corsica FRANCE

DAY 12: Ajaccio Corsica France.
Corsica is a beautiful island, where sea and mountains meet. This mountainous Island as snow capped peaks. It is were Napolean was born.
We tendered to shore about 10 am and just walked around the town. It as very interesting a bit scary because no one speaks English. After seeing some of the sights, we found a café and had a nice lunch.
Corsican cheese panini and French fries with a glass of the vin de masion blanc. We then tendered back to the ship.
After some rest we had an early dinner at Le Bistro. I had double escargots, Chris had lobster/scallop martini and escargots. We both had a frog leg soup. This soup was like green pond slime with cut up frog legs. Very tasty. But ugly. Then for the main course I had duck a’la rounge, Chris had brased beef shank and tender loin. Dessert was an apple tart and the chocolate fondue.
We then started to figure out what the hell is happening tomorrow. Due to a holiday many things are closed. We are not able to stay the night in Rome as planned. We tried to buy train tickets on line but the credit cards keep getting declined. Some one else also tried and they were declined as well.
We have now sailed 4401 miles from NYC. We are now passing the lights of sardinia

DAY 11 CHRIS' 40th Birthday

DAY 11: Sailing the Med. Chris’ 40th birthday
Sailing the day away we got to sleep in until about 9 am. We went for breakfast and then hit the pool. Laying in the sun watching the Mediterranean sea go by, We cruised past the Balearic Islands today and will pass Sardinia and Corsica later.
We had to use the pool today it was just so inviting. The out door hot tubs were great too. We had a light lunched listened to live vocal guitar music poolside. Then we headed to the spa to enjoy time in the hydro therapy pool. By then it was time for an hour nap and get ready to meet for cocktails.
To celebrate Chris and Pats birthdays 18 of us went to teppanyaki. They came out with 2 cakes and 40 people sang to them. Then the next table some ladies did a striptease act for the entire table. Chris was up to 5 long island iced teas by now. I had about the same in gin and tonics.
We all went to see the second city adult comedy improv and more drinking and more laughing. At this point the room was spinning for john from one to many gin/tonic. So we headed back to the room for Chris to have more sinful chocolate obsession. While john tried not to get sick from to many cocktails. Chris’s drinks caught up with him later.
What a wonderful day at sea. We could do 15 day’s of just floating around in the med. Pool, Sun, Friends, and drinks

AHHH.MALAGA

DAY 10: Malaga Spain
One thing I keep forgetting to mention is that for the past 3 days it has been 85-90F.
What can I say about Malaga…..Other than I will be back!!! We awoke early to have breakfast and catch our 8am tour to the caves of Nerja. Before going to the caves we stopped in the town of Nerja. This was a picture perfect Mediterranean town.
We wondered the streets and admired the pastries. I was able to order then in Spanish, as well a ask a question to a pharmacist about a product we needed. We enjoyed the views as we ate our treats.
Then we were off to the caves. They caves were very cool. However we were a bit rushed. Also, they were hitlers about no allowing flash photography. Even, the auto focus light was to much for them. Buy our pictures please.
We arrived back in Malaga and started to explore this most wonderful town. Horse drawn carriages abound.
We went to the main square and wondered down the numerous side streets. We were lured into this tapas bar by a friendly waiter. He helped us thought the menu. We settled on a large picture of sangria. Then we had an anchovy with bread and tomato tapa. Then we went for the 6 tapas combo. Let’s try and remember what we ate. 1)ox tail with rice. 2) some type of sausage, 3) garlic glazed rabbit, 4) Moroccan style pork, 5) Eggplant 6)green olives with sardines.
We were looking at what to order next. The waiter asked if we liked seafood. Of course, we said SI. He then suggested a mixed plate of local fish. He said you must eat like a Malaga person. He said he would do a half order for us. We could not even finish the half order, it was HUGE Rochester HUGE. Loaded with calamari (ink included) pieces of Cod fish, clams, shrimp and sardines. All fried to perfection in a light breading.
Then he insisted that we have a shot of some sort of liquor, free. It went down smooth.
We then waddled in a semi drunken way though the town. We stopped and explored the inside of the beautiful Cathedral of Malaga. Strolled the avenues and local botanical garden. Then with some regret we returned to the ship.
We had plans with our friends Pat and Paul from Vancouver to meet at the steak house for dinner. (Pre birthday celebration for Chris and Pat) Another great meal and company. Chris and I had, Shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller (for me), lobster bisque, 16 ounce T-bone streaks and multiple desserts. Chris and I also had a half of a large bottle of wine.
Then we met are other friends in the bar. Finally getting back to the cabin about 10pm. So as a write this now I am laying on the bed with the deck door open, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the waves as we sail the Mediterranean sea.
AS OF NOW WE HAVE SAILED 3695 MILES, OY VAHY
Tomorrow is at sea day. It is also Chris Birthday. The big 40!!!!
There is a big Celebration planned for Chris and Pat’s birthdays.

