.......idle jottings

[ho-hum]

3 days with no Ho-Hum??? He must be kite surfing somewhere.:eek:

 

Yes Jim, just 3 days (after reams and reams of high grade drivel over weeks).

Hum does a little kite surfing and your "on his back".

Wish Hum could switch with old chum Richard.

[Jim Avery]

Yes Jim, just 3 days (after reams and reams of high grade drivel over weeks).

Hum does a little kite surfing and your "on his back".

Wish Hum could switch with old chum Richard.

 

He has had quite the life. Wish I had my own airline....:D

[BeignetBoy]

Mr Hum...

 

We loved reading your review of CE vs SD. We found it especially interesting because our daughter and her husband are taking a trip on CE this summer. (They would have preferred SD, but couldn't schedule one when they needed to travel. In fact, they are the ones that took us on our first SD.)

 

But we are wondering, are you and Blondie going to be on the Crossing this April from San Juan to Malaga? Hope so and hope to see you then?

[ho-hum]

Mr Hum...

 

We loved reading your review of CE vs SD. We found it especially interesting because our daughter and her husband are taking a trip on CE this summer. (They would have preferred SD, but couldn't schedule one when they needed to travel. In fact, they are the ones that took us on our first SD.)

 

But we are wondering, are you and Blondie going to be on the Crossing this April from San Juan to Malaga? Hope so and hope to see you then?

 

Hi BeignetBoy,

Great to hear from you.

Thanks for your kind words.

Your daughter and her husband took you on your first SD ?

How about that !

Hum thought you and your young wife had been "doing" SD for "donkey years" !

Yes we are doing the SDII xing.

And you are staying on at Marbella if memory serves Hum right.

Sorry Hum couldn't help out with recommendations of places to stay.

See you soon.

[BeignetBoy]

Your daughter and her husband took you on your first SD ?

How about that !

Hum thought you and your young wife had been "doing" SD for "donkey years" !

 

And you are staying on at Marbella if memory serves Hum right.

Sorry Hum couldn't help out with recommendations of places to stay.

See you soon.

 

Not quite Donkey Years, but they took us on a trip as a retirement gift to me when I retired, after they took a Sea Dream Athens to Istanbul earlier, and we have been hooked by the Sea Dream Experience and service ever since.

 

And, we aren't staying in Marbella, but are headed back to the US after a one night stay in Malaga. However, we were able to follow your recommendation on the hotel in Venice for the Rome to Venice trip this summer and did book a room there. Thanks! See you on SD in April.

[ho-hum]

For those wishing a review from a much more experienced (and diplomatic) person; Hum has shown the link below.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

 

Hi, we published my take on the Esprit experience -- hits and misses! -- and reading it, occurs to me I didn't even mention the quality of the cuisine, which was superb. It'll get its due in the official review. Anyway, here's the story: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6870

 

Carolyn

[Poppy1966]

Hello Ho Hum. It's been a while and I see I have months of Idle Jottings to catch up on. Can't wait to read it. Apologies, far too much happening here. All my travel plans were cancelled too unfortunately. Hope you're both well. P.xxxx

[ho-hum]

Hello Ho Hum. It's been a while and I see I have months of Idle Jottings to catch up on. Can't wait to read it. Apologies, far too much happening here. All my travel plans were cancelled too unfortunately. Hope you're both well. P.xxxx

 

So sorry to hear about your cancelled plans.

Yes all well here except ruddy builders are back !

HHxx

[Jim Avery]

Where, o where has Raggy gone? Do you think Windstar would really put him ashore in some foreign Clink??? Thought we would have heard from the ole Rascal by now.:eek:

[ho-hum]

And so whilst Hum was onboard Crystal Esprit, he met two couples who were seasoned travellers, life experienced and with a great attitude and so Hum decided to approach them a few weeks after the Crystal Esprit voyage in the Seychelles voyage to request their thoughts.

Hum will refer to them as Guest 1 (G1) and Guest 2 (G2); the second guest is still working on it.

Hum didn't show them Hum's scoring or try to influence them either (promise).

Their scores are really interesting.

HH & G1 seem to view the various categories mostly the same though they have slightly under scored most aspects throughout with the exception of the "Boarding & Disembarkation" which they really didn't like !

Funny because Hum thought that was Crystal’s best aspect but we did have a private transfer from the airport and didn’t travel with the rest.

 

 

Shoreside Management:............HH: 14. G1: 15

Boarding & Disembarkation:......HH: 10. G1: 5

Vessel:........................................HH: 15. G1: 16

Food & Wine:.............................HH: 22. G1: 22

Entertainment, Casino & Spa:...HH: 13. G1: 11

Cabins:......................................HH: 22. G1: 22

Itineraries & "Adventures":.......HH: 11. G1: 12

Guest Services:........................HH: 20. G1: 17

Value for Money:......................HH: 10. G1: 7

Overall Impression:...................HH: 10. G1: 8

_______________________________________________________________

Total:.......................................CE: 147. G1: 135.

 

Ho Hum asked them about any "motion" and they replied there was "none to speak of".

