Sunday, January 04, 2009

Food

I think I have this figured out now. I always hear about the food on the cruise ships. There has been a nice variety and a lot of healthy choices and snacks and room service available at not additional charge (except in the Coffee Shop where you pay for special coffees and the same cookies that are free downstairs).

And the food has been good and plentiful but so far I wouldn’t write home about it. Tonight I splurged and had soup, salad, entre, and dessert. This was very good tonight.

The difference? I didn’t pick the healthy choices for all of it. Ah, now I understand. Food is better with sauces and creams, etc. Since I have been avoiding those things, I haven’t really participated in the main activity on a cruise ship…”eating”. Not just food for nutrition, but Eating with a capital “E”. Now I get it!

That said, the good news is that the choice is ours. I splurged today however in my defense (if I need one), I walked about 13,000 steps yesterday and again today. And at least one other day. You can easily get a lot of walking in on a ship this large, just going to meals and back. Add in an active day, even shopping, you can add a lot more in.

I did find the food at the Tamarind Restaurant superior without adding the fat and calories. We dined at two of the three specialty restaurants. The Canaletto, Italian, wasn't anything to write home about but the Tamarind was excellent. You pay a nominal fee to eat at these restaurants and reservations are best made in advance. (And if you are like me, pick an early time...8:30 is too late for a 3-4 course meal unless you are going to stay up late that night and enjoy the entertainment.)

Bon appetit!

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Reflections on the cruise

The Eurodam is a brand new ship, launched just a few months ago. It is nice and there is constant maintenance already being done on it.

But it is sadly lacking a couple of things:

A laudromat-you have to pay to have cleaning done or wash your things out in the bathroom. There is a retractable line to hang the clothes up on but hey, why no Laundromat? That is a revenue source just like everything else.
Plugs-There are 2, count them, 2 electrical outlets in a room, not counting the plugs already used by the TV/DVD system. They are on the wall by the desk, away from the bathroom and bed. I was provided an extension cord to accommodate my breathing machine but I can guarantee that I am not the only one using one on this ship. And we have to charge the electric toothbrush on the desk. I understand that this limits electrical consumption but this is a significant deficit.

I found the room comfortable-loved the bed although I heard a complaint from someone else that they thought it was too hard.

Would I do it again? You bet! I would have liked to spend more than a few hours in each port however it is actually cheaper than having to fly down and rent rooms and pay for food. A good value.

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Holiday Cruise

I never thought about taking a cruise for a holiday. Actually, it is a nice way to celebrate.

If you go with family, they are with you and you will have however much "together" time as you want. Or not, since there are many things for each person to do.

If you just go with a friend or significant other, it is a much more relaxing way to celebrate. And, best of all, you don't have to cook or clean up.

So whether you go by yourself or with friends or family, it is a lovely way to have that special holiday that you will always remember.

And even if it isn't your traditional holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, if you are lucky, you can celebrate a holiday for another country or religion. I don't remember how many they celebrate on Holland America, but it was a bunch!

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Kids on a cruise ship

We met a young man about 9-10 in the elevator one morning. We asked how he liked his trip and he said he did. What did he like best? The X Box. Did he have one at home? Yes. Doesn’t take much to make some kids happy.

I did listen to a grandfather comment to another adult that this cruise line doesn’t have as much kid oriented activities as some lines. According to him, Royal Caribbean is much better for kids. Ice skating, roller blading, wall climbing and other active sports for kids.

I had never known that cruises would specialize. Of course Disney is kids oriented as well.

Some have said HAL is more for the 40+ group. Carnival for the younger party set. So keep that in mind when you start planning a cruise.

So why bring your kids on a cruise? Many of the people were cruising with the grandparents or other relatives. Sort of a family reunion on water. Many others like to take advantage of the short school week and get away, just the parents and kids. There might have even been some who took a break from the kids and left them with friends or family although that isn't very likely on a holiday weekend. But then you never know, do you?!

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Holland America Crew

The people, mostly men, on the crew are incredibly hard workers. The room stewards get up about 6:00 in the morning and work all day. They may get breaks, not sure, but they work until 9:00 or 10:00 at night, 7 days a week for 10 months.

On HAL, they use primarily Indonesian and Philipino. It is really hard for them to be away from their families for so long and to work such long, hard hours. (And we think we have it tough!)

I’ve gotten to know a couple a little more than a passing “how are you today”. "Lucky" is a room steward. Very personable and friendly.