Day 9 Cadiz Spain

DAY 9: Cadiz Spain
We arrived into port on time, but it took a while for the Spanish authorities to clear the ship.
We boarded out tour bus and did a tour of the ancient and modern city. The city it very beautiful. I wish we had days to explore it.
We then headed to the cliff side city of Arcos. We walked the city but everything was closed since it was a Sunday.
Next we were on our way to a Spanish bodaga and Andalusian horse fare. We were educated on the process of making sherry. We were in the town of Jerez, where Jerez grapes are grown and sherry was developed.
Next Came the Sherry tasting. It was done very differently than U.S. wind tasting. We were seated at tables of 8-10 and given 5 different bottles of sherry. We got to it. I ended up buying a bottle to share with the travel buddies back home.
We arrived back in Cadiz about 400. We then walked along the coastline promenade and through an incredible sculptured park. We watched people catching squid from the pier. We then walked a maze of narrow cobble stone streets to get back to the pier. For me this was Spain. Everything I have imagined since High School.
Once back on the ship we had a light snack, since we had no lunch.
Chris went to the spa, I napped for 45 min. Chris went up to let people know we were skipping cocktails tonight but he never returned. So I went to the spa for about 50 min and soaked in the therapy pool.
As I was leaving Chris found me, we changed and headed to up to the bar for drinks. We were there until 10 pm. I was laughing so hard that I spit my drink all over the place.
Finally at 1005 4 of us headed to Magenta for dinner. We had leak and fennel soup, and roast leg of lamb.
After closing the place at 11pm we tried to head to the store to buy soon screen. It took us almost an hour to get there because we kept running into people we know and chatting. It is amazing how many friends we have made on this ship.
Bed about 1245. We will wake up in the Mediterranean as we are passing through the straight of Gibraltar about 3 am. We can see some lights from Tangiers now. (Africa)
I am writing this at 7 am as we pull into the next port. We have now sailed 3628.1 miles from NYC.

Lisbon Portugal day 8

DAY 8: Lisbon Portugal
We sailed up the Tygus river and under the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge and directly into the port of Lisbon. The ship was greeted by a giant statue of Jesus erected in thanks when Portugal was spared from entering WWII. We were then quickly shuttled to the city center via bus.
830 AM. Not a soul on the square other than our bus load of people. No shops, no info, nada. We were traveling with our friends Pat and Paul. So we wondered around the main square and the Baxia area. We viewed the famous elevador de Santa Justa. We then headed up the back way to castelo sao Jorge. I don’t know how many hundreds of steps we had to climb to get to the hill top neighborhood but we made it. Legs burning and huffing all the way.
We explored the castle and its spectacular views. We then headed down to the oldest part of Lisbon called the Alfama area. It was one of the few areas to survive the 1725 earthquake. We walked very narrow winding streets dodging cars and street cars. We stopped and visited the Cathedral of St Vincent. It is from the early 1700’s. He is the patron saint of Portugal. More walking and we ended up back at the spot we started at. Not by choice.
It was a good thing because now the square was filled with people and tourist info. We bought a ticket for the hop on hop of bus. We took the blue line tour which took us through a large potion of Lisbon, and hit most of the highlights. One thing that really stood out was the amazing tile work on the buildings. We passed the Torre de Belem: which is a defensive tower built in 1520. The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (16th century) and many of the main monuments.
One thing we could not find is a Hat store and a place to buy sun screen. I am burned to a crisp and in pain. I will have to see if the ship has some outrageously priced sun screen or a goofy hat.
We took the shuttle bus back to the pier. We strolled the boardwalk and found a restaurant called Don Pomodoro. We were given a plate of thinly sliced parma ham and bead. We indulged in the Portugues tradition of port wine. We had past with shrimp and pasta with muscles. It was amazing. Later when we returned to the ship we saw that the place was certified by the Accademia Italian Della Cucina, and represents authentic and the finest Italian food.
It is now about 6pm and we have just left the river for the open sea. Chris is at the spa but I can not bear the thought of anything hot on my skin.
At 730 we meet friends in the star bar for cocktails. Tanquery is becoming my friend. Later 4 of us went to dinner in the Grand Pacific dining room. We had escargots, seafood combo, seafood with thai noodles (chris had ribs too) and some strange dessert. We decided to no go to the show, but go to bed early. Well that did no happen. Chris wanted more ice cream so we went up to the buffet.
We ran into some other friends and chatted for about an hour.
Now it is 1110 and we need to change the clock ahead for the final time. As of now we have sailed 33185 miles from NY. Our Crossing is officially over.

