Up late as we lost an hour of sleep.  Where did it go?  Lol. I expect I will find it someday.  Somewhere in the wide deep purpley blue ocean is my hour of sleep.  Sigh.

Light breakfast in the Terrace Cafe, looking for Roger but did not find him.  Fausto works in main dining room …. I think that is tomorrow for supper?  

Went to library today and found some fabulous books to look at, about travel, writing and more.  I love the library and this one has lovely bench seats facing out to sea, so I enjoyed some time there.  I made a list of things I want to do on this ship and voyage. Some include writing my personal vision statement …writing a romantic anniversary poem to my husband … And enjoying the concierge class on this ship.  Painting and reading are also important to me.   

I just read a quote I love “artists are trailblazers of culture”. So true.  Everyone is one and has a responsibility to practice the art they create.

I am in the concierge lounge now and decide to attempt a Sudoku puzzle.  I reflect on being taught how to do these at work in the custody center.  Several of the youth who attended there learned how and enjoyed the idea of teaching me.  I feel it is part of my gratitude to them that I continue to do these puzzles from time to time.  I remember also learning to crochet from a mom of a youth I worked with almost thirty years ago.  Thanks for the art!

Back in the room, I found that hour of sleep … Ha ha. .. I never nap but fell asleep soundly with the ship movement and lovely breezes sea air.  I woke five minutes before we were to meet friends at happy hour in Martinis ….  My goodness.  Got changed, rushed down and met them and another couple and talked travel and exotic places.

I received a celebration email from franchise owner indicating I am number four agent in North America with Expedia CruiseShipCenter …. Wow!  Thanks to all of you for your support and loyalty.  I will do my best to keep traveling with thenWomens Travel Club!  I was offered a cruise on Windstar and a river cruise ….  Not sure if I can fit it all in.

After bevvies I chatted with my daughter on messenger and then off to dining with another great couple in Jacques, the French dining restaurant on board.  Lovely.  Home to the room and getting ready for a good sleep.  

My days are full.  Looking forward to another sea day tomorrow.

Wish you were here, love Pamela

Last night was fun. We ate at Red Ginger for my first time.  Greeted with Edamame and lovely gal waited on us.  The atmosphere was magic, the large plates, white with red abstract design, red water glass, and black accents including linen napkins.  Our first course was large shrimp in a very tasty spicy sauce.  I wanted to lick the plate, ha ha … But I resisted.  I cleaned up as much of the sauce as I could with the utensils I had.  I add sushi and chopsticks to my requests and they provide gluten free soy sauce, wasabi and a selection of chopsticks to try.  Fun!  I get red ones.  

Many staff came to check on us … Were we pleased?  Yes, certainly this was a very special experience.  Earlier we had chilled a bottle of prosecco and had it with appies while getting ready for dinner.  Then we were enticed to try saki with the meal.  I had hot, Deb tried a cold sweeter saki.  Both were pleased with the beverage.  Lots of giggles and belly laughs, and some pictures of the evening.  Table for two.  

After dining we went to the show and listened to some great singers and piano as well as the four pice string quartet and more.  A buffet of sounds.  We were then invited to Horizons to dance to the music of the band up there.  The tunes were oldies and fun.  Some of the guests are excellent ballroom dancers an very fun to watch.

We lost another hour of sleep, and changed our clocks and ordered room service for morning, a day at sea.  Sleep came easy with the gentle rocking of the ship as it set sail for the Europe coast.

Morning arrives.  White table cloth with room service, sea days.  Today the waiter brought room service and took the time to set up a white table cloth and each item we ordered he carefully placed in a lovely fashion on our oval table in front of the couch.  He also recommended we try the main dining room special brunch today.  Food carvings and some special treats, he said, we would not be disappointed.  

Good morning to the wide open sea!  The dark water and white froth around the ship, looks like it could swallow up without a ripple. No sea birds or sightings of sea life.  Heading out for a walk around the deck.  A big wind made walking very fun, and challenging as we completed some laps.  The sun was out and with the wind it seems cooler and deceiving about the power of the sun where we are.  Not hot like my last cruise, however, intense sun is up there and brightly dancing off the sea surface.  We spied a small boat and stopped to wonder how it came to be so far out here .. Hundreds of miles since we left Bermuda.

