Tag Fred Olsen

Musings about #Cruising

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We had a few days cruising and this was enjoyable because you relax, socialise and stay up late. The days passed with breakfast, lectures, reading, gym, dinner and larking about in the bar. You can play games and other occupations too (walking football, cards, table tennis, racing dolphins, dance classes) but we found enough to keep busy.

My review of the cruise is positive because we had a wonderful time and thought cruising around Iceland, quite spectacular. However, I still feel a little young to participate in the cruise culture and if I go on another one, may research other options. It isn’t so much the age of the people, for me, it is the fact they act old! It is irritating the dancing is ballroom. Most people just want to boogie. There were a couple of exceptions though, and I did visit some pubs in various places. Also, we made friends with our dinner companions and will soon be visiting for their local beer festival, which I am looking forward to.

One evening we sat in the, what was known as the pub, and our dinner companion joined us. We enjoyed a chat and a few drinks and then decided to go up to the Lido lounge. Because it was so late they were playing pop music and not the ghastly ballroom dancing stuff. So I, grabbed the chaps and we all had a dance. Great fun. Then the professional dancers had a dance together. It was hilarious. 😂😜😍Anyway, suffice to say, we were jaded the next day, but it was worth it.

Another occasion arose when some people in the pub asked the piano player to do a set in the Lido Lounge. It wasn’t me, promise! Presumably, this was to liven things up a bit. It needed it, I can tell you. Anyway, he did and it was amazing. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a pianist on his own. But with the help of some electronic, sounds, he pulled off a fab rock ‘n roll set. Although slightly embarrassing when the ballroom musicians turned up and saw a roomful of people having a great time on the dance floor. Oops.

It made my holiday because was such a great evening and enormous fun. It really is great to let your hair down, once in a while, isn’t it? I’ve never been first up on a dance floor so often either. But nobody knows me on this cruise, do they?

Recently, received an email from Fred Olsen about some forthcoming cruises that look good value and are tempting so you never know, one may be off again. Anyway, have some plans for a little more travelling, but by air this time, and staying one place. Can’t wait.

Thanks for reading, commenting and following. It is very much appreciated.

Have you been away, lately?

Chaps dancing and having fun!

Stornoway

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Stornoway

 

Stornoway is on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This area has a traditional mix of businesses such as fishing, Harris Tweed and farming and a population of around 6,000 and this is about a third of the island’s population.

Not a huge amount at Stornoway but it is pretty in parts.  It has a reasonable sized town with a library (usefully with free WiFi), a castle, harbour, a pretty park and another circular walk “I am NOT going to walk miles again.” However, we were only there for a day so probably a little unfair to judge.

The walk to Lews Castle turned out to be pleasant enough and not too exacting, unlike yesterday’s never ending walk. One good factor was the weather. Honestly, it was like being on the Mediterranean. Plus the people are friendly and shockingly, I could even understand their Scottish tongue. Apart from the two chaps, in the library who were speaking Gallic. Show offs!!

Lews Castle

 

As we examined the impressive Lews Castle we decided to carry on walking the circular walk which was lovely, but soon realised that we hadn’t a clue how long the walk was. Helpfully, the map didn’t give this vital piece of information. I even asked a couple, also walking along, if they knew, but they hadn’t a clue either. So after a mile or so, we gave up and strolled back.  Had to be back in a few hours so decided not to keep 800 people waiting for us and strolled to the town area for a much needed cuppa.

We went into a public house and a bored bar lady informed me that they didn’t do coffee or tea so I stupidly settled for a coke which was warm, flat but I gratefully drank it because I was thirsty. The pub was, incidentally, one of the most depressing places I’ve ever been in so we left the, what I can only assume, the few permanent fixtures (customers) and headed back to the town.

We didn’t stay long, but used the free wifi in the library and then caught the tender back to the ship for dinner, etc.

I left Scotland feeling that I would like to explore the country properly as it is truly beautiful. Also, it means I can complete the splendid walk, mentioned above.

Next stop, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.

Tobermory

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A beautiful area. Lots to do so we wandered around the main street. Took some photos and then decided to do the whisky distillery tour. This tour that lasted about an hour with a glass of whisky at the end. Never realised you should add a few drops of water to whisky which helps the flavours to disperse onto your tongue. Not a whisky drinker but it was a lot nicer than the usual whisky. Guess I’ve been  drinking it wrong all these years.

After this we went on a lovely, if a little arduous cliff top walk which was, I was unreliably informed 5k, by the tourist office woman. Flipping heck! More like 10km. Challenging terrain in places but well worth doing. We did walk around a small loch too. The landscape is stunning, so well worth the effort. Never been so grateful for a pint and cheese and pickle sandwich at the end of the walk. Also, it was great to practice photography with my new camera. The camera (Nikon) worried me a bit at first because it is new and a little posher than my usual choice of camera. I’m getting used to taking the lens cap off now though, and fiddling with the lens before I deem it good enough to snap, I mean photograph.

Walking…

A fab day out and beginning to understand why people love to travel and explore the Scottish highlands.  Tomorrow we will be arriving in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland.