Silversea Water Cooler: Welcome! Part Five

[SteveH2508]

1 hour ago, jpalbny said:

Thought it was spilling wine, Stumblefoot.

Depends whether it is am or pm.

[mysty]

16 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

Depends whether it is am or pm.

 

And for some, it matters not! 😁

[jpalbny]

21 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

Depends whether it is am or pm.

 

Good point! What time is your handoff scheduled for?

 

 

 

[SteveH2508]

1 minute ago, jpalbny said:

 

Good point! What time is your handoff scheduled for?

 

 

 

At home, handover is 17:00 hours (leaving espresso martinis out of the reckoning, as they just confuse things) - on holiday - I shall plead the 5th!

[Host Jazzbeau]

9 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

At home, handover is 17:00 hours (leaving espresso martinis out of the reckoning, as they just confuse things) - on holiday - I shall plead the 5th!

Plead the 5th, or drink it??? 🤣

[SteveH2508]

1 minute ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Plead the 5th, or drink it??? 🤣

You may think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

 

DW ( a New Yorker) likes her cocktails, so I start the ball rolling with a cosmopolitan - then we hit the recipe books while dinner is being prepared.

[Stumblefoot]

58 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Plead the 5th, or drink it??? 

 

53 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

You may think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

Que, I think I may have found a new member for the three drink minimum club.

[SteveH2508]

5 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

 

Que, I think I may have found a new member for the three drink minimum club.

I am in for this auspicious society. 22 years in the Territorial Army (British Army Reserve AKA the Beer Army): 3 drinks is just getting started. In our shooting team, the first three or four drinks were 'warmers into the bank' - the rest were 'shots down the range'.

[Lirio]

Coolers, I would like to share with my trip back from Auckland to Brazil, in the last January 27.

The hotel was fully booked with guests of Norwegian pre and post cruise. As it was raining guests waiting for transportation to the ship and guests waiting to go to their rooms were on the lobby. Unfortunately, because of this we did not get a late checkout and arrived in the lobby as well, at 11 AM. But we could wait in the business lounge which was less crowded.

 

Due to the rain we decided to go early to the airport, checked the bags (with the 13 wines bottles) and went to the business class lounge. In due time we boarded, and everything seems ok. This flight starts in Sydney (Australia), stops in Auckland and flies to Santiago (Chile) with connections to all South America. It is the only available flight between Ocenia an South America directly. Flight was full. Business class totally full and I noted a group from Australia.

 

The plane in the finger next to us departed and I supposed we would be the next.

 

Suddenly the rain turned out to a pouring rain and we couldn´t take off. After almost 4 hours and 2 films, the captain announced that the airport would be closed for several hours, all bars and restaurants was closed and all hotels nearby full. The dinner service was served, and we disembarked to a secure area. In mean time, the above-mentioned plane that have left, returned to finger. I checked some hotels nearby; none had any room available.

 

We took our sheet, blanket, and pillow, as indicated by the crew. When we left the finger we came across hundreds of people already laid down in the boarding room. At that moment I understood that would be hard (so far I didn’t realized).

We went to an empty room indicated by the airline staff and started to prepare for the night (at this point I was like robot doing things). The airport management informed that an state of emergency was declared in Auckland and that nobody should try to live the airport as all roads around was flooded.

 

I walked around the airport and only the McDonald store was open with a long queue. It was opened all night long and in the morning.

 

At 2 AM the airline staff announced that airport would be closed at least until midday and that at 8 AM another announced would be made. Later the airport management announced that in some areas water and snacks will be available. A bit later someone showed up distributing blankets from one other airline.

 

At 8 AM the airline representative distributed vouchers and informed that we would departure at midday and that at 10 AM would be distributed the new boarding pass. That was done and we departed right after 12 PM.

 

During the night I met some of the Australians. They were going to Ushuaia to board a Hurtigruten cruise to Antarctica. And others were also going to a cruise to Antarctica that depart from Ushuaia which name I don’t record.

 

Flight to Santiago was ok (service was not very good as the plane was not supplied due to the problems). We got a connection to Rio de Janeiro 8 hours after arriving in Santiago. We stayed in the business lounge which was amazing (got a shower and a bed to sleep!). While there I saw a group of 8-10 people with Silversea backpack and some others with Viking tags in the hand luggage.

 

Finally, my husband, me and the 13 bottles of wine arrived home late night and well.

 

Edited January 29, 2023 by Lirio

[Lirio]

Below some newspaper news about it.

 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-state-of-emergency-citys-residents-rescued-from-their-homes-and-cars-during-the-worst-flooding-i-have-ever-seen/WPRHA4LX5JHVJGAULSAT7U2FSU/

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/27/new-zealand-floods-state-of-emergency-in-auckland-after-torrential-rain-causes-flooding

 

https://www.bbc.com/weather/features/64415944

[Tothesunset]

30 minutes ago, Lirio said:

Coolers, I would like to share with my trip back from Auckland to Brazil, in the last January 27.

