CRUISE 3

 

CRUISE 3 --- 19 APRIL 2023 ---LISBON PORTUGAL

 

Last night we were really all over the place and rocking and rolling even the old nurse that has been working at sea for 15 years was feeling a bit green and had to go and lie down! So that gives you an idea of how ruff the sea was. I did not feel sick but was uneasy and did not have a good night’s sleep to make it worse hubby was called out a few times during the night, so it was not a peaceful night at all.

We arrived in Lisbon early morning before sunrise, I was up early for had to go and sort out my next cruise dates, they had me in a bit of a tizz for told me last night they see I am getting off the ship on the 2 April and my date is the 21 April in Miami so thank goodness for my printed forms I had in my folder that I could go and get and show them that I do have confirmation until I get to Miami.

Hubby was on duty, and I got off early and had the day to walk around in this amazing city so left at about 9 o clock and was good to just walk around at my own pace and stop and look and sit wherever I wanted to.

My first stop was at a coffee shop called Angusto Lisboa when I stumbled over it there was a long que of people in the street then I knew ok this place must be something for I stood for at least 25 min before I got in for a Americano and the most delicious banana bread I have ever tasted. They served it with peanut butter puree and fresh bananas, the bread was toasted that I have never had toasted banana bread. They also served still water with a piece of cinnamon in it, that was also a first. Words on the counter said the following

BETTER FOOD

BETTER MOOD

AUGUSTO very true hey!

Then off I went popping in at all sorts of different place that looked interesting. Got caught up in the beautiful handmade tiles they make, got a few I want to take home and try and make something with them as a memento. Also passed a place that is marked for the people that do the Camino walk so that was special for very good friends of us have just done it and loved it so had to take a photo for them.

I got to the Torre Da Igreja a tower with views over the city and when I saw you get a glass of vino or Ginja Liquor with your ticket I was sold on the idea, sipping some Portuguese Ginja while taking in the city views, just sounded nice, so that I really enjoyed and thought it was special.

Also did my round in a mall but that did not last long I prefer walking the cobble streets. At one stall I met a lady that makes fish scale embroidery never heard of that before, how amazing is that her name is Susana Almeida and she is on Instagram

suspaulaembroidery  ,definitely want to have a look. Even bought a flower just because I have never seen something like this, but she said that it is an old Portuguese art form that they have been doing for many years.

On my way along the waterfront, I came across a stall with pineapples where they remove the inside with a gadget and then you get a huge Pitcher cocktail maybe I will try one with our next visit, they did look very interesting, and I like pineapple.

Just before I got to the ship I decided to sit and just rest a while enjoying a glass of wine watching all the tourist go by must say that was good but by this time, I was tired had been walking around for more than 6 hours.!!!! Had a perfect day in Lisbon today with perfect weather we were truly blessed.

 

20 MARCH 2023 ---- @SEA

 

Left Lisbon at 21h00 and only when we were under the red bridge did, I realize that we sail out of Lisbon that way and we passed the lit up statue of Christ so I definitely am going to go out on the open deck with our next departure for it will also be our last one out of Lisbon.

Hope to then take a beautiful video or some pics at night.

The day at sea was chilled and with hubby off for the day we were very lazy and had our siesta. In one of the ports? Cadiz the shops are closed from 14h00 too I think 17h00, siesta time!! Sounds like our little platteland se dorpies or coastal towns where they close between 13h00 and 14h00 for lunch!!

Was so disappointed when I got back to the ship and wanted to book my excursion for the Art and Nature in Lanzarote and was told they are sold out but when I went back to ask them to put my name on the waiting list I got the fantastic news that they have more buses going and there is a spot for me, so am very thankful and excited for it will be on my birthday so will call it my birthday present for 2023. Had calm seas for a change and are on our way to Funchal Madeira.

 

 

 

21 MARCH 2023 --- FUNCHAL MADEIRA

 

Got up to get a gym session in before the day started and was great to have coffee on the open deck early morning, before all the other passengers start moving and getting up.

There were 4 ships in port so knew that there would be long waiting periods all over the city and after breakfast I took the long walk to the cable car station.

There I got pensioners discount so was very chuffed about that, did not even ask or say anything only realized it after I looked at my ticket so standing and waiting to go up in the car was not a problem waited for about 30 min before we got going.

