Tenerife 30/03/2014

We docked about an hour earlier than planned about 1100. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a territory of Spain.  They operate on the same time zone as mainland Spain but geographically are about 30 degrees to the west.  Therefore sunrise is about 0830 and sunset around 2030 so is a little odd to get used to.
We caught a taxi for a scenic tour of the island which took us from Santa Cruz and up into the mountains to Mt Teide which is an active volcano.  The drive took us through a diverse range of landscapes misty eucalyptus forests, pine forests and eventually, the Martian landscape of the volcano 3700m ASL.

Tall pine forests

Mt Teide

On the way up near the top we had a close call with a falling rock.  Two large rocks came from nowhere and rolled onto the road and came to rest about 10 metres in front of us.  Very close call - the largest rock was about half a metre in diameter.  If we were 2 seconds further along the road, we would have worn it.

That's not a rock, Dick Johnson - This is a rock!!!

We then descended from the mountain on the northern side of the island through the small historical town of La Oratavo then on to the seaside tourist city of Puerto de la Cruz.  Here, we wandered around taking in the sights and sounds for about an hour before heading back to Santa Cruz to board the ship.

Opera House, Santa Cruz

A very odd feature of the city is its black beach.  The sand is black.

Another last minute change to our itinerary - our next port Funchal is closed due to bad weather so we will divert to Arrecife which is another of the Canary Islands.  We are due to arrive there at 0800 tomorrow.

At Sea 29/03/2014

Some drama overnight - There was a medical evacuation around midnight when a chopper came in and hovered above the ship in the middle of the ocean.  Rumours around the ship range from someone with head injuries from falling down the stairs to someone died.  Chinese whispers!!
The seas have been rough for the past 24 hours and with the chopper drama - as a result, we are due to arrive in Tenerife tomorrow around 4 hours late - noon.

At Sea 28/03/2014

Today was spent at sea en-route to Casablanca but late in the day we were notified of a change to the itinerary.  Because of expected bad weather and 4 metres seas, off the Morrocan coast, we are diverting to the Canary Islands and Medeira before Casablanca.
we attended a gathering in the sports bar of all the Aussies on board it turned into a Karaoke session.  Lesley was put on the spot as word got out that it was her birthday today.  No, she didn't sing.  You wouldn't believe it but we have come across more Townsvillians today.  Linda, a lady that worked with Judy at the school tuckshop is on board.  Another couple, Mark (ex-Ergon) and his wife Karen are from Mundingburra.
Other than that, the day was a lazy day catching up on some shut-eye and chilling.  Tonight's dinner will be a gala dress code and a bit of a celebration of Lesley's birthday.

Lesley with our waiters - Oscar and Mario

Because of the change of itinerary, tomorrow will be another day at sea.
Catch ya then!!!

Barcelona 27/03/2014

We docked at the port of Barcelona just before 1300.  So it was a short and sharp visit today.  We
only had 4 hours ashore so we took a stroll down the 'happening' street (La Rambli) and then boarded
a sightseeing bus to do a whistle stop tour of the city sights.

Some interesting architecture here - old and new.  The most interesting structure is the Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudi.  Basically this is a church which has been under construction for more than 100 years.  Very out there design!!!
Gaudi died in early 1900's after being hit by a tram in the vicinity of his masterpiece and is buried
in a crypt within the church.

Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudi

First impressions - we found Barcelona as a very clean city with a diverse array of architecture - very densely packed.  We could have spent more time there. 

We were back aboard the ship by 1700.  Tomorrow is a full day at sea as we navigate toward our next stop - Casablanca.

Genoa 26/03/2014

Today was a more relaxed day just spent mostly on foot around the city centre precinct of Genoa.  We
firstly took a sight seeing bus around the city culminating in the city centre.
The ladies took the opportunity to do a spot of shopping while I did the male thing - wait around outside...

A Bike Park in city centre

San Lorenzo Cathedral

We had a substantial turnover of passengers today as one cruise leg ended for some and a new one
begins for others.  We set off this afternoon at around 1700 and navigate towards Barcelona.  Just
heard on the TV that the weather might become a little nasty in the western Mediterranean which is
where we are headed - so may be interesting!
Catch ya tomorrow!!!

