We interrupted our unpacking to watch the British Imperial Military Band – a bit like last night of the Proms. Our room is now tidy as the empty suitcases have magically disappeared and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire, Baileys, beer and canapes have replaced them courtesy of our butler, Cristina. Just time for the quiz before dinner. We lost on the Wipeout question for not knowing that Jane Austen’s last book was Persuasion! Most of the tables in the dining room our set out for two and we have two German gentlemen on one side and a German couple on the other. They seem pleasant enough. We’ve decided not to ‘eat for Britain’ this time but still managed three courses. Had a nightcap and listened to the pianist in the Commodore Lounge then back to the room for a camomile tea and to hopefully sleep. Managed a few hours but I can never sleep well on my first night in a strange bed. Not too much movement, the sea is relatively calm at the moment. There is every breakfast delight imaginable on the menu but I opted for a light breakfast, just a mushroom and spinach omelette. Just returned from a cocktail party for world voyagers. So far we have spoken to our German guests, an English couple who live in Switzerland and an Irish couple who live in the Isle of Man! Terry is just pouring me a gin and tonic before we head off for lunch. It’s all go here! Hopefully conditions will remain fair for the rest of our journey across the pond. New York is going to be pretty cold though…….
The sea is much calmer today. Last night was a formal night and dressing up and wearing high heels is not good for the balance! We were introduced to the Captain at the welcome cocktail party for Grills guests - a lady - Inger Klein Thorhauge from the Faroe Islands. Met another Delicious chateaubriand for dinner - scrummy
Weather not too good today. Wet and gloomy. Managed to get a walk in before the rain and it was surprisingly warm out. Saw Roy Walker in the theatre last night. Despite the fact that he's been going for so long he is really funny. Formal night again this evening. We've been invited to dine with the Deputy Captain Russell Robson at the Master's table. We'll have to be on our best behaviour. Unlike this morning where I managed to squirt the German lady next to us with lemon juice at breakfast!
Really enjoyed our dinner with Russell and the Captain's Secretary, Katy, last night. We were joined by three other couples and then went up to the Commodore Club for a drink and chat. Late night. Weather is poor this morning and we currently have gales so the outside areas have been closed off. The Captain did say they were doing their utmost to keep the ship upright!!
Although the sea was really rough last night we slept surprisingly well. I think I'm beginning to enjoy being rocked off to sleep. The sea is calmer today and the weather much colder. We arrive in New York about lunch time tomorrow and the temperature is forecast as -1c.
In general the crossing has been good and we've enjoyed our first week. We've met some very nice people, listened to a couple of lectures (Fiona Armstrong & Brian Hoey), enjoyed a few shows, listened to music, participated in a few quizzes (no wins so far), eaten far too much, (won't mention the drink!), dressed up, enjoyed cocktail parties, practiced my sketching, added a few lines to my writing and knitted!
Arrived in a freezing cold New York. Although sprinkled with snow it was lovely and sunny. Sailing along the Hudson River to our dock was a wonderful sight.
Getting through immigration wasn't a problem as it had been on a previous visit. Decided to get on a hop on hop off bus. It was absolutely freezing but we lasted the whole tour of Downtown Manhattan. Had a drive around Manhattan at night which was enjoyable but so cold when walking around Times Square. It took ages to thaw out when we were back on board. Room service and bed.
Monday: We've already seen most of New York's iconic sights now so just went to Macy's for a little retail therapy (Terry now needs therapy!) Manhattan clam chowder and a drink in the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station then on to the Hard Rock Cafe. Need a rest now!
New York is a great place to visit but two days is just about right - especially in the winter. Busy today because Donald Trump was at home. I don't think he's too popular here!
It was great spending a couple of days in New York. Our first visit two years ago was far too short so two days was fine. The photos in the 2015 blog were better than those posted this time though. It was all new and exciting then. Not sure there is anything else we'd really like to do here. More time in Macy's maybe! Getting around was a bit of a nightmare yesterday due to Donald Trump being at home. The place was swarming with armed police and the taxi's were having to be diverted everywhere we went. A very enjoyable, hectic and cold visit.
We are now on our way to Fort Lauderdale to spend the day in Miami. The temperature has already risen by 19 degrees and we arrive there on Thursday so looking forward to some sunshine (although the last time we were there it rained!).
It was great spending a couple of days in New York. Our first visit two years ago was far too short so two days was fine. The photos in the 2015 blog were better than those posted this time though. It was all new and exciting then. Not sure there is anything else we'd really like to do here. More time in Macy's maybe! Getting around was a bit of a nightmare yesterday due to Donald Trump being at home. The place was swarming with armed police and the taxi's were having to be diverted everywhere we went. A very enjoyable, hectic and cold visit.
We are now on our way to Fort Lauderdale to spend the day in Miami. The temperature has already risen by 19 degrees and we arrive there on Thursday so looking forward to some sunshine (although the last time we were there it rained!).
First dilemma is thinking of what needs to be packed and how much actual room there is in the suitcase. Somehow the two don't correspond!
ReplyDeleteAll ready to go. Just waiting for the taxi. Hope he'll get all the suitcases in!
ReplyDeleteFinally unpacked and settled in our room. Drinking champagne and eating canapés!
ReplyDeleteWe interrupted our unpacking to watch the British Imperial Military Band – a bit like last night of the Proms.
ReplyDeleteOur room is now tidy as the empty suitcases have magically disappeared and a bottle of Bombay Sapphire, Baileys, beer and canapes have replaced them courtesy of our butler, Cristina. Just time for the quiz before dinner. We lost on the Wipeout question for not knowing that Jane Austen’s last book was Persuasion!
