And now, the day is done....

I spent the night waking and checking the clock; what time is it? Is it time to get up? 

I was having dreadful dreams about losing things, forgetting things. How I hate the night before travelling, it has an awful effect on me.

I met Shirley for breakfast in The Grill then I went to the Britannia Lounge to sit and wait for the call to disembark. Shirley joined me and we happily chatted away until I was called. She was number 25 so her group would be leaving about 15 mins after me. I hope she had a good journey back to Wales.

I was number 20 so was about a third of the way through the regular passengers. 

Numbers 1 through 12 were for those with some form of disability so were in need of chairs, assistance, or just a very slow at walking with someone carrying their hand luggage etc. 

I shared a car with a couple from Tunbridge Wells and although she was in a chatty mood she eventually stopped and nodded off. The partner hardly spoke.

I was really glad to be let off first so I walked into the house just before midday and was able to get the bed stripped after Ann had stayed and remade ready for me.

I did get the sheets washed and hung outside but the chances of them drying was low. I brought them in and they are upstairs drying off with windows ajar.

Now I'm tired. I've cooked for myself which was a shock after being looked after for the last three weeks,  but it did taste good even if I say so myself.

Thank goodness for freezers!!

So that's it, the end of the trip.

Was it worth it?

Oh yes, every second.

Would I do it again?

Yep, in a heart beat but I wouldn't bother with trips, I'd do each centre on foot. I know I wouldn't get out of the port city or town but I am certain I would see things the rest would have missed.

last night in The Grill

As a final gift from the crew

My cabin steward opened my door last night and as I went in he smiled that beautiful smile of his and said, "Happy Birthday Madam Marianne"

I could have cried when I saw the bed festooned with chocolates and the 3 tier 'cake'.

I received the box of chocolates and a card from Saga.

How lovely.

This morning the 'cake' sits in my side table with my three cards.

What a lovely thing to see when I woke this morning.

The final full day at sea

The Bay of Biscay has been kind and I slept well.

I did most of my packing last night and am taking very little washing home. Just the stuff for today and tomorrow morning and that's it.

Cases have to be outside the door tonight and then one more sleep, one more breakfast then home.

Am I sad?

Yes and no. Yes because I've enjoyed being away for three weeks and would happily stay away much longer.

No, because the air conditioning plays havoc with my sinuses.

If I won some money I would book a trip to Canada and USA for their Fall because the colours are just breathtaking. I would also do two trips back to back and join a growing band of winter travellers who avoid the UK during December to March.

The sunrise was lovely this morning but more impressive was the moon which hung over the sea like a jewel.

I wish I could have photographed it but it was shy and hid behind a cloud before I had the chance.

It's a clearing up day today around the ship, preparing for a major handover.

A large proportion of the crew have come to the end of their contracts and are heading home for two maybe three months before they are back on either this ship or the sister ship.

They're getting really excited as you can imagine but tell me it's tough getting the work visas to get back on board! Crazy. Seems our bureaucracy causes no ends of problems for them and Saga, trying to get their staff back on board.

The Christmas trees are out and all decks have some form of decorations embellishing them.

The Christmas tree on the main deck now has a complete "gingerbread" village surrounding it and the restaurants have their own trees.

The pool on the top deck is partially filled in anticipation of the Caribbean passengers and everywhere is getting that extra clean in preparation. 

I suspect a third of passengers are not getting off......bet the laundry is busy.

Happy Birthday to me

We are at sea today and waking up I opened the three cards I'd been sent to take with me. It was so nice opening them, looking at the sunrise, smiling and enjoying a giggle to myself.

I'm 69 today 🥳

Never dreamt I'd make it that far!!

So, what's happening today?

The executive chef, Raj, is doing a demo at 10.30am which I'm keen to see and later at midday those fellow travellers who have been learning the ukulele will be doing a short concert with some other guests who have formed a choir. Should be good.

Then its definitely my last Hydrotherapy visit for the trip, the Library and then it'll be the evening. 

Sounds a bit mundane but I'll enjoy it.

At some point there's a piano recital and, oh bugger, it a formal night!

Tomorrow will be bitter sweet as it's the last full day sailing, packing and preparing to leave. But as I said to myself this morning, we have to finish one trip before we can start looking forward to the next.....

.....and that's  Greenland 😊 

An afternoon sightseeing the outskirts of Lisbon

😳 a note to self: do not do two sight seeing trips back to back. 

Seriously, I have been talked at all day by two women who have a great deal to say at express speed. So much so I have no idea anymore.

Basically we drove along the coast road to Cascais where we stopped for a quick loo stop, then drove round the point to join one of the numerous motorways and then back to the ship.

