Rulocal

Rulocal

A really nice guy who is working relentlessly for world peace (when sober) Read more🇬🇧Ashton-in-Makerfield

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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
Epidemic !!!
January 23, 2014, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Found out tonight that there are over 500 guests ill with GI problems.
That's quite a big proportion of the total guests on board.
We have been informed that we are not docking at the usual berth tomorrow, we are docking at a different part of town.
Originally I thought this was going to be a fair way out of town, but I've just come up to deck 14 and we are still in the town, just a different part, so really that will work out well as we've seen the other part of the town quite a few times, so this will be something new.
Well I'm saying all this and it all depends how Sheila is tomorrow, if she's still not well, we'll not be getting off at all.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
BOGOF
January 22, 2014 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -10 °C
Eight of us booked a table in Giovanni's last night, as we get a bogof deal on the first night of the cruise, so it's $25 for two instead of each.
It was a disaster though, the food wasn't that good on fact in Sheila and Sues case it was downright bad, Sheila had a T bone steak which was all gristle, and Sue ordered a medium well fillet, which came to the table still mooing in pain and dripping blood.
Maz ordered a T bone and got a fillet which he doesn't like so he sent it back.
But by the time his correct meal came we had all finished ours so he sent that back also.
We complained to the manager but didn't get much response out of him, he just said sorry and promised it would be better next time, well I'm afraid there will be no next time for me, not on this ship anyway.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
Just beat the weather
January 22, 2014 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -14 °C
Our car was booked for 10.30am, but just after breakfast about 9am the snow started, so we got the bell boy to call the limo firm and get the car at 9.30, so we could miss the incoming storm.
It worked out well because after a 30 minute delay in the Lincoln tunnel due to an accident the weather turned worse, and by the time we got to the cruise terminal it was snowing heavily.
The boarding of the ship was a little bit of a shambles, but quite quick.
The ship itself looks as if it's had a refit and is very nice.
Can't go out on deck yet though as there is still quite a few inches of snow out there lol.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
Harlem, NYC
January 20, 2014 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
What a day!
So many New York bucket list items in one day.
Ride the New York subway, see NYC in the snow, visit a genuine New York apartment and go to a Harlem restaurant.
The day started with breakfast at the hotel diner, which was very good.
Then a nice stroll down Broadway to Aimans apartment, from the 29th floor the views over the city are brilliant but even that high up you are still dwarfed by the other sky scrapers.
Then it was of to the subway to get the uptown train to Central Park, the park is beautiful at the best of times, but in the winter months it's spectacular, with the frozen lake and the leafless trees allowing you to see more of the surrounding skyscrapers, reminding you of the unusual location of this beautiful park.
After a rather expensive beer in the famous Central Park Boathouse restaurant, it was off to the subway for another uptown train to Harlem.
This train was a lot older than the earlier train we took, it was just like the rickety old ones you see in 60s movies and American TV shows.
After a while we reached our destination, 125th st station, the furthest north I've been in NYC. We strolled through a very run-down area to our final destination, the famous Harlem, Dinosaur BBQ and Grill restaurant.
I know people usually say, wow that's the best food I've ever had, but this was, the ribs Sheila and I shared were the best we've ever had.
Then after another subway ride back to Aimans apartment to pick-up our shopping (I'd bought some new jeans in the Levis, store, absolute bargain at $23 ) it was a taxi back to the hotel and off to bed, even earlier than usual.
Brilliant day and all thanks to Aiman for taking the time out to show us around.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
NYC
January 19, 2014 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C
Just arrived in NYC, great flight no problems at all, except for a very ropey landing..!
Checked in the hotel and sorted a car for the transfer to the ship on Tuesday.
Just on 7th ave at the min having a burger.
Sheila will be going back to the hotel after this, then I'll prob go for a quick pint and then off to bed.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
NYC
January 19, 2014 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C
Just arrived in NYC, great flight no problems at all, except for a very ropey landing..!
Checked in the hotel and sorted a car for the transfer to the ship on Tuesday.
Just on 7th ave at the min having a burger.
Sheila will be going back to the hotel after this, then I'll prob go for a quick pint and then off to bed.Read more
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Explorer NYC & Carib Jan 2014 Rulocal
On the countdown
January 9, 2014 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
10 days to go, everything booked, just hoping for the weather in New York to improve a bit.
Personally I'm not worried about the cold or the snow while we are there, just hope it's not that bad, that it will stop us getting there.
Having said that I am looking forward to a bit of warm sunshine in the Caribbean.
But before that we've got two days in the Big Apple to look forward to.
I've always wanted to see NYC in the winter, so as long as we can get there it should be an interesting trip.
I've been out and bought some new cold weather gear so bring it on LOLRead more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Sad Goodbyes
November 16, 2013 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
The last night is always a sad one for me.
No matter what cruise it is saying goodbye to the people you've met is sad.
We went down to the pyramid lounge, to see Ivan and Harry and their gang, which included, Allen and Cynthia, Steve and Brenda and Roman and Jean, to name but a few.
Roy came down to say goodbye to everyone, his missus, Jill was probably asleep, she's the only person I know who sleeps more than me.
Sheila went up for dinner with most of our company, I gave it a miss as I'm all fooded out.
I stayed in the concierge lounge with Frank and Polly.
Then George and James came and sat with us, they are two really lovely guys who I've known for a while now.
They are outrageously gay and loads of fun, you would have to go a long way to meet two nicer blokes.
Sheila and the others came back down about 8pm and we finished the evening off with a few more drinks, just for a change LOL.
I must just mention in dispatches four new friends we've met and who's company we've enjoyed and they are Jim and Eva and Paul and Lynn.
Maz and Sue knew them all from previous cruises and had told me what nice people they were.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Bad weather and rough seas
November 17, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Not long after we left San Juan, the weather turned nasty and we've had high winds and rough seas all night.
The ship has been rocking and rolling quite a bit, and the sick bags have been put out on all the staircases.
We're headed for coco cay, which is a small island with nothing on it but some vegetation and a beach.
The ship normally arranges a BBQ on the beach, but the captain informs us that we can expect cloudy skies and showers, so this might not happen, and I was so looking forward to an empty ship and a nice quiet afternoon on board, while the rest of the passengers partied on the island.
I didn't feel 100º last night, I think it was my blood sugar, so I'm going to have to watch it and take it more seriously in future.
Because to be honest I don't bother to much normally.
That's the end of the medical section for today, lol.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
San Juan Puerto Rico
November 15, 2013 in Puerto Rico ⋅ 🌧 25 °C
Arrived in San Juan, at about 5.30am and we all had to clear US immigration before we could go ashore, that's 3600 passengers and 1500 crew.
I must say that for Sheila and I it went quite smoothly, we were done and dusted in about 30 minutes, which for Homeland Security was quite good.
The really good thing about it is that we don't have to clear immigration at Ft Lauderdale, just customs.
Maz, Sue, Eva and Jim, were jumping a taxi to a shopping mall they knew, so not wanting to shop Sheila and I went for a stroll around the town in search of some wifi.
We tried Burger King but connection was rubbish, so we walked down by the fort and found an ice cream parlour which have not only brilliant wifi but brilliant ice cream, well frozen yogurt actually.
Sheila managed to phone the kids using Viber, and I checked some emails.
We then strolled back to the ship passing the market and lovely sidewalk cafés,
I like San Juan, it's one of my favourite ports of call.
Even though we didn't do much this time, there is lots to see.
One thing I usually do when here is walk to the cemetery at the top of the town, it's a beautiful and interesting place, with spectacular sea views.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Phillipsburg, St Maarten was closed !
November 12, 2013 in Sint Maarten ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Phillipsburg, St Maarten today and the weather is fantastic, only problem is that the town is mainly closed today for the St Maartens day celebrations.
But a group of us had a walk in to town for a beer and some free wifi.
We only spent an hour or so then strolled back to the ship as the temperature was rising quickly.
Not that I'm complaining, as we'll be back to our rubbish English weather soon enough.

For a change last night we all gave dinner a miss and we went to Johnny Rockets, and pigged out.
As usual it was great, with unlimited fries, onion rings and dips, amazing burgers, along with apple pie, ice cream and milk shakes.
