On ship

Other than checking the terminal out I spent the day on the ship doing some necessary things, like getting my hair cut and It was absolutely necessary to do a load of laundry.  If I hadn't I would be going Commando.

My friends Sue and Peggy did go out shopping and Sue came back with a gorgeous new necklace, earrings, and a pancho.  This led to a discussion of style as an individual thing.  If I wore what Sue had bought ---first I would be lossed in the pancho and you wouldn't see me and ---second the necklace would hang down to my naval.  The colors, textures and boldness looked fantastic on sue but it would look lousy on me.  I call it individual style.  Peggy is known to buy wall hangings and then wear them as part of an outfit.  Last night she had a lizard about 10 inches long on a chain with a white sweater and gold pants.  She looked good as this is her unique style but few can get away with it.  I have known Peggy since 2010 and this is a style she has become famous for.  She can turn a non clothing item into clothing.  I have seen her wear table cloths and look beautiful.

Our new Padre has made a splah on the ship.  I am not the only female that thinks he is absolutely adorable but I think I am the only one who has had two pecks on my cheek.  

Greece

We have several stops in Greece including Pylos and Santorini.  Yesterday we did go to Pylos and what a beautiful day.  About 65 degrees and the sun felt very good.  The ship is very cold in spots and, of course, the Crow's Nest is one of the coldest places.  My cabin is nice and comfy since  the first couple of days.  Pylos is not a particularly spectacular city and since it was Easter Monday the tourist places like the castle were closed.  We sat in the square in the sun and people watched.

Santorini is a very large island and the ship anchored in the Harbor of Thira.  My daughter, Dana, and grandson, Zion, and I were here before but didn't go up to the city on top of the hill.  There are three ways to get to the top.  Mule, steps and paths, and cable car.  This time I did go up in the cable car and it was worth it.  I enjoyed the city of white wash buildings and a lot of the buildings are built out of the cliffs.  Quite amazing.  The ship is not going to Oia which is my favorite town on Santorini.  It is the town with all whitewashed buildings but have blue roofs and domeIs.  It was another beautiful sunny and warm day and a good day to stop and have a local beer.

Tomorrow we will dock in Piraeus which is the port to get to Athens.  I will stay in Piraeus since I have been several days in Athens and then twice more single days.

Easter

Easter on board a ship is not much different than on land in that you have Mass and a service for Protestants, Easter Egg Hunt and brunch.  We then had the black and white ball and dancing with the Officers.  That part is different.

I am now off to go to Pylos, Greece.  I believe I have not been here before.  We do have to tender in which is the first time we have used tenders on this cruise.

Valletta, Malta

I walked out on the Promenade Deck and it was quite balmy so I dressed accordingy.  A hop on hop off bus was in order since I couldn't go with John on his quest to see Malta by walking.  Our first real stop was Mdina which was quite a ways from Valletta.  This is an old city but people live and work there so it isn't like ruins.  

Quickly, the weather changed and I was quite cold.  We got back on the bus and was taken on a long tour of the island.  Walls everywhere and the island looks like one big fortress.  They have been conquered so many times.  I think every major and not so major country has occupied it.  Most recently the Germans but with England's help they were able to repel the Germans.  I believe it was in the 70s when they became an independent country.The main cathedral was polluted by people.  Two Ships  were in and that is always a bad sign.  I was ok with not going into the Cathedral as I have been in most of the major cathedrals in Europe and I vowed at one time never to enter another.

The Le Cirque dinner was very good but the place was only about 20% full.  This was amazing to me as I was told I couldn't get reservations for 7:00 and I had to go at 7:30.  I was also seated at a table for one.  A lady I know from two world cruises, Lisa, wrote a book entitled "Table for One".  So I thought about Lisa's book and I was very happy.  My cabin neighbors were there also and were concerned about me being alone and I told them the story of Lisa.  We have made reservations for another ordinary night at the Pinnacle for the three of us.

It is Easter today so I assume luncch will be an Easter brunch.  This is usual fare on Easter for all the Dam ships.  Happy Easter to all.

Trapani, Sicily

From a distance Trapani looked quite pretty but up close not so pretty.  Again we were told it was a small city but in fact it is quite large.  Not as big as Cagliari but still big enough that we took the double decker around the city.  As we were getting off the bus a lady informed us that the Church down the street was open for viewing the "floats" that would be in the Glood Friday Parade,  I am glad we went to view them because the Parade that was suppose to go by our ship never happened.  Lots of people were waiting for the parade.  Whether there was misinformation or rumor; who knows.

