Sunday, October 13, 2019 - SAN FRANCISCO!

Sunday, October 13, 2019 - San Francisco!!

Throughout the night the ship's foghorn continued intermittently - and it immediately ruined my sleep as I thought about Sunday's performance by the Blue Angels - would it not take place?  So looked forward to that!

                           

Had set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. because we'd been advised that the ship would enter the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge at 6:45, and wanted to be out on my deck to witness that.  What I hadn't remembered from other times I've been under the bridge on a cruise ship is the constant horns sounding from under the bridge - perhaps I'd not paid attention, or perhaps this is something new since my last entry into the Bay on a ship.  

Here comes the escort tug - right below my suite!

  

At any rate, the weather was quite nice, still dark with a faint light on the horizon where the sun would soon come up.  I'd immediately begun texting David to let him know to watch for us as we entered the bay.  He took a wonderful photo from his balcony which he texted and here it is!  Thank you, David!

Next I heard from my daughter-in-law, Rose, that she and Sofia were down at an airport hotel where Sofia was having a college interview with someone from Rochester University, and they would meet Ray, Debbie, Steve, Joe ( who were arriving on the ferry from Marin) and me in North Beach for the Columbus Day Parade - a really big deal with the Italian community.   So, of course, I began watching for the ferry.   When it finally came into sight began waving a red scarf so I could be spotted (we were in text communication) but the ferry was too far away, and obviously I'd not been eating enough and was too small for them to spot me!!  . . . which brings me to a great cartoon that I'd like to share . . . so true . . .

Got off the ship and took a taxi to North Beach.   Made it to Sts. Peter and Paul to attend most of a Mass.   Church was packed and then realized that this was the Mass for Queen Isabella and her Court, right before the parade began.  When I went up to receive Communion, the Eucharistic Minister was my good friend, Marie Derenzi (grandmother to this year's Queen Isabella).   Then as I walked back, spotted Karen Guglielmino (Queen Isabella's mother), and also saw the Queen, herself - Gina Guglielmino.   This is the only reason that I came to North Beach today.   Gina has been in the Royal Court for many years, and finally made it to Queen.   So much fun!   Also during the parade, one of the escorts was her grandfather, Ron Derenzi.   As he passed by,  got a hug and kiss from Ron!

Parade had high school bands, all of the silly local politicians who never waste an opportunity to be front and center, wanting constant adulation for doing nothing, and riding around in Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Mercedes - the cars were fantastic!!

Best of all were the groups of military and a couple of military bands.  Because it is Fleet Week in San Francisco and all kinds of Navy ships are in port, the streets (aside from the parade) were filled with young men in military uniform - seemed like the San Francisco of the 40's, 50's and 60's. San Francisco in those days was known as "a Navy town".   Miss that!  Also in the parade were Admirals of every kind and description, including the Admiral of the fleet, each of them riding in a wonderful luxury convertible.   So nice to be able to give each of them a warm welcome and grateful applause as they passed.

  

As we watched the parade we sat at a table in front of the US Restaurant on Columbus Avenue.   Steve and Rose hosted us at a reserved table, as we ate, drank Tuscan Chianti, and enjoyed the family time.

         

Of course, had to stop at my favorite candy store in North Beach, Z Cioccolato, and bought tons of fine chocolate bars to hand out to crew in gratitude for all they do for us.

We then all walked back to the ship - about 10 blocks.   While on Columbus Avenue, walking toward Bay Street, it was very slow going - sidewalks so very crowded.   Finally we were in the clear and on our way down Bay Street.   Pier 35 is at the foot of Bay on the Embarcadero.   You can see the ship's stacks (in the upper right hand corner of the photo  of my brother, Ray, and me just before we crossed over to enter the terminal.   Love this photo - thank you, Deb!

The process to board guests worked pretty well - probably because I'd followed instructions and sent copies of all guests' passports to Seabourn prior to my trip - and then received clearance.

Ray, Debbie and I had started out early, but soon Rose and Sofie appeared, only to tell us that Steve had stayed in North Beach, (with Joe for support!) to see that sewage leaking into the basement of one of the buildings got fixed.   He did not expect to make it on to the ship before we had dinner.  Soon David appeared, and at least the five of us were on board for the spectacular air show of the Blue Angels who have since 1946 represented the United States Navy and Marine Corps to audiences throughout the United States.  Trying to get a good photo as they zipped, dived and rolled overhead was like trying to herd cats!   Will present three only so I have a record in this blog - but nothing can compare to actually being there beneath their incredible air feats . . . and the noise . . . oh my gosh . . . the noise!!!!

           

So now that you know I cannot take photos worth a darn, here are three purloined from Google images.

          

Here's a photo of David, Sofia and me, giggling about something as we wait for the next pass of the Blue Angels!

Roland, head of Food and Beverage,  found me up on deck and wanted to know when we'd like to have dinner and I told him probably around 4:30 - informed we would be two less guests.   They'd set a beautiful table for us near the patio grill and served us a simple  (my request) though delicious meal.  Our waiter, Michael, was from the main dining room, and couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating.  Wonderful salad, and then roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, and veggies.   For Sofie I'd requested a vegan entree and the Chef made her an individual mold of oven-browned polenta that was soft and creamy in the center, a small bowl of caponata and some other tomato concoction.   All of this accompanied by Nine Hats Cabernet Sauvignon.  For dessert we had specially made, individual cheesecakes, topped with fresh strawberries.   We were happy!    

Just as we'd finished the meal, who appeared but Stephen and Joe.  Steve told us that his plumber got out there sooner than expected.   What to do about dinner - didn't want to bother the staff to reset the table, so suggested that we all go up to my suite, and we could order room service (which is available 24/7).   Both guys wanted a Caesar salad with chicken.   Added a couple orders of French fries for Joe and two bottles of wine for all of us - well you know there were eight of us!!!

Upon entering the suite, Sofia and Joe honed right in on my fruit bowl where I'd been storing my nightly chocolates.  I always gather these and bring them home.  They didn't wait to be told to go ahead and take them - Sofia opened her purse and Joe shoveled them in!!! . . . and I believe David recorded it!

Note the beautiful cheese plate that was also waiting for us in the room - arranged by my wonderful room stewardess, Erica.   How thoughtful.   She also placed two bottles of champagne in an ice bucket for us - lovely!

Steve took a tour of the suite, noticed the life saving vests in my closet and had to put one on.   He then adjourned out to my deck and told the family that he'd donned the vest "just in case"!!   Just so you don't think I'm kidding - we have the photo!!  Please note that the vest does have the designation of "adult" on it!  Also texted this photo to John and Sandi who are traveling in Hungary.   They returned it with art work added and a rather unique caption!

        

The caption on the second photo read:  "Did not save you from drowning in salad dressing."

As usual, when we all get together we were a noisy bunch, filled with laughter, and I spent most of the time shushing everyone!!!  The whole day was such fun - so sorry to see everyone go.

But Steve was not finished with me - he came out into the suite wearing my Seabourn robe and suggested that he wear it home!   Wrestled it off him and back into my closet, and they were on their way.

David suggested that when the ship sailed out at 11:00 p.m, I watch for his "morse code" via flashlight, and take a video.   Forty-five minutes later, around 8:30, I texted him that I was going to bed - slept ten and a half hours!!

This had to be one of the best days of the trip!!!