FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA TO KINGSVILLE, GEORGIA
Monday, December 6, 2010
We disembarked to a cool Fort Lauderdale, about 50 F, by 9:30 p.m. Another “Platinum” perk is waiting in a nice lounge with USA Today and CNN before being called to disembark. We got through customs smoothly and called our hotel shuttle. When it arrived within 20 minutes we were ecstatic until we found out that 6 people were demanding to get on the shuttle with all their luggage and us even though they never called the shuttle, a prerequisite. The driver crammed us all into the shuttle with all of the luggage piled in and off we went. If these people had called, the driver would have brought a bigger van and the trailer to carry the luggage. Grrrrr…..
We drove the rest of the day to Kingsville, Georgia and stayed there for the night at a Hampton Inn.
KINGSVILLE, GEORGIA TO SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sunny and 40 F
Today we drove to the Spartanburg Marriott in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 5 hours. After visiting the Westgate Mall and Corona Mexican Restaurant, we returned to the hotel so I could review my Medal of Honor presentation for tomorrow. Friend H.K. flew in from Erie.
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA TO FORT CHISWELL, VIRGINIA
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Sunny and 30s F
Tim drove H.K. and me to the Dorman High School Administration Building where we spent the day introducing about 16 teachers and 1 administrator to the Medal of Honor curriculum. We had a great day.
After we dropped H at the hotel (she will fly back to Erie tomorrow), Tim and I drove off for Erie. We stopped about 7:30 p.m. in Fort Chiswell, Virginia for the night at the same Hampton Inn we stayed in going south.
We will drive to Erie tomorrow—we have had such a good trip!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
PRINCESS CAYS--LAST DAY OF SUN FUN!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Sunny, 77 F
We tendered this morning to Princess Cays, the southern portion of the Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Christopher Columbus discovered this island in 1492. We found two sort of secluded lounge chairs under a coconut palm, just for us! We could see more palm trees, endless white sand beaches, the sea, and our ship in the distance. A beautiful breeze cooled us just as the sun warmed us. I figured we had to soak up a lot of sun to take home with us. My new camera is fabulous, 18 mega pixels and I am enjoying the photos. I stood on a platform on the beach that jutted into the sea and looked down to take photos of tropical fishes swimming amidst the rocks. Princess Cays is a very nice private island, but we still would have preferred Grand Turk, the original destination.
Back on the ship we packed, a task we never like.
Reflection: We enjoyed the cruise---we always say we never met a cruise we didn’t like. I don’t think we will ever cruise during Thanksgiving again. (I heard an older couple complaining about the “British Invasion” show last night: “Princess has run out of things to do,” one said. I could not believe it.) I think we will try to cruise with our Cruise Critic friends more often.
We would take the railroad tour in St. Kitts next time. I think I would like to have more extensive tours of Santo Domingo and Grenada. I wish photos did not cost so much on the ship and I wish I could stop myself from buying them!
I am looking forward to seeing our family. We will be home by Friday. B2’s 9th birthday is Sunday and her party is Saturday at the Children’s Museum. I have two good surprises for her! On Tuesday we are stopping in Spartanburg, South Carolina, so I can meet friend H. to work with a school district there for Medal of Honor curriculum training on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to that too.
Sunny, 77 F
We tendered this morning to Princess Cays, the southern portion of the Island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Christopher Columbus discovered this island in 1492. We found two sort of secluded lounge chairs under a coconut palm, just for us! We could see more palm trees, endless white sand beaches, the sea, and our ship in the distance. A beautiful breeze cooled us just as the sun warmed us. I figured we had to soak up a lot of sun to take home with us. My new camera is fabulous, 18 mega pixels and I am enjoying the photos. I stood on a platform on the beach that jutted into the sea and looked down to take photos of tropical fishes swimming amidst the rocks. Princess Cays is a very nice private island, but we still would have preferred Grand Turk, the original destination.
Back on the ship we packed, a task we never like.
Reflection: We enjoyed the cruise---we always say we never met a cruise we didn’t like. I don’t think we will ever cruise during Thanksgiving again. (I heard an older couple complaining about the “British Invasion” show last night: “Princess has run out of things to do,” one said. I could not believe it.) I think we will try to cruise with our Cruise Critic friends more often.
We would take the railroad tour in St. Kitts next time. I think I would like to have more extensive tours of Santo Domingo and Grenada. I wish photos did not cost so much on the ship and I wish I could stop myself from buying them!
I am looking forward to seeing our family. We will be home by Friday. B2’s 9th birthday is Sunday and her party is Saturday at the Children’s Museum. I have two good surprises for her! On Tuesday we are stopping in Spartanburg, South Carolina, so I can meet friend H. to work with a school district there for Medal of Honor curriculum training on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to that too.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
SEA DAY—BRITISH INVASION
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Sunny and warm—77 F
Pool morning for me while Tim used our free bingo card that we won the first day and he played in the slots tournament.
In the afternoon I did “On Deck for the Cure,” a 5 K non-competitive walk 8 times around the promenade deck for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This is the 4th time I have participated on Princess/Carnival ships. In the past I honored my mother and friends, including A.B. and Nancy K (2 cruises with her and Brian and the Las Vegas trip), but this time I did it for friend H.G. who was just diagnosed in September. I wore Tim’s pink Erie Firefighter t-shirt (“Proud to wear Pink”). The walk was very hot, but the breeze and the sea really enhanced the good feeling!
It was a formal evening and for dinner we had lobster tail—very very good. After dinner we went to first showing of the latest Princess production on this ship and in the fleet, British Invasion. This show was phenomenal. Tim and I both agreed that it was the best show we had seen in our 25 cruises. There had to be at least 12 costume changes in 45 minutes, favorite songs from the 60s to the present, from the Beatles to the Eurhythmics and later. For “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” the dance was ballet style. Lights, music, stage set, the voices, all great. After the finale the audience gave a standing ovation. Billy London, Cruise Director, said this production cost $1.5 million. He said Princess was stepping up their productions for the future.
Earlier London told us that the Grand Princess is going into dry dock for 3 weeks in April 2011 for a $50 million dollar refurbishing and $15 million technical work. Apparently they are taking off the Skywalker deck (17th deck). This deck is quite a unique nightclub, but it does not get as much use as intended.
TK’s Takes: even the 70 somethings gave the show, BRITISH INVASION, a standing ovation.
Sunny and warm—77 F
Pool morning for me while Tim used our free bingo card that we won the first day and he played in the slots tournament.
In the afternoon I did “On Deck for the Cure,” a 5 K non-competitive walk 8 times around the promenade deck for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This is the 4th time I have participated on Princess/Carnival ships. In the past I honored my mother and friends, including A.B. and Nancy K (2 cruises with her and Brian and the Las Vegas trip), but this time I did it for friend H.G. who was just diagnosed in September. I wore Tim’s pink Erie Firefighter t-shirt (“Proud to wear Pink”). The walk was very hot, but the breeze and the sea really enhanced the good feeling!
It was a formal evening and for dinner we had lobster tail—very very good. After dinner we went to first showing of the latest Princess production on this ship and in the fleet, British Invasion. This show was phenomenal. Tim and I both agreed that it was the best show we had seen in our 25 cruises. There had to be at least 12 costume changes in 45 minutes, favorite songs from the 60s to the present, from the Beatles to the Eurhythmics and later. For “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” the dance was ballet style. Lights, music, stage set, the voices, all great. After the finale the audience gave a standing ovation. Billy London, Cruise Director, said this production cost $1.5 million. He said Princess was stepping up their productions for the future.
Earlier London told us that the Grand Princess is going into dry dock for 3 weeks in April 2011 for a $50 million dollar refurbishing and $15 million technical work. Apparently they are taking off the Skywalker deck (17th deck). This deck is quite a unique nightclub, but it does not get as much use as intended.
TK’s Takes: even the 70 somethings gave the show, BRITISH INVASION, a standing ovation.
Friday, December 3, 2010
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Friday, December 03, 2010
Sunny, high 70s F, breezy
As I write this I am sitting on our sunny balcony (C321) in my swimsuit watching Santo Domingo float by, about 3 p.m. EST.
This port surprised us today. We expected to get off and back on the ship quite quickly. Jarasin, our room steward said that the colonial city was interesting, and when we saw a shuttle to the “old city” for $5 round trip per person we decided to board. “Willis” introduced himself on the bus as a representative of the Ministry of Tourism and if we wanted a tour with him, it would be an extra $5. That was a bargain to us. About 20 people on the bus agreed and when we reached the colonial area across the river from port area, we followed Willis on a walking tour. He told us that Santo Domingo was the first European city in the New World and now the biggest city in the Caribbean with a population of 3 ½ million people. ___________ is the second largest city of the Dominican Republic and has a population of 2 million. The population of the DR is 9 million.
Willis told us that the whole island was called Santo Domingo or Hispaniola after its discovery, but after struggles with the French, the island was divided into Haiti and Santo Domingo of the West. Eventually the French part, Haiti, gained independence in 1804. At some point Haiti and the French controlled the whole island, but the Dominican Republic gained its own independence in 1844. This is an island where the people in Haiti speak French or Creole and the people in the DR speak Spanish. Santo Domingo is definitely a big city with lots of traffic and activity.
We started our tour near the home and fortress walls of Christopher Columbus’ son. The house (looked like a palace, columns, made of huge stone) was built in 1611. Willis showed us the first cathedral in the New World and some of the first buildings, like one where Christopher Columbus lived. The streets were cobblestone and again the houses reminded me of those in New Orleans. We visited the National Pantheon where their heroes are entombed. There was an eternal flame, the country’s flags, and a lone soldier marching a very slow cadence in front of the tombs. It was a solemn sight.
We visited a shop where young artisans were making jewelry with amber, larimar, and black coral. Another stop was a market. In the old city square is another shopping area with small shops. We stepped into a supermarket and a couple shops. There is a Hard Rock Café here, but it was not open yet for lunch. Men are offering beaded necklaces for $1, as well as packs of post cards, 10 for $5. I got the post cards. I do wish the statue we passed near the river was one of them, I could not find one anywhere. The huge statue depicts a pair of oxen pulling a cart of sugar cane. This seems to be a bygone industry in most of the islands but is rich in their history.
Today I was thinking of grade school where I first learned about Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the New World. The “West Indies” we were learning about with spices, sugar cane, and tobacco all seemed so exotic. Now I have been to so many islands in the “West Indies!” I pray that granddaughters B1 and B2 are learning about geography and the history of the world to enrich their lives.
We are far out to sea now and I will continue after dinner.
We dined again in the Horizon Court. It is hard to believe how many people eat there for dinner. We headed to the Vista Lounge for Comedy Showtime with Tom Briscoe. He is from NYC and was quite funny. Because we sat in the front row, he would ask Tim for agreement about his jokes about women. One routine was about the difficulty of picking out pantyhose for his wife when he did not know her size. I noticed a couple two seats away from us did not even laugh or smile at one joke. I wondered why they even came to the show. The theater was packed with people who did think he was funny and others were upset that they had to wait until the next show.
TK’s Takes: Bill London and Dave mentioned TK and his photo of Marie Osmond on the morning show today. Everyone loves that photo. TK said that the cruise director staff finally found a pool game that got people involved. All you had to do was be upright and breathing to play. It was the most attended poolside activity this cruise.
Sunny, high 70s F, breezy
As I write this I am sitting on our sunny balcony (C321) in my swimsuit watching Santo Domingo float by, about 3 p.m. EST.
This port surprised us today. We expected to get off and back on the ship quite quickly. Jarasin, our room steward said that the colonial city was interesting, and when we saw a shuttle to the “old city” for $5 round trip per person we decided to board. “Willis” introduced himself on the bus as a representative of the Ministry of Tourism and if we wanted a tour with him, it would be an extra $5. That was a bargain to us. About 20 people on the bus agreed and when we reached the colonial area across the river from port area, we followed Willis on a walking tour. He told us that Santo Domingo was the first European city in the New World and now the biggest city in the Caribbean with a population of 3 ½ million people. ___________ is the second largest city of the Dominican Republic and has a population of 2 million. The population of the DR is 9 million.
Willis told us that the whole island was called Santo Domingo or Hispaniola after its discovery, but after struggles with the French, the island was divided into Haiti and Santo Domingo of the West. Eventually the French part, Haiti, gained independence in 1804. At some point Haiti and the French controlled the whole island, but the Dominican Republic gained its own independence in 1844. This is an island where the people in Haiti speak French or Creole and the people in the DR speak Spanish. Santo Domingo is definitely a big city with lots of traffic and activity.
We started our tour near the home and fortress walls of Christopher Columbus’ son. The house (looked like a palace, columns, made of huge stone) was built in 1611. Willis showed us the first cathedral in the New World and some of the first buildings, like one where Christopher Columbus lived. The streets were cobblestone and again the houses reminded me of those in New Orleans. We visited the National Pantheon where their heroes are entombed. There was an eternal flame, the country’s flags, and a lone soldier marching a very slow cadence in front of the tombs. It was a solemn sight.
We visited a shop where young artisans were making jewelry with amber, larimar, and black coral. Another stop was a market. In the old city square is another shopping area with small shops. We stepped into a supermarket and a couple shops. There is a Hard Rock Café here, but it was not open yet for lunch. Men are offering beaded necklaces for $1, as well as packs of post cards, 10 for $5. I got the post cards. I do wish the statue we passed near the river was one of them, I could not find one anywhere. The huge statue depicts a pair of oxen pulling a cart of sugar cane. This seems to be a bygone industry in most of the islands but is rich in their history.
Today I was thinking of grade school where I first learned about Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the New World. The “West Indies” we were learning about with spices, sugar cane, and tobacco all seemed so exotic. Now I have been to so many islands in the “West Indies!” I pray that granddaughters B1 and B2 are learning about geography and the history of the world to enrich their lives.
We are far out to sea now and I will continue after dinner.
We dined again in the Horizon Court. It is hard to believe how many people eat there for dinner. We headed to the Vista Lounge for Comedy Showtime with Tom Briscoe. He is from NYC and was quite funny. Because we sat in the front row, he would ask Tim for agreement about his jokes about women. One routine was about the difficulty of picking out pantyhose for his wife when he did not know her size. I noticed a couple two seats away from us did not even laugh or smile at one joke. I wondered why they even came to the show. The theater was packed with people who did think he was funny and others were upset that they had to wait until the next show.
TK’s Takes: Bill London and Dave mentioned TK and his photo of Marie Osmond on the morning show today. Everyone loves that photo. TK said that the cruise director staff finally found a pool game that got people involved. All you had to do was be upright and breathing to play. It was the most attended poolside activity this cruise.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
ST. THOMAS---SHOPPING HAVEN
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Sunny and 77 F with a great breeze
We got up earlier than days so we could take advantage of the shopping in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas! The bus downtown from Havensight was $4 each way. I am very satisfied that we did the island justice with our purchases. I finally bought the digital camera I wanted for a long time at Royal Caribbean. We checked out some of our favorite shops like Little Switzerland, Cardow’s, Diamonds International. We had lunch at the Green Parrot House Restaurant, Bar, and Night Club on Waterfront Highway. Our table was by the open window with a view of the harbor, a 5 decked yacht, our cruise ship, sailboats at sail, some at anchor, palm trees, and we felt a gentle breeze.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court and went to the movie in the Vista Lounge today, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, with Nicholas Cage. It was a cute movie set in NYC in 2000, Balthezar vs. Horwath vs. Morgana with a few others, all involved in mystic magical powers.
Sunny and 77 F with a great breeze
We got up earlier than days so we could take advantage of the shopping in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas! The bus downtown from Havensight was $4 each way. I am very satisfied that we did the island justice with our purchases. I finally bought the digital camera I wanted for a long time at Royal Caribbean. We checked out some of our favorite shops like Little Switzerland, Cardow’s, Diamonds International. We had lunch at the Green Parrot House Restaurant, Bar, and Night Club on Waterfront Highway. Our table was by the open window with a view of the harbor, a 5 decked yacht, our cruise ship, sailboats at sail, some at anchor, palm trees, and we felt a gentle breeze.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court and went to the movie in the Vista Lounge today, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, with Nicholas Cage. It was a cute movie set in NYC in 2000, Balthezar vs. Horwath vs. Morgana with a few others, all involved in mystic magical powers.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
ST. KITTS---MORE SUN AND WARMTH
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sunny and warm-80s F
As I write this about 3 p.m. EST, I am sitting on our balcony with the Caribbean stretched out to the horizon in a southwesterly direction and St. Kitts to the northwest. I am so glad that the ship ended up stopping here. About a month ago some Celebrity ship passengers on a tour bus were robbed at gunpoint and a Princess tour bus was right behind it on the road. The following 2 weeks no cruise ship stopped in St. Kitts, to my knowledge. This deed instantly affected their economy, as attested to today by merchants I talked to. Apparently the robbers were caught and ships started coming back.
St. Kitts is a lovely island. An Englishman, Capt. Thomas Warner, established the first European settlement in 1624. For the next 80+ years the French and British struggled for control of the island, but the 1783 Treaty of Versailles gave Britain dominion over St. Kitts and Nevis. The two islands gained independence in 1983. According to the Princess Patter, the landscape is more reminiscent of Polynesia than the Caribbean, the terrain, rich soil, and climate made the islands ideal locations for growing sugarcane and were called the crown jewels of the sea. It is 65 square miles and has a population of 32,000. The colonial two story buildings in Basseterre, where our ship docked, remind me of New Orleans.
This is the island that English friends Colin and Gwen watched a cricket match in January 2009. There is a shopping area just past the dock. Today the Emerald Princess is in port with us. We walked leisurely to the clock tower at Circus Circle. We could have had our photo taken with tiny monkeys a dozen or so times. St. Kitts has large monkey population. We shopped for a while—I am still looking for a certain watch and I was still looking for things for dear granddaughters B1 and B2. I did buy something at Del Sol for them. I already bought Christmas presents in Aruba for dear daughters in law—I hope they like them. It is very hard to buy for sons R and B.
Anyway, we happened to be in Diamonds International when they were having a drawing for a diamond bracelet. When I heard the name, “Tim Koenig,” called out, I could not believe it! So unless he has a girlfriend I don’t know about, I now have a diamond bracelet. Aren’t we lucky!!!!
