- Published on
We've been following the tariff threats and Canada's response along with the conversation surrounding it. I will admit it's a bit weird being on holiday surrounded by Americans during this time.
I thought I'd share the links to a number of the folks/sites we've been reading and listening to - in case anyone is interested and/or has any suggestions for us.
We've also decided to double down on our commitment to boycott the US as one small way we can support our country. We plan to review all of our streaming services and origin of everything else during our next sea day. Most of them we've already cancelled, some were prepaid so we need to decide what to do with those. We've also decided to stay within Canada for the remainder of 2026 and 2027.
Very proud of Canada's stand and the way Prime Minister Carney has handled this situation.
If you read nothing else Dean Blundell's column explains what, in fact, the US tried to include in the proposed agreement that caused us to walk away (I understand it likely wasn't the only thing).
Dean Blundell
https://deanblundell.substack.com/p/breaking-trump-tried-to-slip-a-snapback?r=6vwqk6&utm_medium=ios
If you're interested in a great news column that includes some great humour and a lesson in speaking Aussie - our number one daily go to is IFLA I Fucking Love Australia
https://ifloz.substack.com/p/carney-just-threatened-to-send-america?publication_id=7671401&post_id=212341917&isFreemail=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo0MTYzOTI1NjYsInBvc3RfaWQiOjIxMjM0MTkxNywiaWF0IjoxNzg3NDQzMjY5LCJleHAiOjE3OTAwMzUyNjksImlzcyI6InB1Yi03NjcxNDAxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.lVdpguILhAi-Ojz4M5z5IveCz_acKFA4UcNfY3vlGOw&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://ifloz.substack.com/p/king-carney-activates-kong-mode-with?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=6vwqk6&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Heather Delaney Reese
https://www.heatherdelaneyreese.com/p/someone-finally-said-no-to-trump?publication_id=5445372&post_id=212373034&isFreemail=true&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Ross Boulton
https://rossboulton1.substack.com/p/we-arent-stupid-forced-labor-tariffs?publication_id=5347031&post_id=208771899&isFreemail=true&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
The Hub Canada
https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada
David Frum - The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/why-us-canada-trade-talks-fell-apart/688386/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDamP-pfOskNgMNI1eg0pajQfRu-q3NUO
I thought I'd share the links to a number of the folks/sites we've been reading and listening to - in case anyone is interested and/or has any suggestions for us.
We've also decided to double down on our commitment to boycott the US as one small way we can support our country. We plan to review all of our streaming services and origin of everything else during our next sea day. Most of them we've already cancelled, some were prepaid so we need to decide what to do with those. We've also decided to stay within Canada for the remainder of 2026 and 2027.
Very proud of Canada's stand and the way Prime Minister Carney has handled this situation.
If you read nothing else Dean Blundell's column explains what, in fact, the US tried to include in the proposed agreement that caused us to walk away (I understand it likely wasn't the only thing).
Dean Blundell
https://deanblundell.substack.com/p/breaking-trump-tried-to-slip-a-snapback?r=6vwqk6&utm_medium=ios
If you're interested in a great news column that includes some great humour and a lesson in speaking Aussie - our number one daily go to is IFLA I Fucking Love Australia
https://ifloz.substack.com/p/carney-just-threatened-to-send-america?publication_id=7671401&post_id=212341917&isFreemail=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo0MTYzOTI1NjYsInBvc3RfaWQiOjIxMjM0MTkxNywiaWF0IjoxNzg3NDQzMjY5LCJleHAiOjE3OTAwMzUyNjksImlzcyI6InB1Yi03NjcxNDAxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.lVdpguILhAi-Ojz4M5z5IveCz_acKFA4UcNfY3vlGOw&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://ifloz.substack.com/p/king-carney-activates-kong-mode-with?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=6vwqk6&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Heather Delaney Reese
https://www.heatherdelaneyreese.com/p/someone-finally-said-no-to-trump?publication_id=5445372&post_id=212373034&isFreemail=true&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Ross Boulton
https://rossboulton1.substack.com/p/we-arent-stupid-forced-labor-tariffs?publication_id=5347031&post_id=208771899&isFreemail=true&r=6vwqk6&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
The Hub Canada
https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada
David Frum - The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/why-us-canada-trade-talks-fell-apart/688386/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDamP-pfOskNgMNI1eg0pajQfRu-q3NUO
- Published on
This morning I went on the chef's market tour. Unlike other tours where we walked to a local market - this tour took us by bus to Deauville, about 30 minutes from Honfleur. It was a lovely drive though the French countryside albeit in the pouring rain. We still had a few blocks to walk after leaving our bus to reach the largely outdoor market featuring all kinds of food as well as clothing, antiques and more.
This afternoon we took the ship's shuttle into Honfleur and had a quick tour of the old city. Sadly it was pouring and not so much fun.
Once back on board Steve and Mary invited us to enjoy some wine and cheese in their cabin. Steve bought some wonderful cheese on our morning market tour and had picked up some local wine in Rouen. Great end to a very wet day!
