Tuk-Tuk Lisbon

To Tuk-Tuk or not, that is the question.
Lisbon, Portugal   12 December

The tour titles just did not appeal.  Panoramic Lisbon, Lisbon by coach, Lisbon by tram and coach, etc.; You get the picture of the sedate "adventures" the cruise ship had in mind for our day in port.

Not being captivated by  the titles or descriptions of the activities, we decided to venture into the unknown on our own.  It didn't seem to daring.  We were equipped with a a local map, Euros, the departure time of the vessel, and a few key phrases of Portuguese--  even if we would slaughter the pronunciations.

All the normal procedures for leaving the ship were followed and away we went ready to  hit the streets of Lisbon!  We managed to survive the gauntlet of taxi drivers trying to peddle their English skills as tour guides  and the hop-on-hop-off sales folks to arrive at the first street.
After several near misses by local busses and cars passing through the green pedestrian signals, we got to the second block in the city.

Along the street sat a row of tiny, colorful tuk-tuks.  Memories slipped back to the warm days of late spring in India 2012.  Unlike the two seat Indian  vehicles, these were clean and looked to be well maintained.  Curiosity and adventure got to us and we inquired as to the cost of a tour.  Besides the adventure aspect, the fluency of the driver's English skills made us decide THIS was the thing to do!  Following a quick dash back to the boat to secure a bank card (I wanted to have enough Euros to thoroughly enjoy the city), our guide was ready to share  the neighborhoods of Lisbon.

We learned our tour guide/driver was named Miguel but sitting behind him, with the street noises in our ears, we had to ask a second time.  Sweetly, he said it is Michael in English and we could call him that if it was easier for us. It was Miguel from that point on.

Miguel asked us what we would particularly like to see in the city, but we really had no idea.  You see, the ship provided a brief history of Lisbon, surrounding towns, and sites but that was consumed, digested, and quickly forgotten.  The lecturer mostly talked about wine, as we recalled but that was at the "next" port-of-call.  We asked Miguel to show us what he felt were his favorite places in Lisbon and off we went.

The tuk-tuk engine whined as it climbed up steep, narrow, century old streets of the city.  We stopped at neighborhood squares, churches, shrines, view vistas, and even Miguel's neighborhood.  The rare glimpses into the housing and an idea of how people of the past had lived came to life. The panoramas of the city were breathtaking; the ship became a miniature from those heights.

As we zipped down the narrow streets it appeared we were destined to run into street posts  blocking traffic, but they magically retracted into the street as Miguel commanded, "Open Sesame!"  This was much to our delight and intrigue.

As we toured the city, we also chatted about politics,commerce, customs, and life in general for the people of Portugal in general and Lisbon in particular. The fresh air was refreshing as was the conversation with our nice young man.  With all the adventure and developing friendships, we almost forgot about eating . . . but not completely.

We still need to see the twin of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Christ on the Hill!  Fortunately, the clouds and fog cleared somewhat so we were able to see both.  Also fortuitously, there was an ATM (a goal for the day) and several restaurants a brief walk away where we warmed up, had pizza, beverages, and more lively conversation.

Sadly, our time was getting short and  we had to end our day with Miguel.  Naturally, we forgot business cards, again, but that handy I-pod made it easy to exchange email addresses and promises  to keep in touch.   It was definitely a day to remember!

LONDON: the BEST first, then the rest.

I am going to be brief, but that does not in any way diminish our joy, excitement, or  delight with visiting to the Hungerfords of London.

The best things about London are the members of our family.  Anyone can see the Tower Bridge, Shard, and several palaces, but not everyone gets to spend time with our very special family in London.

Upon arrival in London, Jason came to our hotel to escort us to their new abode. (It was so good to see him in person after so long).  We had the Crystal Palace route down, so this was a new one at Herne Hill was one we needed guidance to learn.  How fortuitous that we should choose a hotel with a direct route to the family's new home!  Sometimes things just work out.

Our greeting by  Bethie and Charlotte was so wonderful.  It was as if we had been there just last week.  Each of the following visits were progressively jubilant and exciting. It was great to hear about activities, future plans, and general chit-chat by all. 

Meeting and getting to hold and coo with Peter, our newest family addition, brought back memories.  He is such a happy baby.  He was only a bit fussy when he decided it was time to eat and only Mommy was wanted then.   The rest of the time, he allowed us to share him.  Weighing in at 14 pounds, Peter is a healthy boy.

Charlotte is delightful.  She loves books and reading.  She is quite imaginative and creative.  We were fortunate to  attend her dance recital during our visit.  It was very sweet to see Charlotte warm up to Grandpa Marshall for special time together while sharing books or play.

Sunday, March 30 was Mums Day in the UK.  Jason took Bethie and I, the moms, as well as Marshall and Charlotte to Tea at the Grovsner Hotel at Victoria Station.  It was quite elegant and filling.  Tea, champagne, and tasty treats -- delightful. 

We took the train back to Herne Hill following a bit of shopping at Victoria Station.  Following a bit more visit, it was time for us to head back to our hotel and the end of our family time in London.  With clean clothes--oh, yes, Bethie and Jason even took care of our laundry--we sadly said good bye and made our way to the local bus stop and trip to  our hotel.

We have wonderful memories of our trip to London; and fortunately, Bethie and Jason are great at creating photo-histories of events that we can visit  as our minds get fuzzy. 

To quote Bob Hope, "Thanks for the memories. . . ." 

Sleepless at Sea: Ready to Go

After a sleepless night, I woke to the sounds of Bobby Darin singing "Beyond the Seas" and knew that was our goal.  Showers were taken, final items stuffed into carry-on luggage, and off we went to the final breakfast of this cruise.

It was amazing to see so many people wide awake at this hour.  It can be assumed some stayed up the entire night partying until the last moment--for some had that unnatural pop-eyed look of those struggling to keep eyes opened.  At least everyone was chugging along and ready for that FINAL shipboard meal.

Out the expansive windows, we could see fog over the inter-coastal waterway--yes, fog in Florida!  Dockside at the port does not look familiar.  It appears we returned to a different terminal than we left from.  Now in our stateroom awaiting directions, we can view the vegetation along the waters of South Florida.  The sun is burning  off  the fog as a work vessel passes the port side of the ship and up the inner-coastal.

Time to just wait for our group color and number to be called; oh, there was just an announcement--but not for us.  Guess I will finish in anticipation of the final call.

Last post first? Order is out the window!

The worst part of a cruise is always the last day--no that's night.  Reason is not the activities, dinner, or company; it is the packing!  How did we ever get all of this stuff  in those tiny suitcases and not have it over 50 pounds?  We didn't buy anything that is traveling on the next plane with us, so why doesn't everything fit at 50 or less pounds?

It would make sense if they weighed us for a gain after having the bountiful display of food presented during the cruise; that is not the case.

As we stuffed, crammed, and otherwise wrestled with our belongings sweat dripped off of our foreheads--no, that was my forehead.  Finally, we took a break and went to the last show of the cruise--Dancing With the Stars at Sea.  We returned refreshed and gradually got all packed in the bags, the biggies put outside for pick-up, and got a chance to relax.

That is where we are now--sitting around in our ______oh, yes, bathrobes_____ as we enjoy the last of the cruise and I use up my internet minutes writing this piece.

Tomorrow, off to more adventure as we spend the day at the Miami International Airport awaiting our next plane.  Looking forward to that seat in the Admirals' Club with my name on it.

Educational Cruising---a class every woman needs to take.

Many people talk about the food and services on a cruise.  I must admit the food is usually outstanding, plentiful, and beyond what one would eat on a regular basis--perhaps that is why everyone claims “the cruise”  is responsible for the additional pounds  many bring home as a souvenir from those glorious days of sailing.  The service of the everyday staff and the spa staff are beyond one’s idea of pampering.  They make one feel like royalty, if only for a brief moment in time--yes, you must go back via TSA to get your reality check.  Ah, the memories.   

My favorite part of cruising is not the food or the pampering but, instead, the shopping!
To make sure not a  moment is  lost on the mundane, there is a special department onboard to keep everyone informed about all of the latest bargains to be found at the next port.  You will learn of the latest cuts in stones and  design in diamond jewelry, the newest of gems, and what your favorite celebs are wearing this season.  With the little VIP card issued by this wizard of shopology, you will get discounts on your gem buys and a complementary gift from the ever-friendly sales staff.  They will make sure they have showered you with information and whirling price-tags until you are totally confused and leave or impulsively buy that overpriced bobble you really did not need. You proudly leave the shop with your brightly branded bag identifying you  as the latest sting of the sales forces and target for the next hawker down the line.  Hopefully after several ports you will learn that you can look without buying or know exactly what you want to spend or buy before entering.  Get the free charm at DI, the free necklace at Effy, and whatever is a give away from the various shops.  It is an adventure and a vacation, Enjoy.

If you have not had enough shopping, you can get a little more in when the ship leaves port and the onboard shops can once again open their doors for business.

If you Can't say anything nice, . . . .

The boarding process to the Noordam was really smooth, or so we thought.  We arrived at the terminal at a little past noon.  It was told to us that the lines for boarding started at 9 but folks were not allowed on board until shortly before 11.  The processing must have been fast because no lines existed when we arrived. 

Our luggage was swept away at curbside so we just walked in and magically got our keys after showing our passports.  That was easy and we thought the rest of the day would go so, too.

Most of our luggage arrived within a an hour EXCEPT mine with all my clothes.  Only after the ship pulled away from port  around 4 PM was I told the was a "problem" with my bag.  SECURITY RISK!!

I had packed a small paring knife to cut fruit in our room.  It was  decided the knife was TOO dangerous and a threat.  P----d me off!  Try cutting an apple with a butter knife. 

Very upset.  Did not even go to dinner the first night out.  Unhappy campers.
I can't say anything nice about that day so I will say no more. 

Things have to look up, I think.

Really? On the road again? The wake-up call.

Just waiting around for the driver to arrive and whisk us away to Sacramento for the first leg of our mixed up adventure.  This one is an odd combination but with a good reason; let me explain.

Last spring, I was dreaming over the most recent Gate1Travel brochure.  Glassy-eyed, I said to dear husband that it would be nice to do a river cruise--where you see land all of the time BUT much too expensive. End of that idea . . . topic closed.

To my surprise in July, I found myself being airlifted to UCD in Sacramento in the process of having a stroke.   Impossible; amazing; really?  It was on roof of the hospital leaving the helicopter  when I decided that river trip was NOT too expensive and we needed to do it very soon, 

As soon as I got home from my hospital adventure, I called John Scott at Gate1Travel and booked our Danube River cruise.  That was a Wednesday.  The following Saturday, my boating instructor--Bob Burke, mentioned a group from the San Joaquin Delta Power Squadron were going on a Caribbean cruise and would we like to join them. The date was close to the river cruise date sooooooo we said, "Sure thing!"  After a bit of calendar surfing and time allotted for London with  a side trip to Paris,  that brings us to today.   

I hear the bell; must go!  More later.