We returned to the ship about noon for lunch in the Horizon Buffet. I loved the cheese tortellini. Since I have read all three of the books I brought I am now reading Tim’s. Many many years ago in the early 80s, when I first met Tim, we read the Thomas Covenant Chronicles, a series of six books by Stephen R. Donaldson. After all those years, Donaldson decided to continue the saga. I like the fact that we have both read the series and will continue!
It is 3:30 now and the ship has left the port. I can hear the band playing country & western by the pool-apparently they read my remarks about not playing by the pool! I will try to post this on the blog now and will return later.
As it turned out, there was no Internet connection then so we enjoyed the view of the sea and the island. At dinner we went to DaVinci again and enjoyed the very best pasta e fagioli and veal scallopini. It is Italian night. Tim noted that the maitre d’ no longer makes a pasta dish for the guests at dinner. When we asked him about this, he said to let him know before dinner some night and he would gladly see that we got our own pasta. Two years ago on the Grand we saw the maitre d’ do this, as well as on the Crown and Coral. We are finally getting the hang of when to go to dinner so we don’t wait for a table for two. Dessert was Cassata alla Siciliano (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream layered with a topping, like Neopolitan) and Venetian Style Crepe with Apple and a vanilla topping. Both desserts were excellent.
Tonight is an early night because tomorrow is St. Thomas and that is a total all out shopping island for me. Tim is gracious enough to go with me. I think he is making sure I don’t spend all my money??? He likes to look at watches too.
TK’s Takes: This cruise makes a Holland America cruise in Alaska seem like Spring Break on a Carnival cruise. The assistant cruise director could only get six people for volleyball in the pool. There are only about five or six children on this cruise. The Emerald Princess was in port with us—it looked like a very nice ship.
Sunny and warm-80s F
As I write this about 3 p.m. EST, I am sitting on our balcony with the Caribbean stretched out to the horizon in a southwesterly direction and St. Kitts to the northwest. I am so glad that the ship ended up stopping here. About a month ago some Celebrity ship passengers on a tour bus were robbed at gunpoint and a Princess tour bus was right behind it on the road. The following 2 weeks no cruise ship stopped in St. Kitts, to my knowledge. This deed instantly affected their economy, as attested to today by merchants I talked to. Apparently the robbers were caught and ships started coming back.
St. Kitts is a lovely island. An Englishman, Capt. Thomas Warner, established the first European settlement in 1624. For the next 80+ years the French and British struggled for control of the island, but the 1783 Treaty of Versailles gave Britain dominion over St. Kitts and Nevis. The two islands gained independence in 1983. According to the Princess Patter, the landscape is more reminiscent of Polynesia than the Caribbean, the terrain, rich soil, and climate made the islands ideal locations for growing sugarcane and were called the crown jewels of the sea. It is 65 square miles and has a population of 32,000. The colonial two story buildings in Basseterre, where our ship docked, remind me of New Orleans.
This is the island that English friends Colin and Gwen watched a cricket match in January 2009. There is a shopping area just past the dock. Today the Emerald Princess is in port with us. We walked leisurely to the clock tower at Circus Circle. We could have had our photo taken with tiny monkeys a dozen or so times. St. Kitts has large monkey population. We shopped for a while—I am still looking for a certain watch and I was still looking for things for dear granddaughters B1 and B2. I did buy something at Del Sol for them. I already bought Christmas presents in Aruba for dear daughters in law—I hope they like them. It is very hard to buy for sons R and B.
Anyway, we happened to be in Diamonds International when they were having a drawing for a diamond bracelet. When I heard the name, “Tim Koenig,” called out, I could not believe it! So unless he has a girlfriend I don’t know about, I now have a diamond bracelet. Aren’t we lucky!!!!
We returned to the ship about noon for lunch in the Horizon Buffet. I loved the cheese tortellini. Since I have read all three of the books I brought I am now reading Tim’s. Many many years ago in the early 80s, when I first met Tim, we read the Thomas Covenant Chronicles, a series of six books by Stephen R. Donaldson. After all those years, Donaldson decided to continue the saga. I like the fact that we have both read the series and will continue!
It is 3:30 now and the ship has left the port. I can hear the band playing country & western by the pool-apparently they read my remarks about not playing by the pool! I will try to post this on the blog now and will return later.
As it turned out, there was no Internet connection then so we enjoyed the view of the sea and the island. At dinner we went to DaVinci again and enjoyed the very best pasta e fagioli and veal scallopini. It is Italian night. Tim noted that the maitre d’ no longer makes a pasta dish for the guests at dinner. When we asked him about this, he said to let him know before dinner some night and he would gladly see that we got our own pasta. Two years ago on the Grand we saw the maitre d’ do this, as well as on the Crown and Coral. We are finally getting the hang of when to go to dinner so we don’t wait for a table for two. Dessert was Cassata alla Siciliano (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream layered with a topping, like Neopolitan) and Venetian Style Crepe with Apple and a vanilla topping. Both desserts were excellent.
Tonight is an early night because tomorrow is St. Thomas and that is a total all out shopping island for me. Tim is gracious enough to go with me. I think he is making sure I don’t spend all my money??? He likes to look at watches too.
TK’s Takes: This cruise makes a Holland America cruise in Alaska seem like Spring Break on a Carnival cruise. The assistant cruise director could only get six people for volleyball in the pool. There are only about five or six children on this cruise. The Emerald Princess was in port with us—it looked like a very nice ship.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES—HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SON B
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunny and hot
From our stateroom this morning we heard a rooster crowing from the island!
We got a new captain yesterday, Captain Anthony Herriott from West Sussex, England. Because of the amount of days sailing with Princess, we now have “Platinum” status. This means that we both get 250 minutes of Internet usage for free. We were able to sit in a plusher section while we waited to board the ship, too. We are invited daily to the Skywalker Lounge for hors d’oeuvres before dinner and to a Captain’s Party for a couple free drinks. If we cruise 36 more days with Princess we will get to “Elite” status and they will do our laundry for free! Tim won’t have to walk 9 steps from our stateroom to do laundry!
I logged onto Face Book to send a quick Happy Birthday message to Son B before we left for St. Vincent. We were here 22 months ago and that is when we took the “Tour from Hell” ----steep hairpin curves in the back seat of a van with empty stomachs and we took our meds that are supposed to be taken with food. We did see Dark View Falls, the site of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and Soufriere, the renowned volcano at that time, worth the discomfort.
This time we decided to just do a short walk. There was a wonderful breeze today. The main street by the port in Kingstown is not built up at all. Humble stores, humble people. They were affected by the hurricane in October this year. We sat in a little café near the ship and had water and coffee while writing post cards. Tim is sending post cards-I elected not to this trip. While we were there a Caribbean band played Christmas music—a guitar, banjo, tin cans, and an old oil barrel made into a drum. St. Vincent is located in the Windward Islands, between Grenada and St. Lucia. It is 18 miles long and 11 miles wide with a population of about 120,000.
We had pizza by the pool for lunch. There is no band by the pool on this cruise. Sometimes they do play trivia. Tim thinks most of the passengers are from retirement villages in Florida like Del Boca Vista. We hardly ever see anyone drinking by the pool. Most passengers are older than we are. Admittedly, our Panama Canal cruise had older people too, but they must have been more into fun. I think we will try to cruise more with our two sets of Cruise Critic friends. I should have paid more attention at the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet last week.
Excellent Prime Rib in the DaVinci dining room.
Later tonight the Captain issued a plea for people with O+ or O- blood to report to the infirmary if they wished to donate. At the port it was announced that there had been a medical emergency and we lingered for about ½ hour later than planned, but apparently they opted to bring the person back on the ship. I have no idea what medical services St. Vincent can offer. Anyway, Tim did go to the medical center, but they already had enough volunteers. It sure sounds like they plan to do a blood transfusion on board.
TK’s Takes: Princess now seems to allow men wearing shorts in the dining room for dinner.
Aside to Donna, Brian, Nancy, and Lawrence: the planetary sculpture that amused Lawrence and the rest of us because of a certain remark is still on Deck 5. Just for future reference.
Sunny and hot
From our stateroom this morning we heard a rooster crowing from the island!
We got a new captain yesterday, Captain Anthony Herriott from West Sussex, England. Because of the amount of days sailing with Princess, we now have “Platinum” status. This means that we both get 250 minutes of Internet usage for free. We were able to sit in a plusher section while we waited to board the ship, too. We are invited daily to the Skywalker Lounge for hors d’oeuvres before dinner and to a Captain’s Party for a couple free drinks. If we cruise 36 more days with Princess we will get to “Elite” status and they will do our laundry for free! Tim won’t have to walk 9 steps from our stateroom to do laundry!
I logged onto Face Book to send a quick Happy Birthday message to Son B before we left for St. Vincent. We were here 22 months ago and that is when we took the “Tour from Hell” ----steep hairpin curves in the back seat of a van with empty stomachs and we took our meds that are supposed to be taken with food. We did see Dark View Falls, the site of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and Soufriere, the renowned volcano at that time, worth the discomfort.
This time we decided to just do a short walk. There was a wonderful breeze today. The main street by the port in Kingstown is not built up at all. Humble stores, humble people. They were affected by the hurricane in October this year. We sat in a little café near the ship and had water and coffee while writing post cards. Tim is sending post cards-I elected not to this trip. While we were there a Caribbean band played Christmas music—a guitar, banjo, tin cans, and an old oil barrel made into a drum. St. Vincent is located in the Windward Islands, between Grenada and St. Lucia. It is 18 miles long and 11 miles wide with a population of about 120,000.
We had pizza by the pool for lunch. There is no band by the pool on this cruise. Sometimes they do play trivia. Tim thinks most of the passengers are from retirement villages in Florida like Del Boca Vista. We hardly ever see anyone drinking by the pool. Most passengers are older than we are. Admittedly, our Panama Canal cruise had older people too, but they must have been more into fun. I think we will try to cruise more with our two sets of Cruise Critic friends. I should have paid more attention at the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet last week.
Excellent Prime Rib in the DaVinci dining room.
Later tonight the Captain issued a plea for people with O+ or O- blood to report to the infirmary if they wished to donate. At the port it was announced that there had been a medical emergency and we lingered for about ½ hour later than planned, but apparently they opted to bring the person back on the ship. I have no idea what medical services St. Vincent can offer. Anyway, Tim did go to the medical center, but they already had enough volunteers. It sure sounds like they plan to do a blood transfusion on board.
TK’s Takes: Princess now seems to allow men wearing shorts in the dining room for dinner.
Aside to Donna, Brian, Nancy, and Lawrence: the planetary sculpture that amused Lawrence and the rest of us because of a certain remark is still on Deck 5. Just for future reference.
Monday, November 29, 2010
BARBADOS—A QUICK TRIP
November 29, 2010
Sunny and hot
Barbados is not our favorite port. We took a mini bus to the port terminal, then a taxi ($2/each) to downtown Bridgetown. I think every other building is a bank. Towels and other souvenirs have the saying, “Banks, the beer of Barbados.” I did buy The Carolina, Florida, and The Caribbean Book of Pirates. Even though Capt. Rybka of the Niagara does not like pirates because of what they stand for, I do want to know more about them. The pirate stories in the Caribbean and Panama are widely reported whenever we are in port. Tomorrow’s port, St. Vincent, is where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.
We walked through the downtown stores and then returned to the port terminal. We decided that the next time we visit Barbados with some of our cruise critic friends, we will go to the Boatyard, Jeff’s favorite. That is a beachfront bar.
After a quick lunch I read by the pool. Tim decided to do wash.
More pool time this afternoon. Tim prefers the back pool; I prefer the pool midship because the deck chairs are better for reading. The “Cookie Girl” comes around about 2:30 with delicious soft fresh warm cookies, usually peanut butter and oatmeal. Today they played the silent film, Phantom of the Opera at 2 p.m. I saw it on the Coral Princess.
We dined in the DaVinci dining room-mozzarella and tomato, pineapple with strawberries sprinkled with coconut, and spinach quiche. Dessert was peanut butter and chocolate pie.
We watched The Other Guys with Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg under the stars. This is a very cozy way to watch movies, even if they are not the best.
TK’s Takes: There are fewer steps to the Laundromat than there are to our washer and dryer at home.
Sunny and hot
Barbados is not our favorite port. We took a mini bus to the port terminal, then a taxi ($2/each) to downtown Bridgetown. I think every other building is a bank. Towels and other souvenirs have the saying, “Banks, the beer of Barbados.” I did buy The Carolina, Florida, and The Caribbean Book of Pirates. Even though Capt. Rybka of the Niagara does not like pirates because of what they stand for, I do want to know more about them. The pirate stories in the Caribbean and Panama are widely reported whenever we are in port. Tomorrow’s port, St. Vincent, is where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.
We walked through the downtown stores and then returned to the port terminal. We decided that the next time we visit Barbados with some of our cruise critic friends, we will go to the Boatyard, Jeff’s favorite. That is a beachfront bar.
After a quick lunch I read by the pool. Tim decided to do wash.
More pool time this afternoon. Tim prefers the back pool; I prefer the pool midship because the deck chairs are better for reading. The “Cookie Girl” comes around about 2:30 with delicious soft fresh warm cookies, usually peanut butter and oatmeal. Today they played the silent film, Phantom of the Opera at 2 p.m. I saw it on the Coral Princess.
We dined in the DaVinci dining room-mozzarella and tomato, pineapple with strawberries sprinkled with coconut, and spinach quiche. Dessert was peanut butter and chocolate pie.
We watched The Other Guys with Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg under the stars. This is a very cozy way to watch movies, even if they are not the best.
TK’s Takes: There are fewer steps to the Laundromat than there are to our washer and dryer at home.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
GRENADA—THE SPICE ISLAND
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunny, some rain, 80s F
We arrived in St. George, Grenada about 8 a.m. this morning. Every single morning I have ordered room service of fruit, croissants, orange juice, and coffee and that is how we awaken. A knock on the door and I jump out of bed to open the door for a waiter with our breakfast tray! If only this could happen at home!
I have looked forward to Grenada, the Spice Island, for years, and finally we are here! Others told me that they smelled the spices as soon as they debarked their ship. That was not the case today. We agreed to a tour at the port with 8 others on an air conditioned bus for $20. Luckily we sat in the first row behind the driver because Grenada has plenty of hills and hairpin curves on 1 and ½ lane “highways.” Glen Robert was a good driver and tour guide.
Facts he mentioned:
§ The first permanent European settlement was established in 1650 by the French
§ During the 18th century the French and English held the island alternately until the Treaty of Versailles ceded Grenada to the British
§ In 1974 Grenada was given independence
§ Grenada is 133 square miles in size
§ The U.S. and President Reagan helped the people overcome the Communist government in 1983.
§ Hurricane Ivan destroyed 95% of the homes in Grenada in 2004. Glenn Robert’s house was totally destroyed. He said the night of the hurricane was the longest he ever experienced. He and his family spent the night in the bathroom since that room was cement. His entire house was gone except for the bathroom toilet and a wooden floor. He felt fortunate that his life and his family were spared.
§ Hurricane Emily came to Grenada 10 months later. What Ivan did not destroy was destroyed by Emily.
§ Houses are built on stilts. Since Ivan and Emily houses are built differently. (more cement, but he showed us bamboo “log” trucks and said bamboo was used for building)
§ The rainforest gets 120 inches of rain per year.
§ Two seasons, wet and dry. 6 months rainy season.
§ The population of St. George, the capital, is about 34,000
§ Grenada is #2 in nutmeg production, but #1 in quality (Indonesia produces more)
Things we saw:
§ Gas/$6 per gallon
§ Volcanic rock/red earth
§ Banyan trees
§ Annendale Falls—nice little steep walk, divers
§ Lake Etang
§ One of the highest points on the island --- 1910 ft. altitude
§ Two churches still in ruins from the Hurricanes
§ Forts Matthew, George, and Frederick
§ The Cuban compound
§ Beautiful white beaches
We also stopped at a spice store. A girl showed us a nutmeg tree and the nut pod. When the nut pod is opened, we saw the red covering, mace, and then the nut. When the nut is cracked open, there is the nutmeg. In the pod or shell, the nutmeg stays fresh for up to 5 years. Nutmeg is grated for use in cooking/baking.
She also showed us other spices grown on the island besides nutmeg and mace: cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, vanilla, almond, turmeric, ginger, bayleaf. They all smelled so fresh and strong.
After our bus tour, which morphed into $30 because he took us to a beach and lookout, plus our $5 tip, we walked to BB’s Crabback Restaurant which was featured in Oprah’s magazine, O. We enjoyed conch fixed with Caribbean spices and crabmeat baked with herbs, wine, cheese, in a crab shell. Let’s say TK enjoyed that-I prefer seafood deep fried and just could not finish even though it was tasty.
When Tim walked back to the ship, I walked to Dot’s Plaza to buy spices for family/ friends who cook. Insert smiley face!
We dined again in the Horizon Court-British food tonight. Fish and chips! We love the comedian Kevin Hughes—hope he comes to Jr.’s Last Laugh in Erie!
TK’s Takes: Grenada is much greener and lusher than Aruba. Everywhere we went people were selling spice necklaces. (the necklaces were threaded alternately with different spices and herbs like nutmeg and cinnamon bark and smelled so good, but we knew we could not take them back to the U.S.)
Sunny, some rain, 80s F
We arrived in St. George, Grenada about 8 a.m. this morning. Every single morning I have ordered room service of fruit, croissants, orange juice, and coffee and that is how we awaken. A knock on the door and I jump out of bed to open the door for a waiter with our breakfast tray! If only this could happen at home!
I have looked forward to Grenada, the Spice Island, for years, and finally we are here! Others told me that they smelled the spices as soon as they debarked their ship. That was not the case today. We agreed to a tour at the port with 8 others on an air conditioned bus for $20. Luckily we sat in the first row behind the driver because Grenada has plenty of hills and hairpin curves on 1 and ½ lane “highways.” Glen Robert was a good driver and tour guide.
