Rotterdam ( Amsterdam) 25 June

It was an early start to get to Amsterdam, an hour by coach and we were there . Our first stop was the Van Gough Museum - this was a collection of all his works, plus details about his life, and relationships with his family and other artist friends. It was very interesting but after an hour we left ( 2 hours was provided) to find coffee and have a look around outside. While doing this we saw - a man on roller blades wearing only a camouflage G string with a leather skull cap - going to fast for a photo , and table tennis tables in the park and you could rent paddles and balls.

We then rjejoined the tour and made our way to the canal cruise. This gave us a good look at some of the sights - beautiful old buildings ( some of them leaning on others to stay up), Anne Frank's house and  house boats and bicycles. One of the boats had the name - everything is fucking art.com  

The canal boats only just fit under the bridges, which are very pretty usually decorated with flowers.

After the cruise we walked to the flower market ( many stalls of bulbs and seeds), however we decided to have a well earned beer. While doing this we found some very explicit postcards - Irene bought a couple of mild ones.

We then met up with the group and went to enjoy lunch.

After lunch we found the coach, then a quick drive where we saw the Dam Square with the Baroque Royal Palace and we were ready to make our way back to Rotterdam. 

We enjoyed Amsterdam , it was a very impressive city and one that we would like to see again. I will remember it as the city of museums, as well as the usual ones we saw museums for - cheese, purses and handbags, sex, clocks and so many more.

We think it is on our list to return.

Zeebrugge - Flanders Fields, Ypres and Bruges 24 June

We had two sea days after Lisbon to refuel our energy. We were looking forward to our next stop, and had booked on one of the ships tours - Flanders Fields, Ypres and Bruges.

After boarding our bus the first stop was at Tyne Cot War Cemetary,in Flanders  this is the worlds largest British and Commonwealth war Cemetary with approx 12000 graves from 1914 a 1918. It was very moving to witness this site - so many young lives lost. As Peters grandfather had fought in the area at Pashandale ( and survived) it was significant for us. Truly a wonderful but sad moment.

Then it was onto the Menin Gate Memorial  in Ypres -  again this was a treasure to see - also very moving. The only issue was our guide gave no time for any personal reflection at either site - something many members of the tour remarked on.

We then walked into the town, were organised to meet at the Flanders Field Museum and then had some free time - so we toddled off and found a Chemist for some cough supplies ( the ships kennel cough was doing the rounds again), a quick bite of lunch ( bratwurst) and a coffee and then met at the museum.

After the museum, we then went onto Bruges - a lovely town. The guide took us to some interesting parts that were medieval buildings -  the streets were cobbled and with the canal, swans and horse and carts it really was a nice little town. There were many shops with Begium chocolates and lace. Peter and I took ourselves off to Our Lady Church where we saw Michaelangelos Madonna and Child sculpture, and the beautiful alter that were saved from the Nazis. This was portrayed in the fil the Monument Men - both were truly beautiful.

Then it was time to buy a sample of chocolate ( which we have not eaten yet) and sample a beer while waiting for others in the square. Another enjoyable day.

Lisbon Portugal 21 June

We had never been to PortUgal before so we were really looking forward to having a look around Lisbon. We were given so many warnings to be very careful of pickpockets, we wondered how our day would be. It was very enjoyable on the deck for the sail in - under the "singing bridge" and The shipped docked right in the city. 

We decided to do our own thing, so once allowed we set off to find the Number 28 Tram to do an overview of the city. When we found it, so had a few hundred other people.  Then a young man ( Harry) pulled up in his tuk tuk - we chatted to him and struck a deal of a couple hours drive for €40 . 

He turned out to be so nice - he even warned us about the pickpockets! We had a great look at Lisbon. The houses are so nice, particularly in the old area with the tiles, and the streets so narrow. There was also small marble tiles on all the streets - must be slippery when wet. Th streets were also decorated, some said for a saints festival but it was also as Portugal were playing in the Euro 16 - Harry said thy were playing at 8 pm that night and you would not be able to move in the streets - win or lose.

