Chalon and Beaune, Day 5

Wed, April 10: Today we were in Chalon-sur-Saone and took the guided tour to Beaune. We stopped for a 10 minute stretch on a road with vineyards and had some photo opportunities of the Meursault, Volnay, and Pommard wine regions. On to Beaune and when we got there we first walked to Hospices de Beaune (AKA Hotel-Dieu). There was a discussion about going there on our free time if we desired. It was E$7.  and since I had been there before I was not really interested. I would have gone if Cheryl or Vernae wanted to, but they didn't. First the entire group did our wine tasting at Le Cellier de la Cabiote. Of the 3 wines, 1 was tasty to me. They also offered a taste of crème de cassis, which I declined (I don't care for it). Our guide was nice and even with a heavy accent I had no trouble understanding her.  We walked around a little bit. Both Cheryl and Vernae (a travel agent friend of Cheryl's) love chocolate so we stopped at a couple of shops for that. We also looked in a linen or kitchen store. They had some coated tablecloths but unfortunately, the size was not right for me. I am hopeful I can find something in Avignon! We popped into a café for coffee , which was delicious. We were half way through our coffee when the rain came. It was not bad but we had to move under the awning. Finishing up our coffee we headed back to Hotel-Dieu to join the others. We took a highway back to Chalon, not the slower route via the vineyards. While we ate lunch we slipped our mooring and headed for our next stop at Vienne. The rain wasn’t much and seems to be gone for now.

Wine Tasting

Coffee

Cheryl went off to do something and I watched us pass a lock and listened to the presentation about the next port. Basically, we can walk into town, it is 5 minutes to walk. There will be an orientation walk by this speaker (I can't recall his name) and Sarah at 8:30a. I think I will plan on that. At 10a this tram train will come to the area where we are moored and take just 40 people, one time, into the town. I guess that is for the ones who are just not able to walk there, but that was not actually stated. The "port presentations" or whatever they call them, don't really give much information and what is given is vague.

It is before dinner now and I am typing this blog but I have yet to get my laptop online. I have had spotty service with my cell phone but unfortunately my laptop has yet to actually bring up the page to put in my code! It is a little frustrating. I might try my hotspot the next time my phone works.

We had another nice dinner and chatted long after the meal. I returned to the cabin to type this blog and set up myself for tomorrow. I am tired, but not exhausted. We found out more about the logistics of the tram and walking tour. We can do both. Thankfully, there were 5 spots left. We got 3 of them and another person came up moments later and booked the last 2. That was close!

I have to say the wait staff or servers on this cruise really work hard and they are so accommodating and friendly. I have texted John several times but he is not replying, I even tried to call. It rings but no answer. I hope all is well. (sigh)

Lyon, Day 4

Tuesday, April 9: Today Steven has an interview, I am sure thinking about that and praying for him! Today there was a full breakfast. Most ate that but I had just enough to take my pills. Then we headed out on a Lyon excursion. We went to the Basilica that was built to worship Mary. There is a statue of St. John in the courtyard.  Up on that hill we had a good view of the entire city. We were shown where the social center is, the financial center, and the political center. The view was a bit hazy but lovely just the same. After a walk through the basilica, which featured Murano glass in the stained glass windows, we were back on the bus to the next stop, but there was road work and it was very congested. We lost some of our time there but then eventually we ended up down in the city center where Cheryl and I were yesterday. We walked through a Traboule, a sort of passage way to get from one street to another. After passing through that we found ourselves standing in front of the same shop where we bought Lavender things (and more) yesterday! After this we had 15 minutes of free time. I'm glad we had a more leisurely time here yesterday. We got back on the bus and passed a few things we saw yesterday and then returned to the boat in time for lunch. We set sail along the Saone. We passed a lock and watched that happen. There was a brief introduction to French culture, such as how to act appropriately and how to order beer or wine. Next came the spiel about tomorrow, which made little sense to us but the bottom line is we get on the bus at 8:45 and have the tour of the day.

Around Lyon

Then there was the welcome aboard toast, one glass of champagne or juice each! Then on to dinner. Tonight was different for dinner. No salad bar but just ordering from the menu. Everyone was served a shrimp cocktail and then mushroom broth with some sort of dumpling in it. There were three choices of entrée: 1) beef filet, 2) Bream fish, 3) Mushroom crepes. I skipped all because I was full from the tea we had earlier. I did have the shrimp cocktail, soup, and the baked Alaska for dessert, which was delicious and presented so lovely. Vernae and Cheryl met more travel agents and we sat and talked through dinner. Boy, I could never be a travel agent, what a stressful job! I have enough trouble making my own travel arrangements lately! We talked for some time after the dinner was finished and then finally headed to our cabins. We are traveling pretty quickly along the river. We will be at our next stop by 5a tomorrow.