It was interesting and I'm glad I did it but no, not again, too much being talked at and now I long for that quiet which, incidentally, I have on deck 6, listening to a chamber quartet, writing this and enjoying sparkling water.

Easily pleased.

Next time, I will resort to walking myself about and seeing what I see and tasting what I manage to get my teeth around 😊 like one of those egg custard tarts I still haven't enjoyed yet.

Last Leg; Lisbon

It was a far less choppy night and although I slept poorly (it was the disembarking info which set it off) the night was less eventful than expected.

We arrived in Lisbon harbour at around 8:30am and the first tours were out the door by 8:45am.

I was on the second wave which left thirty minutes later and we did a lightening trip round the important landmarks in the city.

Sadly, for me, the tour guide launched into talking and failed to draw breath for two hours. Her register was just at that pitch which asails the ears and I was delighted when we got to the end.

There were some spectacular monuments and buildings but it was just a panoramic tour so we got out of the bus once for the all important tower.

I have no idea how many coaches were there at the time but there were 3 from our ship alone. This is their famous tower which defended the spices worth so much money to the traders.

We came back and had to go through a full customs check, first one in fact.

I go out again shortly; I'll be going through it once more. 

The delights of Brexit indeed.

Ok, quick lunch and then back out again.....

Sea day, choppy seas and tablets.

It's been a slow day. Choppy seas all night rocked me to sleep but I didn't sleep well even though I was "asleep".

I did some more art work this morning then went upstairs and had a bit of a natter with a fellow amatuer artist and after lunch went back to my cabin for a while.

Next it was hydrotherapy and a sit in the waters as they rocked one side and then the other. 😁 at one point I thought they were going to exit over the edge like they were in the main pool on deck.

Anyway, totally lazy day and now its ten past six and I need to get some shoes on rather than flip flops. 

I'm up to date on seasick tablets so The Bay of Biscay can do it's normal.

The perfumes are out and the smell is really challenging. I can understand why the Japanese really dislike strong perfume,  really does affect how I taste things.

So, Lisbon tomorrow. The last stop and then two days at sea then disembarkation. Not long and itll be back to cold UK. Brrrr.

A free day to wander the streets

I love Lanzarote so I decided, as I know Arrecife I would take myself off and wander down to the beach.

My walk took me along the sea front and the marathon runners. I'm not sure where they started but they ran the full length of the town to the gardens at the far end of the beach and then all the way back past the terminal to the next village I think.

As they passed, hot and bothered, I clapped and cheered them on. They came from all over by the sounds of it; UK, Spain, Germany and probably more.

some of the front runners rounding the point before the beach.

view from where I sat looking over to the mountains of Africa 

The day was labelled as 'changeable' so after about 40 mins I moved off the beach and began the slow meander back. 

Stopping off at one of the pastelarias I bought myself one of their custard and apple slices. It was delightful, not too sweet like it would have been in UK.

As I popped the last mouthful into my mouth I heard the sound of rhythmical drumming sounding very much like the musical, Stomp. I followed the sound and found a troup of players coming down the road to an open area. They played there for another 4 or 5 minutes and then.........

I recorded them but sadly didn't take any stills. 

I get the impression it was something for the local children (and adults no doubt) as there were play stalls laid out such as skittles, giant ludo and Kerplunk......and so much else. I did hope the weather held for them but I suspect it was rained off later.

I started heading back to the ship meandering through the back streets and the past the lagoon where small fishing boats now bobbed about on the returning tide. The runners were approaching the second leg of their run and were slowly reaching the bridge.

Returning to the marina I saw this ship. Called Bad Company Support, it resembled nothing like I'd seen before.

Full frontal gives these the impression it'd cut the ice like knife and soft butter.

Although it was Saturday most of the shops in the marina were closed, probably because for them, it's out of season. Shame, it was still busy even without the cruise ship.

Pueblo, Botanical Garden and a wander around the port

I missed dawn breaking, it did so on portside so I missed it, but I did chuckle as we pulled alongside the warf of some interesting naval ships.

Three of them all moored up, sequentially numbered.

We went off on our trip quite early today, 9:15am, and headed into the northern mountainous region. 

Lush vegetation coated the valley walls with agave, cactus, banana and date palms thriving in the 'natural' climate they had become acclimatised to over the years.

Our first stop was a small town called Teror and is famous for its church which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Palm; Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino.

It is said "our lady" appeared under a palm tree in the town and once the Bishop came and blessed the place stating the sightings were true, the village grew and became a centre of pilgrimage. Each year offerings are brought to her and then there's a fiesta to celebrate.

I would love to have taken a photo of the alter which was lavished with silver and gold but we were not permitted to take photos in there.

the outside of the church in the town square. 

The main irritation we had was the rain which seemed to have followed us up the hill.

It was a pretty hill town, very much as one would expect in any part of Spain. The posh people in their day, invested in balconies and festooned them with plants showing off their wealth by how long and lavish the wood turning/carving adorned the frontage. 

The roads were, as expected, narrow and cobbled (with the volcanic rocks) and small shops and cafés appeared in the alleys.

In Puerto Cruz we had a cow advertising a shop. Here.....doesn't it look angry 😏

Our next stop was a botanical garden called the Marquesa Garden.

now this is my kind of place!

Peacocks had been brought to the gardens, originally for eating but when cooked, the meal so was tough the family who still own the gardens decided to let them roam free.

Needless to say the vistas were amazing and the plants, wonderful. Will enjoy painting some of this when I get home.

Returning to the ship I had lunch and then set off for a wander through the streets near the port.

my ankle started to hurt so I returned to the ship and hit the Hydrotherapy Suite.

Nice day. Shame the weather was not playing ball.

A very different dawn

A lovely dawn broke this morning and it was clear this would be a warm day at sea.

My first stop was breakfast; freshly made granary bread, toasted with marmalade and some fruit then off to the Library to begin mapping out the next page in my sketch book.

This one is of some  of the flowers  I've seen and photographed on Tenerife. Each brings back a memory of different places in Puerto Cruz so it's a page of thoughts, walks and discoveries. 

I didn't realise but I was sitting at the desk for nearly 3.5 hours. Explained why my eyes hurt and my brain wanted a break.

They served tapas for lunch......🤤

Knife, fork and bib ready I sampled, um, quite a bit.

Then to the stern for some sun and it was hot, too hot for my shins.

So now its 15:21 and I'm sitting on my balcony in the shade. I've enjoyed a cup of tea and am contemplating the Hydrotherapy suite. Seems like a nice place to visit.......but first, another cup of tea I think.....

Sun rise, flying fish and hydrotherapy

It was a beautiful dawn, all yellows and peaches with flying fish leaping the waves as we passed.

I'd never seen them in real life, only on the TV so it was amazing to watch them gliding over the water and re-entering at a distance.

This is not my picture but this is what I saw, only there were small shoals of them.

One thing I didn't know is they are cod not sardines even if they look more like they should be.

It's still wonderfully warm, a balmy 24°C but the wind is really whipping along and makes it less pleasant to be up top.

Having had lunch and a natter I decided it was time for a Spa visit so spent a couple very happy hours in the pool and in the sauna. I'm getting to be a bit of a regular in there.

So now I'm seated on the main deck, deck 5, enjoying some nuts and a sparkling water. It's another formal night so I will be well out the way in The Grill with the other formal dinner avoiders 🥰

One thing which makes me grin are the number of stroller supports in use.

Once upon a time some decades ago these people were living life to the full with engines burning and paintwork, perfect. 

Now they are somewhat battered and rather slow, reminding me of a car which has gone round the clock a few times, has too much give in the pistons and very dodgy suspension.

Watching a man coming into the living room in the full dickie bow and black suit using a stroller seems, well, incongruous somehow.

Porto Praia; a much nicer day

No stupid problems with itinerary, no silly stops and disputes, just one, four hour trip which was very well led by a knowledgeable and pleasant man with a very patient and skilled driver.

Our trip took us across the island to the northern side and the original capital of the island.

We went into the market and saw so much activity. This lady allowed me to photograph her but I had to give her something. It's a very poor country, hey, one euro means little to me but is the price of her stall for the day.

Everything seen here is grown by them on land they inherit from the family. This year (as with the last few years) there's been little rain so they've relied on the boreholes. The north gets more water because of the mists off the craggy mountains so they grow for the island.

Even so, the islands import 90% of their food.

China is slowly buying up the island. Soft power, which they learned from us, has built roads, schools and set up businesses. They are the wealthy and politically powerful here. How this marries with the island's new found democracy I dont know but the EU and UK missed a trick of great influence here.

How's this for using plastic waste? Am going to try this when I get back.

We visited the church there, dedicated to Fatima. For a town so poor, they lavished much love on their church.

We also visited a place they called their botanical gardens. 

Sadly the government had missed a marketing trick and let it fall into disrepair. The bones of a beautiful set of terraces still existed but the care and love needed to maintain them was sadly lacking.

Yes, a lovely day but a destination I would not come back to. I've seen it and I'm happy with the snapshot look, so now we sail two days back to the Canary islands and Gran Canaria. 

