Malaga, Spain!!!

Photo taken from ship...early morning light...

The kill...

Sergio, young matador in training...

Beautiful movement...

Traditional costume...

Cathedral of Malaga

Cathedral entrance...

City courtyard...

Flamenco...

Storybook Garden

View from Fortress...

Today is Monday, May 13, 2013. We arrived in Malaga, Spain, 7:30AM. Once again the air clear, crisp and the sun peeking through. The temperature would rise to 75 degrees, just perfect for touring. We are officially in the the Mediterranean and it is all and more, than I expected. Malaga is the fifth largest city in Spain. Malaga dates back to 770B.C., discovered by the Phoenicians The climate is subtropical and it is a very busy seaport. It is also the birth place of Pablo Picasso. Malaga is a city rich in antiquity and I could write volumes about it’s beauty. Neat and clean and it’s people very friendly. 

We booked a tour through Holland America and promptly left the dock at 9:30AM. We are now six hours  ahead of EST.

There were about forty of us on a large luxury motor coach. The coach had electric shades on the front windows and plush and comfy seats. Antonio, was our driver and LuLu, our guide. She was a very upbeat and knowledgeable woman. We were greeted with a big smile and she shouted out, Hola! Hola amiga, I responded! That about limits my Spanish!!!

We first visited a bull fighting arena. It is still legal to bullfight here and there are several shows a year. Traditions and history of the sport are very interesting. “There is a very strong emotional connection between the matador and the bull,” LuLu said.

We met Sergio, a young matador in training. He is twenty two years old and has fought a four year old bull, which means he has gained experience. Bulls at age four, are killed and harvested for food. LuLu explained that the meat is more tender because the bull is killed quickly by the matador. Sergio showed us some of his moves and finally the kill! If a matador does a good job he is then given one ear of the bull. If he does a really good job and kills the bull on the first strike he is given two. The crowd and the president decide, which. They scream Ole! Ole! Bullfighting is a very dangerous sport and there is an average of two major accidents a year. There is actually a surgical team on staff here. So don’t try this one at home kids! 

We then attended another Flamenco show. This show was far more professional than the last show, we saw in Cadiz. The “sole” of Spain, I call it. The deafening tapping of the shoes entered my soul, opened my heart and lifted my spirit. You can’t help but feel it. Flamenco is a very passionate and elegant tradition. It is very much a dance of emotion and improvisation! A dancer feels the beat and then decides on the step he or she will perform. Flamenco is actually a combination of three different cultures, Arab, Indian and Spanish. Flamenco was born out of poverty, many people were destitute, they had there legs to dance and their voices to sing, both were free and Flamenco was born. We loved the show and the four entertainers got a standing ovation. 

Visiting the Cathedral of Malaga, was truly an experience. It is said that it took 250 years to build. It is only opened, if the Pope visits and sometimes during lent. Designed  in ornate Renaissance style. 

A fourth and final stop, we drove to the highest point in the city. It is called, Mountain of The Lighthouse. A large fort greeted us and panoramic views could be enjoyed from almost any turn. It resembled an old castle and had been partially destroyed by Napoleon’s army. There were beautiful gardens here and it looked like a scene from a story book. There was a bit of a climb and I would not recommend this tour to anyone who has trouble walking, although some gave it a try. There was, however, a seating area not far from the bus.

Well folks, here again, is another city I would love to visit again!!! Hmmmm, maybe I’ll just have to do this cruise again next year!!! Olé!!! Olé!!! Might be too early to let hubby in on my thoughts!!! Let’s keep it a secret! 

Lessons learned: It is so wonderful to make one’s dreams a reality! “Never want to say, I should have, while I can.” 

Wisdom: Life is too short, why waste a moment. Trite but o so true!!!

Cadiz, Spain!

Early morning light, coming into port...

Cadiz Cathedral... photo taken from the ship

Cadiz Cathedral

Cadiz Cathedral

Ornate embellishments...

I think this is Christmas Cactus...

Low tide...

Flamenco dancer...

Flamenco...

Families enjoying a Sunday afternoon...

Mother Nature, was definitely having a menopausal moment, over the last couple of days! She rocked and rolled all the way from Ponta Delgada, Azores to Cadiz, Spain. Sustaining 48MPH winds, accompanied by 18 to 20ft. seas. The Nieuw Amsterdam, handled the conditions with dignity and grace. Listing at times, my sea worthy, thick legs, kept me well balanced. Hubby and I are very fortunate and have always survived rough waters, in more ways than one! We will be celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary in just a couple of weeks! 