Lyon, Day 3

Monday, April 8: Today we will board the cruise. We slept pretty well at the hotel and got up near 10a. We checked out about noon. We packed up and after looking up where to walk, we walked to where the boat was moored. It wasn't far but part of the path was gravel and our suitcases didn't roll too well. I thought it might be better on an upper trail, but no, it was worse. Anyway, it was a nice walk along the river and we took a lot of photos of flowers.

Our Ship

We read where we could drop off our luggage and then spend the day on our own in Lyon. That is just what we did. I think we were the first ones to do this as the first person we encountered seemed confused but Sarah (the cruise director?) stepped in and right away our luggage was stored and we were on our way.

I had the name and address of a restaurant to try. Cheryl had a map and was the navigator taking us there. Of course we window shopped and I needed a couple of walking breaks but it was quite enjoyable. Once we left the busier area there were cafes and shops along our walk. We saw this Roman ruin from 150 AD at a church along the way. I have to say the architecture is amazing. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were not really impressed. We opted to look at others we passed by on our way there. We realized it was after 2p and the price fixe menu for most of the places was over for the day. We found a café with "Continu Service" so we were all set. Cheryl had onion soup with lots of cheese and croutons, I had a delicious salad with 2 poached eggs on top, plus the ever present bread basket was on our table. I had some house red wine and water was delivered without asking. Everything was good. After that we ventured back to a little shop we had passed that had lavender and much more. I bought some cologne, herbs, soap, and more. Such a lovely shop we could not resist.

Around Lyon

We stopped in a few more shops on the way and Cheryl got some chocolate, a cookie, and I can't recall what else. I bought a bottle of wine and an opener. I always enjoy looking in markets in other countries. By chance there was a woman who spoke English also looking at wine. She was stumped, not recognizing the names and we briefly talked. She picked something and I joked that if she didn't like it she could bring it by my boat… then she said they were on a boat, and yes, it is our same boat! Funny. They are from Newfoundland, Canada. I was planning to have a glass of wine when we got back but dinner time came very soon and that never happened. Maybe tomorrow. We got unpacked and set up then headed to dinner, which was served 6:30p to 8:30p. Cheryl had a travel agent friend arriving today for the cruise and she joined us for dinner a bit late. Her name is Vernae and she seems nice. Since she is traveling alone she will probably hang out with us and that is fine.

About dinner, there is an extensive salad bar where you can help yourself. Then our soup and entrée were served from the galley. Dessert was one choice, you helped yourself and it was very good. I should add there was the one special dessert but there was also a fruit and cheese table for dessert and it has some sort of cake log there to try as well. Three choices for wine, red, white, and rose. I think these will change each night but I'm not certain about that. After dinner when I was taking a cup of tea back to our cabin and one of the stewards insisted on taking it to our cabin for me! That was nice.

This is being posted April 10th because the Wi-Fi is so poor onboard. There is no way Photos will upload, I am sorry to say. I will try to post something to FB and add them here later. 

Lyon, Day 2

This is really a continuation of Day 2, since most of that was on my last post. I took a shower and waited around enjoying the view from our hotel room window. I figured Cheryl would be along shortly so I went to the lobby because she needs a room key to use the elevator. She was at the front desk getting a key when I went down. She relaxed for a bit then we walked to a Kebab place nearby. Most things are closed on Sunday, plus dinner is not served until later than we wanted. It was okay. 

Now back at the hotel we are relaxing and heading to bed soon. She has some work to do, but I am fading fast. Feeling thankful that we are here and looking forward to boarding our River Boat tomorrow!!!

Travel Day 1

What an interesting day! John dropped me off, I have to say Tony looked more concerned than John! Hahaha! I got a cup of coffee at the airport and wouldn't you know the cup had a little leak. I don't believe in omens or I would be concerned. First flight to LAX on time. LAX to CDG on time! 

