Voyage 8

2011 WORLD CRUISE      Voyage 8

Athens, Greece (May 3)  to  Southampton, England (May 19)

16 days, 5 days at sea, 11 ports, 3322 nautical miles

Temperature Range:   72º - 57º - 48º

We continued our world journey with Voyage 8, our last segment, sailing through the Med then up Europe's Atlantic coast to England.  Silver Spirit has 323 passengers aboard for this segment; this is a comfortable number of passengers; in fact, the ship feels almost empty.  Lots of sights to see and things to do.  It's early May and the temps are still chilly (for us) but pleasant for our land tours. The tourist season in the Med is starting so there are more people around and more cruise ships in ports.  Away we go!

May 3  we arrived at 7am in Piraeus, the port for Athens, Greece.  To experience Athens fully is to understand the essence of Greece: tradition juxtaposed with a modernity that the ancients would strain to recognize but would heartily endorse.  Ancient Athens is certainly the lure for the millions of visitors to the city, but since the late 1990s, inspired by the 2004 Olympics, the people have gone far toward transforming Athens into a sparkling modern metropolis.

We walked along the waterfront of Piraeus to the Metro station for our tour of Athens (8 miles inland).  Since we had never been to Athens, we wanted to see as much as possible of the 'must see' places.  Our adventuresome spirits led us to Athens Segway Tour company for their 3 hour Acropolis tour which included the best sites around Acropolis:  New Museum of Acropolis, Acropolis, Propylaea, Hill of Filopapou, Temple of Hephaestous, Thission, Agora, Monastiraki, Plaka.  Our guide, Pluoto, led us around the area and guided through the streets and alleys and pointed out the highlights of ancient Athens.  It was great fun!  The weather was very pleasant and the sites and streets were not too crowded.

After our segway tour and a good lunch, we walked to the Metro station for our return to the port.  After two transfers, we discovered that the line going to Piraeus was "closed until the strike ends at 4pm".  Strikes are an everyday event in Greece; with the economic problems and how the government is trying to deal with it, the people are not happy, so they strike.  Our options for returning to the ship were a $50 taxi or the $3 bus.  A nice lady told us where to catch the bus to the port; only a 5-minute walk up the street to the Parliament House.  At this time, we met another World Cruise couple (in their 80's) who preferred the bus. So, our 5-minute walk turned into 30 minutes (as Harry couldn't walk very fast); we got to the right bus stop; boarded a very crowded bus that stopped every few minutes for the 45-minute ride to the port.  We got off the bus when we saw Silver Spirit just below us then took a taxi for the last few blocks from the bus stop to the ship terminal.  We still had time to shop in the cruise terminal for souvenirs.

SUMMARY -- Will we return?  Maybe.  Athens is a very big and busy city.  We were surprised at the graffitti everywhere; we mean everywhere.  We don't believe it was all economic or political; of course, it's all Greek to us.  We were told by our  friends "welcome to Europe; you will  see graffiti wherever you go". We know that there is more about Greece than just Athens; and, there is more to Athens than what we saw in our short visit.  So, someday we will see the rest of Greece.

VIDEO -  Athens Segway     This was a great way to see the highlights!

 https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipMyy-gV2rBhGSdpFTK4vL5IHvYMzGmIm-UEXC38?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

May 4   was one busy day 'at sea' under cool overcast skies.  Activities included Greek cooking demonstration, Italian wine tasting, morning and afternoon lectures, and Team Trivia (with newly recruited members).  We continued our daily routines: morning 30-minute walk around Deck 10, late afternoon cocktails, pre-dinner cheese platter and cocktails in the Observation Lounge (Kathy's Place) watching the sunset.  Then, since it was 'formal' attire night, we chose the casual-attire Hot Rocks Pool Grill (cook your own entree on the hot lava rock) for dinner.

May 5 we anchored in Taormina, Sicily, Italy with a view of snow-capped Mt. Etna.  Sicily has beckoned seafaring wanderers since the trials of Odysseus were first sung in Homer's Odyssey.  Strategically poised between Europe and Africa, this mystical volcanic land has been a melting pot of every great civilization on the Mediterranean: Greek and Roman; then Arab and Norman; and finally French, Spanish, and Italian.  Today, Sicily fuses the remains of sackings past: graceful Byzantine mosaics rubbing elbows with Greek temples, Roman amphitheaters, Romanesque cathedrals, and baroque flights of fancy.   Mt. Etna, one of the world's major active volcanoes, is the largest and highest in Europe—the cone of the crater rises to 10,902 feet above sea level.  Plato sailed in just to catch a glimpse in 387 BC; in the 9th century AD, the oldest gelato of all was shaved off of its snowy slopes; and in the 21st century the volcano still claims annual headlines.  Etna has erupted 12 times in the past 30 or so years, most spectacularly in 1971, 1983, 2001, 2002, and 2005; there were a pair of medium-size eruptions in 2008 and one in 2009; several small eruptions in 2010; more sputters in 2011 - flying bombs and loud noises just three days after we were there.  Travel in the proximity of the crater depends on Mt. Etna's temperament, but you can walk up and down the enormous lava dunes and wander over its moonlike surface of dead craters.  The rings of vegetation change markedly as you rise, with vineyards and pine trees gradually giving way to growths of broom and lichen.