Tonight I go for the special dinner I mentioned previously - - Le Cirque.  When I was on the cruise to Alaska I was assaulted and battered.  It was probably an accident as I don't believe the beverage man intended to hit me but he did when he barged into my cabin after I told him I would be out of the bathroom in about 5 minutes.  He hit me with the door and I had a huge bruise.  I was given an apology by a personal call from Passenger relations and they also gave me this free dinner.

Cagliari, Sardinia

What a large city.  This really surprised me because everyone talked about it as if it was a small town.  So wrong as it was very big.  Joan and I and a couple hundred others decided to take an open vehicle around the city.  Not a particularly pretty city but ripe with conquerors of the past and their various fortresses.

It appears that one of its chief exports is salt.  Salt farms (yes that is what they call them) over many acres.  I, do hope they do not farm the one that had flamingos wading in it.  The flamingos are white since they don't have shrimp to eat.  But, beware of sea salt with other than white granuals. 

Tomorrow we will be going to Trapani, Sicily and the Captain even indicates it is a small community.  I will wait and use my own judgment.

Did I tell you we have a new priest on board as our other one headed back to Seattle.  Father James is young and adorable.  He played Trivia with us at the Crow's Nest while we were having our before dinner drink.   He also was having his before dinner drink.  Also, I ran into him the first morning he was to give 8:00 Mass and asked me to show him the way to the theater where he was over due.  Did I say he is quite adorable.

I will have to remind myself to tell you all about some of the shows and why I sit where I do.  Also, tomorrow night I have my dinner at the LeCirque special.  This was free from HAL due to the assault and battery I endured on the Alaska cruise.  I will explain that later for those of you that do not know about this incident.

Malaga, Spain

It was nice getting off and walking around.  They had a shuttle taking us to the edge of town.  I had wanted to walk the port but after walking some I was having difficulty with my breathing.  I don't think my cold helps but at this time I have to realistically change some of my plans.  John and I had Malta all worked out and I have had to tell him that I would not be able to go.  I did not want to hold him back and slow him down.  We both were looking forward to the plans my friend Malta Paul had laid out for us.  So I will just do as much as I can and if I have to I will take tours or hire drivers.

Today was a sea day and that meant laundry and a manicure.  Rhoda is very good; surprisingly so.  Tonight, is Italian night so we should have some good Italian food.  Tomorrow is our Sardinia port.

I have been going to some of the shows and have enjoyed most of them and walked out on a couple only.  One of the lecturers is super good and I have gone to three of this lectures on ships and yachts and the people who were on them.  I also like the fact he cuts it off after 45 minutes.  Just enough

Sea Day

I decided I better get busy booking some tours so I spent time looking at the tour books and listening to Jeff who is the tour specialist.  Malta is lined up because My friend Malta Paul gave instructions to his friend John and we are going together.  Malta is Saturday so I have to figure out what to do on Sardinia and Sicily.  After looking at the tours I think we are better off getting a taxi and a driver.  Jeff's talks on these two islands will be coming up on TV as I must have missed them this morning.  I have been to the places surrounding Malaga, Spain so I guess exploring Malaga is in order.  Last time I was here we opted to tour the Nieu Amsterdam that had just been put into service so I have not really got around in Malaga.  

I will talk to people later and figure everything out.

In Madeira, Spain

My feet hit terra firma today for the first

time since boarding.  It felt good to walk around the town.  Not a lot to do since it is Palm Sunday but we did see a procession heading into the local church.  I believe both Spain and Portugal are mostly Catholic so this is quite a big deal.

The latest gala was called a Classical Gala and Bruce showed up for dinner and met Joan.  Ada doesn't like him at all and it really shows and she finally got up in a huff.  Me, I collect characters so even though I wouldn't want a steady diet of Bruce I enjoy jousting for awhile.  I went to my cabin after dinner (after 10:00) since I am babying myself hoping to stop this cold before it gets worse.

I don't know how I did it but there is a photo in the middle of my typing.  It would be nice if it didn't pop in the middle and I can place it where I want.  I will take it for now and keep fooling with a camera symbol on my new Ipad.

St. Paddy's day

Most every one was in some shade of green.  There must be at least 100 different Greens and I think they were all on board.  There was the usual pub crawal which And I don't partake.  It lasts about an hour and you pay $20.  Included in that $20 are 4 drinks.  I cannot imagine drinking 4 drinks in an hour.  I was watching a little show down in the Ocean Bar when they came in.  Twenty or so people did participate.  

Last night CSi invited about one half of their clients aboard (the other half will be feted later) to the Caneletto for dinner.  I had veal picatta and it was good.  I also tasted their lasagna and it was good.  In the past when you did not pay for the food at that restaurant the Lasagna was quite awful.  Once they started charging it got better.

