Sunday - Oosterdam
Packing up and getting to the ship was very easy. Our Airbnb host carried down our luggage and arranged for the taxi to pick us up. So Easy Peezy - but Not the HA Navigator app - we had to wait till the next day to get info on how to transfer the full internet (not just their Navigator version) to our second device. Our "Have it all Package" only allows for one device so you have to follow a bunch of steps to get it transfered over -- almost as bad as Cruise Critic threads. I have such admiration for the people that can use it sucessfully.
They must have known we were on the ship cause as we were leaving they gave us a rainbow filled sendoff. Actually, there was a military type ship that was coming into port and other ships were blowing horns - but we can pretend- can't we?
Normal small cruise room. Only adjustment we asked to be made is that Beth's quilt was taken off her bed and I asked for an extra blanket for mine. The room was totally adequate. Entertainment that night was a Scottish comic from Australia. Definitely a snort or two popped out of my mouth.
"Port Talks" are a great way to get information about our next port. New young guy gave us great information on what sites to not miss and how to get around. But he overused the phrase "absolutly amazing" to the point that Beth and I started giggling.
Corfu, Greece - Tuesday
Viator Tour today. Nice Mercedes van took us and about 8 others on a ride around the island. We had took a boat ride at one location that was abundant with caves. Healthy looking red coral was present with plenty of fish. The water was really clear. The 9 yr old son of the captain entertained us with his commentary. - We figure he wants to be a guide like his dad.
Afterwards, we had our first gelato of the trip - big mistake - we have had it every day since ...... Besides Corfu being much greener than the majority of Greece - It's is noted for tourism, olive oil, wine, komquat products which even include liqueur, and for the 80's James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only" being filmed there. Also notible - Corfu is where the current King Charles's father, Prince Phillip, was born on their "Mon Repos" (Just Rest) dining room table. This residence was used by the Royal family as a summer residence until 1967.
We separated from the group and decided to go to the Fort where the entrance fee was listed as 5 EU - BUT since we were Americans we had to pay 10 EU? Retaliation for our new tariffs? Their moat had been converted into a boat parking lot. Besides the normal fort stuff it also had the St George Church built by Prince Phillip for the soldiers The park outside had decorated horses, narrow streets, and a really LONG WALK back to boat. Interested in more about Corfu? There is a good book and Masterpiece mini series. Durrells in Corfu
Stop ..... just my notes below
will fix later
Dubrovnik, Croatia - Wednesday
Ship excursion - greasy haired elderly annoyed lady cable car, bakery right next to cannibis vending machine - walled city - Hard rock cafe - michelen lunch (seared tuna sadwich -lots of stairs - Burrata salad - sundried tomatoes - hidden narrow beer - walked around wall 3/4 - long line and wait for shuttle 18 EU - Duck store - ended up seeing another in Split - Beth drank out of the city well -cooled in the shade with our second day gelato - that night Beth and I had our first card game of "kings on a corner".
Split - part of Croatia and Dalmation coast ( sort of like a state in gov ways)
marko - marulic - taking turns with girlfriend - father catches other guy - he gets stabbed and dies - Marko turns into a writer and monk and girlfriend into a nun.
Caverns of retirement home Diocletian Palace - 4th century - Emperor Diocletianus used in the GOT as the place the dragons were kept
Gregory of nin - the lucky toe guy
solar power charging benches on the dock - easy walk back to the boat
ate in dining rm first itme
Trieste - Friday - no tour at all -
We had two destinations on our 'wish list'. The fort and Marimare Castle
Saturday - Sea Day - Elevator Day
Today I am refusing to climb any more than 3 floors at a time. Any more than that and I am pushing elevator buttons for my excersize. This trip has been rough on the knees and hips. Since the beginning of the trip we have walked and climbed a lot. I am pretty good with the walking but I suck at the stairs. According to my iWatch (when I remembered to put it on ) 13 flights of stairs was the least recorded flights and 22 being the most. Beth has been super nice letting me take it slow when I know she is in much better shape than I.
