What a Way to See the Sea, Si

I am loving the calm blue and gentle almost not movement of the sea. I know there is life below, I see from time to time some evidence poking through and inviting cameras to capture the moment. We are passing Copenhagen harbour, with towers and spires reaching ever up.

The whispy movement of the air tussles my hair, keeps my skin cool, while the bright heat of the sun is relentlessly shining on those who take a seat on the outside decks for a short while.

There are no tides apparently, however rivers feed the sea. Our vessel is cruising along at this time, through this amazing channel, usually not navigable due to low waters in summer season, according to the Captain. This is a special voyage indeed!

Land and peoples, speaking another language, collecting different currency and yet likely possessing similar thoughts and dreams, just over the horizon. The ship makes us neighbours. We wave at the small boats that come nearby and we can almost make out the desire on their faces. “I wish you could be here too, with us”. One big universal family of travellers. Those that seek to know and are curious about the other. The women who reach put to hold hands with other women around the world.

Thanks for joining me on this and all my travels through this blog, and on Facebook. I enjoy sharing my story and bringing you along with me.

Piacere

Ti amo,

Pamela

Ps … I have ordered gluten free vegetarian pizza for tomorrow lunch, yummmm!

Water color painting and wine tasting : Day one and Two at sea

Running late this morning, having slept in, finally. My jet lag is moving on and leaving me with a full cruise itinerary!

Class starts, Brittania dining room, deck 3 promptly at ten am. I thought I read it was for an hour and had planned to grab a wee bite of breakfast at the buffet and perhaps catch a few minutes of class. After all, I have enjoyed two transatlantic crossing, eight total sea days of water color class and of course the first trip to Greece with Penny was on board a Cunard ship, the Queen Elizabeth.

I arrived, late (I found gluten free bread and peanut butter to enjoy at breakfast) and I was asked if I was staying. I replied in the affirmative, and then had to go back to my stateroom for my previously purchased package of paints, paper and brushes.

I drew on white, from a small cherry tomato on a vine. Then painted white on black, then again for completed project in white then color, on thicker black. Cha Cha dance lessons after buffet lunch. Crowded and very fun to practice this upbeat dance step.

More dancing after fabulous dining and some wine ….then a show with a world famous flautist …. Then late night dancing till after midnight. It was a very formal black and white evening, dancing in the Queens Room and following in Hemispheres party lounge.

Today a painting of Talinn marina, on white, with black ink definitions. Then an informative speaker on Helsinki Finland. More food followed for lunch buffet of course.

A speaker, English reporter, talking about Princess Diana and her life, as he witnessed it, having been her trusted photographer at different times in her life.

A very special invitation to Italy wine tasting today, starting with Prosecco in Rose color. Two whites, one from high Sicily region, and then a hearty red similar to Barollo. Italian wine were made for food accompaniment, quite fruity. So special to compliment my Italy adventure.

I see outside we are close to shore and can see buildings glistening in the bright sunshine and blue skies of today. Close enough to see large greenery acreages and beautiful large church steeples. I wonder where we are? Many small boats litter the water around the ship. Red tiled roofs, rocky coastal shore line, and many small Mariana’s can be seen dotting the shoreline between and around groves of trees. It is beautiful here, clean, clear, blue, with many shore birds dancing in the wind. Windmills and lighthouses mark the route.

Wish you were here!

Piacere

Ti amo,

Pamela

Lunch on board

Greetings dear ones. Jet lag is starting to move through and hopefully I am now acclimatized to this part of the world. My home for the next five weeks.

Complimentary breakfast, English style. They had gluten free toast and looked askance that I asked for what? Peanut butter? Ah, no. Some fruit, mushrooms and beans all meet the gluten free, sugar reduced and vegan options. I am trying to not eat meat, however on the cruise I plan to enjoy seafood and specifically shellfish. It was satisfying and we checked email, packed up and stored our bags behind the office.

We went for a walk through Southampton along the port, and past. Then back, up High St where we came to markets, and we picked up some water to drink. One of the gals found a booth selling pashmina scarves for 2 pounds each. Great find. Walking along the historic rock walls that pepper Southampton downtown area is interesting. Buildings dressed in Tudor style, and old brick and rock. Climbing up, down and over, with intermittent views of the sea and very active port.

Back to the hotel, and we hailed a van, to drive for early embarkation to the ship. I noticed that an English bird, likely a sea gull, shat upon the silk ribbon band, white of course, on my hat. I noticed and said it out loud, the lovely taxi driver commented that this was definitely good luck!

Very short taxi ride to the port for Queen Victoria and no lines. Embarkation of ease, and our rooms ready by 1230. The gal who did our embarkation on board also commented on my good fortune for having been shat upon by a local bird! Time for a lido deck lunch and selection of the wine package for the next 14 days.

I have seen some very familiar crew faces. Our wine steward at dinner is the same we had last January when we were on this ship. Does she remember us? Not likely but she says she recalls me. She has a very familiar and unique voice, name of
Cilla.

One of the maître de staff has gone by me a few times, I noticed his familiar face . He must have been responsible for us last year. This year Eduardo is looking after my high maintenance needs. He is very gracious and accommodating and even seems to have a great sense of humour!

Our dinner companions include four sisters, of seven, from England, who some times get along :). And another British couple. Dinner is like a sit com television program so you will no doubt hear more!

Late for the show, and then dancing in the disco, with the sisters and the four of us (Steve and I, Jan and Joanne) … The dance floor filled and we had a lovely time. I tried melatonin for a more restful sleep, inside stateroom, 8 th floor …. Lovely room. Champagne greeted us and we are unpacked, have attended the life boat drill and now are quite settled in.

Commodore club, Cunard cruising

Embarkation was effortless and smooth yesterday. I love the classiness and style of Cunard.

On board. After healthy lunch of salad, veggies and a vegan ratatouille. A lovely glass of water followed by a walk outside in the cool sea breeze. Some people lounging around the pool deck.

What does Cunard offer that is special? They are celebrating 175 years of tradition. They offer history, formality, enrichment in the form of guest lectures and global topics, famous persons, including writers and other artists. They host the only ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2 and it virtually cuts through the weather crossing the Atlantic, for which she was designed. She is unique with her depth and speed for a passenger cruise ship.

The “class” system is alive throughout the Cunard line, but what does this mean? For those suite guests who enjoy and more elite service of butlers, concierge and inclusivity this could be the cruise line for them. I personally do not experience any snobbery or sense of difference on my cruise, and this is my fourth cruise with Cunard.

I enjoy the formal dress up evenings, people watching, exquisite personal service and well appointed staterooms on the most beautiful mid size ships at sea. I love Cunard history and enrichment opportunities.

What would groups of people enjoy on Cunard? Fine food and fine dining, fabulous wine selections and sommelier service. There is a cigar room for those who enjoy that specialized space. No longer are people permitted to smoke on balcony staterooms. Excursions to wineries and you can bring wine on board for personal consumption in staterooms. Wine packages are affordable and offer great selection for dining accompaniment. Extra enrichment includes classes for watercolor painting, spa and fitness classes, dancing classes and ample practice opportunities.

People who are passionate about travel and enjoy these extra inclusions may also enjoy the Cunard experience. Those who can’t or don’t want to fly, can still get to Europe on board the famous ocean liner, Queen Mary 2.

Google the cruise line and see if this is for you! I am often in the mood for Cunard and I would love you to join me!

Pamela, Cunard Commodore