Facts he mentioned:
§ The first permanent European settlement was established in 1650 by the French
§ During the 18th century the French and English held the island alternately until the Treaty of Versailles ceded Grenada to the British
§ In 1974 Grenada was given independence
§ Grenada is 133 square miles in size
§ The U.S. and President Reagan helped the people overcome the Communist government in 1983.
§ Hurricane Ivan destroyed 95% of the homes in Grenada in 2004. Glenn Robert’s house was totally destroyed. He said the night of the hurricane was the longest he ever experienced. He and his family spent the night in the bathroom since that room was cement. His entire house was gone except for the bathroom toilet and a wooden floor. He felt fortunate that his life and his family were spared.
§ Hurricane Emily came to Grenada 10 months later. What Ivan did not destroy was destroyed by Emily.
§ Houses are built on stilts. Since Ivan and Emily houses are built differently. (more cement, but he showed us bamboo “log” trucks and said bamboo was used for building)
§ The rainforest gets 120 inches of rain per year.
§ Two seasons, wet and dry. 6 months rainy season.
§ The population of St. George, the capital, is about 34,000
§ Grenada is #2 in nutmeg production, but #1 in quality (Indonesia produces more)
Things we saw:
§ Gas/$6 per gallon
§ Volcanic rock/red earth
§ Banyan trees
§ Annendale Falls—nice little steep walk, divers
§ Lake Etang
§ One of the highest points on the island --- 1910 ft. altitude
§ Two churches still in ruins from the Hurricanes
§ Forts Matthew, George, and Frederick
§ The Cuban compound
§ Beautiful white beaches
We also stopped at a spice store. A girl showed us a nutmeg tree and the nut pod. When the nut pod is opened, we saw the red covering, mace, and then the nut. When the nut is cracked open, there is the nutmeg. In the pod or shell, the nutmeg stays fresh for up to 5 years. Nutmeg is grated for use in cooking/baking.
She also showed us other spices grown on the island besides nutmeg and mace: cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, vanilla, almond, turmeric, ginger, bayleaf. They all smelled so fresh and strong.
After our bus tour, which morphed into $30 because he took us to a beach and lookout, plus our $5 tip, we walked to BB’s Crabback Restaurant which was featured in Oprah’s magazine, O. We enjoyed conch fixed with Caribbean spices and crabmeat baked with herbs, wine, cheese, in a crab shell. Let’s say TK enjoyed that-I prefer seafood deep fried and just could not finish even though it was tasty.
When Tim walked back to the ship, I walked to Dot’s Plaza to buy spices for family/ friends who cook. Insert smiley face!
We dined again in the Horizon Court-British food tonight. Fish and chips! We love the comedian Kevin Hughes—hope he comes to Jr.’s Last Laugh in Erie!
TK’s Takes: Grenada is much greener and lusher than Aruba. Everywhere we went people were selling spice necklaces. (the necklaces were threaded alternately with different spices and herbs like nutmeg and cinnamon bark and smelled so good, but we knew we could not take them back to the U.S.)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
SEA DAY--EASTERLY COURSE IN SLIGHT SEAS
Overcast skies and 79 F
We are headed east toward Grenada today. The skies are overcast and it may rain. I am signed up for two computer classes.
I won a drink of the day on the morning TV show hosted by Billy London, the cruise director. TK won one on Tuesday, who is the captain? (Captain Roger Bilton of Sussex, England). The drink of the day is usually about $7, so we hope we will get four non-alcoholic drinks. The question was “How do you know which direction the elevator is going if you have your back to the elevator door.” The answer is: there is one ping for up and two for down (now I might have that confused-will check again). I never noticed before. By the way, today’s drink of the day is Dirty Banana—does that even sound good?
My two computer classes, Photoshop Elements Layers and Effects and Clone Tool Tips, were really informative. I can now make a cruise ship in the Caribbean look like it’s in Glacier Bay, Alaska. I can also remove my wrinkles (in photos only). Handy tricks if anyone asks! My son R will be impressed!
Today was English Pub luncheon in the Painted Desert restaurant. The fish and chips were very good.
We had dinner in the Horizon Court—we did dress formally, but had the German Biergarten buffet, weiner schnitzel, spaetzle, red cabbage, and German potato salad.
Movie unter der stars: Knight and Day with Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Marc Blucas (from Erie and I worked with his mother). It was a very cute movie and I love Tom Cruise. During the final credits it started to rain, so we were lucky.
We are headed east toward Grenada today. The skies are overcast and it may rain. I am signed up for two computer classes.
I won a drink of the day on the morning TV show hosted by Billy London, the cruise director. TK won one on Tuesday, who is the captain? (Captain Roger Bilton of Sussex, England). The drink of the day is usually about $7, so we hope we will get four non-alcoholic drinks. The question was “How do you know which direction the elevator is going if you have your back to the elevator door.” The answer is: there is one ping for up and two for down (now I might have that confused-will check again). I never noticed before. By the way, today’s drink of the day is Dirty Banana—does that even sound good?
My two computer classes, Photoshop Elements Layers and Effects and Clone Tool Tips, were really informative. I can now make a cruise ship in the Caribbean look like it’s in Glacier Bay, Alaska. I can also remove my wrinkles (in photos only). Handy tricks if anyone asks! My son R will be impressed!
Today was English Pub luncheon in the Painted Desert restaurant. The fish and chips were very good.
We had dinner in the Horizon Court—we did dress formally, but had the German Biergarten buffet, weiner schnitzel, spaetzle, red cabbage, and German potato salad.
Movie unter der stars: Knight and Day with Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, and Marc Blucas (from Erie and I worked with his mother). It was a very cute movie and I love Tom Cruise. During the final credits it started to rain, so we were lucky.
Friday, November 26, 2010
BLACK FRIDAY IN CURACAO
November 26, 2010
Sunny—80s F
I can’t help but think of our daughter in law, D, today. I know she will have a very busy day today, Black Friday. The rest of the season will be very very hectic for her and I hope she had some rest yesterday.
There was no Black Friday in Curacao. Prices did not improve one bit on things I am looking at like a new Canon camera. In fact, it is $150 more here than on the Internet. But, the weather is great—80s F—and we had a leisurely walk around the town of Willemstad.
Curacao lies about 40 miles off Venezuela, 38 miles long and 7.5 miles wide, with a population of 140,000. Amerigo Vespucci was the first European to find the island, but it did not play a great role in colonization until 1634 when the Dutch West India Company claimed Curacao. In 1915 the Royal Dutch Shell Company built one of the world’s largest refineries to process crude oil from Venezuela.
We were looking for a post office when we found the island market meant for the islanders. We have visited the fish market before but we had never walked through this one. There had to be at least 20+ vendors selling the same fruit and vegetables (bananas, melons, guava, oranges, apples, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, etc.) and all were displayed in the exact same way on each vendor’s cart. There were no prices visible. I really wondered how a buyer would know which vendor to purchase his groceries from. A mystery!
We had lunch back on the ship, lasagna Bolognese and fried zucchini for me. The food has been very good. I do think the passengers are a little older than we are and very conservative.
Dinner for two in Michelangelo: pineapple and prickly pear with tequila sauce, wild mushrooms and truffles (both appetizers), and turkey pot pie for me. Ceviche and avocado, oyster and leek soup, and strip steak with garlic butter for TK.
The Vista Lounge was so full that the staff brought in folding chairs. We were willing to try this if the comedian/ “illusionist” was good, but as always, the tallest people in the world sat in front of us and we could not see. Peter Gossamer seemed very good, but we could not see the tricks. I ended up in the piano lounge again (Josef Bober) and started Michael Crichton’s Pirate Latitudes. A very appropriate read for a cruise.
TK’s Takes: TK found green beach glass in the small cove area on the walk to Curacao. We both got $5 free play in the Curacao casino and walked away with almost $30! It cost TK $1 to mail a postcard to his friend in Erie.
Sunny—80s F
I can’t help but think of our daughter in law, D, today. I know she will have a very busy day today, Black Friday. The rest of the season will be very very hectic for her and I hope she had some rest yesterday.
There was no Black Friday in Curacao. Prices did not improve one bit on things I am looking at like a new Canon camera. In fact, it is $150 more here than on the Internet. But, the weather is great—80s F—and we had a leisurely walk around the town of Willemstad.
Curacao lies about 40 miles off Venezuela, 38 miles long and 7.5 miles wide, with a population of 140,000. Amerigo Vespucci was the first European to find the island, but it did not play a great role in colonization until 1634 when the Dutch West India Company claimed Curacao. In 1915 the Royal Dutch Shell Company built one of the world’s largest refineries to process crude oil from Venezuela.
We were looking for a post office when we found the island market meant for the islanders. We have visited the fish market before but we had never walked through this one. There had to be at least 20+ vendors selling the same fruit and vegetables (bananas, melons, guava, oranges, apples, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, etc.) and all were displayed in the exact same way on each vendor’s cart. There were no prices visible. I really wondered how a buyer would know which vendor to purchase his groceries from. A mystery!
We had lunch back on the ship, lasagna Bolognese and fried zucchini for me. The food has been very good. I do think the passengers are a little older than we are and very conservative.
Dinner for two in Michelangelo: pineapple and prickly pear with tequila sauce, wild mushrooms and truffles (both appetizers), and turkey pot pie for me. Ceviche and avocado, oyster and leek soup, and strip steak with garlic butter for TK.
The Vista Lounge was so full that the staff brought in folding chairs. We were willing to try this if the comedian/ “illusionist” was good, but as always, the tallest people in the world sat in front of us and we could not see. Peter Gossamer seemed very good, but we could not see the tricks. I ended up in the piano lounge again (Josef Bober) and started Michael Crichton’s Pirate Latitudes. A very appropriate read for a cruise.
TK’s Takes: TK found green beach glass in the small cove area on the walk to Curacao. We both got $5 free play in the Curacao casino and walked away with almost $30! It cost TK $1 to mail a postcard to his friend in Erie.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ARUBA!
November 25, 2010
Sunny and 80 F
No matter what, being in Aruba is not the same as having our wonderful family together for Thanksgiving. I know that everyone back home is enjoying a great Thanksgiving, but we miss our family! We wish all our family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. We are thankful for all of them!
Aruba, about 74,000 square miles in size with a population of about 34,000 people, is a friendly island. We do the same things every time we are here—shop and have lunch at Iguana Joe’s in Oranjestad, the capital and the port we have always arrived at. Today I looked at watches at Diamonds International and Little Switzerland. We bought our Aloe Aruba sunscreen. The shopping is very near the port and the traffic is busy, but drivers always stop at the crosswalks for pedestrians.
I am really hoping that turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are on the menu tonight. Tim has decided that we will sit with a large group of people-that only seems right on Thanksgiving Day. When we returned to the ship today we went to the pool. I am reading another Greg Iles book, The Devil’s Punchbowl—set in Natchez, Mississippi. The protagonist is trying to save the town from vicious dog fighting and other dangers.
A football game (Lions vs. Patriots) was on the big movie screen. People seemed to be rooting for the Patriots.
Tim went to a gathering of U.S. military veteran-he said there were two WW II veterans, one had served in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He just told me there is a cornucopia display in the lobby that I need to see.
For our Thanksgiving feast, we dined in the Michelangelo dining room with six Canadians from Ontario. They were very sweet and we had a lot in common-all retired, one (Fred) had been a secondary French teacher, and they all liked to cruise. Even though lobster was also on the menu, we opted for the turkey and “fixins.” In this case that meant chestnut dressing, cranberry sauce, polenta, yams, broccoli, and gravy. The pumpkin pie was a little different, but good. I guess I should consider all the calories I saved by not eating several helpings of turkey, nice soft dinner rolls, and more than one piece of pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie. I admit I had two pieces of pumpkin pie at dinner, but their two pieces equals one of mine at home! The bottom line was that we enjoyed the dinner despite missing our family.
At one point, to make conversation while we were comparing cruises, I asked our new Canadian friends if they had ever sailed on a ship that showed silent films. Esther quickly retorted, “We are not that old!” We all had a laugh and I backpedaled by explaining that our cruise through the Panama Canal in February did have silent films in the afternoon by the pool, like The General with Buster Keaton.
After dinner Tim went to the movie, The Expendables, and I read my book in the piano bar (the pianist was Ray Coussins, former pianist with Frank Sinatra). He was very good.
Sunny and 80 F
No matter what, being in Aruba is not the same as having our wonderful family together for Thanksgiving. I know that everyone back home is enjoying a great Thanksgiving, but we miss our family! We wish all our family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. We are thankful for all of them!
Aruba, about 74,000 square miles in size with a population of about 34,000 people, is a friendly island. We do the same things every time we are here—shop and have lunch at Iguana Joe’s in Oranjestad, the capital and the port we have always arrived at. Today I looked at watches at Diamonds International and Little Switzerland. We bought our Aloe Aruba sunscreen. The shopping is very near the port and the traffic is busy, but drivers always stop at the crosswalks for pedestrians.
I am really hoping that turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are on the menu tonight. Tim has decided that we will sit with a large group of people-that only seems right on Thanksgiving Day. When we returned to the ship today we went to the pool. I am reading another Greg Iles book, The Devil’s Punchbowl—set in Natchez, Mississippi. The protagonist is trying to save the town from vicious dog fighting and other dangers.
A football game (Lions vs. Patriots) was on the big movie screen. People seemed to be rooting for the Patriots.
Tim went to a gathering of U.S. military veteran-he said there were two WW II veterans, one had served in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He just told me there is a cornucopia display in the lobby that I need to see.
For our Thanksgiving feast, we dined in the Michelangelo dining room with six Canadians from Ontario. They were very sweet and we had a lot in common-all retired, one (Fred) had been a secondary French teacher, and they all liked to cruise. Even though lobster was also on the menu, we opted for the turkey and “fixins.” In this case that meant chestnut dressing, cranberry sauce, polenta, yams, broccoli, and gravy. The pumpkin pie was a little different, but good. I guess I should consider all the calories I saved by not eating several helpings of turkey, nice soft dinner rolls, and more than one piece of pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie. I admit I had two pieces of pumpkin pie at dinner, but their two pieces equals one of mine at home! The bottom line was that we enjoyed the dinner despite missing our family.
At one point, to make conversation while we were comparing cruises, I asked our new Canadian friends if they had ever sailed on a ship that showed silent films. Esther quickly retorted, “We are not that old!” We all had a laugh and I backpedaled by explaining that our cruise through the Panama Canal in February did have silent films in the afternoon by the pool, like The General with Buster Keaton.
After dinner Tim went to the movie, The Expendables, and I read my book in the piano bar (the pianist was Ray Coussins, former pianist with Frank Sinatra). He was very good.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
GRAND PRINCESS SAILS AWAY!
November 22-24, 2010
Sunny and Warm
November 22: We had a long wait to board the ship because of special cleaning, but we boarded by 1 p.m. After delivering our carry on bags to our room, C321, we headed for lunch in the DaVinci dining room. The chick pea soup was wonderful-I always wonder why I don’t make some of the great soups we enjoy on the ship myself.
The Treasure Hunt contest resulted in my winning a $20 bingo card for the final bingo game at the end of the voyage. The Sail Away took place at 5 or so and we waved goodbye to Fort Lauderdale.
We dined at the seafood buffet because TK loves that lobster! The show dancers and the comedian, Kevin Hughes, at the first show will certainly entertain us this trip.
November 23: Room service breakfast is my favorite-croissant, coffee, melon. We met our Cruise Critic acquaintances at a Meet and Greet-about 20 or so people. We exchanged gifts from our hometowns and I received a Tennessee hat and a small oil painting from the Montgomery family. Tim got a Florida bottle opener . Our Romolos chocolate, Presque Isle bottle wraps, and handmade “Lake Effect” soap (looks like a Lake Erie sunset) went over well. The group is friendly and we will look forward to seeing them around the ship.
We spent way too much time at the Port Shopping lecture—we could give this lecture ourselves.
The comedian, Kevin Hughes, was very funny show tonight was based on relationships. He basically said women were always changing and men just needed to go along for the ride. After that show we had popcorn at the movie under the stars, Killers. Tom Selleck, Ashton Kutcher, and Katherine Heigl. This dark comedy could not have received good reviews.
We especially miss our family and friends this time. I really miss starting to prepare our Thanksgiving feast.
We had lunch and dinner at the buffet. I am surprised at the number of people who do this. Deep fried scallops, fries, and key lime pie—I don’t eat too fancy. We went to MUTS and saw Prince of Persia with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Kingsley. It rained, but we were far enough under the deck that we kept dry. The wait staff brought us popcorn.
Sunny and Warm
November 22: We had a long wait to board the ship because of special cleaning, but we boarded by 1 p.m. After delivering our carry on bags to our room, C321, we headed for lunch in the DaVinci dining room. The chick pea soup was wonderful-I always wonder why I don’t make some of the great soups we enjoy on the ship myself.
The Treasure Hunt contest resulted in my winning a $20 bingo card for the final bingo game at the end of the voyage. The Sail Away took place at 5 or so and we waved goodbye to Fort Lauderdale.
We dined at the seafood buffet because TK loves that lobster! The show dancers and the comedian, Kevin Hughes, at the first show will certainly entertain us this trip.
November 23: Room service breakfast is my favorite-croissant, coffee, melon. We met our Cruise Critic acquaintances at a Meet and Greet-about 20 or so people. We exchanged gifts from our hometowns and I received a Tennessee hat and a small oil painting from the Montgomery family. Tim got a Florida bottle opener . Our Romolos chocolate, Presque Isle bottle wraps, and handmade “Lake Effect” soap (looks like a Lake Erie sunset) went over well. The group is friendly and we will look forward to seeing them around the ship.
We spent way too much time at the Port Shopping lecture—we could give this lecture ourselves.
The comedian, Kevin Hughes, was very funny show tonight was based on relationships. He basically said women were always changing and men just needed to go along for the ride. After that show we had popcorn at the movie under the stars, Killers. Tom Selleck, Ashton Kutcher, and Katherine Heigl. This dark comedy could not have received good reviews.
We especially miss our family and friends this time. I really miss starting to prepare our Thanksgiving feast.
