Home of Moosehead Beer...Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick is the home to Moosehead Beer. This was one of Jim's personal favorite stops on the cruise. Rosa even served it with our lobster dinner!

Ready for dinner back on board the Constellation...Jim decked out in his "Moosehead" scarf! He was a hit at our table!

And as were were getting ready to leave port a piper played... and I thought of my mom and knew that she was with us on our travels.

What a memorable day this has been in Saint John, New Brunswick! Life is good...

"Rosa Wednesday"

In and around Saint John. My dear friend Rosa was our personal "tour guide" and she took us to many different "Places of Interest" in her city.

We went to the "Old City Market" that is similar to a "farmers market". The place was HUGE, taking up a full city block in length. The structure was constructed in 1876 and its interior is modeled after the inverted hull of a ship. The market has a wide variety of local seafood, meat and produce as well as an array of different crafts. Truly an amazing "market"!

Rosa took me to her "local" quilt shop... really cute but I was astonished the price of a yard (meter) of fabric! WOW...!

Then she took us to her home for "dinner"... the noon meal. This was amazing ... she had prepared LOBSTER for us. Can you imagine?!! It was a feast!!

The lobster....

Rosa fixing some homemade potato salad for us...

Jim is a happy camper...ready for lobster and "Moosehead" beer!

And I am ready to eat...just as soon as Rosa teaches me "how" to "crack" the lobster and pull out the delicious meat!

"Thunder" was not interested in lobster... but had excellent manners with "new" company in his home!

We had such a good time ... what a truly wonderful experience to meet one of my quilting buddettes "in person". Rosa felt like a "sister" to me, I felt a such a bond between us. I truly hope one day we can "see" each other again and give each other lots of hugs. For now though, I will always have my memories and Wednesday's will always be known as "Rosa Wednesday".  Thank you Rosa for a day I will always hold close to my heart... I  love you Rosa.

Saint John (Bay of Fundy) New Brunswick Part 2

Celebrity Constellation in port in Saint John, the largest city in New Brunswick.

The Bay of Fundy. Twice daily, the rides of the Bay of Fundy rise faster than the river can empty. When this happens, the tides push the river upstream, causing the rapids to run in the opposite direction and the St. John River to flow backwards. The Reversing Falls is a natural phenomenon, the tides are the highest in the world!

"Slack" time in the Bay of Fundy....

We went back to the same spot later in the day when the tide was starting to rise.

Another view. This was so interesting that we even bought a DVD explaining the phenomenon with time-lapse photography over a 24 hour time period. For more information on the Bay of Fundy please visit  http://www.new-brunswick.net/Saint_John/reversingfalls/reversing.html

And the Thanksgiving Give-A-Way Winner Is....

ROSA ROBICHAUD!

Congratulations Rosa...YOU ARE THE WINNER OF MY THANKSGIVING GIVE-A-WAY!

Your SURPRISE PACKAGE will be mailed out to you this week... I hope you will enjoy it!

Thanks to everyone for participating in my give-a-way! I love reading all your comments and checking out your blogs!

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

Hugs,

Elaine

PS: For accounting purposes there were 48 entries. Only 42 were included in the "Random List Generator" as 6 people had 2 entries each. Thank to all for entering and posting links to my blog announcing this give-a-way!

Saint John, New Brunswick October 28th Part 1

Sunrise over Saint John, New Brunswick as we arrive in port. This is a very special day for me as I will be meeting, in person for the first time, my good friend Rosa. She will be meeting us at the dock and then we will take her aboard the Constellation for a tour and breakfast. I can hardly wait!!

We have docked....and now we will meet up with ROSA!!!

Here we are on Deck 3, Main Lobby.

Giving Rosa a tour on the ship which included trying out the teak lounge chairs on Deck 10. Our view from this side of the ship is the Atlantic Ocean. From here we went to have breakfast at the Seaside Cafe.
We showed Rosa our cabin and the major highlights on board...the pools, the spa & gym, the restaurants  and the casino.
Now is was time to tour Saint John... but first shopping at the dock!

This is the "Moosehead Brewing" Shop. Just had to get a picture of us with the moose!

Wow...I still can't believe we had a whole day to spend with Rosa!

A what a great day it was...more to come!

Sydney, Nova Scotia October 26th

At the port, as seen from our balcony...Cape Breton is a region that is known as a center for distinctive Celtic music. The "Fiddle" is a tribute to the music of the area. The highland music is mixed with the music of the Acadians, the fiddles of the Scottish immigrants and the Irish that soon followed to settle in the providence.
We walked around the town, visiting St. Patrick's Church Museum, local pharmacies and boutiques. The day was cold and very windy but the fall colors were amazing!
St. Patrick's Church...

