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  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 39: Meet Lisa, from South Africa

    January 30, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Lisa has the BEST job onboard the Neptune - It’s even more important than my favorite bartender’s job. - Lisa is the “Ice Cream Lady” at the World Cafe. She serves gelato & sorbet to an often line of wanting passengers.

    Also, Lisa keeps a bit of margarine in the cooler below for Donna who doesn’t eat milk based products.

    This is Lisa’s first contract, two months now, with Viking - When she is not serving us this cool refreshing treat; Lisa enjoys surfing, volleyball, and discovery of new things. She has 2 siblings in her family.

    Lisa knows what I want —> 4 scoops of chocolate with chocolate sauce —> with a smile “Here you go Mr. Paul?” Lisa proclaims as I am handed this rich (calorie free - I am told) treat.

    #gelato #sorbet #myvikingjourney #myvikingstory #vikingNeptuneCrew #vikingNeptune    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 39: The Chef’s Table with Friends

    January 30, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    Last night we closed the place down. Last ones to leave.

    (Names L-R) Deidre, Paul, Donna, Lucy, Jonathan, & Orlando had a 7:30 dinner and didn’t leave until after 9:00. The Menu was Lotus, Asian menu - to which I will not go into the details. You can zoom in on the menu.

    My bad: I didn’t get a bottle picture of the Domaine Uby 4, Gros et Petit Manseng from Gascony France.

    The food is always 5-star at Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s. The advantage of Chef’s table is they have already prepared the menu along with the wine pairings.

    Take a sip of the wine, a piece of food, a bit more wine. I find a 2:1 ratio of wine to food, works well. Let it all savor in your mouth. Enjoy the meal - enjoy the company - take your time. It’s not a race.

    I typically woof down food like a mad man who hasn’t eaten for weeks. Eating at the Chef’s table you do eat less, the portions are smaller, but by the end of the meal you are full, because it takes that amount of time to tell your brain - you have had enough.

    We do need to thank the staff for their patience with us - we were having a good time getting to know each other - We closed the place down. Every table was cleaned off expect ours.

    Early reservations are sometimes harder to get - but you can always get a 7:30 reservation. I would like to encourage people on the ship to be proactive - and ask that couple you pass in the hallway, have had a couple of short chats with, see at the pool deck, or in the World Cafe - “Would you like to do Chef’s table or Manfredi’s?” There are some people who are a bit more reserved than others, what can hurt to ask?

    We are experiencing what it means to be a part of a global community. I did a quick google search there are 7 unique references to Jesus eating a meal in the New Testament - A United Nations web page “They know instinctively that food security means fewer community tensions, …” The term “cuisine diplomacy” has been coined not only for state dinners but for meals in general. The “exposure effect” during a meal breeds familiarity, which means culinary exchange fosters peace and understanding. Sharing a meal with others is a bridge towards understanding.

    We become creatures of habit. It is impossible to become friends, and remember 950 people’s names. (I am really trying on the name department.) We naturally break off into comfort clusters.

    While there is so much tension in the Red Sea and Middle East right now - we have an opportunity to help bring peace to the world, it maybe small, but it is there.

    Invite someone new to dinner. I have found a group of six works great. It’s a good group dynamic balance size. If we can learn more about each other, our homes, families, cultures, etc by sharing a meal together. We will leave this cruise better people. When we go home we will be changed for the better.

    Let’s eat!    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 38: Crossing International DateLine

    January 29, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Merle gets up a day late, and thinks he slept away Monday, January 29th … Oh No! Last night while traveling westward toward New Zealand we crossed the International Date Line.

    Today, Day 38 of our cruise - January 29th, 2024 - NEVER HAPPENED! The calendar counter counted the day as happening - we totally missed it. It’s like we went through a black hole of time in the Pacific Ocean.

    The ship had a nice party on the pool deck to “jump” over the Date Line.

