FromSea2ShiningSea

Thank you for all the beautiful pictures of Singapore. We were supposed to be there in March 2021, sight see for a few days and then board the brand new Ovation OTS from Singapore to around the ports in Japan and then the Trans Baring Seas to Seattle. It was so disappointing it got cancelled because of the virus. But we did board the Ovation in September 2021 when cruises opened up again and went from Seattle to Alaska. Glad you got to explore Singapore with your dad. That’s very special.

I agree. Just my 2 cents. There is so much information that is shared on this thread. People’s personal information -families, names of family members and all their activities, personal health and medical issues. It is all open on the general forum. I am really grateful to Dani who started this thread and I know that this group has formed a strong bond and we talk about all kinds of topics. That is precisely why it really belongs in the Floataway Lounge where you can discuss anything. The Routine thread is very similar to John’s thread and it’s accessible just fine. This thread doesn’t have to end. Just moved to the Floataway Lounge- “A place for cruisers to get together to discuss their favorite topic…..cruising & other items!!” Please don’t hate on me. These are just my thoughts.

They do look similar, don’t they? He is a Maltipoo.

Mochi was 8 months old when my son adopted him. He was so white, soft, fluffy and squishy, kind of like the sweet Mochi dessert. So that's where the name came from. I had a chance to eat the dessert in Izumi on a recent cruise- the Navigator but I was too full to eat it. Son says he's finding a lot of people naming their dog Mochi now.

Mochi says Hi to Belle and everyone

Here is some visual for you if it helps. All from Main Dining Room. Prime Rib Steak Diane Beef Stroganoff Beef Tenderloin with Lobster (Day 6) Day 2 - Beef Tenderloin only (excellent dish) Braised Beef Short Ribs (very tender) Duck a L'Orange (If it seems a little dry, ask for more sauce) Poblano Soup (excellent)

The first time I heard about "Come From Away" was when they performed a number at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2017 in front of Macy's. At that point, I knew I wanted to see it. The North American Tour was supposed to perform here in 2020 but was suspended because of Covid so we couldn't see it then and it had to be rescheduled until now. I didn't know what to expect so after I read the synopsis on Wikipedia before the play (I always have to read the plot before I see anything), I then knew what to expect and I was prepared. I brought enough tissue with me. Glad I did. This play is very touching and emotional. My poor eyes. Lol This was one of the best plays we have ever seen. It is sad that the Broadway run is going to end October 2022. Too bad it didn't get much attention like some other plays (Hamilton) and so underrated. It really deserved more attention. I hope they will continue the North American tour so people can have the opportunity to see it.

Went to a Broadway musical “Come From Away” this afternoon. It is based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander where 38 international aircraft had to be diverted and land at the Gander Airport due to the US airspace being closed because of the terrorist attacks that had just taken place in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The townsfolk shared tremendous hospitality and kindness to these stranded travelers during that week following the attacks. It is a heavy theme and very moving but thank goodness there were some light moments in there with a few lively songs and dance numbers. I had to look up where Gander is. Just looking at the pictures, I bet it’s beautiful place to visit.

Thinking about Dani, too. Big hug to you, @dani negreanu.

Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure to follow along. I love your positive attitude, patience and flexibility where you made the best of each situation. And thank you for spacing your photos. 😁

No, it was not open for us to climb. The tower is only open in September on Open Lighthouse Day, from what I read. We did however visit the museum that is next to it. It is the former keeper’s house.

