Our Last day

We awoke in Naples Italy after a quick breakfast we all got off the ship and 18 of us piled into 3 Mercedes Vans off we went for Pompei Sadly it was raining but I think it was just Italy letting us know they were sad to see us leave. We toured Pompei which truly is a wonder We had a guide who was quite a character!! It only rained a bit and we had a good time. Off we went again to tour the Amalfi Coast and see Positano. No words can describe the beauty of the Amalfi coast. Carole O'Connell and I stayed in Positano some years back and I fell in love with it then. Some of you may remember the tiles I shipped home and made into a table. It is everybit as beautiful today and the sun came out. I visited the shop where I first got my table tiles and drouled over them but then was over it. We bought a bottle of Limoncello and off we went to a family restaurant high into the hills over looking the town and sea. Amazing pasta with porcinni mushrooms Anti pasto wine mozorella more wine beer and of course some cookies. we were pretty full and piled back into the van. Our driver Nikko was great and he was some driver. We came around a corner (hair pin that is) and we flat against another car!! Some how we did not hit bur I am not sure how!! WE went on to Sorrento and back to the ship. we had our farewell dinner, are all packed and ready to go. Next time you hear from me I will be in Hampton. we are sailing for Rome now. Ciao Italia!!!

Trapani and Erice Sicily

We had breakfast overlooking the city of Trapani. Just beautiful. It just proved to me that Sicily is really my favorite place!! Erice was off in the distance atop a mountain. My sister Lynda and I visited here about 10 years ago and I was very excited to return. I have a picture in the house over my desk of Erice. Doreen, Tom, MaryJo, Jim Dan and I got off the ship and I spoke to a tour guide. she and her driver agreed to take us up the mountain for a reasonable price so we all climbed into the Big Mercedes and set off up the mountain. I can't wait to show you the pictures We saw the Norman castle, the little narrow cobblestone streets, the shops one of which a man was painting pottery. SO much to see, too little time. We stopped for cappuchino, canollis and almond pasteries so what if it wasn't quite lunch time yet??? There was a car race uo the mountain It was just beautiful. And the views!!!!Yikes Down into town for a beer and some lunch walking around the sea side another beautiful day We set sail for Amalfi

Tunisia Africa

Saturday was quite an adventure. We awoke in tunisia with Camels resting near the gangplank we hired a driver and went to the ancient city of carthage. WE were to wear long pants and cover both our knees and our elbows. Dan and Tom rebelled and wore shorts. Between MaryJo and Dan we learned all about the history of this land and the Roman occupation and destruction. The city over looked the sea and was so beautiful. WE toured the site, went to another town and walked through the bazarre. We did not shop as the shop keepers were so agressive it really turned us off. we stopped at a cafe for,..................what else a beer!! Overlooking the water city and mountains really beautiful. WE went for a typical Tunisian lunch ate and did a driving tour of the rest of the area. People were very nice and were friendly but I think we were all happy to get back on the ship. Had a lovely dinner and show. We set sail for Sicily

Day at Sea

Today is a very liesurely day. I pulled out all my purchases and organized things. MaryJo, Jim, Tom Dan and I had breakfast together and then everyone went their separate ways. Dan is reading I organized my purchases maps brochures etc. It is amazing what you can collect in 2 weeks time. today is a formal lumch with the Captain Dan doesn't want to go and I haven't decided yet. It is cloudy and misting but no complaints we really have had beautiful weather. Tonight is a formal dinner night; not sure but I think it may be the last one. Dan will be sooooooooooooo dissapointed he doesn't have to wear a jacket and tie again!! Tomorrow is La Goulette Tunisia some are nervous as it is an arab country but we will just stick to gether and see it all. I am sure the ship wouldn't let us off if it wasn't safe. Bye for now Love JoAnne and Dan

Birthday and Palma Majorica

So I had a cake and the dining room staff sang happy birthday in two languages. Quite an experience. We awoke in Palma De Majorica today. This is the home of Majorica Pearls. So naturally we had to shop. MaryJo, Doreen and I hit about 15 stores (give or take a few) to comparison shop before we made our purchases. Dan bought me a beautiful strand of pearls in white pink iridescent and black. Just lovely Tonight we had a cocktail party with the officers and then a special dinner at the Pinnacle Grill thanks to Jerry. We are sailing for Tunisia now and tomorrow will be a day at sea. Sadly we have to start thinking of packing because we only have 5 days left and the last 3 will be in ports and on tours. Night all

A Perfect Birthday in Barcelona Spain

What an amazing day!! We went in to Barcelona around 9:30 and bought tickets for the hop on hop off bus. We tour Goudi's apartment house, up on the roof. I had never heard of this architect before but one thing is for sure, I won't forget him any time soon. Very avant Guard and so difficult to explain. we spent the day. MaryJo and Jim and Dan and I touring the city. We had Tapas for lunch I heard from both of my wonderful daughters and had to wish Lauren a happy birthday as well. We stayed in town until 7PM and then came back to the ship for dinner. I had

A Perfect Birthday in Barcelona Spain