Our first evening on board was spent visiting our favourite spots. Met our tablemates in the main dining room (only 3 of them showed up) and had a very enjoyable dinner. The Veal Chop was outstanding. The seas had become a bit rough and we were bouncing about so the Welcome Aboard show had to be cancelled shortly after it began as it was too dangerous for the dancers. So we headed to the Avenue Saloon and had a drink listening to Martin Orbidans until about midnight when we finally started to feel pretty tired. I didn't sleep very well but it was more because I was really enjoying the rocking and rolling of the seas than anything else.
This morning started with a workout on the elliptical machine, followed by a late risers' breakfast at the Trident Grill. We were greeted very warmly by some of the Lido guys who remembered us from our previous cruise. The rest of the day was spent attending a couple of lectures, walking along the Promenade and taking a lovely, much needed nap on one of those nice sofas on the new Lido deck. The weather has been sunny and warm but a brisk breeze keeps things on the cool side.
Tonight is the Captain's cocktail party and the first formal night so we're back in our cabin getting ready for it. We're hoping the weather holds tomorrow for our first port visit at Puerto Montt where we'll visit a working ranch.
The Internet is soooooo very slow in our cabin, I'm just about to give up. Spent over 30 minutes trying to send a couple of emails and little else - perhaps I should try the computers in the computer lab and see if they are any faster than my notebook.
We're set up for the Vintage Room next Tuesday and I'm really looking forward to it. Have not received any notice of the CC meet & mingle so we'll probably swing by the front desk and ask about it - wouldn't want to miss it.
First formal night was lovely and we had two more guests at our table with whom we enjoyed a lively conversation. We seem to be one of the last tables leaving, just in time for the show, which was Million Dollar Musicals. Afterwards we wandered about a bit, danced for a while in the Starlight Club and went to Karaoke in Luxe.
Puerto Montt
Had a wonderful sleep but an early start to the day as we were to meet our tour group by 8:30. The day had started out overcast and soon there was a light rain falling, just as we tendered to port. Puerto Montt is a nice port town with a visible german influence. Lake Llanquihue was shrouded in cloud so there was no view of the mountains. During our walk around town Blake "adopted" a stray dog and even bought him a hotdog! he was a smart fellow who knew very well how to get himself a meal by shadowing us and letting out a heart-wrenching howl every once in a while.
We were then taken to a ranch where we were treated to a Chilean rodeo demonstration by some Huasos (Chilean cowboys), a music and dance (Cueca) show by some very talented and cute young dancers, interspersed with good Pisco Sour (I'm starting to think that the subtly honey-sweetened Chilean Pisco Sour beats its Peruvian counterpart) and wine, followed by an "Asado", all to more South American music which brought so many wonderful childhood memories of family get togethers in Lima, my home during the first 23 years of my life, where mom would grab the guitar and everyone would sing for hours on end.
The weather cleared up nicely during lunch which afforded us a lovely view of the snowy top of Mount Osorno before returing to the ship. We took a spin class which did a nice job of countering all the pisco sour and wine calories we had ingested during the day. It was our first spin class and I'm not sure whether I liked it or hated it. Will have to try it again. It is a very popular class so you must show up a bit early to secure a bike.
Tonight we decided to keep it simple and had a great light dinner at the Lido where they had Casual Dining. We then headed to the Hollywood theatre to see a movie (something we haven't done in ages), followed by a couple of drinks at the Avenue Saloon. Martin Orbidans does a great job and we really enjoy his piano man skills.
No comments:
Post a Comment