All boats are stopped while the Sky backs out, turns and heads out to sea.

The shoreline is white and bright, everyone is waving goodbye, shaking cowbells and flying the Princess flag. All the way out the Princess horns play the theme from The Love Boat, thanking those who have come to wish everyone a safe crossing. As you head into the Atlantic, one horn echos into the wind, it was emotional, but I am emotional these days!

Gloria Estavan’s home…

The flag…..

Bye!

The coast, beach stretching north as we go off in a northeasterly direction.

Thanks for the great send off!

Made it! Then…..

Gone when she had to place it on top, 52 minutes, six participants later.

Tony has headed out for some sun! I can no longer do that but it is healthy when you cruise to find your own time, to do exactly what you want to do. We have learned that moments together will come naturally, wether you are travelling alone or with friends or family. Like at home, it is important to gather for dinner.

So gather tonight and chat, thinking of you all!

I was writing/reading today in the Great Spirits Lounge, watching activities, and apparently “strongly focused”. I heard a ping on my iPad, Tony indicated he was back in the room so I prepared to pack up and head up to make plans for our evening. A gentleman, grandfatherly type, who was sitting nearby walked over. “I have been watching you and you seem strongly focussed! Are you working on the ship or are you having fun?” I replied, “Actually, it is a bit of both, I am a Child Psychologist, retired, and working on a paper”. I have been watching adults in various environments on the ship, turn into kids again. I find it quite fun and very interesting!”

He chuckled and said he sees that too and then asked me if he could sit for a minute. I welcomed him to sit and immediately told him that I was writing in my blog and to please forgive me for teasing him. \240He loved it. Our conversation went on for about 20-30 minutes. We both observed in the Plaza the dance lesson and what a perfect lesson it was. I pointed out the very serious teacher moving the kid to the back, the kid who just does their own thing, moving to the music in every direction, flinging their arms around, running into everyone. He showed me the kid who is front and centre, needing perfection and seeking approval. We found the “one” who doesn’t want to be there but acquiesces to another; also next, the kid who immediately “gets it” and wants to move on, another who wants to participate but just can’t move from the edge of the class and jump in….the one who a good teacher finds and pulls them in to be his partner for a moment. This kid is mortified but does it. They return to the side. My strange but happenstance gentlemen is a retired principal from England. We laughed out loud together. Why did we not exchange names? He hugged me when he left and said “thank you for your precious time”. I am looking for him, Tony has to meet this lovely person. Maybe he told his partner I was a nut case, who knows?

On with our evening, my eyes wandering just in case “he” showed up! Our cocktail, back at Good Spirits was very adult by the way, and fabulous! Look out this summer - we have the recipe! I will share….

Sandia En Fuego

1 Serrano pepper or Jalapeños

3 watermelon cubes

1.5 ounces Tequilla

3/4 ounce lime juice

3/4 ounce Agave Syrup

Black Sea salt (if you have) to rim, but white works

Take off two slices of the pepper for garnish, muddle the rest with the watermelon cubes. Add tequilla lime juice and syrup. Shake with ice. Salt rim a rock glass and pour in cocktail over fresh ice. Garnish with pepper slice and place a watermelon ball on top.

Alas my pal, who Tony can’t believe I teased, \240was not to be found tonight. Guess what? Before we went to the theatre to see tonight’s live performance Tony found his inner kid.

Gelato -“The Tower”. \240He loved it and finished it all!

The recipe:

Prepare a Sundae glass with chocolate and sprinkles of choice. Place in freezer to chill.

Drizzle chocolate, butterscotch and strawberry sauce down sides of glass, back in freezer to chill.

Scoop in vanilla ice cream, approx. 3 scoops, drizzling more sauce of choice in between ice cream scoops. Flatten top and fill remaining space with whip cream.

Top with chocolate shards, lightly sprinkle toffee bits, chocolate button bits, nuts, Kit Kat chunk ( or bar of choice), a biscotti or cookie.

Yep, he ate the whole thing.

Can’t get away with anything!

