Ajaccio France

Wed April 29, Ajaccio France.
Today was Chris’ birthday and we celebrated in the French country side. We took a tour to the mountain villages and the gorges of Prunelli on the island of Corsica.
Although the day started with clouds at least there was no rain. We traveled the country side on narrow mountain roads on huge buses. The bus barely fit on the bridges. There were steep drop offs and you could not see any of the road from inside the bus. I did not get sea sick the whole cruise so far but I did take a meclazine and compazine that day on the bus. I thought for sure I would puke.

Upon returning to town we walked the colorful streets and found a nice café for a late lunch. We had these awesome paninnis and a glass of the house wine. We split a chocolate and banana crepe for dessert.
Once back ship we relaxed some then went to the steak house for dinner.
We actually went to bed pretty early since we had an early day and I am sick.

MED Sea day

April 28th Tues (day at sea)
Today we spent a wonderful day at sea sailing the med. It was sunny for most of the day. We had a 2 hour period about 3-5pm where there were some clouds and light sprinkle.
It was a nice day to finally get some real pool time in. As usual there has to be a complicated story ever to accompany a day of relaxation. After lunch we started looking for a lounge chair near the pool. We saw to and started approaching from the back of the chair. As we got to the chairs Chris put his bag on the first one, as I started to unroll my towel to put on the back of the chair. All of sudden from 3-4 chairs down some one throws a towel onto my chair. At first I thought ok must be someone I know being smart. Nope, it was actually some lady being serious. I said to her excuse me there are two of us. She said there are 2 of us as well. (hehe hehe as she laughed evilly)
Well that was all Chris needed to hear and some choice words started flying. She just laughed it off. We started to walk away and turned around and said screw it I am taking this one chair. And I did while Chris looked for 2 other chair somewhere else. Her husband came over and asked what happened. She said that she was called a nasty name but not as bad as she was called yesterday in the food line. So she must do this type of thing all the time to people.
Oh well we sat in the sun for an hours and then went to the spa.
For diner for we went to La Cucina. I had a wonderful seafood risotto and Chris had the osso bucco. We split an order of the lobster ravioli. They were ok but not great.
We finished the evening with a show by Enrico Cifiello an Italian artist, He was very good. He is currently playing at Caesar’s In las Vegas

AHH MALAGA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday April 27 Malaga Spain.
Malaga lived up to all its expectations! The weather, the food and the people.
We arrived in Malaga about 8 am and were greeted by sunny skies and the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea.
Yesterday while in Cadiz, I think that I forgot to mention that when the weather cleared while on tour, we were able to see the coast of Morocco and the entrance to the strait of Gibraltar. Last night I woke up about 230 and was able to see the outline of the Rock of Gibraltar. I was hoping that it would be lit up, but it was not.
We took the short shuttle bus ride from the ship to the port entrance. We walked for a while on their park avenue which is lined with beautiful gardens and sculptures. We then caught the hop on hop off bus and did the entire circuit to see this magnificent city.
On round 2 we hopped off at the beach and watched a few dolphins jumping in the sea. We walked the beach for a while and found this little café right on the sand.
We sat in the sunshine and had a pitcher of sangria. WE had a few light tapas because we had to save room for a real lunch at or favorite restaurant. We had a shrimp omelet which is like a shrimp frittata. Calamari rings and a much larger than expected plate of fresh anchovies with lemon. I think Christopher is now an anchovy fan. (Pictures coming soon).
We then walked from the beach area to the historical part of town, stopping along the way for many photo ops. The Alcazaba was closed. A bit disappointing because it was something I wanted to see. After quite a long time of walking and searching the narrow streets we found our restaurant. We took a table on the street.
Last year there was a very helpful, accommodating waiter there. This year there was a friendly Spanish man who spoke absolutely no English. I was able to speak just enough Spanish to get by and to order as well as some light chat about our trip. We ordered another picture of sangria, an order of fresh grilled anchovies on toasted bread and finally the plate of local fried fishes. We were not able to come close to finishing the plate. There was easily enough for another person to fill up on. After a meal there you always get a brandy to wash things down with. I know that the plate had 2 types of fillet of fish, shrimp, scallops, sardines, anchovies and scallops.
Then we started our walk back to the port. I don’t know how but Chris stopped to get an Ice cream!!!!!!!!! After returning to the ship we fell asleep for about an hour. We then went up to the spa. Finally about 930 Chris said we have to have dinner!!!! We went up to the blue lagoon restaurant. Where we had a very light dinner. Chris had cheese cake for dessert and then went to the buffet to have his nightly ice cream!!!!!
Tomorrow is a sea day in the Mediterranean. Last day to relax before the craziness of France and Italy starts.

