.......idle jottings continued

[ho-hum]

Murmurings being heard.........and they sound fairly promising........SDI is being "rigged" but of course we will have to wait for further clarity meanwhile Hum "will keep you in suspense".

We will know any day now.

------------------------------------------

"Rigged"

1. Chiefly Nautical.

* to put in proper order for working or use.

* to fit (a ship, mast, etc.) with the necessary shrouds, stays, etc.

* to fit (shrouds, stays, sails, etc.) to the mast, yard, or the like.

[Jim Avery]

Murmurings being heard.........and they sound fairly promising........SDI is being "rigged" but of course we will have to wait for further clarity meanwhile Hum "will keep you in suspense".

We will know any day now.

------------------------------------------

"Rigged"

1. Chiefly Nautical.

* to put in proper order for working or use.

* to fit (a ship, mast, etc.) with the necessary shrouds, stays, etc.

* to fit (shrouds, stays, sails, etc.) to the mast, yard, or the like.

 

Aye matey, properly "rigged" you are. And isn't Martini originally gin? It is the "other" Martini.......A vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred. Now if you roam about these here parts, you might just get a Tequila Martini. At the very least you will receive a Bloody Maria. Yee Haw!

[ho-hum]

Speaking of gin - I recently discovered this nice gin bar here in Sydney - a very good gin list at the Intercontinental Double Bay.

Perhaps your chum has been in training there?

 

Yes, truly a wonderful list.

Next time Hum's in Sydney he will definitely visit.

Thanks for the tip Bodog.

Keep well old chum.

Hum's sailing with five Aussie chums next week.

Love the Aussies.

Promise not to whinge but will discuss Australians recent sporting achievements.

Yes the chat will be quite short.......

No, all great fun. They give back even better !

 

Dearest hum, forget the Spanish muck - try one of the very best:

315 upstairs Heidelberg Gin

The landscape in the back is ???

Baron and Baroness tried it last weekend at a Gourmetfestival - what a stuff!:D

 

Haha

"Spanish muck" !

Haha

Try it Baron ! But you didn't like the Sicilian wine Hum recommended so maybe your palate is "kaput" !

Haha......only joking dearest chum.

 

Hum did not know Monkey gin came from Germany: it's fantastic !

And you have your own gin from Heidelberg, how wonderful.

"What a stuff" !

Haha

Did not know Germans loved gin so much.

Of course the Netherlands is just up the road from you and they are considered the experts in gin and liqueurs.

 

 

Aye matey, properly "rigged" you are. And isn't Martini originally gin? It is the "other" Martini.......A vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred. Now if you roam about these here parts, you might just get a Tequila Martini. At the very least you will receive a Bloody Maria. Yee Haw!

 

Well Jimbodini, Hum is intrigued by a "Bloody Maria", very intrigued.

Hum read that it has a "vegetal earthiness that can only be found in tequila".

Hmmmm......sounds sexy, like a Cuban cigar (sadly a thing of the past: well 5 "Churchills" a day was a tad excessive).

The "tequila martini": a lot of variations out there but none sound enticing.

Will give that a miss and drink it straight.

 

 

Blondie bought a bottle of the Spanish gin for Hum and so Hum promptly made himself a martini.

Mmmmmm........it was wonderful.

Blondie took a few sips and agreed.

We then tried another type gin and another type of gin and another type of gin and then began experimenting with ingredients (Angostura Bitters, Vermouth, Grand Marnier, olive juice etc...).

We had a fantastic time.

Each gin was so different but the combined effect was quite debilitating!!!!

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Been away for a while, attended a wedding up in Portland. babies, Babies, BABIES! Still shaking them out of our overcoats, luggage, etc. No need to worry about negative population growth... But really, it was a lot of fun, both the wedding and visiting will all the relatives. We stayed at a hotel, but the baby crowd rented VBROs, which we hung out at, and we got to leave when multiple yungins started wailing :D Drank plenty of Oregon wine (pinots not bad) and craft beers.

 

Haven't posted as had nothing to add, but now I do :p I posted this long ago on the Oceania board, but seems apropos now:

 

"We accidentally discovered that jalapeno olives are great in martinis. DW announced one evening that she wanted a martini (at home). This has never happened before. So ol' Ragnar went to work. I asked her if she wanted it "dirty" and she replied in the affirmative. Since ol' Ragnar is naturally a filthy guy, I decided on making a "filthy" martini. Here is what I came up with, and it was the best non-standard martini we've had:

- ice in shaker

- splash vermouth in shaker, shake, drain out "excess" vermouth

- add two jiggers, per martini, Belvedere into the shaker - shake vigorously (lid on...)

