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Quiet sea day - our last one this segment - tomorrow we start 13 straight days of ports. This is us having drinks and snacks with our friends Mary and Steve - I look funny because my mouth is full and I'm trying to figure out how to smile and failed. You can see the great snacks they got from their Butler, Sanjay. We had a fabulous time and staggered home 5 bottles of wine and about as many hours later....
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Quiet sea day - we did have a cooking demo though - how to roast a chicken!!
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So excited to be back in Vietnam today. We thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our time here. We're both in love with Vietnamese coffee - 2x the caffeine as our regular coffee and served with sweetened condensed milk - yum, both hot and cold.
After arriving we took the ship's shuttle into the city, luckily this time we were dropped off not only near the waterfront but also near numerous coffee shops - our first stop. After enjoying our coffee we enjoyed a walk on the beautiful beach and promenade. It's a quite pretty city with amazing public spaces and beautifully planted roadsides, centres and beach sides. Today they're getting ready for and celebrating a community Festival. The waterside promenade was full os street food and other vendors, live music venues were being set-up - just a general feeling of celebration. After our walk on the beach we stopped for a foot massage - got to love a place where we can both have a foot/leg/back massage for $20 total - $10 each for an hour of pampering.
The city is clean and boasts some very modern and interesting architecture. After our massages we headed to the festival food booths and indulged in a wonderful street food lunch. Vietnamese cuisine is so healthy compared to home - even my donuts were made like a waffle instead of being deep fried!!! After lunch we walked some more and then enjoyed a beer at a waterside restaurant. Our favourite kind of day! Nha Trang is now on our return to list - just like everywhere we've been in Vietnam!
After arriving we took the ship's shuttle into the city, luckily this time we were dropped off not only near the waterfront but also near numerous coffee shops - our first stop. After enjoying our coffee we enjoyed a walk on the beautiful beach and promenade. It's a quite pretty city with amazing public spaces and beautifully planted roadsides, centres and beach sides. Today they're getting ready for and celebrating a community Festival. The waterside promenade was full os street food and other vendors, live music venues were being set-up - just a general feeling of celebration. After our walk on the beach we stopped for a foot massage - got to love a place where we can both have a foot/leg/back massage for $20 total - $10 each for an hour of pampering.
The city is clean and boasts some very modern and interesting architecture. After our massages we headed to the festival food booths and indulged in a wonderful street food lunch. Vietnamese cuisine is so healthy compared to home - even my donuts were made like a waffle instead of being deep fried!!! After lunch we walked some more and then enjoyed a beer at a waterside restaurant. Our favourite kind of day! Nha Trang is now on our return to list - just like everywhere we've been in Vietnam!
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Today we had another sea day. Beautiful warm weather and some cloud cover that made it much more pleasant. We spent much of the day on our deck - Adrian did some guitar practicing today too! Tonight was our second last Captain's cocktail party and we took the opportunity to do another photo swap! So much fun swapping photos and enjoying a drink together on the ship's dime. Always nice to get some photos of us that others have taken.
Also our friends Kyla and Bill flew back to California because Kyla had a heart event - so wee each wrote a note and took a group photo for her - we expect them to be back onboard soon.
Also our friends Kyla and Bill flew back to California because Kyla had a heart event - so wee each wrote a note and took a group photo for her - we expect them to be back onboard soon.
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, enjoying watching familes We didn't arrive in Sihanoukville until 1pm today. By the time we all the folks on tour left we managed to miss the shuttle to the beach we were aiming for - blessing in disguise as the weather turned, and it looked like heavy rain, so we decided to head to the beach area but left our bag of towels and gear behind. We caught the 3pm shuttle which stopped in a market before carrying on to the beach. We are marketed out so stayed on for the beach. It did indeed pour while we were stopped at the mall but had stopped by the time we reached the beach area.
We decided to walk some of the beach before finding a restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner. the beach was beautiful and the water warm. We walked for a bit enjoying watching families having fun on the beach. There were all kinds of vendors cooking squid on a stick over small coal fires, looked delicious. Then we found a place to have a beer. While enjoying our beer we also decided to indulge - each having a massage and a foot rub. The massages were followed by an excellent meal and more beer. Our return walk to the shuttle included a wonderful sunset with the light playing with the clouds. Excllent day!
We decided to walk some of the beach before finding a restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner. the beach was beautiful and the water warm. We walked for a bit enjoying watching families having fun on the beach. There were all kinds of vendors cooking squid on a stick over small coal fires, looked delicious. Then we found a place to have a beer. While enjoying our beer we also decided to indulge - each having a massage and a foot rub. The massages were followed by an excellent meal and more beer. Our return walk to the shuttle included a wonderful sunset with the light playing with the clouds. Excllent day!