The Staff are always amazingly efficient and friendly in there. They did the dancing and singing in front of the counter as they normally do, but this time they had two extra dancers, with Eva and Frank joining them.
It was great fun and we all really enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be able to eat again for a weekRead more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Rich is OK
November 11, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Rich who took ill at the meal in Chops Grill last night is okay today, which is a relief.
Everyone was talking about heart attacks etc, but he's fine, probably just indigestion.
We had a great night in the concierge lounge again last night, once again with friends old and new.
Today we stop at Phillipsburg on the island of St Maarten, and the weather forecast is brilliant, so, Maz, Sue, Sheila and I are having a walk in to the town.
This Island is supposedly the best place for all your duty free, be it booze, cigarettes, or diamonds.
But we'll not be s shopping, just going to find s some free wifi and phone the kids.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Chops Grill again
November 10, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
We were allowed to use the second BOGOF voucher last night.
So the same twelve of us went again, and once again the meal was brilliant, as was the company.
The only problem was that Rich, from Arizona, took ill during the meal and he went back to his cabin.
I've not seen him this morning so I don't know how he is, probably won't find out till evening drinks tonight.
The weather is fantastic today, with calm seas and beautiful sunshine and temperatures in the high 80s.
We've got two beds in a great spot in the solarium and I've not got a quiz this morning.
So I'm just going to chill out and continue reading Alex Fergusons autobiography, which up to now has been very good.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Way past my bedtime
November 9, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Last night we stayed up till turned 11pm! ! Way past my bedtime.
We had our usual drinks with everyone but this time mainly in the concierge lounge.
Then a group of us went to the Royal Promenade for a bite to eat.
With me having the perfect pre bedtime meal of two steak and kidney pies.
After which we decided to go to the 50s and 60s quiz in the Pyramid lounge, which a was a great laugh, even though we were all rubbish.
We split up into two teams of six boys and six girls, with the couple of us who were over joining a couple of American guests who were on their own.
As I said we were all rubbish, but at least the team I was on managed to beat the boys and girls teams, so no prize but a moral victory.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Almost fisticuffs!!!
November 7, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Yesterday at the quiz, two shall we say older guys were arguing over a chair that had h been moved.
Well thirty years a ago it probably would have ended up with a fight.
But i it was so funny watching two old men posturing and puffing their chests out trying to get the testosterone pumping but neither succeeding.
It ended very quietly after a few F words from each bloke, and they were muttered rather than shouted.
Anyway as far as the quiz goes, first day we were 25th and the second day we'd moved up to 11th, but yesterday day was hard so we may have dropped back some, I'll find out this morning.
Last night was nice, spending time with some old friends.
The Diamond lounge has steadied out, but there are still none diamonds getting in for the free drinks.
The hotel director and a couple of other officers have a conference call with Miami today the outcome of which we will be told this evening.
Watch this space. LolRead more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
It looks like a done deal
November 7, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Things have have settled down in the diamond lounge of an evening.
People seem to have accepted the so called trial, and quietly queue for their drinks.
So to me it looks l like a done deal that this is the way it's going to be on all ships in the future.
I'm sure this fall of in complaints from the passengers was expected by the cruise line.
Also I think that this is the lead up to Diamond plus being moved out of the concierge lounge and up to the Diamond lounge.
With the diamonds moved out of the diamond lounge and having to use the three drinks on their seapass around the ship, just my opinion.
The rest of the day was a usual sea day, in other words a lazy day.
The weather has improved each day and the seas have calmed right down.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Things have calmed down
November 6, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Things have calmed down inside and outside.
The sea is like a mill pond, and even the Diamond lounge, things have calmed down.
We were able to get seats in the Olive and Twist bar and bring our drinks out of the diamond lounge, although we did have to queue for them.
We did have a more pleasant evening than down in the concierge lounge, where the main topic of conversation seems to be how many points you have and how many more cruises you've done than anybody else.
The clocks went back another hour last night, so I was wide awake at 2.30am so i forced myself to stay in bed for a few more hours, as even for me 2.30am was to early to get up.
We started the progressive quiz yesterday and did ok.
It's still a brilliant quiz, even though I've done it so many times I still can't get all the answers correct.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
A bit better
November 5, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
The concierge lounge last night although full, was much better than the previous night.
