Monday, April 30, 2007 Day 8
Another day for yet another time change. We are
Grey Goose Vodka and Smoked Salmon Cream Pasta, a delicious Pumpkin and Apple Soup and some Indian Curry. That was last night’s dinner.
The Captain tells us that we have traveled 3047 miles since leaving Galveston. We are 757 miles from the Azores. The temperature is 65 degrees for both air and water. The ocean is 10,660 ft. deep at this location. We all get his update at noon every day and it’s done in 4 languages. For many, this is there wake-up call.
Today’s pic include three wonderful hosts at the Viking Crown Lounge which is where many of us gather after dinner. Two of the ship’s dancers were at the Lounge last night and with a nearly empty dance floor, they performed several of there dance moves. Amazing Brazilians!
Attended a magic show this afternoon that was very entertaining. Watched a movie called, DejaVu that was good. Wide variety of things to do on this ship.

Sunday, April 29, 2007 Day 7
“…because of His boundless grace…” Are the words from today’s Meditations. With a very limited bandwidth or one that is over-subscribed, I was unable to log into today’s service. Bummer.
I did it! And had many eyewitnesses. Even a picture to prove it! I tackled the Rock Wall and rang the bell. The wall is on the 10th deck of the ship and overlooks the stern/back of the ship. So you’re 100 + feet above the water. Don’t look down.
Caprese Salad, Scallop Risotto, Garlic Tiger Shrimp, Lamb Shank w/rosemary and Tiramisu were some of the items on last nights menu. The risotto got my vote. Excellent!
I wore the NEXTIE last night with the red tie and….just check out the photos. Many compliments and questions. Emma, Miguel, and Phil from the staff made comments. Another ½ dozen guests made comments. All very positive. I gave them a brief history and directed them to the web site for more info. Nobody asked about the price.
Watched a short film yesterday, called Destino. Jamie might know of this one which was made by Salvador Dali and Walt Disney. Very cool.
I broke down and put 25 cents in a slot machine. My bad! I pull/spin and I won 50 credits. And left. Yes, I’ll probably go back today and try one more quarter.
Oh, we passed the halfway mark of the transatlantic crossing this morning.

Saturday, April 28, 2007 Day 6
I think it’s the afternoon. There have been 3 maybe 4 time changes, including this morning. Another one tomorrow, so it’s difficult to keep up with the time. Who cares!
Dinner last night was exceptional because it was lobster tail night, bring ‘em on! Along with cream of asparagus soup, Caesar salad, scallops over pasta and prime rib….ouch on the belt. Right or wrong, most cruisers simply take a few bites from the many dishes and then pick their favorite.
Eggs Benedict this morning, but they weren’t as good as the B&B in Galveston, TX. However, the best I’ve had was at Cedar Lodge, 10 miles from my WI ‘home’.
Met a couple gals from Minnesota yesterday who were/are part of the correctional system in Stillwater, MN. Interesting jobs. Met a Brit, Adrian, from Dover, UK who is a customs agent. Quite the diversity on board.
I’m working up the courage to try the rock climbing wall, perhaps today. The ship, never call it a boat, has two swimming pools, and a gym. I plan on attending a workshop on digital cameras this afternoon. There are plenty of activities to occupy your time. I’m sitting in the library preparing for some emails.
Today’s pics are of the ship’s wake and the start of a sunset. Enjoy!

Friday, April 27th, 2007
Day 5 on this floating palace. The third time we have to change our clocks. We are 2000 miles from Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal. The captain says we will be only 30 miles from Bermuda later today. We are cruising at 20 knots/hour with 3 of the 5 engines working. I calculated that we have about 80,000 horsepower to work with. (hey, what else do you do at sea for 6 days)
Tonight’s attire is Casual Country, so we can wear blue jeans and a tux jacket to dinner.

I haven’t mentioned the excellent shows that happen every evening at 7pm and 9pm. Tonight Izabella Zebrowska (thought you might enjoy that one, Phil) will play her violin. The other night a British guy played the piano (Grand no less) and played many classics. (perhaps a job for Josh?) I actually am looking into getting a position, notice I didn’t say…. on a cruise ship. A Dr. Lawrence Kuznets from NASA gave a talk yesterday on the Columbia accident, so they do solicit volunteers for technical talks. (free room and board for the trip) I believe he giving a 2nd lecture today on the future of the space program.
Today’s pictures include Billy & Carole both from Scottland. Anna & Joseph who live in Kansas City, but I think are Russian mafia. (they’re Ukranian) Douglas and Debbie from England and then the group shot is (l to r) Ellen, Anna, Maria from Romania (table 39 head waitress) Cindy, and Carole.

Thursday, April 26, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!
The big 19. Congratulations! I shall have our table on the cruise ship sing for you tonight. Speaking of eating, the food is fantastic and the choices are many. For example, tonight I have chosen the Melon Prosciutto as my starter, the Asparagus & Brie Tart as my entrée, and the BBB for desert. (Bananas, Baileys, and Brulee) Last night I tried the eggplant and roasted vegetables risotto as my entrée. Escargot, lobster bisque, cheese plates…..it goes on and on. It will be amazing if I don’t gain weight on this trip.
Tried something different last night, by registering for the art auction that was held today. Jamie, you would have been impressed. The sold contemporary and masters pieces of artwork. Two actual Rembrandt etchings were sold. Several Peter Max’s, and even two Kinkades. No, I didn’t buy anything, but I won several items including a cool blue led flashlight, a cool travel alarm and calendar, and a Little Mermaid watch. Along with those items, I won a piece of Anatole Kransnyansky work and Emile Bellet complete with certificate of authenticity. More art classes will be held tomorrow and two more auctions later in the cruise.

Today’s pics were taken yesterday and show most of the Splendour of the Seas and the incredible blue waters around Key West. You can walk from the Atlantic to the Gulf in about 15 minutes if you’re in Key West.
The other two pics are some of the many people that I am meeting on the cruise ship. I believe the captain said that there were people from over 30 different countries on board. You might note in the one picture, I’m sporting the next big, no huge, new fashion in tie wear, The NEXTIE. Go to NEXTIE.com and find out more about this really fine piece of jewelry that is about to be released. My thanks goes to my good friend in Santa Barbara, Bart Dickens for not only inventing the NEXTIE, but allowing me to wear it on this cruise. I had not gone 200 yards out of my cabin, when I got the first comment and compliment. More on that later.

Pub Crawl #13

Location: Sloppy Joe's in Key West Florida.

Date: Still Wednesday, the 25th of April

Favorite brew: Key West Sunset Ale, fantastic

Notes: Julie, shown in several of the pictures, had just been hired today. I learned that she was also from Lebanon. A true funster! During the second pint, and after some harassment, I learned she really was from Spain and that this was her 19th year working at Sloppy Joe's.

I highly recommend this pub to all my readers. In fact, after I post this, I will return for one more fine pint of local ale. The entire staff was great. This is a must visit!!

Music: A skinny white guy played some great tunes including Jimmy Buffet and James Taylor.

Food: 3 hot pretzels with some mustard.

Rating: Five Stars. Not sure if that is good or bad, since this is the only place I rated.

Pub Crawl # 12

Location: Irish Kevin's, Key West Florida

Favorite: Guiness Stout! It's not just for breakfast anymore.

Bartender: Jenny was full of energy.

Food: none.

Music: Live music, one man band.

Wednesday, I think, April 25, 2007

A couple photos from yesterday. The Internet on the ship went down, so I'm at an Internet cafe at Key West, Florida. Big tourist trap, but clean, nice and tee-shirts are only $2.50.

This picture shows the sexy hairy leg contest held on Tuesday. (men)
It was hilarious. No I didn't enter, I played photographer.





I had to take this picture of Matt, who joined our table last night. Scottish, he is. Phil would never have understood a word he said.
To my left was another Scottish gentlemen and when the two of got talking, I didn't have a clue what they were saying. Funny!

The ship is soooo huge that I couldn't get far enough away to take a picture.
1639 passengers, I know, I've met most of them.
Speaking of that, last night was the Captain's reception. One at 5pm for the early seating and the other at 7:30 for the late sitting.
I was ready so I walked into the 5pm reception and Flavia, one of the waitresses recognizes me, and without even asking brings me a pint of the Royal Belgium Ale. What was I supposed to do! (rhetorical)
I met Marc, Bar and Food Manager for the ship and Miguel, the assistant bar manager. The just laughed when I showed up for the 7:30 pm reception. Once again, Flavia had my brew poured.
Now it's time to shop, eat, and find a brewpub. I hear they have a Hog's Breath Pub in town. Meeting some of the guys there at noon.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Ouftah! Hey, it’s not in spell check, so don’t even try to correct me.
That’s the word of the day. I’m Sitting in my stateroom waiting for breakfast to arrive. It’s the first full day at sea of my 13 day cruise and less than 24 hours since I left Texas. I am on the Splendour of the Seas, one of the ships of Royal Caribbean. Massive! More than 3000 people on board, including over 1000 crew members.
Tomato Basil soup, cheese plate, fresh oat rolls and shrimp ravioli were my picks from last night’s menu. Table #90 was the assignment. Martin, Billy, Ray, James, James, and Chip were my dining compadres. From St. Petersburg, Russia to Glasgow, Scotland, to Orlando, Florida; diversity was clearly evident at my table.
Of all the people seated my table, Chip was the most interesting. His knowledge of wine was impressive. I was grateful for his generosity in sharing his wine choices especially when wine on the ship ranges from $30 to $300/ bottle. I suspect that before the cruise ends, the range will be stretched. The dessert menu was cool and after a nice cup of Joe, I was amazed that 2 hours were behind me. Later in the evening, at the Viking Crown Lounge, on the 11th floor/deck, I had the pleasure of meeting Sammy from the island of Vincent near Trinidad Tobago. He was the tender of beverages on the top deck of the ship. Quite the character. I named him Shaq. Maybe 6’6”, so a short Shaq. (pancakes?) However, it was now way past my bedtime, especially since a time change occurred whilst I slept.
Roll over, pick up the phone, and bam! 30 minutes later, omelet, croissant, jam, coffee, and milk. I need a nap. Just like at work. ‘Systems Engineer, always busy, John speaking!” (just pretend you understood that one)
Meatloaf sandwich for lunch, cruising at 21 knots, and the boat is still floating. Not a bad day. Men’s sexy leg contest at 1:30. That or another nap and emails. Decisions decisions! Cup of coffee was the answer.

Pub Crawl #12

Date of Visit: April 23, 2007

Location: 150 miles South of Galveston, TX on the Gulf of Mexico.

Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 11 of The Royal Caribbean ship Splendour of the Seas

Favorite: Royal Belgium Ale made exclusively for this cruise line. Very nice.

Bartender: Sammy

Food: none, this was an after-dinner beverage.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Location: Avenue O B&B in Galveston, TX

Why? I flew into Galveston the day before the cruise ship leaves for Europe. I found this place on the Internet. A very nice and interesting place and the owner, Connie, was gracious host and made me feel welcome. The interior of the B&B was fantastic as the pics show. The African Safari look is sooooooooo me.

I was little disappointed in the area around the B&B. It looked like New Orleans, after the hurricane. Many buildings were boarded up and most businesses were closed. I thought I was in the historic part of Galveston. Not so. My shuttle dropped off many guests in other areas that looked a lot better. Lesson learned. But it will take more than that to damper the spirits.

Just finished a fabulous breakfast. Super coffee, orange juice served in a tall champagne glass, fresh strawberries in a wine glass, a chocolate muffin with a mint sauce, and the grand finale was eggs Benedict with a Texan hollandaise sauce. Fantastic.

Pub Crawl #11

Rowland's Brewery and Brew Pub located in Chilton, WI

Date(s) of Visit: April 19-21, 2007

Favorite: Calumet Oktoberfest, for now.

Food: Hot nuts and frozen pizza. Come for the brew!

Notes: Bonita (mom) and Bob (son) are the owners and are wonderful and colorful people. This picture does not do this place justice and I might have to add a few more so that you get the flavor of this great small town brewery. Pat usually has 10 + brews available, so a fantastic selection. Rowland's hosts a great beer festival in Chilton every year in May. May 20th this year. 2500 tickets are sold out every year, which gives you some indication of it popularity. No sales at the door.

Brews: Calumet Dark, Amber, Rye, Oktoberfest, Ice, Bock, Kolsch, Wheat and Pilsner. In addition to these he has Fat Man's Nut Brown Ale, Kelly's Irish Red Lager, Honey Lager, Hunter's Choice, Guido's Grand Imperial Stout, Connor John's Scotch Ale, Total Eclipse, and Bitter Bitch Belgium Ale.

Favorite Saying/Song: Who the heck is Alice! (paraphrased slightly)

Happy Hour: Every hour they're open.

Pub Crawl #10

The Dead Moose Saloon located in Brainerd, MN. (the actual location is secret because membership is extremely limited)

Date of Visit: 4/18/07

Favorite: Whatever they served. I did enjoy a very nice ubrew from Schell Brewing Co. so it qualified this Exclusive Pub as a journal entry.

(ok, I made up the rules. Nothing new.) The ESB was also smooth and a pleasure to sip.

I must add that the proprietors of this pub, Cowboy and Salad Toe, were the most gracious of all the pubs visited. Dinner, brews, and a bed were all included. Even coffee and breakfast the next morning.

Many thanks!

Pub Crawl #9

Date of Visit: 4/16/07

1313 Club located in downtown Wallace, Idaho (population 690)

Favorite: Moose Drool Brown Ale

Foods: Fried Gizzards, Drunken Gravy Fries, and the wet Burro

Notes: OK, this isn't a brewery, but the place almost sucked me in as I drove by. It has character! The minute I walked in, I knew this was a great place that served a nice variety of mircobrews. The Moose Drool is actually brewed in Missoula, Montana where I drove through later today, but I had to have a pint here. Misty was friendly, courteous, and professional and seemed to like her work. The place was winding down after lunch but I could tell it had been busy, a good sign for any pub. I will definitely have to return to this Idaho gem when I can spent more time. To find out how it got its name, go to: www.1313club.com

Brew Pub #8

Northern Lights located at 103 E. Trent in Spokane, WA

509.242.2739

Date of Visit: 4/16/07

Favorite: IPA, darker than normal and very smooth.