We arrived, I tripped, I did the washing

Today is the first stop in the islands of Cape Verde. They're a set of small volcanic islands, which, as with the Canaries, range in age as you travel around the archipelago. 

The youngest is called Fogo which last erupted in 2014, so is still very active, closely monitored and always ready to grow more.

We start our sojourn at Porto Grande. 

This is one of the most populated and from the talks we'd had, I got the impression it was smaller than it actually was. There were signs of potential affluence creeping in but the general population were still close to the bread line.

Let's put it this way, I saw very few obese people in the town.

I enjoyed a natter with a lady I'd met earlier until it was time to go, then joined the ranks of mini bus 16 to begin our exploration of the town highlights and culture, followed by a trip through the landscape of the island finishing at Horseshoe Bay for a swim, coffee and nibbles.

Sounded wonderful but things started to go awry when 3 people who for some reason decided they didn't need to go through the process of being told which bus went where, had just picked one.....the wrong ones!!

That took 25 minutes to unpick in the middle of the town.

We then went to the quayside and I watched a couple of fishermen gutting the fish. Now that was fascinating. 

The tin can was the best bit though. Someone had had the brilliant idea of taking an empty tuna can, knocking holes through the bottom so it left jagged edges pointing down through the bottom, then used it to scrap the large fish, quickly and efficiently. 

So then there was a lengthy wait as the ship's tour guide (who by this time was in need of a drink) and the tour guide from the local company attempted to agree on the itinery.

A gentleman and I propped up a barrier and took in the sun and the engaging disagreement which was becoming more interesting by the minute.

What we had been told and what the tour people had said, failed to navigate the Babble-fish too well....it deteriorated.

We spent two and a half hours of faffing and driving around the town in hops of 100 metres and then stopping before my silence was punctuated by short, pithy quips which made many giggle  but could have been interpreted as genuinely observational. The tour guide had a quiet voice and no amplification,  that didn't help. 

I was good, I retired into a bored stupor. The highlight of the tour? Visiting a man's collection of stuff from the 60s and 70s which he lovingly wrapped up in clingfilm. It ranged from old typewriters, to saws, to paraffin lamps to albums to......

We then went to this acclaimed Horseshoe bay, which is acclaimed for I know not what......

When I got back I found the poor lady in charge of all Ashore tours to warn her, bus 16 was not a happy bus and I was past the point of being angry. My comment was,

"There is a right hand and a left hand but there's nobody in the middle."

Well, at least we didn't have the indignity of breaking down half way up a mountain 😂 but that's another bus.

So, I went and calmed down in the laundrette and did my washing and then the ironing.

Second day at sea

As per normal I woke up really early and ended up one of the very first in The Grill for breakfast. 

I'm not sure why, but my phone has automatically changed the time to an hour ahead. Really confusing.

Tomorrow we fall back an hour so unless miracles happen I am going to be two hours out. 🤷‍♀️ 

So, my day began with a magical find, Arla Lactofree Milk! 

I had asked for it in the cabin but it didn't get through. My cabin steward didn't realise skimmed milk or soya just wasn't it but I coped, restricting myself to one cup of tea a day.

The restaurant manager was marvellous, I chatted to him and he took my cabin number......now I have the lactofree and the soya and the skimmed in my little fridge. But hey, I can drink tea which is wonderful.

I spent the morning doing the lettering and the third drawing of the Hellier lighthouse up on the approaches of Kirkwall. It's almost finished but does require some defining pen work.

sorry the image is so dark but I took it on the bed and the light is pretty low in the cabin.

My stomach was telling me it was time to eat so beetling it up to deck 12, I sampled one of the Mongolian stir fries which, I hasten to add was wonderful. Different chef this time. I did wonder if the stir fry represented something he'd studied or something he knew from back home.

Have met up with two people from the Northern Lights trip and we had a great afternoon playing RummiKub. Such good fun.

The pool up top was suffering from soot particles so having had a cursory dip amongst the floating bits, I retired downstairs to The Spar and hydrotherapy. 🥰 bliss.

So I'm back upstairs, no idea what the time is, but am enjoying a cuppa, then I'm going back to the library to listen to the recital. 

......wonder what the time really is? has my clock changed again by any chance? I need a watch I don't kill.

At Sea and feeling fine

An army might march on its stomach, but missing breakfast meant I was ready to demolish bowl fulls.

We were, once more, given a Spanish delight of mixed seafood cooked in mixed peppers and onion and served in a rich fish stock.

They also served green-skinned mussels and fresh bread. It was just what the doctor ordered.

