Cruise Update- Week 1
5/31
The 4 am wake up wasn’t too bad even though I couldn’t manage to fall asleep until 1 something. Made it to the train station to catch the bus with no problem, and had plenty of time to hang around in the airport, so I bought breakfast there. My bag was also under the weight limit which I was worried about, yay! The flight itself was boring and uneventful, I only had my MP3 player to entertain me for…2 and 1/2 hours I think. Arrived in Palma and they let me in the country with no problem, yay! Another stamp for the passport.
Then collected my bag, found the cruise people and they bused us to the port. Palma is gorgeous! We passed a huge gothic cathedral, and the town has lots of light colored stone and brick that makes up walls which is really pretty.
Checked into the cruise and they took my passport for safekeeping at guest service since it’s not an EU(European Union) passport. Which is a bit sad, I was hoping for stamps at all the ports. But I guess they don’t do that. The cruise ship is huge, and I still don’t have any sense of direction on it. It looks like a nice hotel inside, although my room is better than some hotels I’ve been in. Oh, and my room rocks! I have good pillows, no pointy springs in the mattress and the shower is big enough to turn around and save in without hitting all 4 walls. It doesn’t take much to make me happy after 6 months in that dorm room I can tell ya.
Did a tour of the boat to figure out where things were, especially the food that was included since I was starving, then a tour of the spa where they gave us a free glass of champagne. I may end up here later on in the cruise. After the tours I went back to my room to pass out for a bit. Woke up and saw the shore excursion presentation even though I’d pre-book my trips. It was a way to kill time before they put out the dinner food at 6:30. Which is what I did after the presentation, got some food. (Stroganoff with pickles. Odd, yet strangely yummy) The restaurant is a 24 hour buffet, and there is a lot of choice. And dessert. Dear good was it good. After food I went out on the deck and found a seat, planning to watch us leave port. I bought a drink (Summer Breeze) and ended up talking with a really cool couple. They do lots of traveling so I got to hear their stories which made me want to go out and see even more (note to self-Nile Cruise/Amazon Cruise. Investigate them!). Gave up on waiting for the boat to leave and went to watch the welcome show which was really good. Then it was back to the restaurant to pick up a snack before going back to the room to pass out at 11. (It was an hour ahead of England) At some point I emailed home as well to let them know I’d made it safe and sound.
So far I’m loving it!
6/1
Woke up before the alarm clock(8:45), yay! I could feel the room moving, which I am not a fan of. The fact I woke up with a headache as well didn’t help matters either. Had a shower then upstairs for breakfast (quick layout scheme- I’m on deck 5 on the inside with no window, and the food is up on deck 11.). The eggs were a bit gross and the fact that I was feeling a touch sea sick didn’t help so I didn’t eat all that much. I did chat with one of the waiters who wanted to know where my husband was. Do I really look old enough to be married? Although I suppose I do tend to look a tad older than I am and I could have been on a honeymoon since some people marry young. But still, I was amused.
Had a mandatory emergency drill and then went back up to try food again with more success. The croissants (chocolate filled as well as plain) and French toast were yummy. Then back to the room for a quick nap. It was under an hour but I felt much better when I woke up.
Busy day, I saw a camera seminar (sounded better than it was, should have been called cameras for dummies), then a cocktail demonstration which was very cool- they juggled the bottles and did tricks. After was the solo lunch where I meet some other people who were on their own- we went to the Island Restaurant which is also buffet style but where they assign you a table. That was fun talking and listening to everyone. Then I learned how to fold napkins into those cool shapes, followed by a massage seminar (again, not as cool as it sounded). I grabbed some treats (aka-desserts) then went back to the room for another power nap. Usually I hate naps but the powernaps are really nice. Plus it helps me feel better when I feel queasy, as well as killing time.
It’s so weird to be in the middle of the ocean and not see another boat. And the water is so blue, not at all like home with that dark green murky color.
