Thursday March 20th we took off from our beloved home in Dalkeith to venture to Barcelona to embark on our cruise. We landed in Barcelona late Thursday evening and spent Friday wandering the streets of Barcelona embracing its beauty the city has to offer. The buildings stood tall with wonderful architecture, detail, and color. We walked through a market where there was fresh fruit, juice, meat, seafood, and practically anything you could imagine. I got four stacked strawberries covered in chocolate! Yummy! The hustle and bustle did not matter at this point for wandering slowly and constantly looking up and around to what was around us. I fell in love. Around two o'clock we made our way to the port lugging our rolling suitcases through the floral printed sidewalks. The stares from those around us made the 30 minute walk to the port humorous - We arrived in awe at this giant ship we were going to be living on for the next eight days.
I have never been on a cruise before, so I was a wee bit nervous about becoming sea sick or what exactly to expect. After we went through security, checked in, and were handed fresh fruit juice as we walked into the giant fore which included a large chandelier, sparkly princess steps, and a grand piano. Holiday had officially started. I felt like a kid in a candy store wandering around the ship, exploring new spaces. We found our room (13193) on the 13th floor with sea view from our balcony. I felt very spoiled. The evening chimed in with relaxation, laughter, and a buffet that went on forever - food!
The next day we woke up in Marseilles, France. It was rainy and cloudy, which dampened the mood - but nonetheless we ventured out to find whatever what was awaiting us. We stumbled upon a beautiful church named Cathedrale de la Major. Part of the church was built in the 12th century, but then they added on what you see today in the late 18th century. The beauty and history that these churches in Europe hold are breath taking - did I mention I saw a live confession! We went to a museum that over looked the sea and we enjoyed walking the streets prior to heading back to the ship.
That evening we discovered the fine dining. Right up my alley! We enjoyed five course meals the whole week and it was so nice to have fresh seafood, pasta, unique appetizers, and delicious desserts! We also attended weekly shows in the theater that included dancing, singing, acrobatics, and many unexpected surprises. We also eventually found our way to the bars and lounges too.
Sunday we arrived in Genoa, Italy. We were very close to the city thankfully and walked along a boardwalk until we saw a train tour around and through the city. Since it was cheaply priced at seven euro, we went for it. It was a great idea because then we were able to see areas we wanted to explore more once the tour had ended. The train tour lasted about an hour and then we wandered up into a beautiful green space that included endless views of the sea, harbor, and the city. It also included a waterfall - refreshing. From there we walked to the church where Christopher Columbus was baptized (he also was born in Genoa) and along the main pathways. We got to the city centre where there was a grand fountain and walked down the street and got some delicious gelato. We then took a glance at the Cattedral di San Lorenzo - Dunomo di Genoa which was near the centre. After our gelato we returned to the boat. At each port after exploring each day, I always sat and reflected. We always looked forward to our fine dinners with great company.
At our dinner table we met two other couples from England. Thomas, Elaine, Bill, and Eirlys probably made the holiday even more special. To meet such splendid people who bought wine each night for us and said, "You have truly made our holiday." You never know who you're going to meet and who will make an impact on you and these four special people who happen to be at our table were a pleasure to dine with.
Monday we arrived in Naples. Our time on shore was brief that day, but we were able to make the most of it by finding gelato again! It started to rain at one point so my friend and I hustled back to the ship where there was plenty to do. Tuesday we arrived in Messina, Sicily. When we woke up that morning and opened our blinds we asked ourselves if we were docked on shore we were so close! The views each morning from our deck were very neat. From our room we were able to see a overlook that we knew we wanted to get to. Once we got off the ship it only took us an hour of walking and once we got to the top, the views were spectacular. We were able to see the city as a whole and our ship actually looked small. From there we went to the city centre and stood in front of the Cathedral of Messina where there was a bell tower and astronomical clock. At noon, there were figurines that moved - the whole presentation lasted about ten minutes. From there we went back on to the ship to play cards and relax.
Wednesday we arrived in Tunis, Tunisia where we were greeted with camels, drumming, and a trumpet. We walked off the ship to ride camels and walk through the local shopping market. We decided not to go into the city because it was a 30 minute taxi ride away. That day we got back onto the ship, gathered with other students that also went on the cruise to play cards. I also decided to splurge and myself and two other ladies got a massage - and it was worth it. That evening we attended dinner and the show.
Thursday we were at sea. And the waves were rocking. Walking through the ship you could not walk in a straight line. As you walked you would sway to one side and then the other. I felt a bit sea sick and we mostly spent the day relaxing in our beds enjoying our last days of not being busy.
Friday we docked and got off the ship mid morning, lugged our luggage to the BCN Hostel to store it and went to go around the city. We decided to take a bus tour. The tour allowed you to "hop on and off" at certain points. This was a nice feature that I had not encountered before. We were able to see specific places that we wanted to. We went to the Placa Catalunya, Passeig Colom, Jardins de Mramar, Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, Casa Batllo, La Barceloneta (beach), and Sagrada Familia. The tour took us nearly seven or eight hours. By the time we got back to our hostel I was ready for bed. We did not get a lot of sleep because our flight was at six in the morning. We arrived back in Dalkeith Saturday mid afternoon and I was happy to be home and in my own bed.
Those days were a whirlwind, but I fell in love with Barcelona - and I know my future will bring me there again. The end of the semester is fast approaching with five weeks left. My "todo" list is endless and there is still so much left I want to accomplish. I am managing my time as best as possible to complete the "wants" on my list for Scotland.
Off to Ireland Friday morning. Let the traveling continue :)
