Day 49 sea day

A relaxing day day at sea, very much needed. We had a late breakfast....as we were getting brekkie the staff were setting up the lunch buffet!! It was French theme so lots of pastries and chocolate. Caught up with friends we haven't seen for a while, George played dominoes with Roy and Barry, and I had a Turkish tea party with Kim and Catherine....we all bought an Apple Tea set in Istanbul and this was the first opportunity to try it, its very sweet but nice. We had dinner in the Dining Room which was lovely as we have missed a few nights due to all the busy ports. The Horizon Court (buffet) is fine but sometime nothing really appeals to us, maybe we are getting fussy. Tonight the staff set up the most beautiful display of cakes and desserts, but it was at 10.30 p.m. and we had just left the Dining Room so no one was hungry. We will arrive in Gibraltar early tomorrow and only have till 1.30 p.m. so we intend to leave the ship around 7 a.m......well that's the plan anyway.

Day 49 continued

 

Day 48 Barcelona

We docked around 9 this morning, lovely sunny day. Princess were offering a $7 each way shuttle bus to the end of the port, a bit rude when a port authority bus was available for 3 euros ($5) return to the town! We walked to the main street, La Rambla, which is a very long, busy and action packed street. The previous night, Spain had won a place in the World Cup final and we thought we would see very excited people but we didn't see anything relating to the win. I had a look in a few shops but nothing caught my eye enough to buy, George was happy about that. We walked to the old part of the town, The Gothic place, and this was similar to Venice and Rome....old buildings, narrow lanes. Many passengers did tours here and were happy with them, makes a change to hear this. It's a lively, bustling city and as we didn't leave till 10.30 p.m., we had a chance to see it by night, beautiful coastline all lit up. I have never seen planes backed up waiting to land, I counted 4 in a row waiting their turn!! Apparently Barcelona has 80 million visitors a year. It's a city you really need several days as you only get a glimpse in 12 hours, but nevertheless a place we need to come back to.

We had drinks with our group of friends as we sailed away, heading toward Gibraltar but luckily one day at sea tomorrow .... this will be a much needed rest day.

day 48 Continued

 

Day47 Cannes

The ship's tender took us to the pier at Cannes. We passed many luxury boats, some serious stuff here. Beautiful beaches along the shore, topless sunbathing is the normal thing here! As we had had very tiring days we just strolled along the shopping area. There is a lovely chain of stores called Blanc de Nile, all white cotton clothes, just the thing for these hot days we are having. Most of the ship's passengers had the same thought! They would do a good trade in Oz I think. We had the obligatory beer and local wine. When we arrived back onboard we hit the pool to cool off.... we both fell asleep on the sun loungers, that's a first.
We have been enjoying watching the World Cup, even though Australia is out. The TV onboard is not exciting, the movies are old and we have not watched much really. The MUTS is also quite disappointing, lots of repeats.
Tomorrow is Barcelona, we are there for 12 hours. We have nothing planned for this so just take our time and see what happens. We are nearly half way into our trip, it feels as though we have been away for a long time....not ready to go home just yet though!!.Still having a great time and still meeting new people. It amazing to meet someone you have never seen before and find out they have been on since Sydney.

Day 46 Livorno and Pisa

Fantastic day! We left the ship around 8.30 a.m., caught the shuttle (no option here as no walking allowed on the dock, so charged 5 euros each just to get off the dock)), into the middle of Livorno where we purchased return bus and train tickets to Pisa for 7 Euros each. Great price and interesting train ride. It was standing room only, the Italian people are not very friendly or helpful in the shops. No signs in English so it makes it difficult but we managed. Our personal tour guides, Roy and Marg were with us for the day. After a 20 minute train ride and a 15 minute walk we arrived at the Leaning Tower. Boy, does it lean! It's a 14ft lean and its surprisingly still standing!! Beautiful building, marble and ornate décor. You can walk up to the top of the tower but we opted not to, our legs are not young any more. We did all the funny photos, including me climbing on top of a stone bollard. Not a pretty sight trying to get on to it, but makes for good photos ha ha. Lots of market stalls surround the area, we had our usual beer. Its just so we can sit in the air conditioning really. We arrived back in Livorno about 3 p.m. and then headed back to the ship. We thoroughly enjoyed our day, probably have a quiet night as we arrive in Cannes tomorrow.

Day 46 Continued