BLOG # 3:  FROM DUBLIN TO CORK

 

In a rapidly changing world it is sometimes re-assuring to come across traditional customs, even if they are slightly sexist.  When seated in Toscana on Saturday night I was allowed to take from the table a large, off-white linen napkin and spread it across my black pants.  Betty’s napkin, however, was quickly whisked away and replaced with a very dark napkin that would more co-ordinate with her black pants.

Shortly, someone brought a plate of 9 or 10 different breads for our table and then the olive-oil steward quickly appeared and offered Betty a selection of 8 different oils and 6 balsamic vinegars in which to dip her breads.  Only after she had made her selection was I allowed to choose which oil to slop on my napkin.

The sommelier next appeared, and ignoring Betty, asked me (the male at the table) what wine(s) we would like to have with our meal.  Betty, of course, was first to be asked by our server if she were ready to order.  Only when the Maitre d’ came to our table did the question: “Is everything o.k.?” seem aimed at us equally.

Since Brexit cargo ships heading from the U.S. enter Europe via Ireland rather than the U.K.  Consequently. the port of Dublin has become very crowded.  To help alleviate traffic cruise ships have been banned.  So on Sunday we anchored well off-shore of Dun Laoghaire and took a 20-minute tender ride to the pier.  Our bus into the city took us past the well-maintained Georgian squares, as well as several beautiful churches (many of which are surprisingly non-Catholic, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral).  During the afternoon we had a pleasant stop at a pub for an Irish coffee.

In the evening we had our first visit of this trip to Polo Grill.   We were met by the Maitre d’, our “old friend” Dorian, who sat us at a very nice table.  We were then surprised by our waiter who said “I remember you from the Riviera in 2018.”  However, the highlight was the sommelier, who after a lengthy discussion with Betty about what she wanted to pair with her steak, returned with a bottle of Kunde Private Reserve.  He noted that this was the last bottle of this magnificent wine in the ship’s cellar and he thought we would like to have it rather than one of the wines I had pre-purchased.  I doubt we’ll drink anything as good the rest of the voyage.

On Monday we docked in Cobh and joined two other couples for an all-day tour.  We travelled through the countryside, had a stop in the fishing village of Kinsdale,

a tour of the city of Cork,

and then spent time at Blarney Castle (no we did not climb the dangerous stairs to kiss the Blarney Stone). 

 Betty and I were tense most of the day, but finger-crossing seemed to have worked, because when we entered our stateroom there was our luggage at the foot of the bed.  Today one of the people we met on the ship said to me “I see you must have received your luggage as you have changed your sweater."