Zqueeze1

I have to go with Pacific Rim. I like the flavor palates and the exoticness of their dishes. Z and TB

Good Morning! We are having a sea day today after a sobering and thought provoking day yesterday. The internet is still slow when uploading pics. But will try. We spent the morning on a bus tour to Hamburg where we saw the usual sights to include the red light district (sorry no pics of that one). After a quick bite at an excellent deli, we proceeded to our next destination, Nueungamer concentration camp. Prior to lunch, we were told to ensure we had cash since many shops in Hamburg don’t take credit cards. An unfortunate couple ordered the works to include wine only to be told it was a cash only business. Since they had no Euros, the poor husband took off like a bat out of hell looking for an ATM. He never found one and was relieved when they finally accepted his dollars. The concentration camp was a sobering experience. It was a minor camp that dealt mainly in brick making but evolved more into the death business. 50,000 souls were lost in this camp mostly by gassing. I felt sadness and anger as I thought about how can we do these atrocities to each other? Why can man be so cruel? The memory of the victims of this camp live on through ongoing research to identify every person who was murdered there. I was quiet on the ride back to the ship, but glad to have had the opportunity to experience the camp. Victims’ memorial tower: Mementos left to honor loved ones: Panels listing names of victims: Guard tower Remains of where victims were gassed: Z and TB

Note: I am posting without pics since I cannot get them to upload this morning. Will repost as soon as I can get internet to cooperate. Good Morning! Kiel is a beautiful port city currently in the midst of celebrating a sailing festival along with what seems to be a city wide party. It is located in the Baltic coast in northern Germany. There are many food and liquor stands open to the public. We cancelled our tour to a village and decided to walk throughout the city center. Of course we had to have a local beer as well as a delicious bratwurst. Both were superb. The city is very walkable from the port with a blue line painted on the sidewalk for one to follow into the city center. We walked along Dänische Strasse which is lined with shops. We loved seeing many mature trees especially since they are so rare where we live. In the old town, the medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts. We overnighted in Kiel and will depart tomorrow for a well deserved sea day. Last night we went to Pacific Rim for what became a memorable dining experience and Asian food fest. The colors of the food are so vibrant and the flavors explode. TB had spring rolls, giant punk tiger prawns, mushrooms, and pork ribs. I had beef tataki beef, pot stickers, pork ribs, and lamb chops. Of course we shared each app and entree making this a five star happy dance event. Z and TB

It is a whisky sour made by Irina at the Meridian Lounge. Z and TB

Happy Father’s Day!!! Z and TB

I am having some internet issues so had to split up the posts. IRT the internet, it has been the fastest I have ever experienced. Uploading of pics can take about a minute compared to the old days where it would take a minute per pic. Unfortunately, my luck has run out and am having a difficult time loading pics. Here is the run down of last night’s chow. TB/Inga had soup, risotto, and scallops. I had a cesar salad, crab and avocado app, and the spectacular sea bass. Everything was perfect and made me do a happy dance after chow. Of course, we missed the show and hit the rack by 2200. Today we plan to turn in our tour tickets and walk into town on our own in the hunt for beer and brats. Tomorrow will be our day to visit a former concentration camp. Z and TB

We started the evening last night visiting Irina and watching the sunset with new friends. Z and TB

Good Morning! We are currently docking in Kiel and it looks like another beautiful day. I got hit by the sleep monster yesterday and slept through most of our tour. But, what I did see of Sweden was spectacular. I slept through every bit of commentary. It was awesome. We went to two islands about 75 minutes from the port and walked around them. Both islands were noted for their summer homes owned by locals as well as many Norwegians. We even saw folks swimming in the water. The rest of the day was spent paying my respects to Marko at the pool bar. Z and TB

In case inquiring minds want to know, Hockeyken is a long time friend from Canada. We have been trading insults for over thirteen years. Not to keep you out of the loop, here is a pic of him when he was younger: Here he is chilling out: He’s a real peach. Z and TB

Good Morning! I finally got a good night’s sleep and feel great. We are in Gothenburg, Sweden and raring to see the sights. Our tour today is a panoramic and walking tour of the city. We are looking forward to it. TB is still sleeping and I am on my second French press coffee. We are now Meridian Lounge groupies. This is Irina our favorite bar tender: We decided to eat at Sette Mari last night. We had to wait until 2000, but that’s what the lounges are for. It was another great meal. App: Inga (her self given call sign) had a superb steak And I had veal picata. Both dishes were awesome. I know because I tasted both. we were fortunate to sit outside where we had a beautiful view of sail away. In continuing our tradition, we failed to make the evening show. A couple of comments: -Service has been impeccable and very professional -The seating areas through light the ship are well separated with plenty of room allowing one to feel as if the ship is never crowded -The crew is very friendly and approachable -Meals have been excellent with only a couple of minor misses Here is a pic of Copenhagen stolen from Passages: Tomorrow: Kiel, Germany where we visit a former concentration camp. Z and TB

