My first-born started high school yesterday. I've written her this letter - but it's really for me.
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| P&O President Sture Myrmell with Ryan McNaught |
I've never been a fan of those little bricks that kids of all ages seem to love playing with.
In fact, I have cursed those darn hard plastic annoyances many times, stepping on them with bare feet, shrieking first them hobbling with indented soles to nurse my wounds.
Yes, I'm talking about Lego (or as my BFF calls them Lay-go, she's from Adelaide).
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| Brickman Ryan McNaught with his Aria creation |
As you all know, I've got three kids and it's school holidays. That dreaded B words - B O R E D - has popped up on more than one occasion since disembarking from the Eden. I know all you parents are feeling me! Anyway, I love my city and love playing tourist in Sydney, so we've done all the usual haunts over the last few weeks, exhausting zoos and attractions. So, imagine my delight when I was invited to attend an exclusive viewing of the 'Sydney Harbour Icons with Lego Bricks' exhibition last Wednesday, 20 January, at the Museum of Sydney. Bonus mummy points. And, (breathe Honey) P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell would also be there. I was excited enough to meet the Captain of the Eden. Be cool Honey, don't fan-girl out.
So, bundling the kids into our waiting chauffeur-driven chariot (AKA hubby driving the Kluger) we made our way across the bridge in peak hour. We arrived late, dropped off at the front as a non-existent parking spot was sought, and I rushed the kids into the museum.
I don't know what I was expecting, but um, WOW! How the heck do people build these structures? My Lego interest went from apathy to stratospheric respect. Before my eyes was the Opera House, Luna Park, Harbour Bridge and the Aria. All in perfect miniature greatness.
The kids were ushered to build their own ships while I marvelled, yes marvelled at these incredible creations. I quickly spied the man behind these masterpiece, Ryan McNaught, Brick Man and certified Lego professional builder to congratulate him on his art.
Ryan, who thanks his mum for not throwing out his Lego when he was a child, is one passionate, patient builder.
"I don't have OCD, but I like having things in order. And I'll let you into a secret, girls are better than boys at Lego as they know how colours work," Ryan said.
"And everything is based on mathematics. It takes a lot of planning and patience."
As he was talking to a woman who possesses the patience of a cranky toddler and still uses her fingers to count, I knew then and there, I could never have a career in Lego building.
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| Lego Luke Mangan chasing a pig |
As we walked me through the intricate details of the model Aria, Ryan pointed out delightful features such as Luke Mangan chasing a pig in Salt, the X Files' Mulder and Scully in the laundry trying to solve the mystery of the missing sock, and even the Hoff disco dancing with Disco Stu up at the Dome. The more I looked at it, the more delightful details I found - I could have looked for hours.
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| White Party! |
And, for those who didn't know, Sydney Harbour will be four ships deep with the real Eden, Aria, Pearl and Jewel on Australia Day - a first for P&O.
While the kids were busy scoffing sliders and playing with Lego, I sidled up to
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| My Eden with the Eden blocks |
Anyway, I recommend you head down to Sydney Harbour tomorrow (if you're in Sydney) to see the four magnificent ships. While you're in town walk over to Sydney Museum to see the Lego exhibit (which runs until 31 July), 'Sydney Harbour Icons' and if it's not too late to register, get involved with building the Eden in the forecourt. Click Here for the link.
P.S I met the incredible Tracey Spicer at the event! I did fan-girl out, I admit this. But she has been an incredible role model for me and countless women in media.
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| Me with my goody bag |
Just a reminder, I am not paid by P&O and this blog - all the words and images - are solely my opinion and owned by me.
STOP THE PRESS! I have the third and final chapter on #CaptainGate.
If you haven't read Parts I and II, I highly recommend you do that first. Go on, click HERE and HERE now. What are you waiting for?
Last week, I was invited for a walk-around the Pacific Eden. While I was excited to be back on the beautiful girl, my first thought was, "I have to meet the Captain!" Not just to quench my insatiable curiosity, but my readers needed to know!
As we made our way up to the Bridge (I was loitering at the back of the group), a door opened to my right. I turned my head and he was standing right there. Yes, Captain Tony Herriott was there in the flesh, in the doorway, close enough that our noses were nearly touching.
Being uber cool, I almost nonchalantly said "hello". Who am I kidding? I am not cool and never nonchalant, and I think I kinda scared the Captain to be honest. I thrust my hand and grabbed his to shake it, pumping it up and down introducing myself while grinning like a deranged Muppet.
While I was far from composed, Captain Herriott was as cool as the gleaming whites he was wearing. I must admit, I felt a little in awe. He exuded a very confident energy, not completely reserved, but he had an air of seriousness about him and you could just tell nothing would rattle his epaulettes (no, I didn't just swear). I suppose that's why HE is the Captain.
Anyway, the group I was with were greeted on the Bridge by the Second and Third officers who were super friendly and shared some interesting information. I was half listening, but all I really wanted to do was get to the bottom of #CaptainGate.
My opportunity came up. "Does anyone want to ask the Captain a question?" My hand shot up like red poker and I started my very inarticulate spiel.
"Uumm, I was on the Christmas Cruise...."
"I can reveal to you that it was me on the zipline," he said steadily.
At this stage, it hit me that the Captain had read my blog. He was looking straight at me. I couldn't break eye-contact and a little wave of panic zig-zagged through me. Was he upset with me? I nervously chuckled.
"Ohh it was you? You ziplined in the Santa costume? It wasn't a stunt double? Ohh cool........".
I looked up again, and I felt his steely gaze was sizing me up. So, I pulled myself together and thought it was now or never. Ask - but don't interrogate - and find out why we didn't see him during the cruise and if in fact he was aboard.
"So, uh, you were aboard? Lots of passengers were wondering if you were as we didn't see you, and some even wondered if it was a recorded messaged on the PA, " I ventured
The Captain assured us that he was indeed on board and that he was attending to ship business. Being a Captain is busy work. That's the official statement, and I accept his explanation. And that's that.
Now, in not so many words, I deduced that seeings that the Captain is the most important person on the ship, and Red Alert was announced, that it makes sense that the Captain stays healthy - i.e not mingle with potential germ-ridden passengers and stay out of public areas where norovirus bugs were lurking. As a passenger, I want to feel reassured the Captain is healthy and at his best. After all, he is responsible for thousands of lives. We may not have seen him around the Eden, but Captain Tony Herriott was working behind the scenes to ensure the safety of both the crew and passengers. I thank you.
I still wanted to let the Captain know I meant no disrespect with my blog posts and asked him if I had offended him. Warmly he reassured me that he was not offended and that my blog gave him a chuckle.
It seems Captain Herriott has the same sense of humour as me! What an awesome guy.
P.S He graciously posed for some photos while I was trying really hard not to crack up laughing - at myself!
P.P.S I'm not sure why I'm pointing so much. Weirdo