Then I discovered Monte Palace Tropical Garden and wow that was really stunning and peaceful here you must have your walking shoes on and be ready for going down the steep slopes and then you need to go back up, unless you exit alongside it, it is a mix of art, flora and fauna.

It includes sculptures from Zimbabwe and a big Japanese section. The 1000-year-old Olive tree got my attention, amazing. Some Azaleas were still in flower but think their best show was over must be stunning when they are in full bloom. Got an opportunity to taste their local ports so that was nice, also included in your ticket. On my way out I stopped at the restaurant for some cake and coffee with a view over the tropical garden.

When I arrived at the toboggan station there must have been at least 100 people waiting to catch a ride so decided to just be patient and wait, for I was not going to miss this special opportunity.

In the end it was not that bad and once the guys got going, it went fast. They say that the traditional basket sledges date back to the early 19^th century when they were used as means of transport by the residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal.

The toboggans are driven by 2 runners, dressed in white and wearing typical hats called straw boaters. The decent from Monte is about 2km and takes 10 minutes to complete. The thrilling ride can ride up to 30kms per hour and must say really enjoyed it here and there it did feel a bit scary but all I did was put a foot in each corner of the basket en het omtrent vasgetrap!! Call it the Toboggan vastrap!!

Would love to do it again just when you get going and start enjoying it, it is all over. Would love to know how much they make per day for must be thousands and is all cash no cards. My ride was 25 euro, next is 30 and not sure what 3 people costs? 35.

I decided to walk down into town and o my goodness what a steep downhill walk I was in for. Think must have been another 2/3 km into town and am sure am going to have blue toes tomorrow was steep all the way down.

Glad I did not take the bus but did not enjoy the toes that were squashed all the way down your foot moved forward in your shoes that’s how steep it was.

In town I went to the market to have another look around and just saw the last bits of fish and cleaning of the market. Stopped in a side street and a local place called CASA DO BOLO DO CACO and tried a local dish Shredded Pork in white wine and garlic stuffed into a traditional Madeiran bread it was amazing and with that I had a local beer that went down very well. To end it off I had an espresso which was also very good. Had a beautiful day in this amazing island just love it but must admit after 8 hours of rondloop I am feeling a bit exhausted. So, until tomorrow bye, we are staying overnight and that is also always nice so the crew and passengers can enjoy this places night life

 

22 MARCH 2023--- FUNCHAL MADEIRA

 

Took things slowly today had a late breakfast and could feel that yesterday had taken its toll on the body! Breakfast was on the outside deck with beautiful views over Funchal and the other ships in the harbor.

Late yesterday one cruise liners left so 3 of us spent the night. Had some entertainment while enjoying my breakfast an older couple were having a fight about something for their body languages were not good, at first mamma bear went and sat on her own at another table then later decided to join daddy again but no peace treaty until after I left. Amazing how sometimes actions speak louder than words, no words needed.

Late morning, we got off for a walk to the downtown where we decided to just lie on the grass and watch the people go by.

School kids had sport nearby so that was fun to watch were playing volleyball and still lots of tourists all over the place. Decided to get hubby some takeaways but that was a big mistake the ham and cheese bread was dry and not tasty at all such a disappointment after yesterday’s delicious food. So, we won’t be doing that again, did stop for an ice-cream on our way back to the ship and was good, especially the caramel scoop.

 The bed won again, and a nice afternoon sleep was good, after yesterday’s crazy walking day even took a pain tablet for feeling stiff and sore. At least the toes are normal and no blue or bruised toenails. Tomorrow we are in a new port called Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain the previous one was Santa Cruz de la Palma Spain, so is confusing I got it wrong, is the other way round.

Hubby going to spoil me, and we are going out for dinner for my birthday so really looking forward to that still must decide which restaurant I want to go to.

 

23 MARCH 2023--- SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA SPAIN

 

Started the day on a good note and while we were having coffee on deck 11 you could see the airport lights in the distance, but it is right next to sea and must be the only little spot with a flat piece to land for planes to land on this island. Would be interesting to google and found out more.

Today was our first visit to this island Buses on La Palma also known as Guagua connect visitors to key area on the island including Los Cancajos Beach volcanoes and salt pans in Fuencaliente. The viewpoint is in Brena Alta.

