Last of our voyages, oct 18th

Well it is 5:10 and we are on the ferry, and minutes from home, but next stop will be to pick up food at Food Lion I guess, or Fresh Market, not sure which right now. We just made the Ferry, as we got caught in a traffic jam on 95 because of an accident. Later

October 17, 2015

We are back, we arrive FLL at 05:00 as scheduled it is warm and tropical, with a nice breeze.  Still dark.

We are not going to go to breakfast, as both of us are too full, from dinner. Very nastagic saying good-by to Ken and Claudia not sure when we will see them again. The rest of the table, Val, Jim, Bill, and Irene, we will see in the near future. 

So now it is on to the car rental, and our first day driving home. Tonight God willing we will be in Savannah.

October 16,2015 At sea almost home, Happy Birthday Eddie

Happy birthday Eddie and also Happy Anniversary to you and Jennifer.  

It is a quite day at sea, we have been lucky this trip, not much weather on the high sea. 

I think it is about 7:55 AM ships time we are still an hour off east coast time, as far as time goes we are not sur what time it is as our iPads still read Europe time, not sure why, as they changed right away when we got to Europe, but have not changed back. Jim's has stayed on east coast time the whole trip, go figure. 

Well I guess I better get dressed, to go to our last breakfast in Sabatini's and wake up Ed. 

October 15th 2015

ships time 7:53AM      28* north and 66* west and 760 nm to go, To FLL

Today is not as pretty this morning, looks like we are moving into a storm, but an interesting sky none he less. 

Today is our last formal night of this cruise, and I am not sure what else. We had a great dinner last night at the Crown Grill, and we saw two wonderful shows, we bought a CD from the violinist Greg Scott. He was great, and great looking all 6 foot 4 of him!

I was right we are in a big thunderstorm!  How quickly the sea can change!  But it appears to be just rain as the sea is still pretty flat. 

Ok I just looked at the Patter, and there is a lot to do today so I guess I better go get a shower, before Ed wakes up. 

October 14th again

Ok we are finely caught up for the moment. It is 1pm and our position, is 30 degrees north and 60 degrees west or there abouts and the temp is 80 degrees and we are in the dull drums, seas are very calm. 

 Our day will consist of eating at the Crown Grill tonight an this afternoon seeing a show Paul Baker who was in La Mize and fantom of the opera. So it will be a full day. 

Funchal, Madeira the last port before FLL

We had planed to buy Madeira wine at this port and other goodies, but it was not to be as I reported eairler, it rained so hard all we did is waste $20 to go into town. In the past we loved this stop. But it was not to be, even sale-away was in the cabin, not on the deck. 

All and all we have had a wonderful cruise, good friends,  good food, and great service. Next stop FLL!

October 14, 2015

Now to try to finish theses last to port stops that really didn't amount to a whole lot, but here goes.  We arrived in Lisbon about 8 AM, Ed went upstairs to take pictures of the bridge we pass under. This is Portugal's answer to our golden gate. 

We had a tour to Santra & Cascals we spent a half day exploring Portugal's coastline. We drove to Cascais, stopping for a bit at Guinco Beach, and we had a coffee, and did a wee bit of shopping, then it was back in the buss to go to Santra which is set high in the mountains. 

From the central,square in Santra, we could see the 8th-century Castle of the Moors fortress. But we had more shopping to do. This place had purses and shoes mad of cork! I have never seen any thing like before. 

When we had our sale-away, we saw,hundreds of squid!

Happy Birthday Tim

Good morning Tim and every one, I took a great sunrise again, but lost it, 

So here is another one that isn't as good but shows how flat the sea is. 

Oct 12 more catch up, Lisbon

Good morning, I didn't finish and it is now October 13 and this is the view from my window. I don't know what time it is as the iPad has it all wrong and my watch is in the sleeping area and Ed is still asleep. And we set the clocks back again last night. Anyway I will continue the tale after a shower and breakfast.

October 12, 2015

Good morning, I will now try to catch up some more. Ed is at a lecture, on all things technical about the Emerald Princess. And Dariusz has cleaned our room while we at breakfast. So I will try to continue my catch up. We are having very nice calm seas, and the wi-fi seems to be performing well. 

Oct. 6th found us in Cadiz, and we booked a sherry tasting and the Royal Analusian School Equestrian horse show!  

Cadiz is one Europe's oldest inhabited cities, dating from 1100 B.C. And is the gateway to Seville and Andalusia. It is a really a beautiful city, and we wished we had a longer visit, the weather was warm and sunny, very welcomed. 

We started at Sherry Bodega, to see how sherry is produced, and stored, you can buy a whole berral if you are famous enough, or rich enough, and they store it for you in the right conditions. It was all very interesting, and we bought a couple bottles. 

The it was on to see the Andalusian horses, that are no longer called that, they want to have them known as Spanish Horses!  What ever they are the most beautiful things, we loved this hour and a half show it was worth every penny. We were not allowed to take pictures in the show, but I got a couple outside in the practice area It was a great show.

October 11,2015

Today we are having a very nice sea day, not many waves and just being lazy. Went to the pool for a while, after breakfast, met Val and Jim, but then after an hour or so I knew I needed to get out of the sun.  So now we are on our balcony and it is in the shade, and we just ordered lunch, what a life!

OK, now going back once again. I think I left off at the Paestum Excavations.  The next day 10/02/15 we were to be in Cannes France, and once again the weather did not cooperate and because of high winds and rough seas this port was skipped.  So we had a much appreciated sea day. 

The next day was Barcelona and Ed and I had planed to go into town, as it is one of our favorite places, but again weather,,,,,, it was really raining, and the shuttle bus was $15 PP each way, so we decided we could spend $60 on something better. So we stayed on board. We looked for Irene and Bill and Ken and Claudia, as they were boarding here, but didn't see them, and forgot we were to meet Bill and Irene in Adagios as the patter posted that there was a LGBT get together up there. Any way we all got together the next day when we went to Valencia. 

So now speaking of Valencia Spain, another diapointment, when we received our tour tickets on the second segment, they informed us the tour we had booked to the beach at El Saler, had been changed, and there were no chairs or umbrellas as the concession had closed for the season, and since we had already paid for that we could cancel, so, we did, and had lunch on our balcony. And that was fortuitous as we saw Bill and Irene returning to the ship, and Ken and Claudia too, and then Val and Jim came back too, so we had the first sail away party, fun, fun.  

Next stop was Malaga Spain, we had a tour here to go up in the mountains to Ronda. This tour was wonderful, but weather was NOT. It was cold and rainy. 

We wanted to go to Ronda to see the oldest bull ring in Spain and maybe the world. Along the way we saw a lot of other things. We traveled along the Costa del Sol and then climbed up the mountains to Ronda. When we arrived it was raining and we walked about two miles in the rain to see the the Puente Nuevo bridge that cross over the river Guadalevin and the El Tajo, a gorge that separates the old part of town from the new part of town. 

We then went to the Plaza del Toros, considered the birthplace of the modern Corrida del Toros. The arena the largest and oldest in Spain also houses the Antonio Ordonez Bullfighting Museum. It was very impressive and I wish we had not been so rushed, but often these tours promise more than can be seen in one short day. 

It was then time for shopping, but once again that got skipped, as we had to go to lunch and back to the bus, it was another mile or two. 

October 10, 2015

Well today is a quite day on the high seas. This is the first day of a 7 day crossing, and we haven't done much except watch the waves,  we slept in tell eight then went to Sabatini's fo a big breakfast, of eggs Benedict and mimosa's. We did not eat lunch, as tonight is another formal night and that means lobster! 

The seas are a bit rough so we're bouncing around a bit, so that means flat shoes for me. 

Yesterday in Funchal, Madeira it rained so hard that we went in on the shuttle, at $10.00 a person, but didn't stay, and that was too bad, because the last time we were there, it was really pretty, and we were looking forward to seeing more of the island. I guess we lucked out no buying a tour. 

Well time to get ready to go eat again, and I'll try to catch up tomorrow. 

View as we left

Now to try to catch up again

Now that I was able to post pictures, I will try to explain about what else we have been up to. 

 

I think I ended as we were on our way to Genoa, we sailed into the narrow harbor about 6 AM.  And we had an early tour so we had to eat in the room instead of our favorite Sabatini's. So it was on to meet Jim and Val and board the bus. 

First we went to Rapallo, we saw a bridge, from a distance, that according to legend Hannibal crossed during his invasion of Italy. We only caught a glimpse of it,,,, then it was on to Santa Margherita, for a chance to have coffee, and a few sweets, it was cold this day, but at least not raining. Then we strolled along the seaside promenade and looked at all the things for sale in the market stalls that were there that day. 

We then walked to the harbor to catch the boat to Portofino, an ancient fishing village of Romen origin.

We were suppose to go to the church of St George, but the four of us opted out as Jim wasn't feeling all that great and I had developed a really bad blister on my foot. And the church was way UP!  So instead we had a most enjoyable time sitting by the sea, and had a sandwich and a beer. Then back to the ship to get cleaned up for formal night. 