I have to say Air Tahiti Nui was really nice. Such professional flight attendants. Where else do you get a flower to sniff before take off? I sat with a lovely young couple on their first trip to France. He stored my suitcase for me and she tried to ply me with snacks. I did sleep off and on through a couple of boring movies. The food was pretty good as well. We had chicken and rice with veggie and accompaniments for lunch and before landing we had a choice for breakfast. I took the crepes! Orange marmalade and custard filled - yum! Very sweet and rich, I wish John could have eaten what I did not. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are offered. I had 1/2 coffee, 1/2 chocolate. It was a little odd hearing Polynesian music and people speaking French at the same time. However, there are many French Tahitian Islands! Of note, nice fragrances occasionally permeated the cabin (both floral and spice) and for some reason the bathroom was pristine near the end of flight. 

My unexpected venture from the norm occurred when I arrived at CDG. It was tiring that I had to walk what seemed miles to transfer for my next flight. However, I kept showing my print out along the way and was told to continue on. I have no boarding pass but I have been reassured I will get on at the elusive F terminal. To my surprise I had to pass security again! This time my bag needed further check but shortly I was on my way to the bus to Terminal F. When I arrived I was instructed to get my boarding pass from the machine with my passport, simple, right? Not so much. Finally, a sweet gal came to help me. She again looked at my document and alerted me I did not have a flight but a TRAIN to Lyon! What?!? Mind you, I don't mind the train but - 1) Where is it? 2) can I get there in time? and 3) What? 

So now I need to get my passport stamped and walk another l-o-n-g ways to the other end of the airport where the train station is. Yep, my train ticket was waiting at the office there. I'm feeling pretty lame but NOTHING other than "operated by SNCF" would have been my clue. I thought that looked familiar but when it says Air Tahiti Nui one just assumes...  Well, ticket in hand I found the right platform, right coach, and low and behold, even the right seat. Phew, I had plenty of time!

Thankfully, I was able to get a message to Cheryl to not expect me at the airport. Our pre-arranged shuttle will bring her to the hotel. I took a taxi from the train station. 

So even though this is Sunday, my Day 1 has finished. You might understand why I am having a nice glass of red wine before heading up to our room. One has to be flexible when traveling. Cheryl should be here in a couple hours!

Unexpected Surprise!

I am thrilled to say I am going on a France River Cruise! My friend Cheryl, who is a travel agent, got a deal and invited me to come along! John was pretty quick to say "sure go!" so I guess he and Tony will be watching Guy Movies and eating junk food while I am gone. 

While John and I have a European River Cruise planned in Spring 2020, this will be my first River Cruise. I am so very thrilled to be going to some beloved places for a re-visit. I have been longing to return to Avignon for a few years. The dream has come true!

We will be on Riviera River Cruises, the Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence from 08 April to 15 April. My bags are all but packed, just a few more things to put in place to fly out Saturday, 06 April!

Itinerary

MS William Shakespeare

Need help arranging travel? Call Cheryl or check out her website!

1-805-39-WANNA  HeyWannaGo.com

Hey Wanna Go on Facebook

Julie's Mexico Cruise

Sat, March 23: We were up and left at the planned time of 7a. The trip was uneventful, no rain that was predicted. We stopped at a McDonald's and got some breakfast then a stop for gas. On to the cruise port and we arrived about 11:30a. We got in the short line to drop the large luggage then circled around for the parking. That didn't go so smooth. When we got up to the person giving directions.  No wonder everyone he talked to took so long, no one liked his story. So, the parking garage is closed until 12:15p. Who knew? That is odd since hundreds of vehicles are arriving to park. He suggested we could drive downtown and park for less money and take a bus back to the port! No. Then we could go visit the Queen Mary (docked next door) or park in their lot to wait. So, we decided we would park and wait. However, when we got to that lot, we could see that the line for parking had now tripled or more. We could not see the end of the line at all! So, we got back in the line and by the time we got up there for parking again it was, of course, open. Check in was quick considering we were in the general line, and it moved along at a good pace. We found our friends and started with a glass of wine.

Our cabins were ready at 1:30p. The kids went off and got all our sea pass cards and we made our way to the assigned cabins. They are nice enough, nothing fancy. This ship is probably due for a make over as some things are a bit tattered. Our balcony might be the smallest we have ever had but fresh air and a view are the points and we get that. 

