Japan and a Windy trip around the British Isles.

[drron]

An informal night spent in the MDR again.The menu has certainly improved dramatically from past years.As well the first page of the menu has a suggested 4 courses plus some extras.This seems to change every night.The next 2 pages change little but lobster has been on every night so far.We shared a table with a couple from Missouri and an English couple.Another delightful night.This is one of the reasons I love Silversea.Some great cruising partners.
Once again couldn't stay awake for the show.
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Mrsdrron started off with the smoked salmon and potato and I had the jumbo scallops.
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Then mrsdrron had a starter of cheese ravioli whilst I had the duck.
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We both had the ginger and kaffir lime creme brulee.Yummy.
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[drron]

Sunsets weren't great on this trip.Too much cloud.
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We awoke next morning docking in Dublin.
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I had the full English for breakfast.
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[drron]

So now to Day 5.Dublin.We were going to take a tour to Powerscourt Gardens but it had basically been cancelled as Prince Charles was visiting that day.So we just took the shuttle into the CBD.We usually do this as I think it is important to actually get some exercise rather than sitting in a coach for hours unless it really is interesting.Besides using this cruise as a bit of a guide to possibly driving in Ireland in the future.
At the shuttle stop.
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We now walked down to Trinity College.
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I had hoped to see the Book of Kells but just after 1000 the next available time with a ticket was 1400.Did find out from the attendant on the line that by booking on line you get to go in immediately,if a ticket then line up until your time.Plus our senior cards get us a discount.So a wander around the campus.
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[drron]

The last of Trinity College.
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Now we wandered around Dublin a little aimlessly.
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Thanks Einstein.
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[drron]

The flower stall were colourful.
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As was this ice cream parlour.
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Continuing our wandering.
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[drron]

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And then into a park where the pigeons were a bit randy.
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The gulls though were solitary.
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[drron]

We then left the park-
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and went to have a coffee in the old shopping mall over the road.
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Unfortunately had missed the rally.
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We had discovered Dublin Castle.Unusual paint job.
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[drron]

Across from the castle is a memorial garden for the Garda/police.
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And a memorial for a murdered journalist.
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[drron]

Next was the cathedral.
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[drron]

We decided to return to the shuttle stop as a few dark black clouds were headed our way.
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We had just got on the shuttle when the rain started.

 

[drron]

Back to the Wind.
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We now had a big neighbour.
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The views after boarding.
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[drron]

Then the problem in the main restaurant where they didn't want to serve us at 1327 when it sates the last sitting at 1330.We did get lunch there though.After lunch it was time for a rest.It poured rain for a while.
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We both had the lamb then the cheesecake.
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[drron]

1700 and off to trivia.Only 2 teams as most out on tours.We joined a team that always ran last.Turned it around with 32/35 and a resounding win.On a high I then won the putting for the day with 2 1 shot holes.
It was change over day for the flowers on board.beautiful orchids.
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We had dinner at the Grill-Hot Rocks.
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You first get some dips.
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Mrsdrron had a caesar salad and this was my spicy Mexican salad.
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Mrsdrron had the prawns and I the prime rib eye.Perfectly cooked!I also had some sweet potato fries and battered mushrooms.
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Mrsdrron then had the apple and cinnamon rose whilst I had the cheesecake.
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[drron]

It looked like it might be a good sunset but we weren't sailing until midnight.
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But it just didn't develop.
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[drron]

Next morning we were steaming into Belfast.
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Lots of ferries.
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Welcome to Belfast.
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Day 6.Belfast.
A nice omelette for breakfast and no bacon so perfect.Once again we opted to just take the ship's shuttle in to the CBD.Liked the sound of the Giant Causeway tour.But it was 8.5 hours and I didn't like the sound of that.
Dropped off at City Hall.Unfortunately setting up for their 4 day Spring Fair so no access to the front lawns and view spoilt by many trucks.
Started breakfast with peaches with honey.
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[drron]

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[drron]

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[drron]

Then walked to the Cathedral stopping off for a Starbucks on the way.Yes we definitely not coffee connoisseurs.
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Some old facades have been saved.
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[drron]

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The cathedral.
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[drron]

From the Cathedral walked down to the river to see the "big fish"!then along the river before circling back to the shuttle pick up point.
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