We had a wonderful day, starting with Mimosa’s, after all it was our anniversary as well! Off to a special Wine Bar, new to the cruise line, for a flight tasting of sparkling wines. On past cruises we have brought back wines we do not get at home, and found out tonight we have made good choices.

This was just before a delicious dinner then off to enjoy fabulous entertainment. Tonight a soloist (soprano) Elaine Grey, a young Scottish Lassie, sang her heart out with music from the movies, from special moments in her career and her favourite bands/ singers, her journey. \240Wow, she gave us goosebumps! From Julie Andrews, to Barbara Streisand to Queen, Pavarotti etc. Abba was an incredible run of hits, a great way to end the evening. We knew she was going to have another show and we will not miss it. (Debbie a lot of Abba here, including Trivia - you would have won that one!)

March 24

A day of uninterrupted time, the clock stays where it is! It has affected us slightly but I guess it is better gradually than all at once for our arrival in Funchal. The internet has slowed down as well, to a snails pace, or at dead stop, speeding back up on Monday (27th) apparently. I do not like being out of touch, we are spoiled with all the technology around us.

We are now parallel with the Azores but heading north east closer to the coast of Africa, with arrival Sunday in Funchal. We are looking forward to it.

We chilled today, did not plan to, but it was great. We could not believe we watched two movies, one animated “Encanto” by Disney which we both loved, and the other “Dakota”, not animated, which tugged at your heart strings as well. Suddenly it was 6:00 and neither one of us felt like dressing up, going to cocktails and the menu tonight did not appeal to us! Another night away from our regular routine.

We did not go hungry….we went to the Pizza Parlour…

“Princess Pizza” - fresh mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes and Italian ham. It was thin crust, sauce was light and Tony topped it off with his hot chili peppers I brought from home.

Around 8:30 we went upstairs where Tony found his calamari and was in heaven. One of our grandchildren’s favourites on our trip to Alaska. Tony ended the night with another movie, “Ad Astra” - with Matt Damon and Tommy Lee Jones. Not recommended - he liked ours better!

I made a salad, and Tony finished with cheese and figs. I think blue cheese may be his favourite.

Not that much for me!

Tony went to see a Comedian and I watched Karaoke. When he returned he was laughing out loud, so was I. I was at a comedy show as well! I want to hear more from his comedian but I do not recommend the Karaoke. Some people were great, some people were good, those that thought they truly were fantastic and went for it…were not.

This is “The Duck Store”

All the doors are painted illustrating the purpose of its interior! The above was a Toy Store. If you took photos of all the doors you would have over a hundred.

We took the cable car to Monte, a small village that overlooks Funchal. I was a bit nervous to start as the car is all glass. The ride was approximately 15 minutes with a vertical ride of 1,837 feet, 12,000 feet in length. I relaxed.

Surprised I did it with my fear of falling. I was worse on the open ramp into the car.

The views were stunning. Loved the rooftops, the views of terraced gardens and beyond to the more remote areas.

Very narrow streets, typical of Portugal Mountain towns.

Making the most of the property….

Our ship in the distance

In 1850 these sleds or “sledges” were used as a means of transport to get down the mountain or bring grapes to the winery for Madeira. Now tourists, accompanied by locals can go for a run and experience sliding at speeds of 60 mph on the narrow winding streets to Funchal, Tony was disappointed they were closed.

A photo from their marketing pamphlet.

Tony, disappointed…..

Me, not so much but I would have done it!

The annual temperature is 67F, today we were overdressed. It was hot! Settled by Portugal in the 15th century, originally known as the “purple islands” it was renamed Funchal , meaning Fennel. The lands were carpeted with the herb. It is 560 miles from Portugal and about 350 miles from the coast of Morocco.

We walked up, down and around taking in the Old Town…..I LOVED the old town

Colourful…

There are many streams running down from the top of the island…

Some great cars…..from another era.

Typical government buildings, typical of Portugal, the Azores and Madeira

Seaside exposure by the University

Churches

They are all incredible inside

Tony loves churches

Inside and out!

Note: the polished areas are where others touch! They love Ronaldo the Soccer Hero here.

