Ostia Antica, Italy

ancient uneven roads... 
Thanks everyone for your kind comments and emails! I cannot answer now as the internet service aboard ship is very expensive! Just know that I am very appreciative! Love and miss you all!

public bathrooms....yikes!

The Temple

Pine nuts grow on umbrella pine trees, pictured right. Geppetto carved Pinocchio from the wood of an Umbrella Pine Tree. His name means wood with an eye! According to the guide.

mixing the old with the new...love it

public kitchen and bar...

We arrived in The Port of Civitavecchia, Sunday, May 19, 2013. First morning light photo, 6:45AM. Cool and windy, with again the promise of a warmer day ahead. 

The port very large and industrial. Several cruise ships were docked, always an awesome sight.

We booked an out of town tour to Ostia Antica, through Holland America. My biggest, concern, what does one wear to an archeological dig???  Our tour left promptly at 8:00AM. There was a one and half hour ride to the sight and my expectations were dwindling! The ride very pastoral, accessorized with olive trees, umbrella pine trees, along with scattered cypress. Very relaxing and a chance to unwind, so we made the best of it. The brochure did say it was out of town! We will visit Rome on our land tour.

We met our guide Barbara, she was extremely knowledgeable and spoke decent English. Didn’t always catch everything she said, but got the gist of it. She spoke for two hours and was a plethora of information. 

The genius of the Romans was evident in every brick or stone that was laid. Intricate water systems, sophisticated engineering and a beautiful ancient city, displayed a view of Roman daily life. 

Ostia was one of Ancient Rome’s important, commercial and military ports. It had disappeared for centuries because of earthquakes and tsunamis. It was in large, preserved because of sand and mud that had covered it over. In 1932, Mussolini ordered that Ostia be excavated. The area is very large and we were able to cover half of the site. 
There were apartments, public bathrooms, Roman baths, public kitchens, a temple, Forum and a theater. Many merchants sold their wears in shops that were clearly defined by, Barbara. 

Most of the site was at ground level. This was a relief as we had been looking up for days, enjoying other European wonders. Barbara said, that most of the structures were four stories high originally. If you were wealthy you got the first level, as it was easier to carry water to your apartment. 

The roads were paved with very large and uneven stones, which made walking a mindful experience. An ankle could be twisted with any wrong move. 

We later stopped at a swanky Gelateria, in modern Ostia, a beautiful seaside resort. The gelato was excellent and refreshing.

Well folks there you have it, another day in paradise! My expectations rating, over the top!

The Amalfi Coast tomorrow, one of the many highlights of our trip. A welcomed sea day on Tuesday! 

Lessons learned: I need a wide angle lens! 

Livorno, Italy

Montecarlo Village

Montecarlo Village

Montecarlo Village

Livorno

Wine tasting...

Livorno

Livorno

We arrived in The Port of Livorno, Italy, Saturday, May 18, 2013. First morning photo, 7:00AM.

I must say that the port was very industrial and not what I had expected. The sun was shining and still a bit cool, with the promise of a warmer day ahead. Excited none the less, as we had a tour of the Tuscan Countryside, for a wine tasting, scheduled for the day. We will be in Pisa and Florence in a couple of weeks so we wanted something more rural to experience and not duplicate our land tour. We would later take a shuttle bus into the city of Livorno and get a feel for the area. 

We drove through the Provence of Lucca, in the region of Tuscany, to the Village of Montecarlo, not to be confused with Monte Carlo, Monaco. 

Our guide was named Valerio, in his early twenties, he had a great sense of humor and kept us laughing. He has a degree in political science and spoke English very well.

Valerio said, that the unemployment rate for young people, under thirty years of age, is at 40%. He may have to leave his country, to find work. Franco was our bus driver, a jolly fellow, who spoke no English. We communicated through the universal language, of sign.

The brochure stated that there were 25 steps to the village! Easy right? The reality was 25 steep, very old, rustic, uneven steps to the village! Once again a lung exercising climb! Some in our group could not make it to the top. Very disappointing, I thought. 

Not a very impressive village compared to what we had seen in, France and Monaco. It had it’s own unique flavor however, and we were able to view a working class village, enjoying the locals. We strolled through out the village, which has panoramic views of the countryside. Olive trees and vineyards, could be seen from every angle. 

We left Montecarlo and headed back to Livorno, to visit a family owned vineyard. After a brief explanation of the process we were escorted to a large warm and inviting room. The table was set and we were able to taste five different wines, ranging from a sparkling white to a dry white, to a red, to a sweet dessert and finally a grape liquor. Tapas were also served, along with almond biscotti made by grand-mother. The biscotti was delicious dipped in the grape liquor. 

Let’s just say that we all left very happy! Valerio, told some jokes on the way back to the ship and gave us more history on the area. He then brought out a bottle of cold limoncello for a toast, and toast we did. He was just so darn cute, I know he was tipped very well, by all. 

Back at the ship we took a shuttle bus into the city of Livorno, 5 euro pp roundtrip. We met two ladies, from our ship and one had just been pick pocketed, at a local store. She lost 150 euro and her credit cards. We felt so bad for her. She said, it was two young women with a baby carriage in the shop with her, when it happened. Thank goodness, I have my bra pouch for security. You just can’t be to careful here. The high unemployment rate has forced people into this type of bad behavior. 

Livorno is called Little Venice, because of it’s many canals. They were a pleasure to view. We found free wi-fi in a cafe, but their password would not work and of course you have to buy something for 3 euro to use it. The something was already consumed, so no refund! In the second cafe we were successful but had to buy something as well, a 3 euro minimum purchase. So it cost us 6 euro in gelato to call the kids between the two cafes. Think it might have been cheaper to buy the Verizon Plan. Such a sweet deal! 

Well folks enjoy the photos. Off to Rome tomorrow for a archeological dig. Should be interesting! Saving all the big attractions for our second leg of the trip! Archeological dig...What was I thinking when I booked that one??? 

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Do you think they have a Walmart here???

Nice, The Blue Coast

St. Paul de Vence...love the antiquity here...

gorgeous buildings at every turn...

Sweet Shoppe...

Wife of Michel Boulet... she was a pleasure to speak with...

Looks like a working boat...

St. Paul de Vence 

We arrived in the Monaco, Friday, May 17, 2013. I took my first morning photo, at 7:05AM. Just me, the seagulls and the smokers, on the aft Lido deck this morning! The sun was shining brightly and the air cool and a bit foggy. Still needing a light jacket!

Holy golden cow and the goose who laid the golden egg, what money in this harbor. But are they really happy??? Definitely yes and skinny too! Let’s put it this way, I would rather be miserable and rich, than miserable and poor! Blah! Blah! Blah!

We booked a tour through Holland America, to St. Paul de Vence & Scenic Drive and scenic it was! We left the dock a few minutes late, as there was a security issue.

Driving through Nice was an amazing journey. Our guide, Cynthia very knowledgeable and understandable.

The beauty of the “Blue Coast” as it is nick-named was truly an awe inspiring experience! The Mediterranean waters have a unique color all unto their own. Somehow different than the Caribbean blue, that I am use to. Deeper and richer in tone, stretching for miles. I know now the true meaning, of the color azure! An artist must digest this! The mountainous landscape, hosting some of the most beautiful real estate, I have ever seen. 

My O my, the wealth here is surreal! People walking and riding their bikes along the promenade overlooking the sea, visual poetry. 

Arriving at St. Paul de Vence, about 11:00AM. This medieval village is now a working artist community. Shops and restaurants as well. 

We met the wife of artist, Michel Boulet. I L.O.V.E. his work. He is definitely worth googling! His plump, whimsical, ladies represent the love we should have for ourselves, no matter our size! Enjoy life! Let’s hear for Michel! The famous painter, Marc Chagall is also buried here.

We took the highway back to the ship, a much quicker ride, although still scenic.

Hubby and I then walked for quite a while in Monaco, before returning to the ship. Walking uphill to the famous casino, I thought I was going to die, but worth the grueling hike. We did not go inside or even peek, however! The entrance way on the other side, and I, out of energy! That’s OK, my formal wear was back at the ship anyway! There is a 10 Euro charge just to enter and no photos allowed, a couple from our ship reported. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. The walk back, downhill! Thank God!

The crew had a French Food, sail away dinner, waiting for everyone, upon our return from various tours!

Tomorrow Italy, and I am bursting at the seams! I almost need a day off! 

