The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday February 5th, 2024

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We could see the coast when we were at breakfast, but not from our balcony which is on the other side of the ship.  In 2007, we did a small boat tour along the Napali coast, even going into some of the caves along the coast, followed by a snorkeling stop.  It's too bad all the railings, panels and windows are almost opaque with salt spray.  

 

Just now, grapau27 said:

Thank you.

They said it was not Prostate cancer but A Cancer which was found during his enlarged prostate operation.

Prayers for him.

 

Graham, hopefully the cancer was caught early which will result in a good outcome.

 

Just now, dfish said:

Greetings, everyone.

 

As Lenda reported, Nawiliwili has been cancelled today and we are scenic cruising. Sue and I are enjoying our balcony and the views.

 

 

 

Last night we had dinner at Sel de Mer with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and her DH, Craig.  Food was good and company better.  We had some great laughs especially when the waiter wanted to help get pictures of Craig’s soup.  He decided he needed to be in the picture and so did the rest of the staff,

 

 

 

 

 

@Denise T Your oven escapade sounds downright scary.  I wouldn’t have slept.

 

@smitty34877 Keeping you and Tana in my thoughts.  

 

Debbie, thanks for the pictures of the coast and of last night's dinner. 

 

Just now, aliaschief said:

Patrick Tours in Bora Bora rightfully cancelled all their tours for today. It’s raining and wind is picking up. So we will remain on ship for the day and return to Moorea and stay there tomorrow. A Reagent cruise ship has also joined us an anchored.

i’m disappointed for those guest who will miss seeing the beauty of Bora Bora. The important thing is we are safe.

 

 

Bruce, I'm sorry you missed Bora Bora, one of our favorite places.  We did a tour with Patrick in 1996 before he was "discovered", and it's one we'll always remember.

 

Just now, smitty34877 said:

Thanks so much for the kind good wishes for Tana and myself. It is appreciated.

There is a possibility that one of the angels who helped with my DD DH will be able to come by tonight and tomorrow. I hope I don’t miss anyone but thanks to Graham, Sandi, Lenda, Jacqui, Ann, Vanessa,and Gerry. There are some days that are harder than others ,right?

 

Terry, that would be great to have someone you know and trust come tonight and tomorrow, and hopefully for more nights.

 

Lenda

[rafinmd]

My Montreal photos won’t be about the city itself but more like background and I’ll close with a bit of a story.  As indicated I’ve been there many times by ship (but no BHB), train, car and even bicycle.  My parents were both born just South of Montreal and my mother’s family still owns the original homestead.  

 

I have referred before to Blount Small Ship Adventures, a niche family run cruise line that sadly did not survive Pandemic.  In 2011 I did a circle, starting with Blount in New York through the Erie Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway to Montreal, spending a couple days with family, and returning to New York on the Crystal Symphony.  My first photo is a bit of a size comparison from Montreal, Blount’s Grande Mariner on the left, and an Aida ship about the size of the Zaandam on the right.

Next is the family homestead.  My mother was born here (the brick structure, the addition with siding was added many years later).

 

Now the little story.  While Montreal is a largely bi-lingual there are many who speak only French.   I visited the Expo-67 World’s Fair, and before arriving I had purchased a little tote bag with the Expo logo.  A woman approached me, I had some French in high school but really didn’t remember much:

Pardon, Monsieur, Ou avez vous achete le sac?

In desperation I started to try to come up with an answer, perhaps “Je le achtet avant que je suis ici venue”

I was stopped mid sentence: “Ah, Avant.  Merci, Monseur:”

 

Sometimes a little effort can help even without much confidence.

 

Roy

 

 

[quilty964]

Greetings from a sunny, warm (38F)  day in Wisconsin!  The drink does not sound good, haven't been to the port, and I'm wondering what a "hot pot" is? 

@Denise TWow about your stove, happy to hear you figured out how to get it off, how scary!

