One Last Look and Then Newport on Sunday

The sail away from New York was wonderful. Here is the last view of the city with the Empire State Building and all the other interesting structures.

Last evening’s entertainment was excellent, Professor Bill who

played trumpet, clarinet, flute and piano. He is also a professor of music so several songs featured medleys of jazz and bossa nova music. Then he had a pop test afterward with people call ing out all the tunes they heard. He was a great musician and the evening was fun.

Sunday morning aboard the Voyager-what a great day! Went to breakfast in the Compass Rose Dining Room where the meal had available champagne and caviar- just like breakfast at home on a Sunday- NOT AT ALL! Because people began leaving the ship via tender early in the morning there were not many people in the dining room.

The island city of Newport, Rhode Island was settled in 1639 by a small band of religious dissenters from Massachusetts. Newport earned a reputation for tolerance, and its prime location at the mouth of Narragansett Bay ensured its success.

The golden age, or so it is called, ran roughly from 1720 to the 1770s, when products like cheese, candles, clocks, furniture and livestock made Newport a leader in maritime commerce in the New World.

In the 19^th century Newport became a summer playground for the rich who built their “cottages” on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. These mansions were home to the Vanderbilts (railroads), the Berwinds (coal and then investment company), the Astors (real estate), and the Belmonts (politician and business man). The Belmont Stakes horse race was named for this family.

One of the most opulent of these mansions is Marble House (seen above) known for its gold ballroom. The house was built by William Vanderbilt between 1888 and 1892. He gave it as a gift to his wife Alva in 1892. In 1895 Alva divorced William and married Olive Belmont and became the lady of the Belcourt Castle. Oliver died in 1908 and Alva returned to Marble House and spent much of her time campaigning for women’s rights. Apparently she was very outspoken in many settings and about many issues.

Jews, like Quakers and Baptists, were attracted by Rhode Island’s religious tolerance. They arrived as early as 1685 to avoid the inquisition. They worshipped in homes at first and then began building synagogues and churches. All in all Newport is a quaint place.

We are only here for 6 hours. Because it is whale season, our ship has to slow its speed heading north to Boston so we are leaving here a little early and arriving in Boston tomorrow later than originally planned. We are hoping to see some whales as we sail along.

The afternoon features a lecture by Sandra Bowern on American Composers. She is always so entertaining.

Later in the afternoon we will attend an open rehearsal with Kelli O’Hara. This is part of the PTV at Sea program. Kelli has been nominated three times for Tony Awards in The Pajama Game, The Light on the Piazza, and South Pacific. The PTV at Sea adds an interesting dimension to the activities aboard. Guess you can tell we are having fun!!!!