We wanted to see the Alfarma District, and at the end of our tour with Harry, he dropped us near the cathedral so we could walk back through the old area slowly to the ship.

We stopped on the way to have a nice lunch in a little restaurant  - 3 types of BBQ fish, pork and clams with salad - all very nice, while using their fast wifi.

Before boarding the ship we purchased some Portuguese Tarts, white wine and a couple of trinkets.

We thoroughly enjoyed Lisbon and would like to see mor of Portugal in the future.

Rome ( Civitavecchia )

We had at first decided that we would not go to Rome, however Peter thought he really would like to see the Spanish steps and the Pantheon as we did not see them up close on our last visit.

So off we toddled - well the day turned into "Wally World" - the Spanish Steps were closed for cleaning and the Pantheon was not open as a funeral was being conducted. All we could do was laugh.

We did have a great day - walked the streets and saw many things we had not seen previously.

We also returned to the Trevi Fountain - which Irene adores. She also managed to buy another leather bag - something she rally needed.....

As is typical for us we had the obligatory ice cream and a great lunch washed down with wine.

So far the trip has been great - and we are looking forward to the next part as all the ports will all be new to us - next stop Lisbon on the 21 June.

Salerno ( Herculaneum)

We had not been to Salerno previously, so we decided to go to the Herculaneum and then do our own thing in the afternoon via the shuttle bus.

We were not disappointed with the Herculaneum, a lot of the excavation is very well preserved and the streets show very well the houses and shops of the inhabitants. It always amazes us to see things that are so old. It was also very sobering to see actual bones of people - this was in the area of the original beach, where people took shelter from the eruption and ended up suffocating from the mud. 

On our return we took the shuttle bus back into the town ship - found our way to the shopping area ( I could have increased my bag collection but refrained.), and had a lovely wander around - just love the architecture, although the washing hanging on all the balconies - not sure about that!. 

We found a nice little restaurant and had a lovely spaghetti lunch, washed down with a Spritz - we were very happy.

We then continued along the foreshore and finally back to the ship via shuttle bus.

Aqabar to Salerno

 At As we had done the walk to Petra last time , wee thought we would go on the Wadi Rum tour. This consisted of a short bus ride then a transfer to open four wheel drive accross sand dunes , finishing at a Bedouin style desert camp where we had refreshments of tea and a sweet.

Our driver , we think was about 12 years old!!!!!! - we were a little disappointed that we did not do Petra again, but non the less had a good day.

A couple of sea days, but as we have settled into the trivia, coffee time and presentations, plus Peter has joined bridge lessons. Time passes very quickly.

We also went to the Stirling Steakhouse wth 5 friends - a great night had by all - plenty of laughter and banter.

Into the Straits of Messina, which we watched from our balcony - tonight ( 16 June) we are hopeful we will see Stromboli at about 9.30 pm  - tomorrow Saerno and we are off to the Herculaneum.

Muscat (Mina Qaboos)

Arrived here on the 6 June. We had been looking forward to Muscat as we had previously enjoyed Salalah. Our tour was to The Grand Mosque, this has a very large Swarovski crystal chandelier, and the second largest hand made Persian carpet in the world. It is only. Relatively new mosque and is the third largest in the world. 

From there to the Muttrah Souk ( to d a little shopping) and then on to Bait Al Zubair, a privately owned museum. The last visit was to AlAlam Palace, which is the official residence f the Sultan and was built in 1972. Again, we were very I reed with Oman- it is so clean, but very harsh  rocky terrain. 

Freemantle to Dubai

As Colombo was cancelled we found we had 10 sea days from Freemantle to Dubai. We decided our best strategy was to just enjoy and relax as much as possible. One of the things Peter did was to learn the ukulele  - he is getting pretty good at it. A concert was given last night and all should give themselves a bit pat on the back - sounded terrific.

       

After many games of trivia, looking at the shops, listening to a variety of lectures, we finally docked in Dubai this morning (4 June). We went on a city tour to orientate us and then this afternoon we took a taxi to the Dubai Mall - which as many people know is soooooo large.