Brews: Creme Ale, Dunkel, Stellar Stout, Solara Winds, Crystal Bitter, and Pale and Amber Ales

Food: Bratwurst, Planked Baked Brie, World Sausage Sample and a Pretzel.

Happy Hour: Mon-Sat, 4-6pm and 9pm to close.

Notes:

Pub Crawl #7

The Big Horn Brewery located in the RAM restaurant in Puyallup, WA

Date of Visit: 4/14/07 - 4/15/07

Favorite: Big Red IPA

Notes: This is a great sports place, but I'm not writing about sports, so lets talk about brew. Alisha served the largest glass of brew at the best price, so far. $4 for a 22 ounce beer. (happy hour price) One was the limit here, so I came back a 2nd day.

Other notable brews were the Total Disorder Porter, Buttface Amber, and the Washington Blonde. There food selections were cool including the 1 pound burgers, Bourbon Blackjack burgers, and the Wild Alaskan Salmon Fish Tacos. (perhaps a challenge, David)

Pub Crawl #6

McMenamins Edgefield located in Troutdale, OR (just outside Portland)

Date of visit: April 13, 2007 (new day, yeah!)

Favorite: Nitro ESB

Notes: You may have remembered another McMenamins Brewery from yesterday. McMenamins has 30 plus pubs in the Oregon/Washington area. This one is special in that it is a great old hotel and even has a golf course. The property and gardens are absolutely gorgeous. I found 3 different pubs at this location but forced myself to only try one. (pint) Highly highly recommend this place for an overnighter. Happy Hours, every day, 4-6pm. More can be found on the web. Just google it.

Pub Crawl #5

Hey, this doesn't look like a mirco-brewery! I beg to disagree! This is MeadowView Ranch, the home of Randi & Roger Roberson. I call it the Three R Ranch. They live just outside of Roseburg OR. (yet another R)

Date of Visit: April 12, 2007 (ok, it was a busy day, but I can assure you that the pubs were properly spaced apart)

Favorite: Roger's #57, aka Cruising Ale.

Notes: We sampled #58, which was called Randi's Amber, and it was nice, but #57 was even better. Roger has been brewing beer since.... well this is his 58th batch, so for a number of years. The hospitality at their Ranch is the best.

Pub Crawl #4

McMenamins Pub in Roseburg OR

Date of visit: April 12, 2007

Favorite brew: Nitro Porter, Terminator Stout, and Nitro IPA

Very smooth nitrogen injected brews.

This has been one of my favorites for the past few years and is included in all my visits to my good friends Randi & Roger Roberson.

Their to-go containers are Mason Jars. A 2-quart Mason jar filled with Nitro IPA was collected at this gem.

Pub Crawl #3

Wild River Brewery in Grants Pass, OR.

Date of visit: April 12, 2007

Favorite: Maibock

Notes: made from German malt, german crystals, and German spalter

This place was new, and their sign out front wasn't installed. Hence, and interior photo.

Saying: Blame us if your life goes to pizzas!

Negative: they were out of IPA and bar only sat 3 people.

Pub Crawl #2

The Standing Stone Brewing Co. in Ashland, OR.

Date of visit: April 12, 2007

Favorite brew: IPA

This is a new addition to my blog, photos of pubs. Ok, that may not sound very new for me, but what I've started is a journal of the next 100 pubs. A good friend of mine, Aaron Speight, and I tried this in Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK in 2000-2001 using a pub guide published by CMRA, which stands for Campaign for Makers of Real Ales. We both still have those guides and my new 'pub crawl' will be formatted much like that UK guide.

In order to make an entry into the journal, I must visit the pub, partake of one (minimum) pint of their in-house brew, take a photo of the place, exterior or interior, take some notes, collect a bar coaster, and get an employee(s) or owner to sign my journal. My journey will take me from the West coast of the US, to the East coast. But it won't stop there. Keep checking this blog, and if all goes as planned, my trip will extend severely East.

This is my first pub on this journey and it is Kelleys Brewery in Manteca, CA. Visted on April 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. They brew many fine brews, but my favorite is still their IPA.

Tuesday night in San Diego!

The infamous Blue Suit. Many a story happened with the suit, and the tradition continues with the passing of it to David.

Two famous tee shirts are also displayed.

DO's Tavern and the Livermore saloon. Wow!

David is treating me to the best fish taco's in San Diego. Not really sure who's treating who, a $100 disappeared from my 'wallet' shortly after this picture.