Had dinner, watched the pub quiz and had my daily drink (Bahama Mama). Talked with a nice couple who were actually from Derby, then saw; a cabaret, a band, and a funny game show. Stopped for a snack, then back for a shower and bed. Except I was distracted by the “Nanny Dairies” which was a good movie, so I didn’t go to bed until 1:45 ish.
Picture count- 3 of the ocean.
6/2
Slept in until 10-ish- Bliss! Shower than up for breakfast. The scrambled eggs weren’t terrible- maybe seasickness was to blame yesterday. Oh, and white chocolate filled crossants? Yummy! Went back to the room to put on sunscreen and grab my gear (aka- travel purse, camera, wallet).
Today we were at Olbia in Sardinia and since I had no tour I went on my own to see the town. Honestly? Although pretty it was boring. It was a bank holiday so most of the shops were closed. I think I was back on the boat after 20 minutes of wandering around.
Had lunch (I swear, all I do is eat!) and then sat out in the sun for a bit with dessert. It’s so nice out and warm, I love it! Wandered down to the Pub (deck 7) to watch the Wii Golf challenge but I didn’t play as I’m terrible at the golf game. Went back to my room and discovered I had a towel puppy sitting on my TV. He is so cute, I played with him and took pictures, and somehow he ended up as a pirate. Yargh! (Yes, I really am only 2 years old. That’s why I need to be a teacher, no one else would want to deal with me)
Powernap time, then upstairs to watch us leave port. It was cool out and overcast as well. It’ll probably rain tonight, but I’d rather did it while we’re in transit than in Rome tomorrow. (Excited, Squee!) Oh, I ran into “Where’s your husband” waiter guy again. He’s really nice, he got me water while I was sitting out in the sun with my dessert. Actually, everyone here is really friendly. I also saw the cool traveling couple again, turns out they’re doing the same tour as me tomorrow. Yay people to stick with!
Dinner was AMAZING. I found recipes I want to find and make at home, they’re that yummy and really different. The theme for tonight was “Caribbean Night” as the ship is going there next year so they need to try out the recipes now. Hung around outside for a bit until it was time for the night’s show. They did movie songs and weren’t bad. I also had my one drink of the day- a Yellow Bird. Then off to the Bounty club (Theater is deck 7 +8, the Bounty club is the other side of the ship on deck 8) for the band, bingo (I may play eventually, I just don’t want to buy a card just yet), the band again and then a “game show”. I sat on my own in a big booth and eventually people came over to share the booth. It was a family and they were nice, we chatted and they invited my to join their group. A very friendly group. Then off for a pre-bed snack, a shower (last time I’ll mention it, no one really cares) and now the journal. Early morning alarm at 6:30 so I can be ready to leave at 7:50, so a slightly early night at 12:20. Night!
Oh, almost forgot, I meet a wife at dinner whose husband had sun burnt his legs so badly that he had blister, couldn’t walk and had gone to the infirmary. And they were supposed to go to Rome tomorrow. Stupid people, that’s why you need to use sunscreen!
Picture count- 7 of the towel puppy
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-10
6/3
Early morning, did the routine, had breakfast and then off to the meeting spot. We left the boat and spent about 4 hours on the bus due to traffic. It also rained which made things worse. Once part of the road was crazy, it was like a large traffic circle but there were no rules or even lines on the ground (no worries, I took pics).
Also didn’t help that a summit was going on, as well as Bush being there so an entire neighborhood was closed.
Eventually we made it to the Coliseum and got off the bus. The rain had stopped and the sun was shinning, so the traffic was useful after all. Rome is AMAZING. All the ruins and architecture all over the city…just wow. Words can not explain it. Took tons of pictures today, but really, they don’t do justice to the place. (Seriously, I mean it. If you’ve never been to Rome, go. Right now. I’ll even go with you for company. It is sensory overload.) So we saw; the Coliseum and went inside of it,
the Arch of Constine, The Roman Forum that we also went into(WOW),
Grave of Julius Caesar Trevi Fountain which is just amazing,
Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish steps that weren’t all that impressive, and then a quick walk through the Piazza del Popolo. Which was amazingly beautiful. I would definitely go back to Rome in a heart beat.