@smitty34877Sorry to hear that Tana is not doing well, hoping you can get some help soon.

@JazzyVSorry to hear your pain and numbness are so bad, hoping you can get some help moving your furniture, etc.  Do you have a date yet for the procedure? 

@GeorgeCharlieThanks for the interesting info about the statues!  I've been looking at East coast Canada cruises, would like to go, but air travel is not easy for us to get there! 

Prayers for all who are having bad weather.  We are having an abnormally warm, dry winter.  

Heard about King Charles an hour ago, hoping all goes well for him.

I've been busy trying to finish up some lap quilts I've made, the binding is not my favorite part to do!   

 

Have a good day, back to work for me!  Prayers for all that need them and cheers to those celebrating and cruising!  K

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Here are some up close pictures of the Napali Coast from our 2007 tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lenda

[aliaschief]

Our schedule has been changed again. Moorea is now out and we will now return to Tahiti tonight and spend tomorrow there.

That may also change with the impending two storm systems and the uncertainty of their strength and way they are headed.

It is what it is.

 

[Cruzin Terri]

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Just now, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

 

Terri, I'm sorry about the fail and the bruises.  We've both had mishaps that left either a huge bruise on my face or a large laceration on DH's forehead.  Most people knew what happened and some asked, but all were understanding and kind.  Please don't let your mishap keep you confined to the cabin.  Instead, do what we did, hold your head high and enjoy the cruise.  People will surprise you in a good way, especially if you don't make a big deal of it.

 

Lenda

[rafinmd]

10 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

Ouch!  I was just thinking what you needed was a little rest and now this.

 

Roy

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[kochleffel]

8 hours ago, kazu said:

If any Daily-ites are looking for nice itinerary for 2025, take a look at the Oosterdam sailing on April 19th, 2025 - 25 day Western Crossing, Madeira, Morocco & Cote D’azur.    I have it on hold while my TA secures the cabin out of inventory and I ask Ivan’’s permission 😂 

 

I would be interested in the first segment of this if it didn't embark during Passover. Be glad that I can't join you: any cruise to Bermuda (the first port) that I'm on seems to turn into a cruise to the Bermuda Triangle.

[seagarsmoker]

42 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

I hope you heal and feel better soon! 

[smitty34877]

@Cruzin Terri, I am so sorry about you fall but hope you can enjoy the rest of your trip. People  can be very kind on the ship . I hope you feel better tomorrow.

[kazu]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

Our schedule has been changed again. Moorea is now out and we will now return to Tahiti tonight and spend tomorrow there.

That may also change with the impending two storm systems and the uncertainty of their strength and way they are headed.

It is what it is.

 

 

I admire your attitude, Bruce.

 

It sounds like this segment of your cruise is very much like our 35 day Hawaii, Tahiti, Marquesas.  Missed ports and changed itinerary.  There was a lot of grumbling but you just need to go with the flow as you two are doing 👍 

 

 

59 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

 

OMG Terri.  If it’s nothing serious why the heck would they want you at the hospital?  So you are now sailing AMA?  Yikes.  I hope there is not something you are not telling us.

 

As long as you are feeling ok, once you get over the shock of the fall, don’t hide in your room.  If people ask you have a great story to tell.  

 

I hope this is very minor injury wise and you are feeling much better tomorrow 🤞 

 

 

51 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Terri, I'm sorry about the fail and the bruises.  We've both had mishaps that left either a huge bruise on my face or a large laceration on DH's forehead.  Most people knew what happened and some asked, but all were understanding and kind.  Please don't let your mishap keep you confined to the cabin.  Instead, do what we did, hold your head high and enjoy the cruise.  People will surprise you in a good way, especially if you don't make a big deal of it.

 

Lenda

 

I completely agree with you Lenda.  Good advice.

 

 

33 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

 

I would be interested in the first segment of this if it didn't embark during Passover. Be glad that I can't join you: any cruise to Bermuda (the first port) that I'm on seems to turn into a cruise to the Bermuda Triangle.