DAY 7 feel free to what ever......

DAY 7: At SEA
Time is flying by way to fast!!!! Today is another relaxing day at sea. We did not wake up until Julie the cruise director, yes Julie, just like the Love boat made the 11am announcement for BABABA Bingo.
We had some coffee on the balcony and watched the sea go by. About 1200 we went up to have lunch. Just as we finished we had some people join us and we chatted until after too on the AFT deck.
Back to the room for a quick change and headed for the pool deck. Sat in the sun for about an hour. Chris had to try out the water slide.
We then went to the spa and relaxed for almost 2 hours.
From the spa we were able to see a few pods of dolphins coming up to the ship and then riding in its wake.
It is about 6:45 here 1:45 in NY. We have now sailed 2926 and 258 miles until we reach Lisbon. Seas have been very calm today.
I am off now to our nightly cocktail with friends then dinner.
Dinner was at Tapas restauant nothing special tonight. Service was kind of slow but we had good company and conversation.
We then went to the 70’s review show. It was kind of fun. The best part was the dramatization of the popular 70’s tv show themes. Like the Brady bunch all in the family etc The 4 of us sat in one of the opera boxes on the side the theater.
Then of course off for ice cream. We made a stop at Bliss night club. And then off to bed. We are now sailing into Lisbon this am.

DAY 6

Day 6: Ponta Delgada
Today we enjoyed the island Sao Miguel which is an Island in the Azores chain. The town is Ponta Delgada. I was really taken aback by the lush beauty of this island. Flowers every where.
We took a tour to the fumaroles and hot springs. It was very interesting. First we stopped in a little town and walked around its square for a bathroom break. Here we found a bank and withdrew some Euros.
We then headed to an area with boiling mud pots and steam vents. It was like mini Yellowstone. The people however will dig these large holes and fill them with a concrete ring to stop the sides from falling in. Then they will use these to cook meals.
We then headed to Terre Nostra botanical gardens. They have a thermal hot spring that you can swim in. I wish we had the time to do that it looked great.
Next we were off to a tea plantation. We watched and learned about the production of tea. We then got to taste the finished product and it was very good. As it turns out, The Azores are the only place in Europe to produce tea. There are 2 plantations and both are on the Island.
Back on board ship we had a light lunch with friends, an we set sail for continental Europe. Our crossing is almost complete.
The bridge report is that we have sailed 2445 miles and have 743 miles to the next port of Lisbon.
Chris just called from the spa to have me look out the window for a whale but I did not see It.
Need to get dressed for dinner at Cagney’s steak house. Will update more later.
Once again the steak house was out of this world.
Oysters Rockerfeller.
Clam chowder
We split: lamb chops, fillet mignon and a rather large piece of prime rib.
Dessert: chocolate obsession.
Then we met our buds for cocktails and headed to the Second city comedy show. Chris needed ice cream before going back to the state room. So it is now 1115 pm, and we need to move the clocks ahead again!!!!!!!
Tomorrow is a at sea day. I hope we have some sun to use the pool. The seas have been calm all day.