But most people are still not happy.
We found the outcome of the management's meeting, and it was to carry on with the trial, as they said most of the feedback was positive.
No one believed this and we asked for the hotel director to come and see us all in the concierge lounge.
A couple of guests talked with him, but got the usual waffle about it being for our benefit and that it was an enhancement to our Crown and Anchor entitlements.
I got to have a chat with him on my own and I asked him about the 'positive' feedback he'd received, and he did admit that it was only a couple of positives, but they needed to let the trial continue at least a little longer.
He did take my name and room number, which either means he's getting back to me as he said he would, or he's marking my card lol.
Tonight Sheila and i are going to give the concierge lounge a miss and try the Diamond lounge, which is our favourite lounge anyway.
Also in the Diamond lounge you don't find people as concerned about cruise points and trying to outdo each other with how many points they've got and how many cruises they've done as you do in the concierge.
Anyway day two and the sun is shining the seas are like a mill pond and it's 80°.
Then I woke up and back to reality with grey skies high winds and very rough seas and about 4° outside.
That's it for now, I'm getting back to Alex Fergusons latest autobiography.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
Phew!! got a seat on the first night
November 3, 2013 in England ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Last night in the concierge lounge most of our group managed to get a seat, but it was heaving and lots of people couldn't get in.
We saw suite guests complaining, as they had no where else to go for their free drinks.
Lots of diamond plus and pinnacle also couldn't get in.
The diamond lounge on deck 14 was worse with the olive and twist lounge packed with people complaining.
Even the bartender said he was overrun and the "trial" wasn't working.
There will be a lot of people complaining at the pursers desk tomorrow.
Anyway, we left the concierge lounge at 7.15 as a group of us were booked in Chops Grill for our BOGOF deal on the meals.
We had a lovely night and once again met some lovely people.Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
southampton port
October 31, 2013 in England ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Well from all the email contact I've had this week about this drinks thing on the Independence,
it's going to be an interesting cruise.
Everyone is up in arms, and some of us are planning to get hold of the guy running the trial, as soon as we get on board.
So watch this space! !Read more
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Indy Transatlantic Oct 2013 Rulocal
It's a smoke screen
October 29, 2013 in England ⋅ 🌧 9 °C
Recently been informed of Royal's new "improvement" to our Diamond facilities, in a pilot test, which we were informed of one week before sailing.
The idea is that during the diamond drinks time we will be able to have up to a maximum of 3 drinks, each evening at any bar around the ship.
All you have to do is show your sea pass.
On the face of it, it sounds great, but it's a SMOKE SCREEN, the thing they don't tell you is that the overflow lounges for the diamond and concierge will not be used.
As anyone who has done transatlantic cruises before will know the normal diamond and concierge lounges get extremely full and the overflow lounges are needed.
Now instead of meeting friends of a similar level to you and relaxing in the overflow lounge, we will now be scattered around the ship perched on bar stools, drinking our MAXIMUM of 3 drinks, like naughty school children.
This waffle about being able to enjoy the other bars on the ship during the diamond hours is just another Royal smoke screen, it is just a Revenue Dept, COST CUTTING exercise.
I and a few others have already contacted Adam Goldsteins Miami office, and we've got the usual company spiel about it being an enhancement to our C&A amenities, in reality they have shortened the hours from 5pm - 8.30pm to 5pm - 8.00pm, half hours saved and with no overflow lounges available they will save a huge amount in free drinks.
We have spent thousands of pounds (dollars) getting to our respective levels, and the majority of us enjoy meeting like minded cruise friends each evening in the diamond and concierge lounges.
Well on this particular trip it's going to be impossible, because once the diamond/concierge lounges are full, which will be VERY quickly, we will have to spread ourselves around the ship, thus making the ships bars more crowded.Read more
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Infinity, Iceland July 2013 Rulocal
Harwich cruise port
July 28, 2013 in England ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Back in the UK after a brilliant cruise
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Infinity, Iceland July 2013 Rulocal
Bergen, Norway
July 26, 2013 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We all got off today, even Sheila.
We asked Buzz to come with us which he did, I think he was glad of the company.