Rome 25/03/2014

We docked on time at 0900 and caught the train to Rome.  Temperature only reached a max of 13 today so was a bit cool all day.  The trip took a little over an hour.  First stop was St Peter's.  Judy and I have been there previously but that took nothing away from the awe of this beautiful place.  Lesley was awestruck by it's magnificence too.  We spent an hour and a half wandering around taking in it's beauty and ambiance.

St Peter's - the weather came in by the time we left Rome

After we had lunch in a little back street restaurant, we caught the bus and hopped off at the Trevi Fountain.  We didn't get to see it on our last trip in 2007.  There were thousands of people hoarding
around this one fountain so was a bit cramped.  Judy tossed a mandatory coin into the fountain.  For
the superstitious, this means you will return.  We already know that we will - so it must work!!

Trevi Fountain

We only had a 'driving past' view of the Colosseum today.

A drive by of the Colosseum

There is way too much to see in Rome in a day.  You really need a week at least to take in as much as you can.  There are still a few sites we haven't made yet but hope to get to them on our next visit in a couple of weeks.  We caught the train back to the port with about an hour to spare before 'all aboard' time.

Small fountain in front of St Peter's

Tonight we navigate to Genoa and dock at 0800 tomorrow.
See ya then!!!

At Sea - 24/03/2014

Today was a lazy day spent at sea on our trek from Athens to Rome.  Ran through a storm today so the weather wasn't as perfect as it has been to date.

We had a bit of a swell all day and by night fall, the boat she was a rockin' a bit.  Quite strong winds all day as well.  There were a few people absent from dinner.  One would assume that they were sick.  Apparently there were a few as the ship had sick bags strategically placed around the place.

It's amazing the power of nature to be able to affect this massive man made structure.

Tomorrow we dock at 0900 in Civitavecchio which is the port accessible to Rome.

Catch ya then!!

Athens 23/03/2014

Wow!!! Today was everything I expected and more.  We took a taxi from the port (Piraeus) to Athens.  I'm glad we did that.  We intended taking the 'Hop On Hop Off' bus but when we emerged from the terminal confronted by a queue of taxis, I'd guess 100 long, it became the attractive way to go.  He hit us 50 euro each.  But the advantage was realised when we arrived at the Acropolis long before the masses.  We were able to behold the magnificance of this series of structures up close with few annoying tourists around - oh wait?  Anyway, it was wonderful.
After spending an hr and a half there, we took a personally guided tour of some of Athens historical
landmarks including the Roman Agora, Olympic Stadium which was the site of the original modern
Olympics in 1896, the city of Plaka where we enjoyed lunch in a very Mediterranean atmosphere.
We saw a changing of the guard at the government house, an interesting thing to witness and glad we
did.
One thing puzzles me over here - the lane markings on the roads appear to be just a guide because
nobody uses them.  Basically if you see there is space free to fit a car, you grab it.  It appears chaotic but we haven't seen a bingle yet so it seems to work.  The taxi told me that "Police are not very strong".  So nobody observes many of the road rules like wearing helmets on motor bikes, speed,
seat belts.
After a day well spent, we got back to the ship by around 1430 and left dock about 5 minutes late. 
The maneuverability of these massive vessels is unreal.  We reversed out of the doc out past the breakwater where we cracked a U-ee and headed south through the islands and onward toward our next port in Civitavecchio (Rome).
See ya then!!!
More Images...

 

Sunrise outside our cabin this morning

The Parthenon

Temple of Zeus

Changing of the guard

Orange trees grow in the streets

At Sea - 22/03/2014

Today was a lazy day at sea as we tracked predominantly NNW towards Piraeus (Athens).  Absolutely perfect weather with the exception of a light cloud or two.  But that's OK as it produced a
spectacular sunset.  The sea is still very calm. 
All the Aussies were invited to a meet and greet in one of the lounges this afternoon - noisy bunch! 
Small world - one of the old fellas I chatted to used to work as a TA in the line gang in the 70's at
TREB/NORQEB.  Together, we rattled off a bunch of old names that we both knew.  He left in 74 before I started in 78 but there were lots of the 'oldies' that were common to him and me.  Just made his day I think.  We saw a presentation of the 'behind the scenes' of what makes a ship like this tick -
very educational.  Some of the stats for the food intake were staggering - 37,000 eggs per week, 57
tonnes of meat - Just a couple that I can recall.
Anyway, tomorrow at 0800, we dock in Athens and get around the sites under our own steam this time.  It gives us more 'me' time to see what we want to see and go where where we want to go.  We will be back two more times so we don't have to try and get around to everything in one day.
See ya!!!