We all went to dinner together and it was enjoyable. The food was not elegant in any way, but it was delicious. I see small differences but nothing is "bad" - and all is quite good. Duck pot-stickers were one of the favorite appetizers at our table. I also had a shrimp cocktail. For entrée's I had chicken with stuffing, which was excellent. John had a pork chop he didn't care much for but he also ordered tempura shrimp, which were delicious. There is an everyday menu as part of the dinner menu and also some items that you would pay more for (like lobster). I assume we will have lobster on one of the formal nights. I will add that there are wine packages available on board. We ordered one, since I did not see these available before hand to purchase. The waiter said you only buy them onboard. You get 3 bottles for $67, plus added gratuity. That isn't bad. There is a more expensive package with more options but we saw what we liked on the less expensive package.

After dinner John went back to the cabin and June and I went directly to the theater. Bingo was happening at that time but we just sat and waited for the Welcome Show to start. I called John and told him where to find us and he showed up at show time.  I'm not sure where the kids were but somewhere in the balcony as they saw us from above. The show was pretty Ho-Hum and I had trouble staying awake. It was the cruise director bringing some different people on stage and playing games, etc. Then the dance troupe came out and danced a "current" sort of dance young people would enjoy. I think the title was "Get Your Funk On" - yes, I'm pretty sure that's what they were saying (I hope). The evening is over and we fell into bed exhausted.

Sun, March 24: Sea Day. We slept very well. Our bed is quite comfortable to me, nice and soft. There is a bad sewer smell on our balcony this morning but after reported to our Cabin Attendant Deli, it has disappeared. Happy about that. John and June went to breakfast, I am doing this, and then they are going to get our wine that was confiscated from the suitcases when we checked in. You are allowed one bottle of wine each, but you are supposed to put it in your carryon, which of course we did not.

We had to talk to Julie and Adam, who seem to want to hang out most of the time. They are walking so fast that Jason cannot keep up. Julie promised she would not do that anymore. I reminded her that she was here to share the cruise experience with Jason. Let's hope that goes well from here on.

There are several options for lunch, none of them are the dining room.

It says in our "FUNTIMES" daily paper that today is the last day to purchase a drink package. I think most cruises let you buy it at anytime, but I'm not sure since I never bought one.

We went to the art auction. I got some pictures I think Jeff might like. I also won a free one.

Tonight is Formal night, or they call it Elegant night. Lobster. The food had been great but the shows are not much. Actually a little lewd for younger kids. I don't appreciate it either. We all left before it was over.

After the complaint about the odor on our balcony we got a call and they sent us 6 free drinks. Thankfully, the odor is gone now.

Mon, March 25: Cabo! We relaxed this morning and went to a very late breakfast/early lunch. I am liking the Indian food and the spices. After lunch and the open tenders were starting just before 1p, June, Jason, Julie and I went on shore. Jul and Jason did a little shopping and we took them to Senor Frogs for a Margarita in a huge glass. They had a blast. When we got there this gal came around with jello shots. She poured them in our mouth, rubbed our head, rubbed our faces in her boobs, shook our boobs, pinched our behinds, and then high-fived us. Jason sure blushed but he liked it! I turned off my airplane mode and used my phone to find out everyone was okay at home. I also sent them a few photos. Back to the ship and a nap before 5:45p dinner. John went ashore at some point but never found us. Julie bought a shirt and key ring, Jason got some sunglasses, as did June.

Our 3 Timeshares in the distance

There is a "Deli" back by the adult pool, the Tandoor place is there as well. I want to try the Deli tomorrow because the sandwiches look absolutely amazing!

They called again to ask us if the odor was gone, it is… but I think they are sending us a cheese plate now. I'm not sure because John took the call.

Dinner was delicious once again. I had veal parmesan, John had a lamb shank and the veal as well. Julie had the veal and the flank steak that is always on the menu. The veal could have used a little more sauce and the lamb shank was de-boned, but both were very good. June had a Portobello mushroom dish which she said was delicious. There are many menu choices and this far we have been very happy with everything.

We went to an art seminar after dinner to get another signature so we will have enough signatures in our booklet to earn a prize. Silly, but something to do. We didn't win anything tonight. The kids went to the Bumble Bee movie in the pool area. An enjoyable day but we are in our cabins by 8:30p because we have not been thrilled with the shows thus far. No problem though as we are having a good time.

Tue, March 26: Mazatlán. We were at a dock today, I was surprised. I think we have only tendered into this port in the past. It looks completely different than it did to me before. We are in more of a canal with a dock than on the ocean side. No view of the Swordfish statue is anywhere around. I'll have to figure out that later. 