I went to needlepoint in Horizons for a quick lesson and a new kit to work on.  The lighting up there is good.  I had planned to meet Debbie for the Oceania hosted extended journeys presentation in the Riviera Lounge.  We met some of our couple friends and sat close.  Too dark to needlepoint in the dark blue coloured thread.  Oh well ….  There were a few itineraries of interest to me… British Isles, Amsterdam to ?, Including Le Havre, Brugges and other places on my list of places to cruise.  I am inspired to take a good look at some options for 2016 while on this trip.

Then I popped in to the Artist Loft to listen to our artist in residence talk about how to paint with oils and a palette knife.  I loved the technique and his results are fantastic.  My take away:  he said he completed five paintings when he first learned, all practice … And then has been painting and selling ever since, always using the palette knife.  I think how I have never allowed myself five .. Or even one, practice painting.  I decide I will be more courageous with my painting that I started with acrylics and call it a practice.  Somehow previously I always felt that each painting had to be brilliant and 10 out of ten.  New process for me now.  Breathe, allow and relax.  Enjoy five practice paintings!

The seats in the Artist loft is full and I take my leave.  Back to the room and then realize I am to meet Deb to check out the Grand Dining Room buffet.  And to my surprise the other waiter I know from Regatta is there and he seems genuinely happy to see me and greets me with a big smile, Fausto.  Deb and I enjoy some buffet foods, a beverage and then compare notes for the day’s activities.  

I put on my bathing suit and off to the Spa Terrace for a swim in the super huge thalassotherapy pool, only to discover it has been emptied.  It probably has to do with the strong winds and motion of the ocean.  I am content to lay out, relax and watch the sea.  Deb enjoys the warm tile beds inside the spa area.  

I can’t think of anything I wanted to do, and so return to the artist loft for a few hours of practice.  Lots of room, seats vacant, I get right down to work.  Not an hour later I notice that the rocking and looking down paying attention to detail leaves me a bit woozy.  Almost like reading in the car.  Although I love the energy of the loft and super intrigued by watching the resident artist, Graham Denison, I have to go get fresh air and a view of the horizon.  Perhaps a diet ginger ale would be nice.  Wish I could paint more … Maybe tomorrow.

Finding my way around.  The phone in elevator hallway is on the side of ship with even numbers.  The food areas of the ship, top and lower decks are all at one end while lounges etc on other end.  If I check out numbers of rooms they get larger toward the food areas … And smaller toward the lounge areas of the ship.  These little tips help me to find my way to my next activity based on which way to go as I leave my glorious stateroom.  

We completed our food order for a few days from now … In Grand Dining Room.  

I get my ticket and walk briskly hoping for a front seat on the bus …. And am successful.  The bus is full, lots of interesting people board.  I have some ginger tabs In case the bus ride causes me any grief.  

Today I am hopeful for coastal vistas, lots of pics of the sea, and seeing both tips of the island.  It is Easter Sunday. Interesting tour guide, JG Tweed. (Jimmy to his friends). Lots of sight seeing, and no shopping open today.  Going to drive on left side of road.  He explains his story about why English drive on left.  We depart the Dockyard at 920 am.  

This is the first cruise ship of the season to land in Bermuda.  

Fortresses and homes made of Bermuda Stone.  History of large quarries and using stone from the hills as the hills destroyed .. For building homes.  The water is captured from the roofs and down the gutters to the captured area in the basement under the veranda, mostly.  If pipes are seen on outside of house they are old homes.  New homes may have pipes inside the house structure.  All gather the water this way.  The containers under the house are lined in very smooth cement.  The roofs painted white of all homes.  The water stays pure.  Not to keep water under bedrooms as the floors would then be too cold due to dampness.  Gold fish sometimes put in the water tanks, to eat cockroaches and ants.  How big did the goldfish get?  Hmmmmmm.

  I believe the white painted roofs also keeps the roof cool and keeps that area from rotting.  Spots can be seen on the brightly coloured homes, where mould and rot starts to work away at the structure, or at least the paint!   Bright colours, pastel colors, all trimmed in white.  Some very old and very high end homes have Bermuda cedar trim, although the trees are all gone due to blight … So now the cost  is prohibitive and the cedar trees are fragile.  The islands try to grow them again.  

