contract (so they have been on 8 months and we're coming to take over). I might be misinformed, but I believe the cast of the Dawn just did the same...at least some of them did.
I'm itching to go.
In other news, my phone is acting like an idiot. I've had to reset it (take off the back, pop out the battery, pop back in) about 5 times today. Good that I won't even be using it in Europe. Also, my laptop (specifically the DVD ROM) is acting up. We bought it when we first went to Maine, so it is getting old. I'd love to pay off some debt before gaining some.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The "One Week" Mark
Here we are. One week.
The nice thing about this time out on the ships is our flight leaves at 4:30 in the afternoon. So we can sleep normally, get ready, and head out.
Last time our flight left aroudn 4:30 or so...in the morning. I remember getting there and we all decided to check our bags with the sky cab so they would go through faster. There were two guys. Everyone in the cast managed to make it through with one guy while I was helped by the old guy. Let's just say service wasn't speedy.
Shows last night were fun. Crowds were a little lighter than I had hoped, but fun all the same. My secret plan was that if the crowd was rockin' and someone seemed super into it I was going to take the "sports genre" to the next level and throw my jersey to them. I have both of my jerseys still.
Here's a secret game I would play while at ComedySportz to keep players on their toes, and possibly in their heads. If it is a rhyming game or some fast paced talking game, before we start I would whisper in someone from the other team's ear "Don't say AIDS." Or if it was someone next to me in a rap game I might whisper "Don't say SIDS" and then set them up to rhyme the word "kids."
It's psychology. That's all they would think about and they would either fight past it or crumple in confusion at not being able to think of anything else. My favorite time this happened was a game called worlds worst where you try to show the worlds worst thing to do or say in a situation based on the suggestion. We were in an auditorium on a remote and the sound was really echo-y. The suggestion was "teacher" or something...maybe not that. I told Josh "don't say AIDS." He was the first person to step forward and said "Look mom, I got A's!" As in "on my report card." All of the players, because of the echo, heard "Look mom, I got AIDS!"
I thought it was the boldest move to go up and be all "I'm not scared to say it."
Memories.
The nice thing about this time out on the ships is our flight leaves at 4:30 in the afternoon. So we can sleep normally, get ready, and head out.
Last time our flight left aroudn 4:30 or so...in the morning. I remember getting there and we all decided to check our bags with the sky cab so they would go through faster. There were two guys. Everyone in the cast managed to make it through with one guy while I was helped by the old guy. Let's just say service wasn't speedy.
Shows last night were fun. Crowds were a little lighter than I had hoped, but fun all the same. My secret plan was that if the crowd was rockin' and someone seemed super into it I was going to take the "sports genre" to the next level and throw my jersey to them. I have both of my jerseys still.
Here's a secret game I would play while at ComedySportz to keep players on their toes, and possibly in their heads. If it is a rhyming game or some fast paced talking game, before we start I would whisper in someone from the other team's ear "Don't say AIDS." Or if it was someone next to me in a rap game I might whisper "Don't say SIDS" and then set them up to rhyme the word "kids."
It's psychology. That's all they would think about and they would either fight past it or crumple in confusion at not being able to think of anything else. My favorite time this happened was a game called worlds worst where you try to show the worlds worst thing to do or say in a situation based on the suggestion. We were in an auditorium on a remote and the sound was really echo-y. The suggestion was "teacher" or something...maybe not that. I told Josh "don't say AIDS." He was the first person to step forward and said "Look mom, I got A's!" As in "on my report card." All of the players, because of the echo, heard "Look mom, I got AIDS!"
I thought it was the boldest move to go up and be all "I'm not scared to say it."
