HOLLANDERS

Hollanders

I don't want to judge an entire nation based on a group of 500, but the Dutch are a very rude and pushy group. 

Now, one of my previous tour guides was Dutch and even though she seemed a bit brusque and standoffish, after a few days I broke her and we had a lot of laughs.

But this group will knock you down just to get on the bus before you. 

Personal space .... They have no idea what that phrase means! I was in line one day to get on the bus and I went to put my hands behind me and BOOM! she was so close to me that I could clean the lint from her belly button! SERIOUSLY!!!! So, being the nice American that I am, I took a step forward. YEP!! You guessed it; I turned sideways and whacked her with my shoulder bag (which isn't very big). Maybe she just wanted to be close to me?

Greeting....good luck. Enter an elevator, six already in, say 'hello' and listen to the echo! UGH!!!!

Listen to a presentation ..., they'll carry on their own, regardless  of who's around and they're not whispering.

Aussies, Brazilians, Brits, Spanish....LOVE THEM!

Never say never, but I will never again take a trip out of Rotterdam.

GIBRALTAR

GIBRALTAR 

Saturday in Gibraltar  is organized chaos.

Since I had was here a couple of months ago I figured I would just take the cable car up to the top and find the monkeys.

Well it turned out instead of paying €18 for the cable car I got a two hour tour in a cab with six other people that was much better.

And our first stop was the pillars of Hercules where we could see Africa – Tangier – just 18 km away.

We continued on to St. Michael's cave; I couldn't do this the last time because I had the boot on my foot. Most impressive! They had music playing so you could hear the acoustical value of the cave and colored lights flashing and changing to the music.

After that we headed up to the top of the rock to see the monkeys. As you're heading up there they were jumping on the cab and one hopped in searching for food. Of course, one of the young girls started screaming, The monkey got excited and ran to the back of the cab, hiding in the boot. When he realize there is no food he left us. Finally got to the top and as we were walking up some steps one of the monkeys jumped on the same girl who started screaming, again, and the monkey tried to bite her. It gave everyone else In the group a great laugh.

Headed back into town and of course were dropped off by the shopping street. My whole goal was to get to Roy's for some authentic English fish and chips.

I don't know if it was because it was Saturday or something special was going on but the streets were loaded with people… Muslim women dressed in their traditional car, choose either going or coming from Temple, a wedding going on and women with their fascinators dressed to the nines. 

And then came a group of soldiers in there beautiful uniforms marching down the street playing the drums! As this within a two block area. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

Well I finally made it to Roy's after a stop at Pandora, had my fish and chips and headed back to the ship for the Mediterranean buffet. It's a damn shame how much they make you eat on a cruise ships.

I hate to repeat myself but it's so neat when you know what you want to do and where you want to go if you've been to a city in the past.

HUEVLA, SPAIN

Huevla

Most first timers are heading to Sevilla, but since I've been there I'll stay in Huevla and see what damage I can do!

Not the most centrally located city, it was about a 1/2 hour shuttle, but we were greeted by a local band and a beauty pouring the local liqueur at 11 am...I can do that!

Did some damage on the credit card....  But only 3 pair of shoes, a cute winter sweater coat (why?) and some (more) costume jewelry.

Walked for a while and then it was time for lunch.

How incompetent you feel when you don't know the language of the country you are visiting. And Americans are the worst because we feel everyone should know English.

I stopped at Salon de Juegos on Martin Alonso Pinzon for tapas; the menu was in Spanish and the waiter spoke no English. I told him Rioja and tre tapas you pick. Great move! 

Jamon sandwich - motadito  de Jamon Iberico

Potato cheese tart - tortilla de Patates

Crab,pineapple and mayo - Ensaladilla de Cangrejo - They went overboard with the mayo and even though it was KRAB, it was a pretty good selection.

Ok, so I ate the whole thing....plus another glass of vino ... Snd the total cost? 9.10€ UNBELIVABLE!

Waiting for my change I saw a woman across the way with her dog taking a poop. When the dog was finished she bent down...to pick it up (or so I assumed) but she proceeded to wipe the dog's ass and then picked it up!!!!!

Enough of the local color....So I'll head over to the cathedral and then back to the ship.... Seaweed wrap time.

STONEHENGE

STONEHENGE 

We arrived in Southampton and greeted by. Beautiful sunny day.

Southampton is a pretty little town and the second largest port in England. The only problem is that they drive on the wrong side of the street!

The ride to Stonehenge is about an hour but since it's a sunny day...and Sunday...traffic was terrible. We drove through a very scenic forest and small towns and villages, houses with thatched roofs and row houses with the neatest looking chimneys. I really need to come back, rent a car and just drive and stop when and where I choose. Anyone interested in joining me?

We drove through Salisbury which is a very pretty town and definitely needs a revisit. That's the only problem with a cruise... You're in port only one day.

You can walk around the site but can't get close to it because it separated by a low road since there is been vandalism in the recent past.

Anyway, we finally got there....in the middle of nowhere. The drive was definitely worth it. And to realize that it's 5000 years  old makes it even more amazing!

The visitor center has busses that run you up to the ruins. As I said, it's out in the middle of nowhere. But you are struck by the awesomeness of the place. Even though there were hundreds of people it was relatively quiet. You can walk around the site but can't get close to it because it separated by a low road since there is been vandalism in the recent past.  As you're walking around you see the Darkside of stones as the sun is in the background as you come around and the sun is hitting the stones it's a totally different scene.

 Back at the visitor center they have samples of the hits that were used at that time  and replicas of the tools and closing of every day life .

A CORUNA, SPAIN

A CORUNA, SPAIN

Our first stop in Spain is A Coruna which is located on the northwest tip of Spain. It is known as the Glass City because of the fishermen houses facing the harbor that have so many windows. The wrought iron balconies are called gallerias. 

A very well run company, Tours 4 Cruisers, a two hour bus tour with several stops was only 15€. The only downside was that it didn't leave until 11...interrupting my shopping time at El Cortez!!!

A NEW EXPERIENCE!

Another new experience! The Shells (Jane and Ed) and Brenda Greathouse (isn't that a great name) and I went to the Pinnacle Grill for dinner (a fine dining restaurant that charges a surcharge). We had a wonderful evening and then I headed over to the show to see a 'mind reader'. I was part of the show and had a great time. 

Went to bed and about 3 in the morning my stomach went crazy. Was Pinnacle trying to kill me? I was in no shape to go on a tour and tried to cancel but when I mentioned my stomach they told me I needed to go to medical. 

Having had dinner a couple of nights with the good doctor, Ludmilla, I figured no problem, she'd give me a pass and I could get a refund only tour. No such luck. They isolated me in my room for 24 hours. That evening there's a knock on my door. A uniformed officer asked if they could clean my room. In walks two of the room stewards with masks and gloves hands to clean. My bed was stripped put in plastic bags and hauled out. It was hilarious! You'd think I had the plague. Same thing next day.

Finally I was released from my prison to stop more pots and create havoc on the ship!

FROM NARVIK TO SWEDEN AND BACK

Well, I made it to Sweden. The bus brought us through a beautiful portion of Norway outside of Narvik with lakes, cabins, and rock formations formed by the glaciers to Sweden where we will catch the train back to Narvik. The sun was out and the scenery was unbelievable and so clear you could see for miles. The fjord was so clear and seemed to go on forever.

 Hopefully it will stay clear do that I can see more lights tonight.

HUNTING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Hunting the Northern Lights

HAL offered a tour to see the Northern Lights ...$200...expensive, but well worth it if you see them. Well we drove for two hours and finally stopped. The stars were beautiful and then suddenly there they were. The only problem was the clouds came in and that was the end of it. For those having their first experience it was worth it, but after seeing the fantastic show in Iceland, this was nothing.

And then it happened....

During dinner they announced that the lights were visible.

The sky had more stars than I have ever seen. The Big Dipper was shining brightly and the lights, although only green, danced across the skies. There are many legends about the lights, mostly having to do with spirits returning home. As I watched the lights dancing in the skies it almost looked like a gate opening and then it closed and the lights disappeared. Could it have really been welcoming a spirit home? 

You can easily become mesmerized by the dancing lights, the twinkling stars, and the majestic, endless night sky in the middle of a deep and dark ocean. Your imagination takes flight and you truly feel at peace. It makes you want to come back to see them again and again.

TROMSO

TROMSO

we arrived in Tromso this morning; weather still overcast....it doesn't look too good for tomorrow night and the lights.

On the map it shows we can't go much further north (as far as land is concerned).

Tromso is a cute little town..again not much to do except for souvenir shops. They had a street fair going on..different foods. They were roasting a lamb and of course all kinds of smoked fish. The best though were the donuts I found. I went back twice. (And yes I'm on a diet!)

The physician, Ludmilla, sat at our table for dinner.  She's from Canada but is Ukrainian. She had such wonderful stories about her travels, including see the mountain gorillas and native tribes in Sumatra.

ALESUND, NORWAY

T

Alesund is a very pretty town ...actually three islands connected by bridges. Their claim to fame is the breathtaking view from the highest point in the city.

Brenda and I opted for the hop on hop off which was a much better deal and we went at our own pace. The center of town is very quaint and known for its wooden houses. There was a huge fire in 1904 which destroyed most of them but they rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style which was popular at that time and it's wonderful.


Tomorrow is a sea day and we should be crossing the Arctic Circle around noon. Time to start looking for the Northern Lights.

..."He's moves as slow as maple syrup in the wintertime."

FLYING THE FRIENDLY SKIES

Flying the friendly skies

8400 miles...and the journey begins. Flight was a bit bumpy but there was some nice eye candy to make up for the bumpiness.

When I pulled the window shade down I was watching the sunset...when I put it up I watched the sky lighten the day as we rode above giant grey cotton balls that seemed to rise and fall until they disappeared as we descended into them.

I feel a bit punch drunk since I wasn't able to sleep at all...even after 2 glasses of wine in the club and 4 with my dinner. Hopefully my cabin will be ready and I can take a nap before I set off in Rotterdam to find...of course, wine and water.

It's 56 degrees at 7am...maybe I should have left the long pants on. The sunrise is beautiful! Bright orange-red, so glad I had a window seat.

It turns out the transfer is at 9 am, so here I sit with my fellow shipmates....there's a younger couple...he's got his NY sweatshirt on, another couple off to the side with their cell phones, two older couples, and a woman (I think is traveling alone)....appears to be high maintenance and uses a crystal cane. I can only hope that my dinner mates are as wonderful as the last group....could I be that lucky?

I'm sitting here hoping I have enough warm clothes...considering I have 2 suitcases that weigh 50lbs each, a backpack with all my electronics, and a tote that I carried on the plane. Guess I'm going to have to purge if I want to bring anything home....two months is a long time!

Sunrise over Amsterdam

Eidfjord, Norway

We headed back to town to see what was going on there. While we were walking two Dutch women who asked us where the center of town was. I spread my arms and said this is it and she looked at me in total shock. There were a few souvenir shops café and a supermarket. Needless to say we went back on the ship early and I napped the entire afternoon.

Our first stop in Norway....Eidfjord. Brenda got me up early and we were off the ship by 8:15, picked up tickets and on the bus by 8:30 to see the waterfall..,,the only real site in  Eidfjord. It was a nice ride and the falls were impressive.

Met a lovely couple from Ruston, Louisana, Jane and Ed, who are real hoots. They reminded me of my friend Carol with all their Southern-isms which I will try to include in my postings. The first being....

It wad darker than a sack of black cats!

THE RIDE HOME - A WEEK - JUST JIM, ME AND THE ROAD

THE RIDE HOME

 

After three years, Jim's bike is on its way to its new home with Jim Jr. it took three years for Jimmy to come down but now he's here and were having a really good time. Of course, I put him to work and he planted some new plants for me, hung some shelves, and took care of the myriad of other things.

 

Our original plan was to meet Thursday figuring it would take three days to get home. Wednesday morning were sitting around talking and he told me that he want to ride the Blue Ridge Pkwy. and do the tail of the Dragon. Okay, so I thought this was going to be a straight run, but it might be fun.

 

I've really missed writing on the bike and was really looking forward to this, my last trip. So at 1030 we decided we were leaving on Wednesday. I got together my stuff straightened up the house little bit and we were on the road by 1 o'clock.

 

It was a beautiful afternoon and we headed up 75 with no problems at all. We hit Georgia and got off the interstate and onto one of the local highways. Those are really the best places to see what life is like along with the architecture and landscapes.

 

Writing through Georgia there were more magnolia trees that you could count fragrance was beautiful. As we were riding through Madison, Georgia, one of the small towns where everyone knows everyone and the antebellum homes were beautiful and you would've thought that the magnolia was the local tree because they were all over.

 

We decided to stop for the night in Macon and had dinner over at a Logan steakhouse. Two glasses of wine and I was ready for bed. I crashed about 9:30 and didn't know anything until the next morning.

 

Thursday morning we left Macon about 8 AM and hit Route 23, a backroad, tree-lined   highway heading north to Athens. It was a bit cold this morning and I'm really glad I put my sweatshirt on under my leather jacket.

 

The morning was beautiful but there was rain predicted for the afternoon. Along our drive we went through the city of Dahogea and throughout the town on each side street approximately every 20 feet there were white crosses with a name each one and the war that the person who fought and/or died in. It was a very moving site; they even honored the veterans who were still alive.

 

Well the rain came! We were on the Blue Ridge Pkwy. and it started about 1 o'clock and did it come down with no let up in sight. It was coming down so hard that Jim could not see through the windshield. Said he was leaning to the right to see where he was going and I was leaning to the left to make sure he didn't go over the center line and watch for cars coming in the other direction. It took about 20 minutes before we got to an exit and then another 15 minutes to find someplace where we could part with an overhang.

 

While we were waiting for the rain to let up a good ole boy

 

We're just outside of New Jersey and I really had to go. Jim got off the highway and what do I see but a Panera's. Our last stop before we get to Linden and I felt myself with iced tea while Jim relaxed along the fence having a smoke.

 

 

PERGE

PERGE, ANTALYA, TURKEY

 

PERGE is one of the most is one of the most important ancient cities in the world. Settlements in this area were as early as 1500 BC and St. Paul stopped here on one of his journeys. Today it is a large site of ancient ruins about 9 miles east of Antalya. It was renowned for the worship of Artemis's temple stood on a hill outside the town.

 

Alexander the Great occupied Perge. During the first half of the fourth century, during the reign of Constantine the Great Perge became an important center of Christianity. St. Paul the Apostle and St. Barnabas visited  Perge several times.

The ruins are magnificent and are still in the process of being rebuilt. Just walking through the rooms he can imagine the apostles walking through, preaching, converting the people to Christianity.

 

As I walk through the ruins I'm amazed how they actually have underground water systems to keep the baths both hot and cold wherever it is needed. Boy, I wish I was an archaeologist!

 

There was a magnificent aqueduct in the area; the only problem was all the vendors hawking their wares which took so much away from the atmosphere although I guess back in the day that's exactly how was that was still annoying. The aqueduct in pretty good shape stood probably three or four stories high and portions could be found throughout the area.

 

It amazes me how when you were driving to a site you have snow-covered mountains and yet you were in a subtropics client with a beautiful Mediterranean just a few feet away.

 

ASPENDOS

ASPENDOS, ANTALYA, TURKEY

ASPENDOS, another area in Antalya, about 16 km inland from the Mediterranean Sea was founded around 1000 BC by the Greeks. It is known for having the best preserved theater of antiquity with a diameter of 315 feet, it provides seating for 7000. It was built in 155. The acoustics are amazing in the theater; even the slightest sound made at the center of the orchestra can be easily heard as far as the uppermost galleries.

 

One of the tales that have been passed down from generation to generation is that the came proclaimed that he would have a contest to see what man could render the greatest service to the city; the winner would have the king's daughter in marriage. Artisans of the city began to work; at last from the Dave decision came and McCain had examine all their efforts he designated to candidates. The first of them had succeeded in setting up a system that enabled water to be brought to the city from great distances site aqueducts. The second built the theater.

 

As the king was on the point of siding in favor of the first candidate, he was asked to have one more look at the theater. While he was wandering about in the upper galleries, a deep voice from an unknown source Saying again and again," the king's daughter must be given to me." Astonished, the king looked around for the owner of the voice could find no one. It was of course the architect speaking in a low voice from the stage. In the end it was the architect who won the beautiful girl in the wedding ceremony took place in the theater.

 

The aqueduct, over 1 km long series of arches brought water to the city from the mountains at the North and is one of the rare examples surviving antiquity. The arches were 45 feet high. Near both ends of the aqueduct the water was collected in towers some 30 m high which was distributed to the city.

 

It is truly a magnificent sight; both the aqueduct even though it is overrun with vendors, but I guess it was like that back in the day and the theater.

 

I LOVE TURKEY!!!! And I truly hope and pray that all these beautiful sites will not be destroyed because of the war that's going on in the area.

Saturday, April 11, 2015 – – Crete

Knossos or Cnossos, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city. The name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.

 
Today we arrive in Iraklion, Crete, to visit the palace of Knossos. I was very excited to see this palace as I’m reading a novel that talks about it in depth. The palace was built by the Minoans approximately 1500BC and contained over 100 rooms. The ruins were not discovered until 1900 and are now fully excavated and partially reconstructed to provide an overview of the complex labyrinth system. We saw the remains of the king’s and queen’s living quarters, the storerooms, potter’s workshop and the theatre.
(Pictures speak a thousand words)

It is truly a wonder how a civilization had the knowledge and ability to build such massive structures. This is my first visit to Greece and I cannot wait to see the other islands.
"To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote. To travel is to live." ...Hans Christian Andersen

 

 

 

Personal note: I’m losing my dance hosts. When  Lesley and Gerry disembarked in Barcelona I had my choice of hosts, but now there are several married women whose husbands do not dance and guess what….yep they are using my men!!

 

 

 

 

ISTANBUL

tAPRIL 19, 2015

ISTANBUL...WHERE EUROPE MEETSD ASIA

We arrived in Istanbul around 4 PM and I went to see the whirling Dervishes. And what a sight  it was! It was like everything was done in slow-motion. The musicians came out and then the dervishes. There was a lot of ritual; musicians started playing and three of the dervishes started their turning and turning and turning and turning. It was truly a mesmerizing site. Took about an hour and it was strange but at the end it was total silence because we were told it was a religious ceremony so you don't applaud.

I had the traditional Turkish tea--sweet and delicious! Going back to the ship it was nice to see Istanbul all lit up at night. Tomorrow it's a full day in the city.

Up bright and early, ready to explore Istanbul. It was crazy. Hundreds of people heading off to work. Ferries running across the Bosphorus Strait, 5 or 6 going each way....it was wild!

We headed over to the Blue Mosque (built in the early 1600s). The line was very long, even though it was only 9:30a.m. but it moved quickly. There were certain restrictions that had to be followed....shoulders and knees covered (they were handing out blue paper wraps to the ladies) and shoes had to be removed (bags were supplied). I was curious to see what they would say about my boot....well, they solved the problem. They wrapped several shoe bags around the boot and I was allowed to go in.

The inside was huge with rounded light fixtures all over. There are over 20,000 ceramic tiles on the walls and over 200 stained glass windows. The floor is covered with carpets. The dome is 141 feet high. When the mosque was being built the sultan wanted it bigger than the one in Hagia Sophia, but it couldn't be done.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Hagia. Most impressive. Unlike the mosque, we were able to walk all around in the Hagia. Originally built in the 400s, it was destroyed and then rebuilt in 537. For 900 years Hagia Sophia had been the center of Orthodox Christianity until 1453 when the city was taken over  by Ottomans. 500 years following the conquest of Muslims, it became a jewel for the Muslim world and as the grand mosque of the sultans.

In 1935, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum . The dome has a diameter of over 101 feet and a height of 160 feet.

Our next stop brought us to a local restaurant for lunch. I am not a lamb lover, but the Turks really know how to cook it. After stuffing ourselves, we headed out and took the tram to Taksim Square.

And then it was on to the Grand Bazaar.




WHAT A CRAZY PLACE!!!! EmaRou (one of the dance hosts) was with me. He was worried that we wouldn't know how to get out! It went on forever. There was a long major thoroughfare and then every 20 feet or so, there were 'side streets'. With over 4,000 shops, it would take several days to cover it all and we only had two hours.

When we first went in it was all jewelry. EmaRou was looking for something for his girlfriend and kept bargaining with the owner trying to get him to come down. After about 20 minutes it was starting to get embarrassing...I took my cane and wrapped it around his arm and started tugging at him. Finally, he got her a pair of earrings.

I wanted to go down one of the side streets and he was worried that we'd get lost. Little did he know he was with the shopper extraordinaire! I found a hooka for my son. I thought that it was for tobacco, but the 'tobacco' is fruit infused. I wish we could have had more time, but I'll hit it the next time I'm in Turkey.

Back to the ship for dinner. We'll be sailing through the Bosphorus Strait tonight on our way to Romania.

 -- "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." ... Henry Miller

ADVENTURE ON THE HIGH SEAS ON OUR WAY TO ISTANBUL

APRIL 18, 2015

Adventures on the high seas. We are leaving Kushadasi, sitting at the dinner table when the captain announced that there was an emergency and we had to assist the ship at sea. It turns out it was a small fishing boat that had caught on fire. And in the international waters tradition, according to Bill, when a ship is in trouble the nearest vessel goes to it's assistance.

When we got there the ship was in Greek waters and so they contacted the Greek Coast Guard. While we were standing by, all of a sudden the ship drifted into Turkish waters and the Greeks said it has nothing to do with it so we had to contact the Turkish Coast Guard.

To make a long story short, they straightened it out; the correct Coast Guard was on its way and we continued on our journey to Istanbul. Something new every day.

--"The element of surprise is there every day. It's when you wake up." ...Unknown

EPHESUS - KUSHADASI, TURKEY

You know how when you live in a place you don't realize how lucky you are, well that's how I felt in Turkey.  I hope the people realize what a wonderful country they have.

We arrived in Kushadasi today and headed out to Ephesus at 7:30 this morning. It was a very short ride but when we got there I thought okay this isn't going to be as good as Antayla. WRONG!

I know I keep using the same adjectives but there really is no other way to explain it besides magnificent, unbelievable, breathtaking; there really are no words to describe what you see.

 Excavation began in Ephesus in the late 1800s and the terrace houses in the 1980s. They're guessing that there are more terrace houses still to be uncovered. In my next life I definitely want to be an archaeologist.

When you walk into the site there really isn't much to see besides rock and boulders spread out on the ground. Sure there's lots of columns and you get a brief history of the place but then when you walk around the bend and see the magnificent columns and the library and the altars and the houses you wish you lived in Turkey so that you could visit every day.


I didn't think there could be much more that would amaze me; when we got to the amphitheater it just blew my mind. There was a group of tourists inside and I guess a few of them were on the stage whooping it up and you could hear them outside the acoustics were that great. The theater held 24,000 people. Ray went to explore it but I headed to the bus; I just couldn't take another step.


Walking along the street you can just imagine what it was like all those years ago. People shopping, visiting with neighbors, going to the temples to pray, using the public latrines (guess there were no overweight people back then...those opening are mighty small!); your imagination just runs wild!






The terrace houses excavation started in the 1980s.  There are only seven Terrace houses that have been excavated,  but the guide said for sure that there's more buried among the area. Since it was covered for over a millennia, the frescoes still have their vibrant color. Again, it's amazing how this work could possibly be done 3000 years ago.

It was a huge challenge for me since we basically climbed seven floors and my foot was killing me. They are currently working and equipment is all over, but today, being Saturday, there were no workers. Every flight of stairs brought another wonder. Rooms, alcoves, mosaic floors, frescos

I barely made it down the stairs when we exited (75 of them, every one a different height); luckily Ray was there and he helped me down. I'm guessing the steps were put in by the archaeologists because there's no way that the Romans, who probably were shorter than us, could've managed the steps which are more then 12 to 15 inches in depth.

 We then continued to the library; the entrance is beautiful.

When I was dropped off in town and naturally had to do a required carpet demonstration but after about a half hour we were able to get out. I headed off to go shopping and Ray met up with EmaRou. I ran into Ray later and he told me someone asked him where his wife was. We both had a good chuckle with that!

I stopped for lunch at a small restaurant that offers free Wi-Fi and I love how the Turkish people use phyllo dough in almost everything. It makes no matter what you eat, it tastes fantastic. I had some stuffed mushrooms and feta cheese rolled in phyllo dough and, of course, some red wine. Everything was delicious. Maybe I'm just hungry! Not really but I keep eating. I really need to go on a diet!

The shops here are ridiculous. No matter where you walk they are trying to entice you to come in to their place of business and buy something. I kept resisting but then finally I succumbed.

I ended up buying two leather jackets… Like I really need them… But one of them is the leaf design which Carol will understand and the other is reversible so really I got three.

... "Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make. So travel often and live life with open eyes and an open heart." --  Katie Grissom ...

April 15, 2015 - AT SEA

It's not a bad way to travel! Today is a sea day so I did my normal routine. Sleep in, acupuncture at 10, sun on the Lido deck for an hour, lunch, dance lesson, presentation on the next port of call, gin and tonic, shower for dinner, dinner, dancing, show, back to dancing, and then head to bed. Not a bad life at all!

When I was packing for this trip I brought some canvases and paints, my Zen tangle notebook, and my exercise stretch strap. I planned on losing 20 pounds while I was gone, which is reasonable since it's 55 days.

Well I did paint one picture for Gerry who left in Barcelona; I did draw a couple of days; the exercise stretch strap is still in the closet; the treadmill that has my name on it is broken (what a shame!); And I don't think I put on any weight but I sure as hell didn't lose any. Maybe I'll do better when I go to Italy. WHAT?????

While I was on the Lido deck this morning I noticed an island on the starboard side(now I'm trying to sound professional but I have no idea which is the starboard side or the port side) and the captain happened to be standing there talking to another officer. So I walked up to him and said "I know if no one else you will know the answer to this. What is the name of that island?" He said to me, "well, I'm really not sure; that's why we have navigators on the ship. But I will have the answer for you when I make my announcement at 12:45." He came over about 10 minutes later while I was having lunch to inform me that it was the island of Cyprus I thanked him and we both had a good laugh.

Tomorrow we are in Turkey.

CASTELLON DA PLANA, SPAIN

  ..."Once you have travelled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey."...Pat Conroy

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015 – CASTELLON

NOT TOO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS PORT. I HEARD THAT THIS IS A NEW PORT FOR HOLLAND AMERICA…WELL I HOPE THEY TAKE IT OFF THE SCHEDULE.

WE HAD A VERY NICE WELCOME; LOCAL MUSICIANS PLAYING, WELCOMING EVERYONE OFF THE SHIP AND UNLIMITED FRESH SQUEEZED VALENCIA ORANGE JUICE. BUT IT WAS A LONG WAY INTO THE CITY AND IF YOU WEREN’T ON A TOUR, IT WAS DIFFICULT GETTING AROUND ON YOUR OWN. SIGNAGE WAS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT.

BUT, I DID FIND A NEAT LITTLE STORE AND SINCE I NEEDED A WEDGE SHOE SO I DON’T WADDLE AROUND WITH ME BOOT, I WAS ABLE TO GET 3 PAIR…DAYTIME, BLACK EVENING AND BONE EVENING…SO I’LL BE READY TO DANCE AS SOON AS THE SWELLING GOES DOWN! ALSO FOUND A FEW PURSES AND SCARVES.

THEY REALLY DO KNOW HOW TO MAKE PASTRIES, BUT EVEN BETTER…THEIR HOT CHOCOLATE IS THE GOOD OLE EUROPEAN HOT CHOCOLATE….JUST LIKE WARM, COOKED PUDDING…SO THICK AND CHOCOLATY …HMMM, HMMM GOOD!

IT WAS BACK TO THE SHIP FOR OUR FAREWELL DINNER TO GERRY OUR FRIEND AND TABLE MATE.

I’M LOSING A DEAR FRIEND TONIGHT. GERRY IS DISEMBARKING IN BARCELONA TOMORROW AND SHE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED. WE WERE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME DINNER TABLE AND WE HIT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. GERRY IS ONE IN A MILLION. SHE IS 92 YEARS YOUNG AND HAS MORE STAMINA THAN I DO!

SHE LOVES CRUISING AND HAS BEEN ON THE PRINSENDAM SEVERAL TIMES….SHE LIKES TO BOOK THE LONGER CRUISES BECAUSE HOLLAND AMERICA HAS DANCE HOSTS ON CRUISES OVER 45 DAYS.  SCHEDULED HER NEXT CRUISE FOR SEPTEMBER OUT OF SAN DIEGO AND WILL BE BACK ON THE PRINSENDAM NEXT YEAR FOR THIS SAME CRUISE. SHE’S TRYING TO TALK ME INTO DOING IT, TOO. SHE NEVER GOES INTO THE CITIES WHEN WE DOCK; SHE STAYS ON THE SHIP.

GERRY TOLD ME SHE MET HER SECOND HUSBAND ON THE PRINSENDAM AND THEY WERE MARRIED 2 MONTHS LATER. HE ACTUALLY ASKED HER ON THE PHONE!!

SHE LOVES TO DANCE AND SHE HAD HER FAVORITE DANCE HOSTS FOR CERTAIN DANCES. SHE LOVES DOING THE 2-STEP WITH GEOFF, BUT SHE ALSO LOVES DANCING WITH RAY…SHE LIKES THAT WAY HE LEADS.

EVERY NIGHT WE WOULD FINISH DINNER AND GERRY WOULD HEAD TO HER ROOM TO BRUSH HER TEETH AND THEN INTO THE OCEAN BAR WHERE WE WOULD DANCE TILL IT WAS SHOWTIME. SHE WOULD DO THE TWO-STEP, JIVE, CHA-CHA, RHUMBA, WALTZ…SHE KNOWS THEM ALL AND SHE DOESN’T EVEN BREAK A SWEAT!

AFTER THE SHOW, IT’S BACK TO THE DANCE FLOOR WHERE SHE’D GO UNTIL THE BAND TOOK A BREAK AND THEN CALL IT A NIGHT.

SHE WOULD GET SO MAD AT ME BECAUSE I KEPT TELLING ARNIE (THE GUITAR PLAYER) TO PLAY DISCO FOR GERRY (WHICH SHE HATED) AND HE WOULD THEN DEDICATE THE DISCO SONG TO HER.

I ASKED THE GUYS IN THE BAND TO PLAY HER FAVORITE SONGS HER LAST NIGHT AND THEY HIT EVERY ONE! SHE DANCED WITH ALL THE DANCE HOSTS AND THERE WERE A FEW TEARS DOING OUR GOODBYE. I WILL REALLY MISS HER!

THE DANCE HOSTS –



 

Geoff, Ray, Stan, Emero

DANCE HOSTS ARE HIRED BY HOLLAND ON LONG CRUISES FOR THOSE LADIES TRAVELING ALONE. THEY HAVE TO PAY THEIR AIRFARE TO AND FROM, BUT THEY DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CRUISE. IF THEY ARE ASSIGNED TO ASSIST ON AN EXCURSION THEY DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THEY DO GET A DAY OFF EVERY WEEK OR SO.  THEIR JOB IS TO BE ON THE DANCE FLOOR FROM 5 – 6 PM,  7:30 – 8:30 PM, AND THEN 9:15PM TILL THERE ARE NO WOMEN ON THE DANCE FLOOR.  CUSHY JOB! THEY ARE NOT MARRIED (BUT I DON’T KNOW IF THAT’S A REQUIREMENT). THEY’RE A REALLY NICE GROUP OF GUYS.

STAN IS FROM VANCOUVER AND A GREAT TEACHER.  HE’S BEEN A DANCE HOST FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HE WAS THE FIRST ONE I DANCED WITH AND I LIKE DOING THE MERANGUE WITH HIM.

EMERO IS FROM CANADA; HE AND HIS FAMILY EMIGRATED FROM EYGPT WHEN HE WAS IN HIS 20S HE HAS 3 SISTERS AND THEY AND HIS MOTHER ARE IN CANADA AND THE STATES. HIS FATHER DIED WHENHE WAS YOUNG AND SO HE WAS THE MAN OF THE FAMILY.

AS FAR AS HIS DANCING,  HE STARTS A DANCE THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSE TO BE AND THEN HE STARTS PUTTING IN HIS OWN STEPS AND CHANGES EVERYTHING SO BY THE END OF A DANCE A WALTZ OR RHUMBA TURNS INTO A DANCE STYLE THAT ONLY HIS BRAIN KNOWS HOW TO DO AND HE PROBABLY COULDN’T DUPLICATE IT IF HE TRIED. I MAKE FUN OF HIM AND WE LAUGH A LOT AND HE KNOWS I’M BUSTIN’ HIS CHOPS.

HE TOLD ME THE OTHER DAY THAT HE STUDIED PSYCHOLOGY AND HE HAS ME PEGGED….I DON’T THINK SO!

HE IS NOT YET RETIRED; HE SAID HE JUST GOT HIS DEGREE LAST YEAR (DIDN’T SAY IN WHAT) AND HE IS WORKING WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON WAYS TO PREVENT FLOODING IN HIS AREA AND HE’S HOPING TO GET A CONSULTING JOB WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

GEOFF IS FROM WALES..GREAT ACCENT AND A PRETTY GOOD GUY. HE USED TO BE A BLACKJACK DEALER IN THE U.K. AND HE GAVE ME SOME TIPS AS I WAS HEADING TO THE CASINO ONE NIGHT AND I NEVER REALLY PLAYED BLACKJACK FOR REAL (WELL, I PLAYED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND ONLY LOST $10!!! NOT BAD!)

RAY HAILS FROM FLORIDA….STONECREST (JUST A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE VILLAGES). THIS IS HIS FIRST CRUISE AS A DANCE HOST. HE’S A VERY GOOD DANCER AND HAS A GIRLFRIEND IN THE VILLAGES; THEY DO A LOT OF DANCING AT KATIE BELLE’S. I LIKE DANCING WITH RAY; I CAN FOLLOW HIM EASIER THAN THE OTHERS.