Cadiz Spain

Arriving Cadiz

April 26th Sunday Cadiz Spain.
As you read from the earlier posts the day started with very bad weather conditions. Before entering the port this am the winds were a bit over 60 MPH and it was raining like hell. The ship was listing to the side because of the constant wind. Once the wind subsided we were able to get into the port.
We had booked a shore excursion today to take us to the white villages of Spain. We went to a mountain village called Vejer a la frontiera. Even though most of the time we spent there was in the rain it was spectacular. The white washed building with incredible tile work were really something to see. The sun came out for the afternoon and we traveled though a national park down to the coast. We saw the light house in the area where the battle of Tralfagador took place. We then traveled to a coastal white village. We had free time to have lunch. Being Sunday many things were closed. We searched for a place to have lunch, but everything was filled. We went into one restaurant, looked at the menu and left. It was much too expensive for lunch. Chris just had to eat so he had by a candy bar and soda.
Once we got back on the ship we had a very light late lunch (500pm) we then went up to the spa for a while. For diner we went to Magenta. We started off with marinated muscles, Cesar salad, Veal picata and we split a roast long island duck.
The show tonight was this wonderful violinist Izabella Zebrowski. She played both the electric and acoustic violin. I really enjoyed the show, I am not so sure about Chris.
Tomorrow is the port of Malaga. This was my favorite port last year. I hope the weather holds.
I hope we make it home next week. We both have a slight sore throat…. Swine flu?????????

Leaving Cadiz

Storm at sea sunday

We are not able to get into our port in Spain yet. WE are having a MAJOR wind and rain storm. The Captain has come on and told us not to wory that we are listing to the side Reminds me of the Pride of Aloha days and the little boat in Alaska!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisbon Portugal

April 25th Lisbon Portugal
We spent a great day in Portugal today. We traveled up Tagus River into a beautiful sunrise. Getting from the port to the main square in Lisbon was a bit of a hassle. The buses were late getting to the ports, and no one was around to guide us.
Once we arrived at the main square we walked to the train station. It was a nice morning for a walk. We bought tickets for the train to Sintra. The train left on time and about 4o minutes we arrived at the mountain top town of Sintra. We then caught the local bus in Sintra and started exploring this incredible little town. I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Very narrow winding roads made out of cobblestones that traveled through a forested mountain sides.
This area has 3 palaces. We stopped at the Moorish castle, but it started to rain a bit. We caught the next bus up to the Penna Castle. This is a fairytale type castle. Very colorful and hard to describe. You will have to wait to see the pictures. We toured the park and the inside or the castle.
We took a roller coaster bus ride back down to the train station and headed back to Lisbon. Once there we walked around until we found a more “authentic” Portuguese restaurant. We found one!!!! We had an appetizer of shrimp cake. This was like a pureed shrimp turnover. We both had the seafood rice which was just out of this world. For the amount of food and quality it was a very cheap meal.
We could not find the bus to take use back to the ship so we hired a cab. It was only €5,05 so it was not bad. We fell asleep for about an hour and then headed up to the spa.
Dinner tonight was at the Grand Pacific dining room. I broke some rules tonight and had the roast leg of veal. There was also a cold watercress fennel soup; it was kind of unusual tasting but good.
Well once again it is late and we need to change the clock ahead for the last time. So off to bed I go.

