Hey Hey Hey!. Three weeks in now, and we have almost finished our Asian/Middle Eastern/Arabian adventures – Onward and upward to Europe (Very exciting!!)
A week at Sea – Literally!
Our first stop this week was Salalah, Oman. In summary – Awesome food, amazing beach, scarily angry taxi drivers! We were offered a shuttle bus 1km or so up the road to the resort that we were going to for lunch, and our bus was blocked by 3 taxis, because he was stealing their business! They came up to the window and yelled abuse at our driver in Arabic!? It was pretty intense!! We ended up getting off before the confrontation turned ugly and walk. That night we heard that one of the crew had a contact who gave him a lift to where he was going, and again the taxi drivers hurled abuse at his friend who drove him, because he was taking their business?! When they drove off, the taxi drivers threw rocks and bricks at the car?!?!? Absolutely mental?!
After this delightful port, we then had 4 days at sea. This was great from the perspective of getting stuff done! Got lots of stuff done – practice, arranging, organising possibly future collaborations with cast members. And to be honest, we have been very lucky because the sea is very calm! So not complaining. Is just a long time to be “stuck” anywhere (even a 5 star resort!). In keeping busy, though, I took part in the “Dancing with the Stars” show that the cast put on, which was fun! The girls in the cast had been complaining that they always ended up having to dance with the female passengers because not enough males were interested. So I did it partly as a favour, but more so because I figured it would be a good laugh (which it was!) And of course there’s been a few nights in the OB – we even had an 80’s night! After, which I thought it would be a good idea to order room service, but I kind of fell asleep before they got to me, so there was a whole kerfuffle with ringing the room and lots of knocking (All of which I missed….) Sorry Julien!! But all good fun!
And finally at the end of our 4 sea days, on Good Friday, we arrived in Jordan, where a crew tour had been organised to go and see the ancient city of Petra! Now, to be perfectly honest, before this tour, my knowledge of Petra was limited to what Karl Pilkington taught me on “An Idiot Abroad”, and I haven’t seen Indiana Jones (shock-horror?!), so that reference was lost on me. But Wow?! What an incredibly place! Pictures just do not do something like that justice! The exquisite architecture and the sheer feat of engineering to create this place 2200 years ago, is absolutely astounding!! A group of us went exploring – climbing up the rocks to get better views, discovering caves and bridges (with a very healthy spattering of markets, restrooms and restaurants of course! And every second person wanting to offer you a donkey or a camel ride!). A very good Friday indeed!
Music
Musically things have been going well. I am getting more settled, so feeling more comfortable with practice and arranging. A lot of gigs up in the Crow’s Nest this week, as the guest entertainers have been all Comedians, pianist and a string quartet – all of which didn’t require a band. So it’s been cool getting some consistency up with the Hal Cat repertoire and getting through more and more of it each gig.
Yonae has been really lovely, and checking up on me lots this week. I think she’s worried that I’m not settling in or something, because she’s called me for a few “chats”.. We had a few funny moments on the band stand with some mis-communication, which was a little frustrating, and we had some very interesting conversations post performance... I won’t go into detail, but I don’t think the Cruise musician life is one I want to pursue long term. I’m really thankful to have this experience now, and I’m really enjoying it! However, there are just a few things that I view a little differently in regards to music making, and I quite like my current view! I have been having lots of great conversations with our great drummer – Josh, and he has the same views as me, which is really nice!!
We played for the Black and White ball on Wednesday night, which was really fun! All the officers on the ship get dressed up in their formal gear and guests are encouraged to dance with them. And there’s nothing more awkward than a 70 year old American who can barely walk dancing with a 35 year old Dutch engineer!! Very entertaining from the band stand!
But pretty much getting into a good mind set and routine with practice and feeling good!
Otherwise, the food is still amazing, the people are still lovely and the passengers are all really nice. I had an Australian passenger who has been cruising for years offer me his wisdom when we get up into Europe. How to do it all “on the cheap”! I love Australians!
We played for the Black and White ball on Wednesday night, which was really fun! All the officers on the ship get dressed up in their formal gear and guests are encouraged to dance with them. And there’s nothing more awkward than a 70 year old American who can barely walk dancing with a 35 year old Dutch engineer!! Very entertaining from the band stand!
But pretty much getting into a good mind set and routine with practice and feeling good!
Otherwise, the food is still amazing, the people are still lovely and the passengers are all really nice. I had an Australian passenger who has been cruising for years offer me his wisdom when we get up into Europe. How to do it all “on the cheap”! I love Australians!
This Week
- Sea days – Get stuff done!
- Room service – order early, so you actually get to eat it!
- Jordan and Petra is amazing!
- Very much looking forward to Europe!!
- Room service – order early, so you actually get to eat it!
- Jordan and Petra is amazing!
- Very much looking forward to Europe!!
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