I love seeing the new built around the old

Art in public places

This one using wash ups from the sea

Creating in the waterfront

A very colourful fish

We could do this on Nipissing after the winter ice fishing season. We should create a “drop off depot” after ice thaw!

We stopped for lunch where Tony had is longed for Octopus, grilled.

A typical Portuguese meal.

Outdoor cafés restaurants are everywhere.

They are all very pleasant. Our waiter was awesome, came back home after age thirty to be with his family after serving on Cunard Lines for ten years. Still in the hospitality industry. Think he was an owner with siblings.

Good bye Madeira you are lovely, you are friendly and we are so pleased we got to visit. We walked a lot and our feet are very, very tired but worth every step!

The water is a little rougher in the islet as we leave.

Tomorrow- sea day and an hour forward!

One of my favourite sites - people gathering….soon!

We were delayed an hour and a half approximately! The Captain, who was up all night with this situation, does not hide anything, they are “open and transparent”, a great way to run any ship! - all activities, changes, are immediately announced. He held an “interview” this morning in the Princess Theatre and clarified the events of the morning and tonight we will hear about the “weather” situation on a broadcast throughout our staterooms. He did say it is the difference between encountering 30 foot waves or 12 foot rollers, which by the way are nothing with these ships! So more later!

The rest of the day passed quickly. It was a beautiful, hot day, the water was very calm and it was hard to believe that a storm is chasing us. The Captain’s conversation at the end of the day and his photos below tell the story.

This was 27th at 6:00 p.m. when La Coruna was \240cancelled

The Medivac occurred the next morning.

On the 28th. We were not in this, as I said it was a beautiful day. We were on the edge heading towards Southampton

This is forecasted for noon today.

Today it is overcast, cloudy skies, rolling swells, with some white caps as a roll crests. Yes the waves are 12 feet but we aren’t feeling a thing.

Now this is what we would be experiencing if we made our ports at Casablanca and La Coruna, at the north of Spain.

I will take 12 over 30!

Good on you Captain! I will sleep like a baby tonight. \240We are glad our internet is back; Tony missed his Globe which is a big part of his morning routine BUT getting it this morning - not so sure he his happy with the news…….

This is what 12 feet looks like from our balcony! Would not cross Nipissing, but here we are good! Big Ship!

Honestly it looks like not much! \240We carried on, enjoyed our dinner with our Diningroom stewards who we get to know over the time spent with them. The staff is amazing - they are enjoying a quiet break, with a half full guest list after a full cruise in the Caribbean but preparing for another full cruise after we disembark, then they will dry dock in Rotterdam for two weeks before proceeding into the Mediterranean for the summer season. Ah….summer.

Highlights of dinner tonight, again a repeat, my new favourite cocktail

They forgot the jalapeños but the watermelon was amazing!

Crispy Duck Breast with Soba Noodles, Bok Choy and the best sauce! Crunchy, yummy, fancy stir fry!

Yum!

Tony loves the Gelato, I do too! Almost like Italy but not quite

Housemade Butterscotch, two scoops of vanilla, and that little “chick” like scoop is whip cream!

My dessert was a pistachio dome, the chocolate in the desserts here are

amazing. I do it for you Jess!

Time to go for a walk!

The old Castle Watergate in the interior and

The old wall that surrounds the old town from the new, slowly being excavated, a project that will go on forever!

The M&S is Marks and Spencer’s located in a huge mall probably two to three times bigger than the Eaton Centre. It also houses a huge IKEA with a 12 storey parking garage.

The “Bargate” and the entry to Old Town was built in 1180. It kept out intruders and to this day still impresses visitors. Outside the gate then, \240Inns and bars entertained those locked out, on Above Bar Street, now a bustling downtown core, unfortunately with all the “American” type stores. Typical…..

One side old, the other new

An original Tudor Inn

The Hamsun Street Mural presents the visual history of Southampton. It was created in 1978, restored in 2010 and hung again in the Old Town. Nineteen metres long and three metres high it consists of 37 concrete and mosaic panels that depict landmark buildings and important events, from Southampton history - from the Romans to the Saxons to the modern docks and liners.

