Rare Lois R Posted October 27, 2017 #5001 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Hi everyone, the food talk is always fun:)....went out to dinner with my sis, bil and 2 other friends last night. I had FRESH GROUPER:D........it was FABULOUS...........it was "herb crusted" and delicious........I forgot how good Grouper is.....Yummy:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 27, 2017 #5002 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Jeff, like you, Roberto loves Vienna...he can stay hours at the Musical Instruments Museum...but we've never been in winter and have missed the Christmas Markets. I'm sure that would be a treat!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 27, 2017 #5003 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Lois, great to hear from you and that you had a lovely dinner with your family. Today's been a very busy day for me; first the drive to Ithaca for the drama club, and then the grandkids who will stay with us over the weekend. Drama was exciting and so the kids will be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted October 27, 2017 #5004 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Hi Cam:).......yes, we had a really nice time. As for sis and bil, they are leaving on Wed for a TA crossing.....They fly to Rome and sail home....they are going on Celebrity. And I made my payment today for my cruise next summer.....it is early because of the savings being offered.......paying in full saves me 10%......it is on WHISPER......from Venice to Nice in July 2018:) And I am seriously looking at WINDSTAR for my birthday cruise.......those sailing ships look really appealing....it is a Costa RIca/Panama Canal itinerary..........I have never been to either place and never sailed Windstar either.....it is giving me major food for thought;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 27, 2017 #5005 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Lois, your cruise planning is getting serious. The Whisper is a grand lady and you will enjoy her. Since it will be July, you will probably have a younger crowd mix and maybe children. I missed having more of a demographic mix in our last cruise...younger people tend to elevate our spirits! However, not ready for Disney... The Cruise Director on the Whisper was a fine lady, Vicki Van Tassel, and she was delightful. I've never sailed Windstar, but have heard very good reviews. I'm sure you will have a very happy birthday on a cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 28, 2017 #5006 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Spain on the brink as Catalonia declares split https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/spain-on-the-brink-as-catalonia-declared-independence-and-madrid-imposes-direct-rule-pgz69wpr7?shareToken=ac91dd7937926879386165d953fb79e1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 28, 2017 #5007 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Good morning Coolers, Thanks for the article, Jeff. These are interesting times, as the Chinese proverb goes. I understand yesterday's rally was on the plaza between the Cathedral and the Hotel Colón, where we usually stay when in Barcelona. I read that many of the pedestrian streets shooting from the plaza were closed. Those tourists wanting to enjoy the Barrio Gotic were probably unable to stroll around it. Penny, my hopes for a calm visit to Barcelona prior to your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solo mi! Posted October 28, 2017 #5008 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Good morning. I just read the article, thanks Jeff. Thank you for your kind words, Cam! The article mentioned civil disobedience and my main concerns are things like baggage handling and longshoremen duties. Plus road closures. I'm staying at Condes de Barcelona in Eixample. I stayed in that area last year. Centrally located, as you probably know.....but it is a matter of getting to and from, isn't it? So, buen dia, quien sabe? and que sera! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 28, 2017 #5009 Share Posted October 28, 2017 It's extremely sad C, because to me it seems to have been so badly handled with Madrid seeming to want this heavy-handed confrontation. Handled differently and intelligently it could have had a much better chance of a peaceful resolution. The argument from many who do not have a view on the detail will be with the way that there has been no talk of real and meaningful consultation and an offer even to see what the whole of Spain feels. To us non-Spanish it is easy to see this simplistically, but unusually when the older generation is often the generation calling for peace, it is the older generation that can recall Franco and dictatorship and to many of them this feels like they fought and lost lives for simply a further dictatorship under the guise of democracy. When a government forgets it serves the people and not the other way around it loses ground to extremism. Anyway ... enough of me and my angst ........ guess what we are having today ...... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solo mi! Posted October 28, 2017 #5010 Share Posted October 28, 2017 I agree with you, Jeff. It could have been handled so much better. The heavy handedness during and after last month's vote must have caused some Catalans to change their thinking, and now this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 28, 2017 #5011 Share Posted October 28, 2017 It's a real and avoidable shame. This impacts the whole of Europe because whilst countries have indicated their support of Madrid and condemnation of Catalonia, none have criticised Madrid's handling and this plays right into the hand of the growing Euro-sceptics. Ordinary citizens in Europe will feel that this is another sign that big and bigger government doesn't work for ordinary people with reasonable aspirations that they simply to be "heard"and I think that even amongst those (for example) who supported a united UK we feel at least we had a consultation as we have also had with the EU Brexit. The Catalans have had no such offer. They are understandably