The Fleet Report and Daily for Sunday September 17th, 2023

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Taormina twice on BHBs.  In October 2017, the Prinsendam docked in Messina, and we took the transfer to Taormina.  In August 2019, the Veendam tendered at Naxos just down the coast, and we took a local bus to Taormina. 

 

The first two pictures were taken from the top of the parking garage where the bus dropped us off in 2017.  The top one is the road from the coast up to Taormina, and the second is Mt. Etna.

 

The next ones were taken in 2017 as we walked around the walled part of the city.

 

The next pictures are from our 2019 visit, where we started from the other end of town.  The first is the remnants of the city gate. 

 

The street leading to the ancient Greek theater and a view of the ocean

 

A few pictures of the Greek theater which is still used for concerts and other events.

 

Both times, we stopped at here for gelato, and the view.

 

The town outside the old city gate

 

Lenda

[ottahand7]

Bon Voyage @SusieKIslandGirl 🍾

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

I found some pictures of the area around Naxos, the tender port we used in 2019, for our visit to Taormina.  There are a couple of pictures of the street from the bus depot to the old citty gate, plus some pictures of the drive along the coast.  On this visit, we took the Interbus from Naxos to Taormina and back, and it was reasonably priced.

 

The street from the bus depot to the city cate.  I use the term depot lightly, as it was really a parking lot with a kiosk.

 

Sights long the coast road

 

The Veendam is the ship on the lefthand side of the picture.

 

Naxos

 

You can see a bit of the Naxos Cruise Terminal in this picture.  It was really a canopy, ramp and dock.

 

Lenda

[kazu]

1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

 

Slept well but still not a lot of energy this morning.

 

Roy

 

Roy it takes time for the fatigue to leave from covid.  It took a week for my friend after  it was over and close to 2 for my sister.  Listen to your body and rest when needed.  You’ll recover faster if you do 🤞 

[Nickelpenny]

Good Morning to All and thanks for the daily and fleet reports.  Great days to celebrate and a good quote to contemplate.  Of course, I love tacos and make them all the time but not today. 

 

An old boss loved Makers Mark and urged me to try it so yes, to the drink, no to the wine and I have never been to Sicily.  What a breakthrough on the discovery of bacteria!

 

Cool start to the morning here in the SW; humidity is coming down but we do expect a high around 100F.  Days have been very nice lately.  Alignment done on my little red bomb and all is well.  Purchased my flight to FLL for December so all the transportation for my next 3 cruises is done.  That was a big decision.

 

Trying to decide if I want to do something in Victoria, BC.  Probably not as I have been there in my youth.  This next cruise is chill time - do nothing, worry about nothing, re-center myself - just chill so probably will just maybe walk around.  I have no interest in the rest of the ports as that is where I grew up (California) so........  Maybe contemplate the meaning of life?  Hmmmm.

 

Thoughts for all of those on the care list and cheers to those celebrating.

 

Have a great day everyone!

[grapau27]

16 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

I found some pictures of the area around Naxos, the tender port we used in 2019, for our visit to Taormina.  There are a couple of pictures of the street from the bus depot to the old citty gate, plus some pictures of the drive along the coast.  On this visit, we took the Interbus from Naxos to Taormina and back, and it was reasonably priced.

 

The street from the bus depot to the city cate.  I use the term depot lightly, as it was really a parking lot with a kiosk.

 

Sights long the coast road

 

The Veendam is the ship on the lefthand side of the picture.

 

Naxos

 

You can see a bit of the Naxos Cruise Terminal in this picture.  It was really a canopy, ramp and dock.

 

Lenda

Nice photos Lenda.

[Nickelpenny]

@kazu Glad you got through Lee relatively unscathed!!  

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.    Thanks for the Daily reports Rich.   The Constitution is a precious document and kept us free for several hundred years, let's hope we can continue for another hundred at the least.  Citizenship is an coveted award for our immigrants that choose to take that path, it always is a proud day for them.  Red Pandas are cute but I don't recall seeing one in a zoo.   A great quote, a great meal, a new, tasty looking drink and @cat shepard thanks for the DeLoach Chardonnay, always a good value wine.   @StLouisCruisers and @Quartzsite Cruiser thanks for the beautiful photos of Taormina.    Sandy that photo of the cafe would be a place I would like to sit, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the crowds go by.   An important day in biology history.    Infections were always thought due to vapors or poor air.  VanL's discovery is one of the first things we learned in biology.  

Prayers for all on our care list and the people suffering in the world like Libya and the people of Ukraine.   Jacqui, I am glad you still have power or a generator, it looks like power could be off for a while in the areas you shared.   So happy there was no significant damage at your home.  

I got a lot accomplished yesterday so we can goof off and go to the sports book to watch the Raven's Bengals game.    It looks like it is going to rain so we won't feel bad goofing off all day.   Yesterday while I waited for it to warm up I finalized our HIA dinner reservations for our B2B2B's in January and February.   There were already some sold out times in the PG.   Canaletto and Tamarind were fine.  We got spoiled on the Volendam when we could make a reservation when we didn't like what was in the MDR.  Therefore, we have hotel in Fort Lauderdale for New Year's Day and the next day, long term parking is booked and activities done.    We will be able to enjoy Christmas at home before beginning our long drive to FL around the 28th.    Have a lovely Sunday.  Nancy 

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Daily-ites. Blessed Sunday.

