For the past two weeks, I traveled onboard the Cunard Caronia with my mom, cruising through the Caribbean and up the Amazon River. It was a smaller, older ship than the big shopping mall varieties they make these days, which allowed us to go up the mammoth Brazilian river. The experiences and moments are far too numerable and extensive to wrap up in a neat little column, so I've chosen just one example from my journey. While not the only fine moment, the Table 26 Society was the most consistent and satisfying throughout the cruise voyage.

The Caronia held 650 passengers (mostly American and English) and 350 crew members (from all over the world). Of these cruisers, only nine people were selected to sit at Table 26. Unbeknownst to my mom and I, Table 26 was a rather exclusive spot. Each officer had their own table, and Table 26 belonged to the Chief Purser, Hans. Repeat cruisers had the opportunity to request where to sit, and Hans had 16 requests for his table (the most of any). In comparison, the captain had three. My mom requested a table for 8, and Hans decided to put us at his table.

The boat was undeniably the senior circuit, as my mom was one of the younger passengers. At age 26, I was the youngest adult at the table and on the cruise. Thanks to my ability to adapt to unusual situations, I accepted my unique role onboard, and in return, the members of Table 26 accepted me.

Every night between 7:30 and 8:00, we met for dinner to talk about the experiences of the day and whatever came to mind. The meals were the finest I've ever eaten. Four and five course meals with multiple selections available for each. Our waiter, Florin, babied us and took care of our wants. Appetizers, salads, soups, middle courses, main courses, and desserts. Among my main courses, I ate salmon, tuna steak, chicken Parmesan, quail, lamb, trout, veal shanks and lobster. All of excellent quality. For dessert, I indulged as much as I could handle. Soufflés, custards, flan, ice cream, baked Alaska, cream with lady fingers. Coffee, espresso or cappuccino topped off each evening.

Although I consider myself a beer man, wine was the preference. When cruising, do as the cruisers. On the third night, people began buying bottles of wine for the table. First, Hans (who dined with us his required three times) furnished us with as much red and white as we could hold. After that, someone at the table always purchased at least one bottle from the Wine Steward, Yavor. French, Chilean, Californian, Spanish, and Italian. On my night, I bought a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanche. Excellent choice, Mr. Jungle. I drank enough wine flush my heart out four times over.

As amazing as the food was, the company made the experience worth remembering. Marge, Andrew, Owen, Chris, Kay, Wayne, Lillian, Mom and I. Sitting in different spots every night, talking, eating, drinking, gossiping, pontificating and relaxing. Dinner was an event each night. Meals lasted at least two hours, and sometimes went beyond 10:00 p.m. No matter where we were in the journey, we always looked forward to coming to Table 26 in the evening.

Dinner attire varied from casual, informal and black tie formal. I hardly ever dress up at home, but I did look as smooth as a young Johnny Cash in my all black ensemble.

Each member had their own quirks. Marge boasted over 500 days at sea. Owen was a retired British officer. Andrew was a solid Yorkshire man. Irish ladies Chris and Kay personified the G n T lifestyle. Retired Navy man Wayne and his wife Lillian from San Diego brought an upper class American vibe to the table. Mom showed off her Mid-west pleasantness, while I played my part as the young idealistic writer.

The women shared a fine taste for jewelry and crafts. Each appreciated gold and jewels as well as native bead necklaces. The men shared a fine taste for Brazilian women. Owen and Andrew attended a folklore show in Parintins, Brazil, and had their picture taken with scantily clad dancers. I bypassed the show that night but still found a sweet Parintins girl to exchange some culture.

Although he only attended three times during the voyage, Hans brought these people together. We each received a group picture of our meal together at Tivoli Italian Restaurant (probably the finest meal of my life), as well as Tennis Shirts which boasted Table 26 Society. During our final meal, we all wore our shirts proudly during the last meal (the only table with such a distinction).

While this was only one aspect of my first trip out of the country (not counting border towns in Mexico), it was definitely a highlight. Traveling abroad in style and elegance is not the only way to go, but it was a great way to start. Once you leave the country, you never completely come back.

This trip was my Mom's idea and pretty much on her dime. This fortnight brought us together in a way I thought we would never attain as mother and son. We both walked away with a much greater understanding of each other, and I will never forget Table 26 or the hundreds of moments along the way. Experiencing the Caribbean and the Amazon were beyond my imagination, and they are now permanent memories.

You will have to excuse me while I sit back and smile.

Chris Jungle was assumed to be French by many Brazilians. Maybe it was the wine.