The longest Flight Ever
The longest Flight
Everything seemed to be quite routine as I boarded the airplane heading for Chicago. To my enjoyment, the flight lasted less than one hour. Then the tornados arrived. The connecting flight to Hong Kong would be postponed about six hours because of weather complications. Then, the airline realized that it had no available flight crew until around 1 am the following morning. At this point, the airline allowed us to choose our fate; we could opt to stay in the lounge at the airport or take a hotel room down the road. I opted for the hotel room. An agent promptly led us down to the lower deck where a bus would be waiting. To our dismay, the bus would not contain all of the passengers, including me, so we had to wait for individual taxi cabs. Each taxi cab had to be paid $70 for a one way trip to this hotel. Apparently, the location of the hotel exceeded the close proximity we expected. After waiting in a line outside in the cold Chicago rain and wind, we finally each received a ride to the hotel. Upon getting there, I took a nice hot shower and enjoyed a complimentary dinner in the restaurant. Around 11 pm, we boarded two huge buses which were summoned on our behalf. We went back to the airport, through security, and stood by the gate. Then we left for Hong Kong!
I had a pretty nice seat located in the emergency exit. There were no seats in front of me for about 12 feet, so I could stretch out the ol’ legs. During this 15 hour flight, I slept off and on without any problems, taking care to be awake for all the complimentary beverages and food. It found it very easy to sleep to the point that just closing my eyes caused me to start dreaming although I consciously discerned myself to be awake. I guess something about being high in the sky creates the illusion of reliving the 1960’s. After arriving in Hong Kong, I did what anyone would naturally do. I bought a lovely holiday Star Bucks coffee. Of course, all of my travel expenses get reimbursed after I board the vessel including beverages of holiday cheer. I found it interesting that the Hong Kong airport does not have any music playing whatsoever. This void of sonic activity, while being unnatural to my accustomed norm, made me appreciate music a little more. Then I boarded the plane and passed another 9 hours watching movies and dosing into delirium. The movies, “White House Down” and “Lone Ranger” I do recommend. After arriving in Sydney, Australia, I had little luck locating the shuttle which would transport me to my hotel. Since I could see the hotel in the distance, I opted to walk and enjoy a little a stroll in the nighttime Australian allure. Unfortunately, I took a couple wrong turns that increased the length of this endeavor. In hindsight, it turned out to be a good decision, because the processing of my information the following day made it impossible for me to get off the ship and explore this city. After arriving at the hotel, I went upstairs, showered, and took to my bed.
The following day posed little complications or inconveniences in way of embarking onto the vessel. In fact, I passed the day taking care of details that I anticipated being pushed back for several days. The only oddity I experienced simply had to do with the fact that no other musicians were on the ship to assist. I found myself showing “new hires” around the area and instructing them although I had also just signed on! The bandmaster initially showed up to give me a packet of information and the rundown on basic info, but then he disappeared, and I alone explored the corridors. Locating the sheet music proved to be a task. Eventually I located it about fifteen feet from the stage, but the technician I met advised me to look in the orchestra pit. After going to this room, I can attest that the name “pit” really fits. I can think of another more appropriate word that rhymes with pit hole. The room was full of sheet music scattered everywhere along with broken drum sticks, cases, and luggage. To top it off, there stood an enormous grand piano blocking the entrance. The piano did not stop me from looking around, as I climbed over the piano and continued my determined search for the “guitar library.” I actually laughed out loud at the absurdity of the sight as my feet could find no place to step without defiling these sheets.
The amplifier I’ll be using in the theatre is a Roland Jazz Chorus, a very nice model. I used the exact same amp on the Celebrity Eclipse two years ago. Everything so far looks to be in order. Although today( the first day) went quite well and succeeded in amusing my curiosity, I fear that this routine might become monotonous after weeks and months of it. Nevertheless, here I am, and I will do my best to remain easily amused, an endearing quality for the cruise ship musician seeking employment longevity.
Day 2 Sydney, Australia
I managed to get a tip from the housekeeping officer that if I arrived at 10am at the crew welfare office, I might be able to obtain my A pass card which would mean that I could get off the ship and not miss experiencing Sydney. This all came to pass as my good fortune seemed to be, so, immediately after boat drill, I met up with my old friend Lisa (sax player from the Celebrity Eclipse 2011) and prepared to disembark. We had to wait awhile in a long line because of coast guard regulations, but finally they let us off. Because I did not have much time due to sign on procedures involving safety training and rehearsals, we conservatively planned to take a guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House which could be accessed within fifteen minutes of walking. We enjoyed the tour and saw the famous drama theatre where celebrities like Mel Gibson and the actor who played Gandoff (Lord of the Rings) made their debut performances. After the tour, I parted from Lisa and took a quick stroll through part of the botanical gardens there on the premises of the Opera House.
In the evening, we performed for a classical violinist from England. The charts were very messy to a degree I have not seen in a long time. At times, I had to play accompaniment more by ear than by reading. At one part of the show the guest entertainer wanted me to play “whatever I wanted” at lightening speed. I turned on my rock distortion and went to town. People love musical gibberish. Even the guest entertainer kept complimenting me after the shows while I laughed to myself. I also found myself to be laughing during the shows in disbelief that a company would be paying me to do this; namely, sitting down and playing live while attempting to ascertain what in the heck was written on these charts. I actually came across a chord that does not even exist. It was named H natural. I’m not sure what I played for it. I probably just turned my wah pedal on and filled the measure with sonic crap that lacks tonality of any sort.
This week, I hope to take a small boat up to the Great Barrier Reef and to do some scuba diving. Lisa also dives, so the two of us will make a good team during the coming weeks and months. One can only imagine what sights lie before us.