Hung with the “Cool travel couple”, Ginny + Steve so during free time we stopped for lunch. I had homemade pasta with tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese in a pasta sauce- it was super delicious! Then caramel gelato for desert from an ice cream shop. They paid for my pasta which was really nice of them, a felt a bit bad about it. The only problem with stopping for food is that it took so long we didn’t get to poke around the shops- oh well, I’ll just have to do that next time.
The bus ride back was much quicker and I passed out on the way back. I’d earned it though, that was a lot of walking. Tomorrow is Florence, yay! But an early morning again with an 8:15 meet up, so that means another early night.
Dinner was good- Italian Night. But not as good as the pasta in Rome. Saw the Tom Collins tribute show which was really good- I need to find his songs when I get home. Then over to the Bounty Club for a comedy show and my daily drink- today a Margarita (reason drink keeps changing- they put different ones on sale for the day. It’s a choice of 3, one always being a Summer Breeze). The show was good, really funny guys. Stopped on the way back to the room to pick up a gold chain that I’d been eying. It came with a free bracelet as well, so good deal for me. Stopped at the Photo Gallery (deck 7) to kill some time and watched a Sports Auction as well. Went back to pick up the necklace (they sell it by the inch and have to add the clasp), had my pre-bed snack and then went out on the deck to look for stars. Didn’t see any so back to the room to get ready for bed.
Oh, sat with a couple I’d run into before at the show. Why does everyone keep offering to buy me drinks? It’s nice and all but still, I keep saying no because I ‘d feel bad that they’d be spending money on me.
Picture count- 88
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-98
6/4
Early morning at 6:45. Did the hurry up and wait thing as we ended up leaving a tad later. Ah well. Two hour bus ride to Florence, slept most of the way. But from what I saw the country side is really pretty.
We got into Florence and saw; the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore which was huge and gorgeous (again, looking through my pics now they don’t do it justice. You need to see it in person),
the Santa Croce Church,
Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio,
the outdoor Uffizi Gallery which only has 3 copies out of the bunch,
and the Ponte Vechio. I
No museums though, the tour guide said we didn’t have time. Which is a shame, but at least gives me a reason to go back. Florence is a really pretty city, lots of scoters.
We had nearly two hours of free time so I grabbed a slice of pizza on the go for lunch and hit the marketplace.
The hog, it's good luck to rub his nose
I spent a good chunk of change there- a Venetian glass necklace that looks like a snake, as well as a beautiful masquerade mask for myself. (Here’s hoping it makes it home in one piece. Edit- It did, yay!) Also picked up some goodies for Mom. And I splurged and bought a HUGE gelato cone with four flavors in it. Yet I managed not to make a mess of myself, while yesterday with my smaller cone I got some on my shirt. Mad skills I have. Ate it at the Uffizi Gallery to get a better look at the sculptures, and then as I was on my own I headed back to the meeting spot early and people watched. I had no desire to be left behind. But people watching was fun, and a group was playing music in the square where we were meeting.
Meeting time came and 2 people were late. They showed up 30 minutes later which made the group late which made the ship late. Ah well, not my fault at least. We were back in time for dinner which was good- Oriental night which included yummy sushi and interesting rolls that are added to my recipe search list.
Another comedy showin the theater this time, same guys with different routines. They were good, and I had my drink- Alabama Slammer. Then off to the Bounty club to watch bingo and “Stictly Cruise Dancing” where 4 guests had been paired with a dancer and learned a routine. They were all really good. Left during the game show as the main contestant was an idiot. Had a pre-bed snack- healthy fruit this time, walked on the deck to look for stars, then back to the room for bed. Yay being able to sleep in tomorrow!
Picture count- 59 Florence + 1 towel animal
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-158
6/5
Nice today. (The place, not the adjective.) Slept in for a change- 9:30. It was cold out on deck, I had to throw on my hoodie. From the boat you can tell it’s a pretty city, the houses are tall and orange, yellow and pink along with being simply white. Went ashore and wandered around the port area.
It had a lot of restaurants, only one store caught my eye (candy store, surprise surprise) but it closed at 12 for two hours, and I was there at 12:05. Ah well, I didn’t need candy anyway. There was a lot of traffic and crossing the roads was a bit scary. I was back on the boat about twenty minutes after leaving. Beautiful coastline
Took a nap and woke up in time to watch fruit carving up on the deck. Wandered down to the Pub for some Wii Bowling, ate some food (again), caught the end of a movie, watched a samba lesson and am now waiting ½ hour to learn casino games and try to win me a prize. Is Blackjack, Stud Poker and Roulette that they be teaching(randomly went pirate there I see) and they give a deal during the learning period. Then it’s shows, a late dinner and other stuff. Horse riding tomorrow. Slightly nervous but it should be fun.
So the casino learning thing was fun. I did Blackjack even though I already know how to play it. I didn’t win any money though, I had a good streak and made some big bets with splitting and doubling that I lost. Of course out of six of us it was only me and a granny at the end, so that’s not too bad. And I lost it all on the last double or nothing hand as a guy at Roulette had more chips then us anyways so we weren’t getting a prize anyway. Dinner was good as normal, Indian night. Saw the shows which were also good and had my drink- Harley Wallbanger. Tonight’s big show was Musical themed, then off to the Bounty Club to watch a game show and a bit of a cabaret. I was tired though, so it was an early night.
Picture count- 6
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-165
6/6
Mahon is amazing! It really is beautiful, it’s built onto a hill and you can still see all the rock facing above the buildings. Anyway, up at 8:10 to get ready. It was cool out, so I wore the hoodie out. The horse riding was lots of fun. I had Layla who was HUGE. Obviously nervous starting out as I’d been riding once before and that was at summer camp years ago going around in circles in the ring. One of the horse guys noticed I was nervous and asked if I was okay. I lied and said I was fine, not even nervous. But once we hit the trail it was fine. Hilly, but as the horses clearly know the way it was fine. I only thought I was going to die once or twice on the hill as it was rocky and muddy in patches from the earlier rain. Also didn’t help that I saw the back hooves of the horse in front of me sliding slightly.
It was beautiful scenery.
No pics though, you need two hands for the horsey. There also aren’t any pics of me on the horse as I was alone, as well as being one of the last on and the first off the horse so I couldn’t snag anyone to take one for me. My legs were a bit scratched, Layla liked walking next to plants that would either whap me in the head of I didn’t duck or had thorns to get at my legs (Capris though, so it wasn’t like my whole leg got it). Ah well. After the ride we sat on a porch and had beer, bread, and local cheese and sausage. It was all good and I even drank half a plastic cup of the beer. Which was good for me considering I normally don’t like beer. (Although I think it’s grown on me). I wanted to go again as there was an afternoon trip as well, but they were already there as we were leaving. Ah well. Maybe I’ll take up riding now when I get back, it was fun. So, back to the boat we went and I had lunch then went into town for a wander.
GORGEOUS! is the only way to describe the town.
I wandered for about an hourish. I felt safer here than in Nice so I didn’t mind going down aside streets and exploring. I was bad and found a jewelry shop. I managed to make it out with only one really pretty bracelet, but the store had some really funky things. Also stopped at a bakery and bought a crosaint and a chocolate covered…thing. Don’t actually know what it was but it was big and had chocolate on it so I wanted to try it. It was really good, flaky and it had some kind of fruit filling/jam in the middle of it. Not sure what the filling was, it had a berry flavor to it but it could also have been apple. Don’t know, it was the same color as the chocolate so that didn’t even help me out. And as it was yummy, didn’t really care too much.
Once back on the ship I took a long nap, then watched the ship leave port. It was dinner after, then a theater show followed by the Bounty club for my drink- Mexican Sunrise- and the other shows going on. Watched the cruise director being sexually harassed by an old woman for the “Miss Island Star” thing, which was very funny. I laughed so hard, and I had to cover my eyes as well, it was slightly awkward as well. The first week is over and it looks like practically everyone is going home tomorrow. But not me!
Picture count- 41
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-206
The 4 am wake up wasn’t too bad even though I couldn’t manage to fall asleep until 1 something. Made it to the train station to catch the bus with no problem, and had plenty of time to hang around in the airport, so I bought breakfast there. My bag was also under the weight limit which I was worried about, yay! The flight itself was boring and uneventful, I only had my MP3 player to entertain me for…2 and 1/2 hours I think. Arrived in Palma and they let me in the country with no problem, yay! Another stamp for the passport.
Then collected my bag, found the cruise people and they bused us to the port. Palma is gorgeous! We passed a huge gothic cathedral, and the town has lots of light colored stone and brick that makes up walls which is really pretty.
Checked into the cruise and they took my passport for safekeeping at guest service since it’s not an EU(European Union) passport. Which is a bit sad, I was hoping for stamps at all the ports. But I guess they don’t do that. The cruise ship is huge, and I still don’t have any sense of direction on it. It looks like a nice hotel inside, although my room is better than some hotels I’ve been in. Oh, and my room rocks! I have good pillows, no pointy springs in the mattress and the shower is big enough to turn around and save in without hitting all 4 walls. It doesn’t take much to make me happy after 6 months in that dorm room I can tell ya.
Did a tour of the boat to figure out where things were, especially the food that was included since I was starving, then a tour of the spa where they gave us a free glass of champagne. I may end up here later on in the cruise. After the tours I went back to my room to pass out for a bit. Woke up and saw the shore excursion presentation even though I’d pre-book my trips. It was a way to kill time before they put out the dinner food at 6:30. Which is what I did after the presentation, got some food. (Stroganoff with pickles. Odd, yet strangely yummy) The restaurant is a 24 hour buffet, and there is a lot of choice. And dessert. Dear good was it good. After food I went out on the deck and found a seat, planning to watch us leave port. I bought a drink (Summer Breeze) and ended up talking with a really cool couple. They do lots of traveling so I got to hear their stories which made me want to go out and see even more (note to self-Nile Cruise/Amazon Cruise. Investigate them!). Gave up on waiting for the boat to leave and went to watch the welcome show which was really good. Then it was back to the restaurant to pick up a snack before going back to the room to pass out at 11. (It was an hour ahead of England) At some point I emailed home as well to let them know I’d made it safe and sound.
So far I’m loving it!
6/1
Woke up before the alarm clock(8:45), yay! I could feel the room moving, which I am not a fan of. The fact I woke up with a headache as well didn’t help matters either. Had a shower then upstairs for breakfast (quick layout scheme- I’m on deck 5 on the inside with no window, and the food is up on deck 11.). The eggs were a bit gross and the fact that I was feeling a touch sea sick didn’t help so I didn’t eat all that much. I did chat with one of the waiters who wanted to know where my husband was. Do I really look old enough to be married? Although I suppose I do tend to look a tad older than I am and I could have been on a honeymoon since some people marry young. But still, I was amused.
Had a mandatory emergency drill and then went back up to try food again with more success. The croissants (chocolate filled as well as plain) and French toast were yummy. Then back to the room for a quick nap. It was under an hour but I felt much better when I woke up.
Busy day, I saw a camera seminar (sounded better than it was, should have been called cameras for dummies), then a cocktail demonstration which was very cool- they juggled the bottles and did tricks. After was the solo lunch where I meet some other people who were on their own- we went to the Island Restaurant which is also buffet style but where they assign you a table. That was fun talking and listening to everyone. Then I learned how to fold napkins into those cool shapes, followed by a massage seminar (again, not as cool as it sounded). I grabbed some treats (aka-desserts) then went back to the room for another power nap. Usually I hate naps but the powernaps are really nice. Plus it helps me feel better when I feel queasy, as well as killing time.
It’s so weird to be in the middle of the ocean and not see another boat. And the water is so blue, not at all like home with that dark green murky color.
Had dinner, watched the pub quiz and had my daily drink (Bahama Mama). Talked with a nice couple who were actually from Derby, then saw; a cabaret, a band, and a funny game show. Stopped for a snack, then back for a shower and bed. Except I was distracted by the “Nanny Dairies” which was a good movie, so I didn’t go to bed until 1:45 ish.
Picture count- 3 of the ocean.
6/2
Slept in until 10-ish- Bliss! Shower than up for breakfast. The scrambled eggs weren’t terrible- maybe seasickness was to blame yesterday. Oh, and white chocolate filled crossants? Yummy! Went back to the room to put on sunscreen and grab my gear (aka- travel purse, camera, wallet).
Today we were at Olbia in Sardinia and since I had no tour I went on my own to see the town. Honestly? Although pretty it was boring. It was a bank holiday so most of the shops were closed. I think I was back on the boat after 20 minutes of wandering around.
Had lunch (I swear, all I do is eat!) and then sat out in the sun for a bit with dessert. It’s so nice out and warm, I love it! Wandered down to the Pub (deck 7) to watch the Wii Golf challenge but I didn’t play as I’m terrible at the golf game. Went back to my room and discovered I had a towel puppy sitting on my TV. He is so cute, I played with him and took pictures, and somehow he ended up as a pirate. Yargh! (Yes, I really am only 2 years old. That’s why I need to be a teacher, no one else would want to deal with me)
Powernap time, then upstairs to watch us leave port. It was cool out and overcast as well. It’ll probably rain tonight, but I’d rather did it while we’re in transit than in Rome tomorrow. (Excited, Squee!) Oh, I ran into “Where’s your husband” waiter guy again. He’s really nice, he got me water while I was sitting out in the sun with my dessert. Actually, everyone here is really friendly. I also saw the cool traveling couple again, turns out they’re doing the same tour as me tomorrow. Yay people to stick with!
Dinner was AMAZING. I found recipes I want to find and make at home, they’re that yummy and really different. The theme for tonight was “Caribbean Night” as the ship is going there next year so they need to try out the recipes now. Hung around outside for a bit until it was time for the night’s show. They did movie songs and weren’t bad. I also had my one drink of the day- a Yellow Bird. Then off to the Bounty club (Theater is deck 7 +8, the Bounty club is the other side of the ship on deck 8) for the band, bingo (I may play eventually, I just don’t want to buy a card just yet), the band again and then a “game show”. I sat on my own in a big booth and eventually people came over to share the booth. It was a family and they were nice, we chatted and they invited my to join their group. A very friendly group. Then off for a pre-bed snack, a shower (last time I’ll mention it, no one really cares) and now the journal. Early morning alarm at 6:30 so I can be ready to leave at 7:50, so a slightly early night at 12:20. Night!
Oh, almost forgot, I meet a wife at dinner whose husband had sun burnt his legs so badly that he had blister, couldn’t walk and had gone to the infirmary. And they were supposed to go to Rome tomorrow. Stupid people, that’s why you need to use sunscreen!
Picture count- 7 of the towel puppy
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-10
6/3
Early morning, did the routine, had breakfast and then off to the meeting spot. We left the boat and spent about 4 hours on the bus due to traffic. It also rained which made things worse. Once part of the road was crazy, it was like a large traffic circle but there were no rules or even lines on the ground (no worries, I took pics).
Also didn’t help that a summit was going on, as well as Bush being there so an entire neighborhood was closed.
Eventually we made it to the Coliseum and got off the bus. The rain had stopped and the sun was shinning, so the traffic was useful after all. Rome is AMAZING. All the ruins and architecture all over the city…just wow. Words can not explain it. Took tons of pictures today, but really, they don’t do justice to the place. (Seriously, I mean it. If you’ve never been to Rome, go. Right now. I’ll even go with you for company. It is sensory overload.) So we saw; the Coliseum and went inside of it,
the Arch of Constine, The Roman Forum that we also went into(WOW),
Grave of Julius Caesar Trevi Fountain which is just amazing,
Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish steps that weren’t all that impressive, and then a quick walk through the Piazza del Popolo. Which was amazingly beautiful. I would definitely go back to Rome in a heart beat.
Hung with the “Cool travel couple”, Ginny + Steve so during free time we stopped for lunch. I had homemade pasta with tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese in a pasta sauce- it was super delicious! Then caramel gelato for desert from an ice cream shop. They paid for my pasta which was really nice of them, a felt a bit bad about it. The only problem with stopping for food is that it took so long we didn’t get to poke around the shops- oh well, I’ll just have to do that next time.
The bus ride back was much quicker and I passed out on the way back. I’d earned it though, that was a lot of walking. Tomorrow is Florence, yay! But an early morning again with an 8:15 meet up, so that means another early night.
Dinner was good- Italian Night. But not as good as the pasta in Rome. Saw the Tom Collins tribute show which was really good- I need to find his songs when I get home. Then over to the Bounty Club for a comedy show and my daily drink- today a Margarita (reason drink keeps changing- they put different ones on sale for the day. It’s a choice of 3, one always being a Summer Breeze). The show was good, really funny guys. Stopped on the way back to the room to pick up a gold chain that I’d been eying. It came with a free bracelet as well, so good deal for me. Stopped at the Photo Gallery (deck 7) to kill some time and watched a Sports Auction as well. Went back to pick up the necklace (they sell it by the inch and have to add the clasp), had my pre-bed snack and then went out on the deck to look for stars. Didn’t see any so back to the room to get ready for bed.
Oh, sat with a couple I’d run into before at the show. Why does everyone keep offering to buy me drinks? It’s nice and all but still, I keep saying no because I ‘d feel bad that they’d be spending money on me.
Picture count- 88
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-98
6/4
Early morning at 6:45. Did the hurry up and wait thing as we ended up leaving a tad later. Ah well. Two hour bus ride to Florence, slept most of the way. But from what I saw the country side is really pretty.
We got into Florence and saw; the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore which was huge and gorgeous (again, looking through my pics now they don’t do it justice. You need to see it in person),
the Santa Croce Church,
Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio,
the outdoor Uffizi Gallery which only has 3 copies out of the bunch,
and the Ponte Vechio. I
No museums though, the tour guide said we didn’t have time. Which is a shame, but at least gives me a reason to go back. Florence is a really pretty city, lots of scoters.
We had nearly two hours of free time so I grabbed a slice of pizza on the go for lunch and hit the marketplace.
The hog, it's good luck to rub his nose
I spent a good chunk of change there- a Venetian glass necklace that looks like a snake, as well as a beautiful masquerade mask for myself. (Here’s hoping it makes it home in one piece. Edit- It did, yay!) Also picked up some goodies for Mom. And I splurged and bought a HUGE gelato cone with four flavors in it. Yet I managed not to make a mess of myself, while yesterday with my smaller cone I got some on my shirt. Mad skills I have. Ate it at the Uffizi Gallery to get a better look at the sculptures, and then as I was on my own I headed back to the meeting spot early and people watched. I had no desire to be left behind. But people watching was fun, and a group was playing music in the square where we were meeting.
Meeting time came and 2 people were late. They showed up 30 minutes later which made the group late which made the ship late. Ah well, not my fault at least. We were back in time for dinner which was good- Oriental night which included yummy sushi and interesting rolls that are added to my recipe search list.
Another comedy showin the theater this time, same guys with different routines. They were good, and I had my drink- Alabama Slammer. Then off to the Bounty club to watch bingo and “Stictly Cruise Dancing” where 4 guests had been paired with a dancer and learned a routine. They were all really good. Left during the game show as the main contestant was an idiot. Had a pre-bed snack- healthy fruit this time, walked on the deck to look for stars, then back to the room for bed. Yay being able to sleep in tomorrow!
Picture count- 59 Florence + 1 towel animal
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-158
6/5
Nice today. (The place, not the adjective.) Slept in for a change- 9:30. It was cold out on deck, I had to throw on my hoodie. From the boat you can tell it’s a pretty city, the houses are tall and orange, yellow and pink along with being simply white. Went ashore and wandered around the port area.
It had a lot of restaurants, only one store caught my eye (candy store, surprise surprise) but it closed at 12 for two hours, and I was there at 12:05. Ah well, I didn’t need candy anyway. There was a lot of traffic and crossing the roads was a bit scary. I was back on the boat about twenty minutes after leaving. Beautiful coastline
Took a nap and woke up in time to watch fruit carving up on the deck. Wandered down to the Pub for some Wii Bowling, ate some food (again), caught the end of a movie, watched a samba lesson and am now waiting ½ hour to learn casino games and try to win me a prize. Is Blackjack, Stud Poker and Roulette that they be teaching(randomly went pirate there I see) and they give a deal during the learning period. Then it’s shows, a late dinner and other stuff. Horse riding tomorrow. Slightly nervous but it should be fun.
So the casino learning thing was fun. I did Blackjack even though I already know how to play it. I didn’t win any money though, I had a good streak and made some big bets with splitting and doubling that I lost. Of course out of six of us it was only me and a granny at the end, so that’s not too bad. And I lost it all on the last double or nothing hand as a guy at Roulette had more chips then us anyways so we weren’t getting a prize anyway. Dinner was good as normal, Indian night. Saw the shows which were also good and had my drink- Harley Wallbanger. Tonight’s big show was Musical themed, then off to the Bounty Club to watch a game show and a bit of a cabaret. I was tired though, so it was an early night.
Picture count- 6
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-165
6/6
Mahon is amazing! It really is beautiful, it’s built onto a hill and you can still see all the rock facing above the buildings. Anyway, up at 8:10 to get ready. It was cool out, so I wore the hoodie out. The horse riding was lots of fun. I had Layla who was HUGE. Obviously nervous starting out as I’d been riding once before and that was at summer camp years ago going around in circles in the ring. One of the horse guys noticed I was nervous and asked if I was okay. I lied and said I was fine, not even nervous. But once we hit the trail it was fine. Hilly, but as the horses clearly know the way it was fine. I only thought I was going to die once or twice on the hill as it was rocky and muddy in patches from the earlier rain. Also didn’t help that I saw the back hooves of the horse in front of me sliding slightly.
It was beautiful scenery.
No pics though, you need two hands for the horsey. There also aren’t any pics of me on the horse as I was alone, as well as being one of the last on and the first off the horse so I couldn’t snag anyone to take one for me. My legs were a bit scratched, Layla liked walking next to plants that would either whap me in the head of I didn’t duck or had thorns to get at my legs (Capris though, so it wasn’t like my whole leg got it). Ah well. After the ride we sat on a porch and had beer, bread, and local cheese and sausage. It was all good and I even drank half a plastic cup of the beer. Which was good for me considering I normally don’t like beer. (Although I think it’s grown on me). I wanted to go again as there was an afternoon trip as well, but they were already there as we were leaving. Ah well. Maybe I’ll take up riding now when I get back, it was fun. So, back to the boat we went and I had lunch then went into town for a wander.
GORGEOUS! is the only way to describe the town.
I wandered for about an hourish. I felt safer here than in Nice so I didn’t mind going down aside streets and exploring. I was bad and found a jewelry shop. I managed to make it out with only one really pretty bracelet, but the store had some really funky things. Also stopped at a bakery and bought a crosaint and a chocolate covered…thing. Don’t actually know what it was but it was big and had chocolate on it so I wanted to try it. It was really good, flaky and it had some kind of fruit filling/jam in the middle of it. Not sure what the filling was, it had a berry flavor to it but it could also have been apple. Don’t know, it was the same color as the chocolate so that didn’t even help me out. And as it was yummy, didn’t really care too much.
Once back on the ship I took a long nap, then watched the ship leave port. It was dinner after, then a theater show followed by the Bounty club for my drink- Mexican Sunrise- and the other shows going on. Watched the cruise director being sexually harassed by an old woman for the “Miss Island Star” thing, which was very funny. I laughed so hard, and I had to cover my eyes as well, it was slightly awkward as well. The first week is over and it looks like practically everyone is going home tomorrow. But not me!
Picture count- 41
Trip Grand Total Thus Far-206