 

I noticed that after I booked but HAL has good services on board and Easter on a ship sounds better than at home for me 😉 

LOL on the Bermuda Triangle - I haven’t made it there yet 😂 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good afternoon and Happy Monday from the beautiful Koningsdam. Of course we are disappointed that we missed our port but the benefit of seeing the Napali Coast are special. Unfortunately, we are on the port side so can’t view land right now but the Captain has promised to turn the ship around when we get there. Narration starts at 1:45. We will go to lunch and possibly trivia. I hear Debbie and Lenda are quite the team. I did see Dixie the other day in the elevator but haven’t seen her since. Our meal last night at Rudi’s was delightful and we really enjoyed the company more. Debbie and Sue are great dining companions. 

 

Have a great day everyone!
 

 

[Cruzin Terri]

14 minutes ago, kazu said:

OMG Terri.  If it’s nothing serious why the heck would they want you at the hospital?  So you are now sailing AMA?  Yikes.  I hope there is not something you are not telling us.

No Jacqui, they wanted me to go to the hospital for an X-ray to make sure I did not have an internal head injury. Not to be disembarked medically.  However it was late and I would probably miss the all aboard and have to pick up the ship in Grenada tomorrow,  That is why I said no.

They told me to come back tomorrow morning if I don’t feel well and they will make arrangements in Grenada’s for me to get the X-ray.  I am not sailing AMA, only refused the X-ray.

Terri

[kazu]

Just now, Cruzin Terri said:

No Jacqui, they wanted me to go to the hospital for an X-ray to make sure I did not have an internal head injury. Not to be disembarked medically.  However it was late and I would probably miss the all aboard and have to pick up the ship in Grenada tomorrow,  That is why I said no.

They told me to come back tomorrow morning if I don’t feel well and they will make arrangements in Grenada’s for me to get the X-ray.  I am not sailing AMA, only refused the X-ray.

Terri

 

Whew!  Sorry Terri as soon as I heard waiver I had memories of my Koningsdam cruise.  

 

their X-ray tech is not the best so it makes sense they would want you to go to a hospital for it.

Hopefully you feel much better tomorrow and it won’t be necessary 🙏 

[superoma]

Our trip to sarnia today was eventful and had good results. The plastic surgeon/ hand specialist we saw today has a simple solution for most issues of dupytrins contracture. He no longer does a full operation where they scrap the crystal from the tendons. He simply freezes the finger, then makes a couple of small incisions into the offending tendon and voila we have range of movement again. DH said he could feel when the tendon released. He is very happy and the recovery time is minimal-just keep the hand clean until the little cuts heal. The first time he had another finger released it was a major operation with full anesthesia, sutures, bandages etc. DH even drove home today.

 

now, the drive is a story. I hate the gps, much prefer a paper map but didn’t have a detailed one of the area we were driving thru, countryside not city. So I set up the gps and it gave us a route to the highway we needed by bypassing a city using country roads. It worked, we got there, but some of them were unpaved. But no traffic! Then, on the way home the gps kept trying to route us to the international bridge to port Huron since it is shorter but has its own issues for us because of not having out of country insurance. Inset the gps to avoid tolls and it finally sent us on our way thru Canada.

 

This was the first time we have ever been to sarnia. I have lived in Essex county for 71 of my 73 years and sarnia is less than 100 miles away but never visited. And I don’t need to go back. Sarnia is our chemical valley. Esso (imperial oil) has refineries here as do other entities. Coming in on the west side of the city you pass one plant after another. I knew we refined oil up there but I truly had no idea  of the extent. 
 

it was a very interesting day today to say the least.

