Last days at sea..

We have been enjoying these long lazy days at sea. It's gradually gotten calmer sailing as the ship sailed farther away from the storm. We've had some sun to warm us on the decks as well. Reading and games keep us as busy as we want to be along with exercise to balance the food!

We'll say goodbye to Dennis and Dale on Tuesday as they return to Michigan and begin the busy season in Fort Myers. It's been a great trip, especially the many ports. We've talked to many interesting people and have enjoyed learning about new places. Now I'm looking forward to working on some art, seeing the family .....and planning our next adventure to South America!

Just lazy days sailing....

For the next 7 days we'll be crossing the Atlantic while enjoying the activities on the ship. It's great to have Dennis and Dale here too! Hopefully we can skirt hurricane Lorenzo completely and have smooth sailing.

Our days are busy with pickleball, cards, trivia, walking the deck, music and of course a bit of eating! We're enjoy This morning it's 77 on deck so some time in the sun and pools may be in order.

The ship made a swing by Madeira last evening to allow a passenger to be evacuated for medical reasons. That makes 4! Two by helicopter, an ambulance and now one by boat! Hope everyone makes it for the next week ok. Considering that there are 3000 passengers and many elderly, the chances of emergencies are good. But they keep on sailing and enjoying life as best they can. Insurance is a must though as sea evacuation can cost $40,000. alone!

For now we'll enjoy our good health and get back in the swing of things when we return to FM.

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon

Our last port as it turns out!!! Hurricane Lorenzo is barreling toward the Azores which was to have been out next port tomorrow. The captain,however, has wisely decided to skip the islands and hopefully avoid the storm. He warned of some possible rough seas though...I hope not too bad!!!!

I'm sorry to miss the tour of Azores but not a hurricane!!! That's an experience I can do without!

Lisbon was a lovely sunny port day. The ship sailed up the estuary and docked below Alfama. We had a tour of the area booked and Menzs went out of the city to Sintra. Our guide was excellent and knew so much of the history that people not in our group listened to his comments as he wa so much better than their guides!

Lisbon reminds us of Barcelona in the newer areas with the cafes and shops abounding. I would have loved to lunch there. One church we visited was very old and very unlucky. It was the site of royal weddings and baptisms but also had fallen in the earthquake, been bad!y burned, been the site of a terrible fight between Jews and Christians and more. It is a memorial now but still holds services. The interior is unique as they reconstructed it using the damaged and burned materials and they stand darkened and broken. It's quite a dramatic statement and so different from most of the magnificent interiors we have seen.

I think I'd like to return to Lisbon and have more time to explore the area. This was our second visit and there is much more to see. Maybe a trip to Spain is in order!

Back on board, we had a light bite then enjoyed some time in the hot tub and sunshine. We chatted with a gentleman who spent the day shopping for Portuguese linens they always buy when visiting. Nice!

We went to the dining room for dinner and shared a table as usual with some very nice folks from Sacramento and Cape Coral. Then called it a night and watched a movie in our pjs!!!

Coffee in bed before a slow day at sea. Formal night again when the dinners are usually special. Maybe a card game in the afternoon. We're playing couples and are even so far!!!! I had stinky cards last game!!!!!

Bordeaux