Deepest, darkest Peru...

We had a great day in Lima a couple of days ago. Unfortunately it was a show day for us so we couldn't be out for the full day, but we managed to fit in quite a lot.

We read in the information that the ship provided that there is often a 'mist' or fog that hangs over Lima, which gives the place (and the people it said!) a dreamlike
quality. At first we didn't witness too much of it, as it just appeared to be a rather grey day, and then cleared into a bright sunny one! That's fine thought - it made it much more enjoyable being able to appreciate the architecture and surroundings in the the nice bright sunshine.

We sampled a little of local fayre after visiting the famous catacombs - rather disturbing if you ask me! Then on the way back to the ship we drove along the sea-front and resort areas, and lo and behold the fog appeared! It was quite odd really - what would have been a sunny beach area was shrouded in quite a thick mist... a little less Lima and a little more Scunthorpe we thought! It was still interesting nonetheless.

We have had two shows on board now, which have both been received very well. It must be said that working with a great team of technical staff and reasonable equipment makes a big difference. There have been times when we have been performing on ships that we have suffered somewhat due to the set up. I can remember an hilarious couple of shows where we were battling with using 2 'lead' mics (microphones that had leads attached) which involved literally jumping over the flex at times, and at others trying to untangle yourself whilst giving your all! Funny to look back on but not really ideal whilst actually performing...

The crew and equipment is much better on the QM2, and it makes it an absolute pleasure to do some of the numbers. The second show was probably my biggest 'solo' wise, so I can enjoy more of our group numbers for our upcoming shows.

It's hard to believe that we have under a week to go already - time really does fly when you're having fun! Sadly, the weather seems to have turned for the worse already - with greying skies and a chilly wind. Hardly ideal for getting the wonderful tan I was after!

Never mind. I am sure it will be worth it when we get into the Chilean Fjords as we have been told they are stunning. Bring on the gloves and scarves - we'll be ready!

Ecuador adventure...

It's been an interesting couple of days as it happens!

I'm currently sat in a hotel room in Quito (the capital of Ecuador). Up until about 24 hours ago we were not even supposed to be in Ecuador until Friday (2 days time) and we were never going to have come as far inland as Quito - over 100 miles from the port. But that's the excitement of ever-changing international travel plans for you...

When we arrived at Heathrow on Tuesday morning to pick up our tickets, we were expecting to fly to Panama City via Miami; spend the night in Panama, and then transfer to the ship in the morning. But as we checked in, we were told we were flying to Ecuador - the following day. Hmmmm

Although all the changes in travel don't make all that much difference to us, it become a little difficult - especially when travelling through America - when your destination and dates have changed and you have no way to prove it! After a few frantic phone-calls to the Agent, we got the details we needed and got through immigration without any trouble.

So we had a very nice morning getting to see a little bit of South Beach, Miami. The weather was good (certainly a little warmer than London!) and it was fab to get to see some of the Art Deco buildings the area is famous for at first hand.

The check-in at Miami brought it's own set of challenges - have to unpack and re-pack our suitcases en masse to try to even out the weight, but it was doable. The 4 hours flight to Quitos felt longer - I guess because we are all a little tired - but was un-eventful.

Ecuadorian immigration went very smoothly, and we all managed to pile into the waiting minibuses, somewhat piled up with our luggage, and we were brought here - to the Swissotel; Quito. It was only when we arrived that we were handed the air-tickets for our THIRD flight tomorrow morning to Esmeraldas.

I think we'll all be relived to finally get on that boat!!