Day 3- Continued. That afternoon we ate fast food up on deck, and I was consistently happy with the food quality/selection. They always had some interesting pizza selections and pretty good burgers. I think I slept the rest of the afternoon. That evening was formal night. Oh yeah, I read my new Nora Roberts book in the tub. Yes, that tiny tub in our room. I am willing to make ANY tub work. So we got dandied up for formal night. Well, as dandied as we could with what we carried in our backpacks. Twice Charmed was the show for tonight, and I just loved it. The quality of the acting and singing continued to surprise me, and I started the standing ovation. Which was pretty much just me and maybe one other dude...
But they deserved it, and I loved it. After the show, we went to see the ventriloquist in Rockin Bar D's and saw the people we could have been had we brought Veronica along. This poor couple looked miserable with their child who was V's age. We talked to them a bit, and they said "you made the right choice" when we told them how we left her with the g-parents. I think it is just difficult to really relax with a child that young on a cruise in Europe.
The ventriloquist was super funny, but not entirely child friendly which was funny considering it was supposed to be the family show.
So tonight's dinner was the Prince and Princess Meal. The meal was definitely better than the previous night's. Eliza and I got lamb that was so good we ordered more. (I have pictures, but I am an absolute idiot at trying to put pictures in here and can't figure out how to get them onto a webpage from my download folder.)
After dinner, we went to Rockin Bar D's for the "adult cabaret" of the magician. Now this magician was truly something to behold. He was the fulfillment of every cliche that you have ever held about magicians/illusionists.
A slim, dark Frenchman wearing all black comes onstage to rock music that was cool maybe 8 years ago (This Love by Maroon 6 tonight). Suddenly, his thin, blonde assistant appears wearing... a leopard print halter top catsuit. Yep. Imagine that. She dances and dramatically hands him items, and honestly does more impressive illusions than old Phil. (the magician) There was no humor or self depreciation in the entire show, only entirely serious, flashy, magic that you have seen before on television (not done exceptionally well) James and I LOVED it because it was just so ripe for ridicule. The dramatic pauses, the costumes, the slightly worn props, the lacking applause; it was priceless. Oh, and the flourishes when the trick was completed... truly great. We saw every one of this guy's performances. We love to compare him to Gob from Arrested Development and would hum Gob's theme music every time he came on stage. Oh no, I just realize that I said he did tricks. He created illusions, a trick is what a "fallen woman" does for money. (Sorry, I had to quote Gob once)
Day 4- So, we finally get to a port in this trip report! It's Malta! James and I were both pretty excited about this stop. One, because we knew it would be a good introduction to Europe because they speak English and two, because James had read a book about the history of Malta and is really great about making history interesting. That morning we get up early and decide to go up to the buffet for breakfast and watch the ship come into the harbor. I took the opportunity to get my one picture with a character for the whole cruise.
But they deserved it, and I loved it. After the show, we went to see the ventriloquist in Rockin Bar D's and saw the people we could have been had we brought Veronica along. This poor couple looked miserable with their child who was V's age. We talked to them a bit, and they said "you made the right choice" when we told them how we left her with the g-parents. I think it is just difficult to really relax with a child that young on a cruise in Europe.
The ventriloquist was super funny, but not entirely child friendly which was funny considering it was supposed to be the family show.
So tonight's dinner was the Prince and Princess Meal. The meal was definitely better than the previous night's. Eliza and I got lamb that was so good we ordered more. (I have pictures, but I am an absolute idiot at trying to put pictures in here and can't figure out how to get them onto a webpage from my download folder.)
After dinner, we went to Rockin Bar D's for the "adult cabaret" of the magician. Now this magician was truly something to behold. He was the fulfillment of every cliche that you have ever held about magicians/illusionists.
A slim, dark Frenchman wearing all black comes onstage to rock music that was cool maybe 8 years ago (This Love by Maroon 6 tonight). Suddenly, his thin, blonde assistant appears wearing... a leopard print halter top catsuit. Yep. Imagine that. She dances and dramatically hands him items, and honestly does more impressive illusions than old Phil. (the magician) There was no humor or self depreciation in the entire show, only entirely serious, flashy, magic that you have seen before on television (not done exceptionally well) James and I LOVED it because it was just so ripe for ridicule. The dramatic pauses, the costumes, the slightly worn props, the lacking applause; it was priceless. Oh, and the flourishes when the trick was completed... truly great. We saw every one of this guy's performances. We love to compare him to Gob from Arrested Development and would hum Gob's theme music every time he came on stage. Oh no, I just realize that I said he did tricks. He created illusions, a trick is what a "fallen woman" does for money. (Sorry, I had to quote Gob once)
Day 4- So, we finally get to a port in this trip report! It's Malta! James and I were both pretty excited about this stop. One, because we knew it would be a good introduction to Europe because they speak English and two, because James had read a book about the history of Malta and is really great about making history interesting. That morning we get up early and decide to go up to the buffet for breakfast and watch the ship come into the harbor. I took the opportunity to get my one picture with a character for the whole cruise.
As we come in, James is describing to me how the Knights of Malta held various forts that we were passing in the Great Siege and is pointing out where they stretched a large chain across so that ships couldn't get in the harbor etc. It is very neat and interesting and then... the lady from the history walk comes over the loud speaker and attempts to ruin my good time. Again, with her wikipedia information, she tries to impart a sort of "Malta for Dummies" speech without actually knowing anything herself. At one point she is pointing out the large dome on the skyline of Valletta and musing that it must be the Co-Cathedral, while James and I know that it is definitely NOT, but is a much more recent church.
It was truly painful and I felt bad for the people who hadn't done their research and were forced to take this woman at her word. But, as you can see the view was amazing! We went back to the room really quick when we pulled into port and enjoyed the view from our veranda for a few minutes. This was such a nice port.
We had planned the day out and I had printed a map, so we were good to go. Just a bit of advice, I would never pay to do an excursion at this port because it is just so easy to get around and you can save so much money. Even an all day bus pass was only 3 euros I think in case you wanted to go to Medina.
But, we had just planned on staying in Valletta and could walk everywhere. Which is normally just fine, but here is the thing. James is 6'4" and was super excited. I am 4'10" and am in not as good shape. Plus, I had bought some new sandals for the trip. I had broken them in and they were very comfortable, plus stylish. I normally wear crocs any time I am going to be walking a lot, but my mom said that they would laugh me out of Italy if I were to tread the streets in crocs. Hence the new sandals.
But, we had just planned on staying in Valletta and could walk everywhere. Which is normally just fine, but here is the thing. James is 6'4" and was super excited. I am 4'10" and am in not as good shape. Plus, I had bought some new sandals for the trip. I had broken them in and they were very comfortable, plus stylish. I normally wear crocs any time I am going to be walking a lot, but my mom said that they would laugh me out of Italy if I were to tread the streets in crocs. Hence the new sandals.
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