Crisis averted (I think)

Basel, Switzerland

Aboard the River Empress

It’s essentially been a quiet day. After being up in the middle of the night for a couple of hours, I finally got to sleep and slept until 9:15. After a leisurely breakfast, I packed, called a cab and headed for the ship.

Micky had told me it was docked at St. Johann’s, but when we arrived all we saw were the harbor cruise ships. Thinking I had misinterpreted Micky’s message (which I couldn’t find again) we went to the second place where the river cruise boats dock. 2 Viking ships, no Empress. So off we went to the third place. Three other cruise ships, no Empress. While I was trying to find Micky’s email on my laptop, the driver (who was wonderful) called his office, and...yes indeed, it was at the first dock, so...back we went and, sure enough, hidden behind the kiosk where you signed up for harbor cruises, moored way down the river, was The River Empress!!

Check in wasn’t until 3:00 but they were serving lunch so I went to the resturant and ate a small meal, buffet style. At 3:00 I was escorted to my room by Elena, who’s apparently responsible for everything that goes on on our deck. Sebastian, the butler, arrived shortly thereafter and unpacked for me, a tremendous help.

Small crisis. I had the chargers for the laptop, iphone and headphones in a small Eagle Creek bag which was the last thing I put in the back pack, and the converters, etc. in another. After finishing and resting awhile I opened the laptop and started trying to hook it up. And, you guessed it. No small Eagle Creek bag. Big one? Check. Small one? Nope.

So, Sebastian to the rescue. I told him of my dilemma and that I would need a cab to go to the Apple store (right next door to where I shopped the other day) to buy a new charger. No problem. He was going to take a stroll into town tomorrow and he would pick one up for me. Amazing service! Now all I have to do is explain which one I need! A quick chat with AppleCare and that was resolved, too. I’ll call the store in the morning to confirm if they have one.

The ship is fantastic, and the crew is excellent. My waiter and the Service Manager were very concerned to get my dietary needs correct. The Manager says every evening he will show me what I can have and what is not on my diet.

I didn’t intend for this to turn into a food blog, but it seems to have happened that way. The meal tonight was escargot (especially prepared with no dairy except butter) which I have never had before. New Adventures!!! Not bad, but not something to rave about. Then french onion soup with no cheese and no croutons. The main meal was roasted Guinea Hen (and I thought they were only good for chasing snakes) with roasted cauliflower and artichoke heart. The latter they can keep for other passengers.

My internet connection is show, so my pictures have finished downloading. I refresh the blog in the morning with the picture of the day, and with a link to the album.

If I wake up in the middle of the night again I’ll write a spiritual reflection. Otherwise,

Good night, All

Blessings and peace!