I did a walk on my own in the downtown area and started with an espresso at a local café that cost me 1 euro. The beach is black and was weird to see people laying on the black sand to me sand must be white, or cream color don’t like the black sand beaches. I landed up in a local clothing store and was just nice to browse.

While on my walk through the town I discovered a local jeweler that makes the most stunning pieces of jewelry and I decided to buy myself a ring with a big piece of volcanic rock set in sterling silver. Was still standing and admiring the ring when a man took one look at it and said that looks stunning on your hand you need to buy it, and I don’t work for in this shop, so that is what I did, just love it. One of a kind for don’t think I will ever again be visiting places that have volcano eruptions this island had one in 2021.

The wooden balconies overlooking the sea seem to be an attraction and are unique and beautiful. Would have loved to visit all the sights they have to offer but all in one day is just not possible.

They offer 5 tours on the island and most of them take 4/5 hours

Tour 1 was to see cultural heritage, crafts, panoramic views and beach

Tour 2 was nature, national park, panoramic views shopping, cultural heritage and beach

Tour 3 was Volcanoes wineries, saltpans and beach

Tour 4 was Panoramic views, archaeology, nature, laurel forest, cultural heritage, natural seawater swimming pool.

Tour 5 was to the roof of the island,2426m above sea level Panoramic views and the Astrophysics observatory.

My plan was a quick walk but ended up in 5 hours, really enjoy just strolling around and popping into every shop that catches my attention. The church on the island was also very impressive and beautiful like they all are.

Think tonight is going to be an early night for me know it sound cheesy but a port every day is hectic. This week we are back in Morocco so those 2 days I will spend resting and getting my energy back for the next big rondloop.

 

24 MARCH 2023--- PUERTO DEL ROSARIO SPAIN

 

Had a late-night last night and hubby was called out during the night so not bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning! One of those days when you wake up tired and don’t feel like doing anything.

Today we are in a new port and am not coming back so you feel you need to go and have a look. Must say docking in the container area of the harbor and a long walk to town not great or should I say does not give you a very positive good feeling about the place.

The landscape is very barren dry and hardly any trees only palms here and there. Don’t think I would want to move here,haa haa.

The one thing that was great to see was a white sand beach for the last few days we have only been seeing black sand beaches.

This is a fishing settlement and has a natural sheltered harbor it is also known for the whitewashed houses and open-air artworks all along the promenade. They have mural paintings in the town area, so this seems to be an art loving town, I loved all the sculptures along the beachfront they have over 50 scattered all over the town.

They also have a canary hound that is used for rabbit hunting that has adapted to the terrain and has excellent high smelling, visual and hearing skills. This breed is one of the oldest dog breeds. Just must share this before I forget, across from me, I have a couple playing a board game and drinking real French champagne I would give what to just have a sip to see is it really something else!!

Had a little giggle when the guy asked for the champagne the waiter asked champagne or real French champagne and before the guy could answer he saw on his ship key card he must be in one of the very smart cabins on the ship, and said, OK French Champagne coming up!! They are busy with there 2^nd glasses of bubbly. That kept going until I stopped counting after 4.

Must admit there clothing does not look very smart so that did not give them away regarding being in the Haven, the upper class very expensive cabins on the ship with your own butler.

Hubby did not feel like walking around so his visit was short lived and after he went back to the ship, I walked around but soon realized there was not much to see so on my way back I stopped for a quick beer and then decided a afternoon sleep would be better.

One thing on the ship that is nice you never think of any crime, or something might disappear, so you leave your things at your table if you need the restrooms of go to get some more food.

This afternoon we leave for Santa Cruz de Tenerife and are there all day tomorrow.

 

25 MARCH 2023 --- SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE (CANARY ISLANDS)

 

Hubby working so another day of walking around on my own, must say am used to this.

Left just after breakfast and another stunning day decided to go to the information center to get a map of Santa Cruz and try and see as many things as I can today. My first walk was to the Palmetum it is an artificial hill created by the accumulation of waste and rubble in the 1970s.Today it is hard to believe that beneath its garden lie meters of waste. This really blows you away that they can do something like this and that it is possible, here is the proof and photographs to prove it , amazing. The species they have went from 10 in 1983 to 88 in 2022 and the wildlife has gradually also moved in.