We had lunch and dinner at the buffet. I am surprised at the number of people who do this. Deep fried scallops, fries, and key lime pie—I don’t eat too fancy. We went to MUTS and saw Prince of Persia with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Kingsley. It rained, but we were far enough under the deck that we kept dry. The wait staff brought us popcorn.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
ORLANDO--DISNEY WORLD AND NCTE TO FORT LAUDERDALE
November 17-21, 2010
November 17: On our last day at Universal we went on a few more rides: Twister, JAWS, Terminator, and Disaster. We had lunch at Emeril’s-fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits-very very good. I got stuck on the Simpson Family Ride at Krusty______. Riders had to be helped off, but at least we were not stuck in the air.
November 18: We left the Universal area and moved into Coronado Springs at Disney. After checking in we headed straight to EPCOT. The park is decorated for Christmas and the gardens reflected that in contrast to our last visit at Eastertime.
Test Track / Soaring
We enjoyed pastry in France and dinner in Germany. The German buffet was very good-chicken schnitzel, spaetzle, hunter gravy, German potato salad, red cabbage, pretzel rolls, and sausage. Later we had dinner with friend H at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
November 19: Spent the day at the NCTE Conference. Jill, Heather, and I checked the technology in the room we would be presenting the Medal of Honor curriculum in. Tim and I ran out for lunch at the Irish restaurant Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.
November 20: Jennifer, Medal of Honor recipient Jack Jacobs, Heather, Jill, and I had a very good presentation at the Yacht and Beach Club in the Grand Harbour Ballroom, Salon III from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. We were spot on! I was glad my Navy guy was there with me!
Medal of Honor: Examining Lessons of Personal Bravery and Self-Sacrifice--A resource for teachers to engage students through investigation~
Description in the NCTE program: Our curriculum ensures that the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients continues. Students across the country can learn about history, use their language arts skills, as well as learn about the values of courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, patriotism, and citizenship. We modeled research based teaching strategies to mirror classroom activities, helping students not only live literate lives, but be engaged in conversations about the future of America and their part in that as well. We wanted participants to see how they could help students connect the lessons learned by these recipients to their own lives.
After the presentation and a short debriefing, Tim and I went to the Magic Kingdom. I really want to do Disney World again with B1 and B2 and their parents—this trip only confirmed that more. We had lunch/dinner at Pecos Bill in Frontierland—really reasonable and tasty. I had a taco salad. We rode Steamboat river ride, People Mover, Carousel of Progress. The Magic Kingdom was dressed up for Christmas-a wonderful sight of lights.
November 21, 2010
On the road to Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, and dinner at Chili’s. TK is ready to cruise!
November 17: On our last day at Universal we went on a few more rides: Twister, JAWS, Terminator, and Disaster. We had lunch at Emeril’s-fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits-very very good. I got stuck on the Simpson Family Ride at Krusty______. Riders had to be helped off, but at least we were not stuck in the air.
November 18: We left the Universal area and moved into Coronado Springs at Disney. After checking in we headed straight to EPCOT. The park is decorated for Christmas and the gardens reflected that in contrast to our last visit at Eastertime.
Test Track / Soaring
We enjoyed pastry in France and dinner in Germany. The German buffet was very good-chicken schnitzel, spaetzle, hunter gravy, German potato salad, red cabbage, pretzel rolls, and sausage. Later we had dinner with friend H at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney.
November 19: Spent the day at the NCTE Conference. Jill, Heather, and I checked the technology in the room we would be presenting the Medal of Honor curriculum in. Tim and I ran out for lunch at the Irish restaurant Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.
November 20: Jennifer, Medal of Honor recipient Jack Jacobs, Heather, Jill, and I had a very good presentation at the Yacht and Beach Club in the Grand Harbour Ballroom, Salon III from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. We were spot on! I was glad my Navy guy was there with me!
Medal of Honor: Examining Lessons of Personal Bravery and Self-Sacrifice--A resource for teachers to engage students through investigation~
Description in the NCTE program: Our curriculum ensures that the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients continues. Students across the country can learn about history, use their language arts skills, as well as learn about the values of courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, patriotism, and citizenship. We modeled research based teaching strategies to mirror classroom activities, helping students not only live literate lives, but be engaged in conversations about the future of America and their part in that as well. We wanted participants to see how they could help students connect the lessons learned by these recipients to their own lives.
After the presentation and a short debriefing, Tim and I went to the Magic Kingdom. I really want to do Disney World again with B1 and B2 and their parents—this trip only confirmed that more. We had lunch/dinner at Pecos Bill in Frontierland—really reasonable and tasty. I had a taco salad. We rode Steamboat river ride, People Mover, Carousel of Progress. The Magic Kingdom was dressed up for Christmas-a wonderful sight of lights.
November 21, 2010
On the road to Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, and dinner at Chili’s. TK is ready to cruise!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-PART II
Today we went to the Universal Studios part of the Theme Park. I decided to try the Simpsons Ride-TK thought he would not do well on it, so I went ahead. I was in a car with 7 other people when the operators announced that the car we were in was malfunctioning. We had to wait to be escorted out. What is up with that?? I decided not to try again. The main idea of the ride was that you were in a theme park (Krustyland) with a crazed killer on the loose. I think there is a crazed mechanic on the loose following me around.
Our other rides we did successfully: Terminator 2 (Arnold comes back to save the day-3D glasses, futuristic); Disaster! (audience members participate in a disaster. We got on a train and a semi tractor trailer almost slides into us); JAWS (a boat ride where we encountered a huge shark, oil tanks catch on fire); Twister (an F5 tornado--trees split in two, a huge neon sign crashes down, and a gasoline pump catches fire).
We had lunch at Emeril's--the sweet potato biscuits and fried chicken were the best!
Our other rides we did successfully: Terminator 2 (Arnold comes back to save the day-3D glasses, futuristic); Disaster! (audience members participate in a disaster. We got on a train and a semi tractor trailer almost slides into us); JAWS (a boat ride where we encountered a huge shark, oil tanks catch on fire); Twister (an F5 tornado--trees split in two, a huge neon sign crashes down, and a gasoline pump catches fire).
We had lunch at Emeril's--the sweet potato biscuits and fried chicken were the best!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT, PART I
November 16, 2010
High 70s, sunny
After paying $15 to park, we walked to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, for our first day of feeling like kids. We were told this was a very good time to come to the theme park since it was not too crowded. We headed straight for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and we were totally amazed at how much we felt like we were in Harry Potter’s world.
Hogwarts train, talking plants, cobbled streets, black robed men and women, owls, and a wand store all added to the atmosphere. First, we bought some butter beer, a lovely mix of butterscotch, ginger, and froth, with a buttery smooth taste. Since we got there early, our wait for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey simulation ride was very short. This creative ride in Hogwarts School and Castle down the corridors and in the classrooms was the all time best I’ve ever been on. We also soared through hilly landscapes on an aerial car through a quidditch game with Harry and Ron. We encountered dragons, huge spiders, and talking portraits on the walls, the classrooms, and corridors. The downside of this tumultuous ride was the effect on our stomachs. TK felt very queasy afterwards, and I was barely OK.
We toured Poseidon’s Fury—the “remains” of Poseidon’s Temple where the water and fire effects are great in The Lost Continent. We walked through Marvel Hero Island and saw Spiderman, Wolverine, and other superheroes on the street. We needed a kid to ride on the Pteranodon Flyers-an aerial ride that looked really calm, but no go in Jurassic Park!
On our way to lunch at Hog Head’s Pub we got the bright idea to ride on the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. About 2 minutes into the ride the train stopped. Period. We sat there for 40 minutes high in the sky wondering what was going on. The same music droned on and on. Every once in awhile an employee would tell us help was on the way. We were not too concerned, but I knew I was not going to be climbing down the tubular tracks to the mythical Seussical area way down below. Finally, the engineers and employees pushed the train/trolley to an area where there was a metal walkway and guided us a little way to an area that had a walkway beside the train, secured the cars so they would not roll, and helped us individually out of the cars. We were helped down the stairway back to solid ground. The employees gave us fast passes for the rest of the day and bottles of $2.75 water each. Just a little excitement.
At the Pub we enjoyed shepherd’s pie. We walked the park twice, then settled in for Unstoppable at the 8000 seat movie theater. This was a very good movie that fit in with our train theme of the day.
Medal of Honor
I must add that today was a historic day as SSgt. Salvatore A. Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama. SSgt. Guinta is the first living recipient since the Viet Nam War. One of Guinta’s actions, at age 22, was that he rescued a wounded soldier from an Afghanistan insurgent ambush and pulled him back to cover. Minutes later, he stopped a pair of insurgents from abducting another soldier. He has said that he cannot reconcile what he did with his newfound hero status. He also said, “If I am a hero, then every man who stands around me, every person who defends this country, is a hero.” His “extraordinary bravery and selflessness” will serve him well in his new responsibilities and roles as a Medal of Honor recipient.
Community, Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Patriotism, Commitment-the values of the Medal of Honor Foundation. SSgt. Guinta certainly exemplifies those values.
High 70s, sunny
After paying $15 to park, we walked to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, for our first day of feeling like kids. We were told this was a very good time to come to the theme park since it was not too crowded. We headed straight for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and we were totally amazed at how much we felt like we were in Harry Potter’s world.
Hogwarts train, talking plants, cobbled streets, black robed men and women, owls, and a wand store all added to the atmosphere. First, we bought some butter beer, a lovely mix of butterscotch, ginger, and froth, with a buttery smooth taste. Since we got there early, our wait for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey simulation ride was very short. This creative ride in Hogwarts School and Castle down the corridors and in the classrooms was the all time best I’ve ever been on. We also soared through hilly landscapes on an aerial car through a quidditch game with Harry and Ron. We encountered dragons, huge spiders, and talking portraits on the walls, the classrooms, and corridors. The downside of this tumultuous ride was the effect on our stomachs. TK felt very queasy afterwards, and I was barely OK.
We toured Poseidon’s Fury—the “remains” of Poseidon’s Temple where the water and fire effects are great in The Lost Continent. We walked through Marvel Hero Island and saw Spiderman, Wolverine, and other superheroes on the street. We needed a kid to ride on the Pteranodon Flyers-an aerial ride that looked really calm, but no go in Jurassic Park!
On our way to lunch at Hog Head’s Pub we got the bright idea to ride on the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride. About 2 minutes into the ride the train stopped. Period. We sat there for 40 minutes high in the sky wondering what was going on. The same music droned on and on. Every once in awhile an employee would tell us help was on the way. We were not too concerned, but I knew I was not going to be climbing down the tubular tracks to the mythical Seussical area way down below. Finally, the engineers and employees pushed the train/trolley to an area where there was a metal walkway and guided us a little way to an area that had a walkway beside the train, secured the cars so they would not roll, and helped us individually out of the cars. We were helped down the stairway back to solid ground. The employees gave us fast passes for the rest of the day and bottles of $2.75 water each. Just a little excitement.
At the Pub we enjoyed shepherd’s pie. We walked the park twice, then settled in for Unstoppable at the 8000 seat movie theater. This was a very good movie that fit in with our train theme of the day.
Medal of Honor
I must add that today was a historic day as SSgt. Salvatore A. Giunta was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama. SSgt. Guinta is the first living recipient since the Viet Nam War. One of Guinta’s actions, at age 22, was that he rescued a wounded soldier from an Afghanistan insurgent ambush and pulled him back to cover. Minutes later, he stopped a pair of insurgents from abducting another soldier. He has said that he cannot reconcile what he did with his newfound hero status. He also said, “If I am a hero, then every man who stands around me, every person who defends this country, is a hero.” His “extraordinary bravery and selflessness” will serve him well in his new responsibilities and roles as a Medal of Honor recipient.
Community, Courage, Sacrifice, Integrity, Patriotism, Commitment-the values of the Medal of Honor Foundation. SSgt. Guinta certainly exemplifies those values.
Monday, November 15, 2010
ORLANDO, FLORIDA--SUNNY AND 77 F
We briefly stopped at the Welcome Center over the border for the customary orange juice and in Ormond Beach, Florida, at the best shoe store ever. By 2 p.m. we were at our hotel in Orlando, near Universal Studios Theme Park. TK forced me to go to the Premium Outlet Mall as well as the fine Millennia Mall. The Mall Christmas decorations were beautiful, including a 20 ft. Christmas tree all glittery, gold, and red.
Cheesecake Factory at the Mall for dinner.
Tomorrow, Universal Studios and Harry Potter, here we come!
Cheesecake Factory at the Mall for dinner.
Tomorrow, Universal Studios and Harry Potter, here we come!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
SAVANNAH--
The drive today from Wytheville to Savannah was about 7 hours. We could push ourselves more, but we don't have to! About 2 p.m. we noted it was about 70 F. In November!
Because we arrived early enough, we drove to the Oglethorpe Mall. We should have driven to Tybee Island and eaten at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, Paula Deen's brother's restaurant. But, we didn't!
Because we arrived early enough, we drove to the Oglethorpe Mall. We should have driven to Tybee Island and eaten at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, Paula Deen's brother's restaurant. But, we didn't!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
FIRST DAY-WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA
Saturday, November 13, 2010
We left our driveway at 8:42 a.m. It took longer to pack the Avalanche than we expected. The day was clear and the temperature was in the 60s. TK bought the CD, The 12th Imam, so we listened to that all the way to Wytheville.
*Tuna fish sandwiches on cement picnic benches at the first West Virginia rest stop on I-79.
*About 7 hours on the road, 6,5 hours of driving.
*We arrived in Wytheville about 3:30 a.m., kind of early, so we visited two antique shops. I was very tempted by a Franciscan Apple water pitcher.
*Light dinner at Wendy’s and we checked in at the Hampton.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
CRUISING AGAIN--Trip Itinerary
Another cruise! Actually we switched cruises because the October Mediterranean cruise on the RCL Navigator was getting complicated (e.g. how does one get from Rome to Citavecchio easily; and instead of the Marseille stop where we could easily get to Aix en Provence where I lived, a 20 mile trip, the cruise line changed the French port to Toulon, 2 hours away from Aix). I promise myself that we will do the Mediterranean another time.
Then, my NCTE proposal with friend H was accepted and so now we are off to Disney World/Orlando/NCTE's national conference and then the cruise. When TK saw that we would be so close to Fort Lauderdale he smelled a cruise and booked the Grand Princess!
Our itinerary:
November 13: Wytheville, Virginia
November 14: Savannah, Georgia
November 15: Orlando, Florida
November 16, 17: Universal Studios, Orlando
November 18-20: Disney World, Orlando/NCTE national conference
November 20: Medal of Honor: Examining Lessons of Personal Bravery and Self-Sacrifice: A resource for teachers to engage students through investigation. Our presentation is in the Yacht and Beach Club, Grand Harbour Ballroom, Salon 3.
November 21: Fort Lauderdale
November 22: Board the Grand Princess
November 23, 24: At Sea
November 25: Thanksgiving Day in Aruba
November 26: Curacao
November 27: At Sea
November 28: Grenada
November 29: Barbados
November 30: Son Brian's birthday! We will celebrate for him in St. Vincent
December 1: St. Kitts
December 2: St. Thomas
December 3: Santo Domingo
December 4: At Sea
December 5: Princess Cays
December 6: Fort Lauderdale to Kingsville, Georgia
December 7: Spartanburg, SC
December 8: Medal of Honor training in Spartanburg--maybe drive to Summerville, West Virginia afterward
December 9: Maybe Erie
December 10: or maybe Erie!
Then, my NCTE proposal with friend H was accepted and so now we are off to Disney World/Orlando/NCTE's national conference and then the cruise. When TK saw that we would be so close to Fort Lauderdale he smelled a cruise and booked the Grand Princess!
Our itinerary:
November 13: Wytheville, Virginia
November 14: Savannah, Georgia
November 15: Orlando, Florida
November 16, 17: Universal Studios, Orlando
November 18-20: Disney World, Orlando/NCTE national conference
November 20: Medal of Honor: Examining Lessons of Personal Bravery and Self-Sacrifice: A resource for teachers to engage students through investigation. Our presentation is in the Yacht and Beach Club, Grand Harbour Ballroom, Salon 3.
November 21: Fort Lauderdale
November 22: Board the Grand Princess
November 23, 24: At Sea
November 25: Thanksgiving Day in Aruba
November 26: Curacao
November 27: At Sea
November 28: Grenada
November 29: Barbados
November 30: Son Brian's birthday! We will celebrate for him in St. Vincent
December 1: St. Kitts
December 2: St. Thomas
December 3: Santo Domingo
December 4: At Sea
December 5: Princess Cays
December 6: Fort Lauderdale to Kingsville, Georgia
December 7: Spartanburg, SC
December 8: Medal of Honor training in Spartanburg--maybe drive to Summerville, West Virginia afterward
December 9: Maybe Erie
December 10: or maybe Erie!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
COZUMEL, MEXICO-OLE!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 high 80s, some rain, some sun
Cozumel is an island 30 miles long and 9 miles wide with a population of 67,000. Its history is linked to the Mayan civilization. The island is approximately 12 miles from the mainland—off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is 36 miles south of Cancun.
We have been very fortunate with the weather the entire trip, but today there was rain. We got up at 7 a.m. to the sounds of the ship docking. It wasn’t long before we were ready to visit Cozumel with umbrellas in hand. We docked at the Puerta Maya pier, about 3 miles from downtown; however, this area is being developed with shops and restaurants.
I have to mention the sensation of having two cruise ships, behemoths, docked side by side, our Crown Princess and the Carnival Legend. Just a little distance away Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and Celebrity’s Equinox were docked. The vision of these four ships made me reflect on the early 20th century when one could have seen tall ships still in the harbor and the contrast with what we see today. What will be the view on the seas 100 years from now? The dock’s width between the Crown and the Legend was just 40 ft – when I looked up as I stood between them, they were enormous—19 to 20 decks (stories) minimum high. It is an amazing sight. There were at least 2 other cruise ships in Cozumel today, a low guess of 14,000 passengers total, plus crew.
We stood in Ron Jon’s waiting for the rain to subside and then took a taxi to the downtown area ($7/cab). Shopping is fun in Cozumel and, of course, I still wanted to shop. I finally found blue topaz that I liked. Now May and December little girls both might have a nice keepsake.
