Nice Dinner Party

Wow, what a nice dinner party last night! We had some folks over to review recent big vacations.

The food was quite good and got rave reviews. My favorite was the Peperone e Formaggi (stuffed orange bell peppers). They were outstanding. The Raspberry Sauce I made for the Center Cut Pork Roast was a great addition. I hadnt made any of those items before last night.

The Pfitzenmaiers brought over their album of photos from their recent 3 week trip to New Zealand. Larry, a retired US Navy Captain, was stationed in New Zealand for seveal years while flying A-4s. This trip was a reunion of the old New Zealand squadron he was in while stationed there as liason. The pictures were quite fascinating and beautiful.

We have been considering booking a Celebrity Cruises itinerary that sails from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Auckland, New Zealand. It’s a wonderful looking cruise that stops in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Cook Islands and other South Pacific destinations. The photos from last night just ratcheted up the interest level even more. If we do it, we will have to consider adding a few extra days in New Zealand.

The main issue with the cruise is the air fare. Since its a one-way cruise, we would essentially need a one-way ticket to Honolulu and then another one-way ticket back home from Auckland. The two tickets for four make the airfare as much as the cruise. There is more research to be done on the airfare. Currently, that itinerary can only be made twice – once in fall 2007 or spring 2008. It would force the kids to miss a bit of school since it is a 17 day cruise.

Anyways, the companionship was great and the food added to the enjoyment of the night.