- dip about 1/3 of the rim of the glass in water, stick in herbed bloody mary rim-salt (this is critical)

- pour shaker contents in said glass

- add liquid from garlic olive and jalapeno olive jars (slowly so it forms a sludgy look)

- skewer a garlic stuffed olive and a jalapeno stuffed olive and place in glass

- Enjoy!

This is very visually appealing, in a filthy kind of way. It looks like the glass tipped over into dirt, and the normally clear drink looks "polluted". It tasted great! The jalapeno gets leeched out and adds just a slight bit of heat. The rim salt adds a salty/herby kick periodically. Mrs D loved it, and got quite hammered, which is very out of character for her (and very lucky for ol' Ragnar...). I think I'll name it the Dirty Ragnar :eek: "

Edited October 21, 2016 by Ragnar Danneskjold

[Jim Avery]

You da Man Ragnar! Sounds really good. I am ready for a change as we have been drinking mucho Mojitos due to the lime tree being in full harvest mode. Mostly done now and plenty in the freezer. Time for some spicy stuff. Happy Weekend.:D

[mcpepe]

I posted something of a trip report on my Hurtigruten adventure along the coast of Norway. It's on the Hurtigruten board here on CC. Thought some of you might like to read about it. Wonderful time.

[ho-hum]

Been away for a while, attended a wedding up in Portland. babies, Babies, BABIES! Still shaking them out of our overcoats, luggage, etc. No need to worry about negative population growth... But really, it was a lot of fun, both the wedding and visiting will all the relatives. We stayed at a hotel, but the baby crowd rented VBROs, which we hung out at, and we got to leave when multiple yungins started wailing :D Drank plenty of Oregon wine (pinots not bad) and craft beers.

 

Haven't posted as had nothing to add, but now I do :p I posted this long ago on the Oceania board, but seems apropos now:

 

"We accidentally discovered that jalapeno olives are great in martinis. DW announced one evening that she wanted a martini (at home). This has never happened before. So ol' Ragnar went to work. I asked her if she wanted it "dirty" and she replied in the affirmative. Since ol' Ragnar is naturally a filthy guy, I decided on making a "filthy" martini. Here is what I came up with, and it was the best non-standard martini we've had:

- ice in shaker

- splash vermouth in shaker, shake, drain out "excess" vermouth

- add two jiggers, per martini, Belvedere into the shaker - shake vigorously (lid on...)

- dip about 1/3 of the rim of the glass in water, stick in herbed bloody mary rim-salt (this is critical)

- pour shaker contents in said glass

- add liquid from garlic olive and jalapeno olive jars (slowly so it forms a sludgy look)

- skewer a garlic stuffed olive and a jalapeno stuffed olive and place in glass

- Enjoy!

This is very visually appealing, in a filthy kind of way. It looks like the glass tipped over into dirt, and the normally clear drink looks "polluted". It tasted great! The jalapeno gets leeched out and adds just a slight bit of heat. The rim salt adds a salty/herby kick periodically. Mrs D loved it, and got quite hammered, which is very out of character for her (and very lucky for ol' Ragnar...). I think I'll name it the Dirty Ragnar :eek: "

 

Always an education reading your posts and love the way you tell a tale "Dirty Raggy".

"shaking them (Babies) out of your overcoat"

Haha

 

Glad you had a great time seeing relatives.

Hum would need plenty of alcohol for that trial of endurance: one side does not drink !

Yes H sees less of them and then he is dragged along "kicking and screaming" figuratively speaking......well no, not really.

 

"Belvedere" !

A vodka !

What no crafted gin ?

Why vodka over gin ?

Why not industrial alcohol ?

Why not flavoured vodka (Absolut) ?

 

But Hum's loving the "liquid from the garlic olive and jalapeno olive"......mmmmmm.

Ooohh Hum can taste it.

Hum's easily lead.

 

"herbed bloody mary rim-salt (this is critical)" !

What ?

Is this something readily available in your country of "land and plenty" ?

Hum is always amazed by the range of foods you have in your country's supermarkets (though it's a shame 40% is never used: as new report advises. You gotta do something about that America, H respectfully suggests).

 

What about a photo of the package ?

Oh come now "DR", Hum doesn't know about salt.

Isn't it over-powering ?

Can see it with a "Margarita" cos it's sweet.

But a martini ????

Just how many martinis had you tried before you came up with that one ?

Plenty, Hum's thinking.

 

OK Hum is off soon to "Bah-tha-loner": well that's how it's pronounced.

Having a lisp is actually an advantage in this country.

Must do the packing...........Hum is always worried that Customs officials open Hum's suitcase, in the case are high heels, sparkly gowns, etc... AND NO it ain't cos Hum's a cross-dresser !

It's the rest of the stuff Blondie cannot get into her suitcase !

 

So many last minute things to do.

Hum has left it late this time.

Affairs of state, affairs of state !

 

Oh and how is the knee old chum ?

Edited October 22, 2016 by ho-hum

[ho-hum]

I posted something of a trip report on my Hurtigruten adventure along the coast of Norway. It's on the Hurtigruten board here on CC. Thought some of you might like to read about it. Wonderful time.

 

Much obliged to you Maria....it's a trip Hum has considered doing for years ever since chatting over the subject with a former SD Captain.

Hum would like to combine it with seeing the Northern Lights.

Thanks again Maria.

[ho-hum]

Hum would recommend Crystal Ball cruises for those that want a cruise line that can see the future.

[ho-hum]

And we you and yours. Maybe next year in Lisbon.

 

Yee-haw !!!

[vandrefalk]

.

 

Hum is really looking forward meeting up with chums for the xing: they are truly a great crowd.

Chums assemble for this "migration" from around the civilised world (and

to go !!!

 

You have no idea how sad we are to miss the crossing :( We were supposed to take the train from France to Barcelona yesterday. Was truly looking forward to seeing friends and enjoying the days at sea.

 

Instead, Hurricane Matthew hammered us. No damage to the house, but the garage flooded and my car is a total loss. Yard and garden may never recover and our community looks like a bomb went off. Still, our town is HHI Strong!

 

Anyway, y'all enjoy the cruise -- raise a glass (or several) for us at the TOY and say hi to all the crew!

 

At least we have SD I to look forward to in February (I hope!)

 

Vandrefalk

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

"Always an education reading your posts and love the way you tell a tale "Dirty Raggy"."

 

If only the high school and college English teachers that gave me C-'s could read this :o

 

 

""Belvedere" !

A vodka !

What no crafted gin ?

Why vodka over gin ?

Why not industrial alcohol ?

Why not flavoured vodka (Absolut) ?"

 

All in the interest of accuracy, the recipie is as the drink was concocted. Gin would likely be too floral. Industrial alcohol would likely do, since all the strong flavous in the mix.

 

"herbed bloody mary rim-salt (this is critical)" !

What ?

 

Ours is from Crate & Barrel, but I do not see it on their website. Here is one available on Amazon, but I have not tried it:

 

http://shop.rokz.com/products/bloody-mary-infused-salt

 

 

"Oh and how is the knee old chum ?"

 

On the mend - but sloooowly..., thanks for asking!

 

 

PS - if you make a Dirty Ragnar with tequilla, you'd have a Dirty Sanchez :eek::eek::eek:

Edited October 23, 2016 by Ragnar Danneskjold

[ho-hum]

You have no idea how sad we are to miss the crossing :( We were supposed to take the train from France to Barcelona yesterday. Was truly looking forward to seeing friends and enjoying the days at sea.

 

Instead, Hurricane Matthew hammered us. No damage to the house, but the garage flooded and my car is a total loss. Yard and garden may never recover and our community looks like a bomb went off. Still, our town is HHI Strong!

 

Anyway, y'all enjoy the cruise -- raise a glass (or several) for us at the TOY and say hi to all the crew!

 

At least we have SD I to look forward to in February (I hope!)

 

Vandrefalk

 

Desperately sad to miss you both.

Of course, we will raise several glasses in your honour.

Love

HH & B x

[ho-hum]

"Always an education reading your posts and love the way you tell a tale "Dirty Raggy"."

 

If only the high school and college English teachers that gave me C-'s could read this :o

 

 

""Belvedere" !

A vodka !

What no crafted gin ?

Why vodka over gin ?