[USN59-79]

Thought I might mention something about hot pot for those who haven't heard of it.  It consists of a large pot of boiling broth in the center of a table with plates of many things that are added one by one by the people sitting around the table and eating.  Those things are shrimp, thin sliced beef, fish balls, spinach, etc.  Each person has a small bowl with a sauce to dip the cooked item they remove from the hot pot.  It is common among our Chinese friends to get together for an hour or two over a hot pot.  Sara makes the sauce with Bull Head Sacha Sauce and beaten egg yolks.  Everyone uses chop sticks.  The chop sticks you use to place an item in the pot are not the same ones you use to eat it with.

Ray

[Nickelpenny]

16 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Thought I might mention something about hot pot for those who haven't heard of it.  It consists of a large pot of boiling broth in the center of a table with plates of many things that are added one by one by the people sitting around the table and eating.  Those things are shrimp, thin sliced beef, fish balls, spinach, etc.  Each person has a small bowl with a sauce to dip the cooked item they remove from the hot pot.  It is common among our Chinese friends to get together for an hour or two over a hot pot.  Sara makes the sauce with Bull Head Sacha Sauce and beaten egg yolks.  Everyone uses chop sticks.  The chop sticks you use to place an item in the pot are not the same ones you use to eat it with.

Ray

I was introduced to hot pot while living in China.  I love it and I can even make it for 1.  Many times we would go for hot pot after work.  My fav liquid is the ones they use around Chengdu as it is very spicy (think Szechuan).  And the peanut sauce or even the chili sauce is good to use after you cook whatever (veggies, seafood, brains - yes, I did brains - chicken, etc.) I probably have a pic eating hot pot but who knows where it is!  LOL!!

[nancynana9950]

Hello all! I read every day but only post occasionally. My DH and I have been to Montreal a number of times. The first was our honeymoon in 1972. Another trip for our 25th anniversary. We got the train in Saratoga Springs to Montreal and later continued on to Quebec City. We tried to return for our 50th in 2022 but Amtrak had not restarted following Covid. We had booked a Canada/New England on Holland but ended up canceling because the weather forecast was bleak. My material grandfather was baptized in Notre Dame. He was born across the river in the town of Laprairie. He lived to 105 years. Most of my DM’s cousins from Laprairie only spoke French. 
I hope all who are experiencing illness are soon recovered and all who are traveling have fair skies. 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

@Denise TSimilar situation but ended better. I was preheating the oven, went to the bedroom to take a load of laundry in to fold later, and came back to find smoke coming from the oven. Somehow, a potholder had fallen into the oven earlier and was smoldering on the element. No flames but a lot of smoke. I tossed the potholder in the sink and turned the fans on. Definitely changed batteries in the smoke alarm since it never turned on. 

[dfish]

We are scenic cruising now.  We’ve seen a couple of whales spout and breach.  We had lunch on our balcony and I am enjoying a cold glass of Chardonnay.

 

 

 

 

 

[kazu]

1 hour ago, superoma said:

Our trip to sarnia today was eventful and had good results. The plastic surgeon/ hand specialist we saw today has a simple solution for most issues of dupytrins contracture. He no longer does a full operation where they scrap the crystal from the tendons. He simply freezes the finger, then makes a couple of small incisions into the offending tendon and voila we have range of movement again. DH said he could feel when the tendon released. He is very happy and the recovery time is minimal-just keep the hand clean until the little cuts heal. The first time he had another finger released it was a major operation with full anesthesia, sutures, bandages etc. DH even drove home today.

 

That is great news 👍. So glad it could be one and is fixed 👍 smile

 

 

 

1 hour ago, superoma said:

now, the drive is a story. I hate the gps, much prefer a paper map but didn’t have a detailed one of the area we were driving thru, countryside not city. So I set up the gps and it gave us a route to the highway we needed by bypassing a city using country roads. It worked, we got there, but some of them were unpaved. But no traffic! Then, on the way home the gps kept trying to route us to the international bridge to port Huron since it is shorter but has its own issues for us because of not having out of country insurance. Inset the gps to avoid tolls and it finally sent us on our way thru Canada.