This island is self contained and made up of some 175 islands, about seven main islands connected by 13 bridges.  There are a few male prisons on the island, we saw new and old ones.  Coral reefs surround the island and protect from intruders in the past.  The water is a delightful light green blue, pale in spots and transparent.  Cactus growing wild in places, Palm trees, paw paw trees, red round mailboxes and a population of around 65,000.  Banana plants unique to Bermuda are small and planted as part of gardens bearing fruit once every 18 months.  The paw paw tree changes gender every two years.  We saw one in bloom and with fruit .. I remember seeing them previously in Disney cartoon movie, the Jungle Book, with Baloo the Bear teaching the boy cub Mowgli.  

Wild chickens, birds were really all the wildlife we saw.  When Europeans first came to Bermuda, all there was existing was birds and rats for wildlife.  Large areas had to burned to kill cockroaches.  Argh! 

Many large gardens were seen, some community gardens and some private.  Cameras on street corners, in shops and along roadways to help reduce criminal activity and to help solve crimes.  

Flowers in bloom on bushes and trees throughout the island, deep purple hues, pinks, reds and yellows, oranges and even blue.  Hibiscus, Oleander and more.  The floral scents are captured in perfume factories on the island, for sale locally.  In fact Bermuda has no exports, only imports.  They must import everything and there is high tax on things like motor cars and mopeds.  People are allowed only one car, and the cost of the admin fees can be prohibitive.  Many opt out.  

Many of the homes have been in the family for generations, not many people leave and still some members stay behind to raise their family in the family home.  Almost all single family dwellings are two stories.  The top floor where the owners live and the homes are passed down from generation to generation.  The bottom floor rented out to create income to pay the admin costs and taxes for the home.  Some homes up to and exceeding two hundred years old.  Due to a few hurricanes in the past two years, many trees were knocked down and it is easier viewing for the homes.  Homes only have to be 20 feet apart and many lands have been subdivided and again, so more homes with family members could be built.  Again, from Bermuda stone and then painted bright colors with white trip and roofs.  Many homes 175 years of age and older.  

Lots of churches dot the sides of the roads, different denominations, and still painted in the pastel and bright colours.  Cemeteries are also plentiful and cremations never happen on the island.  Bodies are buried in family plots, always facing east.  Sometimes stacked three high, painted white …. Interesting.  Little children who have been buried have very small but identical structures for the bodies.  Also,we saw a military grave sight.

Windy narrow roads all around the island.  Several times cars we met had to back up quite a ways to find a spot to pull over so we could pass, bus having the right of way on these public roads.  There are some roads busses can’t use as the road is too narrow.  

We were introduced to the Island of Peace.  An island just off shore, with ten beaches.  All were underwater today with the high tide.  Speaking of tide, under Flatts Bridge the tide comes and goes every four hours and we could see many eddies, currents and whirl pool areas making this area of water very treacherous.  

Some parts of the roadway were made intentionally rough so to provide some better traction for the cars and mopeds to keep control, especially on wet rainy days.  Roads are twisty turny and up and down, hidden corners, and no speed signs that I ever saw.  

Our guide talked about all the famous people who have homes in the area and where some of them were.  Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas have been seen often here as this is one of their favorite places.  They give generously to local Bermudian charities.  Steven Spielbergs home was also seen.  We saw the smallest drawbridge in the world, only 18 inches wide!

Some of the agriculture and businesses historically included farming, fishing, salt production, boat building and now tourism.  Many big hotels have come and gone over the years, we saw that evidence and heard the stories.

Our guide also talked about the stories of the Bermuda Triangle.  There is a history of land pirates going out to sea and stealing from the ships, and returning with the goodies to their home island.  There are no high tides visible on the north side of the island as the waves fill in the many many caves that go very deep under ground and under sea.  

There are over 9 golf courses on the island.  Many private and public schools and all children wear school uniforms.  St George’s is the World Heritage sight in Bermuda.  No one can buy or sell some of the landmark historic buildings even if they are privately owned.  These same buildings are to be kept up as they once would have been, with the intention of keeping true to the culture and not loosing the history of this magical place.  The oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere is in Bermuda.  

Races are held every year, walking races and half marathons.  From St George’s to Hamilton on the Dockyard area.  People come from around the world, the U and the USA to compete.  Proceeds go to Bermudian charities.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is a treat and we stop for photos.  Very scenic and great views.  The guide mentions that Queen Elizabeth came in 1953 and they named a view sight after her desire to stand, take a moment and enjoy that view.  We also stopped at a few beaches to take pictures.  Pink sand and crashing surf.  An old railway trail exists on the island however no trains anymore, all converted to walking and cycling paths.