Why not industrial alcohol ?

Why not flavoured vodka (Absolut) ?"

 

All in the interest of accuracy, the recipie is as the drink was concocted. Gin would likely be too floral. Industrial alcohol would likely do, since all the strong flavous in the mix.

 

"herbed bloody mary rim-salt (this is critical)" !

What ?

 

Ours is from Crate & Barrel, but I do not see it on their website. Here is one available on Amazon, but I have not tried it:

 

http://shop.rokz.com/products/bloody-mary-infused-salt

 

"Oh and how is the knee old chum ?"

 

On the mend - but sloooowly..., thanks for asking!

 

PS - if you make a Dirty Ragnar with tequilla, you'd have a Dirty Sanchez :eek::eek::eek:

 

Academic ability was not Hum's forte either, involving detached ability to compute and retain information.

But when Hum eventually discovered areas of real interest and passion, well then the process of education (and mostly self-education) started.

 

Quite so, quite so about the vodka/gin suitability.

What was Hum saying about edukashun ?

Your point is understood.

 

Aaahh ...... Crate & Barrel, wonderful.

We do not have this establishment in Socialist Europe but a fellow comrad told us one may be opening as we shuffled slowly along the line queue for our daily half cut loaf of bread in the rain along the drab concrete tower blocks.

 

Knees ehh......funny things (meaning they can go wrong for quite a lot of people not that in themselves they are humorous).

 

The thought of alcohol is quite repellent at the moment (whether it a Dirty Raggy/Sanchez): too much wine, cava and champagne yesterday at lunch with chums (2 came down from foggy London town just to wave us off). One chum managed to even go to the opera after (Verdi's "Macbeth") but for Hum......zzzzzz.

Oh Hum does feel rough.

Not even on the ruddy boat yet.

Maybe the voyage should be somewhat of a "dry" one.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

"Maybe the voyage should be somewhat of a "dry" one."

 

-- Weeeeyuuuu, we all got a big belly-laugh out of that one! My eyes are still watering....

[ho-hum]

"Maybe the voyage should be somewhat of a "dry" one."

 

-- Weeeeyuuuu, we all got a big belly-laugh out of that one! My eyes are still watering....

 

Haha...you old devil !

 

Two caveats were applied though Raggy: "maybe" and "somewhat".

 

But definitely no "Dirty Raggy/Sanchez" today, that's for sure !

Hum's "Falstaff-ian" constitution, processing bulk quantities of wine is declining rapidly.

Age.

Life can be so cruel.

 

A shame, today Hum had planned a lunch savouring various Manzanilla and Fino sherries with various aged hams in the market off Las Ramblas.

Will have to try the hams with a white wine spritzer instead.

Aaaaarrr.......

 

There could be a revival closer to the time of dining.

Ever hopeful Hum.

Besides you taught Hum a great lesson, Hum "saw" what the curse of sobriety did to you !

Thank the Lawd, you have returned to the fold and recovered your "inner Raggy".

And funny and educational as always.

How's that long trip you were planning working out ?

Dare Hum enquire what happens to "your little pony" whilsy you are galavanting on a World Cruise ?

Jim likes dogs.

He has a shovel too for you know what.....

Think you'll have to pay for the mountain of food he eats though.

No, don't say a word, glad Hum could help.

Edited October 24, 2016 by ho-hum

[ho-hum]

Just to be clear.

Hum and a huge number of us are WITH all those that have been effected by SDI cancellations (as Hum was too).

Most fulky accept the anguish this creates and the reactions that some have expressed.

We are WITH you FIRST & FOREMOST.

HH

[ho-hum]

First you would need a haircut........

 

Well, if your man can get away with his (ferret on an orang-utan) style then why should Hum change his (pulled thro' hedge backwards, village idiot) style ?

 

At least people ignore Hum and don't bother him aand leave him in peace and don't ask Hum difficult questions but if you were ask Hum who would win the US election, even Hum would know that one (but it doesn't take an idiot though for that one !).

 

Hum in thoughtful pose.

 

[gcmv]

Did not know Germans loved gin so much.

Of course the Netherlands is just up the road from you and they are considered the experts in gin and liqueurs.

 

The Netherlands are THE EXPERTS??? :eek: Dearest hum, you're joking!;)

 

They can't kick a football, they eat red water balls (they call them tomatoes) - how could such a nation be an expert in drinking?

