OCEANIA RIVIERA

BACK TO PADOVA:  On Nov. 5 we had a relatively long drive from Silvi Marina to Padova, which is a short hop to the cruise terminal.  As it rained most of the way the drive seemed longer and by the time we reached our hotel in Padova we were tired.  Again we stayed in a Marriott on points.  However, as it was Sunday the restaurant was closed but we couldn't face trying to find something in the dark and wet.

About 8:00 p.m. we wandered down to the bar where for the rest of the evening it was us and the bartender.  Nonetheless, he fed us beautifully.  First we had a plate of bresaola (looks like prosciutto but is actually beef) and grana cheese (a kind of parmesan) over a rocket salad.  Then he brought plates of in Betty's words "the best lasagna I ever had".  A bottle of local rosso also helped.

EATING IN ITALY:  The food is wonderful everywhere but one quickly realizes that the cuisine is quite different from region to region.  Abruzzo is largely a seafood region wheras Basilicata is more meat based; mostly lamb, but lamb that is lighter in color and lighter in flavour than the New Zealand lamb with which we are more familiar.  Pastas are everywhere but they differ by region (no spagetti in Basilicata).  In restaurants, at least, patrons all seem to order multiple courses, yet the women at least are mostly slim.  What is especially nice in restaurants is the the mark-up on wine that is no more than 30% as opposed to our 100-140%.

BOARDING THE SHIP:  We were very happy to return our rental without a scratch after competing with Italian drivers for 10 days.   Once we had boarded we quickly went to our favorite grill and quaffed glasses of beautifully chilled Prosecco to celebrate.  Less exciting were the three loads of laundry that 10 days on the road produced.

VENICE IN THE RAIN:  We had a full day in Venice prior to setting sail.  However, it was cold, raining and very windy.  We debated staying on the ship but Betty wanted to do some specific shopping so we ventured out.  The streets were flooded and unfortunately we did not take a camera as we would have taken pictures of the 100's of abandoned and very broken umbrellas that littered the streets and jammed the garbage bins.  After returning to the ship we attended an enrichment lecture and then (small world phenomenon) ate dinner with the sister of a StFX faculty member.

ZADAR, CROATIA:  Nicer weather for our day here.  Despite having been here a couple of years ago we really enjoyed walking around the old town and listening to the unique sea organ which is a series of pipes in the water that are played more-or-less randomly by the waves and currents.

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO:  We got up early to watch the 15 mile sail-in through the "Fjord".  Although we have been to this town before we thoroughly enjoyed our walk inside the old walled city.  The setting is at the base of very steep mountain ranges.

SERVICE ON BOARD:   The level of service on our ship is really quite amazing.  For example, at dinner last evening a woman at our table excused herself to go to the loo.  As soon as she left the table a waiter came with a dome and placed it over her plate in order to retain the heat from her food.  He removed it just before she got back to her seat.