This afternoon we took the ship's shuttle into Honfleur and had a quick tour of the old city. Sadly it was pouring and not so much fun.
Once back on board Steve and Mary invited us to enjoy some wine and cheese in their cabin. Steve bought some wonderful cheese on our morning market tour and had picked up some local wine in Rouen. Great end to a very wet day!
Rainy exploration of Honfleur
Wine and cheese with Steve and Mary!
- Published on
Today we visited Versailles. After about 1:45 minutes on the bus we arrived in the city and began our tour with lunch. Our local French restaurant hosted us in their green room. Eclectically decorated. our toru group was small - we plus driver and guide. Our lunch began with a pea soup (peas were a favourite of King Louis the 14th due to their scarcity) which included croutons and a poached egg. The soup was accompanied by french bread. Our second course was a beef stew and dessert was a wonderful slice of brioche with caramel sauce served swimming in creme anglaise.
From here we walked to the Versailles Palace Gates to begin our tour.
The tour included a relatively small portion of the 9 km of palace and surrounding buildings. We saw the King's bedchamber, as well as the Queen's, the hall of mirrors and part of the museum. It's an amazing place. After viewing the interior we had some time to explore he gardens. The attention to detail, symmetry and design was amazing. It would take a couple of days to thoroughly explore the palace and it's grounds.
From here we walked to the Versailles Palace Gates to begin our tour.
The tour included a relatively small portion of the 9 km of palace and surrounding buildings. We saw the King's bedchamber, as well as the Queen's, the hall of mirrors and part of the museum. It's an amazing place. After viewing the interior we had some time to explore he gardens. The attention to detail, symmetry and design was amazing. It would take a couple of days to thoroughly explore the palace and it's grounds.
- Published on
Today we are in Rouen, France. The city where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. It's a beautiful city and our ship was docked quite close to the old town on the Seine river.
Unfortunately, I've been having a bit of a tooth ache and last night it was over the top painful. So we spent the morning working with the ship and their port agent to find me a dentist. Luckily they were able to get be an appointment at 2:30 pm. Adrian and I had just enough time to take the shuttle unto the city centre, explore and walk back to the ship in time for my appointment.
We had a great time in the city. Lots of great architecture and so much history.
My dental appointment went well (still waiting on the freezing to come out as I type this). Not entirely sure what they did - ex-rays, drilling and stuff, now I have a temporary filling where my crown was and am instructed to see my dentist when we get home. Very lucky to have been seen today, minimal disruption to our trip. My appointment was $115 Euros and the cab ride was $80 - the driver waited for us!
We had intended to go back into the city this evening however it is now pouring and not really a pleasant prospect.
This is the fifth segment (seven days) of our cruise and is touted as the "James Beard Foundation: French Feast, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine." I'll let you know what hat means when we figure it out. There are some "foodie" shore excursions on offer - at very high prices! Tonight's menu is a repeat so my hope for new menus may be dashed. We're in Rouen again tonight, tomorrow we're taking a ship's tour - our second - to Versailles. I've been there before and it's on Adrian's bucket list. We didn't get into Paris today so we'll have to come back sometime for him to be able to do those bucket list sights.
Unfortunately, I've been having a bit of a tooth ache and last night it was over the top painful. So we spent the morning working with the ship and their port agent to find me a dentist. Luckily they were able to get be an appointment at 2:30 pm. Adrian and I had just enough time to take the shuttle unto the city centre, explore and walk back to the ship in time for my appointment.
We had a great time in the city. Lots of great architecture and so much history.
My dental appointment went well (still waiting on the freezing to come out as I type this). Not entirely sure what they did - ex-rays, drilling and stuff, now I have a temporary filling where my crown was and am instructed to see my dentist when we get home. Very lucky to have been seen today, minimal disruption to our trip. My appointment was $115 Euros and the cab ride was $80 - the driver waited for us!
We had intended to go back into the city this evening however it is now pouring and not really a pleasant prospect.
This is the fifth segment (seven days) of our cruise and is touted as the "James Beard Foundation: French Feast, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine." I'll let you know what hat means when we figure it out. There are some "foodie" shore excursions on offer - at very high prices! Tonight's menu is a repeat so my hope for new menus may be dashed. We're in Rouen again tonight, tomorrow we're taking a ship's tour - our second - to Versailles. I've been there before and it's on Adrian's bucket list. We didn't get into Paris today so we'll have to come back sometime for him to be able to do those bucket list sights.
- Published on
Last day in this leg of our trip. Tomorrow is our next changeover day in Rouen. Rouen is inland on the Seine and we spent today cruising by some beautiful scenery in the cloud and fog.
France. Tonight was the ships deck BBQ which got moved inside due to the weather. We arrived in Rouen at 6pm so we had a chance to go for a walk on the waterfront after dinner!.
Steve's artwork from this leg below....
France. Tonight was the ships deck BBQ which got moved inside due to the weather. We arrived in Rouen at 6pm so we had a chance to go for a walk on the waterfront after dinner!.
Steve's artwork from this leg below....
