Croatia to Sicily ......

 
 Croatia – Dubrovnik   This little gem lived up to it’s reputation, we both loved it.  From the moment you opened the curtain and looked across the water, picture postcard stuff.  A sunny day and a short tender ride in to shore.  Through the gates of the huge ramparts, and in to the old walled town.  Beautiful, shiny, worn over time paving and lots of steps! 

We walked up and down heaps exploring.  Michael took particular notice of the ‘road works’ and reinstatement of the old paving. 

Out of the walls, and a ride up the cable car to the hill above the town to visit the 1806 fort and check out what was over the hill.  We saw the shell holes from the 1991 fighting, seems unreal, and such a short time ago. 

We can both now visualise all the fighting etc we’ve seen on TV over the years – the whole scene and scenery was quite moving.

Back down on the cable car and a walk around to look over the coast and a spot of late lunch and local vino before returning to our floating home. 

Day at Sea 

What can I say.... sleep in, washing, walk around deck, read books, beautiful flash late brunch with a jazz band playing, read books, sleep.......  and after a light dinner, listened to the big band playing (they’re awesome) and then watched the main show of the cruise(a circ de solei type of show) really well done, with amazing acts, lighting  ..... all great.  Watched the sun set straight out the window again – magic!

Sicily – Messina

Up to watch the boat dock and the sunrise this morning.  We had been told there isn’t a lot at Messina, so we weren’t expecting a lot today.  Whalen’s did the usual walk around Messina, then caught a local bus to Taormina (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours fascinating drive) to the hill top village.  Best thing we did – it was awesome.  Stunning views of Mt Etna and along the coast, both ways.  Bus back down to the bottom of the hill and a train back to Messina.  Once again something spur of the moment turned out tops.

To finish off our night tonight, we watched the most hilarious comedy show ‘Hilby’, we were both rolling in our seats, with tears running down my cheeks!  We have brought his DVD, so you can all watch him at home!  After that it was dinner and a great Dixie land jazz show by the Jade orchestra/band – a fantastic finish to a great day!  And another surprise on the bed tonight ........ no Mr Theo, I’m talking about the animal left by our steward!!!

One of the surprises in our cabin at bed time!