Mareblu

The machine grinds the beans before producing the magic drop. Just az well, ir he’d never manage😂

Gerry, your words bring to life a vision of Mario staggering along the pier lugging our Jura machine and a bag of fresh beans to grind, while I try to juggle our carry-ons😂

😅

We enjoyed every moment. Congratulations. Get ready to be Raided.

Now I’m really, really curious😂

Now I’m curious😂

Les, I’m going to start charging you for reproducing our images soon.

Lovely to hear from you again, Lyle. Hope all is well now, and certainly hoping we can meet up on your southern (for you) adventure.

I've yet to meet anyone who truly appreciates perfectly brewed coffee who isn't particular. I am perfectly happy with either Lavazza or Illy; we have simply developed palates for Lavazza over the years, one reason being that we used to import and distribute it many years ago. I loved walking into the warehouse and being enveloped in that wonderful, aromatic environment. I also love Illy. As my husband says, it's not just the machine, but a skilled barista who delivers the perfect cup. Price is irrelevant, unless the difference is a chasm, and then there's probably a very sound reason for the differential.

I would certainly agree that a pianist is more appropriate in the Commodore Club, where drinks taken to a subdued background music is appropriate. Sailaway music should indeed be more vibrant. The Newfoundland Due were superb in the Golden Lion and the Garden(?) Lounge, although the acoustics were not on point in the latter. It was also rather stuffy and warm at times. They did not always perform "diddle-di". They willingly delivered whatever requested, which can be problematic for some musicians on the spur of the moment, but they seemed amenable and courteous, and such is their talent, all requests we witnessed were almost flawless, including haunting classic pieces and songs. One of the many reasons we choose sailing voyages is for the variety of entertainment aboard at any one time, usually, so guests are free to choose.

They are delightful, and yes, look more like brothers, but Dad, Craig, often imparted that his counterpart was son, Josh. I asked if they knew Michael Burke, another supremely talented Irish singer-instrumentalist we first met on Seabourn’s Quest in 2014. We have kept in touch with Michael on and off over the years, and he used to entertain us with “Galway Girl”. To my amazement, Craig told us with a beaming smile that Michael had arranged the Cunard gig for them. From then on, they deliversd “Galway Girl” whebever we sat down. Obviously, from your responses, Cunard appreciated their appeal. Thank you so much everyone. We may just find them again.

Have you tried Lavazza?

Onboard Queen Elizabeth's three-week cruise through Australian and New Zealand waters in January we were entertained by the incredibly talented Newfoundland Duo, Irish father-and-son musicians and singers. After a few evenings, as their reputation spread, it became increasingly difficult to nab a table or seat in each of the onboard venues where they were performing. Their instrumental work was mesmerising, and their ability to read an audience commendable. Would any of our Cunarders in these threads know if they will return to the line? I'm sincerely hoping against hope that they may just appear on our Queen Anne "British Isles" sailing (Southampton return) next May.

Oops: AN all-inclusive

We’ve only cruised with Silversea once, but truly loved it. We were happily ensconced in a Silver Suite on Silver Spirit. Sublime. Our most enjoyable experience in all our years of sailing was, and remains to this day, a b2b on Seabourn Quest in 2014. We still reminisce about every component of that cruise, from the dedicated, efficient and friendly staff, delivery of service, superbly professional entertainment, to exquisite cuisine. Having said that, we also absolutely love Oceania, and next April we’ve booked a 3-week cruise from Rome to Trieste on the new Oceania Vista. We have always found Oceania’s cuisine delectable, and it’s one of the main reason we keep returning. To sum up, I completely agree with my fellow Canberran, Aussieflyer: I’ll happily pay that extra amount for a all-inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Raiders out😥 so: Go Penrith Panthers!

Time to take to skiing😊

Oh no. No wonder you were sore. Very sorry to hear that Mic. Wishing you rapid healing🙏🏻

Thanks, Les, for a great catch-up at Catalina Club, and for your treat of delicious fish and chips. Maybe this should be on "Meat Pies"; the fish was fresh and sweet, the batter light and crispy, and the salad was fresh and light with just the right amount of dressing. Also, a respectable amount of chips to accompany: not a bucket. It was wonderful to see you in such fine form and looking well, although we know you have challenges. Raymond's next time😋

I still say Woden Plaza

We seriously are🥰

And Bawley😂

Actually, all our family members say “the coast”. We all know that means Batemans Bay. If I want to be specific for those who don’t know exactly where I mean, I say “The Bay”. Now we’re probably all confused😂

Yes, Nespresso delivers a very drinkable coffee, but not quite Lavazza or Illy for us. It really is a matter of acquired taste and preference, and what your palate recognises as ideal.

Pretty sure we’re aware, after paying rates and utilities for fifty years, we’re “Far South Coast”, but I would never challenge a respected fellow contributor, except to note that high n/nw winds always precede a cold front for SE Australia. Snow forecast for Snowies Thursday. I’m aware that high winds are not a ideal, and I would agree with closing the schools situated between The Bay and Moruya. I cannot understand why these schools were built in the midst of dense, although beautiful, coastal bushland. Only one road through there, so they need to be overly cautious.