John had breakfast, June and I had coffee. We found a nice table on deck 3 to play some Rummikub. Then when lunch time rolled around we found the BBQ and ate there. It was okay. The beef and chicken were pretty tasty but the rest was ho-hum. The dessert bar or Sweet Shoppe had a lot of choices. We played more Rummikub and then went to our cabin to relax and read. I watched a movie that happen to be starting called Age of Adilade or something like that.

We left port and watched that until we were almost late for our dinner time. Dinner was good and after that we went to the next art seminar. We obtained the signatures we needed and got the small, free artwork. None of us have been impressed with the shows so we just went back to our cabins for the night. Neither we or June have gotten our confiscated wine yet. I think it won't happen. We'll see, maybe tomorrow.

Wed. March 27: Puerto Vallarta. I'm not sure when we arrived because I was still in bed. John and June went to breakfast while I showered and did a little organization. My purse managed to collect a lot of unnecessary things. We chatted and watched TV, then went to lunch. After lunch we played Rummikub again in the Deli area. We got Deli sandwiches for lunch today. They look amazing but they all greatly lacked in flavor. I'm not sure why. June had the Ruben and said it was tasteless, as was my meatball sandwich and John's pastrami. Oh well, we have had a lot of good food on the ship. After Rummikub we went back to our cabins and rested. This has been a relaxing cruise so far. Dinner was delicious, my favorite for today was the peach soup, yum! The BBQ pork ribs John had were very good. Most of us had the country fried chicken, which was also good. Every night there is a vegetarian dish, pasta, fish, meat of some sort, usually two types. On the right side of the menu they have a dish created for the port we are in. That is nice. We did two art related stops after dinner. One was guess the weight of a sculpture and spinning a wheel for a prize. I won another work of art. I will pick something I think Jeff will like as our house if full already. Then there was an art scavenger hunt, that was harder than it sounds to match a work of art to a phrase on the paper. After that June was tired and went to her cabin. John and I wanted to watch a movie, The Green Book, at the Dive In Movies. Jason and Julie saved us a seat but after about 30 minutes we were too tired to enjoy it. The lounges aren't that comfortable. John and I headed back to our cabin as well. By then we had set sail north toward home. Below a view of the port. On the other side is WalMart and Sam's Club!

Thu. March 28: Sea Day. It was not a great day for me. I didn't feel good after eating some popcorn at that movie. About 1:30a I was still awake and instead of just a stomachache, cramps in my stomach began. By 2:30a the worst of it began. I never did throw up but felt I was about to all the time. Away I brought the prescription I had, thank God for that. Once I took the medication the lower gastric problem ended but not the cramping. It wasn't a good night.

John left and had breakfast with June and they went to the art auction at 1p. I stayed in bed.

Julie was in and out, she bought a shirt and mug and a ton of things at the arcade.

Our second formal night, no lobster for this night. I did go to dinner but didn't eat much. I am feeling okay, just a bit tired.

Fri. March 29: Our last full day at sea. June and I went to look in the shops but we didn't get anything. Supposedly the Clinique products were buy one get one 50% off but they had little to choose from and nothing I could use. From there we met John at the Art Appreciation event. It was nice, they served cheese, fruit, and mimosas.  We each got a free, large piece of artwork and a bottle of champagne. We had lunch after that. Surely we are getting spoiled because nothing seemed delicious! We proceeded to the final Art Auction after lunch. We have won a lot of free items. I did buy some artwork I thought Jeff might like. I will frame them myself.

We spent most of the afternoon playing Rummikub on the Lido deck. It was noisy but it is one of the few places that have tables large enough (not cocktail tables). It was time for our last dinner together. Von has been our waiter almost every night. He is a nice man, the joke is he is Von, James Von…  funny. He laughs so much about it, it makes us laugh.

We bid farewell to our traveling companions and went to pack. We all plan to walk off in the morning, but we aren't sure we will see each other. After packing Julie and Jason went up to the Dive-In Movies.

Sat.  March 30: We were up and out of our room by 8a. We are taking our own luggage off and it went quick and smooth. We were in the Jeep and headed home in no time flat. We got home before 1p. I called June a little later and they were home safe and sound as well. Julie was very happy and said she had a blast. She said when Dad took her home she was going to sleep. I guess that is the sure sign she had fun!!!