 

OMG - It’s been too many decades since I was in Ontario.  I doubt I could do the highways.  Glad you found the country roads.  Kudos to you for managing the trip 👍 👏 

[StLouisCruisers]

5 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Good morning. It is sunny and chilly today, going up to 39 which is good for this time of year.

My father thought Adlai Stevenson was a  brilliant man but he did warn us as children to always check your shoes. Thanks Paul for the memories .@kochleffel.

@DeniseT, that sounds quite scary and it is possible there is electrical damage elsewhere. I am glad you found the proper fuse.

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I got to work via a police pickup during that snowstorm and stayed overnight.  I did every imaginable job in the facility except my own!

Tana is having a bad day today and the fever persists. I stayed in her room last night as she needed a lot of help. The nurse is trying to find us temporary extra help which of course we pay for but I need to sleep a bit . Even the dogs are droopy today!

We went to Montreal three times on BHB’s. It is a beautiful city with so much to see. Thanks for the lovely pictures.

 

Terry, I hate hearing Tana is having such a bad day and still having a fever.  No wonder you are tired since you slept in her room to assist her.  She is blessed to have you there!  I hope the extra help comes through.❤️

 

 

 

5 hours ago, JazzyV said:

 

Sandi, there's still a lot to be done. I'm not sure when they will come to remove the furniture. They are getting a POD, which is a storage container that will sit on the parking pad next to my garage. The later that arrives, the better for me, as it gives me more time. Especially as I need to empty the china closet, which has lots of dishes and glassware. I may have to tell the contractor I need more time, as I'm limited in working on it due to how I feel.

 

 

Terry, I am so sorry to hear that Tana still has a fever and is having a bad day. I do hope you can get extra help, as you need to take care of yourself too. I know how it saps your strength when you're not getting adequate sleep.

 

I think you should let them know you are going to need more time packing things up.  Wrapping up china takes extra time and effort, so I hope you can get the time you need.  

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Sandi, a great picture of Ren.  Thanks for posting my pictures.

 

Thanks and you're welcome!

 

 

 

4 hours ago, GeorgeCharlie said:

 

The statues are called The Two Snobs (French: Les deux snobs) and are part of a 2013 private-owned art installation of typical Canadian humour - in depicting the cultural discords between the English and French Canadians.

 

A bronze plate anchored beside each character states the storyline in both languages:

 

"A dashing looking English man, holding his pug, gives a superior stare at Notre-Dame Basilica, symbol of the religious influence on French Canadians. 210 feet away to the northern corner of the edifice, a woman in Chanel style suit, poodle against her, shoots an offended look to the Bank of Montreal’s head office, symbol of English power. With their masters oblivious to each other, the two dogs on the alert already sniffed out the opportunity to unite. The inspiration for this work was from the Commedia dell’arte and Two Solitudes from novelist Hugh MacLennan, these two snobs set up an ironically touching scene of the cultural distance between English and French Canadians."

 

 

 

That was a great explanation of what the interesting statues were all about.  Loved it!

 

 

 

4 hours ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

@grapau27, I just received an alert on BBC news that Hid Majesty King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. 🙏 for his recovery.

 

I heard that news about 1 pm today and am praying his treatment is successful and he has a full recovery from his cancer.  🙏

 

 

 

4 hours ago, AroundWithMAPTravels said:

A big NO to the drink, maybe to everything else.  Have been to Montreal once by train, one or more times by car and most recently (September 2023) on a BHB,

 We took the panoramic excursion, which eventually dropped us at the airport.   Of course drove by Notre Dame (it was Sunday, could not go in) and other sights.   Since there was some road construction, the bus route took us on the Grand Prix track

Interesting that the detour went this way…

 

on one prior trip, was a Saturday in late May (1980s), went to botanical garden.  Apparently it is an extremely popular place for wedding photos.   At one place, from where we stood we could see 8 brides and bridal parties!

