Tuesday in Vienne

The evening usually starts with a cocktail hour and announcements about the next day.  Last night, Ana, the cruise director asked us to be very quiet because there had been a change in plans.  The crowd quieted down.  She told us there was a dire forecast for high water and that instead of spending the night in Lyon, we were leaving immediately and we did.  There is always the fear that we can't squeeze under the bridge and will be stuck in one spot for the rest of the week.  We sailed during dinner and arrived in Vienne one day early.  Had dinner with a delightful couple from Connecticut, Karl and Joy and a couple from Springfield, IL, Rosemarie and Lou.  It was Lou's birthday last night so the crew marched into the dining room with hullabaloo and presented him with a cake --for his 85th birthday.  Fun to be included in the celebration.  During the night I started to not feel well. Despite the Pepto Bismol, I suffered from the rumble-gut-whizzes and skipped the morning tour to a Medieval village of Perouges.  Chuck reported that it had cobblestones that were very difficult to walk on, but was very interesting. They sampled the town's favorite pastry --galette--described as a huge pizza topped with sugar--lots of sugar.  I was feeling better by the time he returned for lunch.  Then we saw a demonstration of a chef making Creme Brûlée.  Also heard one of the French guides talk about France today.  Forgot to mention that today is sunny with no rain --just right for walking around the village before dinner.
Later:  OK, so now you know:  we were invited to sit at the Captain's table tonight.  It was the Captain's Dinner.  The Captain is BIG, young, and know very little English so basically he smiles and nods his head.  Usually someone is at his elbow to interpret.  It started off with a champagne toast in the library before dinner and then we proceeded to the dining room.  Dinner included foie gras, escargot, sorbet, chateaubriand, and Creme Bruelle.  Of course, everyone in the dining room had the same menu. What a fun experience!