Day 9: Sea day laze to Sydney

Brunch views

Slow and steady - we did not emerge until a 10 am call to brunch. It was perfect timing - we had avoided the crowds and found ourselves perched at a table with views of our wake. And, big bonus, the eager beaver, energetic, noisy, early birds had dispersed and we enjoyed conversation that we could hear, shared in the relative hushed company of our equally laid back late risers.

Headed out to catch the "Jimmy Pumper Cassidy" presentation and I don't mind admitting I wasn't overly enthusiastic - well not as excited as the real owners and punters in the group. As it turned out - he was a fabulous enteelrtainer. Had great personal stories and insights to share. A bloke's bloke and an ordinary bloke with big goals and aspirations. He told hos story of his journey from a stable hand at age 11 to his Melbourne Cup victories. Lots of humour but a genuine message that hard work and sacrifice  can pay dividends. (Pun intended.) This part was great but he was exceptional in his retorts, supported by quick wit and some self deprecation in handling the question and answer session. Was a great addition to the onboard itinerary and a definite old school Aussie larrikin. 

Taking in Pumper's stories

Even more surprising than how good Jimmy was, was the line up to buy bingo cards. Wow. They snaked down the corridor of the ship. With a $5000 guaranteed jackpot for the session, these little stampers couldn't wet their ink fast enough!

Visited the casino - and it was full. @Mac took in the roulette wheel and i qued up behind a lady to watch her methodically build her bank from $500 to $1107. Couldn't convince myself to play but did enjoy her successes.

And yes, we had to pack. But didn't let that interrupted the usual flow of drinks, dinner and a show.

@Gusti and the wait staff put on theor usual song and dance to punctuate dinner - their very own little corner of #Spectacular. The behind the scenes team made an appearance tonight so even more hyped.

When that earned its final round of applause, @Vincent the drink waiters asked @Loraine amd @Mac how they had been enjoying their Irish Coffees over the last few nights. Of course they had hit the spot. @Vincent revealed it wasn't actually something that was on the menu. He had in fact been galloping up and down levels and across venues - had to source the expression from the coffee shop - then visit a bar to get the whiskey and finally had to go to the bakery to get the whipped cream.  How embarrassing.  Now that we knew we could heap a more appropriate level of praise on his efforts!  Amd sadly, I don't have photographic evidence of the creations.

Jad an early splitting finale with a night of rock on the theatre. @Loraine and @Mac were waving theor arms at Led Zeppelin classics and @Mac was belting out the Queen albums in my ear. Each to their own and yes, it was fun. The cast mixed with the passengers to end the night. 

No idea who the extra in the pic was - but 8 cast members - 5 nights of shows - kudos to them

All packed up and ready in the room - just need to clear the safe tomorrow. Our minor challenges is that tomorrow morning we will be donning the last clean pair of bonds ... may have to dosome washing tomorrow night.

Last little creative effort

PS:  Empathy shot .. Getting your sea legs with bands or bunnies.