Most of the tables in the dining room our set out for two and we have two German gentlemen on one side and a German couple on the other. They seem pleasant enough. We’ve decided not to ‘eat for Britain’ this time but still managed three courses. Had a nightcap and listened to the pianist in the Commodore Lounge then back to the room for a camomile tea and to hopefully sleep.
Managed a few hours but I can never sleep well on my first night in a strange bed. Not too much movement, the sea is relatively calm at the moment. There is every breakfast delight imaginable on the menu but I opted for a light breakfast, just a mushroom and spinach omelette.
Just returned from a cocktail party for world voyagers. So far we have spoken to our German guests, an English couple who live in Switzerland and an Irish couple who live in the Isle of Man!
Terry is just pouring me a gin and tonic before we head off for lunch. It’s all go here!
Hopefully conditions will remain fair for the rest of our journey across the pond. New York is going to be pretty cold though…….
Sounds great shame not many English but Germans are generally nice. Xx
ReplyDeleteHello Heidi. At least I know the blog is working! xx
DeleteThe sea is much calmer today. Last night was a formal night and dressing up and wearing high heels is not good for the balance! We were introduced to the Captain at the welcome cocktail party for Grills guests - a lady - Inger Klein Thorhauge from the Faroe Islands. Met another Delicious chateaubriand for dinner - scrummy
ReplyDeleteWeather not too good today. Wet and gloomy. Managed to get a walk in before the rain and it was surprisingly warm out. Saw Roy Walker in the theatre last night. Despite the fact that he's been going for so long he is really funny. Formal night again this evening. We've been invited to dine with the Deputy Captain Russell Robson at the Master's table. We'll have to be on our best behaviour. Unlike this morning where I managed to squirt the German lady next to us with lemon juice at breakfast!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed our dinner with Russell and the Captain's Secretary, Katy, last night. We were joined by three other couples and then went up to the Commodore Club for a drink and chat. Late night. Weather is poor this morning and we currently have gales so the outside areas have been closed off. The Captain did say they were doing their utmost to keep the ship upright!!
ReplyDeleteWatched the BlueJays band in the theatre last night. 50's music including Elvis & Buddy Holly. Excellent lead guitar.
ReplyDeleteAnother stormy, windy day here in the Atlantic! We've just past the coast of Nova Scotia.
ReplyDeleteThe internet is very erratic due to the conditions so apologies if I haven't replied to everyone. Normal service will be resumed soon - I hope.
Just returned from a wine tasting so quite happy at the moment despite the weather!
Although we've put the clocks back an hour for the last five nights we just seem to go out more and go to bed later!
Saw Roy Walker again this evening. He really is funny. I was crying with laughter.
Although the sea was really rough last night we slept surprisingly well. I think I'm beginning to enjoy being rocked off to sleep. The sea is calmer today and the weather much colder. We arrive in New York about lunch time tomorrow and the temperature is forecast as -1c.
ReplyDeleteIn general the crossing has been good and we've enjoyed our first week. We've met some very nice people, listened to a couple of lectures (Fiona Armstrong & Brian Hoey), enjoyed a few shows, listened to music, participated in a few quizzes (no wins so far), eaten far too much, (won't mention the drink!), dressed up, enjoyed cocktail parties, practiced my sketching, added a few lines to my writing and knitted!
That just about sums it up for now.
Dry land at last! Beautiful entering Hudson Bay past the Statue of Liberty and the New York Sky line. Very cold, a dusting of snow but sunny.
ReplyDeleteLast night was good fun. The Blue Jays played at the balloon drop ball and I have never seen so many people up on a dance floor.
ReplyDeleteNew York
ReplyDeleteArrived in a freezing cold New York. Although sprinkled with snow it was lovely and sunny. Sailing along the Hudson River to our dock was a wonderful sight.
Getting through immigration wasn't a problem as it had been on a previous visit. Decided to get on a hop on hop off bus. It was absolutely freezing but we lasted the whole tour of Downtown Manhattan. Had a drive around Manhattan at night which was enjoyable but so cold when walking around Times Square. It took ages to thaw out when we were back on board. Room service and bed.
Monday: We've already seen most of New York's iconic sights now so just went to Macy's for a little retail therapy (Terry now needs therapy!) Manhattan clam chowder and a drink in the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station then on to the Hard Rock Cafe. Need a rest now!
New York is a great place to visit but two days is just about right - especially in the winter. Busy today because Donald Trump was at home. I don't think he's too popular here!
ReplyDeleteIt was great spending a couple of days in New York. Our first visit two years ago was far too short so two days was fine. The photos in the 2015 blog were better than those posted this time though. It was all new and exciting then. Not sure there is anything else we'd really like to do here. More time in Macy's maybe! Getting around was a bit of a nightmare yesterday due to Donald Trump being at home. The place was swarming with armed police and the taxi's were having to be diverted everywhere we went. A very enjoyable, hectic and cold visit.
ReplyDeleteWe are now on our way to Fort Lauderdale to spend the day in Miami. The temperature has already risen by 19 degrees and we arrive there on Thursday so looking forward to some sunshine (although the last time we were there it rained!).
It was great spending a couple of days in New York. Our first visit two years ago was far too short so two days was fine. The photos in the 2015 blog were better than those posted this time though. It was all new and exciting then. Not sure there is anything else we'd really like to do here. More time in Macy's maybe! Getting around was a bit of a nightmare yesterday due to Donald Trump being at home. The place was swarming with armed police and the taxi's were having to be diverted everywhere we went. A very enjoyable, hectic and cold visit.
ReplyDeleteWe are now on our way to Fort Lauderdale to spend the day in Miami. The temperature has already risen by 19 degrees and we arrive there on Thursday so looking forward to some sunshine (although the last time we were there it rained!).