Was amazing to just sit in this beautiful place with stunning views over the sea and then have birds’ song as background music, absolutely loved it.

Then I stopped at the opera house for a cold beer some cake and an espresso, the beer went down quickly but the rest I enjoyed slowly. Chose a traditional meringue cake and was delicious.

Had no WIFI so that was a disappointment but on I went and passed the amazing water park reminded me of Sun City just so tastefully done and can understand why there was a long que to get in with locals coming to spend the day with their families, if I had my costume with me think I would have spent a few hours just chilling there. It is called Parque Maritimo.

I wanted to go to the local botanical garden and that was on the other side of town so off I went and up the hill, also beautiful with massive trees and water features. So nice to see tourists and locals enjoying these beautiful open spaces. Even stopped at a place where I could put my feet in the sea, that was nice and cooled me down.

Decided I want to try and get to the place where you can see all the costumes that they use in carnival time, but I am afraid by this time I was tired and did not find it, so ended up in a restaurant enjoying another beer and some fried goats’ cheese was good and thank goodness for free WIFI so could at last post all my pics and videos.

At this time, I decided to let hubby know I am still alive and well after 7 hours of walking around and being away from the ship, just wanted to confirm that we were only leaving at 23h00 ,just in case! The walk back to the ship went slowly voetjie vir voetjie.I was very glad to see our cabin but had a fantastic day here in Santa Cruz. Tomorrow hubby is off so we will be walking around together and think we have one more visit to this city before we do the crossing to the States.

 

26 MARCH 2023--- LAS PALMAS SPAIN

Another late night and had to set our watches back 1 hour so felt like a very short night.

We left the ship late morning and headed for the beach but then decided to first have something to eat at a local restaurant called Casa Roya and has the most beautiful view over the ocean. We got a table on the little veranda overlooking the beach and hubby had the fish of the day and I had ravioli with mushrooms and bacon and some wine. Really enjoyed our time and had good WIFI to do all our business that was also a huge positive.

After lunch it was time for the beach and a swim. Hubby said he was not swimming so he stayed on the beach, and I went swimming the water was cold and saw loads of fish while in the water it was nice and clear.

The beach was packed for it was Sunday so think all the tourists and locals were at the beach for the day.

Another weird thing was seeing so many ladies topless and all shapes and sizes here you don’t feel bad off you figure or boobs at all, anything goes, and all look comfortable in their skin. So, there were big, fat,ugly and beautiful ,slim , and stunning figures too. When hubby wanted to go back, I decided to stay on the beach and spent the afternoon lying on the beach even had WIFI while I was lying on the beach, which was great.

Thousand were enjoying the good weather and sunshine. So tomorrow it is time for my first excursion on this cruise and really looking forward to it. Cesar Manrique Art and Nature.

 

27 MARCH 2023---- ARRECIFE LANZAROTE SPAIN

 

Today is my birthday and cannot believe turning 59 today ,1 more to go then I hit the big 60!!!

We were up early for a visit to the gym and then our usual coffee with a view, before I popped in for breakfast and then I had to be on the pier to get on the bus for my excursion. Well, is was worth every sent and was mind blowing.

Our first stop was a visit to an open cave called Jameos del Agua and what a sight to behold breathtakingly beautiful, I was in total awe. You can’t believe your eyes, don’t even know how to explain it.

The landscape is flat with a widespread plain of weather-beaten lava stone formed by the last eruption of the Corona Crater 3000 years ago. Through the years singular vegetation unfolds itself which adds a special charm to this otherwise poor and dry landscape. You then arrive at the open cave, which is part of this huge lava tunnel, the famous native artist Cesar Manrique transformed this cave into a small paradise.

You descend into the cave with steep steps going down into the earth and as you go along your words seem to disappear! So ,you go down wooden steps and first arrive in a huge open area that is a restaurant, it feels as if the earth was split open and you descend down. You then see this subterranean lake roofed by a huge arch of lava stones.

Small blind albino crabs that are normally only found in deep sea areas inhabit this lake. A Tropical Garden with beautiful plants is set up on a open area of the cave with an artificial pool in the center.