I am ready to get off the ship tomorrow at Madeira but it is Palm Sunday so no shops are open but they will have the parade and I am looking forward to that.  Tonight we have another Gala and I believe this one is called Classical.  That means I can pick any thing from my Formal wear.

I do have the cruise cold crud.  I have been so cold that my immune system didn't fight it off but I do have zinc louzenges and that seems to be keeping it at a minimum.

By, for now

Party tonight

We are going to have our first party tonight in Joan's suite.  Joe, Tom and I will be present and I was in charge of getting lime slices and bring my strawberries.

Last night we had four guys from Orange County, California who did doo wap songs.  I enjoyed the doo wap but they had too many jokes and not enough doo wap.  I am still waiting for some really great entertainment and I did miss the Amsterdam dancers and singers so I will have to wait until they perform again.

Time to go upstairs for Joan's party and I will finish this later.

Sun is gone

Not only is the sun gone but the smooth seas are also gone.  I had a pair of heels out for our tropical night but I think I will stick to sandals tonight.

I went to hear Chef Geary give a presentation on making cheese cake.  He is quite funny and as he says he never tells jokes.   He only tells stories of his family and friends and that is all he needs to make people laugh.  I have heard him before as he is on the ships quite often.

A quiet day as I wanted to get some computer stuff done and they got my safe fixed so I was able to pick up my "valuables" out of the safe deposit box.   Also, got a little hand wash done.  Long cruises sound like you are busy every minute having fun but the truth is you still have mundane things to do including hand washing or going to the laundry room.  No cooking or cleaning and your bed is made for you though.

I had a little incident on the last day of the Alaska cruise which I took last year.  A beverage man barged through the door after I asked him to wait 5 minutes until I was out of the bathroom.  In doing so he hit me with the door and I had a large bruise.  I reported the incident to my travel agent and they in turn reported the inciddent to HAL.  I received a telephone call from guest relations apologyzing  and was told a gift would be waiting for me in my cabin.  Needless to say there was nothing out of the ordinary.  I emailed my agent so she would have it on Monday.  Things moved fast.  A good bottle of wine and chocolate dipped strawberries appeared Monday afternoon from Cruise Specialists, my agent.  Today, I received from HAL a gift notice of a Le Cirque dinner and a regular dinner, both at the Pinnacle.  I am happy.

ship life

On routine days life on the ship is not that different than home except at this time we are rolling a bit.  Some of the passengers cannot tolerate even a little movement but those of us with sea legs enjoy  it especially at night as it rocks you like a baby at night and you sleep well.  Now, that is my experience and there are, of course, my detractors who think I am crazy.

It has been unbelievably warm.  We are having 72 to 75 degree weather.  I must look at where we are as things changed somewhat because of Nassau.  We have to still be near the Carribean because the Atlantic Ocean is not as warm as they keep posting water temperature.  I did looke at the elevator mats and they tell me it is Monday.

Last night Ada, Joan and I were the only ones at our table and we did a lot of giggling.  Roland (our officer) the other night stopped by to say hello and I think I saw a little sign of relief as our quite vocal table mate wAs not present.  I, however encountered him up in the Lido while I was getting my fruit, yogurt and sweet roll.  I do not drink the coffee in the Lido as it is utterly vile.  I buy a Latte at the Exploration cafe and then go to the Lido.  Bruce and I exchanged a few snarky remarks and he was in his best form.

Paul's friend did get in touch with me and left me his cabin number.  He did come to my cabin to visit and get aquainted.  He was telling me that he loved to dance and he had been at the Ocean Bar the night before but there were not many ladies until this short little gal named Joan came down from her cabin.  That, of course, was my friend Joan so I called her up and gave her a bad time about the rumors of what she did the night before embellishing the imaginary naughty parts.   The three of us did lunch together.

I is going to be a fun cruise.

Gala

I was wrong.  You can be wrong once in your life.  I only saw one couple not properly dressed.  I was amazed and very happy to see most people really did follow the rules and proper etiquette.   I Think I can

The champagne they served to us before we went into dinner was disgusting.  I would guess it had sat on a table for 4 hours before hand.  It was warm and no bubbles.  This was a first for me as the champagne has always been cold and bubbly if not the best.

The Special Captain's dinner was very good and our officer at our table ordered fantastic wine.  White for appetizers and a wonderful red for the main course.  I asked the wine steward if either wine was on my wine package and he smiled and said no.

The couple I mentioned has not shown up again and Bruce came to the table  and Ada has been added since I mentioned who I was sitting with for dinner.  Joan was at Bart's table as a guest and he heads up all matters cullinary.  So Bruce, Ada, our officer and myself were present.  Bruce has turned out to be quite a lively talker and I don't think our officer has seen his type before.  A former University Librarian he seems to know everything.  I did not get on his trivia team because it had already been formed but, even though we haven't done that well as a team. we are having fun.