Fall colors....

And my first experience with "Tim Horton" Coffee...highly recommended by good friend Rosa...

And enjoying a good "cup of java".

Life is good....

Beautiful city and gorgeous day but it's time to leave for Saint John, New Brunswick and to see my good friend Rosa. We have a day at sea, our last formal night and then we will be in Saint John. Rosa and I will finally meet...I can hardly wait!

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest providence. The island is famous for its beautiful rolling farmland, scattered forests and dramatic coastline. There are numerous beaches, wetlands and sand dunes along the coast. As legend goes, the coves were popular with rum-runners during the days of prohibition in the United States.

Along the coast...

We ended our time on PEI with a lobster roll...delicious! We had a perfect day! Time to head back to the Constellation for departure to Sydney, Nova Scotia.

See you there...

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island October 25th

Check this one off my "Bucket List". I have wanted to go to Prince Edward Island ever since I read the "Anne of Green gables" books. And here it is...

And the rooms inside... dining room.

Kitchen...

Upstairs bedroom...

Sewing room...

The treadle sewing machine... I was fascinated with the thread/bobbin holder on the machine.

The thread/bobbin holder...

Second bedroom, upstairs...

The well ....

Inside the well...

Beautiful day on Prince Edward Island and a dream come true for me. I will always remember our time here.

The Saga Continues... Brunch At Sea, October 24

The San Marco Restaurant, the main dining room on board, was the setting for "Brunch at Sea". This was amazing... all the food, ice and "food" sculptures were unbelievable! I had no idea you could do so much with food!
At the Sushi Bar...

The Dessert Table (one of many)...

The Seafood Table...

Bird Ice Sculptures...

Fish Ice Sculpture...

And of course the Chocolate Fountain...

So much to eat and so very much to see...the "Brunch at Sea" was certainly a feast for the eyes and stomach and one we will always remember!

PS: The sushi was FABULOUS!

My Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way

To share my many blessings I am having a

 Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A Way!

To be entered into the drawing:

Please leave a comment on this posting and a post on YOUR blog linking it to my

 Thanksgiving (Quilting) Give-A-Way

Winner will be selected on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th by Random Selection.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hugs,

Elaine

Intermission of Cruise 2009...Big Waves at Avila Beach!

Sunday we went for a drive along the coast to see the "big waves".  Lots of people had the same idea!

Absolutely gorgeous day at Avila Beach! Great surfing and needless to say, the surfers were out in abundance! And I got a latte at Jo Mama's to enjoy while we watched the waves and all the activity on the beach!  Life is good...

Back on the Constellation...

Just a little snack before dinner...we were famished after "working" so hard touring Quebec City!

Last fleeting moments of Quebec City as we leave port. What a beautiful city...we really enjoyed our visit!

Until we meet again...

Au reviour Quebec City!

Quebec City, Quebec - Day 2 October 23

Can you believe the weather change from yesterday? It was still quite cold but clear skies! Absolutely a gorgeous day here in Quebec City!

Chateau De Frontenac on a very clear day... beautiful hotel!

We went into a wonderful hat shop where we purchased two very warm hats. Even though the day was clear, it was quite cold. Jim's hat even has flaps that come down to keep his ears warm! Great looking too!!

La Fresque des Quebecois is a famous wall mural on the exterior of a building near Place Royale in Old Quebec. Twelve artists joined together, from Canada and France, to create this masterpiece in Quebec City.

The four seasons are depicted in the mural, with Winter at the top and working down to Fall, Summer then Spring. With the snow on the ground, it looks like it ends in Winter! 

My good friend, Rosa, told us that we must try the "poutines" while in Quebec City. Poutine is a dish consisting of french fries topped with fresh cheese curd, covered with brown gravy and sometimes additional ingredients. Jim had the traditional poutine and I had mine with marinara sauce. They are also known as "heart attack in a bowl"! They were delicious!

Jim enjoyed "Le Fin du Monde" beer with his poutine. It is a Canadian beer produced in Quebec by Unibroue.

After lunch we decided to take a carriage ride around Old Town, Quebec City. A fabulous way to travel through town to view the Parliament building, the Plains of Abraham and the wall that surrounds the city and so much more my head was spinning! The driver was very good in taking us all over, it was really a unique excursion trough Quebec City. The town was so beautiful, in some places still covered in snow!
Our day has ended in Quebec City... time to head back to the Constellation.

