Carnival Splendor Florida & Bahamas Cruise - 2014

Just returned on Monday from 8 night Carnival Splendor Cruise to Florida & Bahamas.  Had a great time!  Ship is lovely.  Cabin very comfortable & good location.  Plenty of room for all my things.  Bathroom & shower very ample.  Really enjoyed this ship.  Food was very good throughout & so was service from great staff. Lot of younger people on this cruise since it was spring break.  Quite a few children but all well behaved.  Fellow passengers were happy, fun group.  Met some really interesting & nice people.  Production shows were good to very good & rest of entertainment was OK.  Didn't have any lectures or many daytime activities that were of interest to me but did keep myself busy.  Following was days at ports.

Wednesday, 3/12/14 - Port Canaveral, FL - Had a great day here.  Rented a car & booked a Kayak trip with Calypso Kayaking in Merritt Island.  Went for shopping trip to Walmart before heading to kayaking.  Walmart's are huge here in Florida compared to NY area.  Left my GPS in NY by mistake so had to rely on maps.  Kayaking left from Manatee Cove Park.  Weather was bit iffy but still OK.  We got on kayaks & stayed awhile in cove viewing several manatees.  Was advised that it was going to rain so we pulled kayaks back on shore & waited out the downpour.  It was also very windy.  Got back onto Kayak's & headed out onto the Indian River.  Saw some Blue & Grey Herron & lots of Mangrove swamps.  Guide was very informative & really enjoyed the trip.  Afterwards headed back & turned in the car.  Bit of a wait for shuttle back to ship but not too bad.  Turned out to be a great day.

 

Thursday, 3/13/14 - Nassau, Bahamas - Originally scheduled to do snorkeling here but it was cancelled due to high winds & some rain.  Most of the day was good.  Decided to take ferry ride (20 min) to Paradise Island.  Walked across the bridge to Potter's Cay.  This is area where fishing & conch boats reside.  There are also several seafood shacks here.  Bit seedy but kind of nice.  We arrived in Nassau at 11am so decided to try some conch.  Went to nicest place in the area, Twin Brothers, for some food.  Since it was so early they really weren't open but was able to get a fresh conch salad.  Sat at the window (only one there) where guy pulled conch out of the water took the meat out the shells, chopped up some onions & the conch which was cooked with lime & orange juice.  They put it in a stryofoam bowl & it was really good & definitely fresh.  Only cost $9 which was pretty good for the area.  Afterward, walked back across the bridge & visited as much as I could without paying high price of Atlantis Resort.  Really hugh complex.  Next time I'll probably bite the bullet & visit the beach.  Afterwards took taxi back to downtown & walked to British Colonial Hilton to verify that snorkeling was cancelled.  It was & walked along waterfront to Arawrak Cay where the Fish Fry Heritage Village is located.  Wasn't really that hungry but decided to try one of the restaurants in this location.  Had the typical Fish Fry which consisted of a fried, whole Red Snapper, french fries & lettuce/tomato.  Fish was very good & reasonably priced.  They threw in a virgin Bahama Mama.  Nearby, I walked to the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo to see the flamingos & other animals.  You really are able to get very close to the flamingos since they are roaming on the property.  You can walk right up to them & take pictures.  They also have a short show where the flamingos march around a circle.  It was closest I've ever gotten to this beautiful aninimal.  Rest of facility is bit rundown but still interesting.  Took a jitney to Cable Beach area & walked around a bit before heading back to ship.  All in all had a great day even though disappointed that I didn't get to snorkel.  Nassau is good sized town & somewhat interesting.  Lot fo colonial buildings.  Didn't get to visit the Fort on the hill overlooking city but will do next time.

 

Friday, 3/14/14 - Freeport, Bahamas - Had to be up very early (6am) to meet shuttle (8am) to Port Lucaya Marketplace.  This is where the boat leaves for snorkel trip in Freeport.  Went on Pat & Diane's trip which was highly recommended on Cruise Critic site & Trip Advisor.  Staff were great & trip was OK but have done better.  Lot of people for this trip but not too bad.  When you arrive you pay & board their double decker boat.  There is no shelter on this boat.  It is all open.  Took us about 10 minutes before we arrived at site for snorkeling.  Seas were rough since there was lot of wind.  Snorkeling was very good.  Lots of fish & coral but did get bounced around in the water.  Currents weren't too bad so didn't have to fight to get back to boat.  Snorkeled about 45 minutes before going aboard.  Was freezing on boat since no shelter but when sun was shining was able to warm up.  Got back to Marketplace & wandered around, had a bit of lunch (fried conch of course) before heading back to port & ship.  Had to be onboard by 3:30pm.  Not much else to see in Freeport except for the Marketplace & snorkeling.

