Hello everyone. How are you all? It's great to be back after our cruise holiday.
We had a fantastic holiday and had lots of fun memories of our time away. D and I hope you enjoy some of the highlights of our adventures.
It was an early start for us at Birmingham airport, but also the fastest check-in ever. From being dropped off by hubby at departures to getting to the airport lounge took 15 minutes; baggage drop, security and passport control were a breeze. It is always an anxious time waiting for your luggage to arrive at the destination, so we were glad to see ours had made the journey safely. Long day, early night. Goodnight zzz.
Our first full day was spent at sea, and as D and I are seasoned sea travellers now, we spent the day exploring on board the ship. D had a pampering session booked and came back with pretty nails on her hands and feet.
Later on, we dressed up for dinner, enjoyed cocktails, and headed to the show lounge for a fantastic evening of music, song, and dance from the show team. It was brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxed day at sea.
We were also fortunate to enjoy this wonderful sunset up on deck. What a day!
It was hot, hot, hot when we visited Pisa in Italy the following day. It reached about 39 degrees Celsius on that day. However, with D doing all the planning, we came, we saw, and we conquered. (Veni, vidi, vici, in Latin)
Our first stop was at the tower to take a picture, and although it is possible to climb to the top, it was far too hot on the day we were there. Next, we had a quick zoom around for souvenirs to buy later and then headed for a lovely restaurant just off the main square. We enjoyed a few drinks and sampled the delights of some pizza and ice cream. So good.
The tower leans because the foundations were inadequate when it was built. It had already started to sink and lean into the soft ground while it was being constructed. Early attempts to correct the tilting building failed, but now, with modern technology, engineers have been able to stabilise it and prevent further leaning.
Close to the famous tower also stands the Baptistery of St John, another beautiful building dating from the eleventh century.
And this is Pisa's Cathedral. All three of these buildings were incredible to see in all their splendour. Lots of intricate details, fine marble, and other precious materials were used in their construction. Pisa is well worth a visit, but maybe not on such a hot day.
The next port of call was Genoa, Italy. We decided to stay on board ship on that day. We have been to this city before so here are some pictures from a previous trip.
A view over the city
Doge's Palace
Piazza De Ferrari, its splashing fountain surrounded by grand buildings.
Next was a day in Calvi, Corsica. This was a tender to shore as the ship is unable to lay anchor close enough to shore. It was a short, smooth crossing, and neither D nor I got seasick. Corsica is beautiful, with clear blue skies and sea, sandy beaches and majestic mountain ranges. We enjoyed a coach trip around the island.
When we docked in Toulon, France, we had a couple of hours visiting two seaside villages/towns: Sandury du Mer and Bandol. It was another very hot day, and we escaped to a delightful outdoor restaurant looking out onto the beaches.
Once back on the ship, we also caught a glimpse of the Red Arrows passing overhead for the VJ celebrations. That was an extra surprise treat.
Our final stop off was Barcelona, Spain, a city we have visited several times in the past. It is a vibrant city with plenty of things to enjoy. We found the best way to get around and see the sights in a short amount of time was on the 'Hop on Hop Off' buses. One of the most famous sites to visit is the Sagrada Familia, designed originally by Gaudà and is still under construction! Many years ago, we also visited FC Barcelona's grounds and the museum. None of us are huge football fans, but it was an impressive tour.
And so it was time to pack up cases and make for the airport to return home: a wonderful summer holiday and lots of good memories.
The final holiday sunset from the plane windows.
Then it was back to reality.
This last week has also been a busy one, as it has been August birthday week for my hubby and both my children—lots of celebrations and cake. There is also a retirement before the end of the month for hubby. Things are a-changin'. With all the whirlwind of celebrations, maybe I need another holiday!
Whatever your plans are for the week, I hope it works out perfectly. Take care.
B x
