August 31...Saw some interesting things today. Delicious breakfast again. It seems to be about food! Have fallen in love with Swiss muesli. They had it here today (at the hotel) as well as on the boat. I even asked if they used a mix. The answer is no so I'll have to learn to make it.
Picked up trolley and first stop was a stroll along Charles Street, the antique section of Boston, then stopped at Cheers. Norms seat was taken so we left. Back on trolley to the Christian Science church. The reflective pool is amazing. I could swim many laps in there. Then over to Copely Square and the shops at Prudential. No purchases. Hopped on the trolley and back to the first main stop, the Long Wharf. Decided to walk to find a lunch place and ended up walking the Quincy Market area. Found a relatively quiet place and ordered a plate of oysters and chowder. Walked back to stop one along the wharf and took a long ride back. It is interesting though as all the tour drivers have their own information.
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| Quincy Market |
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| Christian Science Church with reflecting pool |
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| Cheers |
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| Norm and Peter |
Dinner tonight was going to be at the hotel but they are closed tonight. So much for the 20 percent off our dinner.
August 30...Boston arrival. Early rise this morning for breakfast as we had to leave the boat by 9 a.m. Everything went so smoothly. By the time we returned from breakfast, bed was made for the next guests. We just had to wait to be called! There is tremendous order in everything they do on board. Even the cruise director was there to say goodbye. Taxis were waiting and came to hotel to deposit our bags. By 10 a.m. we were on the hop on bus! Stayed to do a complete tour of the city, then took harbour cruise and by 1 p.m. we were ready to eat. Walked along harbour to a not so busy restaurant for clam chowder and half sandwich. Decided to take subway back to hotel - a bit of a challenge - no wonder Charlie never returned!
Checked in - a wonderful historic boutique hotel - a renovated fire hall. Their shower curtain has a Dalmatians, hydrants, hoses and fire halls embroidered on it. Cute!
August 29...Bar Harbour! Tendering in again and looks like a beautiful day. Took tour of Acadia National Park. Gorgeous vistas. Busy town, touristy but very pleasant.
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| Vistas from the Park |
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| Vista from the Park |
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| Acadia National Park |
The harbour had an incredible number of lobster pots - don't know how the captain missed them all but then again we don't know for sure how many he took out.
Last show and last dinner. Had to convince Peter to go to Dancing with the Stars - but in the end he even enjoyed it!
August 28...Halifax! Met up with Michele and Al after visiting Pier 21. Once again interesting and this time I was able to pick up stories from people who traveled on the same ship, Anna Salen, in December 1951. Also was able to request my documentation on landing from the Canadian government. Lots of people there requesting information about their relatives - ours are too new and fall under the privacy act. Toured Dartmouth and had a nice lunch in an old bar along the waterfront. The day went very quickly.
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| Joann and Juri |
On arrival at the pier, a real surprise - Joann and Juri were there and we talked for a very short while. It was great! And the day in Halifax was lots of fun.
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| with Michele |
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| the surfing beach in Dartmouth |
Drinks and dinner again - surf and turf tonight - and had a second tail of lobster. Boy the food is amazing - I don't see anyone leaving anything on their plates. It is just too, too good. Early night, we didn't feel like a show, although ABBA was on at 10 30 but decided to pass. Next time.
August 27
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| the pier at Sydney, NS |
Sydney, NS it is! The captain decided to anchor outside the harbour as he felt it was too rough alongside the wharf. Tendering in today!
Commonwealth happy hour tonight and met up with Aussie friends, Sue and Russell. Good time, good dinner!
Last night missed the happy hour. Didnt read the program well enough! Met up with Drew and Margaret and mom again in the Crow's Nest and guess what? They missed the happy hour as well! Had our drink anyway and off for dinner. Appetizer was mussels which we enjoyed profusely at lunch. Had planned to have a lobster roll on the wharf in Charlottetown but after that delicious 'cows' ice cream decided to go back on board for 'free' all you can eat mussels. Afternoon on the stern deck pool.
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| The Best! |
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| The Big Fish |
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| Confederation House |
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| self explanatory |
August 26...Here we are in Charlottetown. Seems as if we arrived later than we should have but arrival was scheduled for 8 a.m. and here we are right on time. Breakfast this morning was in the dining room which was much more pleasant and civilized. We were actually able to have our coffee in relative peace. As one becomes accustomed to the ship and perhaps this type of cruising, you learn the ins and outs. Having breakfast in the dining room is one of the pluses although perhaps having room service or cabin service would be another but we have not done that as yet. The stewards are very prompt and efficient. They know our names and are always asking if everythng is okay. The room is cleaned and made up as soon as we leave. All the staff are very friendly and pleasant. They are from Singapore, Indonnesia, Malysia, Phillipines and contract on for ten months. They all speak English very well. This ship will not only do this journey but also goes to the Mediterranean,Caribbean and returns to New England the following year. There are many Americans, Aussies, Germans on board. We have not met any Canadians as yet.
August 25...At sea today. Breakfast was crepes for me and then off to a talk re fat burning. Actually interesting but they were trying to sell you a nutrition program to follow. The cover was closed over the pool this morning probably due to the winds.
Spent the morning lounging at the pool at the stern of the ship, then lunch at the buffet. Off for exercise, happy hour and then dinner in the dining room. Show tonight was a comedian.
August 24...Early up with a trip to the gym and then breakfast. Ship is docked just below the Chateau Frontenac. Decided not to take a tour of Quebec City and are going to meander ourselves; however, someone keeps mentioning that it is quite a walk uphill to the Plains of Abraham.
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| Gorgeous painting depicting important people of Quebec |
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| View of ship from the Plains of Abraham |
Did the lower town walk to the Funicular and rode up to the upper part of Quebec City where we spent time at Starbucks doing Internet and not too successful. A gorgeous day and basically sightseed the streets, shops, Plains, etc. Back down to the ship for a late lunch. Ship boarding was prior to 4, abs class, then happy hour drinks in the Crows Nest. Dinner in the Rotterdam dining room (no self serve), show and then bed. Watches had to be set an hour in advance.
August 23
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| Montreal Skyline |
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| Biosphere from Expo?? |
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| Habitat from Expo or Olympics?? |
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| Marina in Montreal |
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| Old Expo grounds |
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| Leaving Montreal |
Early morning departure from Collingwood and arrived at Brenda and Phil's in good time. Off to Billy Bishop, bright and early in order to get my cappucino. A bit of a disappointment from the last visit there but did manage to drink one small one. Flight uneventful and arrived in Montreal without a problem, transfer to MS Maasdam efficient and settled in stateroom 555. Wifi is quite expensive and have decided to check out Tim's where possible!
A quick tour by the transfer bus of Old Montreal by the water. My thoughts were that it would be a good visiting place for another time. Lots of activity!
Went immediately for lunch, scouted out the ship. Sailed away at 4 p.m. - beautiful views along the St. Lawrence. Drink at observation deck and a barbecue dinner on the pool deck and an early evening.
August 24...FINALLY! should have logged on to this before we left. Now sitting in Starbucks using their Wifi. Pictures stuck and too frustrating. Check back another time!
