November 9 - Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Funchal, Madeira is located just north of Tenerife on a map of the Canary Islands.  As I type, we are just getting ready to go ashore and the results of the American election are not yet final.  

After this stop, we will be 8 days at sea before arriving at Tampa, Florida in the early morning of the 9th day.  

Internet on the ship is very slow and expensive so this will be my last post.  

We have had lots of adventures, seen lots of interesting things, taken too many boring pictures and will have lots of stories to tell when we get home.

Pray for calm seas for us as we cross the Atlantic.

See you soon.

November 7 - Back in Malaga, Spain

We made a second stop in Malaga, Spain today.  The first time, although I went ashore, I didn't last long so I was glad to have the opportunity to see it again.

The information on our ship says that Malaga is Europe's southern-most city and the fifth largest in Spain.  It dates back to 770 BC and is famous as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

 The Bishop's Palace.  Bishops did awfully well in the old days!  It is right across from a HUGE cathedral. Roman ruins an interesting bench

November 6 - Cartagena, Spain

This was an unexpected pleasure.  One of the locals told us that 20 years ago, this place was ugly and dirty.  The navy came in and since then, the town has been restoring the buildings.  They keep the original facades and renovate in behind.  This has brought the cruise ships.  It was spotless.

There was a street fair on today with many very interesting vendors. 

Roasting ribs in the square.

 Pork, anyone?

 Roger by the old bull fight ring.

November 5 - back in Palma De Mallorca, Spain

This was our second time visiting this island.  The first time, Roger went sightseeing on his own as I was still not well.  Today we both went in.

The Basilica de Sant Francesco dominates the view from offshore.  It is part of a 13th century convent and has 7 different chapels.

 We visited the Mallorca Pearl Museum.  I restrained myself and did not buy anything.

November 5 - back in Palma De Mallorca, Spain

This was our second time visiting this island.  The first time, Roger went sightseeing on his own as I was still not well.  Today we both went in.

The Basilica de Sant Francesco dominates the view from offshore.  It is part of a 13th century convent and has 7 different chapels.

 We visited the Mallorca Pearl Museum.  I restrained myself and did not buy anything.

November 1, 2016 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

Here we are where the rich and famous play.  We have never seen so many huge private yachts as are in the marina in Monte Carlo.

It was a bit of a walk to get to the casino ( which I thought was a church from the tender) but well worth it.  The 'riffraff' are allowed to go in between 9am and noon without dressing up in fancy duds and they charge you 10 Euros per person to go in.  Talk about opulence.

 Just one of the many table rooms. Here's Roger at the bar (the glass is empty) doing his best James Bond imitation (minus the tux). Roger has picked out his next car.  This was parked across the street from the casino. Partial view of the harbour.

Toulon, France and Calvi, Corsica

 The outdoor street market in Toulon. Cooking Pizza in the street!

We had to take a tender into Calvi.

 The tenders were busy today. The Citadel.  Yes, we climbed to the top. Calvi waterfront. A beautiful beach on Calvi.  We were sorry we had not worn our suits.  The water was clear and the bottom was sandy. Roger getting some sun on our balcony.

Monte Carlo tomorrow.  We hope to get a peak at the casino.