Across from notre dame…

 

Thanks for your photos of Montreal!  I would love to visit the botanical garden - one of my favorite pastimes!

 

 

 

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Thanks so much for the kind good wishes for Tana and myself. It is appreciated.

There is a possibility that one of the angels who helped with my DD DH will be able to come by tonight and tomorrow. I hope I don’t miss anyone but thanks to Graham, Sandi, Lenda, Jacqui, Ann, Vanessa, and Gerry. There are some days that are harder than others ,right?

 

I hope the nurse you mentioned is able to help out tonight.  You can use a break.  And yes, I imagine some days are much harder than others.  Bless you all!

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, dfish said:

Greetings, everyone.

 

As Lenda reported, Nawiliwili has been cancelled today and we are scenic cruising. Sue and I are enjoying our balcony and the views.

 

 

 

Last night we had dinner at Sel de Mer with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and her DH, Craig.  Food was good and company better.  We had some great laughs especially when the waiter wanted to help get pictures of Craig’s soup.  He decided he needed to be in the picture and so did the rest of the staff,

 

 

 

 

 

@Denise T Your oven escapade sounds downright scary.  I wouldn’t have slept.

 

@smitty34877 Keeping you and Tana in my thoughts.  

 

Thanks for the photos of dinner last night Debbie, and I'm glad you all enjoyed your dinner together.  Sorry about Nawiliwili though.  It's not easy getting in and out, is it?  Hope the scenic cruising will suffice!

 

 

 

3 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Patrick Tours in Bora Bora rightfully cancelled all their tours for today. It’s raining and wind is picking up. So we will remain on ship for the day and return to Moorea and stay there tomorrow. A Reagent cruise ship has also joined us an anchored.

i’m disappointed for those guest who will miss seeing the beauty of Bora Bora. The important thing is we are safe.

 

 

Good decision by Patrick.  But so sad for those who haven't had that experience.  So beautiful there and so much fun!  We've been to Bora Bora only twice but enjoyed the tour with Patrick both times.  

 

 

 

2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

My Montreal photos won’t be about the city itself but more like background and I’ll close with a bit of a story.  As indicated I’ve been there many times by ship (but no BHB), train, car and even bicycle.  My parents were both born just South of Montreal and my mother’s family still owns the original homestead.  

 

I have referred before to Blount Small Ship Adventures, a niche family run cruise line that sadly did not survive Pandemic.  In 2011 I did a circle, starting with Blount in New York through the Erie Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway to Montreal, spending a couple days with family, and returning to New York on the Crystal Symphony.  My first photo is a bit of a size comparison from Montreal, Blount’s Grande Mariner on the left, and an Aida ship about the size of the Zaandam on the right.

Next is the family homestead.  My mother was born here (the brick structure, the addition with siding was added many years later).

 

Now the little story.  While Montreal is a largely bi-lingual there are many who speak only French.   I visited the Expo-67 World’s Fair, and before arriving I had purchased a little tote bag with the Expo logo.  A woman approached me, I had some French in high school but really didn’t remember much:

Pardon, Monsieur, Ou avez vous achete le sac?

In desperation I started to try to come up with an answer, perhaps “Je le achtet avant que je suis ici venue”

I was stopped mid sentence: “Ah, Avant.  Merci, Monseur:”

 

Sometimes a little effort can help even without much confidence.

 

Roy

 

Thanks for your unique photos of your family home in the Montreal area.  I am impressed with your French, being able to answer the question presented to you.  Great job!

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Hello all,

Well, things were going along too smoothly so there had to be a glitch.

We are in Barbados today and we went on the Silver Moon Catamaran.  Had a lovely time.  When we disembarked and I went to put my sandals on my sandal on the deck, I fell face forward and bruised myself.  i have a bruise on my forehead and another big one on my nose.  I am a mess.

We got back to the port. Someone got a wheel chair for me and they brought me to the medical center.  They wanted to send me to the hospital but I refused.  Had to sign a waiver.

I only fell about a half a foot.  

Anyway, we are having dinner in the room. Butler will take care of us.  Don’t want to be seen in public looking like this.

I am really feeling disappointed that this happened.   I don’t think I am badly injured.  Just a few scrapes.  Just very noticeable.  

More later.

Terri

 

I'm so sorry to hear of your mishap Terri and hope the bruise fades fast.  I would just go ahead and get out tomorrow if I were you.  If you're feeling well, there's no need to ruin your cruise.  

 

 

 

14 minutes ago, superoma said:

Our trip to sarnia today was eventful and had good results. The plastic surgeon/ hand specialist we saw today has a simple solution for most issues of dupytrins contracture. He no longer does a full operation where they scrap the crystal from the tendons. He simply freezes the finger, then makes a couple of small incisions into the offending tendon and voila we have range of movement again. DH said he could feel when the tendon released. He is very happy and the recovery time is minimal-just keep the hand clean until the little cuts heal. The first time he had another finger released it was a major operation with full anesthesia, sutures, bandages etc. DH even drove home today.

 

now, the drive is a story. I hate the gps, much prefer a paper map but didn’t have a detailed one of the area we were driving thru, countryside not city. So I set up the gps and it gave us a route to the highway we needed by bypassing a city using country roads. It worked, we got there, but some of them were unpaved. But no traffic! Then, on the way home the gps kept trying to route us to the international bridge to port Huron since it is shorter but has its own issues for us because of not having out of country insurance. Inset the gps to avoid tolls and it finally sent us on our way thru Canada.

 

This was the first time we have ever been to sarnia. I have lived in Essex county for 71 of my 73 years and sarnia is less than 100 miles away but never visited. And I don’t need to go back. Sarnia is our chemical valley. Esso (imperial oil) has refineries here as do other entities. Coming in on the west side of the city you pass one plant after another. I knew we refined oil up there but I truly had no idea  of the extent. 
 

it was a very interesting day today to say the least.

 

That is so interesting about the new procedure to cure Dupuytren's contracture.  I've seen it featured on a TV commercial but this sounds like an amazing way to cure the problem.  

 

 

8 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

Thought I might mention something about hot pot for those who haven't heard of it.  It consists of a large pot of boiling broth in the center of a table with plates of many things that are added one by one by the people sitting around the table and eating.  Those things are shrimp, thin sliced beef, fish balls, spinach, etc.  Each person has a small bowl with a sauce to dip the cooked item they remove from the hot pot.  It is common among our Chinese friends to get together for an hour or two over a hot pot.  Sara makes the sauce with Bull Head Sacha Sauce and beaten egg yolks.  Everyone uses chop sticks.  The chop sticks you use to place an item in the pot are not the same ones you use to eat it with.

Ray

 

Ray, we enjoyed that experience once while visiting DS and DDIL in Ann Arbor.  Their very good friends T. and A. who were both faculty/staff at U. of Michigan, invited the four of us over for dinner one night where they served hot pot with all the items ready for us to dip in and cook for ourselves.  It was a fun experience and we enjoyed it very much.  Between the four young adults they had four young boys who were seated at their own small table in the next room and needed a bit of attention here and there with their dinner.  Then they all went to play in the playroom. A good time was had by all! 

 

 

 

17 minutes ago, dfish said:

We are scenic cruising now.  We’ve seen a couple of whales spout and breach.  We had lunch on our balcony and I am enjoying a cold glass of Chardonnay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your afternoon on the balcony with a glass of wine, lunch and watching whales frolic sounds perfect to me!  So lucky!

[superoma]

@kazui think you would be ok down here, west of London, the forgotten part of Ontario. I hate the highways after London, especially beyond Kitchener and then Toronto and beyond. Those roads scare me skinny.