After 53 years of a charmed life with Kathy, the honeymoon is over! And over something so trivial. She called me an “oaf!” Never called me anything ever in the past, except, my love or sweetheart. I have to tell you, I was in shock! More about this down below. 

We had three remaining port calls before our cruise was to end in Le Havre, France, on September 27.  We spent a wonderful day in Amsterdam. Having been numerous times we decided to simply walk around the city and enjoy its ambiance, especially since it was a pleasant day. We purchased a day tram ticket for the longer jaunts and had no problem using it, especially combined with the iPhone map app. that shows transit stops and tram numbers to take to your destination — so simple. We accidentally found a bar/restaurant that we had enjoyed with friends in the past and paused there for a soup lunch. Flowers were still in bloom in planters, and the canals were charming as always. We did walk through a neighborhood in the De Pijp section of the city. Narrow tree-lined streets and quaint, eclectic shops along the way, one with antique Tiffany lamps beckoned. As we walked, I noticed a brass plaque insert on the pavement in front of a house. Upon inspection, it was indeed a reminder that this had been the home of a Jew murdered in the holocaust–sobering and with the personal admonition to “Never Forget.” The Albert Kruptmart street market was in full swing, and we meandered amongst the stalls, alas, not stopping at the freshly-made stroopwaffel stalls. On the way back to the ship, we observed the beautiful Roman Catholic Basilica was open. We took a few contemplative minutes inside its warm-colored interior. It was a most enjoyable day! 

Our port call to the Port of London in Tilbury, England, was something else! We wanted to spend most of our port days relaxing in beautiful settings and we only took one off-ship tour to see the Schwerin Castle in Germany. We had wonderful experiences all along the way…except in Tilbury! There is no there, there! Industrial, the tiny town had nothing of interest to us. Most folks had taken tours to London and missed all the e.x.c.i.t.e.m.e.n.t of Tilbury. We wanted a relaxing walk and that was not to be. Our path to town was strewn with trash, narrow, and for a good part of the way, along a major highway with semis rushing past about eight feet away. We felt the constant swoosh of air. When we finally reached the town, we couldn’t help but laugh at the nothingness of it all. At least we had clocked in over two miles of walking. Once back on board the empty ship, we took advantage of the hot tub! Our evening show in the theatre was entertaining–a ship’s finale to earth’s elements in dance, song and magic. Performers were above us on ropes, in the aisles, and on stage during the rousing numbers. 

As for the honeymoon being over… In the early morning, we headed for breakfast at the breakfast buffet; usually, I find a place to sit while Kathy gets her breakfast. This time she was in front of me and selected a seat on the “wrong” side–wrong, because it looked over the docks and did not provide a view of the city of Amsterdam. I would have picked the city side automatically. This put me in a dour mood. Thus, I became an “oaf.” 

THIS IS KATHY–I DID NOT CALL WAYNE AN “OAF!” WHEN HE APOLOGETICALLY SAID HE WAS ACTING LIKE AN OAF, I SIMPLY SMILED AND SLIGHTLY NODDED MY HEAD. 

As I told her, agreeing with my statement that I was behaving like an oaf was the same thing as calling me an oaf. She simply smiled and slightly nodded her head. I understand this is trivial; irrational; however, I was thinking: if I died soon or first, Kathy would not know the things I do automatically, like picking the best seats, etc. …things I do automatically because I want the best for her. I became afraid and was reacting out of that fear because I theorized she would settle for second best when I die. I wouldn’t want that for her. (I realize that if she remarries after I die she would be settling for second best–but that would not be her fault.) When you have cancer, you think about these things! 

Today, our last full day on board the Norwegian Dawn was spent in Bruges, Belgium. We love this old medieval city that time forgot and thus was left in glorious charm and beauty. We walked amongst the historic architecture and felt “good.” We stopped in a waffle restaurant and enjoyed the best waffle I have ever eaten. Light, yet solid, the waffle was topped with luscious warm Dutch chocolate and bananas. It was accompanied with whipped cream, eggnog sauce and vanilla ice cream. Decadent and delicious! We thought this was a wonderful last day for our cruise. Tonight we eat in a specialty French Bistro onboard and pack for disembarkation tomorrow. That is it for now from your friendly Oaf!