Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - Still Cruising Across the Atlantic

 Last night I spent an hour trying to figure out what time and day it was and contemplating if it was time to move into the "home".  I finally figured it out.  Not only do I need to change the time on my Chromebook, Kindle and phone but also my Google account, which thought I was still in Barcelona, where it was the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.  

This morning I woke up confident it was Tuesday.  And that it was 6:30 a.m.  Then I looked at the app, which said it was 5:30 a.m.  Long story but the app is wrong.  It has changed times multiple times today and none of them are correct.  As long as I make my dinner reservation on time, I don't care what time it is.

I spent the majority of the morning on the balcony.  Yup, more than three hours of reading, swaying and snoozing.

Later, I caught up with friends on video calls and tonight I'm hitting Razzle Dazzle for dinner.  Another fabulous day at sea.

Photos!

View from my pillow at 5:30 a.m.

And, 630 a.m.

The Galley was getting ready for hungry sailors.

Sunrise from the back of the boat.

You can lie in this net on deck 16.

There are many breakfast options.  I had toast and bacon with a view.

Then enjoyed some apple juice in my hammock.

As the breeze picked up I got chilly. I always travel with a down blanket.  Folds away to nothing, is great on long flights and wonderful with the hammock.  Thanks, Julius, for taking the photo.

Lunch was sushi from the Bento box, in my cabin with two extraordinary desserts.  The desserts on the ship are AMAZING.

The game of "What Time is It?" continues.  The app says 2:39 p.m.  Customer Service agrees with my phone, with says it is 4:39 p.m.  Yesterday on Reddit a guy posted an email he got from Virgin.  He booked a cruise to the ABC Islands, departing this Sunday from Miami.  But the email said embarkation had been changed to San Juan.  Others booked on the cruise chimed in saying they'd gotten the same email.  Several called Sailor Services and some were told it would be from San Juan.  Others were told the email was an error.  I'm guessing it had to be an error.  In any case, it made me feel better about not knowing what time it is on a sea day.

Dinner was in Razzle Dazzle, where I dined on embarkation day.  I was seated at the same table, coincidentally.  Apparently, there was a solo travelers' table available but I passed.

Many good choices.

I skipped the entree and went for the lamb shank.  This time, they offered mint jelly, which took it over the top.

The excellent server, whose name I've already forgotten, brought me a knife and I laughed.  The lamb was fork-tender.

Anybody else remember the old Alka Seltzer and "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." ?  That's how I felt.

But hey, I skipped the appetizer so I could have dessert.

I went for the creme brulee, which had a strong smoky flavor.  Very smooth, with the crunchy crust I love.  Yum.  And, as with most of the restaurants, I ended up chatting with the people next to me, which was also enjoyable.

Anybody know what's up with the orange letters on doors?  

There are two or three in my hallway.  

BTW - even though the app said I was two hours early, I showed up on time for my dinner reservation.  It still has an incorrect ship's time.  After another stroll around the ship, I'm back in my cabin for the evening.  Now, I'm watching "Dave".  Sweet dreams everyone.  Tomorrow will be another exciting sea day of food and hammock time.

October 31, 2025 - Restaurante Sononongo, Las Palmas Gran Canaria

 I relaxed on the ship this morning then got off to get a cab and head to lunch.  Several cab drivers seemed confused when I showed them the name and address of the restaurant.  But, after much discussion a driver said he could find it.  We chatted in Spanglish on the way there.  He wanted to take me on a tour but I told him I had a reservation for lunch.  He suggested that he join me for lunch and then he would take me on a tour.  I buy lunch, and he'd provide a free tour.  I thanked him for the offer and told him I didn't think my husband would approve.  He said his wife wouldn't either, but they'd never know.  I had to laugh.  I haven't had to use the "my husband" excuse for years, lol.  Gotta love Spanish men.

