TRAVEL DIARIES

October 2005 - Mediterranean Culinary Cruise - by Beverly Jamieson

I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed wandering around Venice and San Marco Square .  It was so relaxing.  I really enjoyed the shopping and the cafe's within the square.  Everyone was just so wonderful and helpful.  The Bauer hotel was grand and I would recommend it.  The ports of call were great but I think my favorites were in Italy .  We stopped in Rome and the sights were breathtaking.  I would go back there in a minute.  We toured the coliseum which was magnificent.  Most of the streets are paved with volcanic slate and in the Roman forum entrance you can still see the wheel ruts made by the chariots where they entered the forum.  We visited the Trevi Fountain and the sculptures around the fountain were just beautiful although it was very crowded and was a bit of work getting right down to it.  Next we had a typical lunch at a small restaurant which was just was delicious.  Then we visited the Vatican Museum .  It was far grander than I could have dreamed.  The paintings, sculptures, murals, tapestries and artifacts had to be seen to be appreciated.  Pictures do not do it justice. The Sistine Chapel was extremely impressive.  Our next stop was St Peter's Basilica.  The church was magnificent.  We were able to wander the basilica and drink in the art, sculptures and history.  The square is very large and the arches come out from both sides of the church and are likened to arms surrounding the people in the square.  We then shopped a bit in a small shop and headed back to the ship for the night.

Our next stop was Livorno where we travelled to Lucca a charming walled city.  We enjoyed many shops and squares and very nice friendly people.  I love to sit now and again in an outdoor cafe and watch the people go by. The shops were so quaint and charming with so much to see.  There was a celebration in the square that day and all the civil servants and city dignitaries were present.  They even had a parade! Then we went to a lovely restaurant in the Tuscany valley.  The meal was grand and we were given time to wander about and take pictures.  After that we were off to the summer home of an Italian Prince and his family.  The prince sold tickets to the grounds and his wife gave the tour of the home.  They live on the second floor while they give tours on the main floor.  It gives you an idea of how the people lived.  There was a lot of history in this home.  Then back on the bus to go back to the ship. 

While on the ship I played bingo and some cards in the casino.  I was pretty lucky and won over $650 USD.  I bought myself a digital camera with some of it and just spent and enjoyed the rest.  Found money you know!

We stopped in Cadiz , Spain and I thought that the city was one of the cleanest places that we visited.  The beaches were beautiful.  We stopped at the Sherry Factory and had a tour and film explaining the procedures used to make and age these brandies.  We walked through the buildings where the brandies are aged.  The kegs were signed by many very famous people such as actors, directors and a lot of political dignitaries who visited the factory.  The scenery was grand and the tour was very interesting.  We had some time to do some taste testing.  The brandy was lovely and we had some munchies as well.  We had time to go through the shop to purchase anything we may want to buy and then on the bus and back to the ship touring more of the city along the way. 

The whole trip was great and I would go back in a heartbeat.  I would recommend it to anyone who likes sailing and enjoys history and old world charm.