“Burt” Reynolds hands out trays/dishes at the buffet. He is familiar enough with the United States that he can sing a song about each of several states, including Texas. I taught him “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and wrote down the two verses I remember. I saw him working the dinner shift one evening as well. And he was doing much more than handing out trays/dishes.

Rebecca, the Acupuncturist, is from Australia. This is only her second week on the ship although she has been practicing for about 3 ½ years. She did a 4 year degree program in Acupuncture/Herbs (and pronounces the “h” in herbs) in Australia. She is on a 6 month contract. Although she loves it, she said it feels like it has been much longer than 2 weeks so far.

I don’t know his name but there was a gentleman who works the front desk whose whole face lights up when he smiles. I was watching him for a few minutes and commented to him about what a nice smile he had…he replied with that wonderful smile again. Two nights ago and I still think back on it.

The captain works 3 months and then is off three months. I don't remember about the Environmental Officer.

Since most of the crew are not American citizens, once every 3-4 months they have to meet with Immigatration Services when dock at a US port. That happened on the day we disembarked. I think it is pretty quick/easy but it adds to their tasks for the day as they have about 4-5 hours to clean the rooms and get them ready for the next crew.

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Half Moon Cay-Bahamas

While St. Johns was Dan's favorite place (and it was wonderful), Half Moon Cay (pronounced "key") was mine. This privately owned island in the Bahamas was paradise.

The water was a bright, clear turquoise and the sand white. There was a great band (they even played Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke for me) and a barbeque. The weather was perfect although Dan thought the water was too cool (low 70's).

Parasailing, swimming, sand castles, snorkeling, feeding sting rays, bicycling, kayaking, bus ride, hiking...almost anything your heart desires.

Only about 35 people live on this small island. Most of the staff commute from a larger island (Eleutheria), an hour and a half commute each way. What a commute though.

It really felt like a holiday. Only one shop and about a half dozen booths so it was more laid back than the cities we have been to.

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

US Virgin Islands

We arrived shortly after dawn this morning. The area includes a number of islands. A number of them are heavily treed, or at least quite green, many dotted with a lot of houses: Michael Jordan, Madonna, Alan Alda, Michael Jackson, and more. Michael Jordan’s appeared to be the largest, highest, nicest of those we passed by as we took the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John for our Eco Hike.

I was a little worried the hike would be too much for me or my leg/back. It was a bit of a workout but we were rewarded with a swim at Honeymoon Cove where the water was beautiful, clear, and a lovely temperature.

We had a delicious lunch at Hook, Line, and Sinker and then did a little shopping. 3 liters of rum for about $22 total. A couple of other items.

Tonight we ran into Dick and Marian Stevens for dinner. Marian is Dan’s second cousin who we met in Tampa a few weeks ago. We had run into them a few times but never could figure out when to meet for a meal. Turned out we were all going to dinner at the same place so it worked out great. Food was very good tonight. Stuffed.

Now the interesting thing is you can get pretty much the same food in Lido which is a buffet as the Rembrandt but I like the Rembrandt more. There is no cost for the meal at either but you get served at the Rembrandt instead of going through the line and the food seems slightly fresher, made to order instead of being made up a few minutes in advance.

Afterwards, we went to listen to comedian Jim Labriola. Very funny guy. Laughed a lot.

Been a long day. Tomorrow I have another acupuncture session and also a session with a personal coach who is going to go over Pilates with me for strength and posture. Since I live in an RV, I need a program that doesn’t require a lot of equipment or a membership in a gym. We choose places to live which don&rsqu

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Puerto Rico-Land at last!

I woke up in the middle of the night and could tell that we had docked at Puerto Rico. The ship was still. Yesterday was a little rocky.

This morning we went on a 5 hour tour of the rain forest. I don’t know how the driver can drive so well and talk on a hand held microphone at the same time but he did a good job. The rain forest was interesting and in some ways I’m glad we did the tour but I did feel a little rushed, especially at the first stop where we didn’t have time to see the 12 minute movie in English because the Spanish version was running and we only had about 20 minutes total.

Took a fairly easy hike in the rain forest. No rain today although they have about 240 inches a year in rain. Rain lasts an average of 22 minutes so it comes down heavy. The guide kept naming trees that weren’t indigenous but then he later said something like 220 or about 245 plants/trees are indigenous.

The view of the sea/beach was fantastic from the tower…after a 96 step climb (I didn’t go up the last 2 steps once I was at the top-no real reason).

