Land again! Days go quickly when one is busy. For staff port days are either a good thing or not such a good thing, depending on which department they are in and what shift they are doing.
It was a bit overcast when we docked but the sun soon started to peek its head out, bringing in some lovely sunshine and a bit of warmth. For a second day in a row I was able to have a leisurely breakfast before heading ashore on a tour.
The tour involved a nice leisurely ½ hour walk along the shoreline then up a hill to a casino to get to the tea party. 2 members of the group opted to get a taxi to the casino to save their not so agile knees and hips, another not so agile 2 started walking earlier in order to go at a slow pace yet still meet up with the tour group at the casino on time. Cheryl and Diana, our guides for the tour, were really lovely and interacted with the guests – taking time to talk to them and answer questions. Now and then Cheryl would point out historic buildings or sites, giving an explanation. Unfortunately I was right at the back of the group with the last straggler or two who were keener to talk to me than taking in the sights. So, I didn’t get the opportunity to take many photographs because as soon as I caught up Cheryl was ready to move on again.
We finally arrived at the casino where we were directed to an enclosed part of the building – almost like a huge black curtain. Tables were set with teacups, sugar, cream, milk and oatcakes and during the show hot tea and coffee were served. In front of a small black platform/stage sat 2 ladies, one played a violin and the other played a guitar, playing a range of Celtic music from Cape Breton Island music to a little bit of Scottish and Irish music. They also sang a few times, including in Gaelic. A dance teacher now and then did a dancing demonstration – French and Cape Breton styles. Unfortunately the lass wore black against a black background so you couldn’t see her and also she danced behind the guitarist and violinist so you couldn’t see the steps which were mainly tap-dancing steps. For a Scottish highland jig she demonstrated this on the floor in front of the audience which was a bit better. The guitarist and violinist also took turns to do a bit of dancing in between playing music and singing. At one point during the show we were encouraged to get up to dance a ceilidh circle dance but guests seemed very shy to get up and take part. In the end I got up and so did another 2 guests; and I managed to persuade Cheryl, one of the guides, to join in to make a small set which included the dance teacher and guitarist. It was fun but hard work on a carpeted concrete floor! Very soon the tea party ended and guests were on a bit of a joyful ‘high’, wishing that the music would continue! A guest comment form was handed out and filled in. A few suggestions were made as to how the tea party-side of the tour could be improved, such as the dancer dancing on the floor instead of behind the musicians and not wearing black. Also sometimes the casino’s background music overpowered the musicians. I didn’t notice but those with hearing aids or hard of hearing did, so perhaps the tour operator will ask the casino to switch their background music off during the show. It is only the 3rd time that the kitchen tea party has been held at the casino so Cheryl and Diana welcomed the suggestions to improve the overall tour experience.
Unfortunately I was not allowed to take pictures in the casino because people were in there who would probably not want to be identified if my pictures got out.
By not wearing a sunhat during my walk, I’ve got a bit sun-kissed but it doesn’t matter. I’m almost ‘glowing’ so to speak. A bit of coconut oil on it and I will be sizzling!!
Tomorrow we dock in Halifax.
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