Our first time seeing and driving over the Golden Gate Bridge 🌉
Off to Napa Valley
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| First Street Bridge over Napa Creek & Oxbow Commons |
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| Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant |
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| Grateful Harvest by Denis Kleine |
Legacy Experinece Napa Valley Train Ride - Napa, CA
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| Tasting Car |
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| Champagne 🍾 🥂 |
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| Alicia |
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| Our Trail |
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| Meeting our Neighbors |
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| Our first stop |
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| Our first tasting Chardonnay |
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| Private Label Exclusive to Train |
Did you know? Napa has 500 wineries 🍷 in a 5 mile by 30 mile area.
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| Oscar |
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| We passed the Sutter Home Winery |
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| Our second stop |
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| Charles Krug Winery The oldest operating winery in Napa Valley |
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| Trent |
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| 2023 Limited Release Rose 2021 Limited Release Petite Sirah 2019 Family Reserve Generations |
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| Lotta corks |
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| Snack before next tasting |
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| Our third stop V. Sattui Winery |
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| Ed |
V. Sattui is the most visited winery 🍷 with 500 to 1000 people visiting daily. They are so popular that they don't advertise and only sell their wine 'in-house'.
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| 100 Year Old Olive Trees |
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| 2021 Pilgrim Vineyard Zinfandel (L) 2022 Los Carneros Chardonnay (CT) Madeira (CB) 2021 Vittorio's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (R) |
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| Millionaire's Coffee for the ride back |
If you have the chance to take the train ride, I highly recommend it.
Terrace & Rooftop Pictures
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| It was a chilly night |
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| Good Morning Napa |
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| My new friend Bill |
Carmel-By-The-Sea
We visited the best little cheese and wine shop called The Cheese Shop. We sampled a lot of cheese and left with 5 varieties. I could have stayed longer.
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| Rena knew her cheese |
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| Papillon Roquefort, Artikaas 5 Yr Gouda, Istara, Artequeso 10 Month Manchego, Pepato |
Carmel Beach & Scenic Road Walkway
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| Dune Restoration No Entry |
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| He's so talented |
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| Looks prehistoric |
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| Tribute Tree Memories of sand, Surf, Glorious Sunsets & Moonlit walks |
We did the Scenic Drive towards Big Sur. Our first stop was Carmel River State Beach.
Carmel Mission Basilica Museum - The mission was founded in 1770 by Saint Junipero Serra known as “the Apostle of California.” We didn't go inside as a bus of schools kids had arrived right before us.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
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| Whalers, nearly all were Portuguese from the Azores or Western Islands |
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| Ranger let Rob use his binoculars |
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| Can you see the colony of sea lions? |
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| Bird all alone |
Kasler Point
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| Driving over the very foggy bridge |
Did you know? The Bixby Bridge was featured in Grand Theft Auto V.
Exploring the Village (Carmel-By-The-Sea)
Did you know? The village has no street addresses, parking meters, or streetlights.
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| Carmel Shell |
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| Hogs Breath Inn |
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| Eastwood Building |
Did you know? Clint Eastwood was the mayor of Carmel-By-The-Sea 1986-1988
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| The Owl House |
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| The Owl house - a curved design and circular windows |
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| Carmel-By-The-Sea Bakery |
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| The oldest building in the village & oldest bakery in CA |
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| Rob & John Madden |
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| The Tuck Box Fairytale Cottage built in 1926 |
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| Fairytale Cottage built in 1926 |
Now it is time to continue our journey. This was a first for us. As we were sitting in the airport, our phones 📱 along with everyone else's phones around us go off with a warning ⚠️ for an earthquake 😳 and tsunami!! The message says you are in danger, scary. We did not feel the earthquake at all.
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| We were happy to get on the plane to LA |
We landed in LA and headed directly to San Pedro. We didn't do much here except walk around the harbor.
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| Vincent Thomas Bridge in the background |
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| Sculpture by Jasper D'Ambrosi |
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| American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Wall Of Honor |
We were patiently awaiting for our travel partners to arrive. Since we had such a large room, we hosted happy hour while they waited for their rooms.
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| Chuck, PK, Me, Mary, Kelvin |
Time to head to the Los Angeles Cruise Port. Kelvin arranged for our ride. Due to having six people and lots of luggage, the driver needed to make two trips.
Discovery Princess - a seven day Mexican Riviera oundtrip from LA. December 7 - 14, 2024. Our Captain was Tony Ruggero
Ship facts:
3,660 guests
1,346 crew
19 decks
145,000 tons
We purchased the Princess Premier Package that included all specialty restaurants, premium drinks, four wifi connections for each of us, photos, & gratuities.
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| Waiting to board |
Might as well have a cocktail 🍸 while waiting for our stateroom.
Nightly Entertainment
The Laugh Lounge with Rondell Sheridan. He was funny 🤣😂 .
Captain's Champagne Toast: we did not participate but I watched them fill the glasses from Bellini's.
All About The 80's Trivia
Showtime: The Comedy Magic of Levent
Showtime: Divas with Vocalist Trenyce
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| I was more entertained by Rob sleeping 😴 than the show |
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| Finally a good pic of me |
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| He smiled for the pic |
Behind The Seas: Life At Sea Cruise Director Kristoff talked about being a crew member.
Production Show: Rock Opera
Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour: a culinary competition between Executive Chef Davide & Director of Restaurant Operations Carlos. Carlos was hysterical!
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| Completed desserts from Demonstration |
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| Crew Gingerbread Houses |
Get healthy detox seminar
Pool Time
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| Browns - Steelers |
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| Bills - Rams 🐏 |
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| Penis Colada with Floater |
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| Relaxation |
First port stop Cabo San Lucas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkaβo san ˈlukas], "Saint Luke Cape"), also known simply as Cabo. We anchored in the Bahia de Cabo San Lucas and had to take a tender to the dock.
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| Top row of tender |
Rob, Mary, PK & I strolled around the harbor.
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| It was hard to get a picture without any one else in it. |
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| Mucho Caliente or Very Hot |
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| Rob getting his street corn |
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| Rob enjoyed his street corn |
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| Wasn't as crowded on the way back |
Our second port stop was Mazatlán. Mazatlán is a city on the west coast of Mexico with a population of 381,583. Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word for 'place of deer'.
We finally stopped and talked to a gentleman along the way who was giving information tourists (us). He was an expat from LA. He provided us with a map, explained what we should see and explained the blue line was the route to old Mazatlan and back to the cruise port so visitors don't get lost. He was an interesting fellow to talk to. He provides information as way to keep him off the sofa and out of the cantina.
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| No my tongue is not touching |
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| The look on PK's face is priceless |
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| Catedral Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción |
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| The #1 Attraction |
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| I loved all the colors |
Liverpool Alley
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| I wonder who the 5th Beatle is? |
Malecón de Mazatlán is a Spanish phrase that translates to "walkway along the waterfront of Mazatlán"
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| Shield of Sinaloa Escudo de Sinaloa |
Our third port stop was Puerto Vallarta 🇵🇷 a resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife scene.
We hopped in a taxi for a death ride to the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.
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| Nature as Mother |
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| In Search of Reason |
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| Lluvia |
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| Triton and Siren |
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| Vallarta Dancers |
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| Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe |
Professional Photo Shoots
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Unprofessional Photo Shoot
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| The Chandelier was hitting my head |
Sunsets
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What we liked about the Princess Cruise
1. Medallions
2. Medallion Class Suites
3. Included Photos
4. Princess App especially to locate fellow travelers
What we didn't like
1. Too many people
2. Seats in Theater Too Close Together & No Drink Holders
3. Music in Atrium too loud
Time for happiness let down and back to reality. Vero Beach here we come.
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| Army - Navy Game |
Home for a few days to pack up.
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| That Is Everything! |
"Home" one week before we were evicted. Originally our plan was to drive to MD but we had a change of plans and took a flight out of Vero Beach.
We decided since we flew into Dulles we would spend a night in DC.
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| Rob lined up a driver for us |
Let me tell you, it was cold 🥶 in DC. We did not spend much time outside.
We walked to the Waldorf Astoria and to the National Christmas Tree.
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| Waldorf Astoria |
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| Maryland |
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| Florida |
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| Willard |
We spent Christmas day plus two more nights in PA with Rob's parents (no pictures). I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with Florian and Brenda in Servern, MD.
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| Puzzles & drinking |
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| Rob was hysterical 🤣 over Florian shooting the cork at Brenda's a** |
We really enjoyed joyed our time with family.
We are off again. Look out Surprise, AZ. We left Maryland just in time to miss the snow.
During our visit Mary planned an awesome get together with friends. Even though she was not feeling well. We got to see old friends and met several new ones.
We did some hiking. 🚶♀️🚶♂️It was a stroll for Rob at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Waddell, AZ.
Where did we eat?
Not a bad breakfast for airline food.
Charlie Palmer Steak - Napa, CA
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| Open Faced Smoked Salmon Wontons |
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| House Made Rolls with Whipped Butter |
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| Roasted Beet Salad |
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| Filet Mignon with Potato Gratin |
Napa Valley Wine Train 4 Course Meal - meals prepared by Chef Andrew & Paco
First Course
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| Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict |
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| Cracked Mustard-Cider Glazed Salmon |
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| Grilled Tenderloin of Beef |
Third Course
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| Triple whipped Marin County Brie with honey, fennel and green olives 🫒 |
Fourth Course - Dessert
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| Chocolate Lava Cake |
Small World Cafe & Restaurant - Napa, CA
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| Scrambled Eggs in a Pita |
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| Downtown Omelette |
Vesuvio Restaurant - Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
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| Family Recipe Garlic Bread |
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| Pacific Northwest Salon with Sardinia Fregola |
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| Ragu Bolognese |
Toro Sushi - Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
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| Salmon Carpaccio |
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| Rainbow 🌈 Roll |
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| Trust The Chef Sashimi Platter |
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| Sea Urchin, Quail Egg, Salmon Roe, Salmon Belly, Mackerel, Tuna, Scallops. & Shrimp 🍤 🦐 |
Happy Diner - San Pedro, CA a very busy little hole in the wall.
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| 2 Eggs over easy |
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| Chef's Special |
Compagnon - San Pedro, CA this restaurant was very good. We could have gone back another night. Best french onion soup we've ever had.
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| French Onion Soup |
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| Simple Salad |
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| Bouillabaisse |
Discovery Princess Lounges & Restaurants there were three main dining rooms Juneau, Ketchikan & Skagway.
Bellini's serving Bellini inspired cocktails with a view of the Piazza.
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| Aeperol Spritz |
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| Espresso Martini |
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| Watching Thriller Line Dance |
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| Mary, PK, Chuck, Rob, Me |
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| The fun ones in the group |
As you can tell Bellini's was our favorite. The service provided by Marlon, I kadek & Derrick was outstanding. The "I" in I Kadek pronounced "ee" means he is a male.
Crooners Bar classic Sinatra era with a pianist.
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| French Martini |
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| The Gang |
Crown Grill you needed reservations and and they charged an additional fee if you did not have the Premier package.
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| Rob, Sharon Mary, Kelvin |
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| Black & Blue Onion Soup |
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| Caesar Salad |
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| Loaded Baked Potato 🥔 I think they forgot it was loaded |
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| Salted Caramel Creme Brulee Cheesecake |
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| Hand Cut Beef Tartare Toast |
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| Blue Iceberg |
Not sure what happened at this restaurant but there are no entree pictures.
Gigi's Pizzeria by Alfredo this place charged an additional fee if you did not have the Premier package. No reservations necessary but they gave us a pager and we had to wait about 40 minutes.
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| He ate it all |
Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar this place charged an additional fee if you did not have the Premier package. No reservations necessary but they did have a little wait. We ordered the set menu.
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| Edamame & |
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| Seaweed Salad |
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| 2 Nigiri Salmon, 1 Nigiri Tuna, 1 Nigiri Shrimp |
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| 1 Roll Aburi Spicy Tuna |
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Sabatini's Italian Trattoria you needed reservations and and they charged an additional fee if you did not have the Premier package
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| Carbonara |
Skagway we had a private entrance to an exclusive area in the main dining room. Expedited seating, dedicated waitstaff and no reservations needed. They also opened for breakfast and lunch just for Reserved Dining.
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| Fish Street Taco |
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| Quinoa Salmon Poke Bowl |
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| Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce instead of a Sundae 🍨 |
It was nice not having to go the buffet for breakfast as it is just crazy.
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| Eggs Benedict with Hash Brown |
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| French Toast with Bacon |
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| Ham & Cheese Omelette |
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| Blueberry Pancakes |
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| Escargots |
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| Vol-Au-Vent le Grand Chef Delicate puff Pastry with Lobster & shrimp bisque |
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| Salmon |
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| Beef Wellington |
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| Rack of Lamb |
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| Chicken Breast |
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| Princess Love Boat Dream Chocolate Rasberry Mousse |
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| French Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee |
It was Gala Dinner night which meant lobster 🦞 was on the menu, no additional charge.
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| Salmon Roe for the table Not everyone partook |
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| Wedge Salad |
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| Lobster 🦞 |
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| Jasko making Gnocchi |
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| Gnocchi Alfredo |
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| Land & Sea Beef Tenderloin & Lobster |
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| Shree & I Shree kept the wine flowing |
The Catch by Rudi you needed reservations and and they charged an additional fee if you did not have the Premier package. This was our favorite restaurant.
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| Fresh Bread 🍞 |
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| We didn't order this |
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| It made a great picture |
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| Shrimps 🍤 On The Rocks |
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| Seafood Tower |
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| Sole a la Minute |
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| Fileted Tableside |
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| Shiitake Crusted Halibut |
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| Delight In The Air |
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| Dessert for the table |
There were 3 restaurants that required reservations Crown Grill, Sabatini's & The Catch. Lesson learned, book the specialty restaurants as soon as possible.
Airline Food
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| Chicken Enchiladas |
Scampi Grill & 21st Amendment - Vero Beach, FL with Brenda & Florian
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| It was a long night 🌙 |
We decided to do something totally out of our wheelhouse. We went to The Bazaar by José Andrés - Washington, DC (a Michelin star restaurant). We did "Jose's Ultimate Experience" (12 courses) and "Jose's Ultimate Menu Pairing" (five Spanish wines and sherries). Phenomenal!
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| The Ultimate G & T |
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| Jamon Iberico de Bellota |
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| Marinated "Ferran Adia Olives" |
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| Sashimi |
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| Caviar Cone |
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| Philly Cheesesteak with Wagyu |
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| Inside of Philly |
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| Oxtail Croqueta |
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| Brussels Sprouts |
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| With Lemon Air |
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| Green Asparagus with Egg Yolk Emulsion |
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| Ora King "en Papillote" |
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| Pluma Iberica de Bellota |
I think this is one of the best meals I ever had.
The Farmhouse Gambrills - Gambrills, MD we did New Year's Eve dinner here with Florian, Brenda, Dale & Michelle. Dinner and company were awesome.
Vogue Bistro - Surprise, AZ with Kelvin & Mary, another good meal with great company.
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| Vogue Onion Soup |
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| Vogue Tuna Tower |
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| Fresh Pasta with Grilled Salmon |
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| Filet Mignon |
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| Seafood Pot Pie 🥧 |
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| Scrambled Eggs & Hash Browns |
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| Baked Oatmeal |
Rennick's - Phoenix, AZ
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| Street Tacos |
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| Asian Salad with Chicken |
Where did we stay?
Archer Hotel - Napa, CA We splurged with our stay here but so worth it. Right in the downtown area and close to the train station.
Comfort Inn - Carmel-By-The-Sea This was your basic Comfort Inn. One of the reasons I booked this hotel was because they had parking. When we arrived the parking lot was completely closed off because of construction and there was no parking available on the street. I wasn't a happy camper. The manager, Om, offered to move us to the Best Western but not what I wanted. He upgraded our room and our stay ended up being decent. Plus he told us to park in the Diamond Elite pakring spot and we had front row parking the rest of our stay. Om was great and bent over backwards to make sure we had a nice stay! Definitely not the Archer.
Discovery Princess We chose the Reserve Collection Mini-Suite room B423 midship deck 11.
We stayed one night after traveling at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. It was a good thing we booked the hotel as we didn't get in until midnight due to a delay.
InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C.
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| Our View |
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| Macaroons |
Hilton Phoenix Airport - Phoenix,AZ
Thank you to Florian & Brenda and Kelvin & Mary for letting us stay with you.
According to little Ms. Google in December we traveled almost 4,000 miles by walking, driving, cruising and flying ✈️.
" Get a window seat, honey, 'cause there's so much to see."
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