It was cooked in the open on deck 12 so we could watch how it was prepared. Apart from making the fish stock, the cooking of the dish itself took less than 15 minutes.....yes, I will be cooking that when I get home.....just need access to a very good fish stock.

We are heading down the African coast to the Cape Verde archipelago which lies on the same latitude as Senegal.

It's already getting hotter and the sea is a deep blue, matching the sky above.

I spent a few hours in the Hydrotherapy Suite taking advantage of the delights of the sauna, steam room and of course the hydrotherapy pool itself.

Now I'm relaxing in the library with a bitter hot chocolate waiting to have something to eat before retiring to the library to do some more work in my sketch book.

What a wonderful day.

La Palma de Las Palmas

Ok so back on my planet....

It's 10:46 and La Palma is just waking up. 

I've walked to the far end of the city taking the scenic route along the coast and now I am seated in one of their numerous squares, happily writing this whilst sitting under an orange tree.

The café is buzzing with locals and the beers are already being served.

Coffee, churros, tostadas, pan y queso and many other beautifully smelling breakfasts are appearing from the kiosk. Its busy.

This is a lovely wander. I've found two hospitals, visited a fascinating museum, gone into an open fruit and vegetable market and am now enjoying a bottle of water I picked up from the Spar (indicated by the end of the day to green line).

It's still overcast but warm and the place is buzzing.

This time I'm tracing my steps using the Gaia app. I just looked and I've already done 3.6kms most of which have been up hills and down slopes. In places its steps but this is a town centre to keep you fit!

The roads are narrow; just wide enough for a 4 x 4 to get down so all roads, save the coast one, are one way. There's no tarmac because they'd have to import it, so they use the volcanic pebbles laid on their sides all held together with the ubiquitous concrete. Being hard they wear well. In places they make patterns with them.

My ankle is beginning to tell me enough, so one more mini meander and then back to the ship.

We set sail at 16:30 so most of us are starting to get back on board. We had the best of the weather this morning because the mists are descending now.

This afternoon I anticipate hitting the Hydrotherapy Suite and relaxing off my back and ankle, but first.....

Their fish + chips 😏

Off and out on a freebie

So much has changed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; new land reclaimed around the port, extended container port as well as a new marina and pleasure beach nestled between a cement factory and some  port authority stuff.

We drove to the beach at San Antonio which I had visited a few years ago. 

Today's its overcast and very blustery but it was heartening to see a large array of small fishing ships moored just off shore. The tide was in and the wind whipped up the man made beach. If you wanted sand blasting this was the day to do it.

At least it was yellow and imported 😊 Thank you Sahara.

Our next stop were a set of gardens in the centre of town. Once a potato field, the gardens were created by a doctor for sick children to have a space to clear their lungs and regain health.

In the main square there were works...

without warning, roping off or anything, a cement mixer turned up, we scattered, and they began pouring.

I laughed. 

I knew I was back in Spain. Its everyone for themselves here. Health and Safety? What's that?

So back on the coach and to be honest I lost interest after that. As I said in my appraisal, if I want to see a container port, cement factory etc, I'll go to Tilbury.

typical avenida in Santa Cruz.

Tenerefe

The first time I came to the island, we landed at the north airport, one wheel at a time slewing to a rest some 45° to that which would be expected.

I was about 14 years old and my mother and I were due to go to a grand old converted colonial mansion up in the mountains. I remember staring down at the port and watched the QE2 come into port on her maiden voyage.

The port was small and still housed some fishing boats one end.

Today its one of the largest ports in Europe with a large container dock at one end and a massive cement manufacturer the other. 

Land has been reclaimed and the old harbour walls are now some distance in from the water's edge.

There is a massive oil terminal which has expanded over the years and of course the dedicated cruise terminal which is capable of housing at least five of the massive ships; you know, the ones with 3000 plus people, floating towns basically.

Us? We're tucked in at the very back. We only have 720 passengers and are considerably smaller than all the others. 

The ferry port is in the same section and I would say the inter Island ferry which takes in all the logistics is about our size.

Long gone are the days when the QE2 arrived and because she was so big had to drop anchor within the harbour bowl and tender in and out.

We didn't dock until 11am and were the last in. 

I then had a wait until my trip out which I'd missed in many ways....pretty poor and I did tell the Ashores Team. That one they need to sort out.

As I'm writing this I have just watched the Regal Princess slide out and head off to...probably another of the islands (maybe).

This is the major hub now for cruising this part of the coast, so people fly into the airport, get buses to the quay, face the cattle market to collect cabin passes, the welcome pack etc, and then walk along to their ship.

