Behind the curtain

When we entered the cruise ship it was like slipping behind an invisible "social" curtain. Like mice bumping through a maze, we pretend to explore, but we're secretly looking for something to eat. The grand stairway, nice. The pool, maybe later. Jogging track, no need to go up there. Library, okay. Art gallery, casino, bar, bar, bar, then jackpot!!! There it was, clothed in it's gluttonous glory, the buffet. The place you go to eat between meals. Appetizers, hamburgers, main dishes, pizza, ice cream, desserts all separated by token salad bars. I'm not exactly sure when the omelette bar segued into the panini deli, but in the time it took to turn and grab a fresh slice of pizza, it happened.

In the fantasy behind the curtain, we don't judge. If the person next to you can't decide between the mango gazpacho or the salmon medallions it's perfectly acceptable to suggest they try both. This applies to the main course and dessert as well.

We rested, took the stairs, met some great people, enjoyed shows, excursions and numerous amenities, but they were all activities to create enough room to eat again. I watched a robed man, at six in the morning, as he got a cup of coffee and an ice cream cone. Slowly, he made his way to the elevator licking a swirl of vanilla and chocolate. It seemed perfectly normal.

We had a great time celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. It's so nice to take this walk together and it's fun to slip behind the curtain occasionally (oh, come on, you know what I mean).

Now, it's time to get back to reality, eat a carrot and walk around the block a hundred times.