The timing of the formal nights on this cruise has been interesting, but we did have a lovely time. 

Ed really I joyed this beer

These are Photos from the Paestum Escavations

These were taken at Castello Sonnino

More

Here are photos from San Gimignano 

October 8th sea day

Ok, so I will hope to catch up again, but before I write an tell all I want to try to post some fotos of the past places I wrote about. 

This was at the Buffalo  Mozzarella

cheese factory 

Catch up day

First I want to say, we are on the beautiful EMERALD princess, not the RUBY. LOL. So now that you & I know what ship we are on, I will try to bring you up to date. 

Today we awoke at 7AM  to Capt Martin Stencel announcing that we were going to miss Cannes. That was ok with us as we had decided not to go ashore anyway, so we went back to sleep.   Ed got up before I did, so when I did, we got dressed and went up to Sabatini's for there wonderful breakfast. And now I will go back in time and try to catch up. 

The first day was Palarmo, and I told you all about that, then it was on to Salermo, it was an early get up so no Sabatini's we ordered room service. Then found our tour to the buffalo mozzarella tasting & Paestum Escavations.  This was a very good tour. The buffalo mozzarella is really special, seems there are many rules, as to what can be called "buffalo" mozzarella.  And it doesn't keep longer then a week. And they don't ship it out of country, as tree mozzarella is NOT pasteurized. We had a nice tasting, of bread, wine and cheese. Ed and I missed the gelato, and buying the wine, but that was ok. 

We then boarded the bus for The Paestum Escavations, we had no idea what o expect here, and we were really blown away. It is located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Salerno, 10 km from the mouth of the river Sale in the territory of Lucania and the northern boundary of the region in sec. IV BC it used to be called Great Greese, and was one of the richest and most flourishing Greek colonies of southern Italy on the west coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was over 2,500 years old and when settled it was ideal for farming. It had been hidden until WW II, when the Americans found it by accident, looking for the caves the Germans were hiding in. And over the eons if the people of Italy hadn't used the stones to build new things more would be in tact, it was all and all a great tour with a great guide!

After Salerno, we had a sea day, and we went to the meet and great, on the morning. And then it was on to the sale, for Tee Shirts for Ed, as we didn't bring any, on purpose so he could get them to wear on the cruise. Now I am not sure it will be warm enough to we are them. As it is about 60 degrees today.  Then we went to the Pub lunch it was goog as usual. So now it was on to the hot tub to relax before getting ready for the first formal night, eat, drink, eat, drink, rest dress eat drink......... Well somebody has to do it, right?

Next day Laverno,  up early, to go on our tour in for wine tasting, this was a private tour that Craig, organized back up in the hills of Tuscany.  Highlight was going back to San Gimignano and do a bit of shopping, then it was on Castillo Vicchiomaggio to tast white Chianti, it was very good and we bought a couple bottles to have on the ship. Then it was on to revisit the Verrazzano wine store, Ed was very happy, and we ordered a case of wine to be shipped home. 

We then went to lunch and a tour of Castello Sonnino, it is located in Montespertoli. They have 45 hectares of vineyards we were not taken by the wine here, but the tour was great and the linchpin good but a bit pricy. The olive oil they prouduce was great, and I regret not buying any, so I will try to get some on the ship, as it is very good too. So all and all it was another good day.Tomorrow, we go to Genoa. 

I will try to publish so photos tomorrow.

We are in Salerno

Well I should say we "were" in Salerno,,,,, now we are headed to Livorno. I have to catch you up on. The goings on, since we boarded this beautiful Ruby Princess! 

Our boarding was uneventful, but my internet has been very eventful! The blog gave me a huge challenge as it was hung up some wear, I have no idea what has gone out and what hasn't.  So if it all looks weird know I tried. It seems I can't send more then one picture at a time if I use the app, and I can't get to my photos if I use on line. So now you know my limitations. :) 

We boarded, and found our cabin,,, we knew wher that was,,, after doing 49days last year in the same cabin. LOL I was the first person to board,, how about that!  We all had our bags befor the muster drill, who say Italians are slow. So Jim and Ed made reservations for our dinner table with the head waiter. And then they made reservations for the first night at the Crown Grill, while I unpacked. 

We had a lovely dinner and went to bed early as we all had to get up early, for our tour in the morning. 

We set the alarm for 0630 and got up got dressed and headed to Sabatini's my favorite breakfast venue. Then down to meet our guide Barbara from  Benvenuto limos.  She was wonderful and I would highly recommend her.  