On the way back to the ship I saw an iguana on a wire (telephone or power?) just like you would see a bird sit on a wire. We were on a fast road so we were gone in a flash and I don’t think anyone else saw it. It was incredible to see.

We had angels watching over us 3 times. The first, was when we went on the hike in the rain forest, our guide didn’t go but there was another guide who went with his group and we got to listen to him and he pointed out the nests for the endangered native parrot.

Then later, we were looking for somewhere to eat and a man with his wife/child said the non-tourist place was a few streets away. He grew up in Puerto Rico and lives in Napa Florida now. He didn’t have any accent and was with the family so it felt safe although I have to say he wore us out walking up a steep hill. Food was good. I had a Puerto Rico tamale which is a little softer than the ones I am used to and Dan had a chicken creole. And fried sweet plantains and coconut flan. Very yummy.

The last angel was when we were walking around and started down a road. Just before we w

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 24, 2008

An Extra Day At Sea

I seldom (read that never) have a day which I haven't planned what to do in advance. I may not always do it, but I have at least some plans. So it was unique to suddenly find ourselves with an extra day at sea. Lots of choices on what to do: classes, spa, gym, read, play games, eat, talk to people, explore the ship, eat, write my blog, and did I mention you can eat? (Fortunately I didn't pig out.)

It was a nice relaxing day at sea except for the wave activity. I got some pills for sea sickness, and they helped a little but mostly, they made me sleepy.

I went to a talk on back and posture at the fitness center and decided to have a personal trainer help me with exercises I can do in the RV. Those of you who don’t know me, don’t know that we live in a fifth wheel full time (except for the time caring for Dan’s parents) so we usually aren’t anywhere we can go to a gym to work out. That training will be Thursday.

The acupuncture helped my leg some so I went again this afternoon and will go again later in the week. Even though I hadn’t bought a package of 3 sessions up front, Rebecca gave me the discount which I appreciated.

Other than that, I mostly read/dozed/sat in the hot tub. the relaxing day was a welcome relief. Most people felt the same way and weren’t upset about the travel changes. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was the first time the captain had ever had to cancel a port because of weather in almost 30 years.

Well, I say it wasn’t anyone’s fault but Kim took credit. She ate dinner with us and a number of others this evening. She says every cruise she goes on, something happens. Last year, one of the engines quit and they had to cancel some ports as a result. She is planning that cruise again and will just do the things they missed last year. Very good sport about it…what else can you do anyway?!

I ran into the environment officer for the ship today. HAL has a very progressive recycling program. The trash cans in the rooms even have a “paper only” section and there are bins around the ship for batteries, paper, plastic, and cans. And he agreed to talk with Dan la

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 24, 2008

An unexpected day at sea

First of all, I don’t recommend the late dining if you have to get up early the next morning so that you don’t want to stay up while your food digests. Even though I ate lightly, it was hard be comfortable laying down shortly afterwards.

In the end, I slept very well. Did I say the mattress is very comfortable?

We arose before 6:30 to get ready, have breakfast and disembark. After breakfast we found out that the winds were too high and we were not going to dock at all today. We are awaiting the final word on that but it doesn’t look promising. It is overcast and the wind doesn’t seem all that bad…at least the waves don’t look high. But it isn’t worth risking it.

So if that is the case, a quiet day will be nice. I’ll probably get another acupuncture treatment, read, maybe swim or go to the exercise area. We’ll see. I heard one person grumble about being stuck on the boat another day but it will be fine with me although I may get something to lessen the queasiness. Fortunately it isn’t really bad but it is fairly persistent.

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, November 23, 2008

All day at sea

Well, I did better than I was afraid of but not as well as I would like with the rolling motion. I did sleep well, once I got to sleep…but that’s my MO, having trouble getting to sllep.

I’ve been wearing the wristbands and they seem to help some. Not a big problem but a little queasy, especially when I go to eat because we are on the outside tables which is nice for the view. Seems to help a little to eat a roll early on, something bland.

Got an acupuncture treatment today for a long term problem I have had with my leg. Rebecca is very professional and compassionate. A little shy on the experience end but still has over 3 years of experience. Showed me a better way to wear the wrist bands, 4 fingers-not three like the package says and a place to rub on my leg as well for the queasiness. Helps psychologically at least.

Went to a cooking show, a shopping show, and a show about diamonds and other gems. All interesting although I am not interested in spending a lot of money.