We arrived in Cadiz about 7:30AM, May 12, 2013. It was Mother’s Day! The sun was rising in the east and the day looked promising. The temperature would rise to 77 degrees and the waters were finally tame. 

We had booked a walking tour through Holland America. A short ride into the center of Cadiz, we then exited the bus, near a lovely beach. Charo, our guide, explained the area and some of it’s history. Cadiz is a beautiful city rich in antiquity and architecture. It is located on the southern coast of Spain on the Atlantic. We will be passing by the Rock of Gibraltar about 2AM, Monday. Definitely won’t see it this time around! 

Visiting the magnificent Cadiz Cathedral, filled with priceless art, we were in awe. It took one hundred and sixteen years to build. There are 136 churches in Cadiz, according to Charo! Many of the buildings here, are built from oyster stone and are embellished with pink and black marble. 

It was Sunday and we were very lucky to hear many church bells ringing. Families were out and about, eating at many of the local outside cafes. Children, all dressed in their Sunday best for Mass. Some of the children were receiving first communion and others being baptized. Spain is a very religious country, deeply rooted in Catholicism!

We then attended a Flamenco Show at mid day, enjoying tapas and a glass of Spanish, red wine. My wish came true, and hubby was picked to learn traditional Flamenco. Hysterical, because I knew what was coming! Remember he is “The King Of The Chicken Dance.” When not sure of a step, he begins to flap his arms and click his fingers naturally, and he did just that. His excuse, he didn’t have on hard soled shoes!!!

Cadiz is a magical place and I was so honored to visit here! Yes, it was a beautiful and extremely memorable day! I could spend a great deal of time here and maybe some day I will...

Cadiz Will Never Be The Same! Olé!

"NEED I SAY MORE"

More to come on Cadiz...as soon as I can compose myself!

Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Portugal

Scenic Views

Hubby at tea factory

Marco explaining the tea growing process...

Workers sorting tea leaves

Tea Plantation

Scenic view

City Gates

City Center 

Sete Cidades 

Sete Cidades

Caldeira Velho

Overlook

Breathtaking Views

Frunas 

Firelake

Furnas 

Where do I begin to explain the beautiful island of, Sao Miguel! There are simply not enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal, or do it justice. It is lush along with flourishing fauna, therefore known as “green island,” due to it’s mild climate and substantial rainfall. Green, however, in more ways than one, very energy conscious, 60% energy efficient. Geothermal energy and wind turbines help to make this possible. 

Sao Miguel, is part of the Portuguese archipelago and the largest of the Azorean Islands. It was devastated in 1546 by an earthquake. Today it depends on tourism, agriculture and fishing for it’s economic survival. It is an autonomous possession of Portugal.

We docked at 7:30AM and were enveloped by land on three sides, a welcomed sight. 

We met our guide Marco Pavo, upon exiting the ship. We had cancelled our tour through Holland America, because of reported weather conditions. If it is foggy you will see nothing, we had heard from other passengers. Our plan, was then to walk around town and visit some of the churches and enjoy the feast of Santo Christo, which is held here once a year. 

Marco, (who I dubbed Marco Polo, for the day) convinced us otherwise. The weather will be fine, he promised, as the sun was peeking through. He offered us a tour encompassing into one tour, three of the cruise ships destinations. Fifty euro was the price pp, if he could acquire two more couples, which he did successfully. Deal of the century as the same tour through the ship, for six people hiring a private minivan, was $1354.00 US, for seven hours. Marco, had been dockside since 3:30AM, enabling him to be first in line, insuring employment for the day. It is said that there is a 17% unemployment rate here. 

Marco Polo was a very enjoyable chap with a great sense of humor. He found my limited Portuguese vocabulary, very amusing.
So there we were, six unsuspecting and trusting souls, in for a ride, filled with adventure. Our vehicle, a nine passenger Mercedes van, with hopefully great breaks. We drove a short way through the city. The streets were paved with marble and basalt in mosaic patterns. The beaches adorned, with a formal black sand. The islands are said to be the remains, of the, Lost City of Atlantis.

Our first stop, Sete Cidades Crater Lakes, located atop a rosary bead height mountain! A few Hail Mary’s on the way up, folks! The views of the countryside, breathtaking! Very pastoral, tended to by local shepherds looking after their flock of sheep, but mostly cows. The roads lined on either side with hydrangea, mile after mile. Chemicals and fertilizers are not aloud on the hillsides. The island, organic and definitely a ride back through time. So neat clean and organized, fields separated by stone walls and gardens laid out in a haphazard grid-like fashion. 