Haifa 21/03/2014

Found some decent WiFi in the terminal of the Haifa Port so grabbing the advantage before we board.
Second day in Haifa.  After the big day yesterday, we were late back to the ship (about 1930).  Today, I wanted to take in and capture the sights and feel of the not so touristy districts of Haifa.  Lesley and I took a stroll through the streets and back alleys of Haifa with cameras in hand.

Bahai Gardens

Today is Judy's turn on the sick roster.  She spent most of the night driving the porcelain bus so was feeling under the weather today and chose to stay in bed.

The view across the port as we departed Haifa

At 1700 we set off toward Piraeus (Athens) - it's a two day trip so tomorrow will be an 'at sea' day.
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Haifa 20/03/2014

We started the day with a 3 hr drive from Haifa to Jerusalem by bus. I have been reminded of why I hate bus tours. Off the bus - on the bus cramped in a seat for hrs. No free time to explore and photograph what I want to capture.

So the day was more an experience and personally witness the sites and history of the Holy Land.

Very surreal to touch and see these special relics of the stuff you learn about as a child.

Our guide, Isaac is a very knowledgeable historian and a character to boot.

We then headed over to Bethlehem where we visited the Church of the Nativity - another sobering experience.

We are currently on the long drive back to Haifa (where the ship is docked).  Everyone is catching some shut eye after a long and tiring day.

The cityscape here is much like I envisaged it.  There is no market for the paint industry. Absolutely every building or structure is bare masonry.  The countryside is very harsh - predominantly limestone.

Looking forward to a warm shower and a soft bed.
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At Sea 19/03/2014

Gym at 0600 followed by breadsticks and a cuppa for brekky and then just chillin' around the ship all
day.  The girls did a spot of shopping, spa and lazing around.  The sea was 'silky' smooth today, all day.

This afternoon there was a wedding in the foyer.  Boy that was a 'wham, bam, thank you maam' kind of show.  It was all over in 15 minutes from the walk down the aisle to cutting the cake.

Tomorrow, we dock at 0600 in Israel - it'll be a big day so catch you after that.
More images ...

Heraklion 18/03/2014

We reached landfall at around 0600 in Heraklion which is the largest city of the island of Crete.
I stayed on board today as I couldn't afford to wander any more than metres from a toilet - if you get
my drift.  I think I made more runs than Michael Clark on a good day!  Meanwhile, Judy and Lesley
went for a tour of the city.
Heraklion is the home of the Minoan Palace of Knossos which is believed to be 3,700 years old.  The
girls did a tour through the ruins.

The sea here is a beautiful aqua and very calm just like I'd imagined of the Mediterranean.

You can just make out Judy and Lesley on our balcony

We navigated out from Heraklion about 1620 and headed east along the northern coast of Crete where
tonight at around 2030, we'll change tack to a ESE direction towards Haifa, Israel.
Talk to you then.

Katakolon 17/03/2014

Today we docked on time at 0900 into the port of Katakolon, Greece.  From here, we caught a taxi to
the Archeological site of Ancient Olympia.  The taxi driver, Babbus was a friendly little fellow -
only too obliging.  Olympia is the site of the ancient Olympic Games.  The entire precinct has been
excavated to reveal these ancient ruins - pretty special place.  The find was made in the 19th
Century.  In fact there was dig going on as we visited.  One of the main attractions here is the stadium which was constructed to hold 45,000 spectators which is even a decent size stadium by today's standards.  The torch for each of the modern olympics is originally lit here before its global journey to the host city.
All aboard at 1430 and we set off in a southerly then easterly direction toward Heraklion where we
will dock tomorrow.

Catch ya!!!
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At Sea 16/03/2014

The day spent at sea was a relaxing one.  Started the day with a session in the gym - that's to
negate the onset of the guilts for all the food you consume.  Seriously, it's just on tap 24 hrs -
very dangerous.  Our table allocation for dinner has put the three of us with two lovely ladies
(sisters) from the gold coast.  Makes be the thorn among many roses so it's all good.
There are 200 aussies on the cruise so you run into the accent regularly.
Today we passed through the strait of Messina to the western tip of Sicily and out into the open sea
bound for Katakolon.  Clocks go forward an hour tonight which puts us 8 hrs behind home.
Catch you tomorrow.

The view from our cabin this morning when we awoke - moonset

Smooth sailing through the strait

Pilot speeding away after disembarking the ship

I'm sorry, I will only be posting further photos when I get access to a faster connection so whenever I can, I'll do that and attach the link to the blog of that day.
More Images ...

Genoa 15/03/2014

Having trouble with a sound internet connection...

Two old ladies walking the streets of Genoa

Today we took a short stroll around the immediate area to our Hotel.  At 1100 we were picked up by bus to take us to the port where we were checked in preparation for boarding.  That didn't quite go as smoothly as expected but a long story.
By around 1400, we had boarded.  We took an unguided tour around the ship as we did a full recon mission checking out the new place we call home for the next 5 weeks.  Stairs and more bloody stairs!!!  The lifts were overworked as 3,000 other passengers were doing the same thing.
They held the mandatory evacuation drill and soon after, we motored off.
Tomorrow we spend the day at sea on our way to Katakolon, Greece.
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Centre Foyer of the Fantasia

Genoa (Genova)

3 planes, 1 train and 1 bus later, we arrived in Genoa about 5pm.  Settled into our accommodation.  It's 8:30 and we're ready to turn in.  Looking forward to a 'horizontal' sleep.

On the hour or so of approach today, we were treated to the spectacle of the alps still draped in snow.  Simply breathtaking view.

We left Dubai about a half hour late yet arrived about 10 mins early so he must have had his foot down all the way.

We had a bit of drama when we arrived in Milan this arvy when the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing.

There was nobody there to pick us up for the bus ride to Genoa. I eventually found the bus driver in the arrivals hall standing there like Nigel NoFriends wondering why his passengers were a no show.  But we had all been waiting outside the terminal where the airport staff told us to wait for any private transfers. When we finally hooked him up with 2 dozen aussies getting a bit agro after about an hour of mix up, we had to fit everyone and our gear into the Tardis for the couple hour journey to Genoa.

Anyway we all got here intact so all good.

Tomorrow we board the ship and literally sail off into the sunset.

Catch ya!

Dubai

Arrived at 0530 local time. Five minutes late. Not bad after 14 hrs. Dubai airport is  impressive to first time visitors such as us.

The trip from our arrival to our next departure gate was seamless. The whole establishment is living, breathing machine. We grabbed a quick brekky and a freshen up before boarding our next flight to Milan. Boarding at 0820. This is the view from the Emirates lounge down on to the plebs outside...

Catch ya in Italy.

Final Wait

Sitting at the BNE International awaiting check in opening. 

Pre-Cruise (T minus 2 days)

Two more sleeps until we jet off.  All becoming very real now!  Our bags are packed with the exception of my camera gear.  I have a last minute photo shoot tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Burdekin.  Looking forward to it too.  So it'll be a busy next couple of days till we board but all good it makes the time fly.
Catch ya!!

Pre-Cruise 2014 (T minus 12 days)

All excited now - only 12 sleeps until Judy and I set off on our next 'adventure'.  

We have a travel partner coming along with us this time as we cruise the Mediterranean with MSC Cruises on the MSC Fantasia.  For the benefit of those who aren't family, Lesley is our son's Mother in Law and is equally looking forward to our trip.
Promise to have plenty of pictures posted for you to enjoy and hopefully make you a little jealous along the way.

This is a Google Maps overlay of our itinerary...