The Daily for Monday Jul 19, 2021

[kazu]

We met up with our guide who actually hails from Canada and moved to Spain many years ago.  She definitely knew some unique tapas places that DH and I had never discovered.

 

Walking around.

 

 

 

 

And we made our first stop.  Every tapas place was different with different styles. But one needs a drink after the walking, right?  And yay, it was white 🙂 

 

 

 

 

 

And now, some of the food porn.  It was all delicious.  These were from our favourite stop and we actually had arranged to go back on our last cancelled cruise.

 

 

They are famous for their sliders: and deservedly so

 

 

[rafinmd]

Congratulations Katherine!  Smitty, Miss Camila is looking a whole lot better.  I hope the steps backward end soon.

 

Roy

[kazu]

Tony & DH at our favourite stop

 

 

I had to take a pic of the this to add to my collection of “different” ones

 

 

Enjoying the sights on our walk

 

 

 

 

And we even got serenaded 🙂 

 

 

 

A creative way to showcase some of the store’s dresses:

 

 

With lots of walking done, DH and I found a nice local spot for a cold drink and few olives and chatted with the locals.  I always find the people of Malaga very friendly like the rest of Spain. The look on our face when this couple brought in this puppy - a parti poodle just like Miko.  They were happy to let me take his picture.

 

 

Back to the ship and that night on board, we had visitors come aboard to give a small Flamenco show.

 

 

 

 

A great way to end the day.

[rafinmd]

It's going to be a hectic morning.  I've already been out for a short walk which I wouldn't normally do on rehab days, but must leave rehab early for an Endodontist visit.  I should find out whether I need a root canal or the tooth must go, and if it needs to be done ASAP or it can wait until 3 months after the surgery.  After that it's groceries and Panera, so I won't likely be back home until after noon today.

 

Roy

[Himself]

1 hour ago, richwmn said:

 

Today is National Daiquiri Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, and New Friends Day

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. - Douglas Adams

Meal suggestion for today - Garlic Butter Clams with White Wine Cream Sauce

Drink of the Day - Gin sour

Wine of the day - Planeta Chardonnay - Italy - White

Destination of the Day - Malaga Spain

At Sea Pacific
Koningsdam Drifting
Nieuw Amsterdam Destination Seattle eta 7/20
Westerdam Destination Los Angeles eta 7/25
Zuiderdam MX Drift

Corfu GR
Volendam
Zaandam

Great Stirrup Cay
Nieuw Statendam Anchorage

La Paz MX
Noordam Anchorage

Piraeus GR
Eurodam Operations - Aegean Sea

Scheveningen NL
Oosterdam Operations off shore

Venice IT
Rotterdam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rich:  Thanks for the DAILY Fleet report and the maps.  Nieuw Amsterdam is on the  "test cruise".

[cunnorl]

Good Morning Everyone from a warm and sunny day at the beach

    Great selection of days. I have" met" some wonderful people on this board. I hope we can actually meet on a cruise some day! 

    Never been to todays port. Love seeing the pictures! Thanks to all who post them!

    @Lady Hudson A very Happy Anniversary to you. Hope you have a wonderful day and many more years of happiness.

     @smitty34877  Baby Camillia looks beautiful. We pray for her continued progress!

 

 Water aerobics this AM.

 

Stay safe and enjoy today

[Lady Hudson]

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

Congratulations Katherine on your 52nd wedding anniversary.

That is amazing and I hope you both have an awesome day.

Graham.

Thanks, Graham.  We were “overly young” back even then to get married — 18 and 19.  Lots of hurdles getting college degrees and making ends meet.  But worth it.  😀

[travelingbums]

Thank you  everyone for sharing and caring 😀.

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day.

[kazu]

13 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

It's going to be a hectic morning.  I've already been out for a short walk which I wouldn't normally do on rehab days, but must leave rehab early for an Endodontist visit.  I should find out whether I need a root canal or the tooth must go, and if it needs to be done ASAP or it can wait until 3 months after the surgery.  After that it's groceries and Panera, so I won't likely be back home until after noon today.

