More Italy

2007, July 24

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Paul escorted the wall city of Dubrovnik tour. Paul had a small
group of 6 people. The walled city has a walk way that circles
the old city. It takes about 50 min to walk the wall of the city.
After they visited a maritime museum,
Diane escorted the "Scenic Off-Road Adventure" tour, if you
could call it escorting. Their were a total of 4 guests with 2
escorts, 2 guides, and 2 jeeps. Very interesting for Diane since
she rode with the main escort. The guide talked a lot about the
war which gave Croatia their independence in 1991. Still today,
people must stay on the main paths because there are
unexploded bomb shells all over the countryside. The guide also
talked about the difference in believes between the Catholic and
the Muslims which both live today in modern Croatia. The first
part of the tour went to Velji Do which was a scenic point very
near the Monte Negro border which also recently gained
independence. Then drove down and across the agricultural
area which is in the Konavle valley which included different
produce - peaches, apples, watermelons, pumpkins, other
squash, vineyards. Also sheep ranches and drove through the
river Ljuta, which runs through central Dubrovnik.
Other highlights included a stop at the freshwater spring of
Vodovadja where we skipped rocks and watched the turtles
run. Then up to the country estate Sapro where a delicious
traditional Croatian meal was served. Chicken and lamb seasoned
with rosemary cooked under steel covers with charcoal underneath
and on top. But to start fresh tomatoes and cucumber in olive oil
with a broth soup.
Also fantastic figs!!!


2007, July 25

Shops open 9am - 12N
Arrived Venice, Italy 12N

Delivery day. At first it was indicated to be around 1pm.
Then 2pm. Then 4pm. Finally after 5pm. In the meantime we
just sat around (and napped) and waited. Once we received
the delivery it was all work - lifting, moving, counting, checking,
pricing, and inventory. Worked very late, Shops closed
though since we were in port.


2007, July 26

Venice, Italy

After the delivery yesterday, spent the morning in the shops
putting out new stock. Then we had embarkation duty again
from 11:45am - 4:30pm. Embarkation includes welcoming
guests aboard and escorting them to either restaurants or
their rooms when available. Then walked around the pier area
(nothing exciting) and called home.
During the evening met the shoppies plus many others at the
O-Bar (Officers Bar). Afterwards went into Venice for dinner.
Venice at night. Unbelievable. Many musicians. All the
landmarks had such a different contrast than in the day.
Had pizza just on the other side of the Rialto Bridge.
Caught the last water shuttle back to the ship.


2007, July 27

Venice, Italy

In-Port Manning (IPM) Spent the day on board organizing the
shops and store-room, price changes. That sort of thing.
Ship sailed at 5pm. Shops open 5p - 11p.


2007, July 28

Day At Sea

Absolutely nothing different from normal.
Shops open 9am - 9pm
Afterwards went to Deck 13. The almost full moon on the calm
sea was beautiful. It was un-earthly.

2007, July 29

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Diane had a nice tour called "Cavtat Panoramas". Cavtat
is a little village founded centuries ago. It has a palm-lined
promenade with shops and bistros. Beautiful yachts were
in port. Diane walked up about 200 steps to the Racic
Mausoleum. From the dates on the tombs it's not more than
about 100 years old, but all the tombs are above-ground.
It was very beautiful and peaceful. Then a nice ride to
different "panoramas".

Paul took a much longer tour - Neretva River Delta Cruise.
He was able to go into Bosniz-Herzegovina which is one of
the bordering countries. The tour included lunch which you
can only get to by these old wooden boats that look like
the boat from the movie African Queen.
Shops then open 6pm to 11pm.

2007, July 30

Day at sea

Shops open 9am-9pm
Just relaxed after work.


2007, July 31

Taormina, Italy

Both Paul and Diane escorted the Mt Etna Off Road
Adventure tour. The tour included doing 4 wheeling over
old lava flows, walking through a underground lava tube,
taking a walk up volcanic ash hills, visiting a water gorge
area where locals go to swim and had lunch at this
Italian restaurant set in the wood. It was one of the
best excursions we have been on.
Shops then opened 6pm to 11pm.

Til we write again..............................