Eighth Posting from the Cruise!
Sunday, June 7th
Messina, Italy (Sicily!)
Today was another early day. Our wake-up call was at 6:30 am today. We dressed quickly, ran upstairs to breakfast, then headed for the gangplank.
My card failed to work on the way out, mom’s ticket got lost, but eventually we all made it to the bus. Yay bus! No walking around to find a taxi!
The bus took us to Taormina, where we explored a Greco-Roman Theater, then browsed the city. I had granita, which was exactly like Rita’s Water Ice (though slightly more ‘real’ tasting) - but was very refreshing and delicious, especially considering the weather. Our tour guide, Elphie, told us that many citizens of the island have it for (or with) breakfast to keep themselves cool.
Now we’re sitting around on the ship, back from our tour, waiting for a cooking show to begin. ^_^ Later, I’ll be stopping on the Lido deck to see Stromboli again.
Later…
Stromboli was beautiful. As we passed, we could see the lava-flow on what appeared to be its north side. Every so often, a plume of sulfur and ash was released from the top.
After Stromboli, I headed back to my cabin for a slew of “lasts.” My last bits of packing, my last shower on the ship, last little towel-animals found on the bed, last photos taken, last dinner in the Upper Vista Dining Room, last chats with Gede and Christine (our wine stewardess). It was our last show, our last walk around deck.
And finally, our last night’s sleep in our cabin.
C’est la bon vie!
I will miss the Noordam and her crew very much.
~Melanie
Messina, Italy (Sicily!)
Today was another early day. Our wake-up call was at 6:30 am today. We dressed quickly, ran upstairs to breakfast, then headed for the gangplank.
My card failed to work on the way out, mom’s ticket got lost, but eventually we all made it to the bus. Yay bus! No walking around to find a taxi!
The bus took us to Taormina, where we explored a Greco-Roman Theater, then browsed the city. I had granita, which was exactly like Rita’s Water Ice (though slightly more ‘real’ tasting) - but was very refreshing and delicious, especially considering the weather. Our tour guide, Elphie, told us that many citizens of the island have it for (or with) breakfast to keep themselves cool.
Now we’re sitting around on the ship, back from our tour, waiting for a cooking show to begin. ^_^ Later, I’ll be stopping on the Lido deck to see Stromboli again.
Later…
Stromboli was beautiful. As we passed, we could see the lava-flow on what appeared to be its north side. Every so often, a plume of sulfur and ash was released from the top.
After Stromboli, I headed back to my cabin for a slew of “lasts.” My last bits of packing, my last shower on the ship, last little towel-animals found on the bed, last photos taken, last dinner in the Upper Vista Dining Room, last chats with Gede and Christine (our wine stewardess). It was our last show, our last walk around deck.
And finally, our last night’s sleep in our cabin.
C’est la bon vie!
I will miss the Noordam and her crew very much.
~Melanie