Monday, October 14, 2019 - Monterey, California

Monday, October 14, 2019 - Monterey, California

When I awoke this morning, we were anchored offshore the Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.   Today I'd invited my friend, Sharon Sieve, to come aboard for lunch.   She resides in Carmel, where Adolfo and I visited with them many times over the years.   Her late husband, Joe, died some years ago.   I met Joe and Sharon the year before Adolfo and I were married.  Joe had been Adolfo's roommate at Santa Clara and had become fast friends.   Joe and Sharon are Godparents for our son, David.

A beautiful day today, and when I expected Sharon to be arriving on shore, I rode the tender  into shore and sure enough, got a phone call that she'd arrived.   Wonderful to see this dear woman - a long-time favorite friend.   Enjoyed the day so much, that I forgot to take a photo!!!

After too short a visit, it was time for Sharon to debark, but we'd been able to do a partial catch up of our respective families.   Do hope to see her again, soon!

Rested a bit in the afternoon.   Tiaan told me that I was to receive an award for over 500 days of sailing on Seabourn.   Looked forward to the wonderful blue Tiffany bag.   Haven't unwrapped them as yet, but know they are two crystal votives.  The next award will probably be when I hit 650 days - am hoping for that as another perk on the ship will be free dry cleaning!!!


After the award presentation, had been invited to dine with Luca Di Matteo, the ship's Hotel Director.   It was from my travel agent Eric, and his connection with Luca for many years, that yesterday was so special for my family - thank you, Luca! . . . and thank you, Eric!

Luca is a kick - he is Neopolitan, married to a Canadian, whom he met while working on the ships.   They now have four children and have recently moved from Seattle to Assisi in order to be closer to his Mama.  Another lovely table for dinner, two other couples, the evening filled with good cheer and especially good food.    Before the end of the evening, when Luca found out that our family would be traveling in Italy this coming summer, he said he would give me him home address so that we could get together.   I said - "All of us?!?!?"   He responded with a hearty, "Of Course!"

Tonight's dinner - Chef's Dinner - prepared by Executive Chef de Cuisine, Lindsay Lewis.

SALMON TARTAR
 lemon custard, cucumber, garden herbs and pink pepper


WHITE PLUM TOMATO CAPPUCCINO
basil foam


HOMEMADE WILD BOAR RAVIOLO
arugula, parmesan shavings and shiraz butter foam


ELDERFLOWER SORBET
(Forgot the photo!)


HERB CRUSTED HALIBUT
lobster potato croquettes, chanterelle mushrooms and young vegetables, 
caviar beurre blanc

OR

TERIYAKI BEEF TENDERLOIN
sautéed sesame bok choy, glazed rainbow carrots, wasabi mash potato, 
teriyaki beef sauce. (no photo)


CLASSIC OPERA CAKE
espresso gelato and chocolate sauce

That dessert looked so good, but I just could not do it, so had the fruit plate instead!




Wines served were a lovely Sancerre (white) and a particularly good wine (red) from Chile



. . . and now I'm all caught up with my journal!!!!


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