Cinderella here, signing off! Sill more kingdoms to discover, photographically capture and enjoy!

Marseille, France

Le Castellet

Le Castellet

Le Castellet

Le Castellet

Le Castellet

Bandol

Bandol

Bandol

Bandol

Bandol

Bandol

We arrived in the Port of Marseille, Thursday, May 16, 2013. Marseille is located in southern France in the Region of Provence. Marseille, is an oldest city in France, established over 3000 years ago. My first early morning photo, took place at 7:30AM.

It was overcast, foggy and very cool, 57 degrees. Rain jackets were in order.

We booked a tour through Holland America and drove north through the bustling city of Marseille to Bandol. Bandol is a beautiful seaside resort. There is a great deal of wealth here, although there are many working fishing boats too. We walked for about an hour before returning to our motor coach. Flo, our guide said it never rains in Southern France and was very apologetic. She said, that wine is cheaper than water here. Many of the ornate water fountains were not in working order, do to the lack of rain. It was just a drizzle though and quite frankly, Mother Nature, could not possibly rain on my parade! 

We then visited Le Castellet, a medieval village, high atop a mountain. It was a stunning ride and the fog was starting to lift. A beautiful castle, complete with a church and courtyards, are now converted into shopping areas. Art galleries, shops and restaurants, lined the narrow cobblestone streets. We shopped for about an hour and still nothing has caught my eye to purchase, although there were many beautiful items on display, which I did photograph a few. 

Panoramic views of the countryside were breathtaking! Hundreds of grapevines and olive trees were visible. Orange poppies grew wild by the roadside. Most crops were a month behind because of the cold winter, however, there is never a frost here. The olive trees would die if there were three days of frost here, she said. There are three hundred days of sunshine a year in southern France. My wish to view lavender in bloom, would have to wait. Sigh!

Flo, told us stories and legends of old, adding to the mystique of this magical place. She suggested reading, A Year In Provence. Which I can’t wait to do!!!

A beautiful day, followed by a delicious dinner and then some musical entertainment, aboard ship. 

O God help me, reality is really going to be tough!

Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Sagrada Familia Cathedral, still under construction...

Sagrada Familia Cathedral... old with the new 

my first view inside...this one took my breath away

Stained glass

looking up... 

Gaudi's ornate style...

Park Guell 

Park Guell

We arrived in Barcelona, Spain, May 15th, 2013. It is Wednesday, or at least according to the elevator rug, changed daily by the ship’s crew. Aft deck 7:30AM, taking my first, early morning light, photo.

It was cool, in the low sixties. I would need a light jacket for touring. 

At first glance, I realized how very busy this port is. There were several large cruise ships docked and several more waiting their turn. Very industrial, by comparison to other ports we have visited.  

This is a back to back cruise for us. Many passengers disembarked here and many new passengers embarked. Five hundred original passengers, crossing the Atlantic would remain aboard to Venice. We picked up 400 Australians. Rumor has it that they are party, hardy, people. Should be a riot!

We booked a tour through Holland America and were so very pleased that we did.. Millions of people inhabit this city. It is a contrast between old and new that blend nicely, if you know where you are going! We were warned by the cruise director, that Barcelona is the pick pocket capitol of Europe, surpassing Naples and Rome. 

Lucky for me, my friend Judy, bought me a pouch that clips easily to my bra straps. The pouch fit, our required passports for this port, cash, ships card and my phone, in search of free wi-fi. 

So now secure and secured we met our tour guide Cinda, and off we went in search of adventure. A large motor coach our transportation. I, with my newfound chest and hubby wearing his waist security pouch, hidden under his pants. I’m not touching that one!

“Where are we going” hubby asked? “Gaudi” I said! “Gowdy” he asked? Curt Gowdy??? No, no, I roared, Antino Gaudi. He is a very famous architect. “Gaudi, well he never made any fishing magazine that I have ever read!” I know he was pulling my leg, or at least I hope he was!!! Curt Gowdy, is a well known fishing expert and sports announcer. 

We meandered about the city, navigating through lots of traffic, finally reaching our destination! Drum roll please!!!

Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Gaudi’s, most famous work. An extremely large cathedral dedicated to the Sacred Family. OMG! I have died and gone to heaven, I thought. The first stone was laid in 1882. Gaudi, took over the project, a year and a half year later, adding his own style and interpretation. It resembles a large drip, sand castle in a surreal kind of way. “Still under construction over 100 years later, it depends on donations for its completion. If it continues, the way it has been, in the last two good years, it should be completed in 2026,” Cinda said. It cost 15 euro pp, to enter. There are about eight thousand visitors a day! You do the math! The costs must be astronomical.

There are simply no words to describe this man’s genius. His ornate style, represents his love for nature and turning stone into the motion of water! The phrase “it’s gaudy or it looks so gaudy” is actually derived from his unique ornate style. Once inside I reached a state of nirvana. Light fractured, through the stained glass windows, illuminating the large support columns, into different shades of the rainbow. I can’t even begin to guess their height. “I am a mere child of God, and now I have seen Him,” I thought! Hubby wiped a tear from my eye. 

A choir made up of woman, gathered and began to sing, I was able to record them. Their voices bounced off every facet and there melody echoed to the ceiling. Ethereal! This is unusual, Cinda said! Hey, they knew we were coming! We left humbled and grateful for the opportunity to view this magnificent structure.

We drove by other Gaudi creations and then stopped at Park Guell! This glorious work of art was designed by Gaudi for, Eusebi Guell, he was a friend and benefactor of Gaudi. The utopian collection of broken tiles, fashioned into an artistic masterpiece, is almost to much to believe, humanly possible. The park is built on the side of a mountain and had many architectural challenges for Gaudi. Admission is free, so you can only imagine the crowds.

Gaudi, was killed tragically while crossing the street by a trolly. He was left to die, dressed as a pauper, no one would take him to the hospital. He died five days later in 1926. My guess is, he was looking up and not paying attention! A very bad habit of mine, I will admit. Click, click, click!

We had a wonderful day and all of my senses are on overload! No crashing allowed! We will visit France tomorrow, I am praying that lavender is in bloom! Well goodness gracious, they know we are coming! 

Cartagena, Spain

First Light...

a photo at every turn, beauty everywhere...

City Hall

City Hall...

love the ornate embellishments...

and more embellishments...

city streets lined with cafes and great shopping...

I'm starting to develop a kink from looking up so often....

Some local color... he said no picture, until I made the money sign rubbing my fingers together...

Goodbye Cartagena...until we meet again...

Captivating...

“Cartagena, Spain, a city where fairy-tales are born.” I could only imagine a beautiful young princess by the name of Hannah, peeking out her castle window, watching many ships pass by. Her eyes the color of the Mediterranean. Her hair long, dark and wavy, alabaster skin, blushed with crushed pink marble, adorned her face. Her beauty was known far and wide, many a prince wished to win her hand. Princess Hannah, was far to ambitious for their meager proposals however, as she was studying hard. She would someday become Queen, of all the land. “THE END”

HeHe, Hannah is my beautiful grand-daughter. My fairy-tale for you sweet girl. Grandma, knows you can! 

We arrived, Tuesday, May 14th, 2013. I awoke in the most beautiful harbor one could possibly imagine. It was very early, I showered and ran to the aft deck to get my first light, photo of the day. 

Cartagena, is a magical city surrounded by mountains. Ancient fortresses, high atop several mountains and a castle outlined the horizon. Our floating hotel was tucked safely in an enclosed harbor. Palm trees lined the marble road, into the city. It was cool and a bit overcast, once again perfect for touring. We had not booked a tour here, as the ship would leave port at 1:00PM, the shortest stay in any port, for the entire cruise. It is less than a ten minute walk to the center of town, that is if one does not stop every minute to photograph. 

Be still my heart! Mary Mother of the Archangels, Mother Nature and the genius of man have created the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Blah! Blah! Blah, Rose! I know, I know, you have read this before, when I have described other ports. This time I really mean it! Honest! How much beauty can one person possibly withstand??? 

I have visited Cartagena, Columbia before, on a Panama Canal cruise. I did not even know or at least remember, that there existed, Cartagena Spain. 

Cartagena is a jewel, rich in antiquity and volumes of history have been written here. Words simply cannot describe what we saw or felt. I hope the pictures give you a small sense of what Cartagena, has to offer! Enjoy! Oh and yes, we will return!!!