86 Countries and Still Counting: Monday, October 19

I taught 4th grade in Arizona in the early 1970's. Thanks to Facebook, I reconnected with some of my students from that time. I woke up to a text from one of them that one of the class died yesterday. Jeff was a good man, who raised a loving family and was a very talented artist. Jeff was loved and will be so missed.

That text went to a few students in the class, and me. We shared where we were yesterday and in a "small world" coincidence, I learned that two of my former students were in Barcelona, heading out today on a Transatlantic cruise. Then I got another text. I'd misunderstood. One of the students, Michelle WAS ON MY SHIP. I got a message from her saying she'd love to see me and give me a hug.

45 minutes later, we were at the Roundabout, hugging tight. For the first time in 51 years. While her husband looked on. We spent a delightful couple of hours catching up. I didn't cry then, but got teary last night. What a privilege to hear that she felt I'd been a positive influence on her life. And that I was one of four teachers she remembered in that way. What an honor.

We were too busy catching up to take photos but I'm looking forward to spending more time with them and promise to get pictures then.

Photos!

Messy, before the cabin stewards cleaned but my current home-sweet-home.

Took a photo of this ad while on my morning walk. These private cabanas, facing the ocean, cost hundreds per day. I'm good on the balcony.

Part of the sculpture of the octopus in the Roundabout.

The whole thing.

I've gotten a decaf Cappucino most days at the Grounds Club but haven't had any of the pastries. Is the light from my halo too bright?

Map of our itinerary. The Atlantic ocean is really big. Just sayin'.

Truly my happy place.

My breakfast was fruit and a charcuterie tray I'd snagged yesterday and stashed in my fridge

Lunch was taken out sushi.

Now I'm obsessed with t-shirts.

Of all the things I've done/considered doing on a cruise ship, getting a piercing, tattoo or "tooth bling" were not on the list. And still aren't.

I lost hugely at Phase 10 but had great fun playing. Yeah, it was only an hour before dinner but I was hungry and calories don't count on cruises so I got a treat from Lick Me Till Ice Cream for the balcony.

I've been unable to get dinner reservations so Nancy 1 (one of the great foursome I've been playing cards with) added me to their reservations at three of the restaurants. Last night was Extra Virgin. I understand why I wasn't able to get in for either of my Virgin Cruises.

How much would you pay for this tasty "No-groni"? Non-alcoholic, and I asked for an extra shot of the N/A gin it was made with so I could taste it straight. The gin alone was ok but when added to the drink it was great. But...$20 for a drink with no booze?

The bread was great. Came with the standard plate of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Rayann asked for parmesan in the oil mix and now I'll never have it any other way.

Rayann got the fried artichoke which looked wonderful but Rayann said it was bland. FYI, one of our group is vegetarian and while there are many vegetarian options on the menus, there is little veg protein. Why no tofu? Beans? They did have a special last night of white bean soup.

Jack tried the burrata app.

I went for pasta and a main. This is the lamb osso bunco with risotto. Tasty.

The pasta ala vongolle (with clams) was stellar - photo at the end because Blogger hates me.

The dessert special was this warm lemon cake. I thought the white stuff was whipped cream - nope a very tart lemon sorbet which was great with the cake. I preferred the carrot cake at Lucky Lotus but was happy to eat every bite.