Loquacious: A Pirate's Life for Me (Cruise, Day 7)

Friday January 22, 2010
Destination: Caribbean Sea (Saturday)

(Note: I am having a major font issue. Sorry for the different sizes and styles. You may not care, but it's driving me nuts! Any tips on permanently fixing this issue?)

Today was a day at sea. Keep in mind, the last time we actually were at sea the whole day, I wasn't quite feeling well. Today, however, I felt good. I was completely recovered from the night before. I felt good enough to walk around the boat, explore the sights, listen to the sounds, and dance to the beat.

My mom and I packed a bag, and set out with the daily cruise schedule, a book, a puzzle book, and video games. We were set. (I also had my large jug of water.)

First up, we headed to the pool side. "Sounds of the Caribbean." Not quite sure that it was authentic Caribbean music, but it was fun, the singers sang well, and the other members of the band were thoroughly excited about their gig. We had, I must admit, already eaten lunch. There was, however, a bar-b-que going on on the deck of the pool. My mom and I had to do a little sampling. Sometimes there's nothing better than a bar-b-qued hamburger, corn on the cob and a little side of fruit.

The Caribbean Musicians (And apparently some weird man, who may have thought I was taking a picture of him. I should crop it- maybe later.)

Next up, napkin folding. This is a serious business. A few things everyone should keep in mind if you decide to fold napkins:

Make sure the napkins are crispy-not crispy dirty, but crispy ironed.
Stiffer napkins fold easier and keep the shape.

Planning a dinner party? I can fold your napkins into a Bishop's Hat or a Lotus Flower. Give me a ring and I'm there.

I was lighting my mom's napkin candle.

Next up, off to hear some classical music. As a super, super, super amateur piano player, i love listening to classical piano music.

On to the next event, swing dancing.

My mom and I were gonna partner together. But, apparently we HAD to have a dance partner. I got put with this weird skinny guy. I think he about whipped my arms out of their socket. I’m no pro at swing dancing but HE was supposed to be the lead. There are four main steps to swing dancing. (Listen to me, er, read me. I sound like I'm an expert.) Well, this dance partner guy, he was TERRIBLE. He said to me at one point “oh the guy isn’t coming over here, it must be because we’re doing so good!” Um, no. Can anyone say whiplash? I'm surprised I can still use my arms and that there wasn't permanent damage done!

All of the things the guy told us to do, well, my dance partner paid no attention to them. And, he was so tall, he’d stretch out his arms, and fling me. My mom commented later about how it didn't look much like dancing, but instead like a violent attack. Imagine for a moment being me. I'm still traumatized. I was relieved when he had to leave early before the class ended.

In the meantime, while I was living through an act of terror, my mom was partnered with the DANCE TEACHER. Everyone was jealous of her because she was dancing with him. As we were leaving the comments were very kind to my mom. "Wow, you got to dance with the teacher! And you were so good too!"

Once my dance partner left, my mom and I just danced together. It was fun fun fun.

Dancing.

We then rushed back to our rooms and dressed all fancy for the evening festivities. Dinner, and then family pictures. We waited in a long line, but then sat and ate a delicious meal. (I tried lobster, which was amazingly much better than the bit of lobster I had tried before.) It was laughable when they brought out the appetizers. Apparently the purpose of an appetizer is to make a person hungrier.

The appetizer.