CAPTAIN SLOG STAR DATE 80.13

Well, we are officially on our way home, no more stops until Fort Lauderdale. The sky has become a little overcast but it's nice to take the pace down a couple of notches, just to be able to relax and recover from the last few hectic days. On reflection, I don't think that I would choose another cruise with such a busy schedule. You need to hit the happy medium, interesting ports and enough sea days to recover.

I started packing today, just the laundry and stuff I won't wear. I've packed the pink case and still haven't decided whether to pack my wheeled carry on inside the new black case or struggle along with three wheeled cases. I haven't bought a lot of stuff but the pink one was heavy.

I went to the trivia quiz with my team. We weren't too good today, a measly 11 points.

I revisited the casino and have decided to call a halt as I have now recovered enough cash and one should not press one's luck. 
There was a jewellery sale when I came out, Pandora compatible bracelets and beads. It was absolutely manic. They had set up tables in one of the open areas and then roped them off.  People were standing up to 20 deep! 

There was a 54321 countdown and then everyone dived in (or dove as the Americans call it). It was like the start of the Harrods sale - without the Chinese!

After about 30 minutes, the rush had died down so I bought some. I can't tell the difference from the real thing but they'll make nice presents and if I keep them, they will all mix and match. I'll probably leave the price tags on as they say $99.95!!

When I got back to my cabin, my card didn't work, so I had to go and get it replaced. 

Once I regained admission, the phone was blinking. Ooh er, I've been invited to tea with Ed and Mark at 4pm tomorrow in their Royal Suite with butler. I have graciously accepted and will try to repair the damage previously incurred on my daughter's career. 

Sorry DeeDee!

There are loads of flying fish about today. Although according to the trivia quizmaster, they just glide, not fly. Well, so does a glider but most people would say they flew! Oh yes and he said a viticulturist grew grapes, not grape vines. Well, you'd be hard pressed to grow grapes on anything else. You just have to go with the flow at these things. We 
are meeting up for another one later on.

It's a poxy formal night tonight, the last one, so I should make an appearance I suppose. I'll check out the me'n'u and see if there's anything I fancy.

The next quiz was in the bar at the back of the ship and I met up with Brian and Angela from Arizona. They are lovely and also a lot of fun. Fuelled with alcoholic assistance, I think we can say that we are probably slightly above average on the trivia stakes at the moment, based on our scores. It would probably help if we stopped nattering in between questions!

As there was a bit of spare time before dinner I sat out on the balcony and watched the dying rays of the sun mark another notch on my travel belt. Only one more day and the long trek home commences.

I was greeted at dinner with a 'Where have you been, we missed you!'. That made me feel quite pleased I had made the effort to go, as, once again, I wasn't overly hungry.
Most people seemed to order lobster which I have never tried and not really fancied, it was also quite large. I went for the quail, for a change and it proved to be a really good choice.

I hung out the do not disturb sign when I got back, determined to have a last chance at a bit of a lie in next morning.