Memories.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rizzutto/Rizzuto and Lasts
Tonight is my last ComedySportz show for good and my last Beatbox show until I return. Last night was Deanna's last show and she was a ref. I had mentioned something about doing a few bits for her if she wanted. Basically I was just going to dress like a ref and carry her out at the show opening and start of second half. But, she wanted me to team ref. So I did. She also picked all the games without letting the teams know what they were. Normally they get to pick their own. It was the most playful show I had seen in awhile. Apparently, in an effort to be playful with Deanna and throw her curve balls as well, Jon Forsythe put on a hat and shouted 5 things suggestions from the audience and Deanna didn't notice until the end of suggestions. I was out of the room and missed it.
As for Rizzutto/Rizzuto. There is one place in Italy I need to go to before I die. Calabria. It is where the Rizzuttos are from and there is even a Capo de Rizzuto. Calabria is on the tip of the boot:
(Here is where you would have seen a map, but my dad clicked on it and he got a virus...hopefully you didn't...regardless, BYE MAP!)
It just so happens that our ship goes straight through that passage when we go from Malta to Naples. I'm hoping it will be good enough for pictures. Tamara, I get to see Calabria!
As for Rizzutto/Rizzuto. There is one place in Italy I need to go to before I die. Calabria. It is where the Rizzuttos are from and there is even a Capo de Rizzuto. Calabria is on the tip of the boot:
(Here is where you would have seen a map, but my dad clicked on it and he got a virus...hopefully you didn't...regardless, BYE MAP!)
It just so happens that our ship goes straight through that passage when we go from Malta to Naples. I'm hoping it will be good enough for pictures. Tamara, I get to see Calabria!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Oh no...AND, 9 Days!
9 Days Left! Today I bought a couple of new white shirts...button-down and fitted...for the show.
Other than that, I've been on a root beer kick lately. It started when I saw that Jewel/Osco (grocery store) had Jones Soda root beer on sale. All of their sodas are in bottles by the 4-pack. Lately, instead of just going back there I go to a nearby mart and by a can of A&W root beer.
Jones soda root beer is the best. A&W is pretty good too.
Today, the mart was out of A&W, but had Barq's (Barq's rootbeer has bite...available in your area). So I bought some. Yuck-o. Still able to drink, but nowhere as delicious as A&W or Jones. Surprise surprise, Robyn Norris...it's made by coke. Coca-cola, churning out crappy drinks since Pepsi came around to compare it to.
I don't remember who...maybe Jeremy...but I had a minor debate over whether barq's had caffeine or not and I knew for sure it did because "Barq's root beer has bite...available in your area." That little jingle stuck in my head for good.
9-days!
Part of our show is a song about an audience member with a specific format to it...originally done in a show with Horatio Sanz and Jerry Minor. Jerry Minor was on SNL for awhile (as was Horatio) and then did some other stuff. He has a video on youtube that I will include below. I think it is funny because he is talking hard about all the money he makes from residual paychecks...and then shows the checks and their amounts.
Keep in mind he is doing a character/mockery of typical youtube posts complete with bad editing effects. *WARNING* swears and stuff.
Other than that, I've been on a root beer kick lately. It started when I saw that Jewel/Osco (grocery store) had Jones Soda root beer on sale. All of their sodas are in bottles by the 4-pack. Lately, instead of just going back there I go to a nearby mart and by a can of A&W root beer.
Jones soda root beer is the best. A&W is pretty good too.
Today, the mart was out of A&W, but had Barq's (Barq's rootbeer has bite...available in your area). So I bought some. Yuck-o. Still able to drink, but nowhere as delicious as A&W or Jones. Surprise surprise, Robyn Norris...it's made by coke. Coca-cola, churning out crappy drinks since Pepsi came around to compare it to.
I don't remember who...maybe Jeremy...but I had a minor debate over whether barq's had caffeine or not and I knew for sure it did because "Barq's root beer has bite...available in your area." That little jingle stuck in my head for good.
9-days!
Part of our show is a song about an audience member with a specific format to it...originally done in a show with Horatio Sanz and Jerry Minor. Jerry Minor was on SNL for awhile (as was Horatio) and then did some other stuff. He has a video on youtube that I will include below. I think it is funny because he is talking hard about all the money he makes from residual paychecks...and then shows the checks and their amounts.