Mm, not or me. When we came back from our quick jaunt around the "highlights" of Santa Cruz I saw a TUI coach disgorging passengers who were looking for their cases, taking them to baggage collection points, finding boarding information, then going through boarding.

Nope, not any more. I like the idea of leaving the house handing your case to your chauffeur and the next time you're aware of it, its is in your cabin.

I'll natter about the trip next, but safe to say, Santa Cruz is not a destination I would concern myself with. 

Bit like Luton really, ok to pass through as long as you were driving somewhere else.

You meet the nicest people....

When I was travelling to Honningsvåg we all had heavy clothes and bulky suitcases. Like most people, I ended up restricting the number of items knowing we had a laundry on board.

Tiday, whilst waiting for the washer then dryer, the stuff to dry, a small group of people began to frequent the place, some of whom had been on the same trip as me. It was like a gathering of the clans, swapping stories, catching up, trying to sort out the dryer settings, remembering the tricks and trips we'd gleaned whilst on the sister ship.

This ship is slightly different in so much as it has two laundrettes. 

Posh it what? 

We could have done with that on the other ship I can tell you. But it did bring back memories for most of us who had, in times gone by, frequented laundrettes and set up social clubs there, meeting on regular days to swap stories about the family, the kids and general tittle-tattle in the area.

It may seem such a mundane chore but its social meetings like this that make washing clothes all the more enjoyable.

And so it's a return to the ship

Sitting up at one of the Miradors we could see our ship, the smallest one out of the three. The German ship, aptly named Herr Shipp belched out sulfur soot from its engines. Horrible.

I was so glad to hear Saga's two ships run on clean technology and the funnel showed just how clean it was.

It was around now I suddenly realised my appetite was returning and I was famished.

Once back on board it was straight up to deck 12 for a falafel with a few chips and salad.

Having let all that settle it was then off to the Hydrotherapy suite for some hydro on my aches and pains, followed by a sauna, shower and now I'm back in the library listening to the sounds of the Sailaway serenade from an electric guitar and female singer. Low key, just how I like it.

So, that's Funchal for now but I think I will come back and stay in 2023 for a couple of weeks, perhaps for my birthday? Not sure, but Funchal is a definite for me.

Slowly, and stealthily we glided into Funchal

As dawn broke we slid silently into dock and came to rest at the nearest mooring to the town.

I watched as we glided past the main part of town, still fully illuminated with the street lights of night time, to see the sun slowly creep over the mountains which surround Funchal.

The place has crept further up the mountains since I was here last and luxury places poke out amongst the pines.

Steep, clinging onto the side of the slopes, Funchal is already busy and as I sit on my balcony with a cup of tea,  I can see the headlights of cars streaming down from the upper slopes of smaller houses, apartments and villages.

What a lovely sight.

Early breakfast followed by a stroll into the outskirts of the town centre, stopping first at the sculpture of a fish made from scraps and waste.

Then a wander towards the gardens which surround the Casino. The small Madeiran lizards were out in force and bugger ones spent their time shooing away the newly hatched ones.

After about an hour, maybe two, I had to head back; was due out for a scenic tour at 11.20am.

The tour took us all over Funchal which, as expected is a sprawling town resembling the amphitheatre it sits in.

We took in two Miradors, one at each end of the town. The air is clear here but we certainly had the best of the weather...

Mariscos especialides

Wow, what an evening meal, squid, mussels, sardines, scallops, bass, salmon, you name it and it was there together with various meats cooked in Spanish sauces. 

Delicioso 

 I had a lovely afternoon and met a really nice, genuine couple at dinner this evening, so I must admit, it was a very agreeable end to a nice day.

Tomorrow its Funchal. 

I go on a sightseeing trip in the morning then get the afternoon to just meander the streets for a couple of hours.

I like Funchal. It's full of beautiful houses, lush gardens and nice food. I'm hoping to get to see all three and perhaps bring back a little something from the supermarket for later. 

Ok, so now? Well I have one more lecture on one of our destinations to watch and then.....maybe a bit of TV.

Its 8pm and I'm full of seafood and churros with chocolate sauce. 

Yummy.

I lost a day and a half....

Amazing when a migraine strikes. That together with wild seas as we travelled through the Bay of Biscay, flat out, attempting to avoid a storm.

First time ever I was reduced to taking sea-sickness tablets.

Mind you, I wasn't the only one and the number of cabin doors which still had the Do Not Disturb sign illuminated was surprising.

Today is my first real day of enjoying the pleasures of being at sea. The migraine has abated and the seas have reduced. It's about 20°C with some cloud. On starboard, the winds are low and the sun shines down. Outside is like a wind tunnel and no sun. I know which side I'll be sticking to that's for certain.

I went for a sauna and hydrotherapy swim today and will be aiming to do that every day. It has made a substantial difference to my left shoulder and finding I can use that blasted ankle if I hold it at a certain angle really helps.

So, hydrotherapy then an infra red sauna, then back to the Library for a cuppa.

Lunch was enjoyable; I stuck to a very simple salad with a few new potatoes and followed that with a fresh peach and an apple.

I'm now back in the library avoiding the football although I can hear it dominating from the Britannia Lounge on the deck below.

I know we're close when adverts like this appear on my phone 🥰

This afternoon? Well it's a stroll on deck I think and then? Mm, not sure yet, but its Spanish night in The Grill tonight and I would like to enjoy a small amount of their fayre.

Tomorrow its Funchal. I'm off on a short scenic tour then the time is my own. I know Funchal well so will do a nose round the parts I remember I really enjoyed.

Yep, this is the life and my cabin attendant is a complete star.

And the day has arrived 🥳

The car came at 11:25 and that was the last time I had to deal with my case. 

In it went and in I got, to be whisked to Southampton by a really lovely driver who negotiated the M25 as well as the M3 and M27. 

Rather her than me.

We arrived at 13.30 and within fifteen minutes we had cleared security and registered on board.

As usual, a wonderful spread of food was laid on both on Deck 11 where they served everything from pasta to make-it-yourself sandwiches with hot and cold meals in between and Deck 5 which had the cakes and pastries; somewhere to avoid me thinks.

So I'm back in my cabin awaiting muster drill.

Once that is complete we can get underway, probably around 17:00. Then its sit back and enjoy a few days At Sea as we cruise our way to Funchal, Madera.

How simply delightful.

Oooooh! It will be time soon...

Soon. 

In just over a month I will be waiting for the car to come and collect me to drive me down to Southampton Terminal for boarding and I can't wait.

I leave on 19th November setting sail for Funchal, Madera as our first stop. We have four days on board first as we gently make our way down the coast UK and Europe.  I anticipate getting to know the sauna rooms and the hydrotherapy suite very well during that time.

I'm on the sister ship, Spirit of Adventure so different decor but essentially the same layout. Sadly I won't get to see the staff off the other ship but perhaps another time.

 

Our itinerary is nice; 

November 23rd, Funchal and an inclusive tour of Funchal itself with the rest of the day exploring and enjoying the town. Its a lovely place, one I've been to a couple of times but I never get tired of the Portuguese style of buildings, the food and the sea front.

 

On 24th, November we're in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, where I will again have an inclusive tour of the city (certainly cheaper than the tourist bus at €48) and once again an enjoyable stroll about. I've been here many a time so it'll be like going back home in a way. My saddest thought is not seeing Puerto de la Cruz, some 40kms away but that's for another time.

 

The 25th sees us docking in Santa Cruz, La Palma. I'll spend the morning with binoculars looking at the volcanic eruption remnants and then maybe a stroll along the sea front but I'm off out in the afternoon on a coastal walk and to see the forest of Los Tilos so I won't want to be late and will need lunch beforehand.

 

I spent a week I think, with Pete Simmons over there. That was years ago. He had lived there for two years and never ventured far, not even to other islands to explore. I never did understand why and he never showed me the island as promised, not even the large telescopes at the top of the island, the reason I went in the first place.

 

I'm not sure how my ankle will take the walking but at least we will have time at sea until, on 28th November we arrive at Porto Grande, Cape Verde.

 

Not sure what I will do in the morning but at 1pm I'm off on a sight seeing mission to look round Mindelo City and explore their culture. 

 

I've never been here before so it will be interesting. I've been warned about the poverty on the island since the salt mines were closed down, so this is something I am keen to see and photograph.

 

We then move on to Praia, Cape Verde on 29th and get to see Santiago. I'm back in time got lunch so, depending upon when we set sail will determine if I stay on board or visit somewhere close....on foot.

We have a few days back on board as we sail toward the Canaries once more and make a stop at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 2nd December. I've seen some of the island but not the northern parts, so I am joining a trip which will take in the sights. Gran Canaria itself is huge but there is a really nice cut through to the beach not far from where the ship docks. If its a nice day, I'll probably wander up there and have a paddle....it's just got to be done.

 

We arrive in Arrecife the next day and I pray for good weather because I'm high-tailing it to the ⛱ and staying for as long as I can. The sand is soft, fine and warm and the beach bars are wonderful. 

