From her tidy apartment filled with souvenirs from her travels, Bourque said she still loves to cook fish, because that’s something people from all regions seem to incorporate into their appetites. She’s also picked up some other habits, from countries where people don’t ice down their drinks the way Americans do.

“I still drink my Cokes hot,” she said.

Istanbul, Holland and Egypt are included in her ports of call.

Sometimes sea-worthy people she’s met call her for a tour of the region.

“I’ve got a van,” she said she tells them, and loads up gangs for trips to the store to stock up. Often they’ll get together and cook.

Bourque’s father is the late LaLa Bourque of rodeo fame. Bourque said she toured the circuit riding horses, but her heart is still at sea.

“I get seasick,” she said.

Frankie Savant is a friend who says he loves to hear her stories.

“They broke the mold when they made her,” he said.

Beverly’s cook tip:

This experienced cook likes to dice meat and says she puts Worchesterchire sauce on almost everything. She mixes in mustard, paprika and hot pepper and says its really, really good.

ddoiron@panews.com