    Donna has been collecting magnets at each of our ports of call - here is a photo of the World Map and the magnets she has collected on our cruise so far.

    Also, Meet “Fran, the Ladybug”.

    The is a photo of my nightstand - Donna got us both little travel trays which have our names on it, a map, and the name and date of our cruise. It folds flat when in the suitcase, and is really helpful for organizing “the stuff” we carry in our pockets when we go to bed.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    2

    Day 37: Sunrise & Lots of Action

    January 28, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌧 79 °F

    Good morning fellow travelers. Last night we had to set our clocks back an hour. I am still in awe of seeing the Southern Cross. Tomorrow we will cross the International Dateline and set our calendars ahead a day - this still doesn’t make complete sense to me - we will skip Monday entirely.

    Having missed yesterday’s sunrise, last night I did set a 4:45 AM wake-up call in order to capture the morning sunrise. You will see some nice/okay sunrise pictures from some where in the South Pacific Ocean.

    While it is possible for this old man to beat the sun waking up in the morning. The Blue Man Group, Kitchen Staff, and Karmila will always beat me to the morning. You will see some pictures of the Neptune crew making preparations for the day.

    Can you find the picture of my favorite food group? If so, tell me which photo it is. Okay Tom U. & Mike P. from my old job at Yale to make some sort of snide comment. I know you will.

    This morning I met a couple of early risers. Betty is show here teaching Larry, Lucy, and myself how she uses her iPhone - Let me tell you this is NOT her first cruising rodeo.

    Betty creates an album called “2024 World Cruise”, takes photos of the people she meets on the cruise, annotates the image captions with people’s names and other information. I don’t do Apple Air Drop hardly ever. Betty then showed us Air Drop and was able to send her album of people to my photos so, I can then put them into a newly created album on my phone.

    If there is a test at the end of this cruise to cite everyone’s name - I will fail. But, I think Betty will get an “A” on that exam.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 36: Meet Rannel, Sushi Chef

    January 27, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Back home going out for sushi dinner was always considered more of a treat not an everyday experience. On board the Neptune sushi is a normal staple of my diet. At 6:00 P.M. in the World Cafe you can have sushi for dinner just about every night - and I do! There are two sushi chefs onboard.

    Master Chef: Pepi Anevski, who creates the recipes to be served at the sushi bar.

    Sushi Chef: Rannel in the photo today. This is Rannel’s second contract with Viking. His story is started as a dishwasher in a restaurant and worked his way up to sushi chef, to owning his own sushi resturant “ZeusZayn MakiMono” in Manila, Phillipines (( I did a bit of research this might be a franchise of a larger Japanese chain - I might be wrong )). Rannel has been doing sushi for 18 years now. He has studied the art of making sushi even under master Japanese chefs.

    Rannel has 2 boys ages 10 and 6 - He loves sports and coaches basketball - When I told him I was from Connecticut - he was all over it - about the UConn Girls team - he also likes Duke. Another interest he has is ice and wood craving.

    We Americans do pretty much everything wrong. Case in point. Rannel taught me how to eat sushi.

    Paul’s way: A big glob of wasabi on top of the roll, then cover with a slab of ginger - then drown it for 2 mins in soy sauce.

    Rannel’s way (the right way) - Mix the wasabi into the soy sauce. Add some lemon into the mixture as well. If you are on the cruise Rannel is happy to give you a squeeze of fresh lemon. Not all Japanese like lemon in their soy sauce. It does taste better to me. Now with your chop stocks take the roll piece and lightly dip it into the soy sauce - just enough to add a touch of flavor - not to drown it to death - eat the sushi - THEN - take a piece of ginger to cleanse the palette. Take a breath, a sip of wine, Move on to the next bite. Rinse & Repeat.

    I need to ask Rannel about best wine pairings for his sushi. Also, if you talk with Rannel and give him a day’s notice he just might prepare for you a special sushi roll. He is willing to work within any dietary needs as well, ie vegan, etc.

