We spent Saturday cruising round the sounds. Doubtful Sound was cancelled as it was too windy, rough and cloudy but later in the morning we went up another sound, Thompson Sound, Thompson being an early surveyor, and then on to Milford Sound. The weather improved a bit but was windy out on the deck where you had to go to hear a commentary. There is a man from DOC on board commentating as we go and he also gave a presentation in the cinema on the fauna and flora of the area. It is certainly an easy way to travel and to see the essence of a place. Now on our way out of the sound heading to the open seas en route to Melbourne.
Listening to some lovely Gypsy-style violin music, easy listening I suppose you would call it. Puts me in a good frame of mind for the evening. There is a full programme each day and night. Last night we went to a programme Dancing through the Decades and I managed to get Dieter up to dance when it got to the 70s. YMCA and the ilk. Anyway I enjoyed it all and we hadn't had a dance like that for quite some time. There was an even older lady than me up dancing.
The food continues to impress. Last night it was lightly pan fried orange roughy that I enjoyed for my main. For dessert I had a stack of 3 meringues filled with cream and garnished with strawberry and a coulis. I usually manage an entree and salad as well as main and dessert.
Friday was Dunedin. My friend Pat came and picked us up at 10.30 and we drove straight to Olveston, a lovely home which had belonged to a well-to do family, the Theomins . It was crammed full of beautiful china, clocks, oriental antiques, lovely artworks. We went on a an hour long conducted tour which was the only way of seeing the place anyway and was well worth it. There was a lovely garden as well. I took quite a few photos outside but unfortunately there was no taking photographs inside.
We then drove out to St Clair for lunch. St Clair is where I grew up and we went along the beach where we spent a lot of time as children, past our old family home which looks like a very small villa. The sunporch down one side has been demolished and a carport put in its place.
Had lunch at a lovely cafe overlooking the water with the sun streaming in the window. Sampled the famous South Island cheese rolls.
From there we went to my sister Mary's grave. I always try to visit it when in Dunedin. She died in September 1966. Last time I was there I arranged for a lovely china red rose to be put on her grave and it looks very nice.
After that it was time to drive back to Port Chalmers and get on the boat again. They had a highland pipe band playing on the wharf which added to the atmosphere. We had very good weather up and until including Dunedin and now that we are on the ship for a couple more days until we get to Melbourne it doesn't really matter that it is a bit overcast.
The days pass very agreeably with a lot of eating and resting on our part. One meal blends in with the next. The range of food and delicacies from around the world are amazing.
We then drove out to St Clair for lunch. St Clair is where I grew up and we went along the beach where we spent a lot of time as children, past our old family home which looks like a very small villa. The sunporch down one side has been demolished and a carport put in its place.
Had lunch at a lovely cafe overlooking the water with the sun streaming in the window. Sampled the famous South Island cheese rolls.
From there we went to my sister Mary's grave. I always try to visit it when in Dunedin. She died in September 1966. Last time I was there I arranged for a lovely china red rose to be put on her grave and it looks very nice.
After that it was time to drive back to Port Chalmers and get on the boat again. They had a highland pipe band playing on the wharf which added to the atmosphere. We had very good weather up and until including Dunedin and now that we are on the ship for a couple more days until we get to Melbourne it doesn't really matter that it is a bit overcast.
The days pass very agreeably with a lot of eating and resting on our part. One meal blends in with the next. The range of food and delicacies from around the world are amazing.
Starting with breakfast there are delicious pastries, breads and cold cuts plus all the usual cereals fruit and eggs done every which way. Lunchtime there an array of salad ingredients, hot and cold dishes, cakes and desserts to tempt the palate,
Dinner in the dining room is a selection of 5 or 6 gourmet choices for 5 or 6 gourmet courses.
There is entertainment right through the day and night at a number of different venues something for everybody I would say. I am happy doing nothing but have been enjoying the Rhapsody Trio with the Hungarian violinist every evening - if we can get a seat.
I could very soon get accustomed to this shipboard life.
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