The rain did not last. While I continued along the main street looking for bargains, TK looked for sea glass along the shore on the other side of the main street. In other words, the main street follows the shore and one can walk on it. (note to Donna and Lawrence—TK found some nice pieces so I can have a necklace made as a Cozumel memory!)
When we returned to Puerta Maya we had lunch at Pancho’s Backyard—great Mexican food while a marimba band plays. We have enjoyed lunch at Pancho’s every time we have visited Cozumel.
Back on board ship, I finished reading Possession by Peter James, an English author. I wish K.C. (from London and the NCL Spirit) were here to translate some passages—where are you when I need you?
We watched the other cruise ships leave Cozumel between 4:30 and 5, when we left the port. The seas are rough tonight-it’s windy! By 8:45 there were 7 ½ ft. waves and we were rocking and rolling with wind at 55 knots. It is 71 F outside. (This is from the Captain’s Log published on the television.
Tonight was the best dinner we had at the Horizon buffet, Bavarian night. Spaetzle, red cabbage, roast pork, sausages, pretzels, all very good. TK had the Black Forest cake. We were going to watch Julie and Julia on MUTS, but it was way too windy and water from the pool was spraying the deck where the lounge chairs are.
AT SEA—WEATHER!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
This morning the sun came out, but the seas are still “lumpy” and the air is cool-probably 60s. This is still better than the weather in Pennsylvania. Everyone is staying inside—most outside decks are closed because they are wet from the spraying ocean. The pool deck is open, but the pools are closed.
Captain Proctor, who sounds like a professional radio announcer, has reassured us that the weather will get better. We are headed north, toward the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, so I’m just not sure how much warmer it will get. I’m happy to read my new book, Guilt With Honor, by Jeffrey Ashford. TK entered the Slots tournament.
Even though it may seem like we are not doing anything exciting, we are content to relax. There will be enough to do when we get home, a week from yesterday or today. HLN is available in our cabin so we know that the Eastern U.S., including Pennsylvania, is still getting snow.
Cozumel is an island 30 miles long and 9 miles wide with a population of 67,000. Its history is linked to the Mayan civilization. The island is approximately 12 miles from the mainland—off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is 36 miles south of Cancun.
We have been very fortunate with the weather the entire trip, but today there was rain. We got up at 7 a.m. to the sounds of the ship docking. It wasn’t long before we were ready to visit Cozumel with umbrellas in hand. We docked at the Puerta Maya pier, about 3 miles from downtown; however, this area is being developed with shops and restaurants.
I have to mention the sensation of having two cruise ships, behemoths, docked side by side, our Crown Princess and the Carnival Legend. Just a little distance away Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and Celebrity’s Equinox were docked. The vision of these four ships made me reflect on the early 20th century when one could have seen tall ships still in the harbor and the contrast with what we see today. What will be the view on the seas 100 years from now? The dock’s width between the Crown and the Legend was just 40 ft – when I looked up as I stood between them, they were enormous—19 to 20 decks (stories) minimum high. It is an amazing sight. There were at least 2 other cruise ships in Cozumel today, a low guess of 14,000 passengers total, plus crew.
We stood in Ron Jon’s waiting for the rain to subside and then took a taxi to the downtown area ($7/cab). Shopping is fun in Cozumel and, of course, I still wanted to shop. I finally found blue topaz that I liked. Now May and December little girls both might have a nice keepsake.
The rain did not last. While I continued along the main street looking for bargains, TK looked for sea glass along the shore on the other side of the main street. In other words, the main street follows the shore and one can walk on it. (note to Donna and Lawrence—TK found some nice pieces so I can have a necklace made as a Cozumel memory!)
When we returned to Puerta Maya we had lunch at Pancho’s Backyard—great Mexican food while a marimba band plays. We have enjoyed lunch at Pancho’s every time we have visited Cozumel.
Back on board ship, I finished reading Possession by Peter James, an English author. I wish K.C. (from London and the NCL Spirit) were here to translate some passages—where are you when I need you?
We watched the other cruise ships leave Cozumel between 4:30 and 5, when we left the port. The seas are rough tonight-it’s windy! By 8:45 there were 7 ½ ft. waves and we were rocking and rolling with wind at 55 knots. It is 71 F outside. (This is from the Captain’s Log published on the television.
Tonight was the best dinner we had at the Horizon buffet, Bavarian night. Spaetzle, red cabbage, roast pork, sausages, pretzels, all very good. TK had the Black Forest cake. We were going to watch Julie and Julia on MUTS, but it was way too windy and water from the pool was spraying the deck where the lounge chairs are.
AT SEA—WEATHER!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
This morning the sun came out, but the seas are still “lumpy” and the air is cool-probably 60s. This is still better than the weather in Pennsylvania. Everyone is staying inside—most outside decks are closed because they are wet from the spraying ocean. The pool deck is open, but the pools are closed.
Captain Proctor, who sounds like a professional radio announcer, has reassured us that the weather will get better. We are headed north, toward the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, so I’m just not sure how much warmer it will get. I’m happy to read my new book, Guilt With Honor, by Jeffrey Ashford. TK entered the Slots tournament.
Even though it may seem like we are not doing anything exciting, we are content to relax. There will be enough to do when we get home, a week from yesterday or today. HLN is available in our cabin so we know that the Eastern U.S., including Pennsylvania, is still getting snow.
SUNNY ROATAN, HONDURAS
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 sunny --- high 80s ----- hot and humid
The first time we were in Roatan was about 10 years ago—TK went scuba diving and I took a quiet riverboat ride through the mangrove trees. The dive was great-Roatan is known for its dive because of its reef system and pristine aquamarine water-- and my ride through the trees was unique. I saw so many crabs clustered on the tree trunks and roots I could hardly see the trunks. There was only one shop for tourists back then and the little village was very, very undeveloped. I know there have been hurricanes in Roatan since then. A few months ago, Carnival Cruise Line finished building state of the art docks and a small tourist area with brand new shops and restaurants. There is a chair lift to a developed beach area, very much like chair lifts at a ski resort.
Roatan’s population is 25,000 and it is 49 square miles. Environmental tourism is increasingly popular here.
I was very pleased to see the development and when I talked to a young lady working at Del Sol, she was very happy to see the island become even more of a tourist destination. Her English was perfect (and I ought to know, JK said smiling). She said she learned English at school! Spanish is the native language. This area will be developed even more.
TK and I took the chair lift to the beach-white sand, lots of palm trees, lounge chairs, and warm clear water ($8 each for an all day pass). I won’t complain about the heat---it was very hot and humid with a wonderful soft Caribbean breeze. We stayed on the beach for a couple hours and then I shopped some—I bought nice t-shirts at a kiosk that was selling items to raise money for Roatan’s Coral Reef Alliance for B1 and B2—they have turtle designs front and back. The girl said she was a volunteer for the organization.
We returned to the ship and spent some time at the aft pool and then spent time on our balcony reading.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court—pork, steak, lamb, jerk chicken were all available. I think we are a little tired of formal dinners every night.
“Destination Anywhere, A Theatrical and Musical Journey Around the World and Beyond,” was the show tonight. At first the theme was quite clear-dancers as airline stewardesses, Viva Las Vegas and Heartbreak Hotel, but from there we went to dark songs in London that I did not recognize, then Lion King, and then moon suits. The pyrotechnique part was good, but I think shows on NCL are better. Maybe we just did not click with this show and the musical selections.
TK and I did quite well as a team in the Jeopardized Trivia Challenge game. Actually TK knew more answers than I in categories such as flags, numbers, science, Olympic history, and TV shows. The Club Fusion Lounge that hosted this game is very large and comfortable. In fact, all the lounges are very large and comfortable. I thought about Kenny in NJ and how much he liked trivia, too.
From there we went to the Island Night Party on Deck 15, at Neptune’s Pool. It was a beautiful night for a pool party, warm and a partial moon. TK really likes the island band on this ship, Temperature. Dancing, conga line, and a fruit and dessert buffet worthy of many photos. Our NCL Spirit and Grand Princess friends would have enjoyed this party—wish they ALL were here!
The first time we were in Roatan was about 10 years ago—TK went scuba diving and I took a quiet riverboat ride through the mangrove trees. The dive was great-Roatan is known for its dive because of its reef system and pristine aquamarine water-- and my ride through the trees was unique. I saw so many crabs clustered on the tree trunks and roots I could hardly see the trunks. There was only one shop for tourists back then and the little village was very, very undeveloped. I know there have been hurricanes in Roatan since then. A few months ago, Carnival Cruise Line finished building state of the art docks and a small tourist area with brand new shops and restaurants. There is a chair lift to a developed beach area, very much like chair lifts at a ski resort.
Roatan’s population is 25,000 and it is 49 square miles. Environmental tourism is increasingly popular here.
I was very pleased to see the development and when I talked to a young lady working at Del Sol, she was very happy to see the island become even more of a tourist destination. Her English was perfect (and I ought to know, JK said smiling). She said she learned English at school! Spanish is the native language. This area will be developed even more.
TK and I took the chair lift to the beach-white sand, lots of palm trees, lounge chairs, and warm clear water ($8 each for an all day pass). I won’t complain about the heat---it was very hot and humid with a wonderful soft Caribbean breeze. We stayed on the beach for a couple hours and then I shopped some—I bought nice t-shirts at a kiosk that was selling items to raise money for Roatan’s Coral Reef Alliance for B1 and B2—they have turtle designs front and back. The girl said she was a volunteer for the organization.
We returned to the ship and spent some time at the aft pool and then spent time on our balcony reading.
We had dinner at the Horizon Court—pork, steak, lamb, jerk chicken were all available. I think we are a little tired of formal dinners every night.
“Destination Anywhere, A Theatrical and Musical Journey Around the World and Beyond,” was the show tonight. At first the theme was quite clear-dancers as airline stewardesses, Viva Las Vegas and Heartbreak Hotel, but from there we went to dark songs in London that I did not recognize, then Lion King, and then moon suits. The pyrotechnique part was good, but I think shows on NCL are better. Maybe we just did not click with this show and the musical selections.
TK and I did quite well as a team in the Jeopardized Trivia Challenge game. Actually TK knew more answers than I in categories such as flags, numbers, science, Olympic history, and TV shows. The Club Fusion Lounge that hosted this game is very large and comfortable. In fact, all the lounges are very large and comfortable. I thought about Kenny in NJ and how much he liked trivia, too.
From there we went to the Island Night Party on Deck 15, at Neptune’s Pool. It was a beautiful night for a pool party, warm and a partial moon. TK really likes the island band on this ship, Temperature. Dancing, conga line, and a fruit and dessert buffet worthy of many photos. Our NCL Spirit and Grand Princess friends would have enjoyed this party—wish they ALL were here!
GRAND CAYMAN-SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Monday, February 22, 2010
We were up early because we could hear the tender boats (AKA life boats) being lowered into the water, so we were ready to go ashore to George Town by 8:30 a.m. Before we left the cabin we were listening to Cruise Director Lisa Ball’s morning TV show. She was drawing a name for a prize for correctly naming the master of the ship. Didn’t I hear “TK and Janie of C603 are our winners.” TK entered and didn’t tell me—we won a free specialty drink of the day at the Adagio Lounge!
Grand Cayman is a high lying reef made of limestone and marine fossils. It is 76 square miles, has a population of 40,000, and the highest elevation is 79 ft. above sea level. The island has no source of natural fresh water-no lakes or rivers. The first time we visited in the mid 90s, we snorkeled at Stingray City with the stingrays. We have noticed many changes in subsequent visits and since just last year more shops and port area have been added.
This visit we discovered artist Guy Harvey and TK bought an oil painting of yellow fin tuna— cheaper than having the fish he caught mounted. Harvey’s shop had a very nice selection of artful souvenirs. I can’t help it that I love shopping in the Caribbean—from Del Sol and their color changing clothes to Diamonds International and their free little bracelet charms (a turtle and a sting ray) to EFFY Jewelers’ free gems to Bernard Passman’s black coral jewelry, I love it all. Needless to say, I don’t buy much, but I love looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, I admit that we have a 28 inch suitcase full of what we bought from the first 2 cruises) TK likes to look too. I have to imagine that because why on earth does he go with me if he does not like to shop???? He never tells me not to buy anything!
We had lunch overlooking the street and the bay at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – a waterslide and swim up bar on the SECOND FLOOR. I had a cheeseburger and TK videotaped me while I performed when Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was being played. These are moments we have to cherish.
About 2 p.m. we tendered back to the ship. There was full sun on our balcony and I loved reading and relaxing there for the rest of the afternoon. TK went to the aft pool.
We decided to go to Troy Thirdgill’s comedy show again and then about 8 p.m. I went to the pizzeria while TK got his choices at the buffet and we ate together there. From there we went to the Adagio lounge for our free drinks. When we told the waiter that we wanted a non-alcoholic drink, he asked us if we were sure. We ended up with non-alcoholic pina coladas, very tasty and not watered down. The drink of the day was “Ultimate Cooler”: Grey Goose vodka, watermelon syrup, passion fruit, topped with cranberry juice-$6.75. The lounge was empty except for us and the really good piano player, Ludovic.
We were up early because we could hear the tender boats (AKA life boats) being lowered into the water, so we were ready to go ashore to George Town by 8:30 a.m. Before we left the cabin we were listening to Cruise Director Lisa Ball’s morning TV show. She was drawing a name for a prize for correctly naming the master of the ship. Didn’t I hear “TK and Janie of C603 are our winners.” TK entered and didn’t tell me—we won a free specialty drink of the day at the Adagio Lounge!
Grand Cayman is a high lying reef made of limestone and marine fossils. It is 76 square miles, has a population of 40,000, and the highest elevation is 79 ft. above sea level. The island has no source of natural fresh water-no lakes or rivers. The first time we visited in the mid 90s, we snorkeled at Stingray City with the stingrays. We have noticed many changes in subsequent visits and since just last year more shops and port area have been added.
This visit we discovered artist Guy Harvey and TK bought an oil painting of yellow fin tuna— cheaper than having the fish he caught mounted. Harvey’s shop had a very nice selection of artful souvenirs. I can’t help it that I love shopping in the Caribbean—from Del Sol and their color changing clothes to Diamonds International and their free little bracelet charms (a turtle and a sting ray) to EFFY Jewelers’ free gems to Bernard Passman’s black coral jewelry, I love it all. Needless to say, I don’t buy much, but I love looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (well, I admit that we have a 28 inch suitcase full of what we bought from the first 2 cruises) TK likes to look too. I have to imagine that because why on earth does he go with me if he does not like to shop???? He never tells me not to buy anything!
We had lunch overlooking the street and the bay at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – a waterslide and swim up bar on the SECOND FLOOR. I had a cheeseburger and TK videotaped me while I performed when Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” was being played. These are moments we have to cherish.
About 2 p.m. we tendered back to the ship. There was full sun on our balcony and I loved reading and relaxing there for the rest of the afternoon. TK went to the aft pool.
We decided to go to Troy Thirdgill’s comedy show again and then about 8 p.m. I went to the pizzeria while TK got his choices at the buffet and we ate together there. From there we went to the Adagio lounge for our free drinks. When we told the waiter that we wanted a non-alcoholic drink, he asked us if we were sure. We ended up with non-alcoholic pina coladas, very tasty and not watered down. The drink of the day was “Ultimate Cooler”: Grey Goose vodka, watermelon syrup, passion fruit, topped with cranberry juice-$6.75. The lounge was empty except for us and the really good piano player, Ludovic.
CROWN PRINCESS AWAITS US!
Saturday, February 20, 2010 sunny and warm----70s
We disembarked with 7 other people who were boarding the Crown Princess at 9:30 a.m. Princess provided a shuttle and a porter helped us with our luggage. We almost had more luggage than the rest of the people combined. We had to wait until 11:45 to board the Crown, but all went smoothly and we stepped into another wonderful cruise ship.
The Crown is much bigger than the Coral Princess, about 3000 passengers. There are 18 decks (there is never a 13th deck), 13 bars and lounges, three dining rooms, the Horizon Court (buffet), two grills, two specialty restaurants (steak house and Italian), a pizzeria, an ice cream bar, an international café with offerings of sushi and tapas, deli sandwiches, and quiche, plus afternoon tea, fish and chips, or room service. I think I gained 20 pounds just writing about it.
Some activities and entertainment: casino, golf, library, video arcade, MUTS (movies), clubs, piano bars, and more—including production shows, comedians, and movies indoors. Every cruise ship has most of these things, there are just more on the Crown.
There are four pools, two are adults only. I think there are at least 6 hot tubs.
I like Princess’ idea of having a treasure hunt-everyone is given a card to get stamped at various stations (internet café, photo gallery, etc.) and then a drawing is held at the Sail Away party. This is the way TK and I explored the ship after a nice lunch in the Michelangelo Dining Room.
We were thrilled when we saw our stateroom (Caribe C603—Deck 10) the biggest balcony ever, about 7 ½ by 8 ½ ft. The room itself is about as large as the one on the Coral. Plenty of separate closet space with 6 enclosed shelves, flat screen TV (TK noted), refrigerator, a desk/vanity, sizable mirrors, 2 night stands, a coffee table, two padded chairs, a queen bed, and ample lighting. The bathroom is fine-lots of mirrors and good lighting. Our luggage was in our room and unpacked in record time!
I was happy for a chance to talk to Sons R and B, as well as B2. We are so proud to learn that B1 won first place again this year at her school and district-wide (PTA Reflections Contest—she is in Grade 2) with her beautiful photo of a black swan at the Erie Zoo. That was great news! I also spoke with Friend M. We do miss our family and friends back home.
Captain Andrew Proctor directed the obligatory safety drill and then we sailed away from Fort Lauderdale. We could tell already at the Sail Away party that this group of passengers was far different from the Coral’s. For one thing, TK said more buckets of beer were sold at the sailaway than were probably sold in two weeks on the Coral. There is a range of ages, but most people are probably in their 40s-50s. Some children.
