Thanks for your kind words Betty, Leslie, Diane, Rachel and Jim. Will let Ida know about your pink dress Rachel--then again maybe not--she may go out and buy it.

Last night we had our first dinner in Compass Rose--outstanding. Noteworthy was the wine service by Ricardo, sommelier--we enjoyed a Gavi with our seafood (shrimp risotto) course, then one of our fav comp pours Emiliana (Chilean) Syrah (wonderful body) with (pork medallions). We have a large (about 70) gospel/singing ("Festival at Sea") group on board who had their own DJ last night in the Horizon Lounge--was motown nite.

Today is the first of three sea days enroute to Luxor. Jam packed day of activities; two enrichment lecturers (on the middle east); cooking demonstration, dance class with Dieter and Ilse; international buffet on the pool deck, Flambe Tea Time, spinning class. Tonight we go back to P7 for dinner and the vocalist Paul Roberts will provide tonight's entertainment. Last night we had an exceptional guitarist, Vicenzo--we enjoyed his playing so much--will buy his CD when we get home. We also will relish the hour we get to turn our clocks back.