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Our second day in Bangkok we decided to hire a taxi for the day. We visited the Grand Palace which includes a number of temples, gorgeous buildings and grounds as well as many buddhas. Unfortunately many areas were closed and the museum sections didn't allow photos! From here we went to see the sleeping Buddha - en incredibly large, golden, horizontal buddha. This temple also had lovely grounds, and some school kids visiting.
Then things got really interesting - I wanted to buy some material to have an outfit made - well our driver knew a tailor and we were off. What an experience. We were greeted by a couple of tailors, someone to take our measurements, and rooms full of fabric and clothing on display. As soon as the beer came out I knew we were in trouble! What fun we had. Both of us ordered what we hope will be memorable pieces - all being shipped home. A season of entertaining is now in order.
After our tailor time we managed to squeeze a trip back to Chinatown for some wonderful soup and another order of mango sticky rice and we just made it back to the ship! 15 minutes to spare is as close as we've ever cut it on this trip - the ship waits for no man - or woman - so needless to say I was a tad anxious. Wonderful day!
Then things got really interesting - I wanted to buy some material to have an outfit made - well our driver knew a tailor and we were off. What an experience. We were greeted by a couple of tailors, someone to take our measurements, and rooms full of fabric and clothing on display. As soon as the beer came out I knew we were in trouble! What fun we had. Both of us ordered what we hope will be memorable pieces - all being shipped home. A season of entertaining is now in order.
After our tailor time we managed to squeeze a trip back to Chinatown for some wonderful soup and another order of mango sticky rice and we just made it back to the ship! 15 minutes to spare is as close as we've ever cut it on this trip - the ship waits for no man - or woman - so needless to say I was a tad anxious. Wonderful day!
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Today we arrived in Thailand at 2pm. We met up with friends at 2:45 and headed ashore for an evening food tour of the hidden street and local foods of Bangkok. Bangkok is known for its heavy traffic and busy streets - it took us almost two hours, the ship's bus and two Grab (Uber like) cabs to get to the Shanghai Mansion - where we met our guide.
We had two local guides who took us on a winding tour through the back alleys and streets of Chinatown for a mix of street and "restaurant" food. Many of the places we stopped to try foods had Michelin recognition. Most places we had a place to sit, short stools and often a table. There were 7 of us. It was great fun seeing this side of the sity at night. The alleyways are full of businesses too - great entrepreneurial country.
So much wonderful food - our first stop was for a chive type pancake, followed by slow cooked pork. We also sampled fish cakes, chicken satay, a green local drink of some sort, fish hot pot, fried shrimp, a version of chicken noodle soup, chinese donut with a green (vanilla flavoured) dipping sauce, mango with sticky rice and so much more. We even had a soy flavoured soft ice cream served with more soya sauce on top. We even had an opportunity to try deep fried scorpion, silkworms and other bugs - sadly we were not brave enough!! Funnily enough though - one picky eater in our group, Bill, who wouldn't eat the chicken or the fish - he ate the insects, go figure....
We had two local guides who took us on a winding tour through the back alleys and streets of Chinatown for a mix of street and "restaurant" food. Many of the places we stopped to try foods had Michelin recognition. Most places we had a place to sit, short stools and often a table. There were 7 of us. It was great fun seeing this side of the sity at night. The alleyways are full of businesses too - great entrepreneurial country.
So much wonderful food - our first stop was for a chive type pancake, followed by slow cooked pork. We also sampled fish cakes, chicken satay, a green local drink of some sort, fish hot pot, fried shrimp, a version of chicken noodle soup, chinese donut with a green (vanilla flavoured) dipping sauce, mango with sticky rice and so much more. We even had a soy flavoured soft ice cream served with more soya sauce on top. We even had an opportunity to try deep fried scorpion, silkworms and other bugs - sadly we were not brave enough!! Funnily enough though - one picky eater in our group, Bill, who wouldn't eat the chicken or the fish - he ate the insects, go figure....
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Today we're back in Thailand in Koh Samui. This is one of Adrian's favourite spots - from when he lived in this area. I've been struggling with a GI issue so decided I wasn't ready for a literal shitshow while stuck on a speedboat or on a coral reef and therefore stayed onboard. I sent Adrian off to enjoy the speedboat trip and snorkeling tour we had booked with friends under strict orders to take lots of pictures and to be in most of them. I'm sure you're more interested in him than our new friends. You can tell from the first few he listens well - a great trait in a future husband!
After taking a local double decker tender (not the ships) to shore, the group transferred to their speedboat, where they would spend the day. Adrian joined 14 others from the ship for this day long snorkeling and exploration tour. Tai le Ne Lagoon was their first stop. The group had to climb 200-300 stairs up and the same number down to get to the lagoon from where the boat stopped. Not everyone made the trek but Adrian certainly did!
After viewing the lagoon the trip carried on to additional small islands for some amazing snorkeling. After the snorkeling they went on to yet another island for lunch!