The hotel was fully booked with guests of Norwegian pre and post cruise. As it was raining guests waiting for transportation to the ship and guests waiting to go to their rooms were on the lobby. Unfortunately, because of this we did not get a late checkout and arrived in the lobby as well, at 11 AM. But we could wait in the business lounge which was less crowded.

 

Due to the rain we decided to go early to the airport, checked the bags (with the 13 wines bottles) and went to the business class lounge. In due time we boarded, and everything seems ok. This flight starts in Sydney (Australia), stops in Auckland and flies to Santiago (Chile) with connections to all South America. It is the only available flight between Ocenia an South America directly. Flight was full. Business class totally full and I noted a group from Australia.

 

The plane in the finger next to us departed and I supposed we would be the next.

 

Suddenly the rain turned out to a pouring rain and we couldn´t take off. After almost 4 hours and 2 films, the captain announced that the airport would be closed for several hours, all bars and restaurants was closed and all hotels nearby full. The dinner service was served, and we disembarked to a secure area. In mean time, the above-mentioned plane that have left, returned to finger. I checked some hotels nearby; none had any room available.

 

We took our sheet, blanket, and pillow, as indicated by the crew. When we left the finger we came across hundreds of people already laid down in the boarding room. At that moment I understood that would be hard (so far I didn’t realized).

We went to an empty room indicated by the airline staff and started to prepare for the night (at this point I was like robot doing things). The airport management informed that an state of emergency was declared in Auckland and that nobody should try to live the airport as all roads around was flooded.

 

I walked around the airport and only the McDonald store was open with a long queue. It was opened all night long and in the morning.

 

At 2 AM the airline staff announced that airport would be closed at least until midday and that at 8 AM another announced would be made. Later the airport management announced that in some areas water and snacks will be available. A bit later someone showed up distributing blankets from one other airline.

 

At 8 AM the airline representative distributed vouchers and informed that we would departure at midday and that at 10 AM would be distributed the new boarding pass. That was done and we departed right after 12 PM.

 

During the night I met some of the Australians. They were going to Ushuaia to board a Hurtigruten cruise to Antarctica. And others were also going to a cruise to Antarctica that depart from Ushuaia which name I don’t record.

 

Flight to Santiago was ok (service was not very good as the plane was not supplied due to the problems). We got a connection to Rio de Janeiro 8 hours after arriving in Santiago. We stayed in the business lounge which was amazing (got a shower and a bed to sleep!). While there I saw a group of 8-10 people with Silversea backpack and some others with Viking tags in the hand luggage.

 

Finally, my husband, me and the 13 bottles of wine arrived home late night and well.

 

What a saga. So glad you got back home safely. 

[QueSeraSera]

16 minutes ago, Tothesunset said:

So glad you got back home safely. 

Ditto @Lirio & of course the wine too.  I'd open a bottle or two after your ordeal 🙂.

 

1 hour ago, SteveH2508 said:

3 drinks is just getting started

Welcome Steve.  Overachievers always welcome. & Thank you for your service in the Army, we're all on the same side for the past couple hundred years (Thank goodness).

 

Need help from our Australian friends, a friend is visiting your country and sent the photo below

 

The 2nd RTE item on the left has me concerned.

 

 

[mysty]

55 minutes ago, Lirio said:

Coolers, I would like to share with my trip back from Auckland to Brazil, in the last January 27.

The hotel was fully booked with guests of Norwegian pre and post cruise. As it was raining guests waiting for transportation to the ship and guests waiting to go to their rooms were on the lobby. Unfortunately, because of this we did not get a late checkout and arrived in the lobby as well, at 11 AM. But we could wait in the business lounge which was less crowded.

 

Due to the rain we decided to go early to the airport, checked the bags (with the 13 wines bottles) and went to the business class lounge. In due time we boarded, and everything seems ok. This flight starts in Sydney (Australia), stops in Auckland and flies to Santiago (Chile) with connections to all South America. It is the only available flight between Ocenia an South America directly. Flight was full. Business class totally full and I noted a group from Australia.

 

The plane in the finger next to us departed and I supposed we would be the next.

 

Suddenly the rain turned out to a pouring rain and we couldn´t take off. After almost 4 hours and 2 films, the captain announced that the airport would be closed for several hours, all bars and restaurants was closed and all hotels nearby full. The dinner service was served, and we disembarked to a secure area. In mean time, the above-mentioned plane that have left, returned to finger. I checked some hotels nearby; none had any room available.

