Sailaway Friday

[Kazz]

Morning all

Sal is quite a bit better but under watch the tramdol are basicaly morphine based therefore we are watching how she is but she is good today thats what counts, therfore we are happy.

It is snowing here. There is snow here. The snow is settling and more to come.

And do I care not a lot. Because last night I booked my summer holiday.

Another cruise again Thomson Dream 14 nights......YEAH!!!
Places I have dreamt of will become reality .....

Itinerary

29th Jun 2013Palma, Majorca

Beaches or bargains, the sea or sights. Palma has it all, together with enough sunshine and souvenirs to keep anyone happy. If you like beaches, cafes or simply lazing around in the sunshine, you'll love Palma, together with the nearby resorts of Palma Nova and Magaluf. Before you relax, though, make sure you visit Palma City itself to see the Moorish palace, the designer stores and the quaint shops and cobbled streets of the old city, behind the Gothic Cathedral. And for souvenirs, make a bee-line for Inca, the largest street market on the island which opens every Thursday.


30th Jun 2013At Sea



1st Jul 2013Villefranche, French RivieraArrive 07:00 - Depart 17:00
The enduring beauty of the French Riviera awaits you in Villefranche. Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo and Monaco are within easy reach, thus ensuring you experience the true glamour of France's most famous coast. Small and welcoming, Villefranche is a typical town on the French Riviera. Beyond its traditional charm, however, it is ideally situated for visiting the wealth of surrounding towns that have made the region so famous. Think the pleasures of Cannes or the flowers of Nice, the sights of Monaco or the Grand Casino of Monte Carlo and they are all within easy reach.


2nd Jul 2013Livorno, ItalyArrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00for Florence and Pisa

Think sights, sights and more sights. This is the perfect excuse to discover the real pleasures of Tuscany, and the real magic of Pisa. Wander through the ancient cobbled streets of Florence amd enjoy a coffee or Italian ice cream while you soak in the atmosphere. Visit the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, before taking in the famous Duomo cathedral, the Santo Spirito church and the magnificent bronze doors of the Basilica, aptly named 'the gates of heaven' by Michelangelo. And then wonder if the Leaning Tower, one of four impressive buildings in the Field of Miracles in Pisa, really is a hidden treasures and ambience of Pisa itself.


3rd Jul 2013Rapallo, ItalyArrive 07:00 - Depart 17:00



4th Jul 2013Toulon, FranceArrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00

Combining the glamour of the French Riviera with the feel of a typical French town, Toulon gives you the chance to discover the real Cote D'Azur. A former military port encircled by ancient fortifications, Toulon remains totally French. Where the ship docks, for example, the promenade is lined with cafes where you can enjoy a typical local dish of fresh mussels. Or you might prefer to simply relax with a glass of wine or a coffee as you watch the local fishermen mend their nets.


5th Jul 2013Barcelona, SpainArrive 09:00 - Depart 18:00

Whether you head for the beaches or the bars, the cafes or the museums, Barcelona is charming as well as cosmopolitan, appealing as well as relaxing. From the lapping waves of the beaches to the hubbub of Las Ramblas, Barcelona has something for everyone. The famous pedestrian street of Las Ramblas features countless outdoor cafes, colourful flower stalls, jugglers and street entertainers who have turned living statues into a real art form. Take a stroll through the winding streets of the medieval Gothic quarter and you'll find traditional tapas bars, including Picasso's old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats'. Go to Plaza de Catalunya, the heart of the modern centre and you'll see amazing houses designed by Gaudí together with his unfinished cathedral. And for a livelier atmosphere, don't miss the shopping and food complex of Port Vell, or the cable car ride from the World Trade Centre to the castle in the mountain above the city.


6th Jul 2013Palma, MajorcaArrive 06:00 - Depart 23:00



7th Jul 2013At Sea



8th Jul 2013TrapaniArrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00

The Greeks, the Romans, the Saracens, the Normans – they all squabbled over the pretty hook-shaped harbour of Trapani. And no wonder. Packed with reminders of its long and colourful past, this place offers up great sights, waist-bustingly good seafood and bags of that irresistible Sicilian charm. It’s a west coast corner to fall head over heels for.......


9th Jul 2013Naples, ItalyArrive 08:00 - Depart 17:30

This is the most spectacular natural setting in Italy. With its beautiful bay overlooked by Mount Vesuvius, a sunny climate and lots to see, Naples is unmissable. A stroll through the narrow streets and hustle and bustle of the local markets that sell literally everything is an experience in itself in Naples. That's before you discover the memorable sights like the majolica-tiled cloister of the Church of Santa Chiara, the local craftsmen of San Gregorio Armeno who make the famous Neapolitan crèche figures, or the Galleria Umberto where designer shops sit amidst glorious architecture. Don't forget to take the chairlift up to Mount Vesuvius itself or the tour to Pompeii and the ancient ruins of Herculaneum. And why not take the short boat ride to the picturesque and exclusive island of Capri?


