STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF ... YOU?

Week 13

Day 1

Well, the 13th week started off just as superstitious people would envision it. Had to get up today for full crew immigration. I knew it was going to take a while but I didn't realise it was going to take as long as it did. It was compounded by the fact that we also arrived late into port today. I'm guessing some guests were pissed, but for crew who only get so few hours off the ship, we reserve the right to be even more pissed.

By the time we cleared immigration and got off the boat it was already past noon. What a bad start to the day.

Now for some interesting news. And some sad news.

First, remember the whole deal with the name of the cruise line being celebrity and whether celebrities actually came on the ship? Well, apparently they do. Retired celebrities anyway. Cruise director came and told us tonight that KC from KC and the Sunshine band is on this cruise. Yay?

Sad news. My beloved 16" stagg crash which has served me so well in the last legs of my college life and also my excessive abuse after has finally come to the end of it's life. A crack has appeared. It's still alive now but it's only a matter of time before it dies. Le sigh.

Day 2

I resumed my practice again last night and have not heard a peep from anyone. Let's hope it stays that way.

Day 3

Another day in Boston. Last time I'll be here for now. Revisited Harpoon Brewery today but with some buddies. Who's to pass off free beer? Come on.

Day 4

Last time in Portland Maine. Gotta say, as strange as it is being here once in two weeks for only a few hours, I've actually seen all of Portland that I want to see. I know there are probably more touristy things to do like visit museums and art galleries and stuff like that, but as far as experiencing Maine goes, I'm pretty content with my explorations so far. I've had some delicious local beer, some delicious local food, and I've seen some pretty astounding and beautiful places, most of which do not require entrance fees. So there you go. I think I'm very well satisfied with my pseudo vacation to Maine.

Day 5

It was raining ridiculously today in Bar Harbour. Now I'm not usually one to stay on the ship when i have the opportunity to go somewhere but rain in Bar Harbour is probably not the best idea. And I was originally planning to go and explore more of the National park and maybe hike up a mountain. Firstly, my shoes would not survive that trip in the rain, and secondly I would've caught pneumonia in this weather. So I stayed on the ship. On a port day. For the first time. Sadly it was ridiculously boring.

We got to play yet another show with Mr Classical pianist tonight. Second time around is way better. He still doesn't listen to my time though, so it's not as smooth as it can be if he actually knew what performing with a band is really about.

Day 6

Once again we arrive in Halifax. It was cold and raining so we decided not to go out as far as I normally do in Halifax. The weather this cruise has been horrible. Rain everywhere. Now I've always mentioned that I like the rain but not when I'm trying to be a tourist. Geez weather, get your crap together.

Day 7

There's something special about sea days. The fact that there is absolutely nothing to motivate me to get up any earlier than noon coupled with the fact that sea days are perfectly predictable when it comes to what I'll be playing that night (read: we play production shows on sea days so I know the music already) makes for a very special day (read: boring). Cheers.

Day 8

I told myself to go up today to the open deck and catch a view of the surrounding hills as we sailed into Quebec. It's supposed to be really gorgeous with the trees changing colours all along the way as we coast up the river to Quebec city. 

BUT, there was a crew party last night and I was up till 5. And so I slept in yet again and missed it for the third and final time. 

Also, because I'm such a nice guy and because there clearly is nothing to do in Quebec city after 10pm besides clubbing, I took port manning for a buddy on the ship. Means he gets to get off the ship and I don't. It's kind of a big deal because this is the last ever overnight we'll ever have so there's no swapping. It does come with it's benefits though - I got a free gin and tonic. Cool beans.

BIG THOUGHT FROM THE MIDWEEK.

This post marks the end of my 13th week working on this ship. It marks the third month. It marks the HALFWAY point in my very first contract.

No I have not gotten sick of the food yet.

No I have not gotten sick of sea life yet.

No I have not gotten sick of being on a boat yet.

No I have not gotten sick of basically travelling for free yet. (Hey I had to rub it in)

No I have not gotten sick of the work yet. (if that happens I really shouldn't be in this line of work eh?)

Halfway there baby. 

More news from the last time I'll be in Jersey. See you there folks!