[Zazu]

Today we concentrated on *not* doing things. We did not go to Ducky Williams' character drawing lesson; we did not go to the Tourist Spanish lesson; we did not go see "Bridge to Tarabithia"; we did not watch "The Art of the Story"; and we *way* didn't take part in "Krazy Karioke"!!!

We still had a full day. We did take in Christine's cooking demo (she didn't find a way to put potatos in the strudel, thank goodness); we did attend a lecture on the history of the Iberian peninsula (now Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar); we did enjoy the afternoon current events discussion and would have attended towel folding if it hadn't conflicted; and as ever, we ate and drank too much. I also sat close enough to the "Disney Tune Trivia" to overhear the music -- got all but one right, and that one was an instrumental piece from "Cars". Gotta go see that again, I suppose.

Another one-off dinner menu tonight, "Transatlantic". Double Baked Guyère Cheese Souffle, Crown of Scallops and Caviar Macedoine; Duck and Armangnac Consumme with Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Chestnuts Quenelles; Grilled "Cote de Boeuf" Madeira and Black Truffle Gravy, Grilled Salmon with Creamy Risotto and a Barolo Wine Sauce, Blueberry Souffle.... Is it just me, or is my cabin actually getting smaller?

I haven't mentioned our dinner companions yet because we weren't sure who they were yet. The first night we and a friend shared an 8-top with a family of five. Two kids who were suffering badly from jet-lag (we have the 8:30 seating), their parents (dad was a bit daft), and grandmother, who was sharp as a whip and most interesting. Alas, the kids made friends with kids on the first seating and they transferred away. The next few nights the head server told us that other families were asking for changes and we'd soon have another family join us. Apparently, this cruise has had more requests for table changes than any six normal cruises, and he seemed a bit harried by it all. The transfer to our table never did happen, so it's just the three of us at the big table. We've decided to start inviting others to join us just so it won't seem so lonely.

Big event this evening: other ships were spotted! A small cargo ship, perhaps 2/3 the size of the Magic, we passed at perhaps half a mile distance. Later a very small sailboat blew past going west at about the same distance. The captain blew our whistle for them and nearly blew them off course!

The strangest thing is that I've actually caught up on my email and have started in on the books and magazines I brought. Some cruises I never get that far, so I consider that a very good sign.

Much better to think it good than to think I'm going daft from too many consecutive days at sea!