There is not quite so much to write about today as we steam ever further south.
Yesterday evening was a “gala” night requiring the donning of tuxedos and ties. This, actually, is not compulsory if one is prepared to take dinner in the Lido on Deck 9 and spend the rest of the evening in either the Winter Garden, Casino,Golden Lion pub, or the Yacht Club on Deck 10. For me, “dressing up” is little different from changing into “smart casual attire.”
Jo and Janet invited me to join them “in civvies” for dinner on Deck 9….we would go to the early Show Night (formal attire only). What surprised me that nowhere in the “prohibited” areas was I given a disapproving look, or asked to leave. People I had got to know on previous voyages engaged me in conversation as usual.
The show was superb, a far cry from the previous two days which failed to impress. Two old guys, multi instrumentalists with Spanish accents, “Duo Yalba,” demonstrated their virtuosic dexterity on a fascinating range of around thirty various string and wind instruments as well as percussion. Their spectacular performance reminded me a little of the Danish comedic pianist, Victor Borge, who had me “in stitches” back in the late 1970s.
By now, my complex of being under-dressed had subsided, and thankfully, I wasn’t the only one.
After the early show, we adjourned to where I was allowed, the Golden Lion Pub where we, that is Jo, Janet and I, scored 50% in a “love song music quiz.” Jo and I returned to a late repeat of the Show Night, for a second helping of “Duo Yalba.” The early show was almost full, and attracted an extensive standing ovation at the end. The second show was far less full, but was, nevertheless, equally well received throughout, but with no standing ovation, except, I am told one person near the front.
This morning, I attended for the first time, an illustrated presentation by Port Lecturer Ruth whose talk on Montevideo was clear, interesting and comprehensively informative. This is where we finish our overland excursion to Iguassu Falls, with a comprehensive tour of the city, surrounding countryside and a winery.
I then collected my passport complete with Brazilian endorsements stamped across half a page, confirming my few days there.
Rain and mist were the order of the morning and even now, 16.00 hrs, heavy showers have made a comeback, putting paid to an afternoon snack al fresco. While not really quite as bad as the Atlantic crossing to Bermuda, today’s wet and blustery weather has made for a slightly disappointing day. But, I did spend time with Jose (not Hose as previously introduced), Aiden, Janet, Jo, Viv and Ginnie from our table, also catching up with previous table companions Liz, Robin and his daughter Lisa who joined the ship at Fort Lauderdale. Peter from that table, celebrates his birthday on 8th February, three days from now.
(6/2/20 06.23hrs)
All nine of us were back at our table for dinner. I then went with Janet and Jo to Show Night, which this evening was a “musical history of Andrew Lloyd Webber. I have to acknowledge his enormous talent for creating the widest “catalogue” of musicals and original melodies.
Jo and I then caught up with with a little deck walking, by which time the winds had subsided.
The final details of my trip to Iguassu falls were delivered to my stateroom and confirmed the usual itinerary of early starts. But, a stunning tour is in store, and makes for a welcome break from the ship.
Thanks for reading, David. (07.10 hrs)
David's Cruise 