 

The 3 things Guest 1 loved were:

1. Shower

2. Al fresco meals (including one evening dinner which they requested CE to set up: not readily available and we were the only guests who had dinner outside).

3. Wine

They actually said meeting wonderful people (including yours truly.....aaah) but that doesn't help you any. So Hum included the wine which they rated very highly.

 

The 3 things Guest 1 were not so keen on:

1. Transfer from "Adventure" on contractor's boat in appalling conditions exacerbated by lack of care for passengers and poor arrangement (trip took 45 minutes)

2. Very poor treatment by a bar person (Blondie actually witnessed it: Blondie confirmed it, it was very shocking)

3. Plane to ship transfer involved a lot of waiting, walking and the handling of baggage was poor making a poor first impression

[Bodogbodog]

Hum decided to approach them a few weeks after the Crystal Esprit voyage in the Seychelles voyage to request their thoughts.

Hum will refer to them as Guest 1 (G1) and Guest 2 (G2); the second guest is still working on it.

Hum didn't show them Hum's scoring or try to influence them either (promise).

Their scores are really interesting

 

It's hear say m'lud - not admissible in the court of Cruise Critic

 

We simply don't know what Mr Hum might have done with this witness - tampered wif I say...has the cat got their tongues - can't they speak up for themselves?

[ho-hum]

It's hear say m'lud - not admissible in the court of Cruise Critic

 

We simply don't know what Mr Hum might have done with this witness - tampered wif I say...has the cat got their tongues - can't they speak up for themselves?

 

Since when did you elect yourself Lord Chief Justice of Cruise Critic ?

 

Sir, you have the word of an honourable Englishman of fine breeding and noble repute.

In the "civilised" world this is of course the "Gold" standard.

[Bodogbodog]

Since when did you elect yourself Lord Chief Justice of Cruise Critic ?

Sir, you have the word of an honourable Englishman of fine breeding and noble repute.

In the "civilised" world this is of course the "Gold" standard.

 

Nay - that title be held by his Honour Keith1010 - I not be suggesting I could be worthy of such office - you need 70,000+ posts for nomination to that role

 

Would that be the same honourable Englishman who populated our fair isle - Sydney Cove has never been the same

 

I don't know a lot about the "Civilised" word - I come from the land down under where women glow and men plunder ;)

 

[YOUTUBE]

[/YOUTUBE]

 

IF that doesn't work you can view it

Edited March 14, 2016 by Bodogbodog

[ho-hum]

Nay - that title be held by his Honour Keith1010 - I not be suggesting I could be worthy of such office - you need 70,000+ posts for nomination to that role

 

Would that be the same honourable Englishman who populated our fair isle - Sydney Cove has never been the same

 

I don't know a lot about the "Civilised" word - I come from the land down under where women glow and men plunder ;)

 

[YOUTUBE]XfR9iY5y94s[/YOUTUBE]

 

IF that doesn't work you can view it

 

 

Keith’s legendary status has been recognised here in the outer provinces dear Bodog (if Hum may be familiar and shorten your name; it's a bogger to type !).

Indeed Hum has substituted “The Lord” as “The Keith” !

As in: praise the "Keith".

An Immortal. Verily.

At least we are now beginning to be agreeable with one another, somewhat; which is nice.

 

One correction, if Hum may though Bodog.

And you cannot believe the self-restraint that was required in this reply !

 

There was no “our fair isle” or anything else for that matter unless you are claiming Aboriginal ancestry old son.

No you may be lucky to originate from English stock.

God forbid you are not from Irish stock (which Hum suspects you are).

 

Sydney Cove was named after the British Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney. It was the site chosen by Captain Arthur Phillip between 21 and 23 January 1788 for the British PENAL settlement which is now the city of Sydney, and where possession of New South Wales was formally declared on 26*January (now commemorated as Australia Day).

 

Like it or not old son. You are next of kin British and Hum for one is proud of that connection. You helped democracy in Europe with a huge sacrifice and we Brits love Aussies.

 

But let Hum end this post on a chummy note.

Love the vid Bodog (you must trim the You Tube link to just the lettering and numbering for it to play; surprised you didn’t know that after you showed Hum how to click directly to this august forum from foreign and strange lands).

 

Hum’s hairstyle has not changed since that vid was released but Hum goes back even earlier.

 

But Australia’s best group is of course AC/DC.

Unfortunately they originated from over here.

 

Hum is on a "royal" visit to Sydney for a chum’s 50th and meeting up with tons of Aussie chums.

For some reason they just about tolerate the in-sufferable, dilettante and snobby Hum but they adore Blondie and for good reason.

We come together best when eating, drinking and having a bit of a banter: not too rough mind on account of Hum's delicate nature and uber-sensitivity.

We are staying in an apartment at the Pulman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour between the 17-22 May, 2016.

 

If you and your partner want to "gawp" at the odd Hum and see the delightful Blondie you may: Hum will even waive the "freak show fee".

Hum will reward you both with a round of drinks and will try to behave properly.

But it will have to be during the day as each evening is accounted for.

 

Any restaurants you can recommend would be great.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Where, o where has Raggy gone? Do you think Windstar would really put him ashore in some foreign Clink??? Thought we would have heard from the ole Rascal by now.:eek:

 

Just got back, have a lot of catching up to do (including reams of ...ij).

