Mareblu

I bet I detest them more🤣. Remember when most Aussie backyards had at least one fence line propping up a choko vine? Caring parents had passionfruit vines instead. They are watery, tasteless “vegetables” with fine, hairy spikes on skin that resembles baby crocodiles. My mother used to boil them to oblivion then try to resuscitate them with a dob of butter. Even my Italian mother-in-law probably couldn’t have redeemed chokos, and she created magic in the kitchen. Tripe is quite popular in Italy, and I love the way Italian and French cuisine prepares and presents it. My Italian husband hates it🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s really hard, I’m sure, to be motivated when you’re alone, Les. Think about the meals you used to share, and try one occasionally💜

Saves washing dessert plates🫤

Or serve it all in a gumboot and call it Beef Wellington

On a healthier note, a perfect lunch today from the new Sushi Bar opened yesterday in Yarralumla. Fresh and delicious 😋

Escargot? Exquisite. Water spray? Hygienic, and Greens and Teals would be forced to admit: more sustainable than paper waste. We’ve always loved Kiwis and their beautiful land. Never watch our breakfast tv. It’s dismal.

I always describe the Oceania experience as a relaxing, elegant country club, sans the formality.

Another plus: I agree with Mic, the Norwegian entertainment is invariably excellent

My mouth is watering after all these exquisite photos and descriptions. I'd better stay home today.

It's all over Canberra, too. Glad to hear you're feeling better. Take care.

I missed the Raymonds paragraph. Did you enjoy lunch?

I think you're right, Les, about closure because of Covid. The dreadful plague has affected so many businesses and livelihoods. It'll be interesting to see what "the new normal" will eventually be, or if we simply return to life as it used to be. Hope you've completely recovered.

Hope the management's vastly improved. Very sad and traumatic episode (for the victims).

What a terrible time they've endured. I guess there would be many similar stories. It's dreadful to be all prepared, excited about a new travel adventure, and then having the rug pulled. Tell them to hang in there...I know in my bones we'll all be happily sailing and travelling again.

Oh no! Enough to send the media into a spiral of depression

Enjoy a double for us. Cheers! PS: did you watch The Open?

Brandee’s post above prompts me to send a cheerio, Les. Hope you’re fully recovered from your mishap.

Ditto to that @subaru94

I’m so relieved. Jewel is indeed a handsome ship, easy to navigate (not literally) and the spaces in The Haven are beautiful. We also loved the private dining room for breakfast, and the enclosed outdoor terrace for breakfast or lunch, which a waiter would bring you freshly prepared from a delightful menu. The other wonderful perk is the reserved box seating in the theatre, with your Concierge waiting to greet you as you arrive after dinner. It all comes at a cost, of course, but little more than a balcony suite on Seabourn, etc. Jewel’s other areas may not be quite as plush and secluded, but they are also comfortable and lovely. The bars are relaxing social venues, and the alternate eating venues are welcoming and enjoyable. Teppanyaki experience a must. Not long before Covid drained the seas if cruise ships, we sailed to Iceland and the remote Scottish islands on Jewel. She handled the odd heavy seas beautifully. I’m tempted now to investigate where Jewel is heading next year😉

Why? You’re so entertaining.

Reluctantly agree

Gosh, sorry to hear that. What an ordeal for them.

Probably Les🤣

I’m always aghast at the number of people who fly into a country on the day of embarkation, then trust that luggage will arrive with them, and transport to the cruise terminal will be a smooth operation. Courting Murphy’s law😱

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