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  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Goree Island

    Day 121: 1 - Dakar, Senegal

    April 21, 2024 in Senegal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Day 121, Sunday, April 21st we docked in Dakar, Senegal. Honestly this is a very poor depressed country. Our expat of 20+ years tour guide spoke of her country like it was a paradise. Looking out the bus window - we didn’t see it.

    We had over an hour bus ride to reach the Bandai Reserve where we had a “mini” Safari which lasted about two hours.

    We did see some nice animals and got some good pictures on both the iPhone and and Sony. Please enjoy these three posts to get a sense of our day in Senegal and at the Bandai Reserve.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Our recipe sheetMade to tasteBlack RussianGrasshopper

    Day 120: Neptune Mixology Class of 2024

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    This evening’s final class session focused on Digestif Cocktails, after dinner drinks: Black Russian, Grasshopper, and Brandy Alexander. Spirits were high as we all knew graduation was near.

    To quote Elle, from Legally Blonde, “We did it!”

    Pomp and Circumstance played as we all received our degrees. What fun we have all had these past weeks learning how to make so many different drinks.

    We can’t thank the Viking Bar Staff enough for all the hard work they put into each session. Also, I know there were staff behind the scenes creating those lovely displays for each session - they were works of art that belong in a museum. We are life-long learners, thank you so much for being our teachers, mentors, and friends.

    However, like many graduates we have to now find a bartending job to help pay for education. We are all wondering if Viking will offer us shipboard credits to fill in for the staff as we enter segment 8.

    Once again, thank you to Viking Neptune and everyone who participated.

    “We did it!”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 120: Sushi, need I say more?

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Rannel once again prepares a culinary delight.

    I remember when it was special to “go out for sushi.” Now, it has become my mainstay meal most nights.

    Rannel is warm, friendly, and does a sushi roll like no other. He also likes UCONN - Go Huskies!

    Dinner in the World Cafe aboard the Viking Neptune, off the coast of Africa in the North Atlantic Sea - To quote my wife - “I can’t unknow this lifestyle.”

    #sushi #myvikingstory    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 120: Memento Competition

    April 20, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    What fun today on the Pool Deck and in the Winter Garden. Aoibhin our Master of Ceremonies hosted a wonderful display of arts and crafts mementos which 12 different teams have been diligently working on for several days.

    The rule was create a 3D representation of any aspect of the cruise as a special reminder of this wonderful adventure.

    Once again the Viking Neptune family stood firm as we all voted.

    Aoibhin would ask, “What would you score this entry?”

    “TEN” we all shouted.

    And again, “What would you score this entry?”

    In loud harmony, “TEN!” We all exclaimed.

    And again “……?”

    “TEN”

    “TEN” - “TEN” - “TEN”

    Can you sense a trend here? All the entries are amazing. These are our people, our family, they all win!

    With only one bottle of Prosecco available as a Grand Prize. The judges broke the deadlock and decided on the entry by Robin & Trish “Layla & Lola” the twin elephants as the Grand Prize winner. Well deserved. The heart touching story mirrored what we have all learned on this cruise.

    Please enjoy these photos.

    Also, a special surprise watch the two videos of our own Viking Neptune Choir sing a special number. (It is the last two images out of the entire list of pictures.)    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 119: Sailing off the coast of Africa

    April 19, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Today is day six of seven straight sea days. It’s amazing how fast they have flown by. On Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 8:00 AM we will be docked in Dakar, Senegal. Then it is back to back ports & excursions.

    Woke up, showered & dressed, breakfast with Mike at the World Cafe, 11:00 The Neptune Photo Scavenger Hunt Finale, 12:15 Lunch with Donna, then up to deck 8 at the glass table where John & I worked on some personal projects. Piano music from the Explorer’s Lounge fills the air to make the whole day - just calm.

    I am having fun with Roots Magic 9 and how it interfaces with my Family Search online account. Learning tons of stuff about my genealogy. Found some records going back to the early 1600’s which need further research and verification.

    Now that Donna has experienced the Viking Cruising Lifestyle she has come up with a saying; “I can’t un-know this.” I think she is hooked.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    2

    Day 119: Meet Yoyo - It’s Magic

    April 19, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    It’s been a while since I have featured a Viking Neptune Crew member - Meet Yoyo - Bar Waitress in the World Cafe - and other places as well.