Oh yea and to piss me off. We don’t need our passports to get off the ship. They are no stamping them. All these countries and a blank passpot

DAY 5 for real

DAY 5 : at sea
I am updating this about 1030 pm our time. I am sad that our sea days are coming to an end. We have now sailed 2108.5 miles from NYC. Now the rushing around will start.
Today we had breakfast, and chatted on the decks with new friends for a while. Before you knew it, time for lunch. Again we ended up running into people and just chatting and sitting watching the waves go by.
Afternoon I took an hour nap then went to the spa for a while. Chris had been there for and extra hour.
We had an early dinner at La Cucina. The Italian restaurant. Yummy yummy. We had antipasto, Caesar salad, veal Marcella, oil and garlic penne, and finally terimasu. Oh yea and a bottle of wine.
Then we met friends for cocktails. We were then going to go to the 930 show but ended up in the buffet because we had 2 ice cream fiends with us.
So we ended up just chatting and having a great time.
This tip, the balcony room has been great. We are able to sail with the doors open. The air temps have been in the high 50 or 60. 66 right now.
Tomorrow we will see land for the first time since Saturday night. We have an early shore excursion scheduled. So I will sign off for now.
Have to advance the clock another hour. Almost midnight!!

DAY 5

DAY #5 At sea
Not a whole lot to report today. It was a fairly quite day. It started out very sunny and warm for breakfast. Shortly after that however the wind picked and the clouds moved in.
We did not have lunch today because we were having an early dinner. We headed up to the spa where we spent about 3 hours. The hot stone chairs are wonderful. Relaxing to the max. As the afternoon wore on the SWELLS picked up. The relaxation pool started to rock and spill over the sides. That did me in.
Chris stayed up there for a while. The spa is at the very front of the ship. I headed back to the room which is mid ship and much more stable. I took a compazine a precaution.
Dinner time rolled around and we were of to Le Bistro….. ½ price to boot. We had the same meals. Lobster and scallop martini, escargots, French onion soup, and a wonderful bouillabaisse with large amounts of seafood.
At dinner we started having waves that reached to the 6th floor windows. Of course, we had a window seat. Chris keep saying don’t look now here come a big one, the ship would roll.
Ahh dessert. Chocolate fondue and creame boulle . Chris was covered in chocolate.
The rest of the night we rolled and rolled and rolled. Chris went to watch the sunset of the back of the ship. Plates were crashing all over the place. People were tipping all over. In our room the sky would disappear and we would only see water. Then we would roll and only see sky. Chris managed to hit the buffet 2 times and eat a least a half gallon of ice cream.
Move the clock ahead and off to bed. Chris is thankful for sleeping pills on nights of the rocky seas and a belly full of ice cream. We traveled 1500 miles at this point in the middle of

DAY 3

DAYDAY #3 At sea

WE have sailed about 1100 miles. The ocean is 14500 feet deep. We are in an area call the sargousa sea. This is named for the sea weed that grows here. It has been said once you enter this area you never get out!!!!!! Great with me as long as the food holds out.

Seas were ruff most of the morning and early afternoon then calmed down. The hydrotherapy pool was closed all day today because of the seas. People were getting pushed out of the pool.

It has been nice enough that we have sat out every morning in the sun for breakfast. Today went by very fast. These days at sea are wonderful.

After lunch we went for a mile and a quarter walk around the deck. Then off the spa using the various amenities and an hour and a half went by like nothing.

We met a few friends for cocktails at the star bar.
Then off to dinner at Magenta, one of the main dining rooms. While waiting for our table we listened to the string quartette in the atrium.

Diner was quick and delicious. We started with lamb sausage wrapped in grape leaves with hummus and chi chi beans. Then a fatoush salad. It as a pita with lettuce grilled peppers and a few other items. Chris had soup in addition to this, a puree of black bean. For the main dish we had the grilled NY strip steak with green beans and potato au gratin. We shared a bowl of pasta carbonara.

After diner we went to see the Gem production of World beat, which featured music from around the world.

Then it was time to change the clock ahead and go to bed.

Because of up load problems I will have to enter the blog this way and up date pictures at a later time. The band width here is just to low to upload decent pictures.

One week to go!!

Only a week left to go before the next adventure. I can't wait but time is going by fast.
I think that every thing that needed to be pre arranged is done. Now all I have left to do is print all the info and organize it some how.

This week was a great week weather wise. Warm and sunny. That all ended today, but It did give us the opportunity to get quite a bit of yard work done. I nice start since it will well into may by the time we return.

Blog updates not transfering

Not sure if there is problem or not. The last update did not post to the web site. I may be problem on the server. It was a weekend. So this is more or less a test post.

Allie can no longer get out of the yard. I lowered the front gate yesterday so she is trapped.

FIRST FLOWERS OF SPRING

OFF TO WORK

IT'S OFFICIAL !!!!
CHRIS IS OFF TO
HALLO BAY BEAR CAMP
TO WORK

WWW.hallobay.com

bastard!!!!!