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The limit includes canned water, sodas and specialty coffees as @Cruise Suzystated.

The receipts we receive are generally printed on thermal paper coated with either BPA and BPS, developers that assist in the heat-activated printing process. BPA can be absorbed into the body through the skin. The chemicals have been shown to be hazardous to reproductive systems in humans and animals and are linked with obesity and attention disorders. Studies have found that individual thermal receipts can contain BPA that is 250 to 1,000 times greater than the amount in a can of food. Businesses that want to reduce potential harm should take the steps outlined below. Go paperless Don't recycle thermal paper Do not put thermal receipt paper in your recycling or compost bin. BPA and other chemicals embedded in thermal paper can end up in wastewater from recycling plants or minimally contaminate other papers in the recycling stream.

There is some very useful information on the official Spain Travel Health site. https://www.spth.gob.es/faq?tab=2 requirements vary for EU and US citizens.

@wooddoctorBring a refillable water bottle; you can get it refilled in the Lido or at any bar.

Crab feasts, a Maryland tradition!

Today is also Bald is Beautiful Day @StLouisCruisers This post says the Volendam will be leaving on the 14th. I guess we’ll see tomorrow.

Two Buck Chuck is Charles Shaw.

I am a “woke” (alert to injustice in society, especially racism) teacher who just returned from a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. In Honor of Remembrance of 9/11, National Emergency Responders Day and Grandparents Day, I suggest you take some time to share your personal reflections on 9/11 with a person under the age of 30. We say “never forget”; they have never experience it. They have no personal connection, the stories that they hear from their family and friends are the stories that they will remember. I remember the day vividly. I was teaching high school in MD; many students had parents who worked in Washington or for the government. We were not allowed to turn on the TVs in our classroom. My students and I were confused and scared. When discussing the day with my current students, I can’t help but become emotional. I try to explain my experience that day; they have many questions: “What was it like for you? How did you feel after 9/11? When did you feel safe again?" Students have many misconceptions; I remind students that it's not Muslims; it's not people from a certain country; that it's al-Qaida, it's a terrorist organization at the root of 9/11. I believe in freedom, I believe in liberty, I believe 9/11 can teach students about something important: the resiliency of the American spirit.

I always book a cabin in the aft portion of the ship directly under the Lido deck, as far aft as possible, favorite is actually an aft cabin. Occasionally, we hear them washing the deck and replacing the chairs near the aft pool but it has never bothered us. We prefer to be close to the Lido, the pool and the Sea View bar. Excellent access for viewing both sides of the ship if we are unable to reserve a true aft cabin.

Here’s the link to the updated pdf https://www.hollandamerica.com/content/dam/hal/inventory-assets/Health_Sanitation/2022/enhanced-health-protocol-090922.pdf

@dfish @aliaschief Thank you for the info about espartos. I look forward to trying them when the Oosterdam docks in Malagas. @Cat in my lap American Idiot is a rock opera featuring all the songs from the Green Day album of the same name. I liked it but you may want to prepare yourself by listening to a few songs this afternoon. Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.

I am also a fan of the cozy mystery. I recommend Ann Cleeves. Also check out my favorite Baltimore author Laura Lippmann.

@Cruising-along You may enjoy Erik Larson Devil in the White City, if you like nonfiction. This is one of his best. I like fiction mystery and historical books too

Who were your favorite authors? I read about 4 books a week and may be able to help you find a new author you like to read. Have you seen video of Paul McCarthy singing Oh Darling at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute at Wembley Stadium this weekend?

It’s Taco Tuesday; Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa! The word taco comes from the Nahuatl word 'tlahco' which means “half or in the middle”, referring to the way it is formed. Delicious and historic, the taco forms part of the cultural and gastronomic diversity of Mexico. I think the most important part of today’s recipe is the mango salsa. Although you can buy it in a jar, it is very easy to make. Many people are intimidated by cutting up a mango. It is really very easy. First, slice the cheeks, or large sides off the mango then slice around the pit on the smaller sides. Set pit aside. Next, take one large side of the mango and slice both vertically and horizontally into a grid pattern, but don’t slice through the peel. Finally, using a large spoon, scoop the diced mango cubes from the peel. You'll need only six basic ingredients to make mango salsa: ripe mangos, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime. The best part of making your own salsa is you can make it how you like it. Leave out the jalapeño if you don’t like spicy. Sub parsley for cilantro if you don’t like the taste. Here’s a simple recipe. https://cookieandkate.com/fresh-mango-salsa-recipe/ This recipe is made with leftover pulled pork. If you prefer you could use rotisserie chicken. If you can’t find mangoes, peaches are suggested as a substitution. I made the salsa using peaches last night, it was delicious. https://www.restlesschipotle.com/shredded-pork-tacos-with-mango-salsa/ This recipe uses a slow cooker and pork tenderloin. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pork-tacos-with-mango-salsa/ These quick and easy tacos are made with ground pork. https://cooknourishbliss.com/2012/07/13/pork-tacos-with-mango-salsa/

I still have a Frugal Gourmet cookbook. Cilantro and coriander come from the plant species — Coriandrum sativum They are named differently in different parts of the world. In North America, cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant. The word “cilantro” is the Spanish name for coriander leaves. Meanwhile, the dried seeds of the plant are called coriander. Internationally, it’s a different story. Coriander is the name for the leaves and stalks of the plant, while the dried seeds are called coriander seeds.