Passing through the garden there is an entrance to a concert hall a natural auditorium with the capacity for more than 500 people. It must be amazing to come to a concert in this stunning setting. I said to our guide you don’t even have words to describe this experience.

Then we were off to our next place a natural gravel mine that Cesar converted into a Cactus Garden, the inferior structure is circular with the walls made up of terraces descending from the ground in levels displaying the 1000 different species of cacti from all over the world. Surrounding the garden are local cultivations of cactus with cochineal parasites used as a natural component for coloring and as ingredient for some local drinks and food.

Our next stop was the village of Tahiche,where we visited the Cesar Manrique Foundation its purpose is to preserve the environment and combine the beauty of the island with natural protection and decoration. The artist former house now converted into a foundation it is a two-story level structure built in five huge natural volcanic bubbles and is the best example of his ideas. The upper level is inspired by the traditional architecture of Lanzarote and the underground level takes advantage of contemporary artists like Picasso, Tapies, Miro ect.

This artist was a genius of his time and amazing to think what he achieved in this hostile landscape. He died after a car accident not far from his home at the age of 72 and such a pity for think he would have kept on creating until he could no more.

This trip was another highlight to this amazing place so glad had the opportunity to see it. Really thankful.

This visit had inspired me to go and read more about volcanoes, bubbles and tubes things I have never even heard about. The next two days I am ship bound due to no visa for Morocco and then we stop at Ceuta Spain for our first visit to this city, they say it is beautiful so we shall see. Tonight, I have a dinner date with hubby to celebrate my birthday so looking forward to that.

 

29 MARCH 2023 ---- CASABLANCA MAROCCO

 

So close and so far, how I wish I could have gone ashore to go and explore this amazing country at the top point of Africa but maybe another time!

Last night we could only get a booking at 21.30 in the restaurant, so it was a late night, but we had a fantastic dinner good food, good wine and good company. I had a tiny piece of fillet with pepper sauce, but it was very good, and hubby went for the trout, and he said it was also very good. I decided to have red wine with my fillet and was spoilt to get a big generous glass.

Our walk back to our cabin we took the route on deck 12 in a gusty wind, so we were wide awake after that short walk. That is one positive thing about staying and working on a ship your work and living quarters are very close in 5 min you are back in your cabin.

Today I was spoilt with a Starbucks coffee in bed and only got up late and then decided to have a long session in the gym with the whole place to myself for all the other passengers were spending the day in Casablanca in Morocco. This is our last visit to this big cargo port and city. Next time I will check to see if I need any other visas when we go to all these different countries.

After breakfast I decided to spend some time next to the pool area lying in the sun and listening to some music. Now I have a real boere tan from all the walking around so was trying to get rid of that on my arms. Then it was time for the jacuzzi and a dip in the kiddy’s pool to just cool down for really a beautiful hot sunny day in Casablanca.

Tomorrow we are in Ceuta Spain for the first time and looking forward to going and exploring this city. Can’t believe we are nearing the end of our 3 cruise and Lisbon will be our last port of call before we start heading up the coast to do the Atlantic crossing to New York, that will take us 3 days to do, so I am just hoping we have good weather for this is a first for me and am feeling a bit nervous knowing there is no land in sight or close by just us and the big ocean.

Another weird thing is setting our clocks forward with 2 hours tonight, so we will have another short night. Will be arriving at 12 midday and set sail again at 19.30 tomorrow night. I always find it strange when we arrive in the middle of the day, and you don’t have all day to go walking about.

 

 

30 MARCH 2023---CEUTA SPAIN

 

Only arrived in Ceuta at 12h00 so could watch the sail in and was another perfect day so was amazing to see the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance and have an opportunity to see the place from the ship. When we get to the ports in the early morning the ship is usually docked by the time we get up.

Once we were off the ship, we went exploring but must admit did expect more from this place. Does look a bit run down and especially the beach area we went too looked a tad sad and run down.

Our first mission was to find a public toilet and that was a mission all the places we got to were locked. Then we decided to sit and have a beer and something to eat at a restaurant on the beach but that was a mistake for we battled to communicate with the waiter for he only spoke Spanish and had no menu in English.

