Cabin fever sets in, so we eat
Day 8, Grand Asia 2017
Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017 – At Sea
Cabin fever has struck the MS Amsterdam. Everyone talks about how good it will be to get our feet on dry land. I guess we would not have made very good explorers in the days of discovery. Today is our 8th day at sea.
This has been one of my favorite sea days. I followed my morning routine: up early, breakfast in the lido, watercolor class at 9 a.m. and America’s Test Kitchen cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. After early struggles with having no idea about watercolor techniques, I can see that I am making very slow progress. Regardless, I am having fun.
I drew a pen-and-ink scene of cherry blossom trees framing a Japanese pagoda, and then applied watercolor. If my mother were still alive, she would frame it as she did my first quilt block. I figured it was just to show the future me how far I had come. But as an artist herself, she always encouraged us to try. Her response to my complaint that “I can’t draw” was to say, “you’ve only given it an hour – how would you know?” Patience, my young padawan.
The kitchen demo today was Asian dumplings: potstickers and shu mai (steamed dumplings). After Chef Spencer’s tutorial, I might give it a try at home. The combo movie theater/demo kitchen has been standing room only for the ATK daily demos, so it pays to get there early. Every seat is a good seat due to overhead camera shots broadcast on large video screens.
Today’s highlight was the Sunday Brunch Sampler in the dining room. It was a three course meal with small bites of half-a-dozen items for each course. You would think with 16 different starters, entrees and desserts there would be some that didn’t measure up. But I must say I loved every one. Several fellow diners said they have taken multiple world cruises, and never experienced such an unusual and delicious brunch. The food has been outstanding. I left doubting that I would be interested in dinner. I ended going very late and ordering light.
The seas have smoothed out considerably and we had a sunny morning. Clouds moved in during the afternoon, and it was a brisk 50-something degree temperature on deck. I’m staying inside. In preparation for arriving in Japan in a few days, I watched Lost in Translation, which I hadn’t seen in years.
Tonight we turn our clocks back two hours AND then set the calendar ahead a day as we cross the International Date Line. Thank goodness the captain tells us what city to insert in our iPhones to bring us to the right time zone. Last night it was Honolulu; tonight it is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia.
Our good night quote: “I travel not to cross countries off a list, but to ignite passionate affairs with destinations.”
Sea Days – love ’em ?
I’d take a cruise to nowhere to have warm weather sea days – not sure I’d have been happy with the weather you’re having. But then you’re away from home on a cruise ship so what’s there to complain about lol
I’m hoping the Brunch Sampler idea is still happening when we board. It sounds interesting. ~ Cathy
Thank you so much for this blog. It has been so enjoyable and informative, as we will be on the 2018 Grand Asia. Am already looking forward to the water color classes and the cooking demos.
However, I am particularly looking forward to your “Packing for a Long Trip.” When do you think you will be doing that – during the cruise or waiting until the end to see how many items were not needed? Thanks, again.
Virginia
Virginia, I’ll work on it this week, and then maybe do a followup at the end. Thanks for asking! >
I want to run away to sea! Or join the circus. Or maybe I just want to run away. I do know I’m tired of hunting for nine Christmas-red three-quarter-length-sleeve scoop-neck tops in various sized from extra-small to humongous at BARGAIN PRICES for the women of my bell choir…..
Faithful reader/responder here. I love eating out when its really good food. Glad to hear that yours is so good. Thanks for taking us along on the journey.
The woeful tale of your fellow voyager being left without his/her luggage until Japan, raises the issue of whether another piece of luggage, in addition to a carryon should accompany the traveler – in addition to the two pieces shipped by HAL. Then, again, how often does this happen when ports are 5 days away. Any comments, and was the missing luggage shipped through HAL?
I haven’t run into him again, so no personal update. My understanding is that he did not ship luggage. His travel was arranged by HAL, including a night before the trip in the Sheraton. When he arrived, they didn’t have a record of his room, but everyone thought it was all worked out. The next day he and other HAL travelers were instructed to leave their luggage inside their rooms by the door and it would be collected, sent to the ship and delivered to their staterooms. When his didn’t appear, an investigation showed no one ever picked up his luggage in his hotel room. Certainly shipping a bag would spread the risk. That’s why I put a little of everything in each bag.
I once sailed on the Windstar from Madeira to Barbados — 14 sea days with no ports. One 80-something woman traveling alone did not get her bag (airline problem, I think). She did have a carryon with her meds, makeup, etc. She also had her good travelers’ attitude, so she never whined or griped. With only 100 passengers, everyone heard her predicament. The women loaned her all the clothes she needed. She didn’t let it ruin her trip.
Jo
It sounds like a perfect cruise. I’ve been on too many long cruises that do not offer interesting lectures or fun crafts. The ‘lectures’ are where to shop at the port and the ‘craft’ is just the ‘make a rose from the ribbon’ basic craft. Long gone are the midnight buffets and the daily printed menus (of which you received a whole set as a departing gift along with copies of the daily news letter). HAL seems to keep some of the good traditions. This is one cruise line we haven’t been on. It is difficult to sail a new line when you have the perks of the higher levels on other cruise lines (free internet, free laundry, free drinks). You have certainly encouraged me to look into HAL for a future cruise. I really enjoy reading your daily experiences. Thank you for posting, Jo!