First stop was Naples. My memory of Naples had faded but came back to me quickly once we landed in Naples. It is a beautiful view of the water and surrounding mountains. However the town needs a little more clean up of the streets. After our overview of Naples we decided to walk back to the ship rather than do a 90 minute walk others joined us as well. What we missed that we heard from others was how great the pizza was. Missed opportunity!!

Next port Messina. Stopped at a bakery tons of people but the pastries were great. I enjoyed the cannoli that Ken and I shared and then I got lemon sorbet it was all great.

Then we moved onto the Cathedral. Stunning inside. On the outside there is an astronomical clock that dates back to 1908. Then there was the Bell Tower. It starts with a lion roaring and moving its tail and mouth while he roars. Then a level down a rooster flaps it wings and crows. Then 54 mechanical figures move around the tower. Then the song Ave Maria finishes off the display. It took 15 minutes for it all to happen.

Next port Malta. In the past we have always visited Medina and visited the Medina Glass factory. I have so much glass and there is a store on the way back to the ship so I decided to do something different . Unique landscape and a visit to a “fake” jewelry shop with silver and gold items that everyone were quite thrilled with their purchases.

So much history. The large cathedral was spectacular. A bomb was dropped into the church and did some damage but did not explode. The bomb is still in the church.





We usually go to Midina (pictured here from a distance). when we are in Malta. This time we chose to do an highlights tour.

We ended up in Valletta which is a delightful little city with stunning views. I think Malta is one of my favorite ports.

La Colette, Tunisia.
A large town with all white buildings. Very liberal moslem city. The women do not have to wear Moslem clothing. Women are paid same amount as a man is paid and work in many capacities.

Carthage area is a common tour, some expensive residences now and of course an area for tourists to purchase all normal touristy items. There is a cemetery for American Soldiers. For me that was a highlight. Beautifully maintained a nice experience.

We're (hopefully) joining in BCN. We arrive Barcelona 2 days early if flights don't get screwed up. Hope to see y'all on Saturday.

Having lots technical issues. Will post pictures when I can. Going to try the streaming internet.

Corsica was good. Basically scenery and of course this is where Napoleon was born. Great drive through the mountains, beautiful lake very stunning scenery. Had a stop for drinks before going back.
Special place.

Next stop St. Paul De Vence. I love this place. Set in a beautiful area in the mountains. Stunning art work of all types along with paintings, statues, clothing and jewelry.
This probably 6th visit.

First picture shows how few people were there this is NOT prime season.

Second picture of the town. Many people live in St Paul Dence v

ALICANTE. Took a tour and went to the beach where there so many condos and a stunning white beach. Lots of beach ball courts and white sand. Everything was very clean and reminded me of Hawaii.

Then we returned to the city and had a drink which tasted like milk but with a sweet taste and type of churro. But there were some wonderful looking ice creams on display so I tried two flavors. Not as good as I had expected. We had free time but there was not much in the way of interesting shops but Ken bought a hat. About to go back to the ship.

Picture sailing into Alicante.


The walking path at the beach. White sand and very wide walkway.

This was the area where we were served a milk based drink and a sweet bread stick during the tour. I followed that up with a mango and mixed fruit ice cream. I love the large trees and three color walking walk way.

Turnover today. Said goodbye to those leaving the ship and welcomed the new arrivals. Always a busy day. We celebrated an anniversary with one of our clients and also a couple hitting a new level of nights sailed. A fun dinner for sure.

Looking forward to the crossing. We have Chef Jeffrey onboard to do cooking demonstrations and hosting some tables and cooking lunch for the whole group later in the cruise.

We took the tour of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Went there 15+ years ago and could not go inside . So great to see the inside and the new areas that are being constructed and cleaning of the areas that date way back in time.

Well that was the beginning of my wonderful cruise that was planned. With Chef Jeffrey and lots of sea days , many people onboard I really enjoy and playing games and having a wonderful time. Instead on the second day of this cruise I knew I was in trouble, bad cough and running nose. So I went to the doctors to be sure it was not anythng to worry about and get some strong meds. I found out i tested positive for RSV and I am sneezing and coughing up a storm. Strange thing is that I dont feel bad, It is what it is and I will stay here until I am symptom free. If I am still sneezing and coughing when the chef cooks I will get into a corner away from everyone and enjoy his cooking.

My daughter Cindy is here and she has run many conferences and meetings so she will be in charge of the cocktail party tonight and until I return to normal. So not many posts from me from my cabin!

Sorry Ngaire. hope you get over it real soon.

Feel Better REAL SOON Ngaire.