desperate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted October 28, 2017 #5012 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Good morning:).........going to look at appliances today........actually getting ready to leave a few minutes....... I am looking at a new frig and oven....not sure I am buying today but want to see what is out there and I think I am going to a real Appliance store;)......rather than Home Depot......we have a locally owned store that sells many brands, I think they may be a bit more $$ but I know their name and believe they are more experts in these products. Will let you know if I find something:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 28, 2017 #5013 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Regarding Cataluña, for centuries after the unification of Spain by Fernando and Isabel, the catalans were allowed to use their language and their cultural idiosyncrasies were not frowned upon. With Franco, there was a dramatic change, the Spanish language was imposed and they were forced to think themselves as only spaniards. After Franco, there was some latitude, but not very much. Spain needs Cataluña; its industrial base and rich mineral resources. I agree that this situation has been handled ineffectively by the Spanish government...had they, over the years, negotiated more self government and respect for differences, this situation could maybe have been avoided Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissSophia Posted October 28, 2017 #5014 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Mike I feel your anticipation and look forward to hearing all about the planned trip. Last night at 2am I received an email from IHG group offering points with a 100% free uplift so I filled my boots up to the maximum with them ie 120,000 in total. Hopefully they'll have another offer in the new year as our Vienna trips rely largely on the points! Already have two 5 day trips booked ie in a few weeks and our birthdays in September, and hopefully soon we'll book 2018 Christmas Market Safari as they currently plan to close down for a total rebuild in 2019. We love going there and we've been promised we'll be invited to both the closing down and reopening parties. Just noticed you made the 5000 post Jeffers......looks like WC4 is imminent!! 🍾😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 28, 2017 #5015 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Just noticed you made the 5000 post Jeffers......looks like WC4 is imminent!! 🍾😊 Doesn't time fly ...... it would be nice if the current thread was indulged umtil New Years Day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted October 28, 2017 #5016 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Hi coolers! Having a blast here in Peru. Great tour this morning in Salaverry, with Pre-Incan temples, horse riding, and dancing. Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and Peruvian boobies this afternoon at Islas Guañape. Amazing food and great company. Will try to check in later. Can't keep up with the live postings but thanks for stopping by! Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camillus112 Posted October 28, 2017 #5017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 JP, so glad you are enjoying yourself so much. Looking forward to lots of detail in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill B Posted October 28, 2017 #5018 Share Posted October 28, 2017 And I made my payment today for my cruise next summer.....it is early because of the savings being offered.......paying in full saves me 10%......it is on WHISPER......from Venice to Nice in July 2018:) Are you sure? Look at post #14 on this thread - https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2555250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted October 29, 2017 #5019 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Are you sure? Look at post #14 on this thread -https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2555250 HI, ok....they will probably continue to offer the discount.........? Is that what you are referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jillyf Posted October 29, 2017 #5020 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Terry (TLCOhio), there is a question on the Regent board about a Cape Town to Cape Town cruise and how long to stay after the cruise. I tried to post your thread, without success. I thought you might answer his thread as your photos are wonderful. I'm sure it would help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 29, 2017 #5021 Share Posted October 29, 2017 This week's Sunday Clarkson with a funny cartoon ...... Wine bore’s red? Wide-awake white? No, I’ll take the vino in-betweeno https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/no-i-m-not-wearing-ros-tinted-glasses-whenever-i-drink-i-ll-take-the-pink-nx88ncldm?shareToken=4812c33bc238c08c76e15fc382e7fc36 Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissSophia Posted October 29, 2017 #5022 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Hi All..... JP....so pleased you and Chris are having fun....just enjoy and you can tell us all about it when you get home! So the clocks turned back last night which means early dark evenings which l love......folk think I'm crazy! Managed to finish writing all the Christmas cards this morning..all stamped and ready to go..... Roast chicken for luncheon....furry babies and l will share.... Happy Sunday 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 29, 2017 #5023 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Happy Sunday all...... Kippers, Sarsons, brown bread and Bredon for lunch today ...... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted October 29, 2017 #5024 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Last sea day all. Grey and chilly. Lots of photos to post. I know JP behind us, but can't see him. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted October 29, 2017 #5025 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Spins, SS aren't charging you by the word are they ......... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts