thefouramigosblog

We scheduled coffee delivery for 8:30 this morning but when it arrived, we realized it was pouring out.

Not wanting to deal with slogging around in the rain, we climbed back into bed.  When we finally woke at 10:30 we got ourselves moving and went up to the cafe for breakfast.  I could see a little blue sky poking through which made us hopeful.  As we left the ship a little more blue was peaking through and the rain had stopped.  We took a shuttle to the World Trade Center -a drop off place outside the ports and near the famous Las Ramblas Street. As we left the port the clouds softened and the skies brightened. It was going to be a lovely day after all.

We walked to Columbus Square, a bustling area with tourists, cars and buses.  The Columbus monument and all its carvings was quite a remarkable work of art.

Next we found our way to a Main Street – Las Ramblas – to begin our day’s journey into the heart of Barcelona.  Las Ramblas is a strolling boulevard with shopsand  restaurants.

We came upon the Gothic Quarter with old cathedrals, courtyards and buildings.

Bruce and I stopped at his favorite spot – a Panaderia- where I had cafe con leche and he had hot chocolate which was just that, melted chocolate.

After walking several miles we decided to take the subway to La Sagrada Familia which is a cathedral that has been under construction for 150 years.

In our explorations today we even found a McDonald on Las Ramblas.  And no Bruce did not go in there and have a milk shake even though he wanted to.We enjoyed a lot of the street entertainment and the creativity.

What a wonderful day we had in Barcelona – and we couldn’t have asked for better weather – mid to high 60s and sunny.

Bruce and I had planned to go into Barcelona with another couple in the evening for dinner but we were quite tired.  Instead we ate in the main dining room with some lovely people from California.  One couple was continuing on after Rome to the Greek Islands.  The itinerary originally included Turkey but those ports have been replaced with ports in Greece.

After dinner we went to the top deck and took some photos of Barcelona at night.  It is also a full moon and I couldn’t resist.

We woke before dawn to witness our arrival in one of the oldest cities in Spain.

Our first impression was it looked like a military compound.  Not very quaint or inviting.  I knew it wouldn’t have the effect on me that Malaga had but it was worth visiting some of the ancient sites.

Christopher Columbus had ties to this city.  We walked along an old sea wall until we reached a park where we climbed to reach Concepcion Castle.

We were able to see the bull ring which was built on a former Roman gladiator ring and a Roman Theater that had only recently been excavated.

We also came across a proud peacock.

Not knowing what else to do with our time, we decided to go back to the ship for a coffee break and see if we could find information on how to get to the old city.  It turned out we only needed to turn left when we left the port instead of right.  Our decision to go back out was well worth it.  First we came across City Hall and quaint little streets with performers on every corner.

We came upon the entrance to the Roman Theatre and museum so we entered.  It was wonderful.  It is amazing and somewhat chilling to touch walls and statues that were created in BC.

After our visit we continued to stroll around town looking for photo ops.

It was was a lovely day in Cartagena.  And we loved it more than we thought we would. I should never go by first impressions.  This place had many hidden gems.

When Bruce and I returned to the ship, I had a little relaxation time in the Persian Garden, then coffee with friends and onto dinner with some new friends.  It was a lovely evening.  Now we have to get ready for two days in Barcelona.

 

Have you ever gone anywhere and just felt that this place feeds your soul?  That’s how I felt in Malaga.  I really didn’t give this port much thought on our itinerary.  I was more focused on Barcelona, Nice and Florence.

I awoke at dusk and caught a glimpse of the Spanish Coastline.

The skies were very dark, clouds looked ominous but the weather report said there was only a 10% chance of rain.  Our coffee was delivered and we enjoyed a leisurely ached in getting ready.  Our ship appeared to make an early arrival into the port.

The Captain said we were cleared to disembark before 10 and we were ready.

There was a bus to take you from the ship to the port entrance for 5 euros each but it was less than a mile so Bruce and I hoofed it.  At the lighthouse we caught a hop on/hop off bus to take us around the city.

We rode the bus around once then got off near a Cathedral I wanted to tour.  It was the Cathedral of Malaga and it was magnificent inside and out.

Bruce was at his happiest when we stopped at a Panaderia for some sweets.  As you can see I was enjoying them too.

Yummy!

We saw a Flamingo Dancer posing on one of the side streets.

I loved the architecture and the quaintness of the narrow streets.

We visited the Moorish fortress Alcazaba with its breathtaking views, colorful gardens, and fascinating structures.

That’s our ship in the distance.  We could see the entire city of Malaga.

And how could I go to Malaga without seeing Picasso – it was his birthplace and we visited his home and saw some of his early drawings.

We also visited other museums.

There are many talented graffiti artists as well.

Oh how I love Malaga.  I could call this place home.

Bruce and I are finally getting out of bed and it’s 11:30 in the morning.  I don’t know what is up with this sleepiness.  The bed is so comfy and the gentle rocking of the boat has been great for my sleeping.

Back to yesterday, we finally arrived at the pyramids after a beautiful scenic drive.

At first it seemed odd that the pyramids were in the middle of a town.  However, once they had been discovered the pyramids then became a protected park.

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian researcher, opened the park.  He spent his life  working on the theory that there were contacts between ancient civilizations across continents using small, primitive water craft.  The designs of the pyramids are very similar to those found in Mexico, Guatamala and even the oldest pyramid in Egypt.  It was a very educational and informative visit.

On our way back to the ship I photographed some beautiful flowers.

The entrance to the port looks very similar to the opera house in Sydney, Australia.

On our return, Bruce and I grabbed a quick lunch and headed to the gym.

After a good workout and some relaxation time, we went to our veranda to wave goodbye to Tenerife.

Late afternoon we had coffee with friends, then dinner with two charming couples from Virginia and Maryland and than a really great show.

We loved the Canary Islands and I could see myself coming back to spend a little more time.

Bruce and I are really getting into this life.  Not a care in the world – no rooms to paint, no clothes to wash, no meals to cook. Room service every morning delivering my coffee before I have to take the elevator to the gym.  Then relaxation time in the Persian Garden on the heated beds to help ease our poor muscles.

Today was warm and sunny and our first day lounging by the pool.  In fact it was the first time we went in since the weather has been a little chilly.

I read a lot today between taking short naps.  In the late afternoon we went to French class then on to have coffee with friends.

Instead of going to dinner in the main dining room, I decided I wanted to try to get a sunset picture so we had a quick bite in the cafe and then went up to the sunset lounge.

It was a lovely evening watching the sunset followed by a singer/dancer who was lively and entertaining.  He performed music from the 50s and 60s as well as some songs by the famous rat pack.

 

 

We’ve been at sea for nearly a week and I am beginning to know my way around.  The first few days I was clocking extra steps on my Fitbit because when I needed to be in the bow of the ship I was in the stern and vice versa.

Yesterday I really didn’t do much at all.  I didn’t even make it to the gym.  The steward brought coffee to our room at 8 but we just climbed back into bed and slept until 10.  I missed a morning art class.  Oh well, I can’t do everything.  We did go to an Italian class in the afternoon and had coffee with friends after.  Last evening we dined with another couple we made friends with on the ship.  They are from Cape Cod, which is really our neck of the woods.

Today I was much more alert having had a great night sleep with the rocking of the ship.

 

We had a little snack after our workout.  I spent some time in the Persian Garden relaxing after an awesome spin class.  Bruce headed for a seminar on navigation which he said was interesting but he missed the relaxation time.

Bruce and I spent some time on the bow of the ship, reading our books and then met up with Mary Beth for a little socializing.

Tonight we ate a little healthier at the cafe and saw a great show.

Tonight we are retiring a little earlier.  Losing an hour each night reeks havoc on our sleep.

The early morning hours brought gray skies and cool winds. As I awoke in my comfy bed, the rocking and rolling of the ship made it nearly impossible for me to open my eyes. I felt like a babe rocking in her mama’s arms the sheets and comforter warm and silky against my skin. But I had scheduled morning coffee delivery at 7:30 and the steward was knocking at our door.

As soon as the steward left, back into bed as we watched the rolling of the waves out our veranda door.

I’d like to say our laziness ended there but it didn’t. We spent nearly 6 hours at the gym but mostly in the Persian Gardens. There we lounged on hot lounges that worked to ease sore muscles, went into the sauna, steam room, eucalyptus sauna and then the chill room. After that we spent some time in the Zen meditation area watching the sea, napping and reading. It was a tough job doing all this relaxing.

Later in the day we had coffee with friends then showered and changed for the elegant chic dinner dress this evening.

After dinner we saw the last few minutes of a show and then participated in a slot tournament. I thought I was doing well but I came in dead last.

As we travel across the Atlantic, I am meeting some fascinating people. One lovely woman is from New Zealand and she is traveling alone. She spent some time in the US visiting some cities that she wanted to see and plans to spend time in Venice and Paris. She said she is doing things on her bucket list. I’ve met several women on this journey who are traveling alone, some who have done it quite a few times. I find it amazing and inspiring to be with women with such courage.

We woke to a gentle rolling of the ship that lulled us into a slightly meditative state.  Our coffe and tea along with fruit and croissants was delivered to our cabin shortly after wakening.  Although a bit cloudy and cool on our veranda we decided to have our morning coffee listening to the vibrancy of the sea.  It is hard to do this for too long less we never move.

Our cruise director held an informal seminar on some of the shore excursions which we attended.  Then we spent some time working out in the gym and having some meditation time in the Persian Gardens.

While walking the decks Bruce and I ran into Mary Beth and we spent some time chatting.Bruce and I spent the rest of the afternoon reading poolside and relaxing in the hot tub. We also had coffee with friends in the late afternoon.

Dinner was great tonight.  We met a nice couple from Perth, Australia and another couple from Florida.  I had the escargot again.  I never seem to tire of this delicasy.  After dinner we saw a magic show, had a late night snack and now off to bed.

It’s been a lovely day – I think I really like cruising.

T

Bruce and I left Columbia late in the afternoon on Monday arriving at the home of our two amigos in the wee hours of the morning. I slept until 9 and spent a relaxing morning idling by the pool.  Beautiful hibiscus surrounded the pool area making for a very lovely backdrop for our visit with friends.

In the evening we headed to Myrons Deli for delicious blintzes and Reuben’s.  The boys of course had their usual knock worst.  Bellies filled we played in the casino awhile until all were ready to head home.  No one was a winner tonight.

 

Last night we stayed at Country Inn and Suites but we had to return the car to the airport by noon today so I thought I booked the Crown Plaza at the airport.  We headed out at 9:30 – Bruce didn’t want to feel panicked if we happened to get lost.  And of course on our first attempt at leaving the hotel we were lost.  So we backtracked to the hotel and started again.  This time we did great.  We drove by the interesting cork screw building.  It looks like something from a Leggo set.   We made it all the way to the hotel without another problem until I tried to check in.  So happens there are two Crown Plazas and I booked the one in Panama City.  Luckily the receptionist spoke really good English.  She called the other hotel and cancelled that reservation.  I had to use the lobby computer to book this hotel so I would get better rates.  By now it’s 11:00.  Our rooms were available so we brought our luggage upstairs then headed out to return the car.  The airport was across the street so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?  Well we were lost again, had to backtrack to the hotel, I ran in and asked for directions and we were off again.  We made it to the car rental place at 11:50 – we had 10 minutes to spare.  What an ordeal.  All went well and the hotel shuttle took us back to the Crown Plaza.

We all wanted coffee so we hopped a cab to the metromall.  Dunkin Donuts.  It was great.  The Metromall is the largest mall I have ever been in. They were setting up for Halloween.  I was surprised to see that they celebrate Halloween in Panama.    After coffee we walked around then took a hair raising cab ride back to the hotel.

I didn’t mention that in the midst of all this I put my camera down in the lobby of the hotel.  I never missed it but they found it and I was able to get it back without ever going into panic mode.  We sat around the lobby for awhile.  You can see the mountains in the background. Late afternoon was nap time and time to reconfigure our luggage for travel tomorrow.

Dinner tonight was in the hotel restaurant.  The food was good, although not as good as last night.  What was most memorable about our dinner tonight was the oddity of our waiter.  “Was he here or wasn’t he” that is the question.  He continually disappeared, forgot to bring us bread, our food order was taking a very long time and at one point another waiter pointed at us and said go serve them.  Mind you, it appeared we were his only table.  When he came to our table he kept looking over his shoulder as though the police were after him.  Then he disappeared completely.  The manager ended up being our server so I can only surmise that our waiter got the boot.  It was by far the worst service we have had in all of Panama so we were not surprised when he disappeared.

i started writing this blog earlier today instead staying up until the wee hours of the morning.  Bruce took my picture while I sat in the lobby writing about our restaurant experience.

We decided to hang out at the hotel, grabbed a table in the restaurant and proceeded to play another game of set back since this was our last night in Panama.  Score 18 – 13 girls.Linda preparing to play with bug spray in hand.  She had a tough time with the noseeums – they really did a number on her.

I’m feeling a little blue tonight having to leave this beautiful country. But homeward bound we go and I look forward to seeing friends and family!