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  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 136: Paris & Friends (Post 2:2)

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Those of us in the IT World understand the dreaded word “Consultant.” Oui, the consultant from Paris France will come and solve all of our IT problems.

    Back in 2009 Joel (A consultant from France) came to New Haven Ct; together Joel and I were locked up in a room for 30 days (and many nights) building a BPM software solution for Yale University. Yes - it was the Lombardi project.

    When you work this closely with someone you either kill each other - vowing to never see this person again - Or you become life long friends. I am happy to report the latter of the two options is the outcome of our journey.

    Back in 2009 Joel stayed with us for a night - we showed him around Boston. Through the magic of FB we have remained friends - having never seen him since.

    A couple of days before arriving to France I messaged Joel of our arrival and VERY short stay in Paris. Without hesitation he adjusted his schedule (Yes - he is still a dreaded consultant now working in the AI space) and was able to drive into the city to meet up with Donna and myself.

    Having limited time we walked into an area that was once a castle - with a lovely garden and tree lined path. Found a cafe to have a meal and a beer together - and basically picked up right where we left off in 2009. Updated on children, grand-children, jobs, our retirement were all shared.

    Once our meal was done, we walked past the Louvre and Joel got a picture of me kissing my lovely wife on a bridge spanning La Seine River. You know just like in the movies.

    These three hours with such a good friend surpassed anything anyone could wish for in Paris. There just isn’t an excursion in the VIking Daily for this type of time.

    I am sure there are many who read this who understand these types of relationships. Today is a special day on our adventure. What a wonderful way to put a bow on this world cruise.

    Also, having someone who knows how to order in French really helped.

    Please enjoy these pictures.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 136: Viva La Paris (Post 1:2)

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Today, day 136 Captain Richard led us safely into Port Honfleur, France. Which is at the mouth of the La Seine river. Then we were on a bus at 9:15 AM for a three hour journey to Paris.

    My dreams from 5th grade French class - Mr. Pino’ teaching “Comen Talle vous?” And the many stories he would tell of wonderful Paris were about to come true.

    The countryside of Fannie is lovely - Most of which reminded us of the states. We like West New York State - very similar. A long ride - but worth it.

    Finally there is was out the bus window - The Arch de Triumph and then the Eiffel Tower. Due to limited time in Paris (only 3 hours) we did not get to explore these gens of Paris. La Seine is amazing- The driver parked the bus under The Louvre in a parking garage. Then we were off to the streets of Paris for the BEST time a person can have in Paris - See Post #2

    Meanwhile enjoy these pictures.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 128: Tangier, Morocco - Part 1

    April 28, 2024 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    We spent today in Tangier’s Morocco. Again, so of the people selling their wares got very pushy. But today I was in the zone with my camera. Every where I looked I saw an image just wanting to be captured. Please enjoy these images, I will let them speak for themselves. I would go back here to take more pictures.Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 127: Casablanca, Morocco

    April 27, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Today we took the included “Casablanca: City of White” included tour. It was a nice bus tour with several nice places to stop. The colors of the markets always impress me. The different varieties of olives was nice to taste.

    Donna and I weren’t running at 100%. Even with the bit of rain we had, we did enjoy the tour, at lunch at a local cafe. We ordered something that was local - forgot what it was called - but we both enjoy the meal. It was like a lamb gyro wrap thing.

    We did find a pharmacy and stocked up on drugs to help our coughs & cold bug.

    The colors and excitement continue to wish I had more time there. Morocco is a very religious country with a lot of churches and mosques.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 126: Agadir, Morocco

    April 26, 2024 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    What I hated about Morocco was the pushy in your face people trying to sell you stuff. I hate it when my space is invaded so much and that they just won’t leave you alone.

    What I loved about Morocco was everything else. The colors, the excitement, the energy all made you feel alive. There is extreme poverty in Agadir. The people I did meet that weren’t pushy hawkers were really nice and fun to talk with.

    I would like to go back here to really explore the colors, patterns, and artistic energy that radiates for just above everywhere. Like most of the stops on our cruise, you just never have enough time to do and see it all.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 125: Heading towards Agadir, Morocco

    April 25, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    So, pretty much today was a Sea Day. We did not dock into port until 4:30 PM and there were no planned excursions for us.

