Jim_Iain Apex Key West, TansAtlantic and British Isle with a Week in Amsterdam

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Thank you for the wonderful reporting and pictures!

[hcat]

36 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Not a problem.   I fully understand.  I know I shouldn’t say but my favorite daughter has survived 3 fatal disease and a BMT.  
 

I lived in double door isolation with her for 3 months.   As a miracle child I would give up everything and anything for her.  Even on the ship she calls me daily. 
 

My hats off to you,  Family

First.  

that has always been our motto " family first"... glad you and your dtr share such  a  close bond!  nothing compares.  Sal has a bond with our oldest grandson ( 7) .. possibly his clone!

 

we are up early every day ( even earlier today ...the Ring  had a neighborhood  alert for an odd sound a  few miles away)  Sal works a day or two at our local pro shop or golfs early ..so far too chilly for him in NY but next week he'll be out  there in Fla..Mornings are my fav time of day..very peaceful and productive.

 

Glad you are enjoying the cruise!

[Jim_Iain]

9 hours ago, haynesra said:

Also has anyone been to the St. Coleman Cathedral in Cobh? Worth the climb to the top of the hill 😁?

 

Agree  so many were sharing pictures.  Next trip for sure. 

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, gordylad said:

been following along......superb!!!

Thanks for following.    
 

We met about a half dozen followers on our short walk yesterday.   So many nice CC members on this cruise.    

[mac_tlc]

Jim, what a fabulous tour of Spike Island. Loved the picture of the ship through th open gate. 
 

We have been to St. Colman’s and it was wonderful. If you don’t mind a quick hijack, here are a few of our pictures. My son in law has been the music director at a number of churches, so I always take a couple pictures of the organ for him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by mac_tlc

[WNCtourist]

Jim, thank you for the wonderful photos. I always enjoy your door and flower photography!

[asnaleah]

Great photos Jim! You have a very good eye.

[journeymore]

21 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Lol. Totally agree. I like okra but what they call Louisiana spicy gumbo I would venture to say is made by someone who has never been to Louisiana. 

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, LouChamp said:

Aloha. Thank you for the wonderful reporting and pictures!

 

Thanks...  Always love you Aloha greeting.   I once lived in Honolulu at Banyon Tree at the corner of Punahou St and Beretania St.  -  at times I miss the trade winds... Didn't even use air conditioning on the 21st floor.

[Jim_Iain]

The Stained Glass is a beautiful as I remember it.   We will be going up there on our next visit in a couple weeks.

 

[Jim_Iain]

Finally got caught up and enjoying everyone becoming comfortable enough to share their tales, sorrows and recommendations. 
 

Just took a peak and crows are dissipating.  Time yo go ashore. 
 

Captain’s briefing. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Let’s backtrack to dinner last night. 
 

Chic night -  I bow ties for a change due to the relaxed nature of the cruise. 

 

 

 

How can a beautiful poultry be so overcooked 

 

The grand Finale the Chocolate Sphere. 
 

Sony at his best.  How can’t you love this team.   No pressure Sony!  Yuksel was sitting with us (as it was late) and Marcus -  all three were filming from different angels.     It is nice to eat really late where we can joke around and not disturb others. 
 

 

 

Sony told us he doesn’t like chocolate but loves potato chips.  I had to surprise him with a big bag 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

The port of Portland is an active Military base so have to take a ships bus to get out of port. 

 

Due to the festivities in London busses were reduced but worked well.  We planned on getting off at Portland Castle and didn’t realize it was barely out the gate.  Sitting upstairs we didn’t realize we missed it until we were on our way to Wymouth.   Oh well we now know where the stop is. 
 

 

[haynesra]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Let’s backtrack to dinner last night. 
 

Chic night -  I bow ties for a change due to the relaxed nature of the cruise. 

 

 

 

How can a beautiful poultry be so overcooked 

 

The grand Finale the Chocolate Sphere. 
 

Sony at his best.  How can’t you love this team.   No pressure Sony!  Yuksel was sitting with us (as it was late) and Marcus -  all three were filming from different angels.     It is nice to eat really late where we can joke around and not disturb others. 
 

 

IMG_3425.mov 67.62 MB · 5 downloads

 

 

Sony told us he doesn’t like chocolate but loves potato chips.  I had to surprise him with a big bag 

 

 

 

 

Okay I'm going to have to book another trip in Retreat just for the Chocolate Sphere now!!!!!

[haynesra]

4 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

Jim, what a fabulous tour of Spike Island. Loved the picture of the ship through th open gate. 
 

We have been to St. Colman’s and it was wonderful. If you don’t mind a quick hijack, here are a few of our pictures. My son in law has been the music director at a number of churches, so I always take a couple pictures of the organ for him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pictures. Will definitely go here in couple weeks.

[JackE]

7 hours ago, hcat said:

flowers were lovely..but the prison seems haunted by restless souls..

Agreed! @Jim_Iain Thank you for the wonderful tour of Spike Island! The photos and commentary were so evocative and educational. I felt like I was on the excursion with you. I never knew the background and history of that special place.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

15 hours ago, haynesra said:

Also has anyone been to the St. Coleman Cathedral in Cobh? Worth the climb to the top of the hill 😁?

 

Yes, the visit to the cathedral is worth it.  The view from up there is awesome and the cathedral is interesting.  Back in the day, there was a small train sort of trolley that would take you through the village and up to the cathedral.  Also takes you back down.  I don't know if it's still operating, but it's worth checking out.  You got to see all the highlights of Cobh and then you could spend the rest of your visit walking the flat areas by the port.

[Jim_Iain]

Weymouth, Dorset

 

We just scratched the surface of this beautiful seaside town. 
 

 

You will notice the Union Jack starting to pop up with bunting for the celebration. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever heard of a Mexican Tapas.  Only in Weymouth 

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Ok.  No cracks. 

 

 

Iain as a Scot was shocked 

 

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

ok.   Do you know what this is?

 

During Victorian time due to modesty. Women would change into their bathing garments in this and the would then take her into the sea so her modesty would be preserved. 

[Jim_Iain]

Down to the promenade.   Winds were really strong but in the town were we’re protected. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]