1633 - Somewhere in the Atlantic I have to tell you, this is the second time I am writing this entry! I was so close to finishing (as in inserting the last picture) when the program hiccuped, and poof, it was all gone. So if I sound a little disjointed, that is why! And no, there is no auto save in this program, and yes, I know better than to not save my work. Stop laughing Itch. First off, it is a lovely day out today, calm seas (3 foot rollers), calm wind (10 knots, I think they said), partly cloudy, and a little cool (65F - not exactly shorts and tee shirt weather). Here was the morning view. This is a gorgeous ship. Whoever designed her did an amazing job. But whoever is responsible for actually running the systems onboard was not nearly as good. This ship is less than a year old, and is supposed to be quite technologically advanced. They have a cool computer system that drives the TV, and is supposed to give you access to all sorts of things, and all sorts of info. So we tried to use it. We tried to book shore excursions - technical issues. We tried to book dinner reservations - can't do that. Can't even get what time your reservations are for that you made standing in line (and getting yourself entered into the computer). I looked at my shipboard account, and noticed that a credit that I was supposed to get wasn't there - so I went to the front desk. They pulled out a bound computer printout to confirm that I was indeed entitled to the credit, but that they couldn't post the credits into the system until the 5th day of the cruise - but the drinks I ordered earlier in the day were in the account! Even setting up Wifi access for the internet was messed up - instructions said do it on the TV. Tried to do it on the TV, but it wouldn't let you. Called the front desk, who told me that I had to talk to the computer salon guy to set up the ID and password - THEN you can use your laptop from anywhere on the ship. Go figure. Even some of the actvities are not all that bright. Take the cooking demonstration this morning. To me, that means we are going to be able to watch someone cook something, maybe get the recipe, and see how it is done. Not here. Here they have it in a lobby (there are better spaces), it gets mobbed, you can't get close to the action, and it turns out to be basically a sampling for specialty restaurants (read upcharge) with people ther eto take reservations if you want. Here is what it looked like from the deck above. But the spaces are fabulous. They have a library that is on the core of the ship (maybe another inspirarion room?). They also have an art disply in the core that is a tree, suspended in the middle of the core, running about 3 stories tall. And after riding the elevator past it a few times, I am not unconvinced that it is a living tree - looks like a giant ficus. Its impressive, especially as you ride the elevator past it. All the way aft, and all the way up, they have a lawn deck. As in a deck with a lawn. And not like some small plot of grass, but a few areas that would hold a couple of nice executive golf holes and a bocce ball tourny. Now, the rub with being at sea is that it tends to send seawater your way, and it gets into everything, no matter how high you put it. And seawater tend to be detrimental to anything that does not naturally live in it. Apparently they are having some issues with the grass, since they were resodding some of it. Yes, every black bag has sod and dirt in it. They have pallets of the stuff. I would not have wanted to be here to lay all the sod out the first time - what a job! Back in that same area, they have a running glassblowing demonstration going on. They make cups and vases, and art. A couple of artisans make up the piece while a third compadre narrates. Guess who it is sponsored by? While we were there, they were making a flattened and twisted vase. It came out really nice. They raffle the stuff off, so people can take home something they saw being made. This is one of the pieces they had made recently - as near as I can tell, it is a piece of art And this is what the open air theater looks like from the back (yes it is covered). Heading further aft, we found a good spot to "look where we had been" over the fantail. And it is amazing what you can do with a well placed railing and a camera with a timer! Now no one can say I was not in any of my pictures! Another nice feature of the ship is that there is quite a bit of live music in the public spaces. This was a string quartet that was playing, but there is also a steel drum group, an acapella quartet, and some others that just show up places. It makes for a really nice atmosphere. I went to the art auction this afternoon - pretty much a bust. Its held by a company I never heard of, and their stuff was not all that great. But some people were buying stuff, so that was good. And free cheap champagne never hurt anyone! Tonite is the first formal night, so I will have to check in with you after I get all duded up for my sweetie! Hope all is well with you all, now that we have a work-around set up for the email issues! See you later! Keep Smiling!!! Your Intrepid Servant, the Timethief Beachbum

Please Note All Images and Accounts of this Adventure are strictly the doings of the Author, and have Nothing to do with the Official Positions or Opinions of Timethief Photography, its affiliated divisions, or anyone associated with the company. If you have any issues with the accounts, how people or places are portrayed, or with any statements of fact, take it up with him! Of course, he'll probably be off on another adventure! Copyright 2000-2010, Timethief Photography All Rights Reserved