 

My review of Windstar Legend is brief:

 

- Unreliable physical plant, combined with non-communicative officers.

 

- Cigar smoking allowed in Star Bar, so outdoor spaces rendered unusable sun-rise to late night (due to wind currents distributing the stench throughout the outdoor bar area and pool area).

 

Any good points about Windstar were negated by these, and other, issues. We rate the Legend (and her sisters) as Not Acceptable, and recommend not booking them.

[ho-hum]

Hmmmmm. Toilets and closed bars are the first things that come to mind.:eek:

 

Haha........our worst nightmare ! Closed bars that is.

[Jim Avery]

Just got back, have a lot of catching up to do (including reams of ...ij).

 

My review of Windstar Legend is brief:

 

- Unreliable physical plant, combined with non-communicative officers.

 

- Cigar smoking allowed in Star Bar, so outdoor spaces rendered unusable sun-rise to late night (due to wind currents distributing the stench throughout the outdoor bar area and pool area).

 

Any good points about Windstar were negated by these, and other, issues. We rate the Legend (and her sisters) as Not Acceptable, and recommend not booking them.

 

Thats a real shame Sundance. We loved sailing on the small ships when Seabourn had them. I remember you asking what I thought about the ships with 60 some odd less crew......Now we know. Thanks for the info. "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play??"

Edited March 14, 2016 by Jim Avery

[Bodogbodog]

If you and your partner want to "gawp" at the odd Hum and see the delightful Blondie you may: Hum will even waive the "freak show fee".

 

Hum will reward you both with a round of drinks and will try to behave properly

 

 

Ok - will inform the appropriate authorities to get their rubber gloves prepared for your welcoming ceremony

 

Please bring lots of moola as our ailing economy needs your support

 

My heritage? - yes good English stock - from the sea faring and tin mining area of Cornwall - and most recently from the land of the mighty All Blacks but moved to the land down under when I realised I needed a better cricket team to support

 

Very tempted to join you for a bevy however we would need to come into the city from our country estate in suburbia and the old Bodog hates that Sydney traffic - no congestion tax here (yet) so everyone still thinks it's their God given right to drive - so probably won't do so but thanks for the invite

Edited March 14, 2016 by Bodogbodog

[ho-hum]

Ok - will inform the appropriate authorities to get their rubber gloves prepared for your welcoming ceremony

 

Please bring lots of moola as our ailing economy needs your support

 

My heritage? - yes good English stock - from the sea faring and tin mining area of Cornwall - and most recently from the land of the mighty All Blacks but moved to the land down under when I realised I needed a better cricket team to support

 

Very tempted to join you for a bevy however we would need to come into the city from our country estate in suburbia and the old Bodog hates that Sydney traffic - no congestion tax here (yet) so everyone still thinks it's their God given right to drive - so probably won't do so but thanks for the invite

 

No worries......be gentle with the "Marigolds"

[ho-hum]

Thats a real shame Sundance. We loved sailing on the small ships when Seabourn had them. I remember you asking what I thought about the ships with 60 some odd less crew......Now we know. Thanks for the info. "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play??"

 

"How did you enjoy the play" !

Haha

[Jim Avery]

"How did you enjoy the play" !

Haha

 

An old gag for sure but a good one.:D

[Bodogbodog]

Watch out Sea Dreamers the Crystal Queen Edie is busy announcing further expansion into SD territory

 

Details @ http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=49396615

Edited March 14, 2016 by Bodogbodog

[Jim Avery]

Watch out Sea Dreamers the Crystal Queen Edie is busy announcing further expansion into SD territory

 

Details @ http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=49396615

 

The Evil Queen.:eek: Sounds very much like the previously announced Scenic Eclipse. Time will tell. The only thing that jumps to mind from the attached release is that 25,000 GRT is a bit light for a 600' ship. I would expect more like 45,000 GRT. Who knows? Might be made from recycled hummingbird wings.:eek::D

[ho-hum]

The Evil Queen.:eek: Sounds very much like the previously announced Scenic Eclipse. Time will tell. The only thing that jumps to mind from the attached release is that 25,000 GRT is a bit light for a 600' ship. I would expect more like 45,000 GRT. Who knows? Might be made from recycled hummingbird wings.:eek::D

 

What are the implications of being under-weight Jim ?

Will it roll around like another small ship in the Crystal fleet ?

 

"Recycled hummingbird wings" ehh......guess the new tequila batch has some other ingredients in there !

 

Oh and another thing.

Hum is well used to derogatory banter aimed his way between chums but for the life of Hum, he is finding it difficult to select the appropriate body part that is being alluded to here.

Leave "double entendres" to the English.

 

Hum's scale is large........It has to be.:eek: Didn't know Drib had actually seen it.:D

[Bodogbodog]

Will it roll around like another small ship in the Crystal fleet ?

 

Interestingly I heard from someone else who is "a reliable source" today that the Esprit could indeed by nicknamed "Rocky" due to the amount of movement from the motion of the ocean she is giving her guests....

 

Wonder if they can do anything about it or not apart from hugging the coastline