 

Thank you Graham for our sermon today. Prayers lifted to all our Daily-ites, family, and friends. Thankful to hear from Jacqui and Ivan. Those floods look really nasty.

 

Didn't do much last night. Pizza and Caesar salad, watched a few college games. Yay Alabama for our son's team.

 

Today looks like a nice day. We will probably go downtown, and have lunch on the square. Have some friends coming over this evening to meet our DDIL. Play cards, eat junk food, and a few cocktails. 

 

My sister was in a car accident yesterday. She's fine as well as the other driver. I was wringing my hands til I talked to her.

 

Wishing all a great day!

[MisterMatthew]

 

Today is Sunday, here in Las Vegas.  And, that means ONE THING:

 

Tomorrow is Monday.  😀

 

Enjoy your afternoon, everyone.  I am going to Costco.

 

--MisterMatthew

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  I've been involved in a few citizenship ceremonies - they are always full of excitement.  Your American Constitution certainly has been in the forefront of the news people over the past few years.  Who wouldn't love to have a red panda; they're bear-cats.

 

A quiet, sunny morning out there for us; although it's only 8C (46F), we're looking at a wonderful 29C (84F) later in the day.  That's pretty typical for this time of year when you never know from one day to the next whether you'll need a sweater or shorts.  Often we start with sweaters and end up in shorts!  

 

@SusieKIslandGirl Bon Voyage; enjoy your cruise!

@kazu I'm happy to hear you and Ivan did alright through the storm.

 

Yesterday was pretty much a wash - I had plans to do a bunch of things, but I think the stress of the previous couple of days just took it's toll on me.  After lunch I thought I'd go down for a 15 minute nap and didn't wake up for 2 full hours.  As a result, the yard work is still waiting for me, in addition to a few other chores that didn't do themselves while I was sleeping.  Thankfully DH also slept in the recliner at the same time, so he got some much needed rest as well.  Today I'll take the dressing off the surgery site to see what damage they did to him, as well as getting things together so he can have a sponge bath.

 

As for the drink of the day, I'd substitute vodka for the bourbon, will give the wine a pass, but do like the menu suggestion.  I've got some frozen ground beef that I'll thaw, but will run out for a couple of other things like tortillas and green peppers so we can enjoy a simple meal of tacos on the deck tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

 

 

[aliaschief]

Good morning! Just a brief post as we are all up and ready for our day travels. Our son and family are already on their way as they have the longest drive back to Bay Area in California. We’ll set out for Seattle at daylight. @kazu Jacqui was happy to hear you got through the storm without any major issues.

Back to stripping beds and following other instructions on how to check out of rental.

Have a great day everyone. Bruce

 

[Haljo1935]

All the days are good ones; citizenship is very important 

Like the food, pass on the drink.

Was in Taormina during the ill-fated cruise June 2017. 

No idea of the temp; looks like a beautiful day in the making.

Prayers 🙏 and positive thoughts for all. 

[0106]

Good Morning!  Thank you to all who make the Daily a special place.

 

Taking my 87 year old Mom & Dad to see the Orioles today.  My Dad is like a little kid, he wants to get there early so he can get the free hat.  I think he’d run the bases if they allowed it.  I am so lucky to still have both of them.If we win today, we clinch a playoff spot!

 

I hope we will be seeing highlights from the Ravens game on the Jumbotron.  If not, I’ll be checking my phone. @ottahand7Cheer extra loud for me.

 

Positive thoughts to those who need them.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

[GTVCRUISER]

Greetings from San Diego 

[ottahand7]

@0106   I will!   Enjoy the Orioles game too.  My late DH was an absolute Orioles nut.  His last day where he showed any emotion as he was dying slowly was opening day of the Orioles in 2015.  We had it on in his hospital room.   He would be so happy so see where the Birds are now.   

[rafinmd]

3 minutes ago, 0106 said:

Good Morning!  Thank you to all who make the Daily a special place.

 

Taking my 87 year old Mom & Dad to see the Orioles today.  My Dad is like a little kid, he wants to get there early so he can get the free hat.  I think he’d run the bases if they allowed it.  I am so lucky to still have both of them.If we win today, we clinch a playoff spot!

 

I hope we will be seeing highlights from the Ravens game on the Jumbotron.  If not, I’ll be checking my phone. @ottahand7Cheer extra loud for me.

 

Positive thoughts to those who need them.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

I hope the rain holds off for you.

 

Roy

[puppycanducruise]

@0106 Have a great time at the game.  You're so lucky to still have your parents.  I'm cheering for your teams.

[tupper10]

Hello from beautiful Vancouver.  We are on the same cruise as @SusieKIslandGirl. It is our 4th time to Alaska and hoping that the weather is not all rain and freezing cold.

 

Sending healing thoughts to all who need it.  

