Land & Sea - Live from Barcelona & the Oosterdam Transatlantic - November 5th, 2022

[1of4]

Thank Jan for the beautiful pictures!  Glad you managed to get to the flamingo show.  We hope you are starting to heal.  Lake-effect snow due this weekend from the remains of hurricane Nichole meeting the cold air from the west over the Great Lakes so enjoy the sunshine 🌞 

[puppycanducruise]

Love the pictures, thanks.

Hope you enjoyed the Flamenco show.

[kazu]

OK ..are you ready for the Cadiz story???  

 

We “parked” at the right dock which is close to the tavern BUT we were way down on the pier and the CD announced that there would be a shuttle provided.  So, my sis wheeled me into the Neptune Lounge and we asked the concierge if the shuttle was wheel chair accessible - NOPE. - needed to be arranged for in advance.  So we asked if we could walk (not me - my sister and she wheel me ).  Oh yes, no problem.  Great!

 

So, my sis wheels me to to the Sea View Pool and leaves with my instructions to get to the tavern & to explore Cadiz.

 

She runs into my BIL and he returns around 1 with all the bad news.  The gangway is so steep they can barely walk it but another more level one is supposed to be put down soon.  Next - you HAVE to take the shuttle - no one is allowed to walk on the pier - security will stop you.

however there is one that is somewhat accessible but we are going to have to leave earlier to be on time in case everyone can’t fit on one shuttle and/or I have to wait for the accessible one.

 

I am NOT a happy camper (LIVID and upset is more like it).  I am on the phone to every one’s room is booked for Flamenco, leaving frantic messages to meet at 2:30.

When we got to the Pinnacle Bar - everyone was there!  ……

[kazu]

We headed off together and yes the lower gangway was down.  Um…..level…. Not.  I was hanging onto the railings as the crew brought me down for dear life.  YIKES.

 

Then it was to the shuttle.  We lucked out and the accessible shuttle arrived and we got everyone on board.  Accessible is debatable though as no one put the ramp down so I could be wheeled in.  I said I could do the steps and my BIL said they are too deep.  I told him to just bring me close and shut up.

And yes, I got in and so did all the group 👍 

And, I got out - double 👍 

After that, we all walked that short walk (ok, I was wheeled) with Jan holding up one of my crutches & me my cane so the group could follow and Helen (HELENPSL) took up the rear and when we arrived - I was all set to do the steps (why I brought the cane & crutch) - nope!  Bam, down came a ramp for me and a big welcome by Irene.

And we were actually on time (5 minutes early) and at Flamenco!

 

Irene came up to me and gave me a huge hug and her condolences with tears in her eyes (they loved Jose) and I gave her our Canadian gifts we always brought (I kept our tradition).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Congratulations Jacqui on your guts and determination to get to the Flamenco. So proud of your efforts!!

[Sea42]

I'm sorry it was so much effort for you to get out and enjoy the show but very happy you made it!

[superoma]

Very happy to see you made it to the show! Great determination and great friends helping.

[1ANGELCAT]

Jacqui, so glad you got to see the show. I know it’s a very special place for you.

[BetsyS.]

Jacqui, I'm happy you made it to the show. Thanks for all the reports 

and beautiful pictures. 

[kazu]

Well darn, had a post done with videos uploaded and CC bumped me out and it is all gone. 😡  This is the abridged version.

 

The first round of drinks and the tapas were served and the show began.  Once it started going Irene came up to me and said in my ear you can take videos but just very short clips.  (Photos are permitted but not videos as these are professional performers).

 

So, I did and have a few short clips but they took forever to download so I will attempt to get to my stateroom and charge this Ipad / get the other one and download them for you all.

The performers got a lot of Ole’s, cheers and standing ovations at the end (other than moi who had to be seated).

 

There was a surprise - Irene walked up to the guitarist and passed him a piece of paper and a special song was done dedicated to Jacqui & Jose en cielo (in heaven).  Unexpected and moving.

[Iamthesea]

Beautiful photos!  Brings back memories of being there.  Glad you enjoyed your day...sort of!  Sorry that you had transportation problems. 

 

The dedication song was so sweet.

 

As for posting on threads,  I have learned to copy what I have written out before hitting "Submit Reply."  That way, if they do not post, I just paste it back in.

 

*Miss G* and others.  It's the jelly (2nd photo in the jar) that I prefer.  Not the sauce in a bottle (1st photo.)  My grandmother made the best lamb and served it with the jelly.  On the past several cruises I have been on (not necessarily on HAL), the dining staff have brought out that bottle.  I have had to ask for the jelly.

Edited November 9, 2022 by Iamthesea

[kazu]

Last night we did our little burial at sea.  Met Cynthia in the Neptune Lounge.  All the invitees were permitted in for the occasion.  When the ship was far enough out to be safe we were escorted to the aft promenade deck (deck 3 behind the dining room).  the area was cordoned off for the occasion.

They had asked for pics (surprise, I had brought pics) and they supplied flowers (waiting to see if i get billed for them  - or should I say when and how much? 😉) and I had my bear (wouldn’t give it up the night before).

And after a few moments, a few ashes were sent to the sea off a BHB where Jose loved to spend time.  At his favourite port of Cadiz.

The flowers, pics, etc were returned to my room after the ceremony along with the certificate of the exact longitude and latitude.

 

 

Cynthia asked if I had a few words so I quickly found what I had read at Jose’s Celebration of Life and prayed I would be more understandable this time.

 

 

Many thanks to HAL and to Helen and Angelo ( @HELENPSL, Gerry & Maurice ( @ger_77 & to Jan, Brenda & Bill for joining me.  I so appreciated it ♥️ 

[StLouisCruisers]

Jacqui, I have tears in my eyes seeing the beautiful tribute to Jose at his burial at sea.  Very special and moving.😢

 

I also want to thank you and your sister for the lovely photos you just posted.  I can picture myself there taking photos in some of those same spots.  She did an exceptional job of photography.

[TiogaCruiser]

Shedding a few tears here as well. What a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing.

[Seasick Sailor]

Such a beautiful tribute. 

 

 

[0106]

After 4 days of organized tour, we decided to venture out in Lisbon alone.  Told a cabdriver at the port we wanted to go to Museu Nacional do Azulejo, also
known as the National Tile Museum. The driver said 25 euros, I said 15, we settled on 20 but I still think it should have been 15.  None of the drivers directly outside the port were using a meter.  They wanted to take you on a tour and wanted cash.

 

The museum is set in Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 and its collection is a journey through the history of tile, from the 15 century to present day.
They have a work shop where the murals are restored.

Some our favorites.

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, we took a metered cab to Mercado da Ribera’s Time Out Market Lisboa.  Anything you could possible imagine to eat or drink.  Unfortunately once again my hunger got the best of me so no food porn.  
 

Looking forward to a relaxing sea day and the Meet and Greet tomorrow.

[rafinmd]

45 minutes ago, kazu said:

Last night we did our little burial at sea.  Met Cynthia in the Neptune Lounge.  All the invitees were permitted in for the occasion.  When the ship was far enough out to be safe we were escorted to the aft promenade deck (deck 3 behind the dining room).  the area was cordoned off for the occasion.

They had asked for pics (surprise, I had brought pics) and they supplied flowers (waiting to see if i get billed for them  - or should I say when and how much? 😉) and I had my bear (wouldn’t give it up the night before).

And after a few moments, a few ashes were sent to the sea off a BHB where Jose loved to spend time.  At his favourite port of Cadiz.

The flowers, pics, etc were returned to my room after the ceremony along with the certificate of the exact longitude and latitude.

 

 

Cynthia asked if I had a few words so I quickly found what I had read at Jose’s Celebration of Life and prayed I would be more understandable this time.

 

 

Many thanks to HAL and to Helen and Angelo ( @HELENPSL, Gerry & Maurice ( @ger_77 & to Jan, Brenda & Bill for joining me.  I so appreciated it ♥️ 

Such a touching sendoff and Kudos to HAL for the way it was handled.  Both that and the tribute at the Flamenco show.'

 

Roy

 

Roy

[puppycanducruise]

Like others, I am teary eyed reading about the send off for your beloved.

Hugs to you.

[JazzyV]

@kazu Thank you for sharing the send off for Jose at sea; very touching. I'm glad you got to the Flamenco show and the special song was a lovely gesture.

[mamaofami]

First, Jacqui, you are a real trooper. I am amazed at your perseverence and determination and so glad you got to the flamingo show.

I cried reading the poem you posted.  What a beautiful ceremony for Jose.

 

And, please thank Jan for all the amazing pictures.

[smitty34877]

I am so glad you got to the Flamenco show and shed a few tears after reading about the song for Jose and the ceremony for him at sea. Thank you for letting us  be a part of this from afar.Jan certainly takes wonderful pictures and thanks for that as well.

[bennybear]

What a lovely and moving tribute to Jose!  You did well as did HAL in Organizing this touching moment!  Shedding a few tears myself.  
 

I am so glad you had the lovely night in Cadiz and the song was very special I’m sure.  
 

I am beyond disgusted with how difficult your disembarkation was,  inexcusable in this day and age.   They need to up their game,  as it shouldn’t be an afterthought how to deal with those who are disabled. 

[*Miss G*]

Thank you, everyone, for all your lovely pictures!  They most definitely bring back memories.

 

@kazu, so happy to hear you could make it to the show.  Thank you for sharing the touching service for Jose.  The certificate is a thoughtful remembrance.

 

2 hours ago, Iamthesea said:

*Miss G* and others.  It's the jelly (2nd photo in the jar) that I prefer.  Not the sauce in a bottle (1st photo.)  My grandmother made the best lamb and served it with the jelly.  On the past several cruises I have been on (not necessarily on HAL), the dining staff have brought out that bottle.  I have had to ask for the jelly.

 

Thanks for clearing that up!  Yes, you will definitely get your preference.  But thanks for letting us know they may have the C&B sauce!  That makes me happy.

 

6 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

She was Irish and as such we were served a lot of "grey" meat.

 

No offense, but I think that’s more a function of the cook than the nationality.  🤭

 

[kazu]

 

First flamenco video More to come

[dfish]

3 hours ago, kazu said:

 

There was a surprise - Irene walked up to the guitarist and passed him a piece of paper and a special song was done dedicated to Jacqui & Jose en cielo (in heaven).  Unexpected and moving.

 

Awesome!   Gestures such as this can make all the difference.

 

2 hours ago, kazu said:

Last night we did our little burial at sea.  Met Cynthia in the Neptune Lounge.  All the invitees were permitted in for the occasion.  When the ship was far enough out to be safe we were escorted to the aft promenade deck (deck 3 behind the dining room).  the area was cordoned off for the occasion.

They had asked for pics (surprise, I had brought pics) and they supplied flowers (waiting to see if i get billed for them  - or should I say when and how much? 😉) and I had my bear (wouldn’t give it up the night before).

And after a few moments, a few ashes were sent to the sea off a BHB where Jose loved to spend time.  At his favourite port of Cadiz.

The flowers, pics, etc were returned to my room after the ceremony along with the certificate of the exact longitude and latitude.

 

 

Cynthia asked if I had a few words so I quickly found what I had read at Jose’s Celebration of Life and prayed I would be more understandable this time.

 

 

Many thanks to HAL and to Helen and Angelo ( @HELENPSL, Gerry & Maurice ( @ger_77 & to Jan, Brenda & Bill for joining me.  I so appreciated it ♥️ 

 

The poem is beautiful and I am sure the service was as well.  Jose would be proud.  Your love for him comes through so strongly.