    It didn’t take long for Yoyo and I to have a secret communication ‘handshake’ — You see Yoyo would stand behind Donna (without Donna’s notice - most of the time) and give me “the look” with a “thumbs-up.” I would give Yoyo a quick wink and head nod - and “Poof” - she was gone.

    A couple of minutes later - much to everyone’s surprise Yoyo would appear out of thin air with a Bailey’s on the Rocks in her hand.

    Now, we have had some great magicians on the Neptune - but have them top that trick! Right?

    I was talking with Ken about Yoyo - he commented yes, sometimes they [Viking waitstaff] see you coming and the drink is at the table before you get there. It’s almost hard if you want to try something else, just have to order that as the next drink.

    Back to Yoyo. She has been with Viking for two years, this is her fifth contract. She is from Thailand has a younger brother and sister. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature.

    In her spare time she reads fiction and lately has been focusing on stories around Chinese history and the Marshall arts.

    Yoyo also enjoys K-pop and her favorite flavor ice cream is pistachio.

    If you get a chance to watch her navigate the madness of the busy rush hour streets of the World Cafe she is stellar as she attends to everyone’s order without spilling a drop, and always with a huge warm smile.

    Next time you see Yoyo - just ask her to do the “Bailey’s Magic Trick”. It’s amazing.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 118:

    April 18, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Today is a sea day we are off the the west coast of Africa heading towards Dakar, Senegal. Then a couple of more sea days, then Spain.

    The big activity on the ship right now is the photo scavenger hunt which Gail & Russell Lee have organized. Everyone is busy trying to solve all the clues.

    Spanish Wine tasting was held at 1:00 PM today - We love learning about the different wines, their history, and how they are made. We like the drinking part the best.

    Dr. Bryan Babcock gave an amazing lecture on the meaning of life. Many historical references and philosophy with current up-to-date thinking and how people view the meaning of life.

    Donna attended the art sewing project today - Paul did not.

    And Yoyo always knows “What time it is?” “It’s Bailey’s time!”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Picture of Bouy from 2019 cruise passenger

    Day 117: Sea Day, Null Island

    April 17, 2024, World ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    It seems like so long ago, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 Donna and I joined the “Order of Shellbacks”. Which means we crossed the Equator. Pretty cool.

    Then on Monday, January 29, 2023 we crossed the International Date Line. Also cool.

    But, today Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Donna and I joined the “Order of the Emerald Shellback” or “Royal Diamond Shellback” This is a rarity for many a sailor. Even our own Captain Richard had not been a member of this order until today. So, what does this mean?

    Captain Richard went off the direct route towards Dakar to navigate the Neptune to 0 degrees North, and 0 degrees East - Which means off the West coast of Africa we crossed the Equator and the Prime Meridian at the same time. You can find it on a map. This is WAAAAAYYY cool.

    Null Island was a 12 foot weather buoy that once was anchored at zero - zero. You can Google it. You can see a very poor photo of the buoy that was taken by a passenger who is on this cruise and also was on the 2019 cruise and saw “Null Island.”

    Gail Lee led a group of feltters on making a special Null Island pin to wear on this day.

    I got to kiss my lovely wife at 0 degrees North and 0 degrees East - Not bad!    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 116: Sea Day, 3 of 7

    April 16, 2024, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Tuesday, April 16, 2024 another Sea Day - it was laundry day - Waaaaay over due for me.

    Lunch in the World Cafe served by Casper and Ronald.

    Dinner in at The Chef’s Table serving a South African cuisine once again with excellent wine pairings.

    While Merle spent most of the day searching high and low for items on the Viking Neptune Scavenger Hunt.

    Then we finished the evening with attending an amazing performance in the Star Theater by Jeremy Sassoon’s performance of music written and/or performed by Jewish songwriters. We are looking forward to his performance Saturday April 20th where he will complete this musical history lesson with more current songs.

    Enjoy the attached photos which highlight the things I have mentioned above.

    Thank you.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 115: Trickery on the High Seas

    April 15, 2024, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    So, SEVEN DAYS at sea — at first glance it just seemed like that was going to be too long. We have been so busy with ‘stuff’ once again I have fallen behind on my penguins posts.

    April 14 - 20, 2024 at first looked like seven long sea days, nothing could be further from the truth.

    Russell and Gail Lee had masterminded a plan that made the time fly like an instant - The now “Infamous Viking Neptune Photo Scavenger Hunt.”

    Congratulations to Susan’s team of two for winning the grand-prize in the final eliminations.