There were 2 sea days going down to Florida & 2 sea day coming back to NY.  Seas were very calm & weather pretty good throughout.  Really enjoyed this cruise & would highly recommend Carnival out of NY.  Will probably do this again sometime.

Hello from Beautiful Bergamo!

Had a great time in Milan!  It is really a very cosmopolitan, elegant city.  Last time I was there (1966), I found the people cold & snobby.  Not this time.  Lucked out on my hotel.  It was a bit out of center but everything else was great.  People that run it were terrific!! Room was very modern.  Breakfast was best yet.  Eggs (several ways), pancakes, the best bacon ever, slices of Swiss cheese, fruit & great cappuccino. 

It was a 20 minute bus/metro ride to center of city.  Public transportation is very efficient & available.  You can buy 24 hour pass that works great for 4.50 euros.

One day took train to Lake Como area visiting Ravenna, Bellagio & Como.  Really a wonderful day even though weather wasn't great.  Took ferries between the different cities.  It is much colder up here compared to Rome but OK.  Food has been good everywhere except price averaging over $40/night for dinner.  First day in Milan, weather was perfect but then turned cold, cloudy & bit of rain until day I left.  Still enjoyed the city very much.  Lots to see & do.  Was able to get ticket to see the original Michelangelo Last Supper at one of the churches here but got caught by Nazi docents who came up to me & made me delete my pictures.  She kept screaming at me until I deleted them.  Their policy is no fotos or videos.  They just want to make money on books & post cards.  Some charitable organization.

Now in Bergamo which is also very quaint & charming city.  Again, I lucked out on hotelsIt has a lower town (Bassa) & upper town (Alta).  Most of the historical sites are in the upper town.  Spent most of my time here. 

Today I took bus for 1 hour to Lovere which is a town on Lake Iseo.  It is a lovely setting & also has lots of history.  Went to local flea market & had delicious chicken leg/thigh for lunch.  Then took ferry to Pisogne which is 10 minutes across the lake.  Small but nice.  Afterwards, did all the sights in Lovere & took bus back to Bergamo & visited couple of churches (for a change) & an art exhibit at a bank.

Oregon Visit 2013

After Bend I visited the following:

7/15/13 & 7/16/13 - Yachats (Oregon Coast) - Left Bend early for my full day to the coast.  On the way I visited the High Desert Museum which is wonderful. Tried to only spend 1 hour there but after 2 hours finally broke away.  Made big mistake and didn't charge my extra battery so ran out.  Was lucky to be able to do a quick charge which barely lasted the rest of the day.  While at the museum went to the sawmill exhibit & talked with the spokesperson there. He was a great guy & gave me some super recommendations for rest of the day. Did a brief stop at Lava Lands National Park which was similar to my visit at the lava fields on way into Bend.  There is a huge caldera in this area but didn't have time to see it due to time constraints.

My next stop was Crater Lake which is amazing! Stopped at several lookouts before heading to the lodge. Weather was good but somewhat cloudy.   Still got some great pictures.  Afterwards headed to Becky's Cafe (recommendation from guy at sawmill) outside south exit of Crater Lake that is suppose to have the "best pie in Oregon".  I had peach pie which was very good.  Continued on my long days drive through farmland, mountains & rolling countryside to the coast where I was staying next two nights.  This was a 12 hour day but well worth it.  Had dinner on the water in Florence before arriving at my motel at 10:30pm.

Next day I went back to Florence and walked around this charming town.   Afterward I visited the Sea Lion Caves which is located along the coast & is considered America's largest sea cave with over 200 Steller and California Sea Lions in residence.  You take an elevator 200 feet down to the cave but they also have viewing areas overlooking the rocks.  Left there & visited the Cape Perpetua Vistor's Center.  Wanted to go to top of mountain for view but it was foggy & drizzling so decided to head to Newport & look around.  Had dinner at the Chowder Bowl, a favorite place for locals located in Nye Beach area of Newport.  This was my second chance to try famous Oregon clam chowder & it was very good.  Walked around area a bit before heading back to motel.

