Living the Dream” – Day 35 of our 1/2 world trip aka Year 2, Day 178, Sunday, October 23, 2022. This is the fourth straight day at sea.
We crossed the international date line last night and we lost Saturday.
It is so weird to think that most people I know are living in the past. Lol, it is Saturday by them. We are starting to think about home now. Everyday those home security cameras are set off by bugs,
bees,
spiders, deer, dogs,
the yard guard cat making her daily day and night rounds,
and our son’s family. Last night was a rocking sea night. Today it is cold, windy, the waves are about eight feet high, and the barf bags are hanging.
Walking around everyone looks like drunken pirates. Most haven’t been drinking though at 7am. Maybe having a drink will help to set me straight. I heard a new phrase today. In Germany they say press my thumbs for good luck and in America we say cross my fingers. We had a special invite galley tour today.
It was a small group of about 12 people.
First part of the tour everyone in the group had to wash their hands before entering the kitchen. Interesting that they have a poster to educate the kitchen crew on the culture of the country that is their home port for the next six month. I have been on kitchen tours before and never saw this. I wonder if they have one for when their homeport is the United States.
Another interesting sign was about the food waste disposal at sea rules. I found it a really good educational reading. If interested read the sign below.
On the Bulletin board there is also a sign about drug use,
another a picture of the different table setups,
and a very good motivational poster. Very good information.
Outside the kitchen is the kitchen crew stairwell where there is a poster listing of all the decks and what is on them. Useful for room service delivery, I am sure.
There was also this bug killer. I have seen these around the ship in different areas. Kind of hidden in alcoves where they do not stick out. I guess they work I have not seen any bugs,
We found out that the ship had an issue with getting supplies due to the Florida hurricane. They have had to alter the menus due to these supply issues. They could not get all their supplies in Honolulu. They tried to get additional supplies in Papeete and in Wellington in two days from now will get more.
The huge ovens are incredible and so high tech and programable.
The kitchen crew all wear scarfs; the new hires wear yellow scarfs, and the station supervisors were red.
The height of the hats also tells the status station of the chef. The tallest hat in the kitchen usually belongs to the most senior chef.
Most food being prepared at 10:15am is for today’s lunch.
Don’t these sandwiches look yummy. Lunch time can’t come soon enough for me.
And now look at these fruit plates.
The bakery section smells so good.
They make 2,000 pounds of mashed potatoes a day and vats of sauces and soups.
There is a special section and a designated chef for dietary special orders. Allergies and dietary restrictions are taken very seriously. Anyone in the main dining room with a dietary restriction orders their evening meal the night before.
There are wash stations in every kitchen area.
Here the cooking is done for all the main dining rooms on both decks three and four, and the windjammer buffet. There are multiple server stations in each of the dining rooms. After a server takes the orders, he goes back to his designated server station and inputs his order into a computer, and it appears in the kitchen computers so the kitchen crew can get to work filling it.
The main kitchen is in the rear of the ship on both decks three and four behind the four main dining rooms (CHIC,
SILK,
GRANDE,
and the American Icon.
After the tour we were given a choice of glass of Champagne, or a mimosa and we headed to the casino.
To view the complete year 2 daily diary, click here: https://deestimes.com/living-the-dream-year-2-may-1-2022-april-30-2023/
To view more about Ovation of the Seas click here: https://deestimes.com/ovation-of-the-seas/
Today’s product recommendations are traveling essentials. 1) Luggage hand cart – we love this cart for easy rolling for easy cruise carry-on bags. Even when you can’t go to your room right away this is so easy to walk around the ship with. Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3s37EOw
2) This large toiletry bag is the best. Steve has the black and I have the pink. We both absolutely love them. Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3v1p6ok and picture
