From Reading to Reality: Adventures from the S.S. Catherine

During the long days of COVID quarantine, I engrossed myself in reading. There were so many new things I’d learned and wanted to experience in person once the world opened back up. The things on my long list are as varied as that mountain of amassed books. After a comprehensive look at chocolate from the growing of pods to the marketing of final products, I dreamt of standing in front of the Valrhona factory just to soak in the imagined scents. Dusting off my Latin, I wished to see Roman ruins in person. For some unknown reason, I really wanted to see silk wallpaper. Mind you, none of this list is written in stone or even on paper, and there is no real plan to seek them out. Each item is just waiting to pop up when I least expect it and delight me to no end.

When our dearest friends invited my husband and me to join them on their rescheduled trip through Provence and Burgundy, my heart leapt. I had never been to Europe before, and France sounded like a great place to start.

We decided to spend a day or two in Paris before our cruise to counter jetlag and possible travel delays. Since everything worked out, we were able to include a tour of the king’s private apartment at Versailles. To my surprise, our guide pointed out the beautiful silk wallpaper in the bedchamber. I was proud of myself for resisting the urge to touch it, and happily checked “seeing silk wallpaper” from my mental list.

On the S.S. Catherine and the first night in Arles, our wonderful cruise manager previewed all the exciting things that we’d be doing all week. I know I let out a possibly embarrassing squeal of excitement when she pointed out that the Valrhona chocolates in our room came from the factory which, on Thursday, would be walking distance from our boat. Check!

The Roman ruins in Arles and the architecture we saw throughout the week took my breath away. I have a much deeper appreciation for the way that rivers influence our history and society. I also have a new respect for the power of water with all the locks we travelled through. The Bollène écluse was worth staying up late to see, and I’m doubly grateful to have been sailing upstream. Check, check, and check!

My friend and I had both eagerly awaited the silk-weavers tour in Lyon. The tiny workshop was filled with two impressive ancient looms. The gentleman who showed us around is from a multi-generational family of weavers. He shared that his father wove the silk wallpaper that hangs in the king’s restored bedchamber at Versailles. To my extreme and definitely embarrassing delight, he then passed around a sample of that very wallpaper for us to examine up close and in hand! CHECK!!!

Late one morning after an adventure, I saw some of the teamwork it takes to make these cruises so very perfect. A tall stack of clean linens was being brought aboard by some of the crew in fire bucket brigade style. It was impressive, and I watched for a few moments before someone looked up and smiled. (I was very grateful that they didn’t drop that bundle of linens into the Rhône!) Quickly, the crew stepped aside to let the two or three of us board; perhaps they appreciated a quick break, too. Inside, I saw more crew stacking those supplies into the elevator to take them below deck. I couldn’t believe how much could fit in that tiny space! Later, when I looked at the detailed floor plan of the boat, it confirmed how little crew and storage space they have, and yet can still do so many impressive things. Even months later, I am humbled by how everyone made such impeccable service appear so effortless.

Each day aboard brought a wonderful new adventure. Each evening was kicked off with wine and preview of the next day, and then followed with a feast of regional dishes. We laughed and danced and reconnected. It was like being at the most amazing sleep-away summer camp for grown-ups, but one that floated to each new spot and served incredible food and wine. There was an excitement I hadn’t felt since I was a kid.

I checked off truffle hunting and tasting wine on a mountaintop overlooking a vineyard. I checked off shopping in a local market with a wicker basket and then cooking in a kitchen with a cast-iron stove. I checked off a long list of things that popped up when I least expected. Each one of these check marks is a lovely, meaningful memory that I will continue to cherish for all my years ahead. Even if you don’t have your own strange list in your head, you’ll find joy and delight in the many adventures wherever your itinerary takes you. You’ll find comfort and relaxation as you sail to your next destination.

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.