I’m on the move and I’m instantly more interesting and less intense. Travel is good.

I’ve become aware of how much I talk to myself. It might explain the strange looks, they might have nothing to do with my appearance (well, maybe the leggings) after all.

There’s a table of ‘hot Swedes’ behind the divider. They are people, not roasted veg for the older reader’s edification.

They’re all long haired and they drive a big white van. Not in the restaurant, that would be madness 😳. The leader of the table is wearing a very low cut wife beater and a lumberjack shirt. Is that a thing? It was in 1992. Oh God. They’re really young and I’m really old. Sad face. Ooh one of them just came back with a gin and tonic #unexpected.

Anyway, I digress. I like the staff on this ship. They are very friendly and they made me something to eat because I did as I was told this time and requested it in advance (you see, I’m LEARNING), but it’s late now and although it was tasty, I’m full. Can I clear my plate without offending anyone or do I have to eat it all? My word. You’re no help, my decision is current and you won’t read this (if you ever do) until tomorrow. I shall have to make a call on it.

I did. She caught me. I had to use the international sign language for ‘it was delicious but I’m full’ which was the truth, but I still feel guilty. I skipped ice-cream for pudding as my penance.

A few happy minutes later… well, I had thought all of this worthy of the blog until I visited the ship shop! I like that. Ship shop. Anyway, Never have I seen such a bizarre range of produce. It deserves mention and lots of snaps.

Bottles of the legendary MINTU might have been expected but what about the three, yes that’s THREE separate displays of whoopee cushions?

Why?! Of course I bought some 👍. The cashier confessed she’s bought loads 😂😍

I resisted. 🦄

I bought in the shop:

Whoopee Cushions: 4 (they came in 4 colours)

Children’s hair slides: 3 packs (it was 3 for 1 Euro and I didn’t let the small matter of not having enough hair stop me)

Strawberry Face Mask: 1 (for immediate use)

Pack of mysterious Squirrel playing cards: 1

White Toblerone: 1 (small)

Moomin story dice: 1 pack

The shower has come away from the wall in my cabin and the dog toilet on the ship is so precariously positioned that I dare not take them back for fear of us all falling overboard but I no longer care 🌈. That was the best shop I’ve ever been in.

Finland, you’ve done me proud. Sweden, you’ve got work to do this week.

Natta x