Lazy Friday

April 24th Friday.
Another lazy glorious day at sea. We slept in a bit again this am. Went for a late light breakfast and then up to the spa. I could really use one of those thermal pools at home. Maybe in the basement.
It was a bit warmer so we were able to have lunch out on the aft deck and not freeze because of the wind.
Later in the eve we went to shakers martini bar had some drinks and listened to the strings concert.
We found ourselves at Magenta again for dinner. We had a wonderful roast leg of lamb with goat cheese risotto and a side order of the vegetarian grilled egg plant.

Ponta Delgada

Table for 2 in Le Bistro

April 23, 2009 Thus Ponta Delgada
We were awoken about 545 today by the slamming of waves and gale force winds against the ship. It felt as if we actually fell down into our beds accompanied by a loud noise. We slept on an off until 7am. We got up had breakfast and prepared to go ashore in Ponta Delgada in the Azores Islands.
The Azores are located about 930 miles off the coast of Portugal. They are owned by Portugal but function as an independent state. Once we got on shore, I thought that I was going to have a vertigo attack for sure. I was rocking like I was back on the ship. I would look out and the ground was moving. I actually got nauseous for a few min but that passed. The first order of business was to find a pharmacy for Chris. He needed sleeping pills. I think we found him some pretty good stuff!!!! I mean it aint over the counter at home. We checked out a few of the local stores and were amazed at the €1,20 wines.
We walked the narrow streets for some time. We found this botanical garden, the jardin Jose Do Canto. It was a nice place and the weather was great to walk around in. (YIKES AS I A WRITING THIS THE SEAS ARE GETTING REALLY ROUGH about 5 pm). We explored some more of the town and then returned to the ship for Lunch.
Since there were beautiful sunny skies we found a lounge chair at the pool and hung out there listening to the band for a few hours. Chris won a drinking bottle in the trivia game. Every we are running into now are saying we look quite red. We then went to the spa for a little bit. I did not stay to long because I wanted to get back to the room and watch for whales. No luck yet, and with all the white caps I don’t think I will spot one unless it breaches.
Well no whales at all. Quick nap. Then we went to Le bistro for dinner. WE both started with an order of escargots. Chris also had some braised scallops. We both had the Mediterranean fish soup as our entre. I now have a new favorite desert on the ship. It is a chocolate napoleon. Out of this world. I would pay the 15.00 cover just for that. Chris had vanilla crème brule with berries, and we split the chocolate fondue. The couple at the table next to us insisted that we try some macadamia nut cookies that they brought aboard from south Hampton. They were very good.
We went to the stardust theater to see Moscow magic. It was a Russian style variety show with magic, music and quick changes. IT was actually quite good.
Bump the clock ahead again…… OFF to bed.

forth day at sea WED

Wednesday April 22, 2009
This was our 4th full day at sea. I don’t know if it was all the wine, the time changes or both but today was a lazy day. We were both very tired all day. We did not even wake up until 1130 AM. We had some coffee in the room and then went up to lunch. After we ate we napped some more.
We finally made it up to the spa for a little while. We went to dinner at magenta again tonight. It really was not the best menu. We had a seafood cioppina which I know always to be a soup. They served it over pasta. I just was not in the mood for pasta. Dessert was a coconut mango mouse which was pretty good.
We have now sailed 2102 miles. Only 234 to go before we stop in the Azores. The waves have been very rolly today.
I will l post a picture of the map from the TV to give everyone an idea of where we are.

