world cruise Gibraltar straits then onto Messina, Sicily, Italy.
Tuesday 14th January
Up relatively early and shot up to the deck to see the passage between Gibraltar and Morocco. The sun was coming up behind the mountains as we sailed in the Southern Channel.
Tangiers was on the starboard side, on the right of the pointed end for me. Amazing how many hills and mountains you can see. Due mainly to the morning sun rising behind them.
Busy day with talks, plenty of food interjected with walking. Followed by a movie in the afternoon. We had sat outside and enjoyed the sun, whilst watching the Spanish mountains, topped with snow pass by on our Port side. Went into the early seating, and placed not too far away from our usual restaurant team. Gorgeously cooked lamb chops.
Sat in the theatre and listened to the Irish comedian, Roy Walker. Old fashioned stand up comedy.
Wednesday 15th Jan
Muffins and coffee in bed, then a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a walk. Sat outside reading in the sun before heading in to get changed for the Captains cocktail party, for the 700 round worlders. Dressed up as it was a cocktail party. But we needn’t have bothered. 50% of the people arrived in very casual clothing. T shirts, shorts, polo shirts, sweaters, jogging pants. They hadn’t read the small print. Nevertheless we still had a good time, chatting to the maitre' d , who we believed was gay, but in fact he was happily married with four children. Aged 18, 12, 8 and five. They were with him over Christmas and New Year. From all accounts they had a ball. He explained had been working for Cunard for over 22 years.
Thursday 16th January
Messina, Sicily, Italy.
Up and out onto the deck at 7.30 to watch us arrive into the port, nestled only a few miles away from the mainland of Italy. Breakfast, then off into a dirty, scruffy town, that was also charming and fascinating.
All the history was plain to see as you ventured between the tired dilapidated buildings, with shutters falling to pieces and paint flaking off. As you delved further behind the scenes, Roman remains surrounded you, as Byzantine relics, Venetian remains and Grecian artefact. A living museum with mad erratic drivers intent on killing you around every corner. Yet the people were friendly, engaging and helpful, but more importantly elegant as only the Italians can be. As were their shops. A crusty decaying town with bright twinkling gems, all to be found as you looked closely, and took time to peal away layer after layer of crustiness. So much so that we retuned after lunch for more investigation. This time round the shopping district. Bumped into a chap called Martin,who took us to a supermarket for alcohol. From all accounts, they don’t seem to worry if you bring alcohol back on board. So l bought a couple of Italian beers, whilst Judith picked a decent white wine, and Martin purchased a dozen 1litre Cartons of 1€ red wine. He is quite a posh ch, but obviously wine isn’t his thing.
Returned to the ship at 4pm after covering a total of 17 miles. Couldn’t believe it.
Relaxed in the lounge and read, after eating in the Kings Court restaurant.
Up relatively early and shot up to the deck to see the passage between Gibraltar and Morocco. The sun was coming up behind the mountains as we sailed in the Southern Channel.
Tangiers was on the starboard side, on the right of the pointed end for me. Amazing how many hills and mountains you can see. Due mainly to the morning sun rising behind them.
Busy day with talks, plenty of food interjected with walking. Followed by a movie in the afternoon. We had sat outside and enjoyed the sun, whilst watching the Spanish mountains, topped with snow pass by on our Port side. Went into the early seating, and placed not too far away from our usual restaurant team. Gorgeously cooked lamb chops.
Sat in the theatre and listened to the Irish comedian, Roy Walker. Old fashioned stand up comedy.
Wednesday 15th Jan
Muffins and coffee in bed, then a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a walk. Sat outside reading in the sun before heading in to get changed for the Captains cocktail party, for the 700 round worlders. Dressed up as it was a cocktail party. But we needn’t have bothered. 50% of the people arrived in very casual clothing. T shirts, shorts, polo shirts, sweaters, jogging pants. They hadn’t read the small print. Nevertheless we still had a good time, chatting to the maitre' d , who we believed was gay, but in fact he was happily married with four children. Aged 18, 12, 8 and five. They were with him over Christmas and New Year. From all accounts they had a ball. He explained had been working for Cunard for over 22 years.
Sailing past Gibraltar. Seas are calm and the sun is peaking through in the early hours of the morning
Thursday 16th January
Messina, Sicily, Italy.
Up and out onto the deck at 7.30 to watch us arrive into the port, nestled only a few miles away from the mainland of Italy. Breakfast, then off into a dirty, scruffy town, that was also charming and fascinating.
All the history was plain to see as you ventured between the tired dilapidated buildings, with shutters falling to pieces and paint flaking off. As you delved further behind the scenes, Roman remains surrounded you, as Byzantine relics, Venetian remains and Grecian artefact. A living museum with mad erratic drivers intent on killing you around every corner. Yet the people were friendly, engaging and helpful, but more importantly elegant as only the Italians can be. As were their shops. A crusty decaying town with bright twinkling gems, all to be found as you looked closely, and took time to peal away layer after layer of crustiness. So much so that we retuned after lunch for more investigation. This time round the shopping district. Bumped into a chap called Martin,who took us to a supermarket for alcohol. From all accounts, they don’t seem to worry if you bring alcohol back on board. So l bought a couple of Italian beers, whilst Judith picked a decent white wine, and Martin purchased a dozen 1litre Cartons of 1€ red wine. He is quite a posh ch, but obviously wine isn’t his thing.
Returned to the ship at 4pm after covering a total of 17 miles. Couldn’t believe it.
Relaxed in the lounge and read, after eating in the Kings Court restaurant.
Judith giving me the bird
" We have been waiting all day for you to buy the coffee"
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