TK wanted to eat at the Horizon Court and he guessed right because it was a bountiful seafood buffet with lobster claws and shrimp. Dessert: flourless chocolate cake
I enjoyed the “Welcome Aboard Showtime” at the Princess Theater with the Crown Princess dancers and comedian Troy Thirdgill from Oregon. TK went to MUTS to watch Star Trek XI. Together we looked at photos and wandered around the ship some more.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale was quite smooth and restful tonight— We set sail on a southeasterly course for Grand Cayman.
AT SEA sunny and warm---75 F
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The first thing we did today was head to the aft pool to read. I finished See Jane Die (this book was actually very good—kept me in suspense with lots of candidates for the villain) and started reading Possession by Peter James (sort of a cross between Stephen King and a suspense writer). Because I don’t know enough about shopping, I attended the Grand Cayman, Roatan, and Cozumel shopping show. I now understand that Princess is making these shows an hour and a half, but they now cover most of the ports, instead of doing one port at a time. I do think this is better. Anyway, I started working out my strategies for the ports. I like the Onboard Shopping Expert, “Freddie,” from Montreal. I also liked Adam and Christine, the port and shopping experts on the Coral.
TK entered the Slot tourney and did not place—he enjoys that though and it cost $20 for two sessions at the slot machine.
After a small lunch at the buffet, TK and I went to the Diamond and Gemstone Seminar. I like the charms they give away—today the charm was a cruise ship. TK left, but I like listening to information about diamonds, ammolite, tanzanite, DiVersa jewelry, green diopside, current designer jewelry, and other gemstones. In the end, at the drawing, I won a sapphire necklace. That means that TK or I have won something on every cruise this past month, a facial, a floral arrangement, and now a sapphire necklace.
Dinner: Friends Vickie and Bernie did a B2B on Princess last year and now I wonder what they did with repeated meals. Tonight we went to the DaVinci dining room (we are doing anytime dining again—this will always be our choice I think) and repeated a meal from last cruise: crab quiche appetizer, wonton soup, beef tenderloin, and caramelized pear in puff pastry (JK) and cheesecake (TK).
We really liked comedian Troy Thirdgill at the Explorer’s Lounge—crowded. He asked, “Why do women lie about their age? They always say they are younger than they are. They should say they are about ten years older than they really are—people would tell them how good they looked.” That means I could tell people that I’m 72. I know I look good for 72!
We disembarked with 7 other people who were boarding the Crown Princess at 9:30 a.m. Princess provided a shuttle and a porter helped us with our luggage. We almost had more luggage than the rest of the people combined. We had to wait until 11:45 to board the Crown, but all went smoothly and we stepped into another wonderful cruise ship.
The Crown is much bigger than the Coral Princess, about 3000 passengers. There are 18 decks (there is never a 13th deck), 13 bars and lounges, three dining rooms, the Horizon Court (buffet), two grills, two specialty restaurants (steak house and Italian), a pizzeria, an ice cream bar, an international café with offerings of sushi and tapas, deli sandwiches, and quiche, plus afternoon tea, fish and chips, or room service. I think I gained 20 pounds just writing about it.
Some activities and entertainment: casino, golf, library, video arcade, MUTS (movies), clubs, piano bars, and more—including production shows, comedians, and movies indoors. Every cruise ship has most of these things, there are just more on the Crown.
There are four pools, two are adults only. I think there are at least 6 hot tubs.
I like Princess’ idea of having a treasure hunt-everyone is given a card to get stamped at various stations (internet café, photo gallery, etc.) and then a drawing is held at the Sail Away party. This is the way TK and I explored the ship after a nice lunch in the Michelangelo Dining Room.
We were thrilled when we saw our stateroom (Caribe C603—Deck 10) the biggest balcony ever, about 7 ½ by 8 ½ ft. The room itself is about as large as the one on the Coral. Plenty of separate closet space with 6 enclosed shelves, flat screen TV (TK noted), refrigerator, a desk/vanity, sizable mirrors, 2 night stands, a coffee table, two padded chairs, a queen bed, and ample lighting. The bathroom is fine-lots of mirrors and good lighting. Our luggage was in our room and unpacked in record time!
I was happy for a chance to talk to Sons R and B, as well as B2. We are so proud to learn that B1 won first place again this year at her school and district-wide (PTA Reflections Contest—she is in Grade 2) with her beautiful photo of a black swan at the Erie Zoo. That was great news! I also spoke with Friend M. We do miss our family and friends back home.
Captain Andrew Proctor directed the obligatory safety drill and then we sailed away from Fort Lauderdale. We could tell already at the Sail Away party that this group of passengers was far different from the Coral’s. For one thing, TK said more buckets of beer were sold at the sailaway than were probably sold in two weeks on the Coral. There is a range of ages, but most people are probably in their 40s-50s. Some children.
TK wanted to eat at the Horizon Court and he guessed right because it was a bountiful seafood buffet with lobster claws and shrimp. Dessert: flourless chocolate cake
I enjoyed the “Welcome Aboard Showtime” at the Princess Theater with the Crown Princess dancers and comedian Troy Thirdgill from Oregon. TK went to MUTS to watch Star Trek XI. Together we looked at photos and wandered around the ship some more.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale was quite smooth and restful tonight— We set sail on a southeasterly course for Grand Cayman.
AT SEA sunny and warm---75 F
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The first thing we did today was head to the aft pool to read. I finished See Jane Die (this book was actually very good—kept me in suspense with lots of candidates for the villain) and started reading Possession by Peter James (sort of a cross between Stephen King and a suspense writer). Because I don’t know enough about shopping, I attended the Grand Cayman, Roatan, and Cozumel shopping show. I now understand that Princess is making these shows an hour and a half, but they now cover most of the ports, instead of doing one port at a time. I do think this is better. Anyway, I started working out my strategies for the ports. I like the Onboard Shopping Expert, “Freddie,” from Montreal. I also liked Adam and Christine, the port and shopping experts on the Coral.
TK entered the Slot tourney and did not place—he enjoys that though and it cost $20 for two sessions at the slot machine.
After a small lunch at the buffet, TK and I went to the Diamond and Gemstone Seminar. I like the charms they give away—today the charm was a cruise ship. TK left, but I like listening to information about diamonds, ammolite, tanzanite, DiVersa jewelry, green diopside, current designer jewelry, and other gemstones. In the end, at the drawing, I won a sapphire necklace. That means that TK or I have won something on every cruise this past month, a facial, a floral arrangement, and now a sapphire necklace.
Dinner: Friends Vickie and Bernie did a B2B on Princess last year and now I wonder what they did with repeated meals. Tonight we went to the DaVinci dining room (we are doing anytime dining again—this will always be our choice I think) and repeated a meal from last cruise: crab quiche appetizer, wonton soup, beef tenderloin, and caramelized pear in puff pastry (JK) and cheesecake (TK).
We really liked comedian Troy Thirdgill at the Explorer’s Lounge—crowded. He asked, “Why do women lie about their age? They always say they are younger than they are. They should say they are about ten years older than they really are—people would tell them how good they looked.” That means I could tell people that I’m 72. I know I look good for 72!
Friday, February 19, 2010
SEA DAY--OFF CUBA
Friday, February 19, 2010
Today has been another lazy day, although we did get up earlier. As we approach Fort Lauderdale, the air is a little cooler. It amazes me whenver we pass Cuba--it is the biggest island! We still have temps in the mid 70s, though. I am trying to soak in all the sun and heat that I can so that it will last until July in Erie, so we headed to the Lido Deck pool for the day yet again. It was a little cool now that we are used to the tropics, but we prevailed! I started reading See Jane Die by Erica Sandler. All of these suspense /thriller books have given me nightmares and this one will sure add some color!
The most excitement we have seen on the pool deck happened today when the Princess staff hosted the “Scrapheap Challenge Final.” Five or six teams created little boats of any materials they could scavenge over the last week and a half. One boat was made with an umbrella, another Styrofoam, others used empty coke bottles. The challenge was that the vessel had to be able to hold the cargo (six full cans of beer) and be pulled all the way around the pool from the side. The fastest time won. The decks were filled with people cheering the little boats on. This would be a wonderful challenge at B & D’s pool!
The last day of a cruise is spent lamenting the end of a great time, packing, and preparing extra tips for the staff that truly deserves them. The worst thing is packing---this is when we get to face ALL of our suitcases again (they have been safely tucked under our bed). By this time we have 7 large bags of souvenirs and one large bag of laundry, plus our 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, my purse and computer case, and TK’s backpack. I just felt like repeating all that to remind me of the work ahead tonight. I think I could write a song with this litany, like the 12 days of Christmas. I am so glad we can repeat this whole scenario with another cruise. We cannot possibly buy another thing, or we will need another suitcase for certain and maybe even a trailer for the TK’s truck.
After dinner: We packed before and after dinner-it is an awful scene. I think we thought since we had another large suitcase we could just keep on buying things, heavy things like coffee and hand lotion. And I forgot that we had bought another carry-on, add that to the mix! The bags are now in the hall, ready to be carried out by the porters. On this ship suitcases were supposed to be placed outside the door before dinner. That did not happen. The miracle so far is that TK and I have not had a big fight over all this. He is actually taking things quite well.
Anyway, this cruise has been great—such a wonderful itinerary. The crew has been very attentive and we too, really liked the ship. We liked the Carnival Spirit, too. TK wished for more island music by the pool, but I am satisfied with the live music. Today the afternoon “movie” by the pool was a Pavarotti concert. That is quite an extreme from island music!!
TK’s Takes: At the pool today he showed me a rainbow within the clouds, like a rainbow layer over a cloud. I had never seen such a sight---he called the phenomenon a “sun dog,” but was not sure if that was correct or why it happens. There was no rain, just sun and clouds. Pecan bars were available at lunch, but they weren’t even close to Marge’s pecan pie!!! He is very happy because he just found out that Coral Princess will shuttle us and all our bags to the Crown Princess tomorrow!!
If I am not able to access the Internet on the Crown Princess, I want to write our itinerary for the next week and a half:
Saturday, February 20: Disembark from the Coral Princess/Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, February 20: Embark the Crown Princess
Sunday, February 21: At Sea
Monday, February 22: Grand Cayman
Tuesday, February 23: Roatan, Honduras
Wednesday, February 24: Cozumel, Mexico
Thursday, February 25: At Sea
Friday, February 26: Princess Cays—Princess’ private island
Saturday, February 27: Disembark Crown Princess—we will head to Dade City, Florida and stay
one night with TK’s sister, Mary Lou and Scorchy
Sunday, February 28: We will drive to Black Shear, Georgia and stay with my cousins from Toledo, Ohio
Monday, March 1: We intend to begin driving back to Erie and arrive by March 3.
Today has been another lazy day, although we did get up earlier. As we approach Fort Lauderdale, the air is a little cooler. It amazes me whenver we pass Cuba--it is the biggest island! We still have temps in the mid 70s, though. I am trying to soak in all the sun and heat that I can so that it will last until July in Erie, so we headed to the Lido Deck pool for the day yet again. It was a little cool now that we are used to the tropics, but we prevailed! I started reading See Jane Die by Erica Sandler. All of these suspense /thriller books have given me nightmares and this one will sure add some color!
The most excitement we have seen on the pool deck happened today when the Princess staff hosted the “Scrapheap Challenge Final.” Five or six teams created little boats of any materials they could scavenge over the last week and a half. One boat was made with an umbrella, another Styrofoam, others used empty coke bottles. The challenge was that the vessel had to be able to hold the cargo (six full cans of beer) and be pulled all the way around the pool from the side. The fastest time won. The decks were filled with people cheering the little boats on. This would be a wonderful challenge at B & D’s pool!
The last day of a cruise is spent lamenting the end of a great time, packing, and preparing extra tips for the staff that truly deserves them. The worst thing is packing---this is when we get to face ALL of our suitcases again (they have been safely tucked under our bed). By this time we have 7 large bags of souvenirs and one large bag of laundry, plus our 5 suitcases, 2 carry-ons, my purse and computer case, and TK’s backpack. I just felt like repeating all that to remind me of the work ahead tonight. I think I could write a song with this litany, like the 12 days of Christmas. I am so glad we can repeat this whole scenario with another cruise. We cannot possibly buy another thing, or we will need another suitcase for certain and maybe even a trailer for the TK’s truck.
After dinner: We packed before and after dinner-it is an awful scene. I think we thought since we had another large suitcase we could just keep on buying things, heavy things like coffee and hand lotion. And I forgot that we had bought another carry-on, add that to the mix! The bags are now in the hall, ready to be carried out by the porters. On this ship suitcases were supposed to be placed outside the door before dinner. That did not happen. The miracle so far is that TK and I have not had a big fight over all this. He is actually taking things quite well.
Anyway, this cruise has been great—such a wonderful itinerary. The crew has been very attentive and we too, really liked the ship. We liked the Carnival Spirit, too. TK wished for more island music by the pool, but I am satisfied with the live music. Today the afternoon “movie” by the pool was a Pavarotti concert. That is quite an extreme from island music!!
TK’s Takes: At the pool today he showed me a rainbow within the clouds, like a rainbow layer over a cloud. I had never seen such a sight---he called the phenomenon a “sun dog,” but was not sure if that was correct or why it happens. There was no rain, just sun and clouds. Pecan bars were available at lunch, but they weren’t even close to Marge’s pecan pie!!! He is very happy because he just found out that Coral Princess will shuttle us and all our bags to the Crown Princess tomorrow!!
If I am not able to access the Internet on the Crown Princess, I want to write our itinerary for the next week and a half:
Saturday, February 20: Disembark from the Coral Princess/Fort Lauderdale
Saturday, February 20: Embark the Crown Princess
Sunday, February 21: At Sea
Monday, February 22: Grand Cayman
Tuesday, February 23: Roatan, Honduras
Wednesday, February 24: Cozumel, Mexico
Thursday, February 25: At Sea
Friday, February 26: Princess Cays—Princess’ private island
Saturday, February 27: Disembark Crown Princess—we will head to Dade City, Florida and stay
one night with TK’s sister, Mary Lou and Scorchy
Sunday, February 28: We will drive to Black Shear, Georgia and stay with my cousins from Toledo, Ohio
Monday, March 1: We intend to begin driving back to Erie and arrive by March 3.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
WELCOME TO ARUBA
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Aruba is now an independent nation, but once was a member of the Netherlands Antilles. The population is bout 70,000 with a heritage of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and English. Dutch is the official language. It is a desert island.
The port city and capital, Oranjestad, is easily navigable (population: 30,000). The aloe plant is the primary agricultural crop. The Lago Oil and Transport Co, a subsidiary of Standard Oil of New Jersey, built the largest oil refinery in the world. Aruba is one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.
We have enjoyed Aruba several times. A quick shuttle took us from our dock in the commercial area to the town. We shopped some—one of our favorites is the Aloe Aruba store where we purchased aloe-rich hand lotion and sunscreen (our first time here we toured the factory). We had lunch at Iguana Joe’s, a restaurant we like that overlooks the main street. We spent several hours browsing jewelry and watch shops and souvenir shops.
We returned to the ship and I started reading another book, The Street Lawyer, by John Grisham. I finished London Bridges by James Patterson and that will be the last book I read by him. Grisham is a much better writer. TK usually plays in the pool while I read.
I like two-week cruises and the time to read and do “whatever.” I heard someone complaining about sea days and nothing to do. That made me think of how I personally don’t ever seem to have time to just read and how much work I have when I return home—I am going to help with the tall ship festival in Erie in September and must begin my part the second I return, school district work, the charity spelling bee the end of March, the U.S. Academic Decathlon essay assessment (PA and national), and checking in with the Poet Laureate program as well as the district’s poetry program. I should not have been thinking about that! I will avoid anyone complaining about nothing to do, I promise!!!!
Tonight was low-key—we watched Extract with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck. (Note to Friends M & B: this is the movie we should have seen—it was quite funny!)
SEA DAY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
We were very lazy today—getting up much later than usual. We went straight to the pool to read after the breakfast buffet/lunch. I tried the waffles and TK likes the Eggs Benedict very much. We watched another silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney. We stayed poolside until about 6 p.m. then got ready for our 3rd formal evening—TK’s favorite.
I told him he did not have to wear a tie and he was happy for that. Dinner was certainly worth dressing up for: roasted tomato soup, melon soup, shredded shrimp, scallops, and crab, lobster and prawns, with carrot cake as the dessert. Francisco (Philippines) and Praba (India), our waiters, have taken good care of us every night. We have had the same window seat at 7:30 p.m. each evening after the little misunderstanding in the beginning. I was happy to have the same waiters every night—they are so efficient.
TK’s Takes: The weather was great in Aruba. He liked that I said the best thing about cruising was being with him. The pool was open after all, after the incident on Tuesday and the water was much colder (Princess uses fresh water). We were told that the material in the pool was sunscreen or a pina colada, not what everyone thought. Hmmm.
JK's Takes: I am homesick for our family, especially B1 and B2.
Aruba is now an independent nation, but once was a member of the Netherlands Antilles. The population is bout 70,000 with a heritage of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African, and English. Dutch is the official language. It is a desert island.
The port city and capital, Oranjestad, is easily navigable (population: 30,000). The aloe plant is the primary agricultural crop. The Lago Oil and Transport Co, a subsidiary of Standard Oil of New Jersey, built the largest oil refinery in the world. Aruba is one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.
We have enjoyed Aruba several times. A quick shuttle took us from our dock in the commercial area to the town. We shopped some—one of our favorites is the Aloe Aruba store where we purchased aloe-rich hand lotion and sunscreen (our first time here we toured the factory). We had lunch at Iguana Joe’s, a restaurant we like that overlooks the main street. We spent several hours browsing jewelry and watch shops and souvenir shops.
We returned to the ship and I started reading another book, The Street Lawyer, by John Grisham. I finished London Bridges by James Patterson and that will be the last book I read by him. Grisham is a much better writer. TK usually plays in the pool while I read.
I like two-week cruises and the time to read and do “whatever.” I heard someone complaining about sea days and nothing to do. That made me think of how I personally don’t ever seem to have time to just read and how much work I have when I return home—I am going to help with the tall ship festival in Erie in September and must begin my part the second I return, school district work, the charity spelling bee the end of March, the U.S. Academic Decathlon essay assessment (PA and national), and checking in with the Poet Laureate program as well as the district’s poetry program. I should not have been thinking about that! I will avoid anyone complaining about nothing to do, I promise!!!!
