Day 13 - At sea, and a backstage tour

Apologies for the long waffles. I’m planning ahead - so that I can read these blips when I’m in the Care Home, and will remember (possibly) my adventurous days…

There was much cafuffle on board yesterday - we all had to fill in complicated forms for arrival in Singapore. But the staff assisted and printed off the necessary forms. Still the warning of ‘NO CHEWING GUM’. And I remember arriving there in the early 70s, knowing that. And NO long hair on men!

I want to mention here the wonderful Vietnamese guides we have had. They gave us lots of interesting information about life in this Communist country. And what a tragically fascinating history. I will need to read more about it when back home.

We were quite tired after our seven hour day, so had a room service meal out on our verandah, looking out at blackness. But such a pleasant temperature.

Managed to rally enough energy to pop into the wee bar for my medicinal Bailey’s, then on to the 9.30 show. Absolutely top class! Music and songs and dance from around the world.

Today after breakfast and the talk on the importance of Singapore, and the invasion by Japan in 1942.

We stayed on for a talk on the backstage workings of the theatre. How fascinating that was! First of all, the young performers sat on the edge of the stage and introduced themselves. All bright young talented professionals. When they’re recruited (from their home country) they all go for intense training in Tampa, Florida. There are hundreds of young folk there, training for all the various cruise line shows.

Then the cruise director got us all up on stage (maybe about 50 of us) and we got to experience that. She had us learn a few basic dance steps, then did a big curtain opening, with the performers cheering and whooping from the darkness of the stalls.

Then we got to see backstage, the cramped dressing rooms, the carefully stored costumes and props, then up to the lighting, sound area under the ceiling. What amazing technology!

That was SUCH a treat. All the performers reckon it’s the BEST job!

An afternoon at the poolside in a shady spot. JR went to the gym too, and was very impressed with the facilities and the classes on offer.

Out to the steak restaurant tonight. After the restaurant we went to a concert - a Scottish singer, from Edinburgh, Hannah Howie,, who was excellent!