 

@rafinmd I hope you don't miss your cruise.  My 2 cents - if you are really feeling sick then I would not go, but if you are just tired then I think being served and pampered is the way to go.  

 

Hoping everyone has safe travels.  Thank you to all who keep this thread going. I read it every day.  

[dobiemom]

Good morning, thank you for the HAL fleet report and all the daily information.

 

Last night night was fun with friends, first with dinner and then the show. Today is breakfast/brunch at Crepe Expectations and then bingo! 

 

Thank you all for caring and sharing. 😘 Prayers 🙏 for everyone who needs them.  Cheers 🎉 for all the celebrations.

[RedneckBob]

Today is also National Monte Cristo Day. This day has been approved by all Cardiologists! 😳

[Lady Hudson]

Good afternoon.  Sailing along to Greenland.  Seas have calmed down.  We should hit Nuuk Greenland Wednesday morning.  All good — everyone is happy that the trip was not cancelled.  Cheers!  Katherine 

[luvteaching]

Good morning from a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest!
 

@kazuJacqui so great to hear from you this morning and glad to hear you and Ivan did ok. 

 

We had a great day yesterday at DH's Celebration of Life/Family picnic. My DS and DDIL were amazing at keeping the barbecue going. We went from 11-3:00 and had about 40-50 people there. I was blessed to have my two nieces and 2 great nieces there from BC along with my friend, her husband and two adult children, as well as my cousin and her husband. DH's side of the family all came and we had a lovely visit. Also, quite a contingent of teacher friends were there. Even our mailman stopped in! 

The weather was perfect - sunny with a slight breeze. Everyone ate and visited and it was a great send-off for DH. It was just what he would have wanted. By the time I got home last night and unloaded my car I was tired! Today I'm picking up my cousin and her husband at 10:00 (they have their motorhome at the local KOA) and we're going for a drive and a late lunch at Olive Garden. They don't have one anywhere close to them so they are looking forward to it. It's funny - when I was telling this to others everyone mentioned "oh.. soup, salad and breadsticks are the best"! 

Karen

[marshhawk]

DH wants to use the computer, so I will be brief

 

Good Sunday afternoon Dailyites!  My Karma is totally out of whack.  I must have done something really bad, and not known.

 

First the limb landed on the house, but when we went to investigate, it turned out it was the whole top of the tree.  A rather large pine, that took out some of my flowering trees, and the whole mass is on the roof and creating a wall at the end of the property.

 

However while we walked down the drive (remember we live on a hill) to take a picture from our neighbors yard, just to verify it was her tree, we noticed that our paved driveway had a hole and a crack, the rains have been washing out the dirt under the drive way, and there is currently a growing 6 in at least deep hole/ravine growing underneath the pavement.  And of course last night, it poured for hours.  I need to use the neighbors drive to get up and down the drive (we have a split drive.  Then I noticed that my bank account was totally out of whack.

 

On 8/4 I wrote checks and mailed the bills.  Three weeks later, they all showed deposited but one.  I called that corporation and she took the check number and ran it through.  I asked her what will happen if the other check shows up.  Well you paid for August, so no problem.  Well that same check # showed up on the 11th of September, and they ran that through, ( i did lose it with the person on the phone)and my bank didn't catch that booboo, so I'm short on funds, and cleaned out most of the savings account, to cover the mortgage.  This is what people mean, by living paycheck to paycheck.  It stinks, but I do have a cruise coming up.🤗

 

So tree, drive way, and bank account, all seem to be in major need of repair.....and then we had dinner out last night, and I have been ill since then.  

 

Well, my time is up for computer use.

 

Hugs to all, sorry I whined.  

To the cruisers, enjoy!

To the wounded and ill, I hope you feel better.

To those in the North East, stay safe.

http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/352480-I-Love-My-Friends-Sending-Squishy-Hugs.jpg

[Horizon chaser 1957]

Good morning, all! Red Pandas are so adorable - I’m glad they have a day!

We came over to the island yesterday and went to dinner with friends. He weather has cooled, which is nice. It’s still dry though - we really need some rain here on the coast. It’s a little alarming how many trees haven’t survived the summer!

I pulled the trigger and booked us on the 24 day Canada, New England, Iceland cruise on the Volendam next summer. It’s family port intensive and hits several places the VoV misses. I’m already excited! On October 8 we board the Eurodam in Vancouver for the run down to and through the Panama Canal for the Caribbean season. All our ports have been planned out!

@kazu, Jacqui I’m so relieved you and Ivan came through the storm safely. Fingers crossed that the big branch didn’t do any damage. 

@rafinmd, it takes a LONG time to get your energy back post Covid. It took me over a month. I agree with @tupper10 - a cruise is the perfect place to recuperate and let yourself be pampered. It also physically removes you from any commitments at home that you ‘ought’ to try to tackle!

@marshhawk we’re here as a shoulder to vent on when you need it. That’s quite a mass of bad luck. Hopefully that’s your full allotment for the next year!
Happy Sunday, everyone, and enjoy this fall weekend!

Edited September 17, 2023 by Horizon chaser 1957