The Ouseys in Victoria Page

Some Pics from Catherine, Margot and Remy's visit for Mom's Birthday.

Ciao

Which, by the way she is in now, extended care home that is. A spot became available and we moved her out of the Hospital; 4 months was enough. We got home from the cruise and 20 hours flying time, and to bed at 2:00 am and had to be up at 8:00 am to get her moved by 10:30 am. Talk about Zombies...

After initial trepidation she is now happy there and doesn't want to move again. Though she is sharing a room right now she will be moved to a single and they are nice roomy rooms. Everyone that comes into this particular care centre moves into a double to wait for a single. There is a lounge across the hall which is well equipped, a great view of the city; she is down town and on the sixth floor. She likes the food, but then after the hospital, who wouldn't. The menu is more basic than the Cridge, but then that suits her just fine. The dining room is on the same floor and the meals are cooked on site.

Our cruise was great, the Panama fantastic, the ship and crew were wonderful, no complaints at all, well except for the 20 hours to get back home from Baltimore, but not much choice there.

So Happy Birthday Mom.

Ciao. and Peace.

John Buckley Ousey

Our last port of call was Santo Domingo.  The four of us took a panoramic tour of the city.  The guide was very good giving us a detailed history of the country as well as the city, including pictures of his son and newly born daughter. lol. He was very personable.  The city is large and is the oldest city in the Americas.

 

The entertainment continues to be spectacular.  In particular David Cameron, a violinist, who is very passionate about his music and an excellent entertainer as well.  We just saw him jamming with the marimba band on the pool deck.  He also had great performances with the Celebrity band and the string quartet.

 

Tonight Carolyn and I have been invited to the Captain's table with the hotel director hosting, methinks Mike had something to do with that.  Tomorrow we will celebrate Carolyn's birthday, a day early, but we will be travelling home on her birthday.

 

Gary & Gail came down with mild colds as did a few other guests.  We're hoping to be better by Monday for the flight home.

 

It has been a great adventure with a great ship and crew.

 

Ciao

 

We spent 2 days in Puntarenas, the first day in the markets.  Mike bought a finely constructed wood cane that comes apart for packing.  There were many wood crafts, wonderfully created by local artisans and reasonably priced.  The following day we did an excursion to San Jose, Costa Rica.  Lon day (8hrs) on a bus; but the stops were great and the Costa Rican Guide excellent.  We saw the oldest Opera House (1897) in Latin America done in old European Styling.  Of course many places to shop too.  We had a tasty Costa Rican Lunch.

 

The participation in the various parties on board has been great, even the crew has commented on this.  A 50's/60's party drew record crowds, many actually costumed for it, as well as the Halloween party.  Mike dressed as an old man, he had brought a rubber mask and used a sheet, sandals and his newly purchased cane.  He sweated a lot, but he had fun with it.  The pictures will have to wait until we return.  There were many many wonderful costumes.

 

The trip through the Panama Canal was wonderful.  Amazing to to see the locks work and see these massive ships raise and lower in close quarters.  The weather was good for the most part, at least during the lock transfers.  It rained while we waited  in the man made lake for our next set of locks.  Amazing.  Today Cartegena, Columbia.

 

Ciao