I was reminded that the Titanic sailed from here in 1912.

At the Gallery,

This painting was all about mushroom picking and what is underneath the first layer of the earths floor. The sun shone through it. The photo does not do it justice.

The current Installation at the Art Gallery appealed to me. I wanted to take more photos but was unsure if I could. I should have asked.

The gardens are blooming and were a bright spot on this not so nice weather day! Some familiar bedding plants. Actually I think Primulas will be available at the grocery store on our return.

Tony wanted fish and chips and a beer. Alas no beer at “Mike’s” situated in a tiny spot that soon had a line up out the door for take away. When we arrived one local gentleman had a table before the crowd arrived. We were obviously tourists, taking time to read the options on a chalkboard. All who came in after knew exactly what they wanted and the owner knew his regulars as they came in, calling out their “usual”- a nod coming back. \240Our meal was good but I have had better. Something was missing….

we try again!

Maybe it was coleslaw…

The flowers….

Back to the shuttle and a return to the ship. I am cold, damp and a little wet. The wind was whipping up. Alas it is time to pack as we leave for London in the morning by bus transfer to Victoria Station but, right now, a hot shower will feel good!

Buckingham Palace

We arrived at our hotel around 11:00, after a 77 mile coach ride to Victoria Station. It was nice to see the countryside on route and certainly a pleasant way to get to London. Our hotel a minute away…..of course we turned the wrong way so 8 minutes….was just a few blocks walk from Buckingham Palace. It was too early to check in so we dropped our bags and headed to the palace. The weather was cool, but the rain had stopped. We still felt the damp though from the rain at the pier.

The crowds were not bad at the palace. When you see the palace from various events on television it appears bigger, grander but today it seemed ordinary, and quiet. I thought about Queen Elizabeth here, and of my memories of her throughout my lifetime. You can’t help it. It is sad in a way but I am so thankful to have been able to stand in front and walk in the garden. Changing of the guards will start next week, and of course there will be lots of excitement around the coronation. The palace will hopefully come out of mourning.

Queen Victoria - quite the lady

Two guards were outside, taking their turn to march for exercise I presume, or a break from boredom, marching ten steps, returning…repeating four times.

The gates are impressive, fresh coat of gold, shiny and new! Must be a big event coming up!

The only colour in the gardens, a sure sign of spring over here, daffodils. I love them.

Around the palace mews, planters are beginning to appear. Too many to photo but I love the hydrangeas.

The palace “shops” are still all about the Queen, the celebration of her reign. She is obviously still missed. When you see items that illustrate her journey, professionally and personally in a proper way, you can’t help but think about her beauty.

Tomorrow we are proper tourists, getting on the Hop On, Hop Off “big” Bus. It will be a busy day!

Catch the bus and see the highlights

Included in our tour was time on the Thames, an hilarious cruise, because of the crew and their script. It was fun and well orchestrated. The London Bridge…

A bit windy…..

The London Eye….

Nice to see but I could not do….

Big Ben

The “Shard”. A side story. The architect declined his fee of 2 million pounds, asking for the Penthouse instead. It was agreed. On completion he lived in it for two years then sold it for over 40 million pounds….

The new

The old….

House of Parliament

The city is under construction at every corner, detours are many, pedestrian pathways are moved from one day to the next. It is pretty hard to stick to your plan when the route has changed, turning you in every direction of the compass and throwing you “off”, all from the wrong side of the street! We managed though to right our wrongs and we were thankful for the pub on the corner by our hotel at days end!

Welcome to the Pub

There are a lot of pubs, being Sunday, dining starts at noon. We arrived at seven. Laughter and cheering, conversations boisterous, tables pulled together as family members joined throughout the day, we were lucky to get a table for two. “Sunday Roasts” were highlighted in the middle of the menu card. There were three. “Prime rib, yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, gravy”, Half Roast Chicken, same sides and a Family Vegetarian Pie”. We knew what we were having. The waiter was very sweet and politely told us, all roasts are sold out. Apparently, roasts are only made on Sunday, people reserve for the Sunday Roast in advance, eat mostly at noon, and when it’s gone, it is gone! No problem, back to the menu!

We see their award winning pot pies, Beef, chicken or vegetable. Our poor waiter very apologetically tells us they too have been devoured. It has been a busy day since opening. Alas I spot “Bangers and Mash”, House made sausages from local pork, and Tony orders fish and chips. I knew that would be tasted again! Yes, they were available.

Fish, chips, Scottish Scampi and mushy peas

My bangers and mash were delicious. The photo does not look as good as it tasted but the sausages were perfectly seasoned, the mashed potatoes creamy, the fried onions crispy and the onion gravy….amazing.

We were hungry after a long day and this was perfect.

No room at the table for condiments, the waiter just pulled up a chair…it was a fun place.

Tomorrow we head to Westminster Abbey.

Easter Chicks escape the pond,

Diana is still missed by many, a busy pathway.

There are lots of fountains

Statues

“Kitchen” gardens

Typical English Gardens which I love.

Swans - all owned by the Queen. Now I guess the soon to be King!

We reach Westminster Abbey which is impressive, the crowds are strong and lined up for tours to the east and west sides of the building. We maneuver our way and walk around this massive structure

The city is getting ready for the Coronation - scaffolding is starting to go up for seating, Union Jacks are appearing more and more each day, the smell of fresh paint is in the air, streets are being brushed - hopefully the city will appear tidier than we find it now. The parks are immaculate though and we have enjoyed this day.

We find a tapas bar, then head back to pack up for our trip home.

Small, delicate bites

A “Caipirinha”

Brazil’s national cocktail

I guess in London I should have had a gin and tonic but I love Caipirinha’s and this one was damn good! It is made with Cachaça, brown sugar and lime.

I started to hear a faint siren like sound eminating from the car, Tony’s 1999 Saab, around Barrie. \240Not being heard by anyone else it was ignored and we carried on. Just before Orillia a warning light appeared on the dashboard, then the battery light. Reading the manual we were made aware that the engine was not cooling and best to pull to the side and turn off the engine. Long story short, while driving a belt snapped, we pulled into a Petro Canada station and shut the car down. It was now 6:00 local time, everything was closed and we knew we had to do make a plan.

Our friends in Bracebridge came to our rescue. Mike picked us up with our belongings in Orillia, we were allowed to leave our car overnight, tomorrow car arrangements would be made. We told Debbie we would pick up dinner on our way home, Swiss Chalet - closed. KFC closed, Roasting Chickens at two grocery stores - sold out and closing. We laughed, Bracebridge shuts down early. All we wanted was a bucket of chicken and some booze! We arrived at the house around 8:30, we were so thankful, tired but happy to have the visit! We shared stories, drinks, food, got caught up and headed to bed. Our bodies pushed through which helped with jet lag.

A storm was supposed to hit overnight with high winds and freezing rain.

Udon Noodle Soup, lots of seafood.

Chicken Kontatsu, Stir fried Vegetable, rice, California Roll, Salad and Vegetable Tempura

This was our dinner, tonight we would snack. Snack we did, we played Phase Ten and drank ! The Limina’s won, the Provan’s let us, good hosts! We reminisced, poured more wine, sang and laughed our asses off. We went to bed late, time flew.

In the morning the sun shone; off the boys went to get our car….alas one part did not arrive. We would not see our car until Monday! We knew we had to go home and borrowed Debbie’s car BUT we were told “You are welcome to stay for Easter, we have a big turkey!” I know they meant it but we had to leave and get back to our family.

Thank you Debbie and Mike, it was a great way to end our holiday!

Off we went, clear sunny skies! \240Our holiday was great, the Cruise peaceful, relaxing and a great wind down from busy times. London is a big, very expensive city but rich in history, steeped with the Royalty and its pomp and circumstance. It’s modern side sparkles and never sleeps. It was busy and I would go back to see Kensington Palace and it’s gardens but I would rent a little cottage nearby!

We arrived home! The snow is still here! It is cold! It is great!