That is when google translate was used and we got to order some calamari but o my goodness must have been 8 round pieces and that cost us 17 euro was not too bad but we only got 3 pieces of lettuce leaves and these 8 pieces of calamari, anyway was not bad but definitely would not recommend that place.

On our way back to the ship we stopped for an ice-cream and then hubby left me to return to the ship, I wondered around for a while but then decided there was not much to see, and I also returned to the ship. Was not going to pay 3 or 4 euro for a magnet so this city won’t have a magnet on our fridge. We had dinner on deck 11 with the sail away so hubby could also enjoy the views with sunset.

 

31 MARCH 2023--- MALAGA SPAIN

I was on my own again today so decided to really try and see as much as I could today. My first walk was up along the beachfront and kept walking for an hour when I decided I was going to come back to the beachfront to enjoy some sardines on the beach. Took some pics of the little boats that they have on a pole with sand and wood in where they braai the fish. Knew that later in the day they would be up and running but I was too early, left the ship at 10.

 I walked back to the downtown in the street just parallel to the beach and at one stage saw stairs that looked like they go all the way to the top of the hill overlooking the city and I was crazy enough to give it a go and see where they go to, well that was a mistake for once I was at the top there was not much to see and got my heart rate going through the roof.

Passed a few interesting places and stopped at a local flowers shop with beautiful flowers and plants. The one plant had the most exquisite yellow flowers and is called Citisis also had this amazing scent like citrus blossoms. The purple wisteria is in full bloom so that was beautiful to see and the walk downtown under all the citrus trees with their blossoms was stunning.

I then made a visit to the bull ring stadium and had a area where they had a photo gallery all over the hallways of Picasso and his family and some famous actors like Grace Kelly, Jane Fonda, Sofia Lauren and Winston Churchill must say I really enjoyed tot see these pics of Picasso. The one that really stood out was his beloved Jacqueline holding his hand in a Paris Hospital, it just says so much just looking at it that was in 1965.Looking at these photos he must have been a character of note.

Then it was time to just walk the narrow streets of Malaga enjoying the architecture and shop. There is this massive Cathedral in town, and they are getting ready for Easter celebrations. I had been walking for 5 hours when I decided it was time for some grilled sardines and wine on the beach. So off I went and thank goodness I could get a video of the guys braaiing the sardines in the boats on the open fires and took some photos. My first drink was an icy cold beer and then I ordered the grilled sardines and some chilled white wine. So, glad I had the opportunity to enjoy these sardines and the wine on the beach in Malaga.

Then it was time to return to the ship and only realized when I was back on board that we are not coming back to Malaga with our final cruise next week so very glad stopped for the sardines and wine. Told hubby we must try and have some paella next week in Spain or Portugal. Tomorrow we are back in Cadiz.

 

01 APRIL 2023--- CADIZ SPAIN

 

Our plans for getting up early and enjoying the gym went up in smoke when hubby got an early morning call about an injury, and I never saw him again until it was time to get up. He did spoil me and came to wake me with a Starbucks coffee, so I was all smiles.

We got off late morning and then wandered down the little street of this city until we got to a little café that was selling a fresh French roll bread (they call it something else) with thinly sliced meat. Here they drip the bread with olive oil or a tomato base sauce, we went for the olive oil.

Then we found a square with benches under the citrus trees in bloom, well that scent I will not forget. All over this city you find these rows and rows of the citrus trees I would say they are about 3 to 4 m high and go straight up, amazing.

All over the city they are getting things ready for easter, and it seems to be huge in this part of the world.

We got to the little bakery that I discovered, and our luck was in today and could buy the special cookies with the castor sugar and custard.

Here most people seem to use liquid soap for showering, so it is a thing to try and find nice soap but with one of our previous visits I came across lavender soap that lasted about a week so went back for more. By this time hubby wanted to go back and I wanted to walk around so he left, and I did my last rounds.

Tomorrow we are back in Lisbon and then we start our last cruise that will end 19 days later in Miami for me. Can’t believe it has gone so quickly but must say am missing home and looking forward to getting back to family and friends. Plan to try and enjoy that pineapple drink in Lisbon and might also buy the famous Lisbon custard tarts. Hubby on duty so he won’t be going anywhere. Has been a good time and great to see new places that I would never see if it was not for hubbys work. So, I am truly blessed and thankful.