Day 16 – #100HappyDays Challenge
Day at Sea
It’s a beautiful day at sea on the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas. Yesterday I wandered the ship getting acquainted with her. I still have more exploring to do since I’ve learned reading the Daily Compass this morning.
Woke up looking forward to coffee and a croissant delivered by room service. Epic fail. It’s not their fault that I’m particular with baked goods (the fresher, the better), or that I prefer lots of cream if I’m indulging in a cup of coffee. I got up and threw my work out clothes on and headed upstairs to the bar I knew could make a decent cappuccino to go, then headed to the outside track to get sone steps in and enjoy the sunrise
A little girl, around 8 or 9, went racing by, dark curls flying, a banana in one hand, flip flops slapping her feet. She had a huge smile on her face, excitement pouring out of her as she waved her banana filled hand in one hand crossing an imaginary finish line. We should all greet the day with that kind of joy.
Snippet of day at sea
The smell of the ocean has disappeared in the scent of sunscreen and chlorine. I am reclining in a lunge chair half shaded from the sun to protect my white skin. I love the sun but its rays are punishing and burn my fair skin to a nice crisp in a matter of minutes
Snippet of the evening
Tonight is the Captain’s formal night. I made my way down to deck 5 emerging into a sea of crisp black tuxedos floating in a kaleidoscope of dresses in search of a glass of wine. I managed to press my way to the bar with the help of several smartly dressed gentlemen. Shortly I held a glass of Pinot to sip, engaging in small talk while catching eyes with a man who I had visited with earlier at the pool. He had asked me to join him for dinner. We smile but I’m swiftly pulled into other conversation drifting away.
Before I know it I’m chatting with a man wearing a jaunty fedora. He’s witty, and a small group of men surround me, their banter flying back and forth as the current of the party pushes us towards the dining room.
Seated at a table of 8, I’m surrounded by 7 men. T is on one side, and J, the slowest hypnotist in the world (it’s on the card he gave me), on the other. J is the kindest, sweetest soul I’ve met in awhile. He was funny and sweet. I adored his easy going nature.
I look around at all the handsome men at the table, wondering aloud why hadn’t the ladies join us? The guys all joke and shrug. The world is a stage, and it looked like tonight I was to be the center of it for a few hours. A place I don’t typically enjoy. I tried to ignore the discomfort, focusing on small talk and the dinner courses meticulously being served by the exceptional server.
We go to an aerial show after dinner that J suggested. Our group merges with others in the singles group and split as we walk the promenade. J leads us to the front row and I’m seated between the two men. He insists being in the front row is the best fun. He’s a seasoned cruiser and his suggestions have been spot on but I also know that those in front also can become part of the show.
The Las Vegas styled show was breath taking. I’m always in awe at the performers talents. We stay for the late night comedian and end up being part of his routine after all – all in good fun of course. Dancing followed until T walked me to my room in the wee hours. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