From the HAL website: Revised Policy effective June 1st, 2021 Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows: Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused. Wine purchased during company-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person). All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned and any prohibited items, including alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages will be removed, confiscated, and discarded. If Your luggage is locked, the lock may be removed by security or, alternatively, the luggage will be held by security until you can be present for an inspection and any items in question further identified and/or surrendered. Holland America Line shall not be responsible for any loss, cost, disappointment or damage of any kind as a result of any luggage lock removal, alcoholic/nonalcoholic items, or other prohibited items removed and discarded in violation of the policy. You agree to surrender alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop, or at ports of call, to Holland America Line, which will be delivered to your stateroom just prior to disembarking the voyage. Any wine or champagne supplied by the Holland America Line to you is not subject to a corkage fee.

@MINIroadsterI suggest you bring a refillable water bottle. You can refill it in your room. It tastes fine.

Use the HAL website to reserve your HIA dining and shore excursions now! Be sure to select complimentary box. You can use your beverage package for non alcoholic frozen drinks and fancy coffee drinks. I love St. John but when the ship docks in St Thomas, I prefer a snorkeling trip to Buck Island, St Croix to avoid the crowds.

Cilantro tastes soapy to my husband; I sub fresh parsley and extra lime in his meals. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap/ Be careful with coriander if cilantro gives you migraines, it is the dried form of the herb. So sorry chocolate is another trigger.

Chili verde is a dish native to Northern Mexico. It is a form of stew, traditionally prepared with pork shoulder, although other cuts of pork and sometimes even chicken may be used. Chili verde is prepared in a variety of ways in its native country, so it is safe to say that whichever ingredients a person likes the best is probably the best way to prepare it. The base of this stew is slow-cooked meat, which is simmered in broth and a mixture of other ingredients until the meat is essentially falling apart. Some people eat it on its own, sometimes with tortilla or chips or to absorb the liquid. As the “verde,” which means “green,” would suggest, the broth used to make the dish is green. At a minimum, the chili verde broth includes crushed green chilies, often a mixture of varieties for added flavor, along with garlic, pepper, salt, and onions. Some cooks also add oregano and cilantro (if you don’t like cilantro- leave it out). The heat can be adjusted by playing with the varieties of chilies used and the number included in the dish, and cooks can also reduce the heat by de-seeding the chilies first. In Northern Mexico and the American Southwest, many people also add tomatillos to their chili verde, sometimes roasting the fruit first to create a deeper, more complex flavor. If fresh tomatillos, an ingredient that I think is critical, are not available, cooks may be able to find them canned; they can also use tomatoes instead, with a hint of sugar to cut the acid. Lime juice is frequently squeezed over the stew just before serving to create a tangy flavor. This is an extremely easy recipe that uses canned green enchilada sauce and store-bought salsa verde. You just throw all the ingredients in a slow cooker until the pork is tender. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easy-chili-verde/ Here is a quick recipe that uses a pressure cooker (InstaPot) to impart flavor and tenderness to the chili. https://www.seriouseats.com/easy-pressure-cooker-pork-chile-verde-recipe I prefer this recipe because it uses fresh ingredients, it provides very detailed instructions. Most of the ingredients are prepped by roasting on a sheet pan, a technique I often use. https://copykat.com/chili-verde/ This recipe is not as “easy” but is the one I made for my family. (Photo of fresh tomatillos) https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chile_verde/

Spiced Chickpeas and Greens Frittata A frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelet or crustless quiche enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables. The word frittata is Italian and roughly translates to "fried". Think of frittata as a crustless, low-carb quiche. A frittata can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are very quick and easy to make. I’m going to start with a basic recipe in case you’ve never made one before. You do need an oven safe pan; I use a cast iron skillet. The basic ration of ingredients is for every six eggs, use 1/4 cup heavy cream (I use half & half), 1 cup cheese, and 2 cups total of vegetables and/or meat. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-frittata-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-170717 I only found one recipe for Spiced Chickpeas & Greens Frittata. If you don’t like the spice, leave out the curry. https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Spiced-Chickpeas-and-Greens-Frittata-Epicurious I know you may not like chickpeas or greens, so I want you to consider making one with ingredients you like. This recipe contains five different variations of vegetables that could be added to a frittata: Broccoli & Feta, Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach, Spring Veggie with Asparagus, Mixed Mushroom & Tarragon, Caprese with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil. Of course, you could always add your favorite meat. https://www.loveandlemons.com/frittata-recipe/ Please Bring Your Manners whatever you do today and try to use a bit of spice in your food today in honor of National Spice Blend.

Make your reservations as soon as possible from the app or website. I was able to make mine for our February cruise last week.

Did you get your 2nd vaccine more than 5 months ago? If so, you need a booster according to CANADA ENHANCED PROTOCOLS VACCINATION. I prefer my information in writing that I can print and carry to the port with me. This is the current HAL written policy for Canada: All guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated. A booster dose is required for guests 18 years of age and older whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 5 months to be considered “fully vaccinated.” Only one booster dose is needed to be considered fully vaccinated.

The book was fantastic. Let us know if the movie was good.