Marco Polo, our delightful guide, relayed the following information. “Sete Cidades (seven cities) is filled with legend, myth has it that it was destroyed seven times by volcanic eruptions.” It was cold, a bit rainy and very windy here, but probably the most beautiful sight I have ever witnessed. The lakes take on two different colors on a brighter day, one blue and one green! Marco, tells the legend of a beautiful princess, who was kept hidden by her father the king, so that she would not marry a commoner. Of course she falls in love with a shepherd boy. When forced to abandon him, she fills the first lake with her tears and he, the shepherd boy, fills the second lake with his. The color of the lakes represents the color of their eyes. The bridge in the middle represents the king who broke off the forbidden love. The big mush that I am, I began to cry! REALLY!!! 

You can google these legends for more accurate information. I cannot research online as it would be cost prohibitive. The internet is very expensive aboard ship! 

We stopped at several viewing, overlooks on our way to Caldeira Velho. The ocean visible from almost any turn. Spectacular! 

Caldeira Velho, is the, for the lack of a better description, the boiling water falls. Signs, warning of the boiling water temperatures in this area, were highly visible. A short, lung exercising walk, up a hill to view this phenomena. Water boiling in the ground creating little pools all around us. Frogs croaking loudly were a very distinctive sound. Not sure if they were accidentally taking a steam bath or not??? The air much warmer here, clear and crisp, the sun was now shining brightly. The smell of sulfur scented the air. An exhilarating experience! 

A few more overlooks and then on to Firelake for more breathtaking and panoramic views. There are also pineapple plantations in this area. We did not stop there. Sensory overload by this time!

Up the mountain, then down the mountain though the Botanical Gardens, where we soaked our feet in the mineral springs. The water a bit hot, but a fun experience. Lucky for us Marco, brought a towel and also bottled water.

We then visited the, Furnas Valley and Hot Springs. Here they place a panela (Portuguese, for a large pan) into a concrete rimed, reinforced steaming hole in the ground. Several meats layered, along with different vegetables, covered by a lid, are then placed in the hole, covered with dirt and clearly marked for timing. It takes about six hours to naturally steam in the ground. Marco, assured us that it was delicious. Families come and enjoy the feast sitting at surrounding picnic tables close by. We enjoyed locally grown pineapple from a vendor. Sweet, ripe and o so good. It is said that the Royal Family of England, only eat pineapple from Sao Miguel. Very interesting, Marco Polo. 

On to the tea factory. We enjoyed locally grown teas and met with some of the locals at work. The tea plantation was so neat and organized, a memorable sight. Blue skies and calm oceans waters as the ultimate, backdrop. Back up one of the many mountains to view a wide expanse of the island. Once again, breathtaking and panoramic views. This last tour alone, was $189.00 US, pp, for four hours by motor coach, through the ship.

It was now about 3:30PM and we were warned not to miss our ship, as they would not wait for us. Boarding time was 4:30PM. I still wanted to view the city of Ponta Delgada and visit a church, but time would not allow. Marco, so kind, drove us by the City Gates so that I could get a few photos. 

We just loved his spirit, he created for us a most remarkable day! Thank you kind sir! So glad this young man is studying and getting an education! His English, very understandable and he, very knowledgeable. 

We arrived back at the ship at 4:15PM, just in the nick of time. My only regret, I did not text or call our children, from a free wi-fi area. Next port, I promise kids! We love you so! XXOO

Lessons learned: Sometimes I feel like a schmuck, compared to all the brilliance aboard  this ship. I keep on asking appropriate questions and they just keep on talking about themselves! Think I’m doing pretty good! 

Wisdom: Think I used it up, in lessons learned!

I would like to thank the persons responsible for changing the day of the week rugs in the elevators. Without this service I would have no clue. 

Horta!

Horta, Faial, Portugal

Having had seven beautiful, warm and calm days at sea, we were so looking forward to touring Horta, it was not to be. The Captain had warned of a low pressure forming over the Island, several days earlier. His fears came to fruition. Eight foot seas prevented us from tendering to port. I must admit, it still looked pretty calm, however, the Captain has everyones safety a priority and ultimately the final say. I took the above photos on a very cold, fifty-nine degree rain soaked and windy deck. Mother Nature, had enveloped Horta’s beauty in a dense and cloudy fog. Her early morning vanity, kept a secret. Her stunning volcanic nature erupted suddenly from the ocean floor, so tall and proud. She was bejeweled by white stucco houses, accessorized with red tiled roofs. “Land Ho,” I thought!

We are now sitting on the inside pool deck hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale or two. I would settle for a seagull about now! We are cruising at a very slow speed, our next port of call, Ponta Delgada, estimated arrival time, 8:00AM tomorrow. We are now four hours ahead of EST. Please, not to feel sorry for us, as there is so much more to come. My excitement and anticipation, still very much alive and well. Will have to return to Horta, someday, yes, someday soon! 

