At Sea

April 11, 2016

Sleep was elusive last night.  I was tired, I was sleepy, I just could not get to sleep.  Tried at least a dozen different positions (more pillows, less pillows, sitting up, on the sofa, etc.) but nothing worked.  After an hour of this I got up and decided to read the World Voyage blogs that I had fallen behind on.  By 2 am I was ready to try again and I was finally able to doze off.

Because I went to bed so late, I was not up in time for 10am sit and stitch (in fact I did not even wake up until 10:15).  I wanted to see the port presentation on Fanning Island but by the time I arrived (5 minutes early) the theatre was already standing room only.  I hope to be able to see it on the TV tomorrow.

So instead I did one of my favorite things - I sat out on the Promenade deck and watched the ocean.  Numerous white caps and we are feeling a little motion but the sea is a beautiful sapphire color.  The deck was in the shade and there was only a light breeze where I sat.

After about 45 minutes of ocean meditation it was time for lunch.  I had decided today was my day to try the pasta bar (didn't try it last year).  I had noodles in white sauce.  The white sauce was one of the blandest foods I have ever tasted.  I didn't even finish it.  I did have a delicious plate of fruit (watermelon, pineapple, and kiwi).

Sat on the observation deck near the Crow's Nest until it was time to get seats for trivia.  Sherita, Dot, Susie and I played.  We had nine out of sixteen.  Three teams tied with 12.  The tiebreaker was, "In what year was the European Union formed?"  The winning team was NOT the artichokes!

1.In what decade was Elvis drafted, Buddy Holley die, and Jerry Lee Lewis marry his cousin?
2.What continent boasts the most telephone lines?
3.What were Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip given as a gift for baby Prince Andrew when they visited Gambia?
4. Which spacecraft was launched in 1977, headed for Jupiter?

I then went to Location Guide, Kainoa's, talk about Rarotonga.  I need to sign up for a tour tomorrow.  It sounds like a beautiful island.

Georgina, Gerry, Susie, and I played Name That Tune.  The subject was "Names".  We were able to name 13 of the 15 songs and 10 of the artists but the winners (again NOT the artichokes) had all 15.  We missed "Dear Prudence" and "Lola".

No evening trivia because it was the night of the Master Chef's Dinner (and also our second Gala Night).  I went last year and really enjoyed the food and all but one of the wines. (Speaking of alcohol, I believe I forgot to mention yesterday that I ordered the drink of the day - a strawberry flavored pina colada - during Happy Hour so I had two of them which is way past my legal limit!)

We met for the Master Chef's Dinner at 5:30 in the Pinnacle Grill Bar with champagne and Hors  d'oeuvres.  We then were escorted into the Pinnacle Grill for a seven course meal and wines to go with each course.

After dinner (which ended at 9:50) I went to the show which was "Oh, What A Night", a musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons performed by "The Unexpected Boys".  It was one of the best shows I have seen on a ship.

Beautiful sea and sky

A great place to sit and watch the ocean

Place setting

Dungeness Crab Salad with Orange Gelee

Served with Veuve Cliquot NV Yeloow Label Brut

Pan Seared Goose Liver

Avocado and Raspberry-Kaffir Lime Vinaigrette

Paired with Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2013

Frappe of Maine Lobter & Porcini Bisque

Served Cappuccino style

Potato-Mustard Seed Crusted Black Cod

Paddlefish and Salmon Caviar

Served with Sokol Blosser Pino Noir 2012

Lime and Candied Ginger Granite

Due of Veal "Maitre Cuisenaire de France"

Veal Sweetbread and Loin with Black Truffle, Pearl Onion & Artichoke Purée

Paired with Col Solare 2012

Dialogue of Chocholate Seduction

Paired with Port Sandeman Ruby

Assortment of Artisan Cheeses

Honey and fruit compote

Paired with Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Brut Rose NV

The chef and the Cellar Master

The Unexpected Boys

Afternoon Trivia
1.1950s
2.Europe
3.a crocodile
4.Pioneer
Tie breaker - 1993

Smooth sailing until next time!