A life size and friendly statue of Johnny Burns, a common man who sits every weekday and blows kisses to passersby … For some thirty years or more, way in to his nineties.  

That is enough for now, 

Bermuda was delightful for two days.  Glad I came, wish you were here 🙂

Ciao for now, 

Pamela 

We decided to meet our new friends Carolyn and Al Wade… Also from Victoria, after breakfast for a day of walking around the island of Bermuda.  The Captain and cruise director warn over the loud speaker that it may be cold and possibly rain today.  NOT!

It was a bit fresh early in the morning, however my dream of Bermuda includes sunshine and tropical heat.  With tall palm trees, greeny blue Caribbean looking water, pastel painted buildings with white trim, and historic old fortress walls around the port, we prepare for any weather.  Donning our hats and good walking shoes we disembark and catch a queue for the tokens to catch a ferry.  Every  hour a walk on ferry boat takes tourists from Kings Wharf dockyard, and takes us via a quick and scenic 20 minute ride to the larger city of Hamilton.  Off we go.

At the city of Hamilton we walk off the beaten track in search for a Saturday market which we never do find.  Even stopping to ask a local did not produce a market.  Back to town, some wandering through stores and on back streets, we also take pictures of large green parks.  The city is stunning, clean and upbeat.  Not seeing any visible signed of poverty, we walk and walk.  

Around two pm Al shows his identification and gains us entry to the Bermuda Yacht Club bar and lounge area.  I really want to sit outside and watch the white sail boats racing by, the large boats and yachts in the marina lined up.  It is a fabulous sight.  We imbibed in a few ciders made locally.  Deciding not to eat … Something about knowing the food on the ship is so amazing and no price tag!  

We drink, and decide to catch the four pm ferry back to the ship.  A quick jaunt to the local Goslings Rum, spirits and wine store, selecting some great items to purchase and have on board the ship.  Wonderful.  Cold coolers / ciders, prosecco, and a red wine … This will do for now.  Perhaps it will be enough to get us through until our next port of call in Portugal in six days.  We have a few laughs as we are the last to board the ferry …

Tomorrow Deb and I have arranged a tour of the whole island of Bermuda.  I am hoping for beach stops, to see the famed pink sand beaches and maybe a bit more shopping, a lot of vistas and scenic photo opportunities we believe will be revealed on our five hour tour.

   

 

We decided to meet our new friends Carolyn and Al Wade… Also from Victoria, after breakfast for a day of walking around the island of Bermuda.  The Captain and cruise director warn over the loud speaker that it may be cold and possibly rain today.  NOT!

It was a bit fresh early in the morning, however my dream of Bermuda includes sunshine and tropical heat.  With tall palm trees, greeny blue Caribbean looking water, pastel painted buildings with white trim, and historic old fortress walls around the port, we prepare for any weather.  Donning our hats and good walking shoes we disembark and catch a queue for the tokens to catch a ferry.  Every  hour a walk on ferry boat takes tourists from Kings Wharf dockyard, and takes us via a quick and scenic 20 minute ride to the larger city of Hamilton.  Off we go.

At the city of Hamilton we walk off the beaten track in search for a Saturday market which we never do find.  Even stopping to ask a local did not produce a market.  Back to town, some wandering through stores and on back streets, we also take pictures of large green parks.  The city is stunning, clean and upbeat.  Not seeing any visible signed of poverty, we walk and walk.  

Around two pm Al shows his identification and gains us entry to the Bermuda Yacht Club bar and lounge area.  I really want to sit outside and watch the white sail boats racing by, the large boats and yachts in the marina lined up.  It is a fabulous sight.  We imbibed in a few ciders made locally.  Deciding not to eat … Something about knowing the food on the ship is so amazing and no price tag!  

We drink, and decide to catch the four pm ferry back to the ship.  A quick jaunt to the local Goslings Rum, spirits and wine store, selecting some great items to purchase and have on board the ship.  Wonderful.  Cold coolers / ciders, prosecco, and a red wine … This will do for now.  Perhaps it will be enough to get us through until our next port of call in Portugal in six days.  We have a few laughs as we are the last to board the ferry …

Tomorrow Deb and I have arranged a tour of the whole island of Bermuda.  I am hoping for beach stops, to see the famed pink sand beaches and maybe a bit more shopping, a lot of vistas and scenic photo opportunities we believe will be revealed on our five hour tour. 