7/17/13 - Seaside - Another busy day along the coast.  Weather wasn't very good today or yesterday.  Overcast, foggy with some rain but still beautiful.  Made brief stop at Seal Rock where I met a couple that told me about a whale watching trip out of Depoe Bay.  Called them & made reservation for 1 hour trip at noon.  Visited the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport which is operated by Oregon State University.  Really great exhibits.  Only had an hour there so that I could make it to cruise on time. 

Was able to take in the Yaquina Head Lighthouse area before heading to the zodiac boats for my whale watching.  Was out for about an hour & a half.  We did see a whale but not very close & not very dramatic.  Afterwards went up to the small town & had clam chowder at Gracie's Sea Hag Restaurant.  Ummm good!!  There was also a viewing area of the whales across from the restaurant that was pretty good although much farther away then when on the boats but a good view.

Next stop was the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory which is well know for their cheddar cheeses.  It was started just over 100 years ago as a cooperative of local farmers & has been very successful.  Tour was short but showed the modern processing facility.  Had samples & also had lots of areas for sales of cheese & ice cream.  It was pretty late by time I left the cheese factory so didn't take time to visit Cannon Beach which is an upscale area on way to Seaside.  Checked into hotel & went to Norma's Cafe for dinner.  Had a very tood seafood dinner & of course clam chowder.  Town is very touristy compared to others along the coast.  The waterfront is nice & saw a good sunset before heading back to my home for the night.

7/18/13 - Seaside/Astoria/Portland - Headed north to Astoria which is a lovely town at the mouth of the Columbia River.  Visited the Captain George Flavel House which is a Victorian home that was owned by one of the successful river pilot/merchants from the 1800's.  It was a great place to visit with many interesting items of view.  Afterwards went to the Columbia River Maritime Museum which was a very modern structure housing displays about life on the river including rescue boats, visit on the Lightship Columbia which plied the sand bar for many years saving many a ship in its day.  The final stop in this town was the Astoria Column.  I climbed the 164 steps to the top of this 125 foot structure which was built in 1925 to commemorate the westward sweep of discovery and migration.  The outside is decorated with 14 murals made in Italian sgaffito technique (etched concrete).  The mural were very well done and told a story.  I spent over 3 hours in this town before heading on Route 30 into Portland. 

Arrived in Portland around 5 pm & went to my hotel which was located in Southwestern prtion edge of the city.  It was about 20 minute walk to very center of town but was good location.  Went to dinner at a steakhouse downtown.  Food was good but not memorable and was expensive.  Afterwards I took my rental car back to airport.  Dropped off the car & took the TriMet rail back into Portland.  Senior rate is $1.  While heading back got a call from rental car company asking where the keys were.  Of course they were in bottom of my backpack to had to go back & drop them off.  This was a long but great day.

7/19/13 Portland - Breakfast was included in rate for hotel & it was full buffet with eggs, meats, cereal breads, yoghurt & coffee.  Was very busy & they ran out of things but still pretty good.  After breakfast walked int town & visited the Pioneer Courthouse located in front of Pioneer Square which is the center of the city.  This is a very impressive Italianate  structure build in the late 1800's, added to in 1905-12 & renovated in the 70's.  Interior is very elegant & historical.  Went up into cupola for great view of city & Pioneer Square.  After visit went to Museum of Contemporary Craft which was interesting but small & limited.  They were also offering objects for sale. 

Afterwards walked to Lan Su Chinese Garden which is a Ming Dynasty style garden depicting the classical elements from their sister city in Suzhou.  It was a very well designed place reminiscent of the gardens I visited in China.  They have a tea house (Tao of Tea) in the garden which is excellent & I stopped for some tea & red bean cakes.

Left the tea house & walked to the river for some great views.  It was getting close to dinner time & I found a great restaurant in the area.  I had been eating seafood for past several days since I was on the coast so I decided to have Roast Chicken at Mother's Bistro.  What a great place!  Usually very busy for brunch but dinner was superb.  Met the owner who was great lady.  Wandered around & went back to hotel.  Another great day!!

Visit to Sri Lanka 2013

Monday,  1/28/13 - Dambulla - Drove from Anuradhapura to Dambulla this morning.  This is a very gritty town that is known for it's famous cave temples.  There are 5 main caves which were carved out of an enormous granite outcrop beginning BC & restored in the 17th & 18th Centuries by Kandyan kings. 