    I am getting hungry just writing about this.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Evening 35: The Southern Cross

    January 26, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Often times John and I will end up at the glass table in the wee hours talking about everything and anything. John asked, “If I had seen the Southern Cross in the night sky yet?” I replied “No, I haven’t.”

    Sliding his chair back, John took a quick look out the side door. Sticking his head back into the room, “It’s there, perfect view. You got to check it out.”

    If you have never been south of the equator, you will never see the sky which I saw for the first time this evening,

    The Southern Cross and Alpha & Beta Centauri are clearly visible. We both are feeling a bit of shared awe in this moment. We were just talking about the universe and our relationship with it and it with us. I feel a bit more connected right now.

    This photo was captured with my iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a bit of post processing.

    This was never even a consideration for my personal bucket list. I guess I have to add it; then I can check it off.

    On Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:50 P.M. I saw and photographed the South Pacific Evening Skies capturing the Southern Cross and Alpha & Beta Centauri.

    Check!    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 36: Neptune Guest Choir Performs

    January 27, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Wow! What a fun surprise when our own Viking Neptune Guest Choir accompanied Roy Theaker, in the Star Theater concert. Yes, “We are the Champions!”

    Great job, I know we will be hearing from you again in the future. Here are 16 pictures I took of your performance. Yes, a couple of you have some funny faces on some.

    Great job! Thank you.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Group in the Toesarvan
    BacardiMount GayMyers Rum

    Day 36: Taste this! Rum

    January 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Life-long learners unite! (I meant to post this a while back).

    Aguag & Destra Viking Neptune bartender’s and personal instructors on various matters related to the consummation of adult beverages continue to hold classes at Torshavn on various types of beverages. Keep your eyes on the VIking Daily for the next class. Be sure to register with Guest Services.

    Even if you are not a big drinker, or you are like me and really don’t know the finer details of one wine to another - these sessions really teach the 101 level of different types of drinks. Just take sniff and a sip and learn.

    Today’s class was about rum — So, I do have some Bacardi & Coke experience — It started in the late seventies. Enough said. I do love Myers Dark Rum as well. However, if you want to learn how to drink rum go to Belize - this past July Donna & I visited Belize - we are pretty sure that Belize Coconut Rum is running through the plumbing systems of the entire country. We did learn to enjoy a nice Belizean Rum Punch pretty much anytime of the day.

    The rums our guides sampled us through this evening were as listed below.

    1) Bacardi
    Color: White
    Country: Puerto Rico
    $19.99 at CostCo

    2) Mount Gay Eclipse
    Color: Gold
    Country: Barbados
    AU$ 54.00/750ml

    3) Myers Dark Rum
    Color: Dark
    Country: Jamaican
    $24.00 (in New Hampshire, USA, no tax)

    4) Ron Matusalem
    Color: Amber
    Country: Once based in Cuba, now Dominican Republic
    $125 per bottle

    5) Ron Zaccpa, Centenario XO
    Color: Dark Amber
    Country: Guatemala
    AU$ 222/750ml

    The saying, “You get what you pay for” is true as we journeyed up the ladder. It was a nice experience to try different rums, and learn a little bit about each.

    The reason you have to drink Bacardi with coke is to kill the torturous flavor. However, you should be shot if you mix Zaccpa with anything. It stands on its own as just a nice smooth , aaaaahhhh ….

    Class dismissed.

    #rum #myVikingJourney #myVikingStory #vikingNeptune    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    In his favorite hiding spot - checking things out.
    In the Nordic Museum about his heritage.At Juveler's - they are happy to help pick out the right piece of jewelry.This Black Pearl Necklace looks nice.It's the most expensive piece here, on $57,500 -- Yes, she's worth it.Checking dress code at "The Resturant"Hanging out at the Star TheaterNeptune Entertainer's Joe, Emily, Lois, and Lewis all want Merle's autograph.1Igor is happy to serve Merle a nice single malt, Scotch WhiskeyTime to update his FindPenquin's blog.

    Day 36: Meet Merle, the Viking

    January 27, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 79 °F

    Gail Lee is one of the lecturers onboard the Neptune teaching felting. Felting is done from pure wool with a couple of speciality needles; with lots of poking and instruction from Gail - “Merle, the Viking” was born.

    All of our Nomes and/or Vikings need a name. Why Merle? A few years back I saw a facebook post from one of my seminary professors, Dr. Merle Strege and his wife Fran went to Norway. I took one of his FB photos from the trip and photoshopped a Viking helmet on my Ethics professor. He has a pretty good sense of humor. So, Dr. Strege this is for you.

    If you are wondering what people do on sea days on the Neptune, please check out the captions on each of Merle the Viking’s photos as he shows us around the ship.

    Merle would especially like to thank the three ladies in “Juveler” - Celeste, from Namibia - Candice, from Capetown, South Africa - and Adele, from Nelsprint South Africa for helping him find just the right piece of jewelry for his wife.

    Also shout out to Igor, his bartender, the Neptune entertainers Joe, Emily, Lois, and Lewis for helping him out today.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Evening 35: Pool Deck Dance Party

    January 26, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    “Dancing Under the Stars”

    Clear skies and a full moon.

    The Viking Neptune Band has the pool deck up on their feet - the dancing energy has started. It’s time to enjoy the “Night Life, Get Up and Boogie.”

    Beka and his teammates are suited up - walking around serving rum punches to everyone in their path. If you have a bit of energy now is the time and get to the pool deck and shake it.

    The band is awesome - playing the hits from the 60’s 70’s, and 80’s - time to dance.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    1

    Day 35: Marshall Update - And More

    January 26, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 77 °F

    Today is a sea day - We slept in after spending 8 hours in the back of 4x4 pickup truck trekking through the Tahitian jungles. More on those adventures (Day 34) once I edit done the photos.

    Up at 8:45 A.M.

    Today we rushed through a quick breakfast at the World Cafe. Here are some pics of the view from our floating dinning room window, along with today’s breakfast. Got to our 10:00 AM art class at 9:40 - chairs are already filling up - the paint is already flying in the air, as people get caught up with uncompleted projects. Today, we start our Sea Turtle project.

    My protege, Marshall, finished his shadow box project, he added three fish to the scene. He didn’t require any assistance at all. You can see his finished work. Please shout out a comment to Marshall - this is his first ever art endeavor. I think we have unleashed a hidden creative …. We will keep you up to date on any future pieces by Marshall. His work will be on exhibit at the Wintergarden Show to be coming in just a few days. I am sure it can be purchased at just the right price.

    Meanwhile, I finished up my dancers and started the sea turtle project, while Donna finished up her bookmark project. At 11:00 people were still deeply engaged in their work, Donna and I closed up the place at noontime right as Captain Richard was giving his daily nautical update. I am sure happy he knows where we are — I surely don’t …. If I end up in a lifeboat? I’m doomed.

    Before lunch we did our walk. Donna 6 laps = 1.5 miles - Paul 4 laps = 1 mile. Then we had lunch back at the World Cafe. After lunch we both had just stuff to do. Photos, blogging, talking to folks along the way.

    I needed some help from guest services, once again Aimee is there to quickly solve my issue. In talking with her, I learned she is from Peru. I showed her pics of Dome homes available to rent in the Sacred Valley in Peru - I want to go there - Her face lite up as she talked about how peaceful it is there. I am now convinced more than ever that will be a place we will be traveling to in the future.

    On deck two, the castway’s from the USS Minnow were busily working on their escape raft for the upcoming boat competition. Will it float? We will soon see.

