We usually start our mornings in the Coffee Connection where Robert makes wonderful concoctions and we work on the daily crossword puzzle (Michael) and the Mensa Daily Quiz (me). Some days we feel like geniuses, and some others not so much. Then I do my Wordle where I almost always feel like a genius so I get back on track. Sunday mornings are champagne and caviar days in the restaurants. I don't care for champagne and Michael doesn't care for caviar, so it works out fine. I could have had his portion also, but I controlled myself. It's only a teaspoonful on toast with all of the "fixins": hard-boiled egg, red onion, sour cream and chives. Just enough to enjoy without feeling piggy. And on Sundays, I allow myself one pastry, which is really showing extreme self-control because their pastries are wonderful. I usually go for the chocolate croissant.
When I said that last night was my last night for lobster for a while, I had forgotten that our tour today was Lobster and Lighthouses. We walked along the harbor for a bit before getting on board our tour boat. We were supposed to take a harbor tour and learn about lobstering and I believe tour a lighthouse. As it turned out, we got to see a live lobster up close and pass by a lighthouse. But it was OK, since we learned about lobstering in Bar Harbor and we've seen many lighthouses over the years. Apparently, our boat's guide was a bit of a newbie - a musician looking for another source of income, so he wasn't the most informative. But the scenery was beautiful. And then after the boat ride, we went to a restaurant on the water where we had lobster, naturally. This was a bit different from on the ship because they plunked the whole cooked lobster on the plate and gave you the utensils to go after it yourself. (What, no Mark to take it out for me??) Fortunately, we had done this with friends a few months ago so we had at least an idea of how to go about it (thanks Deb and Bob). Our walking guide was at our table and gave us more history of Halifax as we fought with the lobster, so that was a bonus. Then we had a leisurely walk back to the ship. The weather was glorious so lots of people were out. One thing I miss on cruises is the kids. There were lots out today. Halifax has really developed the pier area and there were things for the kids to do along with the nice shops and restaurants. My only purchase was at a local stand with lotions and potions and lip balms. I forgot mine and I really need something for my dry lips. Since Michael never gets rid of anything, we have Canadian money to burn and he was able to use many of his coins. Canada stopped minting their penny in 2012 but, of course, we had some. The vendor said he'd take them and use them for something, so that helped.
I haven't mentioned anything about Covid precautions on board. Masks are required for the crew and staff, but optional for passengers. There are some who wear them all the time, but most don't. I imagine we'll run into more local requirements as we go along, especially on buses and such. That will be fine. Regent has KN95s available if we'd like. Poor Michael hates them because they are usually small and pull his ears forward painfully. I saw one man who had a "mask extender" thingy he bought on Amazon which looked smart. And some on board disconnect the bottom part of each ear strap and then tie them together in the back. That appears to still keep the mask tight, so perhaps we'll try that in future.
I forgot to mention our sendoff yesterday afternoon from Saint John. There was this bagpiper who must have attended a very modern bagpiping school and seemed to be in his own little world. As Terry Bishop (the lecturer) said "I don't think I've ever heard AC/DC songs played on the bagpipe. And I don't think I ever need to again." This afternoon we had another, but fortunately, he was a bit more traditional.
We ate dinner with Elena and Leif from Scottsdale, AZ. They appearred a bit frail, but they were both very interesting and so well versed in all world matters. It was another good time. And since we stayed talking for a while after dinner was over, we actually went to the show tonight. It was Tommy and Calen again. We made it through the show, but I don't think they were the best we've seen.
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