It was an an amazing site with a large number of Buddas both standing & seated. The art work was great. I spent a few hours here.  Also, at bottom of steps of the cave temples was a 30 meter golden Budda with a small museum inside.  All was very interesting.

We then headed to my hotel, Nice Place Hotel for the night.  It was located down a very rural, bumpy & sometimes dirt road in the middle of nowhere.  It was a "nice place" with a bungalow just for me but the road leading to it was horrendous. Had dinner at hotel which was pretty good.  It's really funny,  all hotels & restaurants have the identical menu!

Tuesday,  1/29/13 - Dambulla - Today I journeyed to Sigirya, a citadel sitting atop a gneiss rock 200 meters above the surrounding countryside.  I spent a few hours here with an excellent guide that was included with my services from Original Srilankans Tours. This amazing site consists of 2 sections: the rock &  area around the base of the rock.  The climb up was tough but really worth it.  The views were great & the section know as the Sigiriya Damsels houses the famous frescoes which were painted in the Fifth Century.  The terraces & gardens were also special.

In the afternoon,  I decided to do a safari to view the elephants in Minneriya National Park.  Chanaka, my driver, told me that this was as good a place to view them as Uda Walawe Natl. Park which I planned to visit later in the trip.  It was a rough & bumpy trip but I did see elephants. It was a good trip & saw some charging baby elephants & a couple of groupings.

Went back into town & visited the only 24 hour produce market in Sri Lanka. It is located in 3 huge metal roofed open warehouses. They service the whole island.  Huge quantities of bananas,  potatoes, fruits, etc.

Had dinner at Heritage Hotel Dambulla which is a 4 star hotel.  Dining room very small & food good but nothing special.

Wednesday,  1/30/13 - Kandy - On way into Kandy stopped at one of the many Spice Garden's, Oak-Ray Isiwara Ayurvedic Village in Matale (there are over 200 in Kandy alone).  This is really a sales pitch site for their products but it was very interesting anyway. Saw many spices in their natural environment. Also had demonstration on acquiring coconuts for high in tree.

Arrived in Kandy & checked in to the Anna Shanti Villa which was run by a lovely Australian women & her Srilankan husband.  This was a great place,  one of best of the trip & had a good breakfast. Location is on other side of the lake up a hill so you definitely need transportation to see the town.

Headed toTemple of the Sacred Tooth which is considered to be SrI Lanka's most important Buddhist temple.  It houses the legendary Buddha's Tooth which arrived here in the 16th century.   The temple & shrine were built by two reigning kings between late 1600's through end of 1700's. It is a super site & I was able to view the Relic Chamber after the early evening Pujas (religious ceremony).  It was really crowded but I got some good pictures.

Also visited Raja Tusker Museum located on grounds of the temple.  Raja is Sri Lanka's most famous elephant.  He carried the Tooth Relic casket fof 50 years before his death.  His stuffed remains stand in this museum.  

Afterwards, wWent to 3 devales (temples) honoring Pattini, Natha, & Vishnu.

Went to restaurant in town which Chanaka recommended which was ok but not the greatest.   After dinner went to pharmacy since I goofed by not bringing enough Advair with me for my asthma. They had a replacement which is fraction of cost in US only strength a bit different.

In the evening caught the main local cultural show with dance & music.  Place was not air conditioned but got good seat.  At the end they do fire eating & fire walking dance.  Show was 500 rupees.

Area around the lake is nice but rest of town is scruffy.

Thursday,  1/31/13 - Kandy - One of top attractions in the area is the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.  Established in 1975 to care for 5 orphaned elephants, it has grown to over 100.  There is feeding of baby elephants, the feeding of the older elephants in an open field and the highlight which is when the elephants are driven through a makeshift (tourist) street across the road to the Ma Oya river for a leisurely bath.  What a lovely site.  I was able to touch the elephants & was surprised that the skin was not tough & leathery.  Even though touristy,  it was a great experience.

Next stop was Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.   A huge place with nice display of orchids.  There was also huge trees with several clusters of fruit bats.  They were not in a cave or hidden which was a real surprise.  It was really hot so only stayed about an hour here.   Not too much in bloom.