- Published on
Happy Birthday, Adrian!
Today we anchor and tender in to visit two of the 5 inhabited Scilly Islands. This is a highlight sport for both of us. Located off the coast of Cornwall, England and part of the British Isles these islands have been in habited for several thousand years. The area is home to a huge number of shipwrecks and it's eight pointed star fort is now a hotel.
Today is also Adrian's birthday - and he wanted to vist the Island of Tresco and the Tresco Abbey Gardens. the Isles of Scilly are in the path opf the Gulf stream and are temperate, almost tropical, staying above 3 degrees year round. The Abby Gardens are a collection of tropical plants from all over the world including, South Africa, Chile, Bolivia, Australia and New Zealand and many more.
The ship anchored just off St Mary's Island and we took a local tender to nearly Tresco Island for our guided garden tour. We were excited to be able to walk from the pier to the Gardens so we also got a chance to see some of the Indigenous plants.
After visiting the Gardens we returned to the ship by tender, had a quick lunch and then took another local tender into Hugo, the main community on St Mary's Island. The Islands have beautiful white sand beaches and Hugo straddles two of them. It is also home to the star shaped fort, which has a wonderful hiking trail around it that gives you great views.
Today is also Adrian's birthday - and he wanted to vist the Island of Tresco and the Tresco Abbey Gardens. the Isles of Scilly are in the path opf the Gulf stream and are temperate, almost tropical, staying above 3 degrees year round. The Abby Gardens are a collection of tropical plants from all over the world including, South Africa, Chile, Bolivia, Australia and New Zealand and many more.
The ship anchored just off St Mary's Island and we took a local tender to nearly Tresco Island for our guided garden tour. We were excited to be able to walk from the pier to the Gardens so we also got a chance to see some of the Indigenous plants.
After visiting the Gardens we returned to the ship by tender, had a quick lunch and then took another local tender into Hugo, the main community on St Mary's Island. The Islands have beautiful white sand beaches and Hugo straddles two of them. It is also home to the star shaped fort, which has a wonderful hiking trail around it that gives you great views.
The islands are famous for their honesty boxes - not unlike PEI!
This was waiting for Adrian when we returned to the ship. - The hanging Happy Bday are from me but the rest the ship did - so kind!
Going to St Mary's Island after lunch - and the sun came out!!!
An afternoon drink to celebrate Adrian!
Dinner in Candles to round out Adrian's celebration!
- Published on
Today's stop is in Dunsmore East, the gateway port for Waterford. Adrian and I decided that we'd had enough Irish cities and since we didn't need any crystal we would explore the port of Dunsmore East instead. We had a fabulous day, hiking the Coastal Trail, enjoying some local seafood and exploring this small community. The Coastal walk was a highlight of our trip so far. It ws a fabulous trek along the cliffs that went on for way further than we had time to walk.
All this rainy weather brought us a rainbow!
Adrian picked out this great new jacket for me!
- Published on
Today we docked in Ringaskiddy and took the ships shuttle bus into Cork. The highlight in Cork is the English Market which we visited first. I love these old European city markets - the architecture is great, the foods on offer are varied and displayed beautifully and the vibe is always lively and crowded. From here we did our usual city walk-a-about. Adrian wanted Turkish food for lunch and we ended up in an Kebab shop called Istanbul. We had a rather large lunch, half of which we took back to the ship to have for dinner!
Then we explored some more before ending our afternoon with a coffee and a treat before heading back to the ship.
Then we explored some more before ending our afternoon with a coffee and a treat before heading back to the ship.
- Published on
Today we visited Dingle. After a bit of a lazy morning waiting for the weather to improve we took a tender ashore just before lunchtime. Dingle is a pretty coastal community that relies on tourism and fishing. It only has about 1800 residents but bunches above it's weight with bars, distilleries, restaurants and so on. It's even home to Dingle Crystal. We had a lovely lunch, I had chowder, Adrian, Irish Stew and we did our usual walk-about throughout the town. We visited the craft market, a bunch of woollen shops, I bought a great new top in a ladies store and after a nice long coastal walk we finished off the day with local ice cream. The Murphy Ice Cream shop had some wonderful unique flavours and even offered up samples before you make your choice - I got to try Dingle Gin, Chocolate Whiskey, Salted, and Irish Brown Bread before settling on Lemon Curd. The Lemon Curd was wonderful. Adrian had the Chocolate Whiskey and Irish Strawberry.
The weather was mostly dry, just a few splattering's of rain and an occasional visit from the sun!
The weather was mostly dry, just a few splattering's of rain and an occasional visit from the sun!
- Published on
Today we were anchored off of Galway. We took the tender ashore late this morning and spent the day walking the town and the coastal path with a stop for lunch and of course an Irish Special Coffee. Galway is bigger and more lively than some of our stops. Lots of shops, pubs, restaurants and tonnes of young people.
This evening we sailed past the famous Cliffs of Moher.
This evening we sailed past the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Cruising to the Cliffs of Moher - sadly weather didn't cooperate. The real cliffs are in the last photo of fog!!
