Phyllis Dale’s Journey in Europe Update 8 Amsterdam to Spain cruising the Bay of Biscay Before I start talking about my departure from Amsterdam, I need to tell you about how “lemons were made into lemonade” today. We were to stop at the Port of Hendaye in France which is across the waterway from Spain. This was cancelled due to 4 foot swells that would make tendering difficult. Safety always is the priority. I am so happy about the cancellation because instead of staying in Hendaye (a beach city), the captain has time to scenic cruise at a delightful pace along the Bay of Biscay coastline (we are only 1 mile from land). It’s great. This is the Basque region of Spain. I’m seeing all this from my stateroom sitting in a comfychair, this fantastic scenery…small villages with steepled churches, vineyards and lovely homes dotting the hills. Also loved cruising by the city of San Sabastian. I could have gone up to the Crow’s Nest but I was enjoying my stateroom after just having room service bring me breakfast. What a life…right? Now back to departing Amsterdam. We left our 28 room hotel for the port where the Holland America Prinsendam was waiting for us. I had a pre-ordered a minivan to pick us up. I had used them for all my transfers in Amsterdam and they were excellent. Even though we arrived at the ship terminal at 11:30 am, this was not a problem. We checked in and after a short wait, we were called to board the ship. The Prinsendam was even more than I expected. I am in love with her…only about 800 guests were onboard, which is pretty much the ship’s capacity. My oceanview room is fabulous. The Prinsendam had once been the Royal Viking Sun, a truly ship of class. My room is huge and has a walk-in closet…what?? a walk-in closet with lots of hanging space and shelves? I couldn’t believe it. Please know that I am in a lower category room…not a suite. I don’t think I will want to get off the ship. I forgot to take photos before I started setting up my computer, etc. but I will before I leave. I want the photo memories in case, I’m not able to cruise on her again. I’m personally naming this ship…”the ship of smiles”. Friends, this is not an advertisement. I’m serious. I find this on almost all of the Holland America ships that I have cruised on…the crew and officers are always smiling. Even the maintenance crew says hello as they walk by. On the Prinsendam, Christina, the cruise director actually stops to talk to passengers as she passes them. I know how busy she is. Yesterday, I was looking out a window as we were leaving Bordeaux. The hotel manager came over to me to ask if I enjoying the view. He didn’t have to do that…but he did. Oh…those smiles. You just can get enough of them. They can make a cloudy day full of sunshine. You know that our agency sells every type of travel by land, rivers and sea. When it comes to “salt water” cruises, personally I love the lower passenger capacity ships such as Holland America. The larger ships are great for families because of all the activities for the younger generation. Also, there are folks who like the ship to be the destination…where the ship looks more like a city. Those vessels are the “big gals” cruising the seas. Of course, the larger part of my heart will always be cruising rivers, whether in the U.S. or other parts of the world. I like SMALL…riverboats and yes…small ships. Most of the time the sun has been shining and the seas have been calm…absolutely delightful. We docked in St. Malo, France. I didn’t get off the ship but the view from the deck was wonderful. The next port, the magnificent city of Bordeaux, France. As I look at these cities, I wonder what it would be like to rent an apartment (with an elevator) and live among the locals…learning the language by just mingling with them. Many of you know that I have had extensive back surgeries. With every ortho surgery, there comes after results. With mine, it is neck and spine stenosis and inflammation. Friends, I DON’T LESS THIS GET ME DOWN. I live with it. Maybe I can’t do what my group members can…however, I can see magnificent views from the ship, walk around close to my hotel, take a sightseeing bus ride or maybe hire a private vehicle to show me the rest of the area beyond my walking capability. NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME. TRAVEL IS MY PASSION…SELLING IT AND LIVING IT. Whenever, I sell you a trip…I go with you in spirit and look forward to hearing about your adventures and seeing your photos. By living it myself, I am able to relate my experiences to you. Maybe something I have done may make you decide to put it on your “bucket list”. I can be there to help guide you plan your journey. When I travel, I don’t feel guilty about not being back in Florida. With Internet, I am making your reservations and maintaining your current bookings. What an amazing thing…the Internet. Throughout all my journeys, I’ve not had any problems with my house. However, on the last day of my Queen Mary 2 cruise, my neighbor noticed that after a storm, one of my kitchen patio doors had blown out. I guess from metric pressure. At least, that is what the “glass guy” said. My sister, Gloria and my partners, Bill and Peggy took care of this for me. I am so grateful to them for l helping me. Gloria went over to my house and with the help of a policeman taped trash bags over the door to keep out any rain and “critters”. Gloria slept at my house that night to make sure the bags stayed tape and all was secure. The next day, Bill and Peggy came over. Bill got a hold of a glass company who would make a Saturday emergency call. Within only a few hours, the door was fixed. Of course, I felt guilty that I wasn’t there. However, I have a terrific sister and the most fantastic and very special partners. They know how much travel means to me and also escorting my groups. I plan on taking my office “on the road and waters” for a couple more years and then I’ll be staying in my office in Florida continuing to work until I am at least “105”. Reason: Gary’s (my late husband) retirement ends January, 2016. I know what you are saying…”really, Phyllis…you are going to settle down?” Yes, I love this cruise. The shows are wonderful, the cuisine is fantastic (the additional inches on my waist is proof) , there is a band in a lounge that fascinates me. They are from the Phillipines and the 4 of them were in their own bands when they were asked to for a 4 piece band of their own. Their harmony, their songs from every decade…old to new, all genres from country to “You Raise Me Up” and voices that imitate the original artists. They ask for requests. You name a tune or artist and they perform the song musically the exact way it was originally recorded. The lead guitar player last night, sang “Have I Told You That I Love You” by Rod Stewart. I closed my eyes and I could see Rod singing. They are amazing. Oh, I hope I hear them again on another cruise. And…I love the trivia games. Our table of 6 won yesterday. Luckily, a lovely couple from Australia joined the3 of us. What we didn’t know…they did. Our prize…a beautiful Prinsedam pin (about 1 ½ inches long and very pretty). I’m happy. Even if I don’t win a trivia game, my reward is learning what I didn’t know or forgot. Great for the brain. Most of my group enjoy playing dominoes or my own card game “Crazy Uno” sometime during the day. I am a “gamester” but not video games and not bridge (which is too intense for me). Before I forget, I meant to tell you when I was in the U.K. that besides no A/C there are no screens on windows. Not in houses and not in hotels. Although, maybe in your large westernized hotel chains. However, even though there were no screens, I never saw insects in my rooms. I sure couldn’t do that in Florida or in most states. Well, guess I had better head to the Lido for lunch. The rest of the group is either reading, enjoying a movie in the theater or taking a nap. Remember that you are traveling with me in spirit. I often see something and say, “oh, wouldn’t (someone’s name) love this. And please let me know if you need me to make a trip reservation or want advice…I am only an email away. Wishing you happy adventures as you check off your “bucket list”. Until my next update in Spain… Love, Phyllis
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 15:31:21 +0000
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