Copenhagen is another beautiful port that did not disappoint. The day started partially gloomy, but turned into mostly sunny and cool. It was gorgeous. Copenhagen is built with many canals and continues to expand by reclaiming land. The new port is on recently claimed land, but is also further away from downtown. Our tour today was a canal boat ride with a stop at the little mermaid statue. Unlike the charming story we all know from Disney, Hans Christian Andersen had a much darker and sadder ending in the original story but I can’t tell yous. Our guide pointed out the buildings that we sailed past to include royal homes, cultural centers, and the various neighborhoods. I loved all the sailboats we went past. This dude was kind enough to point out the closest bar. Towards the end of the boat cruise, we had a hard time making a 90 degree turn. A nearby tour group turned their full attention to us and gave a turn by turn commentary in 100 decibel Spanish. I thought I was home visiting relatives who only speak in two volumes: loud and screechy loud. This is our current home. There was another ship in port from a cruise line I am not familiar with. Z and TB

You are exactly correct. I knew they were swans, but I had a near senior moment. I did not know that the baby was a cygnet. Z and TB

They hold me well and I consider myself part of the hefty club. I do like the seats at the Splendor pool bar. It just so happens that more are needed. Z and TB

I agree. More can easily fit. Z and TB

We were in beautiful Norway yesterday where we went on a walking tour of Kristiansand and looked for trolls (Hockey Ken look alike). What a quaint city. We walked through the port into the fish market Can you see the duckling in front of mama geese? And continued to see the new and old part of town We ended the tour in a plaza where we visited this beautiful church. After 12000 steps, we returned to the ship with burning toes and TB went for a swim while I tended to my flock at the pool bar. Note to self: never wear jeans and a long sleeve t shirt when the weather turns to 77F. Yesterday was our anniversary dinner at Prime 7 and it was very good with great service and food. I had the scallop, Caesar salad, and rib eye with lobster tail. The Boss had crab cakes, wedge salad, and the whopping 18 ounce steak. We were surprised to be served a tiramisu for our anniversary of which I only took a pic of my half. When we returned to our suite, we found this on our bed: Today: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰 P.S. I am not an alcoholic. However, at 0915, I walked up to the pool bar to say hello and Marko hands me a rum and diet ginger ale without my asking for it. Of course, I took my medicine. Z and TB

I was wearing an orthopedic boot due to a partial tear on my Achilles tendon. Great memory! Z and TB

Sasquatch: The dude is wearing two different shoes! My gentlemanly demeanor keeps me from commenting about the things you put in your mouth. Love you, too. Z and TB

Insomnia is a big itch (silent g) I can’t say much about today because we went “dolce far niente” or the sweetness of doing nothing. We spent a lot of time in the Observer lounge and strolling around the ship. After going to the morning lecture on Scandinavia, we watched the sea and had a spectacular lunch highlighted by boulliabase (sp). This cruise is different from our previous ones in that the passengers consist of a younger crowd. I have to muscle in to get my pool bar seat. Also, there are 49 kids (under 18) onboard! A world record! A couple of observations on the ship. It is beautiful with gorgeous decorations. It has a lighter palate than Explorer both complementing and contrasting it. Before dinner we went our our new favorite cocktail spot, the Meridian lounge. It is a treat watching the bar tender making all sorts of exotic drinks. Dinner was one of the best we have had onboard Regent. I had escargot, salad, and halibut in a caper lemon butter sauce: TB had a shrimp cocktail, asparagus risotto, and filet mignon. We also split a lobster tail: We skipped the show and went to various lounges to listen to music before retiring around 2200. Unfortunately, I had terrible insomnia and was awake most of the night. Since we are so far north, I peaked outside at 0300 and saw an eerily dawn sky. Very surreal. Today: Kristiansad, Norway! Also, we celebrate our 40th anniversary in Prime 7. Z and TB

What’s wrong with this pic? Z and TB

We are at dinner ant Compass Rose and are sad to say that due to Regent cutbacks, their hamburgers have been downsized. Z and TB

Wow. We were also onboard when the Explorer crossed the Atlantic. Z and TB

Here is a pic from Passages listing the ship’s officers. Sorry for the poor quality. Also, our itinerary: And our ship: Z and TB

Fourth seat from the left is also the third from the right, my seat! Z and TB

Good Morning: I am up nice and early to share yesterday with you. We had to set our clocks forward one hour so it is 0545 at this time. Regardless, I slept like a baby and am now enjoying some great French press coffee. Yesterday was a blur due to the flurry of activity. We were processed in less than thirty minutes, had lunch, and took a nap by the pool. I proceeded to my favorite stool at the pool bar after unpacking and exercised vicariously as TB swam for an hour. We saw a bit of the sail away festivities. Just before dinner Pam says we were going to eat at 1930 instead of 1830. This is when things went south for me. I went to the bar and had them make me a classic daiquiri followed by rum old fashioneds. I am in the dog house because I was a little bit off kilter. Dinner was excellent (I think). I had the usual avocado and crab salad Followed by a veal dish and lobster And we shared a dessert TB was smart and ordered lobster bisque and added a lobster tail into it for her dinner. There was a late evening lecture conducted by someone about something. Again, I was still off kilter. Today is a sea day as we head towards Norway. Classic daiquiri: One part rum One part lime juice 3/4 part simple syrup Z and TB