It seems like it was just yesterday that we left the Oosterdam in Barcelona, but it is almost time to join the ship again - this time in San Antonio, Chile. After 8 years away, I am looking forward to the South America and Antarctica season!
The packing is done after some needed adjustments. Thankfully I skimmed through the Shore Excursions brochure; there are several more sporty excursions offered than in previous seasons. And thankfully I rechecked the weather because much of the itinerary is warmer than I recalled. I have been mentally preparing to pack for the cold, but I think that is because of my first visit to Antarctica...
I first sailed around South America in 2002 on a Cunard circumnavigation cruise, but I first sailed to Antarctica in 2006 as part of a Saga Cruise Line’s world cruise. It was my first and (so far!) only world cruise. I thought I had done pretty well covering all the anticipated climates and dress codes, from gowns to bikinis to a warm coat, hat and gloves. The one item I belatedly discovered I had overlooked: warm socks.
My contract began with the world cruise - departing from Southampton, crossing to South America and then heading down towards Antarctica. Somewhere after leaving Montevideo I figured out that I had only packed athletic socks. No worries, I thought, I’ll get some nice wool socks in the Falklands. Well, weather did not permit the call to the Falklands.
BTW - The Falklands are notorious for a 50/50 chance as to whether or not a ship will get in due to weather. It is one of those bucket item list ports, so be mentally prepared that it might not happen.
The Falklands was our last stop before Antarctica, so I thought, no worries, I will buy some warm socks from the shop on the ship. Well, the shop on the ship sold many lovely things, but a pair of socks was not one of them.
As the Saga Rose was a small ship (about 600 passengers), we could do landings in Antarctica. Crew could volunteer to work extra shifts so that they could step foot on Antarctica as well. There were three days of landings - if you worked two shifts onboard (kitting the guests up, washing the boots, etc.), you were guaranteed at least one shift on land (washing the boots, reminding guests to stay on paths and to not approach the penguins, etc.). So I definitely needed the warm socks to be standing on ice or cold rocks for two hours.
I ended up buying a pair of on-sale sweatpants and cutting them up into swaddling for my feet. Layered up with a pair of pantyhose, pair of fishnet tights, athletic socks and sweatpants swaddling, my feet looked about as big as my thighs, but they survived the cold.
This time we will not be doing landings, but I do have two pair of woolen socks ready to go. And wardrobe for some sporty adventures and warm weather as well.
Wellness Round Up
Hydration: I haven’t hit my target 80 oz/day, but I have been pretty consistently drinking 64 oz daily. That’s the good news of the week.
Stress: Stress has been high this week. I have put pressure on myself to finish my Olympics presentation. There also has been quite a bit of work stress building over the last few weeks, and this week it really hit me. And we are gearing up to leave - this isn’t so much stress, but it does have a different energy than a usual week.
Sleep: Sleep has been affected by the stress- strange dreams, sleeping hot.
Movement: And movement has been affected by stress - one walk (as Dirk wanted to make sure I got out of the house...granted it was to our neighborhood pub...), one strength workout and one cardio workout
Nutrition: Stress has been soothed by time in the kitchen. We tried some new recipes and created some recipes working through clearing out the fridge and freezer.
Filet Américain (keeper)
Salmon Pasta (keeper)
Carrot-cake overnight oats (keeper)
Biscotti (keeper)
Easy garlic knots (not a new one, but a family favorite, especially when it uses up the Greek yogurt)
Rough puff pastry (try again). I am perfectly content with grocery store puff pastry, but we get inspired by The Great British Bake Off each week. I wanted to try to make it, and I knew that the time kneading and rolling the dough would be good for the stress. I learned some lessons for the next time, but for a first attempt, I was happy!
I have always considered myself a recipe “follower” rather than recipe “improviser,” and I have always admired my former roommate Landon’s skill at knowing flavors and creating delicious foods without recipes. I think it is a lot like music - you need to know the fundamentals before you can riff. Some folks are naturally talented, and some of us have to learn.
Soups I’ve got down; we eat a lot of vegetable soup created from vegetable scraps. Some of this week’s hacks for improvising:
For a savory dish, start with the aromatics - onion, garlic and oil/butter
Brighten with lemon or another acid
Save time by poaching and shredding chicken for a few different dishes
The results? All keepers!
As we fly Tuesday to California for Thanksgiving, it’s time for last loads of laundry and for closing down the house with a good tidy and clean.
The Olympics presentation is looking good; I am content and very proud. We are looking forward to seeing family and friends before joining the ship. And for all those braving the Thanksgiving travel crush - wishing you safe and kind travels.
That's it for now. Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!
Post updated August 17, 2024
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