shipping forecast

Saturday 18th November 2006

4:30 p.m. CET Had a nice time yesterday with Ida. Fortunately the public transport was a little more reliable this time round so we got to spend most of the day together.

Last night was average, not too busy despite it being the start of the weekend. One of the few Fridays when I have finished early.

Managed to squeeze in some practice this morning, before going into Blankenberge again this afternoon with some of the other entertainments crew. Did some window-shopping and had a coffee on the heated terrace of the ‘Terminus’ again. Went in the band’s van again, fortunately with no near-misses involving trams this time! Unlike the other day, today has been quite sunny but again rather cold.

The relief entertainments manager Malcolm gets off tomorrow, and a new guy comes on along with James for one round-trip, so that he can do hand-over.

Only nine nights to go now… and counting…

Sunday 19th November 2006

11:43 a.m. GMT Last night was very busy in the piano bar but it was an enjoyable evening all the same. There were several groups in for most of the evening, including a group of teachers who were sat piano-side, singing along to most of the numbers and making plenty of requests. Had two encores so didn’t end up finishing until just before midnight. The best night I’ve had for a week.

2:47 p.m. GMT Just been reading the shipping forecast on the BBC web-site. Glad we aren't sailing in the Hebrides tonight. The forecast for this region read,

"HEBRIDES SOUTHEAST VEERING WEST SEVERE GALE 9 TO VIOLENT STORM 11, OCCASIONALLY HURRICANE FORCE 12 LATER. VERY ROUGH BECOMING VERY HIGH. RAIN. MODERATE OCCASIONALLY POOR."