I'm busy on 5th December. We arrive in Lisbon, early in the morning, and my first of 2 trips leaves at 9am. The first is just a look around Lisbon itself and the second is something with an intriguing title: Guincho, Cascais and Estoril. With a title like that I just had to say yes.

 

So there you have it.

The places, the excursions and my hopes and dreams. Not long to wait and I'm already planning what to take. 

I am so ready for this 🤩

So another covid shot......

September 12th is for me, D-Day, the first day for the latest in covid cover for the over 50s.

I may have reached the dizzy heights of 68 but with a holiday booked, paid for and anticipated with great glee, this is possibly a deal breaker.

No booster, can't travel, simple as that and I'm a distance down the pecking order of being "invited" to attend. 

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I don't leave until mid November but I know how slowly the wheels grind.

🤞🤞🤞

Back to UK and day trips

First wander out was to Allington Lock, just on the outskirts of Maidstone. It maybe close to the main town of the county but the lock is a world lost in time.

I parked by the London Road and walked down from there. It's about 1 km and you pass over the main railway line, passed the Allington Bakery (the smell of hot cross buns being cooked was fabulous) and then down toward Allington Castle.

Sounds grand and probably is but its privately owned and opened only for filming or weddings or similar. If you look on Google the images are stunning.

Anyway, we meer mortals turn left at the keep and past the old church which has now been sold.

The road gets steadily steeper until you pop out at the Lock keepers house.

If you're lucky the cafe is open but no loos so be aware.

The area is fabulous and I took a couple of pictures from the lock itself. 

I anticipate going there again but it was a Sunday and everywhere was closing down. I suspect most of the area is closed outside of weekends and school holidays, but a great place to come. The house boats look fabulous, I will walk down to them another day.

view from the lock looking towards Maidstone 

some of the smaller day boats which moor up here. There's a small harbour just up river from here 

Our final port - Kristiansund and not its namesake Kristiansand

 I missed our docking but on opening the curtains was greeted by a very small harbour any larger ship would have to tender to from a way off. The entrance is so tight and so shallow there are specific times to get in and to get out so we would be leaving on the next tide which hit its optimum point at 4pm.

I had booked to do a walking tour of the place itself but had changed it for a coach trip of the area instead; I realised I wouldn't make 3 miles yet and booking blind, not knowing how far we would be from the ship I just didn't dare risk it.

So I plumbed for a trip called Norway in Miniature. Basically it took us to various parts of the region and we were allowed to enjoy the scenery and the long tunnels connecting one place to another.

Our first stop was on the recently constructed Atlantic Road which I spoke about earlier. The path round was a great addition and the views over the Atlantic were stunning.

This is the car park in front of the 'transport cafe' there. The side of the place is built in a way as to represent the fish of the area and the door is only discernible by the handle [we got that wrong, we were try to go in via the disabled toilet!] 

 

Our next stop was a church, one of the earliest in Norway. The large tree trunks pushed against the sides are a prevention of collapse due to wind damage which usually blows hard over this part of the region. We were lucky, it seems as the wind was almost non existent whilst we were there.

Inside the church, the walls and ceiling were covered in this pattern you see here. The work goes back to the early records of the 18th century and as a consequence we were asked to make sure our flash was off.

Common in all Norwegian churches is a small ship hung from the ceiling. This was a way of blessing those at sea and asking the Gods to bring them home safely.

At 5.7km long and going 250m below sea level at its deepest, this is considered the steepest and longest tunnel in Norway. Sadly, on one of the very narrow roads we had an altercation with a driver - whilst backing up to allow a farm vehicle to pass, we reversed into a car which for some reason did not back up with us, don't know why, but the long and short of it was the driver was fine but the car had some damage. When we got to a point in the road where we could pull over, details were swapped and we then wound our way back to the ship.

When I come back again, and I will, I will stay in Kristiansund and have a wander round. Its some two weeks after returning and in that time the ankle is making great strides [excuse the pun] at hurting less and being more mobile. I will return and enjoy this cruise once more but do different day trips [I want to do the reindeer sledding] and visit some of the ports such as this one with its free water bus.

 

 So, 4pm came and we started to slowly move off the dock passing close to the flats which edged the entrance. They came out onto their balconies waving flags and wishing us bon voyage.

Little did we know we were heading into even bigger seas, stronger winds and a delay to our final docking in Southampton.

Taxis were waiting for us to get our cases and within 20 minutes of being summonsed from our muster points to the gangway for the last time, we had been united with our drivers and were whisked back to our front doors and settling back into land living once more

 

So cheers everyone, and to the next journey, may it be as exciting as this one has been. 

May the sun be on our faces and the winds to our backs.