Egypt and the canal

EGYPT

Spent 2 days docked in Alexandria.  Went to Cairo one day and one in Alexandria.  The pyramids are still there, demonstrators and all.  Went to the museum; small group gathered but NEWS said it was much bigger.  Must have used “fish eye” lens.  

Began the canal passage around 3;30am.  Will complete it about 12 hours later.  Going slowly--about the rate of speed we travel  to San Francisco on the MarMar. The flies have been able to catch with us we are going so slowly.  

We are having a “pirate drill” later in preparation for the Aden.  This is the largest cruise ship to do the canal so far.  The ships are in a convoy--like Smokey and the Bandit.  

Scenery just changed as I was writing. We are in the Big Bitter Lake and there are tall barren sand hills all around.   Not on my list of places to return or retire. 

At the Egyptian Museum

Marshall sitting  @ the pyramids

The Saini side of the canal.

More later, heading south, you’ll. 

PS  We should be out of the canal soon.

April 29, 2011 One down and 2 to go.

We arrived in Valencia today.  When we exited the ship, we were surprised to see a long line of travelers and one Greyhound-Style  bus.  Hummm, several thousand passengers and crew and only one bus??  There was no way we could have possibly walked into the center of town.  Across from that buss was one that went to the terminal; from there one must take a taxi to the center of town.  The latter was our choice. We shared a taxi to the center of town where we, surprisingly, met 2 of our table mates.  

We, our jolly 4, walked about the city.  It was a sleepy city at that time.  Sunday and before 11:00 is not the time to expect shops  and other things of interest to be open.  We enjoyed the beautiful parks, horses on parade, and the architecture of the city. The walk was interesting and it was nice to walk on dry land without constant movement; that movement is wonderful for putting one to sleep.   

Upon returning to the ship, we went to the plentiful buffet and had lunch while gazing at the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea.  It is hard to believe that it has been 16 days already and some of our new friends will be leaving us in a few short hours in Barcelona.   This is an adventure.  With luck, the rest of the cruise will be present more opportunities to see and learn new things. 

Good bye Atlantic Crossing!

These are the people we ate with on the ship.  The other picture is a traffic jam, worse than LA trying to get on the ferry,---no really; it is storage for new cars. 

here were protests the day we were in valencia.  Just because we told then to "get a Job" was no reason to get upset. 

Malaga and aboard ship

Malaga, Spain  April 27, 2011

As walked from the  spacious ship terminal,  we were greeted by a young lady asking if we would like a city tour by cab.  We had anticipated playing buffalos and just roaming, but the price was right and it seemed like a good idea.  As it turned out, it was not a good idea; it was a VERY good idea. 

We discovered there are places to which the tour busses do not have direct access, but due to their size, taxis are allowed.  It was perfect because we did not want to walk great distances to  then have to walk up stairs, grades, etc.  Our driver, Miguel, was delightful and made sure we saw the highlights of the city.  

We did not get to go into the cathedral.  It seems someone was rude enough to have died and needed a funeral on our day in Malaga.  Someone did not consult our ship’s calendar and our preferred agenda.  He won’t do that again!

Used the offshore internet.  Checked gmail account.  Since I was using my ipod, i was not going to compose a post.  it would have been for each correct letter entered, I would be removing 3.  A very slow process especially when done with very large hands and tiny keys. 

Returned to ship and kept busy until it was time to go to dinner.  Ate light this time--had a salad lunch upon return from Malaga.  Entertainment tonight was truly entertaining.  The gentleman played the violin and had something for everyone.  His name was Gary Lovini from London area.  If I ever figure out how to attach his music, I will do so.  

Following the glorious performance, I went to the guest services and traded for Euros.  Then I returned to the theater and bought cd’s of the performer.  Marshall will love them.  

Not wanting to go to the pub this evening, I took some US dollars and proceeded to the Royal Casino.   Deposited 20$ in one machine and did OK.  Moved to another and it that remaining money.  I force fed the new machine another 20.  It started regurgitating coins.  I finally got so tired of  pressing the buttons and my back  was starting to smart from the backless chair, so I quit!  My cup runneth over.  Now I know what $158.50 looks like in a cup.  I was hoping to get my $40 back--I did and some to play with again. I will be able to get over 200 points before the end of the cruise and get some cheezy prize BUT it is better than getting spit upon. 

Is there a pattern of winning $150+?  I sure hope so.  I have been there twice and left with that amount AND I didn’t bring it with me!

Very sleepy.  Hope allergy pills work or I will scratch all night and not be perky and ready to explore.  Sweet dreams.  MEW

P.S.I will try to post pictures here, but if it doesn’t work I will do it on Facebook. 

Late post--a history lesson by now.

At Sea . . .
What can I say?  Sleeping extra late.  Bingo, Food, games, Food, Sleep.  You get the picture.  Think I will save the minutes and write after our next port UNLESS there is something interesting.   No pictures, just blue water in all directions for miles and miles.
Would have sent something earlier, but it took 10 minutes and $6 just to get on.  Not good for internet service.  More later

PS.  Sorry these did not get published prior.  Will buy more computer time next leg. MEW

Upon exiting the elevator on the 11th deck, we saw the gorgeous vistas of Ponta Delgada, Azores.  After 6 days “AT SEA” the land of this island looked particularly wonderful.  The forcast for weather was continuing chill, but to our delight it was very mild with a sprinkle of clouds. 

We walked around the embarcadero and took a tour on a small motorized train through the narrow, winding, maze of streets.  Efile://localhost/Users/marianwattel/Desktop/102_1247.jpgverything was so clean and freshly painted.  The narrow sidewalks, residential doorways adjacent to the streets, and frequently interspersed parks reminded us of the colonial towns in  Latin America. 

We concluded our time on the island in search of an internet cafe.  Luckily we achieved our goal and it had the added benefit of the local beer.  

We have again set sail and will be “AT SEA” for 2 more days before reaching our first port in Spain.  If the internet holds up, reports will be forthcoming from the adventures “AT SEA.”

2 days AT SEA

Day 12, April 25, 2012  AT SEA, where else?

We are on our way to Spain.  The excitement of going through the Straits of Gibraltar was high until the captain informed us, in his very thick accent, that  it would be at 1AM on the 27th.  Now the 27th didn’t phase anyone, it was the 1AM that got to everyone.  Hopefully the timing for the Suez Canal crossing will be better timed so we won’t sleep through it, too. 

Oh, yeah!  We have moved the clock forward another hour this noon.  I have lost count of how many 23 hour days we have had so far, but  I think it will be 16 by the time we reach Singapore. Our table mates are doing the reverse crossing in December and will have 25 hour days at that time.  That is granting the wish to have more time to do things.  More time to sit and read, and read, and read gets to be a little much--and I love to read!

The seagoing sleepies  have gotten to Marshall.  I had them when we left Nassau so I totally  understand.   There are activities to do, but with this long  of a cruise,  there will be plenty of time  to do all of the activities and sample everything that the ship has to offer food-wise; therefore, why not just have a giant sleep-in?

Assuming the role of food provider-- like a mother bird, I scoured each of the foodie venues selecting only the most desirable, nutritious of items to sustain Marshall.  Yes, I got him a giant bowl of chocolate soft-serve and several raisin/oatmeal cookies. 

Recovery!  Marshall was back to his normally genial self and ready to attend the formal dinner, Elton John show, and  dance @ the Pig & Whistle.    Late night of fun.  good thing it is not a port day and we can sleep in without missing anything. 

Day 13, April 26  THE Gathering. 

All continuing passengers were to attend a meeting regarding the process to continue on board.  For us who are moving cabins, they will take care of it,  We just need to “hold on to” our valuables.  Since he will be with me, I will not have to worry about him being misplaced. They  discussed the passport/visa issues for each of the countries we will be visiting.  It appears we will be giving the Passports to them and getting them back a number of times.  Some of the questions asked seemed to be no-brainers; but since all elevators do not go to the same floor, so to speak, they were expected. 

In the end, we had a glass of champagne on RCL, surrendered our passports for a bit, and were on the same floor as the photographer displays, art auction items, and the dining room.  What an opportunity it  opened up for the next adventure!   Where does one start ?

No pictures, you can look at the previous of water and get the idea. 

"Give me land, lots of land. . . ."

Upon exiting the elevator on the 11th deck, we saw the gorgeous vistas of Ponta Delgada, Azores.  After 6 days “AT SEA” the land of this island looked particularly wonderful.  The forcast for weather was continuing chill, but to our delight it was very mild with a sprinkle of clouds. 

We walked around the embarcadero and took a tour on a small motorized train through the narrow, winding, maze of streets.  Everything was so clean and freshly painted.  The narrow sidewalks, residential doorways adjacent to the streets, and frequently interspersed parks reminded us of the colonial towns in  Latin America. 

We concluded our time on the island in search of an internet cafe.  Luckily we achieved our goal and it had the added benefit of the local beer.  

We have again set sail and will be “AT SEA” for 2 more days before reaching our first port in Spain.  If the internet holds up, reports will be forthcoming from the adventures “AT SEA.”