Afterwards,  we went on the three-temples loop:  Embekke Devale dates from the 14th century with it's digge (drummer's pavilion) consisting of intricately decorated wooden pillars; Lankatilake, founded in 1344 & built on a huge rock outcrop is painted blue instead of white;  & Gadaladeniya, also dates from 1344 houses a fine gold Buddha.

This evening went to a super restaurant (Bamboo Gardens) recommended by the hotel where I had best dinner so far.  Situated on a rooftop with contemporary vibe.

Friday,  2/1/13 - Nuwara Eliya - First stopped in Bandarawela at the Mlesha Tea Shop.  This one of commercial companies in Sri Lanka. Then went to 2 tea plantations on way to hill country. Visited tea factory recommended by Chanaka, Bluefield Tea Gardens located in Ramboda & shared a lovely pot of tea with Chanaka that was free.  Afterwards went to Labookellie Tea Centre in Labukele.  Although smaller, a better presentation.  Had tea & very nice pound cake here but it was not free but reasonable. Went to hotel, Hill Breeze Villa which was located out of town on a remote, very steep hill.  Run by a local who lived in LA.  Nice place but no heat & 61 degrees in room at night,  brrrr!  Not great location either.  Room was spacious & views great but otherwise would not recommend.

Went into town & visited Grand Hotel which was wonderful.  Decided to have dinner here at the buffet for $22 pp.  What a super spread incl. sashimi, roast beef, salads, cheeses & desserts. Great food & presentation.   Best food so far. Chanaka enjoyed it also.

Saturday,  2/2/13- Nuwara Eliya - Drove through hill country this morning on way to Haputale where I visited the Dambatenne Tea Factory.  Very authentic with no shop.  This is only fee-based tea factory tour I did.  Good tour but took long time before anyone showed up to take me.

Prebooked observation car for ride from Haputale to Ella through mountains.  Cost 750 rupees regardless of where you get on from Colombo to end, same price & seat is reserved for whole journey.  Suppose to be very scenic but was disappointed.  Only 45 min. ride.   Rail car was a kick, very old & crowded. Chanaka picked me up from Ella & drove back to Nuwara Eliya-2.5 hrs.

Had dinner at Milano Restaurant which was recommended by Chanaka.  OK but nothing special.

Sunday,  2/3/13 - Mirissa - Kind of a long drive to Mirissa but well worth it.  On the way, stopped at the Buduruwagala rock carvings in Wellawaya.  This site features a series of 7 figures carved in low relief into the face of a large outcrop dating from the 10h century.   

Mirissa is a terrific beach resort.  Stayed at Handagedara Resort which is boutique type villa 5 minute walk to the beach. Canopied bed with all wood furniture.  Beach is lined with small hotels & restaurants & oozes ambiance.  What a beautiful setting!  Ate dinner at recommended place on beach from Lonely Planet.   Very overrated & fish was not fresh.  I was worried I was going to get sick but I was fine.

Monday,  2/4/13 - Mirissa - This morning I was booked by Sharon on Raja & the Whales excursion for 3 hours.  It was chaos getting on the boat but once aboard it went smoothly. They served fruit & later an omelette. Saw a few whales but not too much else.  Fair trip but too long for what I saw.

After cruise went for long walk then took a swim.  Had great dinner on beach at Sea View Restaurant.   Had seafood platter which was delicious.

Tuesday, 2/5/13 - Beruwala Beach - The drive today takes me through several beach towns plus a short visit to the Dutch port city of Galle.  On the way, I visited Kataluwa Purvarama Mahavihara near Koggala.   This temple is know for it's Kandyan-style wall paintings.  I had to wait for a resident monk to open up just for me & he gave me a great tour for a small donation.

Galle is Sri Lanka's forth largest city.  The old quarter is know as the fort.  There is a huge fort with a main gate & several bastions. There are also lovely Dutch villas along the narrow picturesque streets.  Near the fort are the old warehouses & courts, housed in buildings dating back to the 1800's.  I found a Muslim ice cream shop selling homemade treats which were in prepackaged cups.  It was really good since the heat of the late morning sun was getting to me.

Hikkaduwa is known for descent snorkeling.  Chanaka stopped at place where I attempted to do some snorkeling.  The company (I use this term very loosely) that was recommended was really bad.  After haggling over price, they provided me with inferior equipment.  An outrigger canoe took me to the spot I was suppose to snorkel at.  When I went to put on the mask, the snorkel slipped out & fell into the water.   That ended my trip.  I jumped in the water but couldn't find the snorkel so I told the canoer to take me back.  Really had a rough time getting back on the outrigger canoe.  They wanted to charge me for the snorkel but I refused & we left.  Total waste of money.  This was only ripoff on whole trip.

