We had almost a week sailing from Hawaii to French Polynesia, but the time went quite quickly with lectures, concerts, choir practice, and lots of food and wine. Incidentally, the first picture is of what I call "the parking lot" at the entrance of the main dining room. Of course, there is always wine on our deck before heading to dinner.
Food is sometime great and sometimes adequate, depending on which restaurant and what one orders. When one reports to the Maitra 'de your names are electronically sent to the waiters at whatever table you are being assigned. That way you are always addressed by your name.
We had an "interesting" meal in Manfredi's, the Italian restaurant a few nights ago. We sat with a couple who were from an unnamed country, but you can probably guess. When the waiter first brought a basket of bread, the woman said she didn't want any of that oil and balsamic and that she immediately wanted butter. She then shoved the basket across the table to me as she didn't want to smell the small plate of shaved parmigiana that accompanied the bread. When the waiter then brought some lovely Tuscan wine she said she didn't want any of that Italian stuff and demanded some Riesling. It is hard to imagine a Riesling in an Italian restaurant, but after some time they did locate a bottle (perhaps it was flown in from Piggly Wiggly). When the Riesling did arrive she didn't want it poured into a wine glass but rather over a tall, very full glass of ice. One of the courses was seafood of the day which included turbot, scallops and shrimp. She wanted that but with no turbot, no shrimp, no salt or pepper, or no sauce. I couldn't tell how her plate came but she sent it back.
For her main she ordered the Bistecca alla Florentina which is a herb marinated bone-in ribeye. She wanted that not-marinated, with no herbs and definitely no salt or pepper. The chef's first try was also sent back. On the other hand, there was something that pleased her (Yes, Trump's victory).
They left when we ordered coffee. I think she didn't want the aroma. At that time our very, very, very patient waiter asked Betty "How was your meal?" When Betty replied "It's better now" the waiter almost choked trying not to laugh.
On Tuesday morning we anchored off Bora Bora and were tendered ashore. Bora Bora is an atoll where James Mitchener was stationed during WWII and where he wrote "Tales of the South Pacific". It is sometimes described as the most beautiful island in the world.
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The final picture is of the largest of the "cottages" that are part of the Conrad Hotel. One can stay there for only $ 8000. per night. Spending any amount of time here would bankrupt all but the wealthiest. I went in a small wine shop and looked at a bottle of not very good California Merlot. In Antigonish it would sell for about $ 15. Canadian. InVaitape (Bora Bora) they were asking $ 50. U.S.
I enjoyed your commentary enormously. I also can't believe you lost 8 lbs after all those meals and all that wine. You guys are true adventurers and very patient when things go wrong. Your energy is amazing.
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