Keep in mind he is doing a character/mockery of typical youtube posts complete with bad editing effects. *WARNING* swears and stuff.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
11 Days
Remember how we got our scripts 13 days before we left last time? Well that would have meant we got them on Sunday...but our producer isn't in the office on Sunday. So that would have meant yeasterday, but it was Columbus Day. So, naturally we would get them today, right?
Right.
We did!
There are only two or three repeats from our last cruise. One of which is the scene "Pictionary." This scene is originally from back in the Stephen Colbert and Steve Corell days. We had it in our running order before, but I wasn't in it. It became sort of a joke between me and our friend Mike who has also worked on ships. If you're not in Pictionary (a 7-10 minute sketch that involves 4 people) you have time to yourself. I wasn't in it last time, and Mike has been on ships twice where they had the sketch and he wasn't in it.
Well, it is in again and I'm out again. I'm planning on making little videos backstage during my time so be ready for that.
Right.
We did!
There are only two or three repeats from our last cruise. One of which is the scene "Pictionary." This scene is originally from back in the Stephen Colbert and Steve Corell days. We had it in our running order before, but I wasn't in it. It became sort of a joke between me and our friend Mike who has also worked on ships. If you're not in Pictionary (a 7-10 minute sketch that involves 4 people) you have time to yourself. I wasn't in it last time, and Mike has been on ships twice where they had the sketch and he wasn't in it.
Well, it is in again and I'm out again. I'm planning on making little videos backstage during my time so be ready for that.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tonight Was Different
I blog simply because today there was a story.
Lately I have been pretty lazy. I'm under two weeks until we leave so I've tidied up my activities...perhaps a bit prematurely. I have some freetime...that's what I'm trying to say.
Today was very lazy. All I had planned was a massage at 4pm. A few things happened that were all lazy in nature. Around 7:00pm Deanna texted me and asked if I wanted to go see some friends who had moved to New York, but were in town. I was nearly asleep and listening to David Cross. I was tired/relaxed, but thought I should get out of the house.
As Deanna and I were walking to the get together we came to an intersection. Diagonally across the intersection was a white guy who started beating up a black guy...well, he looked like a 13-year old from our vantage point. People around him were doing nothing. The white guy's girlfriend was screaming "MIKE! MIKE, STOP!"
I did what I could from the opposite corner and yelled "HEY!" in a loud boom. Mike takes off running after throwing the guy to the ground. A guy in an SUV whips his car around to help not-Mike, all while Deanna is yelling stuff like "oh! Now you're just going to run away?!"
This is when I leave Deanna's side and run after them. I figure I can at least catch up to his girlfriend to get information on Mike if necessary. As I'm running there is a big crowd in front of this club/restaurant called The Spot. They're kind of blocking the way and kind of wondering what is happening. I see the girlfriend way on the other side of the mob still running and yelling "Mike!" I say to the people "That guy just beat someone up!" as I start to weave through them. The bouncer tells me the guy who got beat up had started it all the way back by them. I stop running. "He did?" "Yeah, he was provoking him."
This is when I just walk back to meet Deanna and see if this guy (we'll call him "Idiot"...you'll see)is ok. Idiot is talking to the SUV driver, but kind of getting in the driver's face a little. Saying stuff like he's from the south side and he doesn't back down from anything. Being smart, the SUV guy gets in his car and as he does, Idiot slams the door shut for him. Deanna and I cross the street. Idiot crosses the street.
It is clear that Idiot is under a mix of alcohol and adrenaline. He is looking right at me, with a few cuts on his head and blood coming out of his mouth...but he is looking at me with a fight or flight look in his eyes. More on the side of fight. Deanna says to me "the police are right there", just across the intersection.
