Year 3 Day 353- “Living the Dream”. Friday, 4/19/2024. Day 18 of 28-day European Vacation – day 16 of 18-night Northern Europe MSC Euribia cruise. In La Rochelle, France today.
As I stated yesterday, I am on the quest to try different foods, and this is the perfect opportunity. This morning, I noticed Grilled Black Pudding. Something told me not to take it. It was thick rounds. I sat down with my coffee and looked it up on the internet. Yup, I am so glad I did not take it. I don’t think I can try that. Black Pudding is a combination of suet or fat, grain or cereal, onion, seasoning and, cow or pig’s blood, all stuffed into a natural casing (animal intestine). Everything I read says it is a super food. The primary ingredient in black pudding is blood, but all that means is that black pudding is naturally high in iron and zinc. Iron is great for a healthy body helping to metabolize proteins and playing a vital role in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. I am not a vampire and sometimes have difficulty eating meat if I think about it. But blood NO THANKS!!! Americans call it blood sausage. It isn’t very common in the United States. You may find it in a British style restaurant. It’s called black pudding because it’s black. I read there is also white pudding, which doesn’t include blood.
While we waited to meet at noontime for our excursion, I did a little video of the MSC Euribia deck 15.
We were discussing today, that since we boarded the flight in Philadelphia sixteen days ago, we have not spent any dollars. Lol only Euros. Waiting for our excursion in the Delphi theatre we noticed every other row has wider seats.
We decided the next time we do a European cruise we will not do so many excursions and just wander on our own. In my video linked above I talk about the yacht club. Well, if you book the yacht club your butler waits for you at the excursion stop for you to get off your bus. Nice service, you do not wait in any lines. We laugh we are Bella – steerage.
This tour is another tour that World War 2 is brought up. It seems as though Europeans are obsessed with World War two. We pass the La Rochelle submarine pens. In 1941 these pens were built in secret. Most of the construction was performed at night. By 1942 the pens could hold 13 U-boats. The city remained under German control until 1945, one of the last French cities to be liberated by the Allies. Today, they are used by the French navy and are not open to the public.
I was surprised to see Palm trees here.
This town is much different than where we have been.
Bathrooms in Europe are a lot different. Today’s winery bathroom had the men’s urinals on the wall in front of the ladies room. All the ladies were lined up watching the men do their thing. Interesting indeed. Steve decided he would hold it. Lol I’m excited about visiting a winery that makes Cognac. Cognac is made with grapes and has a very specific distillation and blending process located in a small, protected area in the southwest of France. It is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. It is a product of white wine. It was a wonderful, nice day at the winery and very interesting
The sea water is a very beautiful green color here
Here’s today’s Daily Planner, dinner menu, and information about our next port stop.
Things to ponder today! Have to leave you thinking.
RFID Blocking Wallet – Minimalist Leather Business Credit Card Holder –Here’s a link to today’s Amazon recommendation: https://amzn.to/3yzVX7D I love love love these business credit card holders. I carry three of them in my pocketbook. All different colors – One for gift cards, one for business cards, and one for credit card, license, and insurance card. Look at the great assortment of colors. A perfect way to stay organized. It is so convenient to grab the one with your credit card, license, insurance card, and even a few dollars. Slip it in your jeans pocket and you are set to go. The colors are the best. Get a few in different colors. Everyone should have at least one of these.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned
To view the complete daily diary, click here – This starts at Year 1 Day 1: Living the Dream – Deestimes – Make every step of the journey count