Day 52 sea day and half way point of Holiday

Just another easy day, woke up at 11.20am as we always have late nights with Roy & Marg 1.30am before we got to bed.

Had a farewell lunch with Barry and Linda as they are leaving us in Southampton, we all swapped our addresses and are planning a reunion next year. We feel extremely lucky to have met them. 

Day 51 sea day

Cooler weather today which makes a change. We had a very very late breakfast. The WC choir had their second show, it was really enjoyable. A lot of people we have got to know are leaving in Southampton, over 900 people are getting on there along with a lot of children. This will certainly change the dynamics aboard but should liven up the place too.

The World Cup final was shown on the TV outdoors, we talked Roy and Marg into watching it too. So there we were on the lounge chairs, with blankets as it was now cold, with jumpers and hoodies to keep us warm. At half time we ran to the cabin to get the thermos of Drambuie and Baileys. Then the rain came but still we stayed to watch....Roy made the quote of the trip so far, "Explain to me why I am sitting in the rain watching paint dry"....he is not a soccer fan!! However he watched it right to the end. It was a great night and one we won't forget. Another sea day tomorrow and our last formal night for this sector.

Day 50 Gibralter

Gibraltar is a place I had always wanted to visit and it did not disappoint. The Rock is an impressive spectacle as we docked and watched the sunrise. We walked through the streets which were deserted....the locals were nowhere to be seen at this early hour. Lots of apartments buildings which funnily enough had a French style I thought. It seems every nationality live here as we heard Scottish, Spanish, French and other accents. We reached the Cable Car to the top of the Rock. It only cost 9 pounds per person, I am getting brave now in cable cars but still not comfortable. However I had to look at the view as we climbed higher and steeper. We reached the top and home of the Barbary apes. I have 2 fears... heights and free roaming monkeys!! They rule the Rock, and they do bite, steal bags etc. The amazing views over Gibraltar with the rolling mist was something we won't forget ever. As we walked along a path to a higher spot, my nerves were on high alert looking for apes and trying to avoid them....George being George rustled some branches and then pounced his hands on my back.....well the scream was heard in Africa I am sure!!

We wandered around the shops which opened at 10 a.m, even though it is tax and duty free we found it very expensive apart from booze. A British supermarket named Morrison's had great prices and lo and behold our childhood biscuits. The 4 of us loaded up with supplies and struggled back to the ship with 4 large bags. We got onboard at 1.20 with ten minutes to spare. A great day and one we enjoyed thoroughly. Now 2 days at sea before we hit Paris!!

Day 50 Continued

 

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