 

We took our sheet, blanket, and pillow, as indicated by the crew. When we left the finger we came across hundreds of people already laid down in the boarding room. At that moment I understood that would be hard (so far I didn’t realized).

We went to an empty room indicated by the airline staff and started to prepare for the night (at this point I was like robot doing things). The airport management informed that an state of emergency was declared in Auckland and that nobody should try to live the airport as all roads around was flooded.

 

I walked around the airport and only the McDonald store was open with a long queue. It was opened all night long and in the morning.

 

At 2 AM the airline staff announced that airport would be closed at least until midday and that at 8 AM another announced would be made. Later the airport management announced that in some areas water and snacks will be available. A bit later someone showed up distributing blankets from one other airline.

 

At 8 AM the airline representative distributed vouchers and informed that we would departure at midday and that at 10 AM would be distributed the new boarding pass. That was done and we departed right after 12 PM.

 

During the night I met some of the Australians. They were going to Ushuaia to board a Hurtigruten cruise to Antarctica. And others were also going to a cruise to Antarctica that depart from Ushuaia which name I don’t record.

 

Flight to Santiago was ok (service was not very good as the plane was not supplied due to the problems). We got a connection to Rio de Janeiro 8 hours after arriving in Santiago. We stayed in the business lounge which was amazing (got a shower and a bed to sleep!). While there I saw a group of 8-10 people with Silversea backpack and some others with Viking tags in the hand luggage.

 

Finally, my husband, me and the 13 bottles of wine arrived home late night and well.

 

 

Lirio, I can't respond with a "like" because your experience was tragic!  I can't even imagine the stress and strain this event would have engendered!  Happy that you are safely home! 🥰

[mysty]

2 minutes ago, QueSeraSera said:

Ditto @Lirio & of course the wine too.  I'd open a bottle or two after your ordeal 🙂.

 

Welcome Steve.  Overachievers always welcome. & Thank you for your service in the Army, we're all on the same side for the past couple hundred years (Thank goodness).

 

Need help from our Australian friends, a friend is visiting your country and sent the photo below

 

The 2nd RTE item on the left has me concerned.

 

 

 

#2 is a Moreton Bay Bug.  Myster loves them!  We search for them when we are in Australia.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thenus

[mysty]

20 minutes ago, QueSeraSera said:

Ditto @Lirio & of course the wine too.  I'd open a bottle or two after your ordeal 🙂.

 

Welcome Steve.  Overachievers always welcome. & Thank you for your service in the Army, we're all on the same side for the past couple hundred years (Thank goodness).

 

Need help from our Australian friends, a friend is visiting your country and sent the photo below

 

The 2nd RTE item on the left has me concerned.

 

 

 

https://mpworldcruise.blogspot.com/2016/02/day-44-townsville-australia.html

 

Moreton Bay Bugs lunch from Townsville in 2016.

 

[jpalbny]

Bugs are similar to lobster. No worries, QSS, they go well with wine!

 

@Lirio, so glad that you are home safely but what an ordeal! Sorry you were caught up in it.

[drron29]

The Prawn Star is on the Sunshine Coast and at The Wharf where the tenders from cruise ships dock.

 

Although in Queensland it is called a Moreton Bay bug in Sydney it is called a Balmain Bug.

 

In fact it is a slipper lobster. Very nice eating.

[mysty]

9 minutes ago, drron29 said:

The Prawn Star is on the Sunshine Coast and at The Wharf where the tenders from cruise ships dock.

 

Although in Queensland it is called a Moreton Bay bug in Sydney it is called a Balmain Bug.

 

In fact it is a slipper lobster. Very nice eating.

 

Indeed it is!!!!!

[drron29]

Well on the first monday of February I know exactly what I will be doing. The Superbowl is going to be on Australian free to air TV at a very reasonable start mid morning.

So i will be in front of the TV with my cashews and veggie crisps with a gin and tonic or two. Afterwards might find myself slightly inebriated. from champagne if they win or beer if they lose. Of course I am talking about the Philly Eagles.

[Stumblefoot]

10 minutes ago, drron29 said:

…with a gin and tonic or two. 

Add one more and you can join the club many aspire to belong to; Que’s Three Drink Minimum.

[drron29]

Well I just noticed I got my mondays mixed up so the First monday will be a practice run so I will be in form for the second Monday of Feb our time when I just might have 3 or 6 G&Ts.😁

Edited January 30, 2023 by drron29

[mysty]

Greetings Coolers!

 

Today's funny.....

 

 

Have a great safe fun day all!

[Stumblefoot]

My American friends will understand.

[lincslady]

Have you got an egg shortage then?

 

Lola

[Stumblefoot]

10 minutes ago, lincslady said:

Have you got an egg shortage then?

 

Lola

Yes. Prices hit $7 a dozen this past week in Colorado.