 

But hum's taste in gin is nearly the same as Baron's; Monkey 47 is great - hum MUST try Ferdinands Dry Saar Gin (Riesling infused) - my all time favourite!

Hum's photo shows a nice selection - your Spanish one is the Gin Mare?

Tanqueray's best (in my opinion) is the Rangpur with Rangpur lime botanicals - try this!

Edited October 24, 2016 by gcmv

[muddleaged]

Well, if your man can get away with his (ferret on an orang-utan) style

 

Must now clean coffee-drenched computer. Must learn not to read Hum's posts while drinking coffee.

 

I expect I will be chuckling all day. . .

[ho-hum]

So the "plan" was not anything too taxing after the excesses of last night, gorging ourselves at a favourite fish restaurant of ours with chums and consuming everything on the wine list !

A gentle morning, walk about, the temperature was fine, a bit of culture and then meet up at La Boqueria Market for a bite to eat in the market cafes that specialise in shellfish.

 

Our chum is somewhat of a "culture vulture" and following his evening at the opera last night, he had arranged a private guide to show him the prominent cultural sites of Barcelona.

Hum was impressed.

Hum's appetite for anything was decidedly jaded let alone culture.

However as you can see from the photo below, Hum did take in one museum.

Notice the Marilyn Monroe look-a-like standing on the left hand side of the picture.

 

Oh but the crowds !

Far too many of us.

Tourists !

Everywhere.

Large cruise ships had disgorged their cargo of humanity onto the streets of Barcelona as we joined queues and queues of gaping mouthed tourists shuffling around the streets staring at phones amidst honking cars urging us to move off the streets.

Most unpleasant.

We found a small, quiet spot in the market to eat shellfish accompanied by an Albarino (Hum, true to his word and still feeling "delicate" added sparkling water to make a "spritzer" and jolly nice it was too).

After a few tapas courses we adjourned away from the throng to a former bus station (La Nacional) that had been converted to tapas bars.

Disappointingly they were all under the same proprietorship and did not vary one from the other but at least we could sit in comfort, drink and eat tapas comprising of bread, tomatoes, olive oil, hams, chorizo, red tuna etc...

 

And so on to tonight, a quiet drink with chums and then boarding tomorrow.

 

[ho-hum]

Must now clean coffee-drenched computer. Must learn not to read Hum's posts while drinking coffee.

 

I expect I will be chuckling all day. . .

 

Ooops !

Care must be taken reading "jottings".

Also known to cause mascara to run.

And in extreme cases......involuntary leakage !

 

And never, never eat when perusing the "jottings" ......choking could occur !

Best to read in pairs, appointing one designated reader who is conversant with the Heimlich manoeuvre.

 

Please take a moment to check how this is executed before reading.

".......,idle jottings": to amuse and educate.

 

[YOUTUBE]7CgtIgSyAiU[/YOUTUBE]

[ho-hum]

It's early morning prior to boarding and outside it's gloomy grey.

The working men and women of Barcelona are walking hither and thither to work, some with smoke fumes behind them from urgently puffed cigarettes.....this is precious time to fill up those nicotine levels until coffee at mid-morning.

 

Last night, when Hum asked one of our expert sailing chums how the weather and sea conditions might be, he told Hum that whilst in the Med it looked fine, the dash across from Gibraltar to Madeira (Funchal) will be decidedly choppy !

Even outside dining may have to be re-located to the dining room !

 

But from Madeira to the Caribbean it looks great.

 

So the past few days is the same for most of us arriving guests for the voyage.

Getting over travelling.

Resting up.

Taking in the sights, eating and drinking (Hum's speciality).

And meeting up with various chums from a simple wave across a crowded street to going out, dining and partaking of the local libations.

 

So Blondie is out scouring the streets of Barcelona for a hairbrush: third voyage she has forgotten it !

She described ad nauseam the type of brush she needs which not only is no interest whatsoever but is completely redundant to Hum as he has never owned one.

No breakfast for Hum and no, not because it is not included in room price but Hum is still below par.

Blondie arranges late check out.

Hum wonders whether to tell reception he broke the stupid coffee machine. Hum only used mild force but something snapped. Cheap German engineering (Krups...more like Kraps ! And they only gave you one capsule and that was de-caffeinated.

No, the hotel is not cheap.