I ask Idiot, "are you okay?" To which he responds with "are YOU ok?!" and more of his "I don't back down" talk. Then, he shoves me. Not hard, but enough for me to be through with it. "Police!" I bellow and across they come. As they're pulling up I manage to tell him that the SUV driver and I were just trying to help. Give my side of the story, and carry on.
I'm glad I didn't have to fight him. I wasn't worried about fighting him...probably a little easier to take on a guy a foot shorter than me who is drunk and has already been beat up.
Luckily I've had years of training via walking down Clark street during baseball season.
Lately I have been pretty lazy. I'm under two weeks until we leave so I've tidied up my activities...perhaps a bit prematurely. I have some freetime...that's what I'm trying to say.
Today was very lazy. All I had planned was a massage at 4pm. A few things happened that were all lazy in nature. Around 7:00pm Deanna texted me and asked if I wanted to go see some friends who had moved to New York, but were in town. I was nearly asleep and listening to David Cross. I was tired/relaxed, but thought I should get out of the house.
As Deanna and I were walking to the get together we came to an intersection. Diagonally across the intersection was a white guy who started beating up a black guy...well, he looked like a 13-year old from our vantage point. People around him were doing nothing. The white guy's girlfriend was screaming "MIKE! MIKE, STOP!"
I did what I could from the opposite corner and yelled "HEY!" in a loud boom. Mike takes off running after throwing the guy to the ground. A guy in an SUV whips his car around to help not-Mike, all while Deanna is yelling stuff like "oh! Now you're just going to run away?!"
This is when I leave Deanna's side and run after them. I figure I can at least catch up to his girlfriend to get information on Mike if necessary. As I'm running there is a big crowd in front of this club/restaurant called The Spot. They're kind of blocking the way and kind of wondering what is happening. I see the girlfriend way on the other side of the mob still running and yelling "Mike!" I say to the people "That guy just beat someone up!" as I start to weave through them. The bouncer tells me the guy who got beat up had started it all the way back by them. I stop running. "He did?" "Yeah, he was provoking him."
This is when I just walk back to meet Deanna and see if this guy (we'll call him "Idiot"...you'll see)is ok. Idiot is talking to the SUV driver, but kind of getting in the driver's face a little. Saying stuff like he's from the south side and he doesn't back down from anything. Being smart, the SUV guy gets in his car and as he does, Idiot slams the door shut for him. Deanna and I cross the street. Idiot crosses the street.
It is clear that Idiot is under a mix of alcohol and adrenaline. He is looking right at me, with a few cuts on his head and blood coming out of his mouth...but he is looking at me with a fight or flight look in his eyes. More on the side of fight. Deanna says to me "the police are right there", just across the intersection.
I ask Idiot, "are you okay?" To which he responds with "are YOU ok?!" and more of his "I don't back down" talk. Then, he shoves me. Not hard, but enough for me to be through with it. "Police!" I bellow and across they come. As they're pulling up I manage to tell him that the SUV driver and I were just trying to help. Give my side of the story, and carry on.
I'm glad I didn't have to fight him. I wasn't worried about fighting him...probably a little easier to take on a guy a foot shorter than me who is drunk and has already been beat up.
Luckily I've had years of training via walking down Clark street during baseball season.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
2 Weeks!
Before it turns into tomorrow I thought that I should post about the journey. TWO WEEKS! I checked my emails from last year and saw that we received our scripts 13 days before our departure date...so any day now.
Last night I had my last ComedySportz show with Deanna. We still both have shows next week...just not with each other. Before that show I sat in for someone in the 8pm show. Half to more-than-half of the audience was a tour group of seniors (old people...not 12th graders). Every CSz show has a half-time that lasts about 5-10 minutes. In that show we had said half-time and came back. Pretty much as soon as the second half started every one of the seniors got up and started heading out. The ref and captains were on stage talking about what the first game of the half would be as they always do in the show.
