Plymouth, UK

On the first day in Dover while we were waiting for our tour guide, there was a rainbow overhead. 

Mother Nature could not decide what the weather should be like yesterday afternoon. It went from overcast to sunny to a light drizzle to a downpour to windy to very windy to very very windy and then it repeated itself again and again.

Yesterday about 30 minutes before we left Keith tried to open the slider to the verandah and that was not an easy task as it seemed glued shut. After finally opening the slider it was just too windy so he immediately closed it. Keith took this video with the door closed but if you turn up the volume you can still hear the wind.

​The good news is the seas were calmer than anyone could have predicted.

The good news is the seas were calmer than anyone could have predicted. In the evening into the morning, you knew you were at sea with an occasional bump on the highway (LOL) as we pushed through strong currents and the motion of the ship swaying. Our experience is that Serenity does very well in these types of sea conditions.
​

​

This is the Waterside Dinner menu from last evening. 

​

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

We returned to dinner at Waterside last evening for the second consecutive night.

We enjoyed another great dinner. Although it is just the two of us, we enjoy a leisurely meal with lots of talk between the two of us and with the Waterside team. This includes Restaurant Manager Paolo, Senior Head Waiter Jacques, Senior Waiter, Enver, Waiter Edson who has taken the place of Waiter Craig who has moved to another section of Waterside and Sommelier Rodolpho. This team is professional, experienced and friendly, and we enjoy lots of laughs with each of them. 

In case you wanted to know the special butter was Rosmary & Walnut Butter.

​

---

Senior Head Waiter removing bones from Dover Sole

Well with food in mind let's talk about burning off some of those calories. LOL.

Over the years we have spent a good deal of time in the Fitness Center. In Keith's case he has spent more time there than at any Fitness Center other than one within a five minute walk from our former home where he not only worked out but for several years taught indoor cycling and several high intensity classes.

We both have utilized the treadmills and the weights and the elliptical; stepper; stationary bikes; (Keith). Keith has also taken indoor cycling classes, done his own workout on them and on occasion others have joined Keith as they road along with him as he led them in indoor cycling. 

We both took personal training and some classes.

Today's Daily Reflections.

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

​Today’s port of call is Plymouth, United Kingdom. Plymouth is in the Southwest of England. It is home of the famous gin brand.
 
Plymouth has played a major role in English History. In 1588 a Royal fleet of warships defeated the Spanish Armada. In 1620 the Pilgrims left here for the New World aboard the Mayflower.  Plymouth was an important embarkation point for US troops for D-Day.
 
Like other areas Plymouth was a major target during World War II as it was seen by the German as an important port. While the Germans targeted the dockyards, many of the neighborhoods suffered major damage in 59 separate air attacks. 
 
Today the downtown area of Plymouth is known for its beauty and charm with several attractions along with quaint shops and restaurants.
 
 

Keith took the tender over to Plymouth after the ship was cleared. It was smooth sailing. He did wear a raincoat as they were predicting rain. As it turned out no rain and it was getting warm but while waiting for the tender later in the morning to return to the ship it was cool. Go figure.
 
The town was very nice. A mix of new and old and you could see on the signage the pride people have in Plymouth. 

Keith visited with Benjamin who we have known for so many years, and we adore him and his brother Anthony. Anthony is home now, and Bejamin just returned the other day. The tender was a bit bumpy on the way back but not a big deal at all.
 
Posting some photos today and more tomorrow and a video.
 

We are posting early today.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith