Catching up

We have not had access to Internet for a few days...oh the withdrawal!!!!

On the last morning in Barcelona the sun was shining, and we went out for a walk, during which we came across a sidewalk cafe that featured a breakfast special that included eggs, bacon, coffee, and juice or wine for four and a half Euros.  A piece of bread with it was extra.  We sat outside (on November 28) and enjoyed the novelty of wine with breakfast.  It was a great way to start the day, as we had to prepare to get to the next ship, the Celebrity Solstice. 

Boarding was delayed because the ship was being thoroughly disinfected due to a lot of illness during the previous cruise.  You have never seen anything so clean, or constantly maintained than this ship!  People do not even touch the buffet utensils; everything is served by staff.   It is a beautiful ship, larger than the Serenity, and quite new, with lots of updated amenities, including a real grass lawn on the top deck. We are impressed with the layout of our room, and the amount of space it provides.  It will be just fine to be in these quarters for the next fourteen days.

The first port of call on this leg of the journey was Malaga, Spain.  This walled city has lovely parks, tropical flowers, and a nearby fortress, the Alcazaba, to explore. It is quite a climb to the top of the fortress, but worth it, as there is a fascinating and well preserved series of dwellings from the time of Islamic occupation.  The Alcazaba was a military fortress constructed during the second half of the 11^th century by the Islamic invaders.   Our day in Malaga was indeed enjoyable and tiring, as having climbed up to the top of the fortress, we had to return down the steep incline that was designed more for horses than people.

                                                    Flat Stanleys at a fortress in Spain

                                                  A Moorish home inside the fortress

Cadiz was the next Spanish port of call.  It is a relatively modern city, its ancient buildings having been levelled during invasions by the likes of the “pirate” Lord Nelson and subsequent earthquakes 200 years ago.  From here we took an almost two hour bus trip to Seville, the most beautiful city in Spain, where we explored on our own.  Without a guide, it was east to become disoriented (i.e., lost), thus wasting part of our time trying to find our way back to the meeting place for the bus.  However, we did find the cigarette factory from which the opera Carmen was based, but, try as we might, we were never able to find the “Barber”.  Seville is truly a beautiful city with a large modern section, and a well preserved historical area dating back to the middle ages.  We welcomed the opportunity to travel through the Spanish countryside, which is very flat in this area, though mountains can be seen in the distance.

                                                           Gail at a fountain in Seville

                      With no cars on the main street, the police use these beautiful white horses

The Solstice sailed away at supper time (the meals are great on this ship) and travelled through the night, arriving in the morning at the stunning port of Lisbon, Portugal.   This time we arranged to do a self guided tour that involves having a pre-recorded guide on an I-Pod and a map, pointing out the various landmarks, and explaining the history.  Had we researched before arriving, we might have known that this is a very hilly city arranged in several tiers, and that we would be once again climbing up and down very steep inclines for most of the day. It was totally worth the effort, as there are so many beautifully decorated buildings and fountains, and fascinating modes of transportation, especially up the steep hills. 

                                    Arriving at the harbour in Lisbon, Portugal

                                               Commerce Square and city gate

                           There is beautiful tile work everywhere, even on the buildings

The "funicular" tram for getting up the hills - we were told "Don't even think of climbing up this one!"

                          This is an elevator to get to the upper level streets

                                Once you get up there, it is very beautiful

Today, Saturday, was a very welcomed day at sea for some much needed rest of our sore knees, and an opportunity to upload the pictures from the most recent adventures.  There will not be much on the blog for the next little while, due to lack of internet, or service too slow to upload pictures.  There is one more port that we will reach on Sunday, Ponte Delgada, Azores, before beginning the six day Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.  We think of our wonderful family and friends often, and as we enter the last week of wandering, we are actually starting to look forward to going back home.