Today we met up as previously arranged with two other women, Rachel and Monica, to depart the ship and walk through and around Cadiz, Spain. Our first port of call on this cruise, from leaving Barcelona. Cadiz has sea on two sides … we wandered across the town toward the market before most of the town was awake or being open for visitors, 8:30 we met and started our walk. “The heart of Cadiz is its old town, cloistered within a bastion ringed by the sea. Here, tiny cobblestone streets lead into beckoning cafe-filled squares, where you can sip coffee while appreciating the Moorish architecture…. city has a rich history evident in its old quarters and landmarks.”

Till about 11:30 we wandered. Through old town, taking pictures of big ole doors, small balconies, cobblestone streets much too narrow for cars to drive. Scooters seem to be a major mode of transportation here through town. We followed a map, with colored markings showing walking tours of the area, to the market, to the beach etc. Mostly the markings are old and faded, but we did follow as best we could the purple line. We found a beach and walked along in the sand. Beach glass and stones very familiar to back home. Many little fishing boats laying on their sides waiting for the tide to come back in. As we left the beach area, they were all floating happily again. Many guests in tour groups are wandering through town. Stores open, patisserie, some clothing, bathing suit and leather shops.

Cloudless sky, beautiful clear day, shore birds a plenty. Today’s temperature, 28 degrees C, would have been hot, except for the hefty breeze that kept us cool. I purchased a post card of the area, wrote out a few cards to send to my grandsons. I used to collect flags of the various countries and regions where I have travelled, to give to the boys, however I am not going to new countries on this trip, I will continue to send post cards.

Exhaustion has set in, hard to stay awake in the afternoon, 9 hours difference (later)from home. I am trying to adjust to the time zone and general sense of tired from the travel experience with cancelled flights and 24 hour delay on route.

Last night we sailed by Gibraltar and we could see the sparkling lights of the city from our balcony stateroom. We woke up in the night and talked, which contributed to the tired of today. The ship is receiving all new deck furniture 1 (300 new deck loungers)for guests, so the buffet area and around the pool is closed off, they asked us to also stay off the balconies. Lunch was a buffet area in the main dining room. The service in the buffet is great. They come by and whisk away the dishes and cutlery as the last bite is gone.

Back to our room for a wee rest after lunchAlong side our cruise port are now a few more, Silversea Whisper and a large Costa ship, Pacifica.

Tonight is dining with the hostess of the Azamara Seminar at Sea for the Canadian travel agents. Tomorrow morning is 3 hours of training, the last of it while on this cruise. I have scheduled a one-to-one session with Janet, the hostess.

Azamara Club Cruises are about destination immersion, including more overnights, night touring and excursions that really help guests have an experience of the culture in the port of calls where we stop. Some of the amenities are always included, soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, as well as wine and alcohol beverages and gratuities. There are opportunity to increase to premium amenities. Internet is additional unless guest is booked in suite categories. The ship we are on, the Journey, I have sailed with 4 times previously. Several of the staff recognize me and smile broadly and seem happy to see me again, although it has been many years. Eric de Grey is the cruise director, talented, from Toronto Canada.

Tomorrow we dock in Lisbon, at noon, schedule Azamazing Evening planned Lura at Pateo da Gale. We will be escorted to Palace Square, Terreiro do Paço, facing the Tagus River. It is considered to be one of the most magnificent squares in Europe. There will be a local orchestra, and other cultural offerings for all guests aboard the ship. Although it is an event requiring people to sign-up, there is no additional cost for attending this event. Azamazing Evenings are one of the highlights of any and every Azamara cruise. Also special, the White Night which will be at Honfleur, France on 6 June 2019. This event is subject to the weather and is always a very fun evening on board our home-away-from-home for this two week cruise, Azamara Journey.

Thanks for following along. We are very well, a bit tired, and very pleased to have this opportunity. Pictures posted to my facebook site. Mostly the wifi on this ship is so slow and sketchy that posting photos to the blog just is not possible at this time.

Pamela MacDonald

Your “travelling” consultant, 

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