We received a phone call inviting us to dine at the "entertainers table." Papa Joe agreed, so we joined Holly and Marty for dinner. Also joining us were Carol and Sue, cousins from Ohio. Sue had lost her husband, so she and Carol had started traveling. The other couple were Josephine (Jo) and Tony from England. Jo is a very spry 78 year old and Tony is 80. They were both widowed over 34 years ago and have been together 32 years. They have never married, and have maintained their own homes. Why? Well, Jo has a"wonderful home on a hillside overlooking the sea. And on a clear night, I can see the lights of France from my bedroom window." ok, I get it. And Tony, well he has a "special home, very grand. Bits of the home were built in the 13th century, or was it the 15th century? oh, I can't remember, but it is old, and quite large," darling Jo told us. She then invited us to visit them. But only for one night. Then our bags will be on the door mat. They live in the country, with "really only one road with shops and such on it, the homes are dotted about the countryside." She and Tony live 5 minutes apart. They are adorable.
Holly hails from "Philly" and Marty from Canada. They met eight years ago when Holly was a passenger and Marty "the piano man." They married and have been cruising ever since. Holly has alit of facts...on our cruise, there are 54 Americans, 50 from England and 38 Phillipinos. Their last cruise was a Japanese retiree charter. only 150 passengers made the trip. others had to remain in Japan to "deal with the earthquake." Holly allowed as how it had been a quiet cruise. "they talk really quietly and go to bed really early." Holly enjoyed it quite a lot...one day she slept until 9:00 p.m. REALLY? Who does that??? She also told me that there are 224 passengers on this cruise and 170 crew. She and Tony are contract entertainers, they just bought a home in Las Vegas. That is where she buys all of her clothes at the Dress Barn in Vegas. Who knew the Dress Barn had so many sequined garments??
Marty and I were discussing the quail egg on my asparagus and pancetta when I heard Carol talking about their last trip to a Dude Ranch where a friend had had a run in with a horse and broke her jaw. Her jaw is now wired shut. Remember this...this Tidbit sparked a great conversation!!
Marty told me that they cruise for 9 months at a time. This year they have done two crossings, Europe to Ft. Lauderdale. (I asked, but they were not on your crossing, Sue.) In the fall, 5 of the 9 days crossing, they were caught in a storm. Guests were falling out of bed, breaking bones. Ow. The second crossing was great, don't fret. Last year, they worked on The World. It is basically a ship that sells condos on board starting at $800,000. Then you only pay 8% annually for your meals, maid service, etc. Only 8%? ONLY??? Then you sail the world and stay in ports five nights at a time. Holly said that these "ultra rich millionaires were as rude as hell." what a nomadic life.
So back to the wired jaw. Jo was deep in conversation with Papa Joe. As his first course arrived, she said "how unhealthy, you're not going to eat that are you???" Papa Joe allowed as how he was. He was having a great time, smiling and laughing with Jo. I was then engaged in conversation with Marty about how much they enjoy these evenings...not for the conversation, but the food. crew food isn't as good. Then Holly allowed as how she has only gained five pounds a year for the last 7 years. Only 35 pounds. Marty just smiled at her adoringly. Then Jo asked Papa Joe if he loved me? To which he, rather startled, said yes. Then Jo told him that he needed to get his jaw wired shut and stop eating. He was eating too much. To my amazement, Papa Joe LAUGHED and laughed and laughed!
I tried to change the subject by asking Jo if they were invited to THE wedding. To which she replied, "oh no, not the wedding, but rather a lot of nice parties leading up to it. You see, Tony is really rather a big deal in England. So we do lots of wonderful things." Jo's husband started the ferry service from England to France. I'd say that he had been rather a big deal as well!!I
Papa Joe is still laughing about his jaw... He loved Jo!
We are nearing Golfo Stella, Italy where we will have a day at sea. It is marina day. Pool time for me and pilates as well.
Location:On our way to Golfa Stella, Italy
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