  

 

What do I love about my cruiseship destination holiday today?

1.  The gentle rocking of the ship.  I feel like I am cradled in a glorious arms of the sea, being rocked gently.  It is peaceful, tranquil and energizing.  I feel grateful and my heart is full of kindness.

2. The warm and gentle breeze blowing my hair and touching  on my skin.  The tropical sun sparkling and dancing on the waters surface.  Last night the moon glow and almost surreal movement of the surface of the mighty yet welcoming ocean.

3.  The Concierge  lounge offered and open to the Concierge guests.  A space for ‘special’ guests, lounging, writing, coffee, tea, nibbles, library books, magazines, crossword puzzles.  The Concierge assists us with our selections for excursions for this fantastic voyage.  Computer access, big screen tv, comfortable couches.

4. The artist loft.  Fantastic works of art on display and special attention and instruction, inspiration from his great selection of books and pages.  Every day will be amazing with this extra offering.

5. The food.  Over the top in terms of selection, taste, freshness and creative options.  Order as I like it and with my gluten free specifics.  I always feel special.  Venues are twice the size as Regatta.  The service is fabulous as I am remembered by one waiter from previous ship.  Here the wait staff is serving all the food, keeping the hands of guests off the food!  Today French stew, bouillabaisse with large chunks of fresh sea food.  Wow … Two bowls.  Perrier water, peppermint tea.  Salad bar.  All amount to a decor that is elegant and classy.  Dinner in Toscana, gluten free pasta in lobster, with olives.  Lobster risotto … Oh my!  Coconut flakes on dairy free sorbet …  The smoothie bar.  

6. The service.  The crew remembering already our names, holding chairs, offering sparkling water, and with special attention to all the guests.  Our room steward and his special attention to our requests.  Extra extra extra, never a “no”.   The maitre d and chef coming out to talk with us every night at dinner … Just to make sure everything is good.  They want to make it right!

7. The Sanctuary.  Out doors, a salt water pool, heated tiled  lounge seats.  Spectacular vistas.  Individual lounge chairs with cushions and their own shelter without using umbrellas.  From here I can see the color of the sea, a blue green reflecting the sky only with much more color and different  hues.  Frothy white wake as our ship makes its way to our next port of call.  

8.  Friendly people everywhere.  Happy, smiling, enjoying, walking.  Sounds of music everywhere.  String quartet at tea.  Sounds of the sea and surf outside.  In the spa, zen sounds for relaxation and rejuvenation.  Dining with new friends and neighbours.  Friendly guests. 

9.  Shore excursions offered and fabulous suggestions.  Guest lectures with famous people.

10. Spa visit and consultation twice with Maja … Is she an angel?  Yes, she is kind, and patient.  She answers questions and is tall like me.  She provides a complimentary consultation of my stress points and recommendations for upcoming spa treatments.  Cool water to drink with a hint of fresh lemon.  Relaxing on hot tile bed, curved to provide relaxation to a human resting on same.  

11.  The washrooms.  Marble, spotless, bright and shiny … All the fixtures sparkle and glisten.  Lighting is perfectly situated for a beautiful experience.  Floor to ceiling mirrors, cloth towels.  The textures: table cloths, curtains, couches, fabric pillows.  

While not as quaint and personal as the smaller ships, this ship offers up class and spaciousness.  Elegant.

   

I slept in, exhausted still and so tired.  Up for breakfast, filled in my food order for the next two nights, turned it in on deck five.  What else do I have on my list today?  

Artist loft 10 am.  Room filled and so unable to start a project.  I love the artists work, his fabulous work space.  Note to self, come VERY EARLY if I want to paint!  First come first served, so I can’t start today.  Sigh.  I am watching the process and lots of others who came early are diving in.  We start today with drawing our project.  Acrylics, watercolour or oils … All products needed are provided.  Pastels, pencils and more.

Later:  I jump in when a gal leaves, she offers me her place.  I find an artist I like, a landscape.  I draw.  I decide to try my hand at acrylic … My first.  I struggle with the idea of mixing color.  I struggle with all the usual struggles I have at the start of a creation.  I am done with struggle … I am seeking fun and confidence.  