 

Roy

 

Good luck with the dental visit today.  Hopefully it can be fixed 🙏🏻  

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Morning Dailyite family.  I have tons of catching up to do. Laura @TiogaCruiser, thank you for taking care of the family’s wine needs!

 

But first just a bit of info. Iceland and its people are as wonderful as you all said they would be. All of your suggestions and tips paid off. I will eventually do some type of trip “report”, but right now typing is a bit tough. I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

 

I did the volcano hike two days before the official tour began and the weather was iffy. The six of us and our guide agreed if it started to rain, we would turn back. 20 minutes into the hike it started to mist slightly. Then the small, loose rocks covering the path started to get slippery. Down I went. But I could get up and walk back to the van. Very slowly and carefully. (Debbie, thanks to you, I had hiking poles which helped a great deal).  I elevated the leg back at the van, but by the time I got back to the hotel, I knew I had at least strained my knee. 
 

The next day I headed to the local Hospital’s ER, hoping they would at least do an X-ray, since I was leaving Reykjavik the next morning. They were wonderful! In 3 hours I was examined, X-rayed, and casted - and provided crutches and a prescription for blood thinner, since I had two long flights coming up in a little more than a week. And three doctors had examined my X-ray - one an orthopedic specialist. And since the pants I wore would not fit over the cast, they gave me a pair of hospital shorts to wear! 😱 I had my big Turkish scarf with me that I used to create a skort-like look. Perhaps I created a new trend. 🙃

 

But they cleared me to do the rest of the trip, which is what I wanted more than anything. I go to see my primary care physician today, so we will see what she thinks about something that only cost $700. Hope she recognizes the quality. I will be submitting my claim to my travel insurer today.  But I will say the two people I spoke to while at the ER were wonderful, so hopefully that means their company is, too. 
 

More to follow, but I am off to read what I missed. ❤️
 

Ann
 

*********

I chose the 2018 vintage of this excellently rated Chardonnay from Sicily. I found several online distributors with prices starting at $34.98. You might find it for less locally. 

Winemaker Notes

Single-variety Chardonnay whose characteristics which have made it so famous which here emerge very clearly. Starting from the richness of its deep clear golden but transparent color one imagines the pleasing contrast of creaminess and crispness in the taste. It is indeed a soft white wine underlaid by a refreshing acid vein which accompanies each mouthful. A slight mineral suggestion combines harmoniously with the flavor of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey and marzipan and with some peaty, cereal and toasted aromas which precede the powerful balanced finish. For a change, try it with some just seared foie gras or with roast veal and mushroom sauce.

RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Rich with Sicilian puff pastry and cannoli crust, the 2018 Sicilia Menfi Chardonnay is an elaborate and full-bodied expression of this important white grape. The wine drives home a lasting impression of volume and opulence thanks to stone fruit, vanilla cream and baked bread. That touch of acidity is just enough to keep the wine light and jazzy in terms of mouthfeel. I also get that sweetness from Sicilian blood orange juice when it's freshly squeezed. 
V93 Vinous: The 2018 Chardonnay isn’t shy, showing both rich and exotic, with notes of sweet wood spice and vanilla that give way to ripe peach and a hint of lime. Silky textures soothe all that they touch, riding a core of vibrant acids with tropical mango and kiwi balanced by salty minerals and inner herbal tones. Nearly a minute passes before the ripe fruit fades, leaving hints of butterscotch and a citrus twang. Planeta ferments and ages their Chardonnay for 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one year old. It’s a beautiful wine that bridges the old world and the new while remaining soulfully Sicilian. Drinking window: 2021 - 2028

WE90 Wine Enthusiast: This Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe yellow apple, coconut and pineapple. The firm palate offers vanilla, toasted oak and hazelnut alongside fresh acidity.

Edited July 19, 2021 by cat shepard

[smitty34877]

@Lady Hudson,Happy Anniversary to you both and congratulations! 

@rafinmd,good luck on the dental visit

@kazu,your pictures are great and they demonstrate how enjoy6 this port is.