We had planned to do a lot of shore excursions but decided to kick back the pace and cancel the canopy adventure. Would love to do it although I was a little apprehensive about it. Decided to put the money into the acupuncture and relax rather than the usual go, go, go of our lives.

Oh, I won a fun shirt. It is a white tshirt with a black outline picture on it but when you go into the sun, the colors show up. I was sitting on the front row and the guy said to stand up and show you wanted it. Everyone stood up but I wiggled my bottom and he saw me. Surprised I did that but it was fun.

We went to the Italian restaurant for dinner. You pay a little extra to go there. Food was good (nothing to really write home about though) but the service was extremely slow, even though they weren’t busy. Maybe that is the style of the restaurant but it took about 20 minutes or more to place our orders.

Wait staff not as warm as the ones at the other places we have been the last day or so.

And strangely, they brought cotton candy for after dinner, before dessert! Cotton Candy? Go figure.

OK, early day tomorrow.

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Our first cruise is underway!

We are underway! I had a few minutes of anxiety, not so much motion sickness as claustrophobia. But I put on my sea sickness wristbands and breathed deep and I am doing better. Still a little anxious.

Actually, the life boat drill was a challenge too. I was behind a tall lady (I'm less than 5 feet tall), and with the vest so close around my short neck, it was not only uncomfortable but I felt closed in again. I asked the tall lady if she would change places and it didn’t matter to her. I kept my vest loose and when it was over, we let everyone else go back to their rooms first and we were the tail end of the group.

OK, so much for anxiety. Now for the excitement and enjoyment!

The ship is much bigger than I had imagined. Almost 1000 feet long. I heard that they upgrade first timers to a stateroom on the upper deck with a veranda which is nice. Since this is a brand new ship, everything is in terrific shape. I was surprised that they already have to do maintenance such as painting since it just launched less than 5 months ago.

I’m impressed with the staff. They seem genuinely interested and friendly. On this line, most everyone is Indonesian or Phillipino.

We ate lunch with Hurta. I hope I spelled her name correctly. She is a retired cruise ship RN and has sailed almost 100 days on Holland America alone. She does about 2 cruises a year. Her experience is that HAL staff is sincerely interested in making the cruise a pleasure, much more so than other lines. Being our first cruise, I don’t know but I do know that they seem that way.

We were sitting in a public area and the ship priest stopped and chatted. He normally works in Ft. Lauderdale but is cruising “on duty” for 2 weeks. Interesting perspective.

Most of his time is spent working with staff; they are usually away from their family for about 8-10 months at a time. Many are very poor and HAL just had a fundraiser a few days ago to raise money to help them when needed because of illness or family emergencies.

I’ve frankly been leery of cruises before because of the excess I’ve heard about them. Th

POSTED BY lindie hunt AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Activities on a Cruise Ship

What a dream – could I really learn to cook some of the food that was served last night? I don’t know if I can duplicate it, but if it’s even close – ooh-la-la!

There’s this place on Holland America’s ships called the Culinary Arts Center. When I first walked in I thought it was a TV studio. They have seating for demonstrations and shows. The stage area looks like a full blown commercial kitchen, with monitors for close up shots of food prep and lots of equipment for classes.

Last night I had a lovely turkey breast recipe that was just so succulent…and the herbs and spices were done just right. Oh to serve that up at home! I’m surprised to find it’s one of the items there’re covering today. Who would have thought I’d find recreational cooking classes in the Caribbean or should I say on the Caribbean.

The chefs are wonderful and well organized. We quickly cover the basics and get into the real meat of the class. What fun and then I realize someone else cleans up!

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 1 comments

Friday, July 18, 2008

Wobbly Legs

Here I am walking off the ship onto home soil. It feels solid compared to the gentle occasional rock from the ship for the past 7 days. Subconsciously I am mimicking everyone else walking off with luggage. Our gait is the same and we are all rocking in a synchronized wave. Looking around I see others that had far too good a time the previous night. Seeing the entire cruise ship’s occupants have that same appearance is quite amusing.

Glancing back at the ship, the huge size momentarily disorients me. It was home for seven days and while there I definitely got some excellent exercise walking from one end to the other. Now standing in its shadow I feel its residual power in my muscles.

Now it’s off in a taxi back to our hotel, across the bridge and I look back, seeing the boat getting smaller and smaller. Its mass got less and less apparent, and my muscles’ memory as well as my own slowly fading.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Road Town - Port in Tortola

The British Virgin Islands! Here we are at Road Town, the capital, on the island of Tortola. Instead of going on any tours, we grab a taxi and head for the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Park. It’s time for an afternoon stroll to see the native plants of Tortola.

