DAY 79 - DAY 73 CRYSTAL SERENITY

ON THE ROAD TO MAMPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at the Crystal Cove.  It was very busy.  Bartender Carlos worked his magic and made a Gin & Tonic with Cucumber and Rose Buds for Keith.  If you smell the drink you pick up on the aroma of roses. Kudos to Carlos.  He takes great pride when he makes each drink which you can see as he carefully prepares the drink including cutting the Cucumber that will go into it.  

The Cove was busy with guests who were relaxing after a day of touring and/or other activities.

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​When Keith stood in the middle of the Crystal Plaza as he waited for Anne Marie, Pianist Richard Pucci saw him and as he finished one song he began a song by the group Keith adores.  Yes, The Beatles and the song was  “Something”. It was written by George Harrison and Frank Sinatra called it the best love song written in fifty years.  His only error was initially attributing it to McCartney/Lennon.  Thank you Richard.  Keith came over to the piano to listen and sung the words to myself.  
 

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These are the restaurant menus from Waterside.

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We dined at Umi Uma with Cruise Officer Leroy and Front Office Manager Natalia.  We have known both of them for many years.  When they began their careers with Crystal Cruises Natalia started in housekeeping before moving to the lounges and Leroy began as a waiter in the former dining room.  This is a similar story to many of the members of the crew who came to Crystal Cruises.  This background serves them well as the move into positions of increasing responsibility.  

When we first met them they worked at the Reception Desk.  Natalia moved over to Concierge and eventually became the Chief Concierge.  From there she became Clearance Officer before moving to her current position as Front Office Manager.  

Leroy moved to Shore Excursions and overtime became the  Assistant Shore Excursion Manager before moving to his current position as Crew Officer.  As Crew Officer Leroy has many responsibilities including organizing crew training.  

We enjoyed an amazing dinner.  Waiter Richie took excellent care of us as did Sommelier Jay and many thanks to Head Waiter Sigi.  The food was delicious and the service and overall ambience of the dining venue was terrific.  By the time we finished we looked at our watches and we had dined for close to two-and-one-half hours.  We realize if we were back home at a land-based restaurant with the pressure to turnover tables we would have spent far less time dining.  
 

Last evening featured two showings of the Icons In Concert show.  This is more of a concert with upbeat music.  As usual there was live music at the Crystal Cove, Avenue Saloon, Palm Court and Stardust Club.  For those interested in a full length movie Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot was shown at 8:00 and 10:15 PM.  Speaking of movies the movies on demand which are available in all guest rooms were updated and include several of the movies that were nominated and/or won awards at the Academy Awards.  

We slept well as we sail to our next port of call of Maputo, Mozambique.  

Keith was up first and back to the Fitness Center for an early morning workout.  He worked out on the Elliptical Machine, Indoor Cycle Bike and did weights.  Afterwards, we both enjoyed coffee and breakfast in our room as we got ready for another wonderful day at sea.  This is the first of two sea days until we arrive to Mozambique.  

​There was lots on the schedule today including three lectures.
 
Dr. Khalid Sheikh spoke about living to 100 and enjoying a long life.  World Affairs Lecturer Dr. Robert Freedman spoke about Sino-Russian Relations.  Professor Nigel MacLennan spoke about Brain Fitness and how to maintain our brain fitness as we age.

We both walked for an hour in the morning inside the ship.  We still haven't worn out the carpet.  LOL.  Keith played Paddle Tennis and and Anne Marie began a knitting project.

Lunch was at Marketplace where we made another one of those salad entrees.

The afternoon was spent with Keith playing Paddle Tennis, Anne Marie walking and catching up on the lectures.
 

This is today's daily Reflections Program.

Cheers,

Anne Marie & Keith