I've noticed that I seem to be happy. That's my usual nature, but it occurred to me that after learning on March 8 that we tested negative for covid, insuring that we would be able to board the Seabourn Odyssey on the 9th, my mind has been very, very happy.
This is not quite euphoria, a condition I first entered in the Fall of 2018. What triggered this first episode was the sudden onset of a potentially life-changing incident. You can read what that was by clicking on that link. Then I lost this feeling a couple of months later when I went to France for what was a memorable, but yet stressful, trip. Soon after I returned, I went into Euphoria 2, which did not last too long because I went on another trip, to the Orient.
Soon after I returned, I got the results of two medical procedures, one a colonoscopy, where I feared the worst. But good fortune, the two polyps were benign. Just the relief catalyzed
Euphoria 3. So that was nearly four years ago. When I return, I will decide if I will undergo my final colonoscopy. In the meantime, the past few days on this cruise have been wonderful, and I'm truly happy. I'll call this Happiness 1.
On to our cruise and tour of Melbourne, where we arrived to a beautiful sunrise,
Had a rather large breakfast, for our tour was from 9:15AM to 3PM. Note that there is a Viking ship docked alongside the Odyssey. On the way to the city we drove through what will next month be a Formula One Australian Grand Prix racetrack.
We first went on a pleasant mini-cruise over the Yarra River, which bisects this city of 5 million people.
The next stop was to the Conservatory of the Victoria Garden to gasp at the colorful begonias.
Then a drive about through the city.
That is St. Patrick Church above. Street scenes and tall buildings, with, in the next photo, Australia 108 being the highest in all of Oceania, 1039 feet with 100 floors. On the left is the Eureka Tower, 975 feet. There is a Skydeck at 935 feet, with an entry fee. Like in many comparisons, some consider the Q1 in Queensland as tallest in the country, for it depends on the parameter of measurement.
To start the evening, The Grand Salon had violinist Bernard Walx of Australia. Mediocre.
Then off to a Japanese dinner, which was terrible. The sake was Sho ChikuBai, which sells anywhere from $3.50/bottle up. The miso soup might have had no miso and the tuna poke was the worst I've ever had The sushi was not, although there was a physical resemblance, while the vegetable tempura was soggy and....
The Jidori teppanyaki chicken was almost okay. The wasabi was incredible. Much better than the version you get from the tube. Asked for a batch to take back to our room for future meals.
As I did not eat much, walking out of The Restaurant, we passed by The Patio by the pool, where they were still serving, and the Kurobata Pork Teri on skewers looked good. So we got a table, ordered drinks and I had one of the better dishes on this ship. It was getting close to showtime under the stars, so we had a prime seat for the entertainment, which was boffo. The most energetic of the cruise so far. All the entertainers performed, the sounds were overwhelming and atmosphere magical.
What a day...and night. Melbourne is a staid and functioning city. Sydney is more exciting and active, while Adelaide is nice and progressive. Walked a decent 5650 steps today.
Tomorrow...Eden.
I've noticed that I seem to be happy. That's my usual nature, but it occurred to me that after learning on March 8 that we tested negative for covid, insuring that we would be able to board the Seabourn Odyssey on the 9th, my mind has been very, very happy.
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