There were only two people in the small restaurant.  There were only five tables, one server and apparently one chef, who was also the owner.  The food was creative and delicious.  And a bargain.  I paid $87 USD, all in.  I could not have chosen a better place to celebrate my birthday.

The port info is displayed in the elevators.  I'd like it if it was also in the app.  Which, BTW, is the best app of the lines I've cruised.  Not fabulous but best on the sea.

Getting off the ship for the first time since Barcelona.  Love the Resilient Lady.

Many ports have shops.  Some have local groups - artisans, etc.  Las Palmas was large and empty.

There were three ships in port.  And the Kismet, a private yacht.

It was in the 70's and a nice day for a stroll to the taxis.  Since I'm lazy, it would have been nice if they let them pick up passengers closer to the port but apparently is a security issue, although they let the taxi drop me off in the restricted port area.

A huge, private yacht.  I'll keep my opinions to myself but if you were thinking of getting me one for Christmas, I'm good.

I was going to Vagueta.  

The neighborhood where Sonondongo is is one of the oldest in the city.  These quiet streets are a bit misleading.  There were lots of cafes and people walking.

Simple.  I liked the ceramic cutlery holders.

My view.

The first course was an aperitif.  Normally, it is coffee with a coriander syrup, lemon, orange, Gin 72, and tonic water.  I skipped the gin.

It was cold, which was a surprise.  It was also a unique and really enjoyable blend of flavors.  I would drink this nightly as an aperitif.  It was the perfect way to give a hint of the flavors to come.  An excellent start to the meal.  On the menu, it is called "A Coffee?"  

I didn't use the extra tonic water but wanted to steal the little bottle.

Next came this beautifully presented appetizer, called "Dressed Tomatoes".  Chunks of beautifully ripe tomato with two sauces plus other goodies.  I remember green tomato juice, coriander and basil were ingredients.  It was very fresh and delicious and I could have made a meal out of a big bowl of the tomatoes.  

Next came Potage.  Based on a local dish (fancified, to be sure), it is spinach with an egg yolk and garbanzo cream.  I don't know what the thick brown jus is but it was wonderful.

The server suggested I use a spoon and knife and mix things up.  Each bite was a bit different and delicious.  Very rich and deep in flavor.  I would have licked this plate clean, too, if I was alone.

This is listed as Rice - Mushrooms - Sheep's cheese.  A mushroom risotto that was made incredibly rich with a sheep's cheese from a village in Iceland (if I heard her correctly).  For me, it was delicious but I found the cheese a bit too salty and rich.  Don't get me wrong - I was very happy to eat it all but I have to criticize something.

I saw at least two types of mushrooms and the texture was creamy and perfect.

Fancy still water. 

The main course, called Pig - Muddy on the menu - ribs that had been cooked for 12 hours, then shredded, compressed and served with a Canarian mojo rojo sauce and carrot cream.  This was another dish I wanted to lick the plate.

A shot of the texture of the ribs.  It was a wonderful mix of light/dark with just enough fat to make it the best.  The mojo rojo sauce was mildly spiced and flavorful and I'll try making it once I'm home.

Another ceramic spoon prop.

Another OMG dish.  The French Toast was the dessert.  It was brioche soaked in milk and egg with cinnamon and more, then bruleed.  Kinda like a tres leches cake with a sweet crispy top.  The dark parts of the brulee gave a delightful bitter caramel note.  Speaking of caramel, that's homemade caramel ice cream with an almond crumble.

The second dessert was perfectly bitesized "Petit Four".  From the left - a white chocolate thing with lemon and something deliciously crunchy.  In the center was chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and a mango jel.  I'd have enjoyed a whole plate of these to take home.

And, a decaf cappuccino.  

I can see myself sipping a cappuccino with a view after a wonderful meal on a regular basis.  In Spain.

I was there for close to two hours.  It was relaxing, delicious and I could not have asked for a better birthday celebration meal.

The restaurant is small and special.

Richard Diaz Aguilar is the chef/owner and a great selfie taker. What creativity and talent!

The menu.