She took us to Monreale first, it was a suburb of Palermo up on top of a small mountain that has  a magnificent cathedral and as we were there on a Sunday they were performing a baptism, and we were able to see some of it, and we could even take pictures! Then we were given a private tour of an art museum that was closed as it was a Sunday! The lady that guided us around the museum, was so sweet, she showed us so much, wow talk about feeling special. 

Then we had an espresso to becom refortified, and it was down the mountain to Mondello, by the sea! And a very nice lunch. Barbara, became part of the Lonneville and Masek family, it was a wonderful lunch of clams and pasta, after a bit of a walk around, our driver picked us up and we had a tour of the highlights of Palermo Sicily, what a grand way to start. 

 

Market at Civitavecchia

Sitting by the pool

Wish I could show you the view, but the blogger is not working right. I think that is going to be the story of this trip.
We went into town this morning. Fillippo dropped us off at a suppermarket then we meandered  down through the  streets and found a street market, that was really cool, I bought a hat and Ed bought some grapes and raddishes the raddishes were 1€ incredabul!
We have had a good couple of days here, it is an interesting place. If this goes out I will post more.

Arrived Rome

They called for boarding our plane on time, and because we were globule entry pass holders we were in the #1 line so we found our seats and were greeted, by a warm and friendly flight crew.  Who as it happened were celebrating a birthday of one of the attendants and a retirement of one, they were really a happy bunch.

(Unfortunately  I tried to put some pictures here, and it all hung up)

We arrived Rome an hour early, it was  a great flight, we got lucky and didn't have to climb down airline stairs, we had a GATE!  And although the lines were long at Imagrations we were out in about 15+ minutes. Our transfer was waiting, and it was off to Tenuta del' Argento, our home for the next three nights. I got a shower, and crashed for the next 3 hours.
Val and Jim arrived while I was sleeping, all was well with them, and we had a great dinner last night at the hotel and all of us went to bed.  

We made it

We are here at Dulles all checked in and sitting in the lounge having a glass of wine. And some cheese, and olives. 😜

There was a terrible accident on 95, so we  (Eddie, son) we had to go all around robben's hood barn to get here.  There was a 20 mile back on 95.  Now Ed just read on line it was a fatal shooting, by a guy who kidnaped a woman, it happened at eight this morning. But we didn't know.... Oh well we are here and, all is well so far. 

Oh almost forgot the go card reall made getting through TSA a breeze, thanks Bruce!

Next stop United Air.

Sept. 21 Night before we leave

I thought everything was going to well.   And sure enough, it came back to bite me late this afternoon. I  had to change my Apple password and something happened, so now I can't get into the Mac Book Pro, ugh the old password won't work and the new one doesn't work. So after I spent time on the phone with my two family guru's and a couple hours pulling my hair out, I gave up. I will hope to write the blog on my Ipad, at least the new App seems good.  Butif it is not up to snuff, I'm sorry. 

Two days and Counting down

The bags are all packed, and were pretty much ready to go.  We will need to close

up the house, but we will do that when Ed Jr picks us up on Tuesday morning.

The packing was an intresting endeavor, as it had been some time since I packed 

for Europe.  Should have been somewhat like around the Hone, but I couldn't get that in my 

head.  

Any way it is finished.

I haven't figured out how to put this in my side bar so I will do it here, one of these days I will learn. 

I should mention that we are no longer going to Tunis as it shows on the map.  We will be in

Salerno, Italy instead.

I guess it is time to wake up my blog, and me, as it is Sunday morning, and I'm not moving very fast today.  Ann reminded me, when we all went to lunch that it might be time, to do that. 

We will be leaving in just nine days, for our 21 day transAtlantic cruise on the Emerald Princess.  

 We fly to Rome on Tuesday the 22nd and get to Rome Wednesday, and we are being met at the airport by a transfer service that our hotel Tenuta dell’Argento, in Civitavecchia. This is about 50 miles outside of Rome. And where the cruise ships dock. The hotel is a ranch, so it should be a very interesting stay. We will be there for three days. The ship sails on Saturday.

So now it is on to finish up the packing, and readying the house, (we have people watching the house) and Ed is putting the netting on the two ponds today, we now have two. 

It has been a busy year around here, putting in and refurbishing ponds having the range repaired, that still isn't finished, now the fridge water dispenser isn't working. Taking a fun cruise with Jack and Honey, to celebrate their 50th. Visiting Tim and Audrey at there new home in Florida, and hosting Ken and Joan, while there, at the time shear.