Free Spanish lessons, I miss the start so decide not for me this time.  I miss needlepoint and the enrichment lectures.  I miss spa presentation.  I am now meeting Deb at noon to regroup.  

Reflections:  lighten up, loosened up and let play create!

Expectations for this trip 1-15 April 2015

Indulge and enjoy the luxury of the ship experiences, sanctuary, spa, artist loft, library, balcony, room, lounges, food, and so much more

Brilliant articulate writings. Mine to express, listen to audible, read in library, share 

Belly laughs, fun, fun, fun

Enjoy and encounter the brilliance of our Sunday morning calls, every day for 15 days.

Wow!  Now this ship is the most beautiful cruise ship I have ever seen.  My mouth has been hanging open since our arrival this afternoon and my first glance at the staircase in the center.  The elevators are glass and the artworks, the artist loft, the spa and spa terrace … Heated tiled lounge chairs ….. Larger pool deck than the smaller cousin ships Insignia and Regatta.  More and larger and more elaborate specialty dining venues.  Crystal glass lights in Martinis bar where we muster for safety drill at five pm.  

Bigger, bolder, brighter, shinier.  She glides out of Miami harbour and out to sea … As if it is not moving.  Our balcony view tells me we are ….  I cannot feel the motion.  There is no movement that I can feel, at all!

When we arrived in our concierge verandah stateroom I see my welcome bottle of champagne, a bottle of red chianti, a large floral arrangement and fruit basket … Many thanks from Oceania for my loyalty and training I have taken with them.  I am speechless.  Our room steward comes to visit, takes my wrinkled clothes to be pressed … Brings an extra Oceania bag and exchanges slippers to fit my feet.  Soft fluffy robes.  

I have never seen such a magnificent bathroom on a cruise ship!  Marble counters, tiles and  big bathtub … Separate shower with two kinds of shower heads …  Lovely lights … Bulgaria  toiletries.  Pinch me!

Movie on tonight in the Riviera lounge is Hundred Foot Journey … 9 pm.  after exquisite formal dining in Polo Grill … Which we found after the sail away party.    Already we can’t fit everything in … I am going from one thought to the next and next … I want to see and do it all!  What a magnificent ship!

The waiter greets me by name .. It is Roger …  One of the friendly happy waiters from Regatta just a few days ago!  He is my wait staff in Polo tonight.  He remembers my diet, my hot water to drink … He remembers my name and treats myself and my friend like royalty.  I will be writing a letter of appreciation to his supervisor … Who I also met tonight.

We enjoy a chilled bottle of Prosecco … Some remaining for tomorrow.  I have a virgin Caesar, extra spicy, with olives … Janie and Adrienne and I discovered them on the last cruise.  

Deb met a couple from Victoria and she used to work with him years ago in the Provincial government.  Friendly and fantastic.

We found the library …  I am speechless.  Seating areas, books in large wood shelves sorted by category … Large picture windows with a view of the sea.  

Over 800 staff for a maximum of 1200 guests.  This ship does not appear full for this sailing.  So far the service has been the best I have ever experienced, EVER!

There is an artist in residence!  Graham Denison is painting and hosting art events every day.  His works are exquisite.  We see the large boutiques only from a distance … I can hardly wait to discover  them another day!

First stop, two days in Bermuda.  April 4 and 5.   I would like to see the island and also check out a beach, of Bermuda fame.  

Perhaps day two might be Quintessential Bermuda and St George’s.  KWF-003. A scenic coach ride passing botanical gardens and a Georgian mansion, followed by coastal drive to see swirling riptides and great views.  A visit to UNESCO world heritage sight of St George’s with cobblestone streets through historic old town.  Following a walk about, a drive by and stop at some pink beaches..  A five hour tour.  

The  previous day I think it would be great to return to a beach if the weather cooperates, and following a walk through the craft market and other shopping areas within walking distance of the ship. 

Funchal Portugal, 11 April another exotic island that I have never been to.  I think I would like to take the panoramic island tour in the morning.  Sights will include rugged picturesque shoreline, banana plantation, fishing village and the Cabo Girao escarpment

 more than 1900 feet above the sea promising spectacular views from Europe’s highest cliffs.  Fnc-016.  I would like to see the thatched roof quaint homes that dot the country side on this island.

No time in Barcelona as we depart and head back to my beautiful home in Victoria.