    Before coming on this our first cruise, I was a bit upset about so many days at sea. A big part of the experience is what happens on sea days - it’s not just about the excursions. People read, work on their needle point, paint, journal, write, do puzzles, attend shows and lectures, talk with new and old friends. We eat a lot. You can drink as much as you want - or not. Go to the gym, the spa, walk around the ship and view the art work (all of which have audio numbers you can punch in and listen to information about each and every piece). The Neptune is a floating art museum. So, do a regret the number of sea days? No, not at all. I need them just to catch up on my blog.

    Thank you all for your continued support and kind words as you follow along. It means a lot to me and Donna. Our real goal is to create the book that FindPenguins will create for us … in the meantime if some of you are enjoying the journey through our eyes - that’s a bonus.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 34: Tahiti - iPhone Jungle Pics

    January 25, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ 🌧 79 °F

    Right now I have vivid memories of my father pulling out the movie screen and his circa 1960’s “Airequipt” 35mm slide projector and all the 35mm slides of every vacation we ever went on. I apologize in advance.

    So, I shoot with both my iPhone 14 Pro Max and a Sony RX10 IV camera - I already posted the iPhone selfies - I deleted a bunch more off the phone - here are the remaining 11 pictures from our Tahiti Jungle Excursion which remain on the iPhone.

    But wait … I still have 373 photos on my SD card from adventure - that’s where memories of my dad come into play. So, I have over 300 pictures to delete before I even think about sharing them. I try to get it down to under 20. I will do my best.

    Thank you Tim Patton for organizing this excursion. All sixteen of us had a fun time. We were awed at the beauty we travelled through - looking at the posts on other FindPenguins bloggers and Facebook posters, everyone really enjoyed their experience on the Island of Tahiti.

    To the group in the back of our pickup truck - it was great getting to know you …. Waaaaaayyyy too much.

    #tahiti #ourvikingstory #ourvikingjourney #jungle #vikingneptune    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 34: Tahiti, Paul & Donna Selfies

    January 25, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    When traveling people are always willing to take a picture of any couple or family standing in front of whatever. Most often, not always, Dad is never in the pictures because he took the picture. Donna and I decide at the beginning of this trip we would do “couple selfies” and for the most part not have others take a picture of us in front of X, Y, or Z.

    Here are our “Paul & Donna in Tahiti Jungle Selfies.”

     We start the day with oatmeal for breakfast at Mamsen’s, then waiting for our group (16 total) in front of the ship before our private excursions, then onto the back of the pickup truck, to countless number of “Kodak Moments” which we will never forget.

    Exploring the jungle was stepping into a tropical rain forest fantasy. The roads were treacherous to say the least, it rained on and off, which made it all the more memorable. Our guide, Pe, is a native Tahitian, told use all about the history, traditions, and story of the people of Tahiti.

    At the end of the trip Pe stopped the trucks and picked fresh flowers to give to each of the ladies. That’s the best picture of the bunch.

    Please enjoy with us these “Paul & Donna Selfie” moments in paradise.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 34: Wake Up Papeete, Tahiti

    January 25, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Cloud cover this morning and some rain. The city is bustling at 5:30 A.M. The morning ferry arrives, ships are making their way to port, traffic looks just like Hartford, CT.

    We have an early private all day excursion. We grab a quick breakfast of oatmeal, brown sugar,and fruit along with a heated cinnamon roll.

    My eyes are starting to open. It’s time to live.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 33: Moorea, Opunohu Bay

    January 24, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    Sunrise: 5:42 A.M.
    Paulrise: 5:55 A.M.

    I scurried to the deck in a mad (slightly hungover) rush this morning. I am telling you this, just to let you know cruising is hard work.

    The skies were not colorful at 5:55 — However, as the captain guided the Neptune to anchor this morning in Opunohu Bay, the breeze was refreshing and the views awakening.

    With this morning photos I had a bit of fun. A couple in B&W - and I love the one with the reflection of the people standing by the window on deck 7. They had not yet opened deck 7 outside.