I was on the bench thinking "we have to call this out or wait for it, guys...50 seniors walking out at the same time is going to catch a few eyes." As that was happening, one of the ladies who liked our team and who I had high-fived came over to me on the bench and said "We love the show. We've been going since really early and we're tired. Everyone just wants to go back to the hotel and sleep." So, I stood up, filled in the rest of the audience on the news, and solicited a round of applause for them for at least coming out. Distraction averted. At the end of the show one man said "a the remaining old person in the theater I'd like to tell you you guys did a great show."
Next Friday marks my final CSz show and my last beatbox show as well.
Last night I had my last ComedySportz show with Deanna. We still both have shows next week...just not with each other. Before that show I sat in for someone in the 8pm show. Half to more-than-half of the audience was a tour group of seniors (old people...not 12th graders). Every CSz show has a half-time that lasts about 5-10 minutes. In that show we had said half-time and came back. Pretty much as soon as the second half started every one of the seniors got up and started heading out. The ref and captains were on stage talking about what the first game of the half would be as they always do in the show.
I was on the bench thinking "we have to call this out or wait for it, guys...50 seniors walking out at the same time is going to catch a few eyes." As that was happening, one of the ladies who liked our team and who I had high-fived came over to me on the bench and said "We love the show. We've been going since really early and we're tired. Everyone just wants to go back to the hotel and sleep." So, I stood up, filled in the rest of the audience on the news, and solicited a round of applause for them for at least coming out. Distraction averted. At the end of the show one man said "a the remaining old person in the theater I'd like to tell you you guys did a great show."
Next Friday marks my final CSz show and my last beatbox show as well.
Dear America, We're Idiots
I'd write about what's going on with me leading up to the ship, but I'm distracted. Remember when you realized the country was more than 50% idiot? You will find out for sure in early November. Watch to see the overwhelming logic of the McCain supporter.
She doesn't trust Obama because he's an Arab? AND she read that somewhere?
A) I'm blown away that there are any people supporting McCain at all, especially after picking Palin as a running mate.
B) If you are a McCain supporter and I know you, please don't be as stupid as these people. Don't vote for McCain just because he's white, or not an Arab.
If you're a McCain supporter, do yourself a favor. go to www.hulu.com and look up "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart". Yes it is a comedy show...but a comedy show that researches well. Watch the shows that happened the day after debates. There have been very few times when Obama says something that they can find Obama from the past contradicting. There have been MULTIPLE TIMES when McCain will say one thing and they will show video of him saying or doing the exact opposite.
And I thought the last election was important. And I know we blew that one. Maybe our dollar will be worth something again. Or maybe we get sold into slave labor when Palin becomes president.
She doesn't trust Obama because he's an Arab? AND she read that somewhere?
A) I'm blown away that there are any people supporting McCain at all, especially after picking Palin as a running mate.
B) If you are a McCain supporter and I know you, please don't be as stupid as these people. Don't vote for McCain just because he's white, or not an Arab.
If you're a McCain supporter, do yourself a favor. go to www.hulu.com and look up "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart". Yes it is a comedy show...but a comedy show that researches well. Watch the shows that happened the day after debates. There have been very few times when Obama says something that they can find Obama from the past contradicting. There have been MULTIPLE TIMES when McCain will say one thing and they will show video of him saying or doing the exact opposite.
And I thought the last election was important. And I know we blew that one. Maybe our dollar will be worth something again. Or maybe we get sold into slave labor when Palin becomes president.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Cubs Follow Up
I saw this in Jewel today. $14.95. I think that the publisher might not have been following baseball for the last 100 years.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Open Letter to Jen Shepard
How dare you comment on stuff I haven't even posted. HOW DARE YOU!
(P.S. Deanna has a super cute hair cut that she'll be in charge of posting pictures...check her facebook)
(P.S. Deanna has a super cute hair cut that she'll be in charge of posting pictures...check her facebook)
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sports...Not Sportz
If you live in Chicago you know about the Cubs and the Sox. There was a lot of talk about "magic numbers" and such. Well, I barely follow baseball. I check on the cubs games anytime I need to travel through/near Wrigley Field.
