Nightfall

It's dark now, and I sit on the balcony, the air noticeably warmer and more humid as we push out to sea.  Lights twinkle far in the distance.  Is it still Florida?  Or some island whose name I'll never know.  The day's hub-bub has died down, as tired cruisers retreat to their cabins after a long but exhilirating day.  The only sounds I hear are the steady whoosh of the seas pushed aside by this massive vessel, and the soft throb of the ship's engines.  Puts one in a thoughtful mood.

We've really been enjoying the comments.  Keep 'em coming folks!  I  wish I could attach more pictures, but internet on the high seas is quite slow and fairly expensive, so I have to use my minutes wisely.

We had a delightful supper in the main restaurant.   They really treat you like royalty, and the food was outstanding, rivaling any fancy restaurant.  Afterward, Sharon found the casino and, at last report, was doing fairly well.  Cindy and Jeanne toured the stores in the ship's shopping mall while I enjoyed some people watching.  If you enjoy people watching, a cruise ship is a great place to indulge yourself.  Every shape, size, age, color, and tongue.  So many languages!  Each of the 1000 crew people, mostly young folks, have name tags that list not only their name, but home country.  Lots of Filipinos, South Africans, Indians, and Thai.  All with impeccable manners and style.  They have been trained well.

Cindy, Jeanne, and Steve visited the karaoke lounge later in the evening, and Steve took a turn, doing his rendition of Engelbert Humperdinck's old song, "After The Lovin'".  There were some very good singers and some that were, well, not so good.  But all were having a good time and that's all that mattered.

Special thanks to Jane for going the extra mile, battling the elements to care for the cats.  Thanks Jane!  I knew those cross-country skis would come in handy.  To Curt and Molly, we feel your pain with your snow comments.  Been there, done that, but we finally missed one, thanks to Carnival.  Please give winter our regards.

Day One ends.  When we awaken, we'll be docking in Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas.  Not sure what we'll do.  Maybe find a beach?  We're sort of playing it by ear.  Nighty night.