DAY3 AT SEA ON THE ROAD TO MAURITIUS We began last evening with a visit to the Avenue Saloon. Bartender Afzal took great care of us along with Bartender Mel. About 15 minutes after we arrived several guests were already enjoying drinks that the Saloon. The bartenders were busy between making drinks for the guests in this venue and those in the Connoisseur Club and for a Bridge Group that is on-board and was using another venue. While we were in the Avenue Saloon someone we know came by and ordered one shot of the most expensive Cognac on-board the ship. We might be wrong but believe it is $250.00 per shot although it could be higher. The Cognac cannot be sold until it is 100 years old. This means those involved in making it never know what others think of the Cognac. ![]() We enjoyed dinner at Waterside with friends Anne and Cruise Director Rick. We have sailed with Anne on many World Cruises. She is very special and we are humbled to know such a wonderful person. It was so nice to have the four of us together for dinner. We moved to another table at Waterside and it was the table we sat at for all of World Cruise 2018. We remember the lovely couple who sat at the table in front of us throughout that World Cruise. Each night the wife would push her husband in his wheelchair to the table and with assistance from the Head Waiter would get him into his seat. His health was not good and we could sense that his time was near. Yet, each night his wife had a smile on her face and would toast before dinner with a glass of Champagne of their love for each other. This was to be his last World Cruise. Fast forward a couple of years later and it was her son that was taking her into this dining venue in a Wheelchair and that was her last World Cruise. The son is on this voyage. In the end it was nice that the wife and husband got to cruise as this was something that was very special to them. Everything was perfect from the conversation to the service to the waitstaff and to the delicious meal. Head Sommelier Jiri was there for part of the evening. In the end it is the people who make cruising so special. Senior Waiter Monica in Crystal fashion came all the way from her station to where we were seated to see if we needed assistance with ordering and Head Waiter Augusto came by several times. We have posted photos of two of the items from dinner. Keith had the Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio and it was delicious. It is thinly cut and was very tasty with the items that accompanied it; Avocado Cream & Fennel Compote. The second item was an entree of Slow Roasted Sea Bass Fillet. We have never had the Sea Bass prepared in this manner and it was delicious. The pieces were thick and moist. The items that accompanied the Sea Bass made the entree flavorful between the Pistachio Crust, Parsnip-Apple Puree Glazed Vegetables and Champagne Epuma. We have found the food throughout the ship to be amazing. This doesn't mean that once in awhile that something isn't to our liking, however, overall the vast majority of items that we have eaten have been wonderful. We didn't get a photo of the appetizer that Anne Marie had which was Marinate Melon Balls which were accompanied with Blackberry Sauce Elderberry Foam which was a hit for Anne Marie and Anne. Everyone had a sweet dessert and Keith had cheese. Augusto selected three cheeses from the cheese cart and knows so well what Keith enjoys. He was three for three on the cheese as Keith enjoyed all of them. ![]() ![]() We both escorted our friend Anne to the Galaxy Lounge to watch the show. Anne had a lot more energy than we (well mostly Keith had) so we took a raincheck on seeing the show. While walking over to the Galaxy we saw several solo ladies who we all know and Anne was going to sit with them. We did reading and writing when we got back to our room. It was early morning back home so Keith watched one of the morning shows. We slept well as we continue to sail to our next port of call. The seas were relatively calm. We began the day as we always do which was a workout for Keith, coffee and breakfast in our room and a walk inside the ship for the two of us. Keith met with one of the members of the crew for an upcoming event we are hosting while Anne Marie went to Yoga. Anne Marie misses Yoga with Maria and Joe Kita. Although she didn't care for the Yoga instructor who replaced Maria and Joe on the second segment she likes the instructor on this segment. In addition to teaching two classes (Energetic Yoga followed by Gentle Yoga) she has added a third class which is Chair Yoga. This provides an opportunity for those guests who have some physical limitations to participate in the Yoga Program. Many years ago at the Fitness Center they used to offer Sit and Fit which also provided a Fitness Class for those with physical limitations. Keith attended Rap with Rabbi Morrie. This is a program which Rabbi Morrie began many years ago. Every few sea days he hosts the Rap which provides an opportunity to discuss Bible, Jewish history, customs and beliefs. It has been a popular program over the years and attracts not only those of the Jewish Faith but some guests of other faiths as it does provide an excellent opportunity to learn. Over 30 people were in attendance. The Rabbi spoke about the time line of Israel and the timeline of the Hebrew Bible. As usual there was a lot to learn. World Affairs Lecturer Dr Robert Freedman who is a Professor of Political Science at John Hopkins University where he lectures about the Middle East and Russian Foreign Policy will discuss politics in Israel and the upcoming election at the next session. We will try to make it to the next Rap to hear his views. Later in the morning we had another meeting which we will post about in a couple of weeks. There was lots on the schedule. The lecturers included: Steve Irwin biographer John Stanton spoke about the Erwin Adventure, World Affairs Lecturer Dr Robert Freedman spoke about understanding the contemporary Middle East, and Professor Nigel MacLeannan spoke aboutj The Secret and Science of Joy. The morning went by in a blink of an eye and before we knew it was time for lunch. We had lunch at Marketplace and enjoyed a salad entrée. After lunch Anne Marie walked on the outside wrap-around Promenade Deck while Keith played paddle tennis. The outside temperature was mild with some wind. The ocean was a pretty blue. We enjoyed the rest of the day reading, writing and speaking with guests and members of Team Serenity. This is the Reflections Program for today. Cheers,
Anne Marie & Keith
1 Comment
Zulma Gelpi
2/24/2019 06:39:39 am
Wow, I have been following your blog, you make me feel I am in the cruise.My husband and I have been in 7 Crystal Cruises, but not in World Cruise.Now my husband is sick, and we can’t cruise. But have the wonderful memories.Keep up the great writings! Enjoy!
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