Monday, February 09, 2009
Intermittent rain, cloudy, a little sun—75 F
We considered this a pool day and I’m glad we did not have plans for the Dominican North Coast. We are anchored off land and people who had tours began tendering at 10:30 a.m. From the ship, amidst the raindrops, it seems that there are resorts and large hotels with beach areas. They are trying to preserve and protect the natural beauty and resources. We can see mountains and rich vegetation and a nicely protected harbor. NCL information says that DR is slightly larger than twice the size of New Hampshire with a population of 9 million. I need to recheck previous information. It seems that the only way to get ashore here is tendering-we were able to dock at La Romana. That said, we are staying on the ship today.
After reading all day, we had dinner in the Venetian Dining Room—roast pork loin with braised red sauerkraut with cranberries—a new great taste. The bread pudding was more like a flan, but good.
Tonight’s show was McKinney Magic—the magician called 3 children, ages 6 and 7, to the stage and he showed them some magic tricks-he was very good with them. One girl reminded me of B1 and she would have loved this routine. Tim was on stage for the “Chop Girl in Half” routine—he had to show his strength by holding a rope taut that was tied to the table. A man on the other side did the same. No matter how many times I have seen this trick I certainly don’t know how it is done! We sat in front for more legroom. I really like John Ibrahim, our Cruise Director—he is very congenial and compassionate. We asked him about the brush fires in Australia—his family is not directly affected, but they do affect everyone.
We spent the rest of the evening walking from lounge to lounge, enjoying the variety of music. We heard the Big Band, piano tunes, vocalists singing country/rock, etc. I like the way this ship is designed—the beautiful lounges are quite comfortable. We also stopped by the Casino, which was filled with the clanking and clinking of coins and cards and bells and lights. Some year I will remember to bring extra money for the casino. Tim did play in the Slots tournament yesterday and was shut out in the first round.
Culinary Delight of the Day: roast pork loin; lunch buffet in the Garden Café--chilled blueberry soup, fresh fruit. We noted, but did not entirely indulge in, the flourless chocolate cake, the cherry cobbler, the apple/cranberry pie, and other fantastic choices in the dessert buffet. I’m going to pretend that area does not exist for the rest of the cruise!
TK’s Takes: He likes the sound of Big Band. I admitted that I pointed at him so the magician would pick him… He keeps telling me that several public men’s rooms have windows looking out on the sea. I don’t believe him.
A Note our Dear Granddaughters, B and B: They would have liked the magician very much. The main pool is 6 ft. deep, no challenge for B1. Several children her age were swimming just like she does in this pool today. I have not seen the children’s pool yet. Tonight’s towel animal was a swan.
No comments:
Post a Comment