Wednesday 24 July 2024
Well day 12 of my cruise and really in the going home mode now. Although today, we are in one of my favorite cities, Lisbon.
After the initial few days and my meeting with management, things have settled down and service immeasurably improved, to the point that it is getting embarrassing
I have an anytime dining allocation, in a restaurant that has set timings which means that they have to keep my table free throughout the whole dining timetable.
When I arrive I am escorted to my table by the restaurant manageress. The table is right at the stern of the ship with an uninterrupted sea view.
However, some of the drawbacks are still there, mainly the size of the ship. It is a small city hemmed into the confines of a ship.
The stops have been interesting although I have visited them all in the past.
The last stop, Valencia was interesting, as I decided to walk into the town. It turned out that the city was 3.5 miles away so a 7 mile round trip in high temperatures was probably not the best way to spend a day.
Barcelona, is always a pleasure to visit with a wander up La Ramble as eye opening and interesting as ever.
So today is Lisbon, the last port on the cruise, followed by two days at sea before disembarking at Southampton.
Lisbon always brings back good memories as I have sailed out of and visited this city many times. I am sitting in a small cafe I normally stop at when I am here. It sits on the hillside across from the port and after the climb, it is always most welcome to sit for a while and watch the world go by.
So, back to work next week and perhaps turn my thoughts to my next trip away.
Remember : sit in the same place for long enough and the whole world will eventually pass by you.
You will however probably be arrested for vagrancy
Bob Costello 