They are ruddy lucky Hum didn't throw it through the room patio glass door and onto the street below in true "rock and roll" style !

 

There was good banter last night between us all and Hum sought to tease our Aussie chum that he was staying in a hostel with bunk beds.

"Yes I am Hum but I do have the penthouse bunk bed".

 

Blondie will be preening herself for at least an hour.

And when eventually told by a queueing fellow guest at boarding that, this or that looks nice, she will say something like "oh this old thing, I just threw it on, such a rush this morning".

Hum will dress at the last minute only to be told by "she who must be obeyed" something like "your'e kidding me, your'e wearing that ! Please don't let me down ..... again. Change !"

Then checking out.

Blondie scrupulously checks EVERYTHING !

After two or three draft submissions, we eventually pay.

Taxi.

Some morose, smoke wrenching, gruff fellow, who lives in the city all his life but then has a mental block where the cruise terminal is !!!!

Hum is told not to lose his temper.

Blondie explains to Senor Richard Head that you can actually see the terminal from the car !

"Ah si" the toothless, un-shaven fellow nods.

Arrive at terminal.

Driver asks for tip.

Hum tells him, get a ruddy map (that's Hum's tip).

And mutters under his breath, that is why the Spanish economy is in the .........

Blondie again beseeches Hum to calm down and stop being Mr.Grumpy: which strangely has the completely opposite effect actually.

Being chided and patronised and belittled.

Hum should be used to it by now.

 

Blondie offers a complete litany of last minute instructions about meeting other passengers whose names are a complete "fog" to Hum.

The briefing is interrupted a hundred times by Hum seeking explanation about just who the heck she is talking about.

Her clarification usually begins with "you know, the couple.......and you said he was a complete "nut job".

And so on and so on.

 

Hum's just been a ramblin'.

You probably have better things to do.

Oh yea, we'll chat soon.

 

The thing we are all talking about is whether we will encounter the Russian fleet sailing into the Med as we sail out.

We all agree not to talk about THAT man and groan in unison at the state of things you know where.

[ho-hum]

The Netherlands are THE EXPERTS??? :eek: Dearest hum, you're joking!;)

 

They can't kick a football, they eat red water balls (they call them tomatoes) - how could such a nation be an expert in drinking?

 

But hum's taste in gin is nearly the same as Baron's; Monkey 47 is great - hum MUST try Ferdinands Dry Saar Gin (Riesling infused) - my all time favourite!

Hum's photo shows a nice selection - your Spanish one is the Gin Mare?

Tanqueray's best (in my opinion) is the Rangpur with Rangpur lime botanicals - try this!

 

Haha

Hum's Dutch chums would not agree with your claims Baron.

The Dutch eat "red water balls" ?

Just how much Ferdinands Dry Saar Gin had you been drinking Baron ?

 

The Ferdinands Dry Saar Gin sounds delicious: riesling infused.

Mmmmmm.......

Yes quite right about Gin Mare.

Not just Spanish but from Barcelona.

Hum had one last night in fact with chums.

We met up and drank and ate tapas outside.

It was tremendous fun seeing chums again.

Three from Australia, two from Canada and two others from Norway (and not dull at all: a rarity !).

Our Aussie chum drank martinis (5 !) with Tanqueray 10: his favourite too.

 

So Baron, what plans ?

Next vacation ?

Love to the Baroness.

HH

[gcmv]

So Baron, what plans ?

Next vacation ?

Love to the Baroness.

HH

 

Dearest hum,

Baron and Baroness can't do any vacation-planning at the moment, because they don't know, if/when our two nice chums from poshland come to Heidelberg in 2017! ;)

 

This endearing couple are elderly masteries who need OUR assistance in:

- finding the best hotel

- finding the best restaurants

- finding the perfect champagne

- finding the best wine

- finding the best gin

- finding the loo

- finding us

- finding their way back home

- etc ...

 

We can't leave them alone in the wilderness of South-West Germany! :D

 

To be honest, until now only ideas about vacation, but no actual plans (very untypical for Germans).

Bavarian Alps in Winter?

North Sea / Baltic Sea in spring?

Sardinia again in early summer or early autumn?

Cruising the Croatian Coast from Venice in May/June or September (e. g. Azamara Quest / Star Flyer) combined with a side trip to North Italy (Alto Adige)?

 

We have to wait and see, what hum and blondie (love to her) will do ... :)