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DAYS 21-24: Our Cruise on the Norwegian Encore Continues

We have been at-sea heading for Southampton, UK,since leaving Miami on Sunday.  Before bringing you up to day on our cruise, one item regarding Donald Trump.  His re-election as president will definitely change our relationship with the world.  

  • His stance has always been America first.
  • With Europe.
    • The Ukraine War will be probably be settled, with Russia gaining some territory.  Interesting that Vladimir Putin has not yet congratulated Trump.
  • His view about NATO is clear.  He wants every member to pay their share.
  • His "pal," Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will hold a summit of 50 European leaders today in Budapest, which will be our final European Christmas River Cruise stop.
  • He identifies well with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has had good relations with Saudi Arabia.  Iran has tried to assassinate Trump, so there is a problem there.
  • China will also see some added tariffs, and there is that Taiwan matter.  
  • Tensions between South and North Korea are at their highest point in years.  He does have a decent personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
  • Time magazine today had an article on What Trump's Win Means for the World,

This is Day 25 of our cruise, and it has been mostly fun.  Day 21 saw arrival in Miami and end of the first phase, meaning we had to again go through customs and immigration.  Took four hours of mostly waiting.  

Dinner on Day 22 was at Onda, an Italian Restaurant.  We get to pick three special restaurants on each of our two phases.  Our choices from Seattle to Miami were French, Japanese and steak.  We will for #2 in this second phase return to Le Bistro, and will have a third in our final week on board.  The attraction is that these are all free, but otherwise would set you back about $100 each.  As we purchased a beverage package, at our Onda dinnner we ordered free Italian Red and White wines.
Salad and spaghetti.
Pizza.
Veal scaloppini.
Then on to karaoke in The Cavern Club.
Ending with a midnight snack and cognac in the Atrium watching Haunted Mansion.

Worst walk day yet at 1579 steps for Day 22.
Day 23 lunch.

Dairy Queen cone.

Day 23 dinner.  Cheese soup and salad, then New York Strip Steak.

Day 24 lunch.  My usual noodle soup, with a beer and Chardonnay.
Sunset.
We had a full night out, starting with dinner at Taste, beginning with an Australian Shiraz.

Appetizers of Singapore Pork Pot Stickers with the Shiraz and Johnny Walker Black Label Scotch.
Caesar Salad, Pasta E Fagioli and BBQ Pork Belly.
Cannoli dessert.
Then karaoke in The Cavern Club.
Dancing in the Social Club.
Ending with Fish and Chips with scotch and cognac in The Local,
Took 2687 steps on Day 24,

Hurricane Rafael was at 115 MPH yesterday, is now down to 100 MPH and headed for Mexico,.
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