Sunday Musings

The only way I know the day of the week is by the mats on the floor of the elevator.  This means tonight is the Captain's welcome gala.  I have decided to wear my electric blue dress that I bought and wore once for my Robin and Andy's Wedding two years ago.  At the time I bought it I said I would take it with me if and when I took another long cruise.

After taking four world cruises I am quite use to announcements that people are being taken off the ship or seeing the ambulance waiting for us to get to the dock.  I even remember stopping at a couple of ports we were not destined to be.  This is a new one even for me.  The first day after leaving port, the Captain announced we would be making a little stop at Nassau to take off a seriously ill passenger.

WE had to change course and make for Nassau which was not on our itinerary.  The ship had to squeeze in between the massive ships owned by Disney and a couple of other companies.  We were not allowed to go ashore but it was nice seeing Nassau from the deck..  I hadn't been there for years.

So tomorrow I will tell you about our Gala.  Remember when they were called balls?  I think I know why they changed the name.  Some people refuse to dress for balls so by changing to Gala they can wear more ordinary clothes.

Disgusting Passengers

The gal in the library who helped me get connected yesterday was super not, only super nice but also used Apple products from the beginning.  She absolutely was brilliant and so knowledgable.  I plan to get her some candy when off shore.  But, while I m on line doing my thing I could not miss three disgusting people who were rude and crude.  She never lost her temper and put up with the verbal abuse.  I wanted to go over and slap them.  One woman and two ugly old men.  Why do these type people go on cruises?  If you don't like people a cruise is not for you.  If you cannot be civil to the people ho re helping you and giving good service you do not belong on a ship.

I did go to the show after dinner last night and there was a comedian and needless to say, I slipped out as I wasn't laughing.  Mike and Diane caught me sneaking out and they were enjoying him.  Diane said I have never lived in the deep South so I did not appreciate his humor.  She is probably right.

Stay tuned.

I'm connected

This will be short but I did want to mention that facebook messages to me are not downloading once I am off line.  All other messages download so it will be best to write directly or comment on my blog if it isn't personal.  But, if you want everyone to know what you are saying you can comment here,

I got my luggage fast and my cabin was orgainzed before dinner.  But my head is not organized at all.  I have spent two weeks on this ship before but I am lost constantly.  It will take awhile to organize the brain.  I can't even blame it on a short term memory problem as it was quite awhile ago that I was on this ship with Dana and Zion.

I think I am going to enjoy my table and one guy, Bruce, wants me on his trivia team.  I guess my fame in knowing Rap groups has proceeded me.  That reference is really a joke as I got lucky with an answer to a rap question and I have never lived it down.  The other couple are really great and I notice the wife loves white wine.  I will eventually get their names in my brain.  One person didn't show so there were only four of us last night until Joan joined us after dinner.  She hated her table and changed to ours .  There were people sending food back and giving the boys a bad time.  Neither one of us like to do that and find it embarrasing to be around it so she will stick to our table.

So much catching up to do.  My good ship friend, Peggy, and I talked over breakfast for two hours catching up.  Many other ship acquaintances, friends and good friends.  At least 30 people are on in one of those categories.

Bruce has my same humor and he will be fun.  Joan and my friend, Joe, and his new partner, Tom,  are delightful and we sat with them at the Crows Nest before dinner.  Sue, another, ship friend joined us.  The reason I am mentioning some of these people by name as they will come up from time to time in future blogs.

Joan had really good news and it is about time.  She was upgraded free of charge from a veranda suite to a signature suite.  Beautiful and big and we will be having our parties up in her suite.  BUT, she didn't get her luggage until 6:30 and I had everything put away by 4:30.  They treat us serfs who reside on the Main deck better than the suite people.  Joan is now a suite people and I am very happy for her.

I will sign off for now.

Biding my Time

I am in a holding pattern right now.  Everything is crossed off my list except for the last minute packing.  I have nothing to do  and I am getting itchy and bitchy.   So that is why I am typing this totally unnecessary  blog.  

I am not looking forward to the flight to Miami and I have my fingers crossed that HAL will have. someone ready to get me to my hotel after I land.  I have not had good luck with this part of my trip.  Once it  took me almost as long to get to my hotel in Fort lauderdale after I landed as it took me from Seattle to Miami.  A driver that didn't know where she was going didn't help and she got lost on top.of everything   else.  Remember the Broward County election fiasco with hanging chads?  This driver was representative of those voters.  Need I Say more.

Next time I post I will be on the ship unless something notable happens before embarking.