Proceeded up the coast to Aluthgama where I visited Kande Vihara temple with it's tall Buddha statue & ornate 18th century image house housing Kangyan-era murals.  These were beautifully done in porcelain.

A short distance from here with a lot of help from locals, Chanaka took me to Brief Garden.  This was former estate of writer & artist Bevis Bawa, elder brother of the architect Geoffrey Bawa.  What an amazing site.  The artwork & antiques were amazing.  One of Bevis' s friends came for a week visit & stayed 5 years (artist Donald Friend)!

Arrived at my digs for the evening which was the Ypsylon Resort.  A beachfront property with a great sunset.  My room faced the ocean & was more like a bungalow than a room.  Wonderful setting.  Next door to our resort  was a 5 star resort (Cinnamon Bey) where I decided to have dinner.  Was disappointing considering the price but a very luxe, modern place & beautifully appointed.

Wednesday,  2/6/13 - Negombo - Decided to spent morning at Beruwala Beach because it was so beautiful. Left around 11:30am because I got lost walking back to the resort.

First stop of the day was in Kalutara.  Gangatilaka Vihara is an immense dagoba built in the '60s that is situated along the main road.  Inside the walls are adorned by a ring of 75 murals depicting various scenes from Buddha's life. This was one of the only places where the captions were in English.

Made a fast visit through Colombo. Saw the Mount Lavinia Hotel then found Geoffrey Bawa's house (No. 11, 33rd Lane) off the beaten path. When we arrived the place looked shuttered but rang the bell & they let me in to tour.  Usually only open by appointment but because my guidebook didn't indicate they let me in.  Acquired between 1959 & 1968, this special residence has wonderful artwork & artifacts.   Very happy I was able to visit!

Next went to Galle Face Green & strolled over to the 5-star Galle Face Hotel.  A lovely edifice with great art & decor.  By the time I was ready to leave the sky's opened up & it rained torrentially!  I wanted to go next go the Pettah area which is the bazaar district. There is a very strong Tamil & Muslim prescience here but due to the rain & flooding was unable to go.  Chanaka drove me past some of the areas but will have to come back to really see.

Arrived in Negombo & checked into Choy's Waterfront Residence which turned out to be the best place I stayed on whole trip.  Only glitch was room on 4th floor & no elevator.  10 minute walk to fish market which was great.  Entrance looks like a restaurant but rooms were great , very modern with safe, fridge & coffee maker.  Breakfast was pretty good.

For dinner we went to Lords Restaurant which turned out to be one of best on trip.  Food was great & the night we were there they had a 45 minute show that was as good as one in Kandy.

Thursday,  2/7/13 - Negombo/Bangalore - In the morning I went to the fish market which was suppose to be busy around 8am.  Got there at 9am & nothing happening except for some fish drying on the beach.  By 9:30-10:30 am action picked up & was great.  Lots of people & fish.  Spent couple of hours here before heading back to hotel.  Very hot & humid.  Chanaka took me to airport & left on Srilankan Airlines to Bangalore.  Not anywhere near as good as Emirates but price was right.

Hi from Dijon, France!!

Just a quick note to update you all.  I won't be able to give details of my travels, it will have to wait til I get home.  Just having too much fun & no time to write.  Trip has been wonderful!!  In France I visited Rouen (4nts); Chartres (2 nts), Tours (6 nts), Lyon (4 nts), Dijon (4 nts).  All were exceptional & had their unique charm.  Best hotel I stayed at was in Lyon even though it was a bit away from the center.  Metro in Lyon was really great.

I am leaving for Paris tomorrow for 3 nights.  Met a couple from Boston yesterday while visiting Chateau Mersault that were terriffic!  They & their 2 teenage sons allowed me to join them for ride through Cote de Beaune area & then we had dinner together before I headed back to Dijon.  We sampled wine all afternoon & I bought a bottle after a tasting.  I was originally planning to stay in Dijon for 2 nights but love it so much & there is so much to see in the area that I added 2 nights

Hi from London via Lyon, France!!

Let me explain.  I am so far behind on my emails that I'm writing to you from Lyon but will give details of my visit to England!  Here goes...