    Many times if your camera is not right up against the glass you get a bad reflection - or in this case a great reflection - we call this “Art” - taking a normally bad image and turning it into a creative one.

    The huts, the bay, the mountains, the villages all look very inviting for today’s explorations. At noontime Donna and I will be taking the Moorea Lagoon & Scenic Cruise. Which means I might have some time to get caught up on a couple of posts I have missed.

    I did include a shot of the Infinite Pool, located on deck 7 at the stern of the ship. Have not yet jumped in.

    So, with the Smoothie of the Day - “Coco Banana Beetroot” made up of Coconut, Beets, Banana, Nutmeg, & Almond Milk, along with my morning cappuccino - delivered by Karmila to my deck 8 front porch (see photo of my laptop setup with a view), I am left to ponder the mysteries of the day.

    Exactly, how do they milk an almond?

    #myvikingStory #myVikingJourney #Moorea    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Evening 33: Papeete, Tahiti

    January 24, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ 🌧 79 °F

    We raised anchor around 7:00 PM in Moorea, Opunoho Bay and headed to our next port Papeete, Tahiti. It was a quick trip. You can take a ferry and do it in about 45 minutes. So, our next port is very close. While eating dinner in the World Cafe off the starboard (right) sight city lights appeared and they were very close.

    We were finishing up dinner and went out to the deck 7 stern, to watch them navigate the Neptune into the dock.

    We ere heading straight for the pier, then the ship stoped and did a 180 degree turn - then BACKED IN to the dock. A tugboat was to our right between us and another ship at the pier next to us.

    We watch the shore line men pull in the lines and attached them to the posts on the pier. However, the furthest line had issues. The angle of the line from the ship to the post was blocked by a huge jersey barrier (cement block) which they then got a fork light and pushed it out of the way.

    So, it took a while but we finally got the Neptune securely attached to the dock. We will stay the night docked.

    Tomorrow we have a long private excursion, so, not sure when I will post. I will try to get the sunrise post up quickly. We are happy to be in Tahiti.

    Pleasant dreams - we shave an early morning and a long day tomorrow.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 32: Bora Bora

    January 23, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Here are some quick pics of Bora Bora from my iPhone. After five sea days the excitement levels are high.

    This is South Pacific, Bali Hai, Bora Bora - all those tropical fantasies becoming reality. Never in a million years did Donna and I ever think we would actually go to Bora Bora.

    There is a picture from inside one of the tenders which take us to shore, and Igor #2 wishing us a fun day.

    More pictures of Bora Bora to come from the Sony, when I get a few minutes to go through them. I do really work hard to narrow them down to a bare minimum.

    #myvikingjourney #myvikingstory #borabora    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    1

    Day 31: Sunset Photography Contest

    January 22, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Yesterday the ship did a really fun “Surf & Turf” for everyone on the Pool Deck. It was “All hand’s on Deck” as everyone jumped in to serve us lobster, steak, bake potatoes, veggies, mac & cheese, and a nice desert - Yes, the rum punch & champagne, and wine was flowing like a raging river.

    So, while everyone is hanging around the pool being served an excellent meal - the Neptune entertainers as playing music & singing to fill the air - the sun starts to set. It’s a lovely scene. I tell Donna “I am going to take a quick snap.” I make my way to the outside forward part of deck 7 — I see I wasn’t the only one with the idea.

     You can see all the Viking Neptune Sunrise/Sunset Photography Competitors jockeying for position in their attempt to get the best sunset photo for this evenings sunset capturing event.

    It is rough out on the deck when these competitors are aiming and focusing to get just the right angle. Let me tell you - I am glad I wore a helmet and shoulder pads - I didn’t want to get hurt. These folks are serious!

    My best hope was to capture the action as the
    fierce battle played out.