Sea day 3 (tues)

April 21, 2009 Tuesday
This is the Third of our sea days. It was still pretty windy all day long. At least we had some sunshine today. The water was the color of my truck, that deep water blue. Today has been a day of total sloth. Slept in a bit late, had some breakfast and napped again……..Nice. WE then went up to the spa for a few hours. After spending time in the thermal pool and heated stone beds we ventured out poolside to get a little sun. The sun was nice and warm but the breeze was still chilly.
After sitting in the 53 degree temperature we went back into the spa for a nice hot sauna and a quick dip in the thermal pool.
We meet some people for drinks in the bliss lounge once again tonight. Diner was the La Cucina Italian restaurant. We started with a nice anti pasta plate for the rolling cart. We then had fried calamari. For the main course we had an osso bucco with wild rice risotto. We split a portion of pasta with oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Of course Chris once again had 2 deserts. We also drank almost an entire 1.5L of wine. There is about a glass left.
After diner we went to the spinnaker lounge for a late night cabaret performance by the chocolate goddess of love.
We have now traveled 1406 miles from New York. The wave heights are 8-9 feet. It is a pretty steady roll. Not rocky. It is now about 1245am with the new time change.

Monday second sea day

Sunset from balcony

Monday April 20th second sea day
Another fast day to say the least. We started the day with some mildly rough seas and grey skies. As the day progressed the sky cleared and the sea became calm. Tonight for the last hour or so we are rocking pretty well. I don’t think that it is even as bad as last year. It is now about 1030pm and before bed we have to change the clock ahead another hour.
This cruise the captain is not as talkative as last year. In fact, we have not heard from him at all. So we are not getting the little trivia updates like last year. Kind of miss that a bit. We have now traveled 1137 miles about half way to our first stop in the Azores (1197 to go). Waves are at about 9 feet right now and we have a nice steady rock.
Today we had breakfast with 2 sisters that are traveling together from California. Then it was off to the spa for some relaxation in the hydrotherapy pool. I planted myself on a heated stone bed for about an hour and a half and finished my book. We had lunch at the buffateria and tried to sit out by the pool for a while. The sun was warm but the wind as a bit too chilly.
After a nap we went back to the spa for a little more time in the hydrotherapy pool. We then meet for a cocktail in the bliss ultra lounge before diner.
We once again ate at the magenta. It was lobster night. We started with ginger pumpkin seafood bisque. We each had a lobster tail and grouper diner. We split a beef wellington since we had never had that before. Desert was a honey cream brulee, it was the best I have ever had.
Tonight the show was a singer known as the chocolate goddess of love, Jane Powel. She is a jazz/blues singer. www.JaneLPowell.com We enjoyed the show very much. She did say that in 20 years of doing shows on cruise ships that this is the first time she ever got sea sick…..HMMM.
We are finally a little further south in the ocean, about even with Baltimore. There is a little more warmth in the air now. We are sailing with our balcony door open. The side to side rock is a bit faster now. I will take a pill to be on the safe side. Chris wants on too!!!! Ought oh!!!! May be the extra desert and after shoe ice cream cone is getting to him.

First full day at sea

Sunday April 19, 2009
Today was a day of relaxation. I really do not understand how these sea days go by so fast. Right now it is about 1030 pm. We have traveled 625 miles from New York. There are about 1713 more to go before our next port. The outside air temperature is 49. Over all it was a very grey day, with a few sprinkles here and there. The day started off with very smooth seas, but as the day went on we started getting some white caps. A bit rocky but not too bad. Don’t forget to check the link above to see the live web cam. It is also a very different crowd than last year much more subdued. It appears as if many more people came with larger groups.
Started the day with a light breakfast, and then went to the spa for a couple of hours. Instead of doing the buffet for lunch we went to the grand pacific dining room. We have never gone to a dining room for lunch before. Of notable interest was the chilled blueberry soup.
It was then time for a nap.
We then headed out to the stardust theater to see the show “colors”.
For Diner we headed to the Magenta dining room. Service and food were excellent. We started with a tuna tartar, fatosh, Chris had a Cesar salad instead spaghetti cabonara, and Chris also had a side of monk fish. Desert was a chocolate caramel mound as well as a banana split cheese cake for Chris. He may need to buy larger pants when he gets home lol.
We turn the clocks ahead one hour tonight.

