DAY 98 REUNION & DAY 90 CRYSTAL SERENITY

We wanted to begin by saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and to their families and loved ones from the terrible tragedy in Tunis.  With many of the victims who were sailing on one of the ship of MSC Cruise Lines and likely some who were sailing on one of the Costa Cruise Line ships, it is a reminder that in the blink of an eye tragedy can strike.  For us, it is also a reminder to enjoy each and every minute and not sweat the little things.  

Before dinner last evening, we were back at the Avenue Saloon for a pre-dinner drink.  We sat with dear friends Linda and John.

Afterwards, it was back to the Crystal Dining Room.  The dining room was not very busy as several people were still out on tours, some were out on an organized golf event and still others were dining at other venues.  

Whereas our Senior Waiter normally takes care of several tables including a table that on selected nights is the Hotel Director's Table where he hosts 10 or so guests, we were the only table that Ayhan had to take care of until another couple arrived about an hour after the dining room opened.  Since it was only the two of them they can easily be finished before the second seating begins.  With only us for most of the first seating, Waiter Jan was assigned to Bistro for the night which in the evening serves light snacks knowing that several people on tour would visit the Bistro for a light snack rather than eating a meal at the Dining Room.

We began our meal with an appetizer.  Augusto had surprised us by making Tuna Tartare for Keith and Anne Marie had Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.  

For our next course it was a standing order salad for Keith and for Anne Marie it was a Chopped Salad.  Ayaan took ingredients from two salads that were on the menu and put them together into one salad for Anne Marie, excluding those items that he knew that Anne Marie would not care for.  Ayhan is taking wonderful care of us.

We each had the Broiled Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak from the Crystal Classic Menu.  It was very tasty and was accompanied by Red Onion Crust, Mediterranean Vegetables  Saffron Arancini & Tomato-Basil Butter.

We also enjoyed berries.

Several items such as vegetables and fruits were brought on board earlier in the day so the Boston Lettuce was available again for Keith's salad and there was a wider choice of berries.  All good news.

There was a local show that was brought on board since Serenity did not leave until 10:00 PM.

We slept well as we were sailing to our next port of call in Reunion.  

Keith was up first and got in his usual morning workout followed by coffee at the Lido Cafe.  

Anne Marie got in about half her walk until we had breakfast since we had breakfast earlier than usual.  We then got ready to visit Reunion.

The Island of Reunion is located in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar.  The island is an official French overseas region.  One easily sees the connection to France between the French names of towns to the language spoken here.  The major difference is the look of the island as it is very tropical.  Waterfalls are plentiful as the water tumbles from volcanic cliffs, and the island is an abundance of banana trees, lots of bamboo, along with vanilla plantations and rum distilleries.

We took the complimentary shuttle offered by Crystal Cruises from the dock at Pointe des Galets to the town of St Gilles.  The dropped point was near the Aquarium. The drive took around 25 minutes.

The bus driver didn't wear any shoes which was a first that we could remember.  

During the drive we went through two tunnels and enjoyed views of the beach, sea and other towns.

For those who enjoy eating off the ship, or water sports, this was a nice place to visit.

We had our lunch back on the ship at the Lido Cafe.  We each made salad entrees as we usually do.

Anne Marie walked for an hour and then worked on knitting.  She is knitting socks for the very first time and this is the start of the first one.

Keith had spoken with Specialty Maitre d' Antonio about playing  Paddle Tennis just a couple of minutes before Antonio arrived two other guests arrived so we had a foursome.  Around the time that Antonio needed to leave another guest arrived and around the time that one guest needed to rest another one came.  So the end result was Keith played continuously for several hours. The operative words though was Hot...Hot...Hot...., Humid....Humid....Humid so everyone drank a lot of water between games.  Keith had a ball.

This evening we will be having dinner at Tastes with two of our friends.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY......

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might stay at home." -  James A. Michener

Keith & Anne Marie