Maybe we will attend a magic class given by, Hilby, The Skinny German Juggle Boy, this afternoon. Beware kids, dad loves this guy! He is hysterical!!!

Horta, is the capital of Faial, Azores, Portugal. A small seaport depending on tourism, fishing and agriculture for it’s economic survival. The Azores, sounds exotic, does’t it! Not so very much for me, however. I grew up knowing that my paternal grand-parents were born in the Azores. They immigrated to the United States sometime in the early 1900’s. My father was born in 1919, fourth in line of five children. All of his siblings were born in America. 

The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago. Horta is named “the blue island” because of the large numbers of blue hydrangea that flourish there. I never knew that I had inherited my love for hydrangea, because it was already embedded in my DNA. Just kidding! I discovered these hydrangea facts, while visiting the Island of Madeira several years ago, an autonomous region of Portugal. Not part of the Azorean Chain, however. My maternal grand-parents were born in Madeira and immigrated to America in 1920. Sailing to Ellis Island on the Black Arrow. Now that sounds exotic!

All of this unbeknownst to me, back in my, New England green thumb days. I grew five different varieties of hydrangea and propagated the Nikko Blues, my very favorite. Harvesting hundreds of hydrangea every fall, some for fresh arrangements and others for drying and making wreaths. They were easy to grow and propagate, demanding very little care. Considering them always to be a Divine gift, I loved sharing them with family and friends. Blooming time late June, right into a mild November and sometimes surviving a second frost! Growing them in Florida, not possible, as they need a frost to bloom the following year.

A hearty breed, the Hydrangea be. Symbolizing the the spirit of my departed ancestors. This pilgrimage, I salute to you my Dear DAD, and all of those before you. I miss you so! 

Words of wisdom: or more commonly known as a Rosieism: A term, coined by my beautiful daughter!

“Life is like a salad bar, it’s all about your choices.”  Come on now, I’m on a cruise ship, cut me some slack! 

Lessons learned: Seasoned travelers, (meaning they’re old) have so many innovative ways to save a buck while traveling. I am truly enlightened, my fellow brethren.

Rescue at Sea!

GPS Screen

Tender being lowered

Sailboat in distress...

First Officer Steven...pretty cute! 

Having dinner in the main dining room, I noticed a dramatic change in light. Looking around, the water was still blue and calm. Nothing notable, or of mention! We then attended a show and later had a drink, upon the show’s competition! We could hear drilling and banging sounds, during the show and the comedian made mention of it. “Let the whale in,” he commented! 

Several wide screen TV’s hung above the bar and hubby noticed, that the once steady arrow representing the ship, pointing northeast toward Portugal, was now pointing south. “That’s odd”, he said. We were still clueless, as to the events about to unfold!

While in the ladies room, the Captain made a very important announcement, he had a very stern voice. Good timing! “Holy Crap,” I thought to myself, remembering the odd sounds, I had heard earlier in the evening. Were we in trouble???

“We are heading south to rescue two French citizens who are stranded at sea. They are one hour south of here and this rescue will not disturb our arrival time to the Azores.” We were approximately 1400 miles out to sea, with another 1500 miles to go before land. I literally ran to our cabin and grabbed my camera!

By the time I made it up to the observation deck the rumors were flying! This is what happens when you live, even temporarily, in a small close knit community! Trust me!

They could be terrorists, Somalian Pirates, or pirates in general, people were saying! “Captain Jack Sparrow, would be nice,” I thought, chuckling! Someone mentioned that the ship’s rescue crew would probably be armed! A bit of fear entered my being, as this is 2013, after all. It somehow rang, a bit of reality. I am sure the security was tight and strict protocol was followed!

After running from deck to deck, I managed a few photos, the quality not so good but you get the idea! There were many who had the same inclination, and the cameras, they were a flashing! I fooled around with my ISO in manual mode, with no flash, I was not very successful. Ultimately I had to use photoshop to bring the photos to light.

Seasoned passengers were commenting, on how they had never seen anything like this before. Neither had we.

Wow, this was very exciting and to watch the rescue unfold was truly amazing! We had only seen two ships since we left port on Tuesday, that was five days earlier. The crew lowered and launched the tender, off they went. The guesstimate for the sail boat was 40ft. They had been adrift for for 4 days and at sea for 10. A broken rudder was the unconfirmed cause. (Remember the rumor mill?) I truly hope they have good insurance, as the boat sustained a hole on it’s side from the rescue efforts. We got this information from First Officer, Steven, who was aboard the rescue tender. There was no way for Holland America to tow the vessel! It was left adrift and will probably sink at sea. Some say it’s worth was $250,000.00 or more. Not sure if this event made international news, as the satellite is down and no CNN or FOX news available.

I spoke to one of the crew this morning, he said the two French sailors were fine and bunking in with the crew. God only knows, there is enough food onboard to feed them. They were able to salvage some of their belongings and most importantly their lives. They speak only a little English! He further commented, that they acted like it was no big deal! MEN!!! They will most likely disembark in the Azores.

Congratulations, Holland America for the professional job and rescue. We are forever grateful and most impressed! THANK YOU! A large round of applause, echoed throughout, when the castaways came aboard safely.

Lessons learned: We will never, ever cross the Atlantic or any other ocean in anything smaller than a very LARGE cruise ship! HONEST! It is much better to be the rescuer than the one being rescued! AMEN!

Life Aboard Ship!

Indonesian Buffet

Internet Cafe & Library 

Observation Deck, The Crow's Nest

Hubby, he can sleep anywhere at any time of day! So lucky! 

Leaning against a dew drenched railing, aft outside deck, I marveled at the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Where for miles and miles, only water and sky shall meet. Cloud formations are the only interruptions, showing themselves off quite proudly. A subtle contrast to the numerous shades of blue that surround me. The morning sun makes it’s grand entrance from the eastern sky, creating dancing, diamond laden fairy’s, upon the ocean’s surface. Forcing me to wear sunglasses, for sure. The air is warm, hovering around 75 degrees, daily. The smells of the sea are invigorating and the breeze against my cheeks, refreshing. The taste of the air, yes salty! The soft sounds of the ship, parting the unsuspecting waters, barely audible. We fragment it’s Divine Solitude.

It takes a leap of faith to cross the Atlantic and it is certainly not for everyone, although I must admit, I don’t really understand. Why not? 

Mother Nature, has been most kind to us, calm and serene waters. Occasionally she lifts her frilly petticoat, then quickly straightens her outer garments, once again, prim and proper. We have seen only two ships since our departure on Tuesday and not one fish. It is Saturday, May 4th, our 5th day at sea. We are now two hours ahead of EST. Very surreal in a pleasant, soul searching kind of way. Hubby, describes it as “flat ass calm!”

Reflection time for me, thanking my Maker, for all the gifts and blessings in my life. My beautiful family, that I brag about way to often and all the positive people, He, has put into my step, enjoying the dance of life. “God, always sends me an angel, when I need one most!” I thank Him also for the negative, difficult people. They are there to teach me to deal and cope with circumstances far beyond my control. Tolerance and understanding from whence each came, are on my list of lessons, to be learned or earned. Also not being quite so sensitive and taking everything to heart, would be nice! This is a tough one for me! Maybe it is part of my artist’s soul and temperament??? 

The crew aboard ship is made up of twenty five nationalities. They are so kind and work so very hard to please us. There is something to do every minute of the day. We have enjoyed great entertainment, seminars, current movies, wine tastings, flower arranging cooking and computer classes, etc. etc. We saw, The Life of Pi, the other day. Not the best movie to view while on a cruise ship. I really must say, that I enjoyed it immensely! Hubby, not so much! I promise to make it up to the gym really soon!!! Honest!!! 

The food! Did I mention the food? Incredible!! They are setting up some sort of buffet bar, right in front of me, as I write this post, poolside. Wish I could say that I was hungry or even felt a twinge! Decadent and sinful! OK, maybe just a small bite!

There are many guests from Canada aboard ship, although they come from all walks of life. Mostly retired! The longer the cruise, the older the crowd, is my general rule of thumb. So many traveling experiences to be shared and they are so willing to share. I have seen some younger families as well, however, I would say that the average age is 65, give or take a few. Some even in their nineties, bet this is cheaper than a nursing home. By far! Hope I can do the same some day? Maybe with a few of my great grand-children and great-grandpa too!

There is also a seeing eye dog, aboard. Now, this leaves me with a few pondering questions? Where does this animal relieve itself! Surely, someone has that all figured out.

We will stop first in the Azores, for two days, then two more days at sea. Once we reach Spain, we will visit a port of call, everyday for thirteen out of the remaining sixteen days. God, grant me the stamina! I just know that I can!

Namaste! Did I mention they have yoga too? Have a wonderful and peaceful week!

To my fellow bloggers and friends: I am creating this post on my hard drive and will copy and paste later to my post browser, when there might be greater connectivity. I apologize for not commenting or answering any of your questions. Thanks for understanding!