 

Saturday, 5/21/11 - Took an EasyJet flight from Madrid to Gatwick airport.  Flight was on time & no problems.  Best fare available was arriving in London at 7pm.  Took a train & tube (subway) to my friend Peter's house who is located in North London around 8:30pm & he arranged a small dinner party with some of his friends.  It was a delicious meal.  Had a long day so just crashed.

 

Sunday, 5/22/11 - Caught up on things with my friend Peter & he took me to Regent's Park where there is a lovely rose/flower garden.  We went to Hampstead for lunch to the Old Bull & Bush for a typical Sunday Pub Roast.  Food was good & had a good time.  Went to another local pub (the Angelic) for dinner & it was also very good.  In a pub, you order at the bar & they deliver it to your table.  It's the custom.  Another quiet night.

 

Monday, 5/23/11 - This was a down day.  Did errands with Peter & did laundry.  My zipper broke on my good pants & tried to find place to replace it.  Prices were high so decided to wait til I get to France.

 

Tuesday, 5/24/11 - Made a great trip to Greenwich today.  Took a City Tours boat from Tower of London that travel on the Thames River & also provides some commentary.  Got ticket that allowed me to travel all day for about $12.  This is a bargain for London.  Peter loaned me an Oyster Card that allows you to recharge it & also provides discounts.

 

Greenwich is a super town.  This is the point where all time is set from.  There is a museum that covers all about Greenwich Mean Time around the world on a hill that overlooks the Thames & the town.  There is also a Royal Naval College here, designed by Christopher Wren, & it was once the site for the Royal Palace.  Henry VIII & Elizabeth I were born here.  Town is small & very charming.

 

When I got back home, Peter & I had a simple dinner at Carluccio's (a high-end chain restaurant in London).  Food was good.

Wednesday; 5/25/11 - Went to Camden Market this morning.  Situated along a small canal with lots of shops all over the place.  This area housed hugh stables that are now shops.  Found a great restaurant, Hache, which specializes in hamburgers.  Meat was very good & fresh.  Cost 7.82 pounds sterling which is a bit expensive but it was great.

Thursday, 5/26/11 - This was a really special day!  Took the train to Oxford from Paddington station.  I decided to take the Hop On Hop Off City Bus tour which wasn't great but good overview.  I also took a walking tour set up through the Tourist Office that was also very good.  One place we visited was the Bodleian Library. The University is made up of several colleges (36), each specializing in some area of expertise.  Some of the colleges date back to the 12th Century & the university is considered the second oldest in the world.  Went to Trinity College on my own.  I would love to stay overnight here and get to know this city.  It was really wonderful!!  Found a restaurant (The Four Candles) on the way back to the train station.  Did take away of fish & chips including coffee for 3.79 pounds sterling.  This was a real bargin!!

One of Peter's friends recommended an Italian restaurant that turned out to be really good.  It's called Tikino.

Friday, 5/27/11 - In the morning I went to the TKTS discount ticket booth in Leister Square & bought a ticket for Blood Brothers.  Wandered around a bit today with Peter & we had a nice lunch along the Thames River at Swan @ the Globe.  Really upscale & expensive.  In the evening had a quick dinner on Compton Street before seeing Blood Brothers.  It was a dark musical that was very well done.  Very sad but excellently performed.

Tomorrow I'm leaving London for France.  Decided to take the bus instead of train because of the cost.  39 pounds sterling vs. 179 pounds sterling.  Trip is over six hours compared to 2.5 hrs on train (Eurostar) but decided I'd see more of the countryside

Belated Hello from Madrid!

Monday, 5/16/11- Arrived safely in Barcelona & said goodbye to the ship.  It really was a lovely voyage.  One of the best. 

 

I took the Metro to the Sants Rail Station.  When I arrived, the next 2 trains to Madrid were sold out so I had to wait around for over an hour.  The ride was great & we arrived in Madrid on time.  I took the Metro in Madrid to Gran Via & walked about 4 blocks to my hotel which was in a great location.  The room was kind of small & so was the bathroom but it was clean & the bed was comfortable.  It was also a bit noisy at night but when I shut the shutters it was OK.  The 2 guys that ran the place were very nice & helpful.  It included breakfast but only cold cereal, packaged sweet rolls & good coffee.  I walked around the city for the rest of the day an evening. 

 

What a really beautiful, facinating city.  I now rate Madrid as one of my favorites.  I was able to get into the Royal Palace just before it closed.  It rivals most of the Palace's I've visited in the past.  There are numerous wide avenues, parks & plazas throught the city as well as palatial buildings everywhere.  I decided to have a tapas dinner the first night & went to a couple of Rick Steve's recommendations.  They were right on.  The Casa de Abuelo was my favorite.  I had Gamba Plancha (Grilled Shrimp) which were superb.  They also have Gamba Ajio (Garlic Shrimp) which I tried another night.  Then I went to another place that had potatoes that were deep fried & covered with a garlic aioli sauce that was to die for!

 

Tuesday, 5/17/11 - Decided to take a walking tour for 2 hours that left from Plaza Major.  It was conducted by members of the tourist office & was great.  After the tour I went to the Garden's of the Palace, then to the Temple of Debod which was a replica of an Egyptian temple built near Aswan.  I  wandered around the streets the rest of the day going from Puerto del Sol, which was embroiled in student demonstrations during the day & covered the whole square in the evening, to the Plaza Cibeles area where the Banco de Espana & Palacio de Comunicaciones where the Mayor's Office is located. 

 

Madid's specialty is it's roast lamb & suckling pig.   I went to a very expensive restaurant this evening, Posada de Villa.  It was highly recommended for roast lamb.  A very elegant place near Plaza Major which is where most of the better restaurants are located.  The lamb was outstanding but it should have been.  The meal including a glass of wine cost $72.

 

Wednesday, 5/18/11 - I took the train to Teledo for the day.  I bought tickets a couple of days ago since I had so much trouble going from Barcelona to Madrid & was happy that I did this.  Weather today was very overcast & threatening to rain.  When I got to Toledo I walked up the hill to the Bisagra Gate which is the primary gate to the city & is huge.  Took a bus to Plaza de Zocodover which is the main square.  This is a very up & down city.  It was the capital of Hispania in the 6th Century & Carlos V made it the imperial capital in 1519 when he was enthroned.

 

There was so much to see here & you really need to stay overnight to see everything.  The Cathedral was huge & very impressive.  They just completed renovation of the Alcazar but is just a large open space with many exhibits.  There were 2 synagogues I visited (María la Blanca and El Tránsito) which were well presented & interesting.  The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes was a great example of flamboyant Gothic was one of the masterpieces of Juan Guas, who carried out the scheme commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs.

 

I went to another Rick Steve's recommended restaurants, Restaurant/Hostal Palacios, which had a price fixed dinner including iberico ham & cheese, roast suckling pig with french fries, dessert & wine for 18.90 euros.  This was one of the best meals for the money in all of Spain.  I took the bus back to Madrid.  It took slightly longer but was a bit cheaper.

 

Thursday, 5/19/11 - Today was another wondering day.  Spent the whole day in the city.  Went to the Prado Museum which is comparable to the Met in NY.  There were special exhibits on Rebiera & Goya which were well presented.  The museum is huge!  Took a bus to modern part of city.  At the end of the line are two new; modern buildings at Puerta de Europa.  It was an interesting trip.  Walked all day back to areas I'd visited earlier in the week.  Went back to area where I had tapas on my first night & had the gambas ajillo (garlic shrimp).   I then ate at Oreta de Oro across the street.  It was a bit pricy but had Calamari  which was a huge portion.  Finished off the evening taking in the sights at night staying away from the demonstrations in Puerto del Sol.  The crowds keep getting bigger each day:  At night, the square is completely packed.

 

Friday, 5/20/11 - Took a bus to El Escorial this morning:   This was a Spanish Royal site and now functions as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school.  El Escorial has been the burial site for most of the Spanish kings of the last five centuries, Bourbons as well as Hapsburgs. The Royal Pantheon contains the tombs of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V (who ruled Spain as King Charles I), Philip II, Philip III, Philip IV, Charles II, Louis I, Charles III, Charles IV, Ferdinand VII, Isabella II, Alfonso XII, and Alfonso XIII. Two Bourbon kings.  This along with the Basilica were the highlights of my visit.

 

I stumbled on a restaurant in the Plaza Major vicinity along Cava Baja for dinner.  Name of place was El Schotis & the food was great.  Walked around area before heading back to hotel.  Really enjoyed my stay in Madrid!!  Leaving for London tomorrow.