thefouramigosblog

We woke early for breakfast and we were on the road by 7:45, but I was able to photograph the morning as the sun was rising!

We traveled for about an hour to Dan which was up near the northern border. We could see Lebanon from an outlook. It was only about two miles away.

Dan is an ancient city dating back 4500 years and is mentioned in the old testament. We entered the park where the headwaters of the Jordan River are located. This was once Arab territory but has been under Israeli rule since 1967.

The Gates from the days of Abraham lie within Tel Dan. This existed during the time of Jesus.

Our next stop was Caesarea Philippi, and the Grotto of Pan, a pagan center of worship.

Our next stop was lunch. By this time, we had walked a few miles, over rocks and rivers and up and down. It was nice to have a break.

I had a fried fish – head and all!

We went for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee where we read scripture then sang and danced an Israeli dance! It was lively and fun! And such a beautiful day!

We visited Capernaum, where Peter lived.

Our last stop today was Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene. It was only recently excavated and they found coins from 29 AD during the dig!

The Boat Chapel and four side chapels are next to the Sea of Galilee.

It was a long day with much exploring the biblical times from the old and new testaments. Tomorrow we travel to the Dead Sea! Pilgrim Tours covers a lot of territory!

#magdala#caesareaphilippi#dan#pilgrimtours

We had reservations for two days at the Vert Lagoon before our tour was to begin this evening. We started off with a delicious breakfast – Mediterranean style.

After breakfast we took a two mile walk along the promenade by the beach stopping to take in the beautiful coastline.

My foot is much better but it still smarts if I step on it wrong. However, two weeks ago I couldn’t do this walk.

More spectacular views of the sea!

An exercise course was set up along the way where Bruce did a few tricep dips and Scott did some sit ups.

An interesting sun dial was erected on the promenade. It actually kept good time!

The elevator to the beach was off limits due to landslides. it looked like a elaborate set up so I hope eventually they get it fixed up. Apparently landslides are a problem all along the coastline.

What do you see in this picture?

Rabbits everywhere! All except the white rabbit!

And I wasn’t sure what this was but it was a mosaic.

Our hotel, Vert Lagoon, was a wonderful place to stay.

We spent a few hours by the pool; I stayed mostly in the shade.

Lovely down at the adult pool!

The rest of the day we played some cards and then met with our tour group, Pilgrim Tours, after dinner. There will be 45 of us! Yikes!

To bed early because we have a wake up call at 6 am. Then on to Galilee!

#israel#netanya#pilgrimtours#vertlagoon#Mediterranean

Our last day at sea was relaxing, as we played card’s with Sandy and Scott and had coffee with some new friends. It was time to say goodbye to our waiters and cabin steward. Ketut, our cabin steward, was the best we ever had. Everyday in the morning and evening he filled the ice bucket so I could tend to my foot.

We saw a great show called art in motion performed by a young couple from the Ukraine.

The ship’s crew had a flag presentation in the Centrum, which was the center court of the ship.

I woke really early to see a crescent moon over Haifa.

Afterwards I went back to sleep for a few more hours because we weren’t getting off the ship until almost 9 am.

A few pictures from the port in Haifa.

I have to say the disembarking was almost as bad as the embarking. We were delayed an hour but luckily we stayed up at the buffet for most of it. The walk off the ship and through customs was long. We did get to take a golf cart for part of the distance because of my cane.

We walked to the train station dragging our luggage. Again, luckily it wasn’t too far! All aboard!

We had to change trains and we looked like the four stooges! Four of us on a 4×4 elevator with all our luggage! It was hysterical! Then trying to get a cab and haggling over price. And finally we arrived at our hotel, Vert Lagoon.

The view from our balcony was stunning!

Off for a swim, which was much needed.

More photos of the area around the hotel.

Now I’m icing my foot!

Dinner was buffet style and it was sumptuous! Couscous, Mediterranean salads, hummus, fried fish, fresh made bread.

After dinner we played cards. After 3 hands I was doing awful with no chance of return so we called it quits! It’s going to be a busy week in Israel!

#netanya#vertlagoon#rhapsodyofthesea#haifa

Bruce and I did not book anything for Mykonos but figured if we were up to it, we’d get off the ship and wander about. I viewed the Island from our balcony and it looked lovely.

We decided to give it a try and it was well worth it. There was a 2 Euro boat ferry right outside the port which took us to the town.

It was a nice little boat ride looking out at the white washed buildings.

We walked around the little alley ways, which created a maze through the town. You could get lost here!

Little churches were everywhere!

We also went by the Panagia Paraportiani which is a Greek Orthodox Church which was built between 1425 and the 17th century.

Bruce and I stopped at a little cafe for coffee and baklava!

We stopped in several shops but alas I did not find anything I had to have! Bruce was a little tuckered out so we headed back to the ferry and onto the ship for a rest!

From the little taste of Greece we experienced, I surely would love to return again!

It’s been a few challenging days on the ship. My foot continues to hurt a bit and now Bruce has a cold. But we persevere.

We went to a wonderful show with Salvatore Hasard. He played piano, saxophone, electric guitar, harmonica and drums. He also sang.

Salvatore played an afternoon concert to a packed house.

In the evening Bruce and I ate early and retired to our cabin, hoping to feel better for our Sicily excursion. From our balcony we saw a beautiful sunset..

In the morning Bruce wasn’t feeling great but thought he could handle a bus ride. Out on our balcony I captured a sunrise.

Out on the balcony I watched as the ship sailed into the port of Messina.

Although my foot is sore and Bruce is sick, we decided to go on our tour anyway. We boarded our bus after the usual hour in the theater waiting. This is one of the reasons I don’t like ship tours. Our tour guide Nunzio was charming and entertaining.

Along the way to Mount Etna, we saw some beautiful scenery!

We stopped along the way to take pictures of Mt. Etna. Our guide said it had been overcast the past few days and you couldn’t see it.

We visited a jewelry making business housed in a mansion.

In the front yard was a lovely fountain and many statues!

Although most of the jewelry is made at another site, they did have a set up to demonstrate their trade!

They also served us a lovely brunch which included cannoli and fruit.

We ate on the patio which was lovely! I think Bruce had his mouth full.

It was a lovely place to stop.

We traveled on to Mt. Etna taking in the views of lava rocks from the many eruptions, the latest in November 2022.

Chairlifts operate up the volcano for skiing.

I don’t know what we were thinking when we booked this tour. It was freezing up there and I was wearing sandals and a light jacket. Locals were dressed with winter gear, hats, gloves. Needless to say even if my foot was ok I wouldn’t have been able to go – just too darn cold.

We had more cannoli and cappuccino at the little restaurant near the top.

As we rode back to the ship, we took in more of the beautiful landscape.

We finally arrived back at the ship. The Postal Virgin Mary watching over the harbor.

We have a lovely view from our balcony for the remainder of the day.

We had coffee with friends and will have dinner at 7:30. Tomorrow is another sea day before we reach Mykonos. And then on to Haifa!

#salvatorehasard#mountetna#sicily#postalvirginmary

I think I have to say that of all the cities I have visited around the world, Malaga is my favorite. It’s a beach town with loads of history; and for those who love food and nightlife, it’s got all that and more. Yet, it’s not as crowded as Barcelona which is what appeals to me.

From the Alcazaba built by the Muslim ruled Al-Andulas to the Castle of Gibralfaro located at the site since 770BC to an ancient Roman amphitheater, the history of Malaga transcends multiple cultures.

We decided to take the Hop On Hop Off bus because my foot is not yet able to walk the many miles.

We have been to Malaga before. Once on a cruise and once for a week, to visit my dear friend Adriana. We only rented a car one time and that was to travel to Ronda. It was interesting getting a perspective riding atop the bus. Beautiful jacarandas were in bloom!

We saw parrots making nests in the trees!

We stopped by the bullring. Apparently Malaga still has bullfights during spring and summer.

Inside the building, a showcase of Pablo Picasso photographs were exhibited. Some with family and some while he worked or relaxed.

We drove past the beach. There were a few brave souls in the water!

Fountains abound throughout Malaga!

I would recommend doing this for anyone who can’t walk well. There were a total of 14 stops on the Iconic ticket, which was 25 Euros. If you wanted entrances to some museums and the 60 minute boat trip, the cost was 35 Euros. We opted for the Iconic. Although my walking isn’t great, it was a lovely day for a ride on the bus up top. We also were given headphones which were awesome!

I love the architecture in this antiquated city!

I finally had the opportunity to take a photo of our ship. It’s very small but it’s been comfy and easy for me to maneuver around. Only 10 decks and we are on 7.

We watched as our ship sailed away from Malaga – next stop Sicily!

#royalcaribbean#malaga#hoponhopoff#

Well it’s been a fun crossing! Lots of terrific shows. A cappella group.

A tribute singer to Celine Dion

Our cabin steward has been the best! Supplying me with two buckets of ice daily for my foot and some animal art!

A bit disappointing, however, is Royal Caribbean no longer has lobster night unless you want to pay $16.99 for a tail. And no more escargot every night. Bummer!

All in all the food has been good, service great and I’ve enjoyed all the shows. This morning we sailed into Madeira.

We slept in and enjoyed fewer people on the ship. My foot still hurts so we are not getting off the ship! We were here last year and saw a good part of this pretty island.

Next stop Malaga! I’m hoping my foot feels better!

