May 8th

I didn’t sleep at all last night. We had coffee with Baileys last night at dinner instead of dessert. Then after the show we went down and had a coffee which we spiked with brandy before we called it a night.

So I guess 2 coffees before bed is not something I should do again. As you probably read we have a full days of activity planned so I don’t know how I will make out. I may fall asleep n the bus.

As you know I have been really lucky on this vacation. I have been winning things quite regularly. Well last evening I checked in to do one final check of our account and I discovered much to my delight that I won again.

On every cruise that I have taken we have received a booklet called Passport to Value. Basically it is a coupon book. On the back of the book is a place for stamps. When you use a coupon they are supposed to give you a stamp. There is room for 4 stamps I filled out the identifying information and then later dropped the card into an entry box.

I gather my name came out last evening. The prize was $150.00 credit towards your final bill. So we owe 150 dollars less than we expected. That is the first time I have won and I know of no one else who has ever won. They do the draw on that last evening so there would be no opportunity to tell anyone that you had won. I will have to ask Howard and Janeen if they have ever won.

We woke at around six and we watched the ship sail past the Angel’s Gate lighthouse.

 It was still dark enough that the bright green flashing light really stood out. I tried to catch a picture of it with no luck.

At around 8:35 we headed for the princess Theatre to gather for our tour. We were a bit late leaving but it went well with customs etc.

Soon we were on our way. I already posted the description of the tour and it was everything it was supposed to be. We saw so many of the landmarks of LA that our heads were spinning. We got back to the ship around three, so we really got our money’s worth.

Farmers Market

Gromans

Hollywood Sign

Disney Music Center

Olveta

When we arrived in our room Randell was here right away to bring us our glass of sail away champagne.

We then proceeded to open our various promotions. There was a while envelope and in it was an announcement that we were one of the most travelled passengers for this cruise. I was ecstatic; I have wanted that honor but have never reached it. Usually it means a special luncheon with the 40 most travelled. The captain attends and it is very special and included wine and all of the trimmings. Because this is just a short 3 day cruise there is no luncheon with the captain but we have been given the right to have a meal at one of the special restaurants at no charge. We were not all that impressed with the Boyou Café so we will go to Sabatini’s either tomorrow or Tuesday. Ken does not want to miss Italian night at our usual dining room. We will make a reservation that doesn’t conflict with that.

We enjoyed not having to go to the Muster drill and we just relaxed and enjoyed our wine while watching sail away

We went to dinner and the difference without Fred is very noticeable. Even Caesar said that he missed him. The atmosphere is very different. Caesar and Byron have 21 people to serve at the 3 tables. One table seems to be very demanding and very noisy. The guys are probably happy that this a 3 day cruise.

The show in the Princess Theater tonight starred a comedian named Steve Caouette. He was very good. He uses the audience and works off of them. I laughed so hard at one point that I was worried I might get sick.

We are ready to call it a night. I am exhausted and I made certain not to drink coffee tonight.