    The last photo on this post was taken just a few minutes ago. “Land Ho!” I was able to capture a quick picture on the iPhone as we sail our way into Bora Bora … it’s almost 10:00 AM Bora Bora time. We are looking forward to our time on this small paradise. It’s 15 square miles is area. I wish our stay was longer to really be able to fully enjoy it.

    Time to put some sunscreen on.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 31: Meet Jamie, Mark, & the Sun

    January 22, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 86 °F

    While feeling very proud of myself for beating the sunrise this morning, I have nothing on Jamie (age 25, on his first Viking contract) & Mark (on his second Viking contract), two crew members both from the Philippines.

    There are many nameless blue uniforms running around the ship. Unlike our favorite bartender’s who we know by name - They serve us alcohol; Igor, the other Igor, Beka, and John. The ‘blue man group’ represents the many people behind the scenes people in the Neptune Tech Department. Even though they do not have the fame of our favorite bartenders or waitresses - when you pass any of them, in a hallway or on the deck, they are smiling and great us all with a cordial welcome.

    As I positioned myself on Deck 8 to wait for the rising sun to appear, Jamie & Mark were wiping down railings, swabbing the deck, getting deck chairs and tables positioned for all of those who are still fast asleep.

    I got to talk with them both of these young men, for a couple of minutes, Jamie will be onboard all the way to England - while Mark is looking forward to returning home in the Philippines soon.

    To be fair - there were two or three early risers getting their morning laps/steps in. The sea breeze was the perfect temperature as I got to watch the sun rise.

    Please enjoy these images of Jamie & Mark and the morning sun. Hard to believe it’s been 31 days aboard the Viking Neptune. I feel like I am living in a glass snow globe fantasy world.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 31: Meet Nathan Sinclair

    January 22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Wow! Even if you really don’t like Spanish Music! Wow! Viking continues to provide amazing talent.

    I did mess up … I haven’t done videos before on this Sony RX10 IV … I thought I captured a couple of short videos on my camera …. My bad … I guess I need to read the manual. Trust me he sounded great.

    Here are a few of the images I capture of Nathan playing his music. What really stood out to me was not just the beauty of the sounds we read, but the intensity and connection you can see in his facial expressions as he plays. His music comes from within his soul.
    Y 31
    Nathan was raised by parents who were professional musicians. He tells the story they did everything they could to encourage him to not go into the music industry. But, when it is in the air of your childhood home and if practice for about 6 to 8 hours a day - then this is the beauty you can create and share with others.

    Nathan gave us two wonderful shows in the Star Theater.

    #myvikingstory #myvikingjourney #nathansinclair    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 31: Meet Marshall

    January 22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    Donna and I are continuing attending our 10:00 A.M. Art Workshops led by Ms Deborah Ayres. The techniques she continues to teach us each session push us to the next level.

    Many of you know I have been an Adjunct Professor (Computer Science skills mainly) at several colleges & Universities for well over 35 years. Today, Deborah asked me if workshop “first timer” Marshall could sit by me and I would be willing to help show him some of the skills we have learned the past weeks. I was happy to help out.

    You can see a picture of the shadow box with background and turtle all painted. He will finish it up in our next class we start up our sea days again. I think it is looking pretty good.

    The other picture is my completed shadow box. I have never done this before and I am happy with the final results.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 30: A Musical Debut (Lee & Hamilton)

    January 21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 75 °F

    Lindsay Hamilton, this evenings featured entertainer, surprised all those in attendance at the Star Theater last night.

    A bit of context, Russell Lee (trip lecturer) who is a wealth of knowledge on so many topics, along with Gail Lee (Our Felting instructor) continue to provide lectures and craft sessions to more than fulfill a day at sea. Gail teaches us how to craft Gnomes and other animals from wool, while Russell speaks on topics such as Aloha Shirts, Moby Dick, to behind the story of South Pacific - Knowledgable and a delight to listen to, Russell we are enriched in so many ways. So, Russell more than holds his own just in the lecturer department.