He is missing his wife and kids quite badly, which makes the job hard for him.
Anyway we all jumped the shuttle, a free one I might add, and got dropped off in town.
We had a bit of a walk around till we found a MacDonalds and headed in for the free WiFi, only thing was, it had the slowest serving staff I've ever encountered.
Definitely not FAST FOOD lol.
We must have spent an hour in there, checking email, Facebook etc.
Buzz downloaded an entire episode of Downton Abbey, only to realise after 30 mins or so, that he'd seen it lol.
We then had another stroll to find some pressies for Aimee to take home for Mum and Nan.
Then I spotted what I thought was our ship, so we decided to walk back instead of getting the shuttle....Bad decision, we walked and walked towards the port, with Sheila all the time saying, "I'm sure this is the wrong way".
Well knowing her sense of direction, we didn't listen.
Only to eventually find out she was right.
We'd walked to the opposite side of town that we needed.....oops!
So we jumped a taxi back to our ship, which Buzz insisted on paying for.
Still, we had a nice day, and Bergen is a beautiful town, with the slowest Mackie Dees, and if I ever come back, will explore it more.Read more
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Infinity, Iceland July 2013 Rulocal
Geiranger Fjord Norway
July 25, 2013 in Norway ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
I've seen some beautiful and stunning places in my time, but none more beautiful or stunning than Geiranger fjord.
From the Norwegian sea entrance to the fjord, all the way through to Geiranger itself the scenery is absolutely stunning.
The journey in across the Norwegian sea takes about, five hours, and every inch of the way there are fantastic views to be had.
About halfway through, you come across the seven sisters waterfalls, where the captain stops the ship and does a couple of 360° turns with the ship, so you get a spectacular panorama of the fjord and the waterfalls.
Exactly why the waterfalls are called the seven sisters I'm not sure, because according to legend a couple lived on the mountain, with seven children, four boys and three girls, and when the children played outside they had long ropes tied around their waists to stop them falling off the mountain, and the falls are named so, because of the seven children.
So why the sisters thing and not including the boys, I'm not sure, but I will Google it when I get home lol.
Btw the photos below do not do the fjord justice sorry.Read more
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Infinity, Iceland July 2013 Rulocal
Dancing with the officers.
July 24, 2013, Norwegian Sea ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
Well she's done it again!
Got herself on stage and in the limelight.
They wanted volunteers for a fun competition they have on board every trip, it's a take on dancing with the stars.
Now guess who they asked to take part, yep got it in one, Sheila, LMAO.....
No no no, it was Nic, and as usual she'd agreed to do it, even before the guy had finished asking her to take part.
You know what Nic's like, shy, retiring, doesn't like the limelight, oops!
I'm getting mixed up again that's Sheila.
Our Nic was in there like a shot lol.
The next night was the competition, and surprise surprise, Nic and her partner where couple number1, first in line, first on stage, and first to prove they couldn't dance lol.
In the end they finished third out of ten couples, but I'm certain that's because our friend Buz Sutherland, the comedian we'd met a few nights earlier, was one of the judges, but I can't prove that LMAO.
The whole thing was a scream, and as usual Nic was the star....Read more
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Infinity, Iceland July 2013 Rulocal
More new friends.
July 23, 2013, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Just love cruising for meeting nice people.
On this one we've met a couple from Bonney Scotland, John and Angela.
And Jim, who's English and his wife Hanney, who's originally from Holland.
Then from Arizona USA, there's Jim and Jean Tammen.
And last night we met the American comedian Buz Sutherland, who was on the theatre.
We were in the Oceanview cafe having dinner with Jim and Jean, when the comedian came over to say hi to Jim, who he'd met earlier.
He got chatting and said if we wanted he'd go and get some of his tricks to show is as he did a bit of magic as well as the comedy.
Well 5 minutes later he was back and did some amazing card tricks for us.
After he'd finished he gave the props to Aimee, along with a signed DVD for her and one for Jim, and a signed photo for each of us.
He was a really lovely guy and he told us about his family, who it turned out he was really missing, as he'd been away for over a month up to now.
On fact he started to get tears in his eyes, so made his excuses and left, what a really genuine and nice guy.Read more
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