What would a tropical isle be without hibiscus, bougainvillea and palms. I’m surprised to see cactus as well…organ pipe…Turk’s Cap…prickly pear. My favorite flowers today are the Bird of Paradise. As I look off to my left, I hear a noise behind me and turn quickly. The movement of the birds and the shape of the flowers momentarily blend in my mind as the flowers become living birds. Such beauty!

After strolling through the gardens, our hunger catches up to us. Off we go for a delightful evening of food and music at The Dove Restaurant and Wine Bar. It’s in a lovely 1912 Gingerbread house with lots of antiques and a jazz bar, just down the street from the ferry dock. I order the prawns seasoned with vanilla. Out of this world! I thought nothing could top that when the chocolate soufflé comes out, and all this with lovely jazz music. A delightful day in paradise.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Parasailing - The Ultimate Ocean View

Last port – Nassau, Bahamas. This time we choose to explore on our own and decide to go parasailing.

It’s off the beaten path of the cruise-set-up adventures and we grab a taxi to a local beach.

Boarding a speedboat with another group from New Jersey, I’m struck by their sense of calm. The parasailing guys pick up on it too and are enjoying amplifying their fears. Then with their gear on, off they went. It was only a few moments up in the air, but the disposition change it caused them was remarkable. They came down, goofily grinning ear to ear, unable to really speak.

Now my sister and I are strapped in with the giant sail inflated behind us. The rope is let out and we start going up. Such a steady, smooth ascent. Reaching maximum altitude, there’s a different perspective of the ocean below. The blue is so vibrant and varied that it is overwhelming. The boat loops to take us to the other end of the beach. We wobble slightly in the turn and then I look up from the sea below and out to the horizon. The curvature of the earth is evident against a beautiful azure sky. It’s a humbling and empowering experience, and by far the most beautiful panorama to behold.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Water Horses

My horse’s name is Samson – he’s a tall, dark handsome type, gentle and easily maneuvered. Our guide leads us up a rocky hill and around some sand dunes. The beach is below us. It’s been so long since I rode a horse - a living, opinionated animal. This horse certainly knows what it’s doing. I can daydream and look around, while both of us share control. It’s a very liberating experience.

This is just the first part of our riding experience. Part two is changing into water saddles. This is a glorified, slightly padded way of riding bareback. What a new experience! Making our way back to beach, I feel every one of Samson’s steps. It is definitely less comfortable, but not painful. Racing into the water, the horses get to about as deep as their backs. My legs are almost completely submerged, I feel lighter on the horse’s back, and the fact that they are running at full speed becomes a desirable situation. We’re sweeping through the water, and the only thing I could do besides hang on for dear life is to smile. It’s like a roller coaster, except there are no obnoxious colors and cartoons to distract. An all natural thrill ride. I won’t forget this easily.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, June 23, 2008

Grand Turks Island

Our shore excursion choice is the Grand Turk Indigenous Horse Shelter on, of course, Grand Turk Island. It’s a short drive from the pier.

Along the way is Governor’s Beach. It’s mostly secluded, with white sand and crystal clear water. I can see snorkelers in the water – oh, it looks so pretty out there.

Then it’s on through Cockburn Town, the capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Turks & Caicos National Museum has a display called the Molasses Reef Shipwreck. It’s the oldest known shipwreck in the western hemisphere and dates to about 1513.

There are also natural salinas, which at one time supplied British North America with about one-sixth of their salt needs. It’s a process where sea water is allowed to flow into shallow ponds. Then after about 90 days the water has evaporated and the crystallized salt is left. It was raked up, packed into 40 pound sacks and shipped out. All of this has been commercially abandoned, but a small part of the Salinas, canals and ruined windmills has been renovated.

This is such a pretty island and we're almost to the horse shelter.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

An Affair to Remember: Cruise Ships at Night

Being on the cruise ship has revived my adolescent obsession with that old Cary Grant movie, An Affair to Remember, a dramatic, romantic love story set into motion by a meeting at sea. Being onboard for the first time at night, it is easy to understand the romance caused by a ship at sea. It is a very old-world way of travel. It inspires old-world romances with the heroes and heroines of a past time.