Day one and TWO

So Friday we got to Rochester airport with no problems. We got through security very fast, just to get to the gate to find there was a delay without flight. The wait was not too bad we boarded and then taxied to a holding area and sat for another 40 min. They were able to make up time in the air and we only arrived Newark about 10 min late.
While I waited for the luggage Chris went to use the restroom. Of course it was not experience free. He ran into Betty Buckley of 8 is enough and grizabella fame. He shook her hand but I had the camera.
We then hopped on our bus to Manhattan. It took a while due to an accident in the tunnel. On there we walked to our Hotel the Milford Plaza. It was clean and the room was pretty nice. After checking in we walked around Time Square (see 2 pics in flicker bottom of web page left). We then ate at this restaurant called Vigils. It was a bbq/ Cajun place. We both had the fish fry plate that consisted of rock shrimp, monk fish, cod fish, catfish and large sea scallops.
Saturday AM…….
We strolled around NYC to find a liquor store to buy some wine. Then we went to Chevys for some lunch and traditional blue agave margaritas.
Then we headed off to the Port. The boarding process was the easiest of any cruise we have taken. On very quickly. Our suite was not ready so we signed up for the spa package. Then we returned to the room. The mini suite is a lot larger than the regular balcony room. The room was steel at what we paid for it. We are the last balcony on the 11th floor at the back of the ship. The end of the balcony has a slight curve to it. It is large enough to have 2 regular chairs, a lounge chair and small table. Unfortunately our neighbors smoke. So I just had to close the door. BAN SMOKING ON ALL SHIPS!
For diner we went to the Sushi restaurant and had our fill of a nice assortment of items. So far Sunday AM (900) we have had smooth seas. Like glass. We are just now getting into a light 4ft chop. The ship is barley rocking at all. There is more of a vibration on the ship this year. I wonder if they added new stabilizers or something like that. Very smooth.
Sailing out of NYC was even more special this year. The weather was great. Sunny warm… I think knowing what adventures really lie ahead made it more fun. Last year we were entering the unknown. Also this year we could see ground zero more clearly because of the construction there. It actually was very moving to see the hole and vacancy left behind. Lady liberty then bid us a found adieu and we sailed under the Verrazano narrows bridge, leaving the North American continent behind.

Just a teaser

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we made it to NYC and have set sail. It is already 1100 Pm so I will update more in the AM. So far smooth seas (small wavelets 1 feet). The mini suite is great!! Large balcony with a lounge chair.

Of course Chris already had an adventure in Newark airport.

Will we make it to NYC?

We have been tracking the 435 flight from ROC to Newark for the past 2 weeks. It has either been cancelled or arriving hours late. Yesterday it was 3:05 hours late. We do have a one way car rental reservation should they cancel the flight. Not looking forward to a 7 hour drive.

Happy Easter to All

The Easter bunny is bringing ham and prime rib today. That sounds a little bit better than chocolate and hard boiled eggs. Nice blue sunny sky but it is very cold out there. Have not really worked on any of the picture updates. The professional scans are so nice I may just wait until I get the pictures scanned. I have not finished purchasing the pictures that area already scanned because I don't want them to arrive while I am away.(They come UPS)

Pro Scan Pictures

The first pictures(negatives) that I sent at the end of Feb to scan cafe are no available on line for viewing. Now I can pick the ones I want. You have to purchase at least 50% of what was scanned. The few I have looked at so far look pretty good. I may send out another batch. Will have to see what the final total on this order turns out to be.

New trip photolog

I started working on a new series of photos of a past trip. I got them all sorted and color corrected. I hope to have them published by the middle of next week. Will just have to see how ambitious I get. Some times once you get going, you just can't stop until you finish.

I am also trying to figure out what will be the most economical way to blog from the cruise ship and Europe. I don't want to spend as much money as I did last year!!! Yikes.
For my Facebook buds the links from www.travellogonline.net should pull in. To see pictures from past trips you do need to log on to the site itself

Spring time serenade

The toads were singing loud and strong this am. I guess they think that spring is really here. I hope they don't have their tadpoles to early. As long as the eggs live they do a very good job of cleaning up the water in the ponds. The koi think they are yummy too!!