Tonight was low-key—we watched Extract with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck. (Note to Friends M & B: this is the movie we should have seen—it was quite funny!)
SEA DAY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
We were very lazy today—getting up much later than usual. We went straight to the pool to read after the breakfast buffet/lunch. I tried the waffles and TK likes the Eggs Benedict very much. We watched another silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney. We stayed poolside until about 6 p.m. then got ready for our 3rd formal evening—TK’s favorite.
I told him he did not have to wear a tie and he was happy for that. Dinner was certainly worth dressing up for: roasted tomato soup, melon soup, shredded shrimp, scallops, and crab, lobster and prawns, with carrot cake as the dessert. Francisco (Philippines) and Praba (India), our waiters, have taken good care of us every night. We have had the same window seat at 7:30 p.m. each evening after the little misunderstanding in the beginning. I was happy to have the same waiters every night—they are so efficient.
TK’s Takes: The weather was great in Aruba. He liked that I said the best thing about cruising was being with him. The pool was open after all, after the incident on Tuesday and the water was much colder (Princess uses fresh water). We were told that the material in the pool was sunscreen or a pina colada, not what everyone thought. Hmmm.
JK's Takes: I am homesick for our family, especially B1 and B2.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
A beach near Cartagena, Colombia
The Coral Princess in Cartagena, ColombiaTuesday, February 16, 2010 high 90s / sunny and partly cloudy
We were quite satisfied with our trip into Cartagena. One tends to be very apprehensive about Colombia, but because of tourism they want to keep this city very safe.
The city’s population is 1 million. Now I better understand the term pre-Colombian—the original inhabitants were the Chibchas Indians who were excellent goldsmiths and skilled in weaving and pottery. Explorers plundered the Chibchas for their gold and emeralds. The Spanish conquistadors discovered that the interior of Colombia was rich in gold and emeralds and claimed the land as their own. Cartagena became the port city to trasport the goods home to Spain. Sir Francis Drake and others laid siege to the city so a great wall and fortresses were built. In 1741 the city was attacked by Englishman Edward Vernon (G. Washington admired this man and named Mount Vernon after him—Washington’s half brother was in on this raid—isn’t history intriguing?) with 25,000 soldiers and sailors, and 186 ships, against 2500 men. The city was never breached.
Ten out of the original 29 forts are still intact. We visited the “Old Town,” the walled city (surrounded by 11 miles of stone). We saw the clock tower, the cathedral, and especially the Palace of the Inquisition (of 1770) where instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition are displayed, “in the light of human rights, as one of the most terrible episodes of our history which must never return again.” Eight hundred people were killed in Cartagena, the Spain’s largest court in the New World (two others were in Mexico City and Lima, Peru) for practicing witchcraft or magic, or committing blasphemous acts.
Romancing the Stone and The Mission were a few of the movies filmed here.
We continued on to Pierino Gallo Plaza, a shopping area with many emerald shops. I had corresponded with Lee Miles, “Mister Emerald,” (Leland@MisterEmerald.com) and he welcomed us at his shop. Some Cruise Critic friends took tours organized by him. He is originally from New Mexico. Anyway, I studied emeralds and that should be good news to B2, despite her age!! TK visited “Coffee And,” and bought more coffee, Colombian this time! Another emerald store had a replication of an emerald mine that one can walk into and see the veins with the raw emeralds. There was also an emerald display that showed the pre-Colombian jewelry designs.
We liked doing Cartagena on our own and this is how we did it: At the port (8 a.m.) we hired a legitimate (blue shirt with blue pants and the word taxi written all over the shirt) taxi for the morning. We agreed to the price ($40—roundtrip). Julio, who did not speak English, took us to Old Town and waited for us. He also gave us directions to the Palace. He took us back to his taxi and then drove us to the Plaza. He waited for us there. I wanted more time than the tours offered for shopping. At about 11:30 we said we wanted to return to the ship. We paid and tipped him when we returned to the ship. How was this different from Acapulco? First, we made certain the driver was legitimate. We were smarter, made certain of the price, he was older, and did not take us to shops owned by his relatives. If he had done that, we were prepared to say “no thank you” to everyone. I am getting much better at that. The taxi driver in Acapulco was legitimate, but we were not as smart.
Dinner tonight: crab meat with shredded lettuce, apple, and melon; wonton soup, chilled fruit soup; surf and turf (jumbo shrimp and filet mignon); Sachar Torte (chocolate cake).
We hope to go to the crew talent show tonight.
TK’s Takes: Cartagena reminded him of a Spanish-European city, like Barcelona. The pool was closed for the afternoon because someone vomited in it. Princess did not take chances—they drained the pool, cleaned it, and then used plenty of chlorine—to be continued, will it be open tomorrow? The water temperature was up to 83 F from 72 the first day he got into it.
He also is impressed because someone is always cleaning the public restrooms. They are big and clean.
MORE ABOUT THE PANAMA CANAL
I hope you can see the huge crocodile with his jaws wide open in this photo. We saw him just after we finished our transit in the Panama Canal--maybe he was saying good bye!
This is another view from the bow of the Coral Princess-container ship is in front of us in the Panama Canal--Gatun LocksMore facts about the Panama Canal that I find fascinating and for all the engineers that I know (from notes taken during the onboard lecture):
§ 1855-the railway system was built across the isthmus
§ 1881-1914—construction including both French and Americaan
§ August 15, 1914—inaugural use of the Panama Canal (the Ancon was the 1st ship)
§ 1963—24/7 canal transit began
§ 5 pilots will board the Coral Princess; one will be on the bridge, the other at the stern. A helmsman will be at the wheel the entire time. The pilots take control of the ship as it approaches the channel
§ 8 “mules” made by Mitsubishi and powered by electricity (70,000 lbs. of force) will be used to guide the ship; the ship will proceed under its own power because it has thrusters. If a ship does not have thrusters, it is pulled by tugboats
§ the Panama Canal lock system was the first major application of electrical power—it takes 1500 electric motors to run
§ There will be less than 2½ ft. clearance between our ship and the canal. The Coral Princess has a 105 ft. beam
§ The Bridge of the Americas on the Pacific side is 400 ft. high so that any ship can pass through. On the Caribbean side there is only a drawbridge. Actual transit begins after the ship passes under the bridge
§ We will be sailing from south to north (many think the canal is west-east)
§ Panama increased the transit cost after they took over the canal
§ A new set of canals/locks is being built-target completion is 2015. The original canal will remain in use. The original canal will be deepened and widened, too. The new canal will accommodate ships that are up to 54 ft. wider, 235 ft. longer, and 10 ft. deeper
§ Miraflores Locks are on the southern side—2 sets of locks (one mile). One million cubic yards of concrete was used for each lock
§ Miter gates on the Miraflores locks are the largest in the world—weigh 800 tons each. They recess when a ship passes through. Tides are more significant on the Pacific side and range from 18 to over 20 ft. / Leonardo da Vinci first conceived the idea of mitered gates for canals—it takes 10 minutes to fill or empty a lock
§ Ships are raised from 31 ft minimum to 85 ft. above sea level.
§ Security is very significant—armed guard
§ After passing through the Miraflores Locks, we enter the 9 mile “Calebra Cut” which slices through the Continental Divide.
§ Just past Gamboa we will meet the Chagres River which becomes Gatun Lake (with lots of wildlife including crocodiles)
§ Gatun Lake is manmade by an earthen dam. Indigenous population had to move when the lake was created. In 1914 it was the largest manmade lake—164 square miles. People were fearful of the dam at first because the Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania had just occurred.
§ After Gatun Lake we approach the three Gatun Locks, still the largest and longest in the world. They are basically the same as the Miraflores Locks. However, with the Gatun Locks there was a more massive use of cement and they took four years to build.
§ After the Gatun Locks there is a short approach channel to the Caribbean
§ We will cross the French canal and head to Limon Bay.
§ The official end to the canal passing is when we pass the breakwater, first created by using “spoil” (earth and rocks) from the Calebra Cut.
§ 9 million gallons of water are used per ship/2 billion gallons per day; when the new canal is build the locks will recycle water more. The water is not wasted, of course, because it does not disappear
§ Most ships that pass through are container ships that hold 4400 to 6000 containers (each about the size of a cargo train car)
§ 3rd most common ships are auto carriers
§ Our passage on February 15, 2010 will cost about $330,000. That includes the reservation, tolls, insurance, and other charges. The least expensive passage is for pleasure boats under 50 ft.--$1200
Monday, February 15, 2010
CRUISING THE CANAL--AN EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!!
This photo was taken from the bow of the Princess of a container ship in the lock in front of us.
This is a photo of the mitered gates. Notice the water level in the lock on the right in comparison to the lock on the left (close up photo)Monday, February 15, 2010 90s / some sun, partly cloudy
It is 11:40 a.m. and we have been up watching the action since a dark 6 a.m. EST. We are through the Miraflores Locks, the Pedro Miguel Lock, we have seen the Calebra Cut, and now we are approaching Gamboa, a little town before we get to Gatun Lake. I wanted to check in live—to tell any possible readers how exciting this is—the enormous technological feat that was accomplished almost a hundred years ago.
I have been fortunate to see a crocodile just before we went into the locks, like he wanted to tag along, and I saw a monkey climbing while studying the trees along the way. We are a little behind schedule because the pilots were late—there was a reason, but I was not clear about that. Anyway, if anyone is online—we are living the dream right now!!!
After the passage…..
Early this morning we started at 8 knots per hour and boarded 5 pilots to take over the ship. On today’s manifest were of 40 ships and boats: 13 yachts, several sailboats, some motorboats, refrigerated cargo ships, an auto carrier, dry bulk carriers (grain, metal, coal, lumber), tankers with petroleum products, container ships, and a tuna fishing boat. We were #9 in line for passage.
We went under the Bridge of America at 6:27 a.m., the beginning of our actual passage. We entered Caribbean at 4:30 p.m. Ten hours of transit and we enjoyed every second. I fear some might not share our zeal or understand it, but I think I have talked about our interest being so great because of all our reading! I think this may be one of our favorite “ports.” The itinerary has been quite engaging. We would admit that because of the average age of many of the passengers, it isn’t the most active cruise we have been on, but I would truly recommend the Panama Canal cruise for its uniqueness.
Tonight I had difficulty accessing the Internet and am very disappointed at that. I spent 30 minutes downloading 4 pictures and the blog, and the connection disconnected just as I finished. Now I can’t log in at all. (note: on Tuesday the Internet manager returned 30 minutes to my account for compensation)
Chef’s Table: I would so recommend this experience—I was quite apprehensive because there are a lot of things on my “I will never eat that again” list. TK really wanted to do the Chef’s Table, so I relented. Ten of us met in a lounge near the dining room and were asked to put on white chef’s shirts and wash our hands very well. We were escorted to the galley and met by the Executive Chef, Urich Thomas Michael, Elia Tinonin, the Maitre d’, and Antonio Mana, Head Waiter. Others enjoyed champagne as we were given a little tour of the dessert and soup stations. I knew I was in trouble when we were offered duck liver pate (Duck Galantine on Brioche Cranberry Jam) and Roasted New Potatoes with Sour Cream and Caviar. Remembering how polite I could be when I went to college in France (we had to eat everything we were offered because it was impolite to refuse), I ate! Quickly, but delicately, I ate. TK was relishing the treats! Other easier, but delicious appetizers were: Bistro Mini Quiche Provencale and Blue Crab Margarita with Avocado and Mango (Margarita glass with shredded crab, avocado, and mango—absolutely superb).
At the elegant dining table, the Chef told us that our dinner was very special and would not be one regularly served. Special wines were offered. Chef Michael introduced each course along side the Sous Chef who had created it. He also explained the background/preparation of each dish and the accompanying embellishment, e.g. sauce or side dish.
The rest of our menu:
§ Southern Italian Calamari Risotta with Grilled Shrimp and Green Onion Vinaigrette (I could hide the calamari and did not eat it-the shrimp and risotta were perfect--TK ate his calamari, of course)
§ Lemon Sorbet and Mango Slaw to cleanse our palate
§ Roasted Veal Shank and Aged Beef Tenderloin, carved tableside with the Chef’s Portobello Mushroom Sauce, Bearnaise Sauce, and Green Pepper Corn Sauce to choose from, with Today’s Market Vegetables (carrots, asparagus, squash) with Chateau Potatoes
§ Baked Camembert Cheese with Pine Nuts, Walnut Bread, and Port Wine Reduction
§ Oven Baked Chocolate Lava Pudding and Vanilla Ice Cream / Raspberry Sauce—no one would believe the presentation of this dish. The dessert chef had created a sherbet glass base with a wine glass on top of that with a thin curled swirl stick inside, all made with transparent colored sugar that appeared like glass-I have never seen such a creation and I don’t think I have described it well.
§ Ending with Coffee or Tea with Executive Chef Michael’s Home Made Biscotti and Amaretti.
At the end each lady received a red rose and each gentleman was given a signed copy of the Princess book, Courses, A Culinary Journey. Good thing TK got the cookbook—cooking like that is far from my reality. We also will get a professional photograph with the Chef and Maitre d’. There is a cost involved, but because we don’t drink, the cost was less. This was the finest of dining!
TK’s Takes: You don’t need a balcony cabin to enjoy the Panama Canal transit. The transit would be an engineer’s dream vacation. He couldn’t believe the amount of people lying around the pool and not watching the Canal. He also recommended reading the McCullough book and really wishes he had taken the rail tour.
He’s never before had such a dinner as the “Chef’s Table.” The veal and beef were sliced right there. The sorbet in the middle of dinner was different.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
AMORE IN PUERTO AMADOR
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!! Sunday, February 14, 2010 cloudy with some sun, hot—90s F
We are very near the equator and the sunrise was at 6:38 a.m. and the sunset will be soon at 6:25 p.m. Twelve hours of night and twelve hours of day, 365 days a year! We made sure we were up this morning at 6:15 a.m. to prepare for our tour in Panama City. We saw the port pilots board easily from a moving boat to the moving ship. In the area we could see at least 35 ships and boats of various sizes waiting to enter the canal (from our port balcony—more could be seen from the starboard side). There are tankers, a huge yacht, cargo/container ships, fishing boats, and more.
Since we are waiting until tomorrow to enter the canal, we anchored out from the port. This is a tendering port, so we had to take one of the ship’s small boats to the two mile long causeway built in 1914 out of the “spoil” from the canal dig. Princess has a very good system for tendering.
Our van was very tiny and cramped. TK and I are not tiny people and neither were other passengers. The streets are narrow and the van could negotiate them. Panama City is the capital of Panama. The country looks like a laid down “S” and so the sun rises over the Pacific. Since 1904 Panama has used American paper currency, except for coins. D Gas is $3 per gallon and is imported. We are 9 degrees north of the equator. The guide said there is no army in Panama, but TK told me there is a National Guard, which used to be very powerful (think Noriega who is now in jail in Miami). The rainy season is 9 months long and children go to school during that time, March to December.
Panama is the 2nd largest duty free port (Hong Kong is the largest). $18 billion moves through the Panama banking system a year. The guide talked about five U.S. Presidents who felt that the Panama Canal shuld be returned to Panama, both Democratic and Republican. That finally happened in 1999.
Panama City was the first Spanish city on the Pacific / est. 1519. Sir Francis Drake destroyed the city in 1671. Some stone walls still remain from the first city. (another source talks about buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan—the facts in most of this blog are from various guides and the lecturer aboard the ship, unless I have mentioned David McCullough’s book)
Our first stop was the old capital city and we saw the remains of the stone walls. A church bell tower still stands and I climbed to the top of that. There were fabulous views of the port and the modern city. Panama values its heritage and a lot of work is being done to preserve the artifacts. We saw some artifacts and a miniature recreation of the old city in the National Museum.
From this area we went to the colonial city (Casco Antiguo) built after the destruction. Here the streets are original cobble stone and very narrow. We could see where much work is being done to preserve the buildings. Some would be reminded of New Orleans and the wrought iron balconies.
We stopped at San Jose Roman Catholic Church nearby—this church from the old city has been moved to the colonial area. This church had a pure gold altar and when the city was being ransacked, the priest painted it black and hid it. The invaders came after the altar (they had heard about the gold altar) and the priest told them that the church was too poor to have such an altar. The invaders gave the priest some coins and said that they expected that to help pay for a gold altar for the church, or so the story goes!
In this area we also saw great architectural wonder, Arco Chato or “Flat Arch,” built from 1670-1760. When areas of Central America were being studied as a site for the canal, including Nicaragua, this arch was shown as proof that Panama was appropriate with no earthquakes.
I was disappointed in the opportunities to shop-the Panamanians make beautiful handicrafts, but there was no market by the ship and few vendors in the areas we visited. If we were ever in Panama again we would do the following: 1. Next trip--sign up for the Panama Canal Railway Journey in a deluxe 1938 vintage observation car (we were too late for this popular tour) 2. Trip after that: sign up for the visit to the Embera Indian Village tour. 3. take the Old Canal Zone & Miraflores Locks tour. In other words, we are really interested in this area.
After our tour we returned to the ship via tender, had lunch (yes, I found the cheeseburgers again and the fresh french fries), and then sat by the pool for awhile. Before dinner we went to the theater to see “A Man, A Plan, and A Canal,” scripted and narrated by David McCullough. We did not realize that film of the American work was available. This was our Valentine’s Day date.
Italian Dinner: dry cured San Daniele ham with sweet cantaloupe, pasta e fagioli, veal scallopine in Marsala sauce, Cassata all Siciliano (van, choc, strawberry ice cream with candied fruits), and tiramisu.
I am finishing the blog quickly as we need to get up about 5:45 a.m. EST–we do not want to miss our entry into the canal.
If anyone wants to see the Coral Princess’ transport through the canal, it can be viewed at Pancanal.com. As far as we know the time will be approximately 6:30 a.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. and between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. EST. TK says you can’t miss a cruise ship.
TK’s Takes: He does not want to live in Panama. He wishes we had taken the rail tour—next time. Every day there is a “Cookie Girl” pushing a cart on the Lido deck offering cookies and milk. (JK: she is so cute with a hat and an apron that say “cookies and milk.”)
We are very near the equator and the sunrise was at 6:38 a.m. and the sunset will be soon at 6:25 p.m. Twelve hours of night and twelve hours of day, 365 days a year! We made sure we were up this morning at 6:15 a.m. to prepare for our tour in Panama City. We saw the port pilots board easily from a moving boat to the moving ship. In the area we could see at least 35 ships and boats of various sizes waiting to enter the canal (from our port balcony—more could be seen from the starboard side). There are tankers, a huge yacht, cargo/container ships, fishing boats, and more.
Since we are waiting until tomorrow to enter the canal, we anchored out from the port. This is a tendering port, so we had to take one of the ship’s small boats to the two mile long causeway built in 1914 out of the “spoil” from the canal dig. Princess has a very good system for tendering.
Our van was very tiny and cramped. TK and I are not tiny people and neither were other passengers. The streets are narrow and the van could negotiate them. Panama City is the capital of Panama. The country looks like a laid down “S” and so the sun rises over the Pacific. Since 1904 Panama has used American paper currency, except for coins. D Gas is $3 per gallon and is imported. We are 9 degrees north of the equator. The guide said there is no army in Panama, but TK told me there is a National Guard, which used to be very powerful (think Noriega who is now in jail in Miami). The rainy season is 9 months long and children go to school during that time, March to December.
Panama is the 2nd largest duty free port (Hong Kong is the largest). $18 billion moves through the Panama banking system a year. The guide talked about five U.S. Presidents who felt that the Panama Canal shuld be returned to Panama, both Democratic and Republican. That finally happened in 1999.
Panama City was the first Spanish city on the Pacific / est. 1519. Sir Francis Drake destroyed the city in 1671. Some stone walls still remain from the first city. (another source talks about buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan—the facts in most of this blog are from various guides and the lecturer aboard the ship, unless I have mentioned David McCullough’s book)
Our first stop was the old capital city and we saw the remains of the stone walls. A church bell tower still stands and I climbed to the top of that. There were fabulous views of the port and the modern city. Panama values its heritage and a lot of work is being done to preserve the artifacts. We saw some artifacts and a miniature recreation of the old city in the National Museum.
From this area we went to the colonial city (Casco Antiguo) built after the destruction. Here the streets are original cobble stone and very narrow. We could see where much work is being done to preserve the buildings. Some would be reminded of New Orleans and the wrought iron balconies.
We stopped at San Jose Roman Catholic Church nearby—this church from the old city has been moved to the colonial area. This church had a pure gold altar and when the city was being ransacked, the priest painted it black and hid it. The invaders came after the altar (they had heard about the gold altar) and the priest told them that the church was too poor to have such an altar. The invaders gave the priest some coins and said that they expected that to help pay for a gold altar for the church, or so the story goes!
In this area we also saw great architectural wonder, Arco Chato or “Flat Arch,” built from 1670-1760. When areas of Central America were being studied as a site for the canal, including Nicaragua, this arch was shown as proof that Panama was appropriate with no earthquakes.
I was disappointed in the opportunities to shop-the Panamanians make beautiful handicrafts, but there was no market by the ship and few vendors in the areas we visited. If we were ever in Panama again we would do the following: 1. Next trip--sign up for the Panama Canal Railway Journey in a deluxe 1938 vintage observation car (we were too late for this popular tour) 2. Trip after that: sign up for the visit to the Embera Indian Village tour. 3. take the Old Canal Zone & Miraflores Locks tour. In other words, we are really interested in this area.
After our tour we returned to the ship via tender, had lunch (yes, I found the cheeseburgers again and the fresh french fries), and then sat by the pool for awhile. Before dinner we went to the theater to see “A Man, A Plan, and A Canal,” scripted and narrated by David McCullough. We did not realize that film of the American work was available. This was our Valentine’s Day date.
Italian Dinner: dry cured San Daniele ham with sweet cantaloupe, pasta e fagioli, veal scallopine in Marsala sauce, Cassata all Siciliano (van, choc, strawberry ice cream with candied fruits), and tiramisu.
I am finishing the blog quickly as we need to get up about 5:45 a.m. EST–we do not want to miss our entry into the canal.
If anyone wants to see the Coral Princess’ transport through the canal, it can be viewed at Pancanal.com. As far as we know the time will be approximately 6:30 a.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. and between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. EST. TK says you can’t miss a cruise ship.
TK’s Takes: He does not want to live in Panama. He wishes we had taken the rail tour—next time. Every day there is a “Cookie Girl” pushing a cart on the Lido deck offering cookies and milk. (JK: she is so cute with a hat and an apron that say “cookies and milk.”)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
COFFEE IN COSTA RICA
AT SEA—RELAXATION
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We decided to have breakfast in the buffet again. TK is getting into Eggs Florentine. After breakfast we went to the lecture about Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I truly appreciate having someone knowledgeable provide specific information about the ports of call.
Because of the heat (90s+), I stayed in the covered pool area with wooden padded chaise lounges to read my next book, The Tenth Justice by Brad Meltzer. Apparently the Supreme Court Justices’ law clerks are the 10th Justice. Intrigue, blackmail, go figure. I finished The Shooters by W.E.B. Griffin, a book with 650 pages of background and 70 pages of action. Later we went to the open pool deck and I read while TK watched the movie (I told him that he should have gone to see it when I took B1 and her friend L.
For dinner we had ham/ricotta flan, cucumber soup, Hawaiian fruit medley with crushed macadamia nuts, prime rib with corn on the cob, New York cheesecake, and lemon and lime souffle.
Tonight the MUTS was Star Trek XI. Since we already saw it, we watched the last half hour.
Observation: Sea days are relaxing and that is what we do! Not really much to report.
.
TK’s Takes: He pointed out an U.S. Navy AWAC plane flying by quite low near the deck. He said there must be an aircraft carrier nearby. This is the kind of plane that has a radar dome. He came in 4th place in the Slots tournament and won a baseball cap. There were about 40 players. It is very hot. He likes the fact that someone pushes a cookie cart around the pool deck mid afternoon offering warm chocolate chip or double chocolate cookies and milk.
Friday, February 12, 2010 / 90s and sunny with clouds in the distance
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
I love Costa Rica. Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America, is a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica, population about 4.5 million, is known as the “Switzerland of Central America.” There are tall mountains with some peaks as high as 13,000 ft. above sea level. It is also known for its agriculture---rice, coconuts, mangos, bananas, cashews, sugar cane, coffee, cattle, and orchids (800 varieties). It has the perfect climate for vegetation—ornamental plants like ferns are exported, too. Costa Rica has 750 species of birds, 150 species of frogs, and 2500 species of native plants. It is illegal to cut down any tree unless it is a plantation tree. It seems like these countries are very aware of the environment and ecology.
We met Daniel of SwissTours early this morning and boarded an air-conditioned mini bus with about 20 other people. Daniel’s English was impeccable—he lived in New York City as a boy for 10 years. He was extremely knowledgeable and loved his native country. We traveled the country side for the next three hours and he narrated. He said that the Costa Rican people are very happy with the new lady president, Laura (I did not catch her last name). He said that Costa Rica has no military and children go to school 200 days a year. People pay 9% of their salary for health insurance and the employer pays 12%, all citizens are fully covered by this universal health plan. Unemployment is 5%. If someone wants a job, jobs are available. They have no welfare system. Sixty-five percent of the population is considered middle class. Roads have been improved and things are looking up for Costa Rica.
We passed a very large tuna factory and then traveled the PanAm Highway for a short while. Daniel said it goes from Chile to Alaska. When we passed sugar cane fields, he told us that harvesting sugar cane is very dangerous and does not pay well. Harvesters wield machetes to cut the cane. They can get sliced on the sharp leaves and the velvet pit python, the most abundant poisonous snake in Costa Rica, lives in the fields. A good worker can collect 8 baskets of sugar cane a day, but he faces danger. Sugar cane is sold for $7 a ton. Another snake that is not quite as abundant is the poisonous bushmaster.
Interestingly, when we were talking to one of our waiters at dinner about the sugar cane harvesting, he (Praba Karan from India) said that in India sugar cane goes for $22 a ton. The field worker in India faces cobras in the cane fields.
We passed many many black termite nests in trees alongside the roads. Average size was about 18 inches by 12 inches-they were mostly oval or round shaped. Daniel said that termites were a “blessing”—they only eat dry old wood and turn it into compost. Also, monkeys and other animals eat termites, they are part of the food chain. We also saw howler monkeys and a keel billed toucan in the trees.
There are two seasons in C.R. wet and dry. This is the dry season and trees were flowering. We saw yellow, white, orange, magenta, red, and pink flowering trees in abundance—so absolutely beautiful. The yellow flowering tree is the yellow Cortez and the orange flowering tree is the Pora Pora, the coral tree. We saw lemon trees too as we passed on the road.
During one bump in the road, Daniel said that it was a repaired “fault” from a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake 8 months ago. Forty people died. There are 6-8 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The worst eruption in recent history occurred in 1991. There are virtually no hurricanes here, only the residual rain.
We stopped at for a coffee tour at a small factory, Britt (www.coffeetour.com). We walked through the coffee trees and the factory for an explanation of how the coffee trees are grown and the beans harvested. TK was selected to do “cupping the coffee,” a job that requires tasting from batches of coffee to ensure that it is good. He was very good at this job! We purchased coffee here, of course, and TK is anxious to share some with daughter in law C.
After the tour we had a delicious Costa Rican meal of lettuce and tomato, tilapia, beef, chicken, rice, beans, and fruit (melon and mango) with superb coffee.
On our way back to the ship we stopped at one of the nicest souvenir shops I have ever visited. Of course purchases were made. When we passed an estuary not too far from Puntarenas, we saw wood storks, white herons, a great blue heron, a needle duck/snake bird, a multicolored heron, and a yellow bellied bird.
Dinner tonight was French: escargot (TK), fruit kebabs with poppy seed/yogurt dressing, roasted pumpkin and turnip soup, French onion soup, Cordon Bleu veal escalope, and raspberry crème brulee.
While I was reading on the balcony late this evening, I heard a splash and thought someone threw something overboard. Then I heard a big splash. I looked down at the sea and saw a big fish, about 8 ft. long. TK thinks the water is too warm for a whale or a dolphin. I’m just glad that no one was jumping in!
TK’s Takes: He could live in Costa Rica. The coffee was superb. His name was announced on Princess TV for his response to who invented the first flushing toilet.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Today was a busy sea day. I went to the port show about Puertes Amador, Cartagena, and Aruba. It did get tiresome because of the details about all the ship-approved shops. From there I headed to the “Emerald Event” for some insight about emeralds. TK went to the lecture about Panama City. Then I made two posters for the Panama Canal passage—probably they will not be very visible on the Internet, but the ship’s videographers and photographers will catch them. I also went to the lecture about Cartagena and its history. I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing my book, The Tenth Justice—a very predictable ending.
Dinner tonight: potato latkes with smoked salmon, artichoke bisque “Gremolata,” chilled orange and Lipton tea soup, broiled lobster claw with Louisiana style crab cakes, banana cream pie, and chocolate brownie with roasted macadamia nut mousse.
TK’s Takes: The first day of rain, although the sea was calm. The foghorn was blowing. He does not like formal nights and could survive without them. He noticed that lobster tails were served at the Lido Deck buffet for dinner too.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We decided to have breakfast in the buffet again. TK is getting into Eggs Florentine. After breakfast we went to the lecture about Puntarenas, Costa Rica. I truly appreciate having someone knowledgeable provide specific information about the ports of call.
Because of the heat (90s+), I stayed in the covered pool area with wooden padded chaise lounges to read my next book, The Tenth Justice by Brad Meltzer. Apparently the Supreme Court Justices’ law clerks are the 10th Justice. Intrigue, blackmail, go figure. I finished The Shooters by W.E.B. Griffin, a book with 650 pages of background and 70 pages of action. Later we went to the open pool deck and I read while TK watched the movie (I told him that he should have gone to see it when I took B1 and her friend L.
For dinner we had ham/ricotta flan, cucumber soup, Hawaiian fruit medley with crushed macadamia nuts, prime rib with corn on the cob, New York cheesecake, and lemon and lime souffle.
Tonight the MUTS was Star Trek XI. Since we already saw it, we watched the last half hour.
Observation: Sea days are relaxing and that is what we do! Not really much to report.
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TK’s Takes: He pointed out an U.S. Navy AWAC plane flying by quite low near the deck. He said there must be an aircraft carrier nearby. This is the kind of plane that has a radar dome. He came in 4th place in the Slots tournament and won a baseball cap. There were about 40 players. It is very hot. He likes the fact that someone pushes a cookie cart around the pool deck mid afternoon offering warm chocolate chip or double chocolate cookies and milk.
Friday, February 12, 2010 / 90s and sunny with clouds in the distance
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
I love Costa Rica. Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America, is a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica, population about 4.5 million, is known as the “Switzerland of Central America.” There are tall mountains with some peaks as high as 13,000 ft. above sea level. It is also known for its agriculture---rice, coconuts, mangos, bananas, cashews, sugar cane, coffee, cattle, and orchids (800 varieties). It has the perfect climate for vegetation—ornamental plants like ferns are exported, too. Costa Rica has 750 species of birds, 150 species of frogs, and 2500 species of native plants. It is illegal to cut down any tree unless it is a plantation tree. It seems like these countries are very aware of the environment and ecology.
We met Daniel of SwissTours early this morning and boarded an air-conditioned mini bus with about 20 other people. Daniel’s English was impeccable—he lived in New York City as a boy for 10 years. He was extremely knowledgeable and loved his native country. We traveled the country side for the next three hours and he narrated. He said that the Costa Rican people are very happy with the new lady president, Laura (I did not catch her last name). He said that Costa Rica has no military and children go to school 200 days a year. People pay 9% of their salary for health insurance and the employer pays 12%, all citizens are fully covered by this universal health plan. Unemployment is 5%. If someone wants a job, jobs are available. They have no welfare system. Sixty-five percent of the population is considered middle class. Roads have been improved and things are looking up for Costa Rica.
We passed a very large tuna factory and then traveled the PanAm Highway for a short while. Daniel said it goes from Chile to Alaska. When we passed sugar cane fields, he told us that harvesting sugar cane is very dangerous and does not pay well. Harvesters wield machetes to cut the cane. They can get sliced on the sharp leaves and the velvet pit python, the most abundant poisonous snake in Costa Rica, lives in the fields. A good worker can collect 8 baskets of sugar cane a day, but he faces danger. Sugar cane is sold for $7 a ton. Another snake that is not quite as abundant is the poisonous bushmaster.
Interestingly, when we were talking to one of our waiters at dinner about the sugar cane harvesting, he (Praba Karan from India) said that in India sugar cane goes for $22 a ton. The field worker in India faces cobras in the cane fields.
We passed many many black termite nests in trees alongside the roads. Average size was about 18 inches by 12 inches-they were mostly oval or round shaped. Daniel said that termites were a “blessing”—they only eat dry old wood and turn it into compost. Also, monkeys and other animals eat termites, they are part of the food chain. We also saw howler monkeys and a keel billed toucan in the trees.
There are two seasons in C.R. wet and dry. This is the dry season and trees were flowering. We saw yellow, white, orange, magenta, red, and pink flowering trees in abundance—so absolutely beautiful. The yellow flowering tree is the yellow Cortez and the orange flowering tree is the Pora Pora, the coral tree. We saw lemon trees too as we passed on the road.
During one bump in the road, Daniel said that it was a repaired “fault” from a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake 8 months ago. Forty people died. There are 6-8 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The worst eruption in recent history occurred in 1991. There are virtually no hurricanes here, only the residual rain.
We stopped at for a coffee tour at a small factory, Britt (www.coffeetour.com). We walked through the coffee trees and the factory for an explanation of how the coffee trees are grown and the beans harvested. TK was selected to do “cupping the coffee,” a job that requires tasting from batches of coffee to ensure that it is good. He was very good at this job! We purchased coffee here, of course, and TK is anxious to share some with daughter in law C.
After the tour we had a delicious Costa Rican meal of lettuce and tomato, tilapia, beef, chicken, rice, beans, and fruit (melon and mango) with superb coffee.
On our way back to the ship we stopped at one of the nicest souvenir shops I have ever visited. Of course purchases were made. When we passed an estuary not too far from Puntarenas, we saw wood storks, white herons, a great blue heron, a needle duck/snake bird, a multicolored heron, and a yellow bellied bird.
Dinner tonight was French: escargot (TK), fruit kebabs with poppy seed/yogurt dressing, roasted pumpkin and turnip soup, French onion soup, Cordon Bleu veal escalope, and raspberry crème brulee.
While I was reading on the balcony late this evening, I heard a splash and thought someone threw something overboard. Then I heard a big splash. I looked down at the sea and saw a big fish, about 8 ft. long. TK thinks the water is too warm for a whale or a dolphin. I’m just glad that no one was jumping in!
TK’s Takes: He could live in Costa Rica. The coffee was superb. His name was announced on Princess TV for his response to who invented the first flushing toilet.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Today was a busy sea day. I went to the port show about Puertes Amador, Cartagena, and Aruba. It did get tiresome because of the details about all the ship-approved shops. From there I headed to the “Emerald Event” for some insight about emeralds. TK went to the lecture about Panama City. Then I made two posters for the Panama Canal passage—probably they will not be very visible on the Internet, but the ship’s videographers and photographers will catch them. I also went to the lecture about Cartagena and its history. I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing my book, The Tenth Justice—a very predictable ending.
Dinner tonight: potato latkes with smoked salmon, artichoke bisque “Gremolata,” chilled orange and Lipton tea soup, broiled lobster claw with Louisiana style crab cakes, banana cream pie, and chocolate brownie with roasted macadamia nut mousse.
TK’s Takes: The first day of rain, although the sea was calm. The foghorn was blowing. He does not like formal nights and could survive without them. He noticed that lobster tails were served at the Lido Deck buffet for dinner too.
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