For those who know Dean and me, it would be no surprise to learn that we have befriended the charming onboard head sommelier. He is Oleksandr from Ukraine, but better known as Sasha to all.
Among the many onboard activities offered to amuse us, for varying fees we can partake in occasional wine tastings that feature some available onboard selections. It’s also great fun. Sasha is unassumingly serious about the study of wine and leads the tastings with passion, animation, knowledge, and humor. He has a vivid sense of taste and smell and recently noted that our dinner wine expressed a hint of “blackberry bud”, to which I replied,”…..really?”. But having never eaten a blackberry bud, and notwithstanding the possible power of suggestion, I think I could actually taste it.
Sasha traditionally ends his tastings with some kind of sparkling wine as a final salute. His mentor taught him a repertoire of toasts, of which he says he knows many and will gradually reveal them as we cruise along. But for now….
“Drink to the health of others,
Drink to your health alone,
I drink to the health of so many,
I’ve probably ruined my own.”
He has only shared one toast so far, but I’ll try to get more from him.
Are you keeping notes for Sasha’s toast? Sounds like a good time was had by all.
He has only shared one toast so far, but I’ll try to get more from him.
Bere per la vostra salute!
He looks like he would be a lot of fun to taste with!
Yes he is!
Dean’s watch says it is 1:30 – anytime is good for wine!
You are correct….1:30pm! But, it was 5:00 somewhere.
That look on my face is because the glasses are still empty!