Last night I ate at The Discovery restaurant. It is the main dinning hall on the ship. As I entered I was greeted by the host. I took a peek in and said that it looked pretty busy and that I would come back later. He insisted that he had a table for me and ask me to follow him. He sat me at a table for two right next to a window overlooking the water. He unfolded my napkin for me, laid it on my lap and told me to have a nice dinner. My server brought me water, wine and a menu. I don't recall all that was on the menu but there were at least 5 choices in each section of the menu. I had a shrimp cocktail, soup (squash I believe), and - much to the surprise of anyone who knows me - Pork on a bed of mash potatoes and asparagus. Cherry brandy gellato was my choice for desert. The meal was spectacular and if this is what they consider "standard dinning" I can't wait for my first specialty dinner at Aqualina tonight.
After a post-dinner conversation with my server about his opportunity to move to Toronto years ago and a chance meeting he had with Miss Canada 1992. I met a couple from Norway who were seated next to me. I had a short conversation about our destination tomorrow. I was advised to cancel my bicycle tour and take the bus trip to the top of the mountain. They told me the view is not to be missed and that I can ride a bicycle anytime. I may have to take their advice.
I went to see the cellist after dinner. This was not my thing at all. Don't get me wrong the guy was incredibly talented but the show was toned for the older crowd. The head of entertainment started the show with rousing rendition of "You raise me up" answering any question I may have had as to why they don't allow weapons on board. I should add that this guy looked straight out of a Vegas lounge. Tanned as dark as possible, Bleach blond hair standing 5 inches above his head and wearing a shiny slim cut suit. He introduced the staff, then informed the audience that his parents are joining us on board and that his mother would be filling in on piano for the show. They are from Toronto. I stayed for a few songs and some lame cello jokes. The beatlies part of the show consisted of a 5 minute medley of at most 3 or 4 songs. As disappointing as it was he did play "All The Lonely People" which is one of my favourites. I promptly left once he announced we had arrived at the opera portion of the show.
It was about 10pm and the sun had just set. I knew I had a half hour before the dance party would begin so I wandered around outside. I think it was pretty cloudy because I couldn't see any stars. There were a few people in the smoking area but other then that it was pretty quiet. I made my way to The Looking Glass Lounge for the party. There was about ten people in the room and only two dancing. The DJ was trying to be as enthusiastic as possible. Spending a portion of my life as a DJ I have to give this guy credit for making the best of it. There was one couple that would only dance to songs by The B52's. They went mad for "Rock Lobster" and the classic "Love Shack". Another couple that would only dance to ABBA. I recall "Dancing Queen" and "Love After Midnight" being played. The remainder of the play list was made up of a little bit of disco and some 50's music. There was a really amusing moment when the dance floor peeked at a whole seven people. The DJ played "Its Raining Men" and one by one I watched as each man on the dance floor awkwardly back away to their seats. Except for one, He danced like there is no tomorrow and gain my respect. I had a few beers and pretty much kept to myself. I called it a night at midnight.
This morning I got up at 7, no sense in wasting my vacation sleeping in. I took a shower, got dressed and made my way to The Windows Cafe located at the back of the ship. They had an impressive buffet set up. I was a bit thrown off by the fact that you don't serve yourself. I asked for Eggs, Bacon and Sausage and the sever gave me my plate and I made way to the seating area when I noticed there was a patio. I went outside and scored a table dead centre next to the railing and sat facing out towards the sea. It was in this moment as i siped my coffee watching the trail of waves the ship left in its wake that my question of "should have got a room with a balcony?" was answered. I am happy to save the thousands of dollars when the best breakfast spot is free. I hope I can get a seat again tomorrow as we cruse through the fjords toward Geiranger.
I returned to my room after spending an hour on the cafe patio to find my bed made, a new basket of fruit, and my ice and bottled water replenished. I wonder if my complementary mini bar would magically fill itself had I taken something last night? An experiment will be made soon. Today is an at sea day and my plans include an extensive amount of nothing. I kind of wish I had downloaded some ebooks while we were still in port because the Internet connection at sea is non-existent. Unfortunately I forgot the book I wanted to read. I am hoping I may find something in Norway along with a hat and some sunscreen. When I went looking for sunscreen yesterday I was directed to the spa. The woman showed me a tiny bottle of SPF30 for $40 American and told me its only for use on my face. I think I will take my chances in the shade.