To Alexandria, Egypt

During an enjoyable day at sea, we sailed from Athens to Alexandria. It was a nice enjoyable day, and I spent a majority of the day becoming aquatinted with the ship. I also spent time at the ballroom dance class learning to kuduru and another dance. It was a lot of fun.

The following morning we arrived at Alexandria, where I had made arrangements for a private tour of the city. We were only there for a short time, but we definitely made the most of our time there. My guide met me at the port, and we climbed in the van for the ride to the catacombs, which were an extraordinary set of tunnels and tombs with amazing carvings. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures. It was really incredible down there, though. Our next stop was a massive garden complex that also housed the summer residence of the former king of Egypt.

We then made our way to the impressive new library of Alexandria, which was probably the nicest library I've ever been in. The outside was impressive, as was the inside.

We then made our way to a delicious place for lunch where I was able to get some delicious hummus, tabuli, babaganoush, etc. the main course was a delicious white fish. Just a great meal overlooking the ocean.

After a little bit more driving around it was time to return to the ship. After another dance lesson (the cha-cha!), we set sail again for the Suez Canal, that we will pass through tomorrow.

This evening I had a great dinner with the cruise director and my new friend Jean-Pierre (en Français), and afterwards we went to the cabaret night where one if the performers sang several of her favorites, and afterwards, all of the performers were having drinks at the bar and we began talking about our experiences and after I told then I had written a musical they all wanted to hear a piece I had written.

We went to the stage and on the piano I played one of the songs I had written and sang another and the rest of the night we talked about what we've done, what we are doing and what we want to do. It really was one of those nights that you see things clearly. It was so nice to meet so many young performers at the beginning of their careers and to be included it really reminded me of what was important. I really can't tell you what an amazing time we had together. But eventually the night had to come to an end. Thankfully we had many other nights together, and I was greatful to meet a bunch if young people so happy with what they were doing... Truly refreshing. Who knows what awaits the rest of this cruise!