After lunch they headed to yet another locale to enjoy some time on the beach. Adrian had a great day but arrived back exhausted!!
After taking a local double decker tender (not the ships) to shore, the group transferred to their speedboat, where they would spend the day. Adrian joined 14 others from the ship for this day long snorkeling and exploration tour. Tai le Ne Lagoon was their first stop. The group had to climb 200-300 stairs up and the same number down to get to the lagoon from where the boat stopped. Not everyone made the trek but Adrian certainly did!
After viewing the lagoon the trip carried on to additional small islands for some amazing snorkeling. After the snorkeling they went on to yet another island for lunch!
After lunch they headed to yet another locale to enjoy some time on the beach. Adrian had a great day but arrived back exhausted!!
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Today our hearts and minds are in Nova Scotia. It's hard to be away during such a distressing time. We heard about the wildfires but only just learned that Tina's sister, Deanna and her husband, Stephen and son Ryan, MAY HAVE lost their home in Tantallon. We are so sorry for everyone's loss. We're so grateful Deanna and her family are safe and sound. Fingers crossed their house is indeed okay - such confusion and anxiety for so many people. Take care of each other!
We've heard from David and Tina that there's no internet, so cash only, among other issues.
We're once again reminded to let you all know how much you mean to us and how much we miss you all.
Stay safe everyone!
Lynn and Adrian
Note: A few of you may not know that Tina is more of a sister than an in-law to me - she is married to my brother David.
We've heard from David and Tina that there's no internet, so cash only, among other issues.
We're once again reminded to let you all know how much you mean to us and how much we miss you all.
Stay safe everyone!
Lynn and Adrian
Note: A few of you may not know that Tina is more of a sister than an in-law to me - she is married to my brother David.
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Today is our second day in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and we went on a morning walking food tour with friends Steve and Mary. Our guide, Henry, met us at the cruise terminal and then we took a Grab ride - Vietnamese version of Uber into District 7.
At our first stop Adrian and Steve got to try making the rice pancake. They used a special pot, a screen over a pot of boiling water and the powdered rice slurry was ladled on and spread out to create the pancake, which was then stuffed with either an egg or pork. The pancakes were served with a special sauce and crispy scallions. This dish was followed by a flat noodle dish with fresh veggies, pork, herbs and peanuts.
From here we strolled through the streets on our way to our next course. We passed freshly butchered meat, live fish, chickens and ducks waiting to be purchased and a half pig roasting on the street. Lots of veggie and fruit stands, coffee shops and outdoor cooking stalls.
At our second restaurant we had a fresh rice paper wrap filled with lettuce, herbs, pork, rice noodles and ground beef wrapped in Beetle leaves, lovely fish sauce for dipping as well.
From here we continued our tour with a frozen treat, very ripe banana, coconut milk and peanuts - delish. By now the sun had come out and it was very hot, we took the opportunity to enjoy an iced Vietnamese coffee in a coffee shop with some great fans.
Our second last food option was a rice cake type thing topped with shrimp or pork. These were eaten wrapped in lettuce, with herbs and dipped in fish sauce. By now we were getting pretty full and opted to take some of this back to the ship for dinner. In fact we were so full that we brought our final meal - Banh Mi - a Vietnamese sandwich back to the ship as well. The final photo is of Adrian's sandwich which he enjoyed for dinner with an Aperol Spritz. We had a fabulous morning experiencing the city through it's food.
At our first stop Adrian and Steve got to try making the rice pancake. They used a special pot, a screen over a pot of boiling water and the powdered rice slurry was ladled on and spread out to create the pancake, which was then stuffed with either an egg or pork. The pancakes were served with a special sauce and crispy scallions. This dish was followed by a flat noodle dish with fresh veggies, pork, herbs and peanuts.
From here we strolled through the streets on our way to our next course. We passed freshly butchered meat, live fish, chickens and ducks waiting to be purchased and a half pig roasting on the street. Lots of veggie and fruit stands, coffee shops and outdoor cooking stalls.
At our second restaurant we had a fresh rice paper wrap filled with lettuce, herbs, pork, rice noodles and ground beef wrapped in Beetle leaves, lovely fish sauce for dipping as well.
From here we continued our tour with a frozen treat, very ripe banana, coconut milk and peanuts - delish. By now the sun had come out and it was very hot, we took the opportunity to enjoy an iced Vietnamese coffee in a coffee shop with some great fans.
Our second last food option was a rice cake type thing topped with shrimp or pork. These were eaten wrapped in lettuce, with herbs and dipped in fish sauce. By now we were getting pretty full and opted to take some of this back to the ship for dinner. In fact we were so full that we brought our final meal - Banh Mi - a Vietnamese sandwich back to the ship as well. The final photo is of Adrian's sandwich which he enjoyed for dinner with an Aperol Spritz. We had a fabulous morning experiencing the city through it's food.