Walking out on the top deck for the first time at night was a very humbling experience. There was a darkness that was overwhelming yet light. The ocean was completely surrounding, and its sounds and smells filled the air. The scent of the ocean is different away from land. It is a fresh aroma, intensified by a light breeze. There is not even a hint of the stagnant life smelled at the beach. It is a scent of pure salt water. The gentle waves, as opposed to harsh beach breaker waves, provide a rhythmic background to walking around the ship. The light was softer at night, the activity was lighter at night, and the mood was simply more relaxed.

Although Cary Grant didn’t walk up the stairs to sweep me off my feet, despite my watching and waiting, the power of the night onboard was still felt. I took only a twenty minute walk on deck, but it was perhaps my favorite twenty minutes on board.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Sunny Day at Sea

I decided to just sit and relax by the pool on our second full day. There were no stops to be made and no distractions like at home. I grabbed a book, a towel, and my sunglasses and headed up to the pool.

First of all, all worries about body image in a bathing suit were banished; there were plenty of unembarrassed people there of ALL body types. There was enough of a range, that I quickly found my place and felt good about myself.

Second of all, it turns out I wasn't paying attention to the sun. On the way back to the room, I began to feel a heat burning at my skin. On entering the room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I wasn’t exactly tomato red, but crimson was definitely part of my new sunburn look. To be sure of my predicament, I adjusted my swimsuit strap to reveal a whiteness that was startling in its surroundings. It started to hurt.

Bed was early that night. Fortunately, the family size container of aloe was in stock at the ship’s convenience store. I coated myself so much, I’m afraid there is permanent green stain in the shape of my body on the sheets. Fortunately, the coolness of the cotton and the coldness of my morning shower has alleviated the situation. However, the desire for a base tan and the need for SPF 1000 has become all too real.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Meals on a Cruise Ship

Although I used to think of cruises as being full of bad buffets and the elderly, I now most apologetically regret those feelings. Lots of age groups are present, and the food is delicious, if not heavenly.

The cruise ship is where I took my dive into gluttony. Now, at home, I try to control what I eat and do a pretty good job. The onboard food has been absolutely decadent and the variety was definitely a positive attribute. The main dining area let me try some new international cuisine, while the casual dining let me relish in old favorites. I surprised myself by enjoying the formal dining the most.

All of the food was definitely well-made, quality food. The menus changed nightly and the number of courses provided for a very filling evening.

My favorite dish so far has been a bread pudding. I have never liked bread pudding, but the menu description sounded sweet. It came out in a little dish, very unassuming, but as soon as my spoon dug into the soft sweet, I realized this was not simple bread pudding. It was a beautiful combination of layers and temperatures. While the top layer was a soft cool pudding, a middle layer consisted of ice cold bittersweet chocolate and a bottom, steamed layer of hot sweet-soaked bread. Oh my. The moment that my spoon hit the bottom of the bowl I almost cried.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Seasick Stories Anyone? Here's Mine!

The truth is that I don’t have much of a seasick story. The movement of the ship is pleasant and at night helps me sleep.

However, I see people with Dramamine patches behind their ears and in talking with them, learn that it is the difference between enjoying the cruise and not. Seasick patches are not a very good flesh tone, but that’s ok. Some things just have to be done. I’ve had skin cancer and know to use sun screen and to cover up if I’m out for even part of an hour.

The major problem with seasickness is that the mind and body are at war. The mind knows what is going on, but the body can’t reconcile the movement to reality. The result is a very upset tummy.

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, May 19, 2008

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call

I like to travel. Never been on a cruise before – this is my first. Work was nuts yesterday. Getting off late, arriving late and fortunately the ship leaves at 5PM, so I was able to sleep in this morning. My sister is with me on this trip. It’s been a long time since we’ve spent this much time together. I’m looking forward to that too.

It’s a seven day eastern Caribbean cruise. Should be a nice cruise port schedule. We left the Ft. Lauderdale Cruise Port earlier this evening. Now we cruise to Grand Turk Island in the Turks & Caicos. Then on to Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands, further south to St Thomas Virgin Islands, swinging back up to Half Moon Cay Bahamas and back to home port. We have two days at sea. There’ll be plenty of time to sightsee with time to rest, relax and enjoy the ship and new friends.

Cruising is certainly a different way to travel. Someone else is driving. I can go for a swim, nap or find a cooking class, all while we’re moving somewhere else. A surprise for me is that I’ve let go of all the rush of everyday life. No cell phone, no computer for the next seven days – I’ve unhooked from those tethers. What bliss!

POSTED BY audrey b AT 12:00:00 AM 0 comments