I HAVE been privy to the Trail Blazers though. They won in '76. I know because everyone was listening to the game on their radios...at least our red VW Bug and the car that hit us/we hit. Not too terrible of an accident. I was young, but I remember it knocked one of the shiny chrome hub caps off and I saw it rolling around out the window. Oddly enough, that is the only memory I can think of with that car.
I digress. Trail Blazers...they drive me nuts. Not so much them, but the fans. A.K.A. Blazer Belivers. If you don't follow sports like I don't follow sports you kind of get a sense for whether a team will actually pull through. The Blazers made it to the playoffs or finals a few times, but I knew they wouldn't win. I was right.
Now the cubs are in the playoffs. It is exactly 100 years since they won the world series. Everyone is excited and extremely superstitious.
I gotta tell you...I'm not feeling it. I haven't the whole year. And what happens? They have lost their first two play-off games.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't mind sports...it's the fans. I can chose to watch or not watch sports. Easy choice. What's harder is being around the people who talk about it constantly, especially at this time of year when "they could go all the way."
I read a lot of different friend's blogs and there are about 4 that I just sort of skim through now 'cause it's all cubs stuff.
22 days.
Also, I did my last ComedySportz remote last night. Did I mention I'm stopping CSz? I am. It is time. Will I do it again when we finish doign boats? Who knows. I don't think so, but who knows where we and things will be.
I HAVE been privy to the Trail Blazers though. They won in '76. I know because everyone was listening to the game on their radios...at least our red VW Bug and the car that hit us/we hit. Not too terrible of an accident. I was young, but I remember it knocked one of the shiny chrome hub caps off and I saw it rolling around out the window. Oddly enough, that is the only memory I can think of with that car.
I digress. Trail Blazers...they drive me nuts. Not so much them, but the fans. A.K.A. Blazer Belivers. If you don't follow sports like I don't follow sports you kind of get a sense for whether a team will actually pull through. The Blazers made it to the playoffs or finals a few times, but I knew they wouldn't win. I was right.
Now the cubs are in the playoffs. It is exactly 100 years since they won the world series. Everyone is excited and extremely superstitious.
I gotta tell you...I'm not feeling it. I haven't the whole year. And what happens? They have lost their first two play-off games.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't mind sports...it's the fans. I can chose to watch or not watch sports. Easy choice. What's harder is being around the people who talk about it constantly, especially at this time of year when "they could go all the way."
I read a lot of different friend's blogs and there are about 4 that I just sort of skim through now 'cause it's all cubs stuff.
22 days.
Also, I did my last ComedySportz remote last night. Did I mention I'm stopping CSz? I am. It is time. Will I do it again when we finish doign boats? Who knows. I don't think so, but who knows where we and things will be.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Ok...It Is Starting To Hit Me
Today, as I realized it is now October, it started to hit me.
We leave in just over 3 weeks. I've been playing video games and chillin' mostly. Soon it will be scripts and rehearsals.
While packing I found 4 various notebooks filled with either sketch/comedy ideas, stuff I saw in airports or other locations that struck me as odd enough to be potentially used for something, notes on improv shows I coached, and other various things.
In the "stuff I saw in airports" I wrote "two twins trying to eat each other."
I couldn't remember the memory at first and it seemed like an odd thing. Then I remembered it was two toddlers. Still...what the hell.
We leave in just over 3 weeks. I've been playing video games and chillin' mostly. Soon it will be scripts and rehearsals.
While packing I found 4 various notebooks filled with either sketch/comedy ideas, stuff I saw in airports or other locations that struck me as odd enough to be potentially used for something, notes on improv shows I coached, and other various things.
In the "stuff I saw in airports" I wrote "two twins trying to eat each other."
I couldn't remember the memory at first and it seemed like an odd thing. Then I remembered it was two toddlers. Still...what the hell.
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