    We did have a nice Facebook chat with Keara & our new grandson Ozzy. You got to love the internet. We hadn’t been feeling great so for the most part we stayed to ourselves. Sushi for dinner is always nice.

    You can see a pic of our friend Robin when we were in art class. Today we were making gift wallets. We opt’d out of the evening destination performance in the Star Theater to get to bed a bit early.

    Not much to report, pretty sunrises and sunsets - you know the same thing pretty much every day. Great people & friends, Amazing food, and Mother Nature always paints beautiful art work in the skies.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 124: Canary Islands, Spain

    April 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    It’s almost 6:00 AM, I didn’t sleep well last night. My throat was dry - coughed a lot - and just not tired. Peeking out the veranda looking for signs of a sunrise, only to find out Captain Richard is guiding us into port by the moon and the stars. Sunrise is at 7:30AM

    A bit in disbelief, I have heard of the Canary Islands but never thought in a million years I would be walking their shores. This type of event falls under the category of; “It wasn’t on our bucket list - but it is now.” Pinch me.

    While Canary Islands are located west of Africa, one would think they might be a part of Africa - they are not - they belong to Spain.

    On the deck 7 with my mate Brian watching the sunrise.

    Breakfast is served. We will miss Karmila.

    Later on this morning about 9:00AM Donna and I will grab our QV’s [QuietVox] and head out on a four ½ hour excursion to visit Pyramids & the Esperanza Forest.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 123: Canary Islands, Spain

    April 23, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    As we continue our journey up the western coast of Africa toward Morocco we are sailing towards the Canary Islands which we visit tomorrow. But I have no idea were we are today. Yes, it’s a sea day

    The ship had one of those required drills in the morning. Also, there was a Art Show of various works which people on the ship had done.

    Tricia Dalton leads us in making Thank you cards in our art class this morning. The bartending staff welcomes us to a Port Wine tasting event at 1:00pm - then a nap is in order.

    At 6:30pm Russell Lee presents a lecture on ABBA and their story. Some of it we have heard before, it is common knowledge. Russell is always able to provide more details to the “Great” stories he tells.

    Viking entertainer Lewis Petrie, takes the stage tonight with a great show, All of the Viking entertainers are so gifted and talented.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
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    Day 122: Celebrate Passover Seder

    April 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Over 100 hundred people attended the Passover Seder celebration in The Restaurant. Chef Willy, Casper, the cooks, the waitstaff were all amazing.

    Personally, I have always wanted to attend a Seder and to share this with our Viking Community/Family was wonderful.

    I asked Josh, “So, what was the percent breakdown?” He replied, “Well, I know who all the Jews are - I would say 30% Jewish, and 70% non-Jewish.”

    I think I can easily say “Thank-you” from the 70% crowd for welcoming us into your celebration, your remembrance, and your time of reflection of hope.

    The leaders of the event did a wonderful job of “editing” what is traditionally an all evening meal and service. We were taught the meanings of the Seder plate, and we “Heard a GREAT story.” There was an excellent balance of showing us the key elements - skipping over some of the “long stuff” - Happy to have a a good balance of Hebrew and English - and holding to those elements which are key for the Jewish Community who were present.

    The meal WOW - Chef Willy and his staff hit it out of the park. Kosher wine was served. Fresh herbs & spices, Gefilte fish, Matzo Ball Soup, and more. Perfect.

    It was really exciting as the meal was served to just listen to all the noise and commotion of people just sharing like a big family meal. This event really demonstrated what our Neptune Family has become these past 123 days.

    To watch the sunset as we sang the children’s song “Chad Gadya” (Which is the way the Seder is closed) really reminded us of the struggles we all face and the injustices which are among us everyday. The story of Moses and the Hebrew community reminds us of the Hope our various faiths provide to us.

    “Then came the Most Holy, blessed be the Name, and slew the angel of death …”

    So, what about next Passover? I am thinking Josh & Robin’s house? If not, then we just need another cruise.    Read more

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