The lectures and crafts have been wonderful. Things are made even better by the outstanding On Location team. Alice has learned to make a necklace, two bracelets and a floral hair adornment. Each of these took place poolside at 9:00 AM on succeeding days. I joined her on another day, and we were taught to weave bracelets using all natural materials.
Together we met everyday in a class led by ukulele master, Doug. He is a very patient man who has been playing ukulele for over 50 years. Our class of 30 learned how to sing and play a Tahitian song. As we mastered this song, he taught us new chords, another key and chord progressions. We were soon striking Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Dream Dream and Happy Birthday. Before he and the team leave us in Papeete, we will perform in the Crows Nest.we have not missed any of Doug's classes and are getting comfortable with our playing. We look forward to the performance.
Doug has been encouraging the class to continue with the ukulele after the cruise. He recommends looking for used instruments in the concert or tenor sizes. These have more room for fingering the frets. He also advises taking just a few refresher lessons, and teaching ourselves from there using teaching aids. He is very practical.
It is funny to overhear conversations in the Lido or showroom with people complaining about the boredom of sea days. I heard one man, as I walked laps on the deck on the second sea day, saying he could not wait to go ashore. I would have loved to hear him on sea day eight.
The sea has been very calm with gentle swells. No need for sea sickness bags to be put out. The temperature is steady in the middle 80's. Water temperature has been 84 - 86. Sunrises and sunsets have varied from ho-hum to spectacular. Can you tell how happy we are?
Holland America's response to our request to extend our cruise offered no discount on the fare, no prepaid gratuities, no luggage transfer and loss of our airfare home from Singapore together with forfeiture of two nights hotel and transfers there. So, we will go home from Singapore.
After some discussion we have decided to book the World Cruise for 2017. The itinerary is very attractive. It will even give us the opportunity to take a side trip to the Taj Mahal. This has long been on our Bucket List. Table mates Diane and Terri have already asked us to dine with them next year. We are delighted. We are having so much fun together. For example they have taught us how to "score" table decorations after specialty dinners. Our stateroom looks fantastic.
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