    What was interesting to watch over the past five days (15th-19th) was human behavior - Margaret Mead would have tons to report had she been bushes watching us. Those not in the actual competition enjoyed the people watching as well.

    At first it was every person (or team) for themselves. You would see small coveys of people nestled together around their cell phones. Sharing their secrets unto just themselves.

    You would walk down a hallway and people would turn their backs and whisper softer. Nobody could be trusted. The competition was so fierce if the Neptune had sunk people would still be on board search from the Holy Grail - You know what I am talking about - “the checker board.”

    About halfway through this multi-day event things started to loosen up. The key question to determine your status up against your competitors was; “How many do you need?” We were sizing up the other teams, still with a hint of mistrust.

    In the dark hours of the night “deals” would be made. Example: Person “A” needs 16 more. But Person “B” only needs 6 more. What is the value of a trade? So, I heard (cough-cough) that Person “A” got 5 in exchange for giving 2 to Person “B.”

    By the last day there was a major shift with all the teams. While, there are some VERY competitive people on this ship - the sharing and giving to others just opened up. One person knew I needed just the Holy Grail - Once I found it (by way of a deal I made with another player) he gave me a big thumbs up.

    The game turned into having fun - and wanting to show Russell we could find all 59 items. It was a great finale in the Star Theatre. Congratulations to Susan & Team your win is well deserved.

    Check out the Facebook site for many pictures others have posted.

    I need to give a BIG thanks to Bob & Patty the two other team members on Merle’s Marauders. They were just happy to help me out - they found a ton of them for Merle.

    Of course a huge thank you to Russell & Gail for all the work they did pulling. As well as, all the crew members who helped us all out and organized the logistics of this event.

    I am pretty sure we could go up against the Viking Sky and win with no problem. Just pick a port, and port and we are there!    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 114: Sea Day, 1 of 7

    April 14, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    For the next seven days we will be sailing the Atlantic Ocean. On day 114 we are in the South Atlantic to later be followed by crossing the Equator and the Prime Meridian at Null Island. This will put us into the North Atlantic Ocean. Read other posts to learn more.

    So what did we do today?

    9ish —> Breakfast

    10:00 —> Craft Appliqué project under the guidance of Tricia Dalton.

    12:00 —> Lunch in the World Cafe

    1:00 —> South African Wine Tasting - you can view my notes in one of the photos.

    2:00 —> 5:00 —> Wine induced nap.

    5:00 —> Shower to wake up and get ready for dinner

    6:00 —> Dinner at Manfredi’s - As always an excellent meal. We also were introduced to a new after dinner drink friend: “Gianduai”. This is Chocolate Moonshine from Italy - It’s REALLY good.

    7:30 —> We missed our scheduled “Champagne Mixology Class due to the friendly introduction noted above at Manfredi’s. However, they did have extra copies of the recipes for future reference.

    9:00 —> We ended our day in the Star Theater listening to international opera singer, Gordana Kostic. What is really nice is while we do not know opera she explained the opera, what was happening, and how the song relates to the story.

    As always Viking educates us, feeds us, and provides for us experiences beyond our expectations.

    #myvikingstory    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Walvis Bay Private Excursion Available

    April 12, 2024 in Namibia ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    I have been in communication with a private tour group i Walvis Bay, and have arranged the following.

    Please read below and let me know if this interrests you?
    Walvisbay Port/ Private tours

    Price 95 USD. (I got it for $75 USD per person)
    English guided daily tours

    Package includes:

     3h00 - Pick up at the ship
    3h10 - Lagoon(wet land) sights seeing of flamingo&Pelicans.
    3h25 - Pink lake Salt sights seeing.
    3h40 - Breeeding area for Flamingos (Bird Island)
    16h00 - Walvisbay sights seeing
    16h30 - Dune 7 sights seeing 
    17h20 - Treasures of namib desert highlights 
    18h00 - Swakopmund highlights 
    19h00 - Coastal line road on our way to the ship.
    19h30 - drop off at the ship.
     End of service

    Snacks and drinks and local beer will be provided

    What's app +264 815677129
    duneshuttle.tour@gmail.com

    My biggest concern is getting back to the ship on time. I have been emailing them several times today to finalize and be sure of the details.

    Here is his reply about getting back to the ship:

    “I will supply you with 2 Van - the time schedule of the tours is 5 hours. by 19h00 is guaranteed you are all back.our visiting places are close to each other.”

    You can message me on FB, or email me at paul@pebg.com. if you are interested in doing this excursion.

    If you email him: Paulus Jamba. At duneshuttle.tour@gmail.com tell him you want in on the tour arranged by Paul & Donna and you will get the better rate of $75.00 instead of $95.00

    I know he can handle more than 8 people - I asked what his minimum is and he said eight so we don’t have to all be sardines in a van.

    So, let me know if you want in on this tour? I can be the middle-man. Or do both contact me and email him as well.

    He has been doing this for over 2 decades - so appears to be legit.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 111: Still in Cape Town

    April 11, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    It’s 10:53pm I couldn’t sleep thought it would be a good time to go to the Explorer’s Lounge, listen Laurence our Guitar Entertainer and catch up on the blog.

    Yesterday, we were unable to go to the top of Table Mountain - it was hidden well behind the clouds and the winds were too rough for the cable car. This morning I did get a couple of very clear photos of Table Mountain. It is a lovely sight to see.

    Sooooooooo, we were all hoping we would be heading north towards Luderitz, Namibia right about now. Instead this morning Captain Richard informed us the seas and winds were not safe to travel - so we remained at the dock in Cape Town.

    Also, even though we would have like to get off the ship and explore more of Cape Town there were issues with getting immigration to let it happen. But, I think more importantly, if there was a weather window for us to leave port - there is no way they could have gotten us all back on board to leave in a short time frame. I liken it to herding cats.

    You will see some cool pictures of a couple of tug boats pulling a cargo ship away from the dock and spin it around to let it head on its way. It was pretty cool to watch. Wondering if the rope would snap. They have done this before.

    So, why can’t we leave?

    Think of carrying an eight foot 2x4 on a windy day. Okay, now think of carrying a sheet of 4x8 foot plywood on that same windy day. Not so easy. The Neptune is the sheet of plywood.

    So, today was a typical Sea Day except for the part that we were not sailing in the Atlantic Ocean we were attached safely to the dock.

    It’s 11:00pm now - a few late-nighter’s in the Explorer’s Lounge. We all have our fingers crossed that when we wake up in the morning we will be on the open seas - and Cape Town in our rear view mirror.

    Because of this delay we will have to bypass Luderitz, Namibia and hopefully make a bee-line directly to Walvis Bay Namibia.

    Donna and I both agree Cape Town would be a nice place to come back to visit and explore more. But, right now all we want is calm seas and to be heading north.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna
    Akhona Rushi, Andy
    Robben's IslandMike, Carol, Donna, & PaulA little stop befopre going back to the ship.

    Day 110: Cape Town, South Africa

    April 10, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Please meet (L-R) Akhona, Rushi, and Andy who were running a booth at the port terminal. They were kind enough to exchange Rupee’ to USD for my on-going collection of currencies from different countries. Got to chat with them a bit before going on our excursion.

    We had planned to go to the top of Table Mountain - weather & winds caused that excursion to be cancelled. Instead, we went to the top of Signal Hill - AMAZING. The pictures I got of the clouds around Table Mountain made the trip.

    We sat in the back of the bus and asked around with Mike and Carol and were very happy to get to know them even better.

    It is still a wonder that as we walk around the ship there are still so many people we don’t know. There is no way that would be possible anyways.

    We also saw Robben Island from Signal Hill as well as Lion’s Head. It was excellent. It was windy, the views stunning, the bus driver has more guts than I do, the curves were tight and the mountain is steep.

    The Natural History Museum was very well done lots of great information and exhibits. They have a Fine Arts Museum next door but we did not have time to visit it.

    So, Day 110 I have pictures of Table Mountain hidden in the clouds - On my Day 111 post you can see why they call it Table Mountain. This is listed as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

    When we got back on board we were disappointed to find out that the weather caused us to stay in port another day. Overall, we have been very fortunate to have very few weather interruptions.

    Donna and I agree South Africa would be a place to visit again. I could see doing a one week real safari; with one week touring the city and other sites nearby.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 109: Indian Ocean to Atlantic

    April 9, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    So today, marks a “sad” day in our cruise. We only have 1 more month to go on our great adventure.

    The other day Donna made the comment “Now that I know that this lifestyle exists - I can’t un-know it.”

    It will be a big transition back to our previous lifestyle. Cooking our own meals, making our beds, washing dishes, not having our drinks made for us.

    We will be advertising for the following staff - Housekeeper, Chef, Bartender, entertainment staff, and Paul will need a Gentleman’s Gentleman and Donna will be looking for a suitable Ladies Maid. Please submit your resumes as soon as you can. Viking has spoiled us treating us like royalty.