Terry

[kb4683]

@cat shepard Welcome back, but 😱 on your leg!  Hope you get good news from your primary today and don't have any difficulties with your trip insurer. 🤞

[smitty34877]

@cat shepard,oh no!I hope you did not have too much difficulty  managing  the rest of the trip.Hope the Dr visit  goes well.

[kazu]

8 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

 

OH NO 😢 How awful 😔 

My fingers and toes are crossed for you 🤞 and prayers are winging your way 🙏🏻 

 

 

[rafinmd]

Welcome home @cat shepard.  Good luck with the Doctor today.

 

Roy

[kb4683]

Good Monday morning.  

 

Thank you to all who contribute here.  Cheers to the congratulatory list 🥂, and healing hugs to those on the care list 🤗.  @Lady Hudson congrats on 52 years of marriage.

 

We have been to Malaga several times (all Transatlantics).  The first was in December, 2007, while on Celebrity Century.  Of course being our first time we took the ship tour to the Alhambra.

 

 

 

Second time was November, 2011, on Celebrity Solstice.  This time we just strolled around and stopped for some snacks.

 

 

Next was March, 2016, on the Oosterdam.  We joined a privately organized tour to the village of Mijas.

 

 

 

 

 

November, 2016, again on Oosterdam.

 

 A crew competition on the beach

 

Lastly November, 2019, on Rotterdam VI.  Not sure we even got off the ship this time, but here's a sunset as we sailed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[grapau27]

46 minutes ago, Lady Hudson said:

Thanks, Graham.  We were “overly young” back even then to get married — 18 and 19.  Lots of hurdles getting college degrees and making ends meet.  But worth it.  😀

Really happy for you both Katherine.

Pauline was 19 and I was 24 when we got married.

It is our 40 years anniversary next month.

Best wishes to you both.

Graham.

 

[Mtn2Sea]

On our second visit to Malaga, we were on the Koningsdam in 2017.  We chose to do a highlights tour of the city.  We first went to an old fortress that has an outstanding view of the city. We next went to the bullring, but fortunately, no bullfights were scheduled for that day. We then walked around the city where we saw the outside of the apartment where Picasso was born. We finished the day with a show highlighting the Flamingo dance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by Mtn2Sea

[aliaschief]

Good morning to all! Thanks for the Daily and all it’s contributing guest authors!

[grapau27]

41 minutes ago, cat shepard said:

Thank you for today’s Daily, Rich! Morning Dailyite family.  I have tons of catching up to do. Laura @TiogaCruiser, thank you for taking care of the family’s wine needs!

 

But first just a bit of info. Iceland and its people are as wonderful as you all said they would be. All of your suggestions and tips paid off. I will eventually do some type of trip “report”, but right now typing is a bit tough. I came back with my left leg in a cast. I know! I can hear your groans from here! I fractured my left patella. Possibly not all the way through. Please cross your fingers. 

 

I did the volcano hike two days before the official tour began and the weather was iffy. The six of us and our guide agreed if it started to rain, we would turn back. 20 minutes into the hike it started to mist slightly. Then the small, loose rocks covering the path started to get slippery. Down I went. But I could get up and walk back to the van. Very slowly and carefully. (Debbie, thanks to you, I had hiking poles which helped a great deal).  I elevated the leg back at the van, but by the time I got back to the hotel, I knew I had at least strained my knee. 
 

The next day I headed to the local Hospital’s ER, hoping they would at least do an X-ray, since I was leaving Reykjavik the next morning. They were wonderful! In 3 hours I was examined, X-rayed, and casted - and provided crutches and a prescription for blood thinner, since I had two long flights coming up in a little more than a week. And three doctors had examined my X-ray - one an orthopedic specialist. And since the pants I wore would not fit over the cast, they gave me a pair of hospital shorts to wear! 😱 I had my big Turkish scarf with me that I used to create a skort-like look. Perhaps I created a new trend. 🙃

 

But they cleared me to do the rest of the trip, which is what I wanted more than anything. I go to see my primary care physician today, so we will see what she thinks about something that only cost $700. Hope she recognizes the quality. I will be submitting my claim to my travel insurer today.  But I will say the two people I spoke to while at the ER were wonderful, so hopefully that means their company is, too. 
 