We were on the same cruise-Adventure OTS Snowbird Migration Oct. 2019. It’s got to be one of my favorite cruises. I keep watching for this same itinerary to come out so we can do it again. When in Portland, do not miss The Holy Donut. One bite and I’m a believer. The line gets very long…out the door and around the corner

Happy 4th of July, Everyone! America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! A festive 4th of July parade this morning

You're right. I didn't get much satisfaction or good answer for that incident. I think I would've been more upset had I dug into my plate of food more. I had just started when I found it so I know I didn't ingest any other pieces. But still, I know. I didn't want this to ruin my vacation so I just let it go. I didn't eat the strawberries though. Now for a really unnerving story was one time when I was out with friends at Cheesecake Factory, I ordered a salad. Their portions are huge so I ate half and took the other half home. The next day as I was eating the leftover, I see this strange thing in my salad. I took it out, couldn't figure out what it was. Then after I studied it really carefully, it looked to me like the top part of a rubber kitchen food prep glove! Some cook must've ripped his glove off while preparing the salad and it tore apart and he didn't know he left part of it in the food! Then I thought there could have been other parts of the glove in there that I didn't see but ate the night before. That right there pissed me off. I called the company right away. But it took so many calls and managers to iron this out. In the end, they sent me a gift card. I just really wanted them to know that they (the kitchen) have to be more careful with how they handle their food prep, etc. Moral of the story, really really inspect before digging into your food. Put smaller portion onto your fork for you never know what foreign object might be hidden in that bite. I now wear my reading glasses when I eat so I can see clearly exactly what I'm eating.

@dani negreanuI am so sorry to read about your experience on this ship. You were so excited with anticipation for this cruise and it ended up being one bad thing after another. It's surprising that on a brand new ship, after all the hype, that it felt cold and soulless and the food was below standard. I had a similar wire story. One time on my first meal in the WJ on embarkation day, I found a wire in my food. I showed it to one of the head managers. He was apologetic and asked & jotted down my cabin number. Later, a platter of chocolate covered strawberries showed up in my room. That was it. I still have the wire. I wrapped it up and kept it as a souvenir and a conversation piece. As for Captain Kate, how disappointing that she didn't have time for you. Did she come off as a warm and friendly person or just the opposite? I hope you had a good time at the ports anyway and that you are fully recovered from Covid now.

https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travel/?fbclid=IwAR0bo0mxML7Ysl5JvPAUjC-LH9bqLpWNXTwyBqZQUgrypgqA31PoPAT5iSs

These were posted awhile ago by someone on CC. https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travel/?fbclid=IwAR0bo0mxML7Ysl5JvPAUjC-LH9bqLpWNXTwyBqZQUgrypgqA31PoPAT5iSs https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service

We flew on Norwegian Airlines to Barcelona out of Oakland in 2017. It was very reasonable fare and the plane was the best I’ve been in. It was sad that the company went out of business.

@dani negreanuSo sorry to hear that Covid caught up with you. You had been so careful, too. I hope you had a wonderful time on Beyond anyway. Hope you'll bounce back soon.

Lol. Thanks for the memories of this song. We had it on our ship (I don't remember which ship) mainly in the theater every night. It was a fun, catchy tune with a good beat. I'd started singing along. It would be stuck in my head. I searched and found the song on Google. Have had it on my phone for years. Was very careful not to delete it. Lol. And ever since then, every time when I'm in the theater on a ship, I would wonder if they'd play that song.

I was going to say...Indeed, you chose wisely!...Except for the bread.

Went to the County Fair here Saturday for the concert with The Commodores. They played all their hits. “Sail On”, “Easy”, “Three Times a Lady”, “Lady (You Bring Me Up)”, “Too Hot ta Trot”, “Brick House”, “Nightshift”, and “Still”. It was fun! They were so good.

Happy Birthday, @Ocean Boyand @h20skibum’s daughter. Have a great day to both! Hope you and @molly361and @reallyitsmemafeel better soon.

The Hawaii cruise would have been fun but we said heck with it and just go anyway. I hope you will get a chance to go. That's great! I hope they have a fabulous time. Which island are they going to? So much to see in the Big Island. Did you drive the Road to Hilo? That's a nerve-wracking drive. LOL. But beautiful with all the waterfalls. I agree. Each island is special and beautiful in its own way. So lush and water is so blue.

It’s been a couple weeks since coming home from Hawaii. Finally getting around to my photos. I don’t want to bore you with tons of them but here’s a few to share. Enjoy!