Blast from the Past: A Star Is Born (Not)

Wednesday, 7 March

I debated putting this up, but then decided that if I can’t laugh at myself, I can’t laugh at anyone or anything else.  So, here goes.

Let me set the stage first.  On our “unwritten” bucket list was transiting through a wonder of the modern world — the Panama Canal.  We checked that voyage off the list in 2002 when we cruised from San Diego, California to Ft Lauderdale, Florida aboard Celebrity’s Infinity.  It was a great experience, filled with new and exciting ports.  The highlight, of course, was the day we spent cruising the Canal from one end to the other.  What an amazing feat of engineering; so much history in every grain of soil and every drop of water.

We check off the Panama Canal Transit from our bucket list in 2002.

But that’s not the topic of this post.

One of the stops on our itinerary was Acapulco, Mexico.  Infinity was in port until 11:00p.  Ships are barred from offering entertainment while they are in port — unless they hire local talent.  And that’s what Celebrity did.  They brought onboard not only a mariachi band, but a national folklore group based in Acapulco.

A colorful local show lures us to the theater.

We seldom attend shipboard shows — but we made an exception on this night.

We seldom (actually never) sit front-row, center at any show that we might attend — but we made an exception on this night.  You see, videotaping of shows isn’t usually allowed, but because there were no copyright issues, Celebrity was making an exception.  Of course, Mui wanted to tape the show.  What followed is his fault.  That’s my story, and I am sticking to it!

There we were, dead center in the front row so Mui could run his camera without the distraction of passengers moving about in front of him.  It was a lovely show, and I was enjoying the colorful costumes; the upbeat music.  I was minding my own business when I suddenly found myself on stage!  Yes, on stage!!!  And here’s the proof that I have kept hidden all these years.

I have to admit — after the shock of finding myself on stage wore off, I had a good time.  I even graciously accepted the congratulations of fellow passengers who stopped me everywhere I went to congratulate me on my stardom (true story, and more embarrassing than being in the show).

Since then, I have been more than content sitting in a dark corner in the rear of entertainment venues.  Mui can sit up front with his camera if he so chooses; not me.