#rccl#thealleycats#madeira

This past Monday, I went for my usual 3 mile walk in the morning but by the time I reached home, I could barely step on my left foot. I iced it and rested all day and Tuesday I went to a podiatrist who x-rayed it and gave me a shot. I have a bone spur on the bottom of my foot and the back of my heel. Yikes! Not good when I’m heading out of town for 27 days.

Well today is the day! All packed and ready to go. My foot hurts a lot so I decided to use a wheelchair. This made the embarkation easier. It was crazy at the port. Do I look like an old lady, or what?

We made it on the ship quicker then thosevwho had been waiting for hours. And what any good cruiser would do, we immediately converged on the buffet. The comedian last night was so funny talking about how we all looked like we never saw food before!

We are on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Sea. It’s an older, smaller ship and easier to get around, especially with my foot hurting. I’m using a cane for now but I’m hoping with the exercises I will be good in a few days.

We haven’t been on a Royal ship since Australia in 2017. Our cabin is good with a lot of storage.

The ship is sort of rocky but the swells don’t look very big. It might be that the stabilizers are not as good on these old ships and we are sailing the Atlantic. Our cabin steward wasn’t feeling well this morning.

We went to our cabin for a little while.

Bruce had a little nap on the balcony!

We departed about four hours late. It had a lot to do with expanded security screening for the incoming cruise and the ICE people showing up a few hours late. But it was fun to watch the sail away from our balcony.

We went to dinner with our friends Scott and Sandy at 6:45 and our suitcases had not yet arrived. I was a little concerned but we stayed in our day clothes. I had prime rib and of course escargot.

The comedian was hysterical. Really a lot of belly laughs. It was relaxing to say the least.

Today we are taking it easy. No gym for me. We went to an Enrichment lecture on economics and played some cards. Tonight there should be a good show and we will probably go to the casino.

Nine days at sea before we hit our first port. I have to get this foot better!

#royalcaribbean#rhapsodyofthesea#cruise

We arrived in Bonaire at 7am and I was awake enough to watch the sun rise.

It was early for me and coffee wasn’t going to arrive until 7:30 so I took a little snooze. After a little coffee we headed off the ship to catch a taxi to a snorkel beach. Unfortunately the ships tours did not allow guests to go on snorkel excursions if they are older than 70.

Some colorful buildings on this quaint Caribbean island.

We arrived at Eden Beach sharing the taxi with several people. It was $15 for 4. Not a bad price. And $10 a person at the resort for use of chairs, beach and pool with a rum punch thrown in. We had the rum punch minus the rum.

A pelican glew in for a photo op.

Snorkeling was great at this little beach. Unfortunately I couldn’t upload the photos from our water camera.

It was a nice little stay for a $7 taxi ride and $10 each at the resort for chaise, restrooms, pool and a drink – we had a rum punch without the rum.

We decided to walk back to the ship which was about 1.5 miles. A nice walk to see some of Bonaire.

We sat on a bench and watched the birds and the water.

At night we sat in a sort of open-air tent on the lawn section of the ship. The movie, Casablanca, was playing. One of our favorites.

Our farewell dinner with our fantastic waiters.

Woke this morning to Fort Lauderdale.

Now for rest before our next trip April 29th.

We arrived In Curaçao early this morning, with a departure time of 9:30 tonight. So no need to rush. We enjoyed breakfast in the Oceanview Buffet, especially since they changed the protocol from staff serving to self service. This meant it wasn’t a madhouse with crazy long lines.

From our balcony, we could see the multi colored buildings in the distance.

We decided to hire a tour guide right off the ship along with our friends, Grace and Tim.

Our first stop was the Rif Fort, built in 1828 but now transformed into a mall.

Our driver, Arvelo, was very knowledgeable about his city. As we walked outside the fort area, a large statue of Dr. Efrain Jonckheer, was boldly displayed.

A park dedicated to the slaves who once inhabited this island. Curaçao had been the hub of the slave trade.

Our next stop was a fort used by the US during WWII to protect curaçao from German invasion.

On our way, we stopped to take photos of some old vehicles.

Our guide, Arvelo, was happy to pose!

Next stop by a water well that has gone dry!

I think he thought we wanted to see all the forts, so next we stopped at Fort Nassau, which is now a restaurant, with a view from the top.

From the top of the fort, we could see the entire island.

I loved all the colors of the buildings! Bright and bold!

And of course a house painted with pizza!

It was a fun day exploring the beauty of Curacao.

Dinner tonight was, of course, escargot. I don’t think I will ever stop loving eating these little creatures in a garlic and butter blend!

We saw a great show, L’Marco, who enthralled the audience with his energy a range of music.

Now it’s time to finish up! Early to rise tomorrow in Bonaire!

#lmarco#celebrity#arvelotour#curacao