Our excursion for the day was an ATV Sicilian Adventure to discover a side of Mount Etna not typically encountered by visitors to Europe's largest active volcano during this fun and exciting adventure.  After tendering ashore, we departed the pier for the guided drive through the small town of Naxos, then continue along the Autostrada en route to the local road that flanks the slopes of Mount Etna; about a one hour bus ride.  Upon arrival at the ATV quad bike launch area in the Ragabo Pine Forest, we got our safety instructions and equipment then off we went on our guided ATV quad bike 3-hour tour, an off-road ride through the forest.   Along the way, we visited an old lava cave, and the remains of past eruptions from 1923 and 2002 (the last big eruption).   Next, crossing the lava mule-tracks amid the chestnut and oak woods we made our way to Mount Etna's oldest pine, the Zappinazzu.  A final stop was made at Piano Provenzana to see the remains of old lava flows.  Following our ATV Adventure, we rode back through several small Sicilian towns to get back to the pier.

Silver Spirit raised anchor at 6pm then sailed through the Straits of Messina about 8pm; lots of current pushing us, pretty sunset, many lights on shore.

SUMMARY --  This was a fun ATV tour on some rough roads; an afternoon nap to relax the backs was necessary.  The town of Taormina looked beautiful.  With lots of small towns around the island of Sicily, it would be fun to visit again and explore these towns.

VIDEO -  Mt. Etna Quad Tour - which was a fun way to see some of Sicily.

 https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipNggxIjPBV0HRPFuhTi-unPzSbWu1rEYqEmYuPa?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

May 6  Another day, another port.  This day we were anchored by 8am off the town of Sorrento, Italy.  The name of the town has its origins in antiquity and derives from a Greek word meaning "Flowing" due to the form of the town which appears to flow over the limestone tuff on which the town stands, defining the edge of the cliffs.  Dating to Greek times and known to Romans as Surrentum, Sorrento’s main selling point is its fabulous location.  Straddling cliffs that look directly over its own little bay-within-the Bay of Naples to Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding area: to the west, the best of the peninsula’s unspoiled countryside and, beyond that, the Amalfi Coast; to the north, Pompeii and the archaeological sites; off-shore, the fabled island of Capri.

Here is a perfect description of Sorrento --

"Do you know the land where the lemons are in flower?

In the green leaves golden oranges shine

A quiet wind blows from the blue sky

Quiet is the myrtle, serene the laurel

Do you know it well?

There, there

I would like with you, my love, to go!"

J.W. Goethe

Our excursion for the morning was Ancient Pompeii to learn about the volcanic event and devastation that forever changed the city and people of Pompeii in 79 A.D.   It was a drive of approximately 60 minutes north along the Bay of Naples to the excavated town of Pompeii.  The famous archaeological site of Pompeii is regarded as the world’s finest example of an ancient Roman town, and offers visitors an insight into the life of a bygone era.  Buried for centuries, it was not until 1748 that Pompeii was rediscovered and its excavations began.  We had a guided walking tour through the ancient streets, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the historical events and the tragic end of the city’s 20,000 people. The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. surprised the population of this prosperous provincial capital and resort town, burying it under 20 feet of ash and pumice stone, yet preserving an entire city.   We saw the mansions and artwork of the wealthy residents who moved to Pompeii to escape the turmoil of Ancient Rome; some of the mansions still retain their original marble decorations, well-preserved frescoes and splendid mosaics.  In addition to several homes, highlights also included the Forum, open and covered amphitheatres, the Therme Suburbane (Suburban Baths) with the eyebrow-raising frescoes in the changing rooms, and the Lupanare (brothel) with scenes of erotic games in which the clients could engage.  The pathways were endless and the buildings fascinating.  We had a great guide to give us the history, stories, and pointed out the excavations that are continuing; also, there are collections of household objects found and casts of bodies (human and animals) that have been recovered. After our tour, we rode back along the coast road to Sorrento where we found Ristorante La Fenice for a great mid-day Italian meal.  Seeing Mt. Vesuvius made us wonder about the potential disaster to the city of Naples and the surrounding area if an eruption occurred today.

After lunch, we wandered the streets of Sorrento with its small shops and restaurants.  Sorrento is known as the home of Limoncello.  Limoncello is a liqueur and digestive that gets its flavor and distinctive, almost neon-yellow color from the infusion of the skins of locally grown lemons in pure alcohol. Every family has their own recipe.  Historically having been a staple along the Amalfi Coast, its popularity has grown throughout Italy and now has become the second most popular drink after Campari.  The drink is like a kiss from the sun and is most often served after meals.  The liqueur is best kept and served ice cold, preferably in a chilled aperitif glass.

At Team Trivia that afternoon, we requested Limoncello.  Bass, the bartender, searched the bars all around the ship but came up empty.  Huh?   Somebody had gathered all the Limoncello for the 11pm Limoncello Tasting Party.  The ship weighed anchor before 6pm and headed around the island of Capri so we could see some of the beautiful houses hugging the cliffs.   Great sunset watching!

SUMMARY -- Sorrento seemed to be a small town that would be fun to visit again.

May 7  we arrived at 7am in Civitavecchia (pronounced chee-vee-tah-vek-ee-a), the cruise ship port for visits to Rome, Italy.  There were already 4 cruise ships at the docks and 4 more arrived after we did.  We heard that there can be as many as 13 cruise ships in the port -- >15,000 people or more than 250 buses doing tours into Rome.   Rome is a heady blend of artistic and architectural masterpieces, classical ruins, and extravagant baroque churches and piazzas.  The city's 2,700-year history is on display wherever you look; the ancient rubs shoulders with the medieval, the modern runs into the Renaissance, and the result is a bustling open-air museum.  Julius Caesar and Nero, the Vandals and the Popes, Raphael and Caravaggio, Napoléon and Mussolini are among the countless luminaries who have left a mark on the city.  Today, Rome's formidable legacy is kept alive by its people, their history knit into the fabric of their everyday lives.  Modern Rome has one foot in the past, one in the present; Raphaelesque teenage girls zip through traffic on their motorini; priests in flowing robes stride through medieval piazzas talking on cell phones.

We had a long day of bus riding and walking for the Rome and the Vatican excursion.  We signed up for this excursion almost a year ago thinking it would be filled; yet, there were only 36 passengers.  We guess that many of Silver Spirit's passengers have already been to Rome many times.  The day began with a scenic, 1.5-hour drive to Rome.  Our itinerary included the Colosseum, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.  The sequence was changed as there was a strike at the Colosseum which would not open til noon.  So, here we go --

• St. Peter's Basilica.  Resting on 800 pillars and highlighted by 44 altars, St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world and Christendom's most magnificent church.  Its history dates back to 319 A.D., when the original church was built over the site of the tomb of St. Peter.  Reconstruction began in the 15th century and over the ensuing 200 years, Renaissance masters that included Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece.  Of special note are Michelangelo's Pietà and immense dome, and Bernini's bronze canopy over the high altar.  Thousands of people around and hundred's of tour groups.  Our guide, Rosalba, works at the Vatican and told us many wonderful insights of the numerous sculptures, statues, alters.  We were amazed at the sights and could've spent a whole day or two wandering into the alcoves and viewing it all.

After a short drive through the city, we arrived at the Ambassador Hotel (near the American Embassy) for lunch.  The tables were all set but the doors were locked. We arrived early; it took 20 minutes to get someone to open the restaurant doors. An Italian lunch with good wine.

• We continued our tour to the renowned Colosseum, passing the Roman Forum en route with a short photo stop.  The Colosseum has long-been the symbol of the greatness of Rome, and is among the world's most celebrated monuments.  Centuries ago, ancient Romans flocked here to witness gladiatorial contests and other spectacles.  The Colosseum was completed around 80 A.D. and featured 76 numbered entrances, marble seating for 80,000 spectators, and subterranean passages where animals and equipment were kept.  The arena floor was frequently flooded to host naval combats. Gladiatorial contests were abolished in 404 B.C.; animal contests were banned in the 6th century.  With the thousands of people around, Rosalba did a great job keeping our group together and guiding in, around, and through the Colosseum.  Another place that you can spend a whole day exploring.

• Our next stop was the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.  Since Rosalba worked at the museum, she took us to a quiet corner to describe our tour and what we would see; some interesting facts and figures.  During our guided walking tour of this world-renowned museum, we viewed only a portion of its extraordinary collection of artwork and relics.  There were scores of rooms and galleries containing thousands of amazing treasures collected by the Popes throughout the centuries.  The highlight of our Vatican Museum tour was experienced upon entering the Sistine Chapel. Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo in the early-1500s to fresco the more than 10,000 square feet of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, which took the artist four years of mental and physical anguish to complete.  The result is the 'Last Judgement', a masterpiece that has brought glory and enlightenment to the art of painting.  We were worried that we may not get into the Sistine Chapel as there were thousands of people and it was getting late.  But, we made it.  We were lucky that almost all of the renovations have been finished ("It's been 25 years!" according to Rosalba). Surprisingly, the Sistine Chapel was much smaller than we expected; beautiful to see, but so much noise with everyone chattering.  Maybe, if you arrived very early in the morning, it would have been more enjoyable.  We will have to look through our tourist book of the Vatican and plan to return again.

The day went by so fast. Suddenly, it was time to begin our 1.5-hour drive back to Civitavecchia.  We were 30 minutes late (traffic in Rome as we were leaving) but Silver Spirit was waiting for us.  We were the last group to return to the ship, so the gangway was quickly raised, the lies untied, and away we went.  What's the hurry, we only have 100 miles to go overnight?

SUMMARY --  It was a beautiful day in Rome - sunny, clear, about 70º - the kind of day to enjoy the highlights of Rome.  We will have to return to see more!

VIDEO --  Rome!

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipMLc7opHrk_yygT1q5G_r5Xjx5nPUCSaFxek36W?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

May 8  was our day in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  In 1297, the Grimaldi family seized this fortified town and, except for a short break under Napoléon, they have ruled here ever since.  The Principality of Monaco covers 473 acres; it would fit comfortably inside New York's Central Park.  The Grimaldis made money from gambling and attracted a well-heeled, monied crowd, and the whole world watched as Hollywood movie star Grace Kelly wed Prince Rainier, ruler of Monaco, to put this place on the map.  It's the very favorable tax system, not the gambling, that makes Monaco one of the most sought-after addresses in the world, and the principality bristles with gleaming high-rise apartment complexes owned by tax-exiles.  But at the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris, at the Opéra, or in the ballrooms of the Casino, you'll still be able to conjure up Monaco's belle epoque (golden age).

We docked at Port Hercule, just below Monaco-Ville, at a state-of-the-art cruise port within a $200-million breakwater.  The weather was just perfect for our visit to this 'first world' country; the city's streets ooze money; expensive cars are everywhere.  We walked the docks looking at yachts (dock fees average $1700 per day for mega yachts) then got the On/Off Bus to ride around the city.  We stopped near the casino (we were not dressed properly to go inside); sat at the Cafe de Paris for a beer and watched the 'beautiful' people go by; then continued on the bus to Old Town, the Palais Princier, small alley shopping, and the Cathedrale de Immaculee Conception which has the tomb of all the Grimaldis, including Princess Grace.

We had asked Captain Corsaro if we could join him on the bridge for our departure (we were thinking that the setting sun shinning on the cliffs and buildings of Monte Carlo would be a wonderful sight).  He did invite us to the bridge; unfortunately, the humidity created lots of haze, so no pretty pictures. The bridge has all of the latest instruments and it was fascinating watching the Captain, 1st Officer, Engineer interact as we left the dock and headed to sea.

SUMMARY --  We loved Monte Carlo - it's small, has everything you could want - if you have the $millions to live there.  Fun place to visit.

VIDEO --   Voyage 8, Part 1    This video shows the first half of this voyage. ****Don't forget to use 'full screen' and adjust the volume.

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipP5j5ArVfJS6a9YoOeCAP3syKibrTdPdLGRIcb1?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

May 9 - 10   Our early morning arrival in Barcelona, Spain was delayed due to fog; yes, fog, which is rare this time of year.  We had a beautiful sunrise then sailed direct into the fog bank.  Our chefs put together an Interactive Cooking Luncheon on the Pool Deck, a chance to experience live cooked dishes by the various chefs.  We were docked by 2pm, far down the pier as there were seven cruise ships in port today.  Barcelona is one of Europe's busiest cruise ports. Vessels dock at the Port Vell facility, which has seven terminals catering to cruise-ship traffic.  All terminals are equipped with duty-free shops, telephones, bar/restaurants, information desks, and currency exchange booths.  The ships docking closest to the terminal entrance are a 10-minute walk from the southern end of Las Ramblas,, but those docked at the farthest end have a long walk or must catch a shuttle bus to the port entrance.  The shuttle, which runs every 20 minutes, links all terminals with the public square at the bottom of The Rambla.

Capital of Catalonia, 2,000-year-old Barcelona commanded a vast Mediterranean empire when  Madrid was still a dusty Moorish outpost  on the Spanish steppe. Relegated to second-city status in 1561, Barcelona has long rivaled and often surpassed Madrid's supremacy.  Catalans jealously guard their language and their culture.  Barcelona has long had a passionate active cultural life.  It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, and the painters Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí.  Pablo Picasso also spent his formative years in Barcelona.  Native musicians include cellist Pablo Casals, opera singers Montserrat Caballé and José Carreras, and early music master Jordi Savall.  One of Europe's most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances its many elements, from the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter to the grace of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample.  In the 21st century, innovative structures, such as the Ricardo Bofill Vela (sail) hotel, demonstrate Barcelona's insatiable appetite for novelty and progress.

The 2011 World Cruise guests were invited to a private opening of one of Barcelona's most popular and most visited museum - the Picasso Museum.  This Tea with Picasso experience allowed for a leisurely viewing of one of the most extensive collections of the famous 20th century Spanish artist.  The name Picasso is inextricably linked with Barcelona, which played such an important part in his career.  The museum's arrangement of paintings in chronological order provides a fascinating insight into the stages of Picasso's art and the development of his distinctive designs that he is famous for today.  Probably, the most recognized of the collection include the Las Meninas series, Picasso's personal homage to Velazquez's masterpiece.

                                 

The buses transported us to the Gothic Quarter then we walked through the narrow Carrer Montcada to the museum, housed in two adjoining palances that provide a striking setting for the repository of the artist's work from his early years.  Some 200 paintings, pastels, and watercolors, include childhood drawings and paintings of the seminal 'Blue Period".  The exclusive visit began with a 'champagne and canapes' greeting; then we had a guided tour in small groups allowing us to leisurely view the works of this unique and innovative artist; the end of the tour brought us to an open air patio (the sun came out to shine on us) where we were served tea and tapas and had time to shop in the museum's gift shop before strolling back to our bus for transfer back to the pier.  Wonderful and enjoyable afternoon.

We spent our 2nd day in Barcelona just touring around and seeing sights.  It was a chilly 63º in the morning but quickly warmed to the low 70s - great weather for touring.  We decided to board the double-decker Open-Top Bus Tour which featured entertaining and informative narration in 8 languages; each passenger received head phones to plug into a radio and switch to a channel for selected language.  The full loop without hopping off at any of the stops, would last approximately 2 hours; but you can hop on-and-off as many times as you'd like at any of the 44 stops.  The key sights and world famous attractions of this fantastic city were included.

• The Gothic Quarter which is the center of the old city of Barcelona where you can wander around the ancient winding streets where many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona
• A great number of buildings are World Heritage Sites, many are especially remarkable works of architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city.  His best known work is the immense but still unfinished Cathedral the Sagrada Familia, a symbol of Barcelona all over the world that has been under construction since 1882.  Other works by Gaudi include his famous Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Guell Park.
• Stops for many of the beautiful parks and gardens as well as many of the 1992 Summer Olympic sites

Our tickets were good for 24 hours, but we saw most of the highlights within 3 hours.  We then wandered down Las Ramblas - the famous boulevards of Las Ramblas are a great place to get the real feeling for Barcelona; it's a great promenade to get a beer and to watch people passing by, but when we realized that most of the people are just tourists like us, it kind-of lost its appeal a bit. This is a constant and colorful flood of humanity with flower stalls, bird vendors (our friends, Terry & Amanda, got Paco, an African Grey Parrot, here back in 1986), mimes,

musicians, and outdoor cafes.  As we walked farther to the Waterfront, there were more artists, restaurants, street vendors, and kiosks; and Las Ramblas has been extended out the pier into the harbor.  The weather was great, so we had a long walk back to Silver Spirit for a late lunch, afternoon relaxing, then Observation Lounge for our 'sail away' at sunset followed by a very nice dinner at Stars (the jazz supper club).

SUMMARY --  We loved Barcelona, so we will definitely return to see more.

May 11   A relaxing day 'at sea' getting some sun and rest, a few lectures, beer and snack tasting, knife workshop, and dinner at Hot Rocks - we ordered fresh mac and cheese rather than baked potato for our side dish. Yummy!  As we mentioned, we can order anything we wanted.  We crossed the Greenwich Meridian at 1100; we are now back in the Western Hemisphere.

May 12   brought us to the 'new cruise ship terminal' in Malaga, Spain.  The cruise port at Málaga may, some day, come to the end of a vast regeneration; its two new passenger terminals were expected to open before the end of 2007 but construction was still in progress when we arrived.  With four other cruise ships in port, there were lots of buses and taxis driving through the construction work. We heard later that there was a taxi blockade complaining about the buses getting priority (memories of Phuket?).

The city of Málaga and the surrounding region of eastern Andalusia create the kind of contrast that makes travel in Spain so tantalizing.  A Moorish legacy is a unifying theme and offers some of its most interesting and visually stunning historical attractions.  Since the birth of mass tourism in the 1950s, Europeans have flocked here to the Costa del Sol, a 43-mile sprawl of hotels, vacation villas, golf courses, marinas, and nightclubs west of Málaga.  Despite the hubbub, you can unwind here.  Málaga itself is a vibrant Spanish city, virtually untainted by tourism, and inland are quiet whitewashed villages just waiting to be explored.

 

The shuttle bus took us to the port gate, where we then walked (with Phil and Colleen) to Alcazaba Fort which dates back to the 11th century.  It was a very nice day and the fort overlooks the harbor; several interesting displays of artifacts.  As it was getting to be 'time for a beer', we walked to Cathedral Square to a small cafe.  After our beer stop, we strolled the streets and alleys then found a nice cafe for lunch - great paella and fish.  More walking to get back to ship by 3:30pm, just enough time to freshen up and get to Team Trivia.

It was 'Spanish Night BBQ and Flamenco Show" - another very good Pool Deck BBQ with many Spanish type dishes and the local dancers put on a great show. Silver Spirit departed the port at 11pm under clear skies with bzillion bzillion stars.

SUMMARY --  Oh... Costa del Sol??  What a great place to be back in the 70s but very over crowded these days.  Although, Malaga and the surrounding area would be great places to see, we will have to return another time.

May 13 was a day 'at sea'.  We crossed through the Straits of Gibraltar early this morning; welcome to the Atlantic Ocean - cold 64º, overcast skies, 12' rough seas, winds gusting above 35 knots!  Phil & Colleen had organized a 'special dinner' in The Restaurant; it was a great gathering of friends; dress code was 'Whatever Fits'.  The evening show was Jon Courtenay's "The Piano, The Comedy, The Show"; very entertaining with lots of laughter.  Our friend, Charlie, fell asleep.  As people left the theatre, we left Charlie just snoring away. Fernando got on the speaker and called out "Mr. Liggett your car is blocking the driveway"; someone checked to make sure he was still breathing; the performer said "I can't believe someone fell asleep during my show"; we all had a good laugh and dear Charlie woke up and laughed with us.  Some days are just so busy that it is hard to stay awake for the evening shows.

May 14   We sailed into the mouth of the Tagus River at sunrise, cruising under the '25th of April' bridge (looks like San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge) to dock by 8am in Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon's  25th de April Bridge

San Francisco's  Golden Gate Bridge

Lisbon bears the mark of an incredible heritage with laid-back pride; Lisbon is Europe's oldest city.  Spread over a string of seven hills north of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) estuary, the city presents an intriguing variety of faces to those who negotiate its switchback streets.  In the oldest neighborhoods, stepped alleys are lined with pastel-color houses and crossed by laundry hung out to dry; here and there miradouros (vantage points) afford spectacular river or city views.  In the grand 18th-century center, black-and-white mosaic cobblestone sidewalks border wide boulevards.  Elétricos (trams) clank through the streets, and blue-and-white azulejos (painted and glazed ceramic tiles) adorn churches, restaurants, and fountains.  Some modernization has improved the city.  To prepare for its role as host of the World Exposition in 1998, Lisbon spruced up its public buildings, overhauled its metro system, and completed an impressive bridge across the Rio Tejo, but Lisbon's intrinsic, slightly disorganized, one-of-a-kind charm hasn't vanished in the contemporary mix.

We had arranged with Lisbon's Red Tour for a guaranteed fun and scenic Segway Tour to discover Lisbon's Alfama.  To visit Alfama on board a Segway is magic; it is really fun and easy; it takes 5 minutes to get used to and soon feels like an extension of your body; keeping you upright and in complete control at all times, the Segway was made to feel as simple as walking.  Because its foundation is dense bedrock, the Alfama survived the 1755 earthquake, and a walk through this old-fashioned residential neighborhood is now a step back in time.  It is a village within a city still made up of narrow streets, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers, drying laundry, and caged birds. 

It was settled by the Romans and Visigoths (it was also an important Jewish quarter in the 15th century), but it was the Moors who gave the district its atmosphere and name (alhama means springs or bath, a reference to the hot springs found in the area).  They were also responsible for its web of streets created as a defense system, while at the same time enabling their homes to remain cool in the summer.  Most of the older residents have lived here all their lives and retain a strong sense of community, although their rent-controlled homes are now dilapidated, and an increasing number of wealthier people are investing in their properties and moving in.  Other renovated buildings directly below the castle have been converted into some of the city's most atmospheric and unique hotels.

Alfama has influenced poets and novelists, and although Bairro Alto is the city's traditional Fado quarter, it is Alfama that has always been the inspiration for Fado songs, and is becoming just as popular with Fado Houses.  The district has an intangible quality that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated, and the best way to get to know it is to get a little lost (something almost impossible to avoid unless you have a guide), and wander around admiring the postcard-perfect views, visiting the churches, and walking up to the castle for the most breathtaking panorama of the city and the greatest sunsets. 

We saw several of the old churches; many neighborhoods were preparing for next week's Dia de Patron - St. Vincent; it was Saturday so there was a huge flea market near the castle; lots of hills and narrow alleys.  The segway was a great way to get around Alfama.

VIDEO --  Lisbon Segway Tour

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipMwMNedjDRTFUpWBGdPmB1PIxh1BIvDQYqV4VPL?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

After our segway tour, we got on Tram 28 which we had read was a thrilling trolley ride through Lisbon.  Another reminder of San Francisco.  Unfortunately, the trolleys were very crowded so it was difficult to see the city sights or even get some good pictures.  Clang!  Clang!

Silver Spirit set sail at 6pm.  We were in The Observation Lounge (Kathy's Place) for our nightly gathering with friends.  Finally, Silversea has the bar open for the 'sail away'; Kathy, our favorite bartender, now has standing orders to open the bar 30 minutes before sail away.  Lots of passengers tonight to enjoy the city lights before dinner.  Back into the Atlantic Ocean, we are in bigs seas and strong winds; it was a rough night with lots of banging and bashing noices as we beat our way north.

SUMMARY --  Lisbon was a busy city and we only saw a very small portion. We will have to visit again.

May 15 was a day 'at sea' with rough weather.  The ship was doing OK, just the occasional BANG!; it was a day to relax, enjoy, and start to pack our bags. Another perk of our World Cruise was to have our luggage FedEx'd to our home in Bonaire; a real benefit so we don't have to deal with luggage transfers for our flights home.  We had another great sunset evening with friends at Kathy's Place.

May 16  As we rounded the northwest corner of the Iberian peninsula, the weather lightened for a calmer night before our sunrise arrival into the port of Gexto, the cruise port for access to Bilbao, Spain.  Time in Bilbao is identified as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim, After Guggenheim).  Never has a single monument of art and architecture so radically changed a city or, for that matter, a nation.  Frank Gehry's stunning museum, Norman Foster's sleek subway system, and the glass Santiago Calatrava footbridge have all helped stimulate a cultural revolution in the commercial capital of the Basque Country.  The city's new attractions get more press, but Bilbao's old treasures still quietly line the banks of the rust-color Nervión River.  The Casco Viejo (old quarter)—also known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets)—is a charming jumble of shops, bars, and restaurants on the river's Right Bank.  Greater Bilbao encompasses almost 1 million inhabitants, nearly half the total population of the Basque Country and the fourth-largest urban population in Spain.

The port of Gexto, on the Nervion River, is mostly an affluent residential area about 9 miles from Bilbao.  We saw some beautiful mansions with sculptured lawns and some fancy townhouses.  The port streets are very clean and the beaches looked inviting.  It is a very industrial city as the port serves the entire Basque Country.

Silversea Cruises had arranged a private opening of the famed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, exclusive to all guests.  So, after a late lunch and relaxing afternoon, we boarded buses at 6pm for the transfer to Bilbao where we were greeted by the stunning sight of Frank Gehry's incredible structure that is nothing short of mind-boggling.  The unique design of silvery curves is thought to resemble a metallic flower or, as others see it, a ship.  The building is covered with over 35,000 titanium tiles and pieces of glass placed strategically to catch the natural light.  With close to ninety exhibitions and over ten million visitors, the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum forever changed the way the world thinks about museums.  Guides took us in small groups to see the most outstanding displays, representing an intriguingly broad spectrum of modern and contemporary works by Yves Klein, Willem de Mooning, Robert Motherwell, Eduardo Chiliad, James Rosen Quist, Antonin Tapes, and Andy Warhol, among others.   While the exhibits have been lauded 'radiant, different, impressive, odd, marvellous, weird, and impossible', the building in itself is a most remarkable masterpiece.  At the end of our guided visit, after-dinner cocktails and sweet canapés were served in the Atrium before we returned to the port.  We returned to the ship just before 10pm and the ship quickly prepared for departure.  A beautiful night, the moon is almost full (next night), the rough seas have calmed, time for late evening snacks.

SUMMARY --  Gexto looked like a very nice town and there is more to Bilbao than the Guggenheim Museum.  We must visit again some day.

May 17  Another day 'at sea' with more comfortable conditions that we had for 4 days.  The veranda is covered in salt; we had lots of spray from the rough seas; everything outside needs a thorough wash down (no wonder they had to replace the furniture after only 18 months); Patricia, our guest attendent, washes the sliding doors so we can see but all surfaces are coated with salt.  It was a busy day - packing, Galley Lunch, martini tasting, lectures, Team Trivia, manicure and pedicure, then late afternoon/sunset cocktails at Kathy's Place before the last of our World Cruiser Dinners.

May 18  The last day of our cruise was cold (54º) with drizzly rain when we anchored in St. Peter Port, Guernsey Island, Channel Islands.   Twenty-five square mile Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands, which lie in the English Channel west of the Cherbourg peninsula.  Along with its sister island of Jersey, Guernsey has been a part of Britain since 1066, though retaining a culture entirely of its own.  The Channel Islands were the only British territory that experienced foreign occupation during World War II; German forces invaded in 1940 and occupied the islands for five years.  Massive concrete fortifications, built with forced labour, can still be seen in several places.  Today, scores of visitors from England and the Continent come to enjoy the mild climate, sandy beaches, semitropical vegetation, beautiful seascapes, and quiet country lanes. The residents rely on agriculture and tourism for their income.  In recent years many banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions have recognized the Channel Islands as a convenient tax haven for off-shore banking thanks to a favorable tax status.  St. Peter Port stretches along the picturesque harbor.  Rows of brightly painted houses, granite stairs, and cobbled lanes climb up the hillsides.

We tendered into the quay and rented a car.  Phil was our driver as we explored this small island.  The weather had cleared, somewhat, and no rain.  Lots of new and old homes; many holiday homes; good roads for Mini Cooper (we miss our own 'little box') and fancy cars.  Phil did a great job driving on the 'wrong side'. We stopped at Houmet Travern in Grande Harve Bay for great 'fish and chips' (Cod in Ale Batter) and Carlsbad beer on draft - great food and friendly staff. Lourae navigated us on around the island and back to the pier.  The tide was out, so steep steps to get from the pier to the tender.  Silver Spirit weighed her anchor at 5pm.  As we passed the island of Alderney, we saw our last sunset of our World Cruise; then entering the English Channel, we were engulfed in fog.

SUMMARY --  We liked this island.  Although the Channel Islands are too far north for our tropical blood, it might be fun to visit for some relaxing time.

May 19  brought us into Southampton, England just before sunrise.  Burr..  it's cold - only 48º but no fog or rain.  We didn't see any of Southampton, just the cruise ship terminal.  We had an early breakfast in our cabin (all our bags were packed and collected yesterday) then went to Reception to wait for our organized departure to clear Immigration and Customs (very easy) then we had a private car to drive us to Heathrow Airport (75 minutes).  Now, time to clear Immigration and Security at the airport.  No crowds, but Lourae had some liquids (hand lotion) in a container larger than 100g so the 'official in training' emptied everything from her purse, one item at a time, to swipe and analyze.  She offered to re-pack; but have you ever had someone else pack your purse?  We waited in British Airways World Club lounge til departure time.  Good flight to Miami where we spent 1.5 days before our return home to Bonaire.

VIDEO --  Voyage 8, Part 2

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/111994370383291023211/album/AF1QipMuSzEHffdst1608l1Cdnu703ABAUls-cI0ShmM/AF1QipP7lZpldEES7QreeOWd4pB-t-myPiCpLeE3Qte1?authKey=CM_shN7IkdK1PA

SPECIAL EVENTS Dress Attire:  6 casual, 6 informal, 4 formal

World Cruiser Dinner - May 6 & May 17

Galley Lunch - May 17

Pool Deck BBQ - May 12

Venetian Society Cocktails - May 11

SPEAKERS

Bruce Riedel, Intelligence Expert

"Arabia in Revolution:  The Middle East and North Africa Today"

"Understanding Islam and Islamic Spain"

"9/11 - Looking Back After ten Years"

"Al Qaeda Today: How Serious A Threat"

"Pakistan: the Most Dangerous Country in the World"

Christian Sauleau, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations, Silversea Cruises

Brian Hoey, Author

"Prince William and his Bride"  What lies ahead for the young Royal couple?

"Buckingham Palace - A Guided Tour of the most famous address in the World"

"Princess Diana - What really happened on that fateful eveing in Paris in 1997"

"Hollywood's Royalty - Some of the famous movie stars"

ENTERTAINERS

Silver Spirit Singers and Dancers

"Euro 2011" (for the 5th time!)

"Rocketman"  (for the 7th time!)

"Jazz a la Carte" (for the 8th time!)

"Aquarius Dawning" (again?)

Jon Courtenay, Showman

"The Piano, The Comedy, The Show"

"The Piano, The Comedy, The Show - Part 2"

Jordan Bennett, Singer

"Showing Off"

"Let the Good Times Roll"

Kenny Martyn, Clarinet

"Clarinet Tribute to Benny Goodman"

"The Magic Clarinet"

Mike Doyle, Singer Comedian

"Time for Fun"

"Combo Show"

=========================================================

This was a very nice voyage through The Med; one of those voyages with a different port each day.   It was a good introduction to The Med countries.  The voyage up the Atlantic coast of Europe was not smooth; storms in the Bay of Biscay generated some big seas for the first few days but then as the storm dissipated, it was comfortable for our crossing to the Channel Islands.   Sorry to have it all end.

So, here we are at the end of our World Cruise.  What a fantastic adventure!  We are glad to have had the opportunity the share it with you.  We will follow up with an "End of the Cruise" summary.

Hugs to everyone!

Lourae and Randy