Quebec City, Quebec - Day 1 October 22

Our first view of Chateau de Frontenac and it's snowing! You also can see the Funiculaire in this photo offering access to Quebec's Upper Town.
We have an excursion today to see the highlights of Quebec City, Ile d'Orleans (a small island in the center of the St. Lawrence River and where we will have lunch) and Montmorency Falls. This will be interesting traveling in the snow!

It's still snowing! We are on the Ile d'Orleans having lunch at an old farm house. It's beautiful in the snow...

But its making traveling a little difficult!

Off to Montmorency Falls...the falls are 1.5 times as high as Niagara Falls!

Beautiful but cold and snowing. Time to get back to the ship!

Another snowball anyone?? We really did enjoy the snow and it made Quebec City all that more special for us. We were here for another day and the weather was gorgeous, although cold. We did love Quebec City, snow and all!
Day 2 to follow...

It's Snowing??!! October 22

We awoke to snow... we are arriving at Quebec City, Quebec and there's SNOW?!! Can you believe it?

And a snowman ... for many crew members on board the ship this was their first time to see snow. It was my first time to see it snowing too! Four inches is expected to fall...
What an amazing experience to add to our cruise!

Amenities on Board the Constellation

The Outdoor pool and hot tubs located on Deck 10.

The Indoor Pool also located on Deck 10

The chaise lounges by the Indoor Pool.

 The Indoor Hot Tubs.

And just incase we need sustenance... there is the Poolside Grill! Are we spoiled or what? I LOVE this!

A Day st Sea...a day to relax and get pampered!

We are on our way to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada! A full day at sea so I have appointments at the Aqua Spa for a little pampering, a pedicure and manicure. Wow, this cruising is exhausting work! LOL!
Tonight is the first Formal Night on board, we will be having dinner in the specialty dining room, "Ocean Liners". But first it's Fiesta Day...

O-lay! Margaritas, guacamole and chips! Then the tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and burritos...another margarita??  Si!

The cravings are made using watermelons. Unbelievable!

The crew in the Galley have some very creative people! Aren't these amazing??

And dessert? Another margarita and strawberry ice cream! Life is good...

Accommodations on the Celebrity Constellation

Welcome to Cabin #6136, Deck 6. Each day we had a fresh flowers and a bowl of fruit. Our cabin steward was "John" and he was fabulous! He gave us superior service and his attention to detail was spectacular!

Best bed I have EVER slept in other than ours at home...and the sheets were perfect! Yep, I could get very used to cruising very easily!

And our private balcony. We read out here once but actually it was too cold to use it much more. However, it was really nice to stand here as we entered ports of call and when we would debark from port.  We were both very pleased with our accommodations!  What a fabulous way to travel!!

Halifax, Nova Scotia October 20

Arrived in port to overcast skies but the day cleared up beautifully. Our excursion was a tour of Halifax and the surrounding area of Peggy's Cove fishing village. Also included was a "Hop-On, Hop-Off" pass  on the double decker buses that run throughout the city. This way we could get off and explore on our on and have a way back to the ship! The lighthouse at Peggy's Cove rests on  rounded granite boulders that has become a symbol of the spirit of coastal Nova Scotia. The impressive rock formations are hundreds of millions of years old, left by eroding glaciers.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Population 54. One of the busiest tourist attractions in the area. Peggy's Cove is southwest of downtown Halifax and comprises one of the numerous small fishing communities located around the perimeter of the Chebucto Peninsula. The community is named after the cove of the same name. "Peggy" is a nickname for Margaret, and the village may have taken its name from the St. Margaret's Bay where it is situated. However, legend claims a little girl, the sole survivor of a shipwreck during the mid 1800's. became know as "Peggy of the Cove" and eventually the residents named their village after her, "Peggy's Cove".

Jim enjoyed a "Pastie" on the deck of the cafe in the village. It is a flaky, pastry crust that is filled with meat, onions, carrots, potatoes. Delicious!

We then headed back to Halifax. Jim decided to visit "Citadel Hill" and I went to Pier 21, Canada's Immigration Museum and then to Pier 22 for some "tourist shopping"!

We had a great time and a very full day...ready to return to the ship for some rest!

PS: Thrilled to have my passport stamped at Peggy's Cove!

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse, Kennebunkport & Lobster Rolls...Oh My!

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is also one of the most beautiful cast-iron lighthouses in New England and remains an active aid to navigation.  The optic and related equipment are still maintained by the Coast Guard.

Absolutely beautiful setting...the day was gorgeous! We walked around the lighthouse, got a few souvenirs at the gift shop and then made our way back to the bus. Next stop...Kennebunkport!

Call "the most photographed home in the state of Maine" The Wedding Cake House, known locally as the George W. Bourne House. The home was built in 1825 by shipbuilder George W. Bourne. A romantic legend arose that the carving was done during lonely hours aboard ship by a recently married sea captain who had to leave his bride before he even had time to eat his wedding cake! Great sentiment but never-the-less only a legend!

Center of downtown Kennebunkport. Beautiful town...fall colors were gorgeous! Nice shops and everyone so friendly! Another place I would like to re-visit.

Time for lunch and we are hearing that we must try a lobster roll and a slice of blueberry pie! The local blueberries are the lowbush variety. They are  smaller and very sweet compared to our local blueberries that we have on the central coast of California.

We chose the Pilot House Restaurant on the recommendation from our Tour Guide and she was right! Great lobster rolls and New England clam chowder! Dessert was Blueberry Pie with ice cream...fabulous!

Boston, Massachuetts October 18th

We arrived in Boston bright and early on Sunday. Rain greeted us and then some snow flurries making our first port on our journey a little bit difficult to tour. We did visit Harvard University, walking the campus for a little bit before the downpour began. We took refuge in "The Old North Church".  From their website I obtained it's history. For more information, please visit www.oldnorth.com
"The enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution."
"The Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It was built in 1723, and is the oldest standing church building in Boston. In 1775, on the eve of Revolution, the majority of the congregation were loyal to the British King and many held official positions in the royal government, including the Royal Governor of Massachusetts, making Robert Newman's loyalty to the Patriot cause even more extraordinary. The King gave the Old North its silver that was used at services and a bible."

"Listen my children and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere"

Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"With those words, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Paul Revere and the Old North ensuring their place in American folklore, tradition, and history."

The Pipe Organ

Family Pew

The Pulpit

Next excursion...Salem, Massachusetts

We visited the Salem Witch Museum and the Burial Grounds. Highlighted was the Witch Memorial. The rain made it difficult to walk and explore the grounds as I had intended to do. I guess we will just have to plan another trip to Salem in the future! 

Next destination...Portland, Maine

Sunrise over the Atlantic ... what was I thinking?? October 17th

Being from California I have always seen the sunset over the Pacific Ocean so I wanted to see my FIRST sunrise over the Atlantic. I got up at 6:00am and headed to the GYM! What was I thinking?? I was so excited that I decided to work out and watch the sunrise while walking on the treadmill. It was awesome! What a wonderful way to start my first day on board!                                                            

Then I rode the stationary bike and participated in a Yoga class! Wow...sea air is really energizing!

Then I headed to the chaise lounges with a fantastic view of the ocean .... I need to rest up!

To enjoy my latte...I could get really used to this! Life is Good!!

Embarkation Day - Part 2 October 16th

Tons and tons of food and beverage products loaded into the ship for our voyage. I was amazed of the many pallets of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Not only is the ship loaded with food at the beginning of the cruise but at various ports along the way, more fresh food products are taken aboard.
There was NEVER a shortage of food!

This is the "Memorial" at Harbor View Park at Cape Bayonne, New Jersey in memory of 911. For more information please visit the web site at http://www.911monument.com. As we left port we passed this very somber memorial for the 911 tragedy with its symbolism of a tear drop.

Good-bye Cape Bayonne, New Jersey...

Straight ahead the Atlantic Ocean!

First stop...Boston, Massachusetts

Embarkation Day - Part 1 October 16th

The first glance of our cruise ship, Celebrity Constellation, as seen through the window of the shuttle bus taking us from the hotel to the ship.

What a sight even through the sprinkles of rain!

Embarkation Security Procedures... verifying passports, photos taken and "Sea Pass" cards issued.

"Sea Pass" cards are for identification when leaving and returning to the ship when visiting ports of call and for making any purchases while on board.

Cleared for departure...!

Geeks at the Airport

Spending time on the computer as we wait for our connection to Newark, New Jersey. Terminal at the  Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

We arrived in New Jersey at 7:00pm EST. And the good news is that ALL our luggage arrived too!
I am one Happy Camper!

Life is good...

Hugs,
Elaine in Newark
PS: We leave for the ship at 10:45am