    #myvikingstory

    It is a good Google search to make “Dealing with post-cruise depression”. There are tons of good ideas. One of the first one’s to do is to book another cruise. We are figuring out where to go next.

    Here are some photos of our Sea Day today. Lunch, craft class, napping, dinner, reading, blogging, and of course a new wine to try,

    Cruising is such hard work. We will be in Cape Town, South Africa tomorrow and will go to the top of Table Mountain.

    An interesting note - This evening around 6:00 to 7:00 pm we crossed out of the Indian Ocean into the Atlantic Ocean. I was trying to find the line in the sea to know which is which. You know like it is on the map?

    But being in the Atlantic Ocean, and only one month away from flying back to Hartford, CT is really bringing this venture to the final quarter.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 108: Addo Elephant Park (2:3)

    April 8, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Here is set number 2 of 3 from Addo National Elephant Park. These were taken with the Sony RX10 IV.

    Like all of our excursions we always wish we had more time.

    This cruise is my first experience at a serious attempt to take wildlife photos. It is a lot harder than you would think. You need good glass, a long lens, a fast shutter speed, always check your ISO, and your Color Balance, and sometimes you want a shallow depth of field, and other times you need it deeper to get every animal in focus.

    To get a handful of keepers - you have to take a lot of images. I have said it many times. Babe Ruth led the league in Home Runs (714). However, be also had 1,330 strike outs in his career. Ansel Adam’s goal was to get one great photograph a month. I wouldn’t mind having some of his bad ones.

    What I lay like about the Sony RX10 is it has a fixed Carl Zeiss lens, 24mm to 600mm optical zoom. I do miss my Canon gear, but I wouldn’t want to be lugging it around.

    As for my images - Right now I think I go by the mantra - “Even blind squirrels find nuts.”    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 108: Addo Elephant Park (1:3)

    April 8, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Here are some assorted pictures taken with my iPhone as we ventured through the Addo National Elephant Park.

    The two half day safari’s we have done have given Donna and I a taste to want to do a longer multi-day overnight safari. It would be great to wake up with the sun, have a personal 4x4 and guide, and see the nocturnal animal s as they come out at night.Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 108: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

    April 8, 2024, Indian Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Today we landed in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In the morning things did not go as planned for the Viking Neptune staff. First, I heard the pilot was 1 ½ hours late to get on board to guide us to the dock. Then it took a while for immigration to get on board and settled in. So, we waited in a VERY long line until they decided to have us sit in the Star Theater. We had to all pass through a face-to-face immigration check then get to our buses for the day’s excursions.

    Some how - not sure why - the excursion gods were on our side today. The night before we watched the port talk and saw that our excursion was a bus ride through the Addo National Park, and we should have signed up for the 4x4 Safari. Too late to change it the night before.

    Donna was on FB and noticed that Mike & Carol were choosing to stay onboard and offered their 4x4 tickets to the first people who wanted them. We jumped on it. Thank you Mike and Carol we had a great time on the 4x4 excursion.

    It was a mad house at the pier. Everything was running late. I think a bus or two got changed. I felt badly from the Excursion staff. You will see a picture from the bus window of the Excursion staff once everyone was on their buses and on their way. I saw excursion staff all give a huge sigh of relief that they did it! Everyone was off to their various excursions.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 107: A Rainy Sea Day

    April 7, 2024, Indian Ocean ⋅ 🌬 70 °F

    Today was a planned sea day as we headed towards Port Elizabeth.

    The ship was tossing and turning due to strong winds and seas.

    Not much to report - pretty low key.

    We did a felting and paper folding projects. I am almost finished reading “The War of Art.”

    Watched Port Talks on the TV. Went to bed early.    Read more

  • World Cruise: Paul and Donna

    Day 106: Richard’s Bay Cancelled

    April 6, 2024, Indian Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    8:10 am Captain Richard just announced due to unsafe weather conditions we will not be docking at Richard’s Bay.

    One picture shows the current route and position of the Neptune. You can see we headed in then turned out.

    At noontime we got an announcement that we will be docking in Durban, South Africa at 4:00pm

    Opps. Bad weather in Durban. Not docking here today either.

    The Neptune staff has done a great job calling an audible.

    I feel for the responsibility Captain Richard has. Clearly safety of passengers, crew, and the ship have to take priority.    Read more

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