    But wait …

    Lindsay Hamilton, during her performance, starts to tell a story of a new song she just learned about the night before, called “Home” written by no other than our famed lecturer Russell Lee. What an amazing song.

    Please enjoy with me these photos I took of this debut performance of “Home,” in the Viking Neptune Star Theater, sung by Lindsay Hamilton, accompanied on piano by song composer and lyricist Russell Lee.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    2

    Day 30: No more Tommasi

    January 21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 75 °F

    This is the face you make when the ship serves you the last bottle of your new favorite wine. It might not be the very last bottle, we were warned they were getting low. The Tommasi is a nice flavorful, light, refreshing wine we love it with a salad during lunch.

    Last night at dinner, after Donna and I finished off the bottle of Tommasi, our wine steward at Manifredi’s was able to come up with a suitable replacement “New Favorite” - Attems, Pinot Grigio, Friuli Doc, 2021.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 30: Another Busy Sea Day

    January 21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Breakfast at the World Cafe - Not my typical $6.95 Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast. Donna slept in.

    Before I forget there is a selfie of me with another gentleman. Meet Amos - Amos is from Feeding Hills and is running a CPAP supply business out of the trunk of his car. Many of you remember my L/lost CPAP drama even before we boarded, Amos saw me in the hallway just a bit ago and introduced himself. If you remember when I posted I had lost my CPAP - Amos posted he pulled out his old one and was ready to bring it to me when he boarded in Los Angeles, It was great to have “Amos’s 24 Hour Delivery Service” coming on board. Great to meet you we will have to plan a Chef’s Table dinner. My treat.

    Then get to Art Class early (by 9:30 to get my favorite seat). Today We started a Shadow Box project, I finished up my Toucan watercolor, Started my dancers (I am late on this one), Finished my folding cut out card. We have to turn stuff in so I was so rushed I didn’t get pictures. I think I will have a single post with all the finished pieces from this segment, in a couple of weeks.

    Then a very quick lunch with Donna at the World Cafe, and 12:40 - again arrive early to get a good seat. We worked on our felting project. I made my helmet too small that is going to turn into a ladybug. My gnome still has one more horn to finish on his new and improved helmet.

    I am at Trina Beckett’s writing class now, a bit early so I am able to get this post up real quick.

    Check out the big Apple Pie it was easily 24+ inches in diameter. Tom & I did our best to finish it off.

    Last night I had chili fries (room service) while watching the classic “South Pacific” on TV. It seemed only fitting since we are heading towards BoraBora now. My folks had a set of 78’s we use to listen to all the time. I still remember most of the songs.

    Tonight is dinner at Manifredi’s - and then we will go to the show at the Star Theater at 9:00.

    To everyone whose name I forget - I apologize in advance. I am sure glad we are not tested on remembering everyone’s name.

    Thank you to the people who continue to say thank you and that you enjoy reading this blog and tidbits of our journey.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 29: From Polliwog to Shellback

    January 20, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    It’s official Donna and I have crossed the equator for the first time in our lives. This means we are no longer ‘polliwogs’ we have risen to “Shellback” status.

    Around 9:30 A.M. people started to gather at the pool. Beka and other staff were passing out nice rum punch drinks while the music played and the excitement built.

    Aoibhin, our Cruise Director, led the ceremonies, reading the story of Neptune and crossing the equator. First, she held court over all the new polliwog crew members who had never crossed the line separating the hemispheres. They were all found guilty and had to take the plunge.

    All the polliwogs, lined up - 1) Salute the fish (it use to be kiss the fish) 2) Plunge into the pool, 3) take your Aquavit shot when you get out of the pool. You are now officially an “Order of the Shellback” member. I am sure our certificates will be delivered to our room later.

    The Captain and Senior Crew members also got in on the fun and took the plunge. Finally, like Cinderella losing her glass slipper after the ball, Aoibhin shed her 4 inch heels and took the plunge.    Read more

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