More to follow, but I am off to read what I missed. ❤️
 

Ann
 

*********

I chose the 2018 vintage of this excellently rated Chardonnay from Sicily. I found several online distributors with prices starting at $34.98. You might find it for less locally. 

Winemaker Notes

Single-variety Chardonnay whose characteristics which have made it so famous which here emerge very clearly. Starting from the richness of its deep clear golden but transparent color one imagines the pleasing contrast of creaminess and crispness in the taste. It is indeed a soft white wine underlaid by a refreshing acid vein which accompanies each mouthful. A slight mineral suggestion combines harmoniously with the flavor of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey and marzipan and with some peaty, cereal and toasted aromas which precede the powerful balanced finish. For a change, try it with some just seared foie gras or with roast veal and mushroom sauce.

RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Rich with Sicilian puff pastry and cannoli crust, the 2018 Sicilia Menfi Chardonnay is an elaborate and full-bodied expression of this important white grape. The wine drives home a lasting impression of volume and opulence thanks to stone fruit, vanilla cream and baked bread. That touch of acidity is just enough to keep the wine light and jazzy in terms of mouthfeel. I also get that sweetness from Sicilian blood orange juice when it's freshly squeezed. 
V93 Vinous: The 2018 Chardonnay isn’t shy, showing both rich and exotic, with notes of sweet wood spice and vanilla that give way to ripe peach and a hint of lime. Silky textures soothe all that they touch, riding a core of vibrant acids with tropical mango and kiwi balanced by salty minerals and inner herbal tones. Nearly a minute passes before the ripe fruit fades, leaving hints of butterscotch and a citrus twang. Planeta ferments and ages their Chardonnay for 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one year old. It’s a beautiful wine that bridges the old world and the new while remaining soulfully Sicilian. Drinking window: 2021 - 2028

WE90 Wine Enthusiast: This Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe yellow apple, coconut and pineapple. The firm palate offers vanilla, toasted oak and hazelnut alongside fresh acidity.

I'm really sorry to hear of your accident.

Hopefully the quick action of Iceland's medical staff means your injury is not too bad.

Best wishes.

Graham.

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good Monday morning to all!  Wow, I am way behind schedule today.  It's going to be a lazy day I think, with plenty of drizzle and showers interspersed.  I wish I could send it out west to all in need of rain.

 

@cat shepardI'm happy to see you back home again so you can tell us all about your trip, but OMG I am so sorry to hear of your fall and injury.  Prayers to you and a quick recovery. 🙏

 

@rafinmdI hope your visit with the dentist goes well.  Sounds like you will hopping from one thing to another today.  Thank your for the care and shout out lists today.

 

@richwmnnice job on the Daily report today.  It's exciting to see the Nieuw Amsterdam on its first voyage in a long, long time.  Can't wait to see more ships carrying passengers as the days go on.

 

@kazunice photos today of Malaga and even the rose bush planted in the iffy spot but still blooming.  The glass half full meme cracks me up.  I know many people who would agree with that full to the tippy-top of the glass size serving.

 

@grapau27your photos of Benalmadena, Spain are lovely!  What a nice place to visit and recover from your health scare.  Of course, your garden is just as nice.  You've done a great job with it.  Nice photos of the family as well.

 

@Lady Hudsoncongratulations to you and your DH on your 52nd anniversary!  I hope you have many more ahead of you.  We were young like you (just a year or two older), and we are looking at our 52nd coming up in early September.  Nowadays I would strangle my grandkids if they even thought of such a thing, but obviously our generation was a lot more mature at that age!  😄

 

@smitty34877 Loving the picture of Baby Camilla.  I hope she starts progressing in the right direction very quickly and gets home where she belongs.

 

Love having National Daiquiri Day today.  I like the frozen strawberry daiquiri variety the best.  Raspberry cake sounds good, too but I've never had any before.  New Friends Day sounds like a worthy celebration.  I have so many new friends here. The quote is amusing and true.  I'll say no to the menu, drink, and wine of the day.  I don't usually like chardonnay so steer clear of it.  Prayers for all on the care list, and cheers to those celebrating something.  

 

I've been to fabulous Malaga three times and have a "few" photos of that scenic locality.  In my own lazy way today I'll search for a couple and get back to you.  Take care!

[St. Louis Sal]

2 hours ago, Lady Hudson said:

Thank you for the Daily.  More pleasant weather here in SE PA today — less humid.  Also celebrating 52 years of marriage! Yikes — where did the time go?  Katherine

Happy Anniversary! 🍾🥂💝

[Seasick Sailor]

Oh Ann! I'm so sorry about your mishap. I'm glad you are one tough sister and pulled on through. Prayers for your doctor visit today!!I'm happy you are home. I missed you.

 

I miss my other sis too. Hope @DeeniEncinitasDenise had a fabulous birthday and wilderness adventure.

 

Good morning Rich. Thank you for today's fleet report. I love steamed clams and the wine today is something I would love to try. Thanks Deb for the recipe. 

 

Roy I hope things go ok at endodontist. You sure have been put through the wringer of late.

 

Love everyone's pictures, thanks for sharing.  Prayers and Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[grapau27]

9 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good Monday morning to all!  Wow, I am way behind schedule today.  It's going to be a lazy day I think, with plenty of drizzle and showers interspersed.  I wish I could send it out west to all in need of rain.

 

@cat shepardI'm happy to see you back home again so you can tell us all about your trip, but OMG I am so sorry to hear of your fall and injury.  Prayers to you and a quick recovery. 🙏

 

@rafinmdI hope your visit with the dentist goes well.  Sounds like you will hopping from one thing to another today.  Thank your for the care and shout out lists today.

 

@richwmnnice job on the Daily report today.  It's exciting to see the Nieuw Amsterdam on its first voyage in a long, long time.  Can't wait to see more ships carrying passengers as the days go on.

 

@kazunice photos today of Malaga and even the rose bush planted in the iffy spot but still blooming.  The glass half full meme cracks me up.  I know many people who would agree with that full to the tippy-top of the glass size serving.

 

@grapau27your photos of Benalmadena, Spain are lovely!  What a nice place to visit and recover from your health scare.  Of course, your garden is just as nice.  You've done a great job with it.  Nice photos of the family as well.

 

@Lady Hudsoncongratulations to you and your DH on your 52nd anniversary!  I hope you have many more ahead of you.  We were young like you (just a year or two older), and we are looking at our 52nd coming up in early September.  Nowadays I would strangle my grandkids if they even thought of such a thing, but obviously our generation was a lot more mature at that age!  😄

 

@smitty34877 Loving the picture of Baby Camilla.  I hope she starts progressing in the right direction very quickly and gets home where she belongs.

 

Love having National Daiquiri Day today.  I like the frozen strawberry daiquiri variety the best.  Raspberry cake sounds good, too but I've never had any before.  New Friends Day sounds like a worthy celebration.  I have so many new friends here. The quote is amusing and true.  I'll say no to the menu, drink, and wine of the day.  I don't usually like chardonnay so steer clear of it.  Prayers for all on the care list, and cheers to those celebrating something.  

 

I've been to fabulous Malaga three times and have a "few" photos of that scenic locality.  In my own lazy way today I'll search for a couple and get back to you.  Take care!

Thank you Sandi.

[summer slope]

Good Monday morning.  Love Daiquiri's, especially on the back deck of a BHB.  I don't think I've ever had a Raspberry Cake, and made new friends over the fence last night.  New neighbors moved it.  I like the Adams quote.  Would love the meal, but without the cream sauce.  Have never been to Spain so am looking forward to reading back and seeing the photo's.

Roy, I'm feeling much better today so you can take me off the care list.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Stay safe, social distance, and please continue to wear your mask!

Gin Sour:

Ingredients
2 ounces London dry gin
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce egg white or aquafaba (optional)
Garnish: lemon twist (optional)
Garnish: 3 to 5 drops Angostura bitters (optional)
Steps
Add all ingredients into a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) if using egg white or aquafaba.
Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist. Or if using egg white or aquafaba, decorate the frothy top with 3 to 5 drops of Angostura bitters.