10th Jul 2013RomeArrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00



11th Jul 2013Calvi, CorsicaArrive 07:00 - Depart 15:00

There’s no better way to arrive in Calvi than by cruise ship. As you pull into the iconic harbour, you’ll be greeted by its towering citadel. Beneath the soaring peaks of the Monte Cinto, this 15th-century outpost keeps watch over the whole town. Look beyond it, and you’ll discover a stylish holiday playground that’s a magnet for the yacht-owning super-rich. Cue designer boutiques, trendy seafood restaurants, and a four-mile stretch of glistening white sand.......


12th Jul 2013Palamos, SpainArrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00

Hundreds of years old, yet now a thriving and modern Spanish port, Palamos gives you a glimpse into the local culture – and the perfect opportunity to relax. On the east coast of Spain, north of Barcelona, Palamos was founded around a natural harbour in 1277. The legacy of fishing continues today and the day's catch is still auctioned on the busy quayside in the late afternoon, giving you the chance to see traditional fishing the Spanish way. That's if you can spare the time from relaxing on the superb beach or taking a tour to Figueres, the famous city where Dali was born and lived until his death in 1989.


13th Jul 2013Palma, MajorcaArrive 06:00

So there you are am I excited YES any suggestions reagrding things places o see or not to see will be gratefully received........

[angieh]

Morning Kazz .......... I am glad that Sal seems better today and that you have booked your holiday. Villefranche I have visited, I'll look and see if I can find anything in the brochures I have and let you know. I loved the South of France, went in 2002 (I think it was) on a Ramblers holiday.

Lots of snow here ........ more than expected for this area. No gritting has been done, not even the main roads. OH tried to go to the solicitor in Bognor and didn't even get half way before having to turn around and come home. Dogs have been having a huge fun time and love it, as dogs do. Kizzy and Pip are safe and snug indoors like sensible cats.

Hope all Catseyers are safe and warm.

[yola]

School is shut - and boys are here with us at the office. I will take them over to the park in a bit for a snowball fight. Snow is coming down thick and heavy but as we're on foot there won't be a problem with getting home. I'm SO glad I don't have to drive anywhere . . . this is when living in the town centre is a bonus.

Angie - that's shameful that your local council haven't gritted; it's not as if this snow is unexpected!

Kazz - pleased that Sal is feeling a little better. Tramadol are quite powerful painkillers I'm not surprised she's feeling knocked out. Pleased too that you've got another holiday sorted. I've been to several of those locations (the Italian ones mainly) and you're in for a treat!

[cats' staff]

Hi all, at the garage waiting for the car to be serviced - it's too cold to go for a wander around an industrial estate!
Glad Sal is a little better Kazz and your cruise sounds lovely!
We've some snow here but not as much as the west. Smudge is on the top shelf of the airing cupboard with Cleo at the bottom next to to hot water tank. Tolly has been charging in and out like a daft thing!
I hope you have enough provisions Angie! Enjoy snowball fights with the boys Yola.
Hope everyone is warm and safe!

[calismum]

Hi all - snow here too and a biting cold wind brrrr. All animels well and fighting over who gets closest to the fire - poor pup is losing that one!! Going to try chicken and mushroom wrapped in puff pastry for tonights meal. Never tried that before so hit or miss. Got Jamies 15 min meals book at Christmas, a few nice pasta based recipes in it which I fully intend to try out. Keep warm and snuggly peeps.

Kazz - hope the meds are helping Sal, give her a a wee cuddle from me. Your cruise sounds wonderful, so many places in 2 weeks, a lovely part of the planet to visit.

Can't believe you've not been gritted Angie - hope you've complained. It's funny how dogs love snow and cats are much more sensible isn't it?

Yola - can't remember my last snowball fight - such fun!

cats' staff - hope the car appreciates the time you've spent in the cold!! Your cats have the right idea.

[Shelley123]

hello everyone.
we have got snow here too, it started this morning and was quite heavy around 11.00 am. Managed to get home from work ok.
Nice cosy evening in.
Karen you're cruise looks fab and glad Sal is ok

[Kazz]

Right it is snowing still here and now past my ankle walking boots.....have had a snowball fight with the two children opposite. I lost well.....what do you expect.

I have walked over to the Doctors and handed Dad's prescription in I need to monitor this I promised myself I would and didn't so its my fault however he does annoy me at times - Christmas eve at 4pm he told me he did not have an inhaler or tablets for tomorrow and could I get the prescription filled....today he did the same as soon as the snow was above my boots he speaks up.......AGHHHHH....I think he does have enough but worries......I need to just put a repeat prescription in and keep it on "hold" for days like today where he could end up needing a to find a new home.
Like today on coming back from the chemist.... I find him getting dressed in winter coat etc and I say "where are you going Dad?" now bear in mind he walks with a walker.....and is unsteady on good days let alone in snow below - temps, snow falling.....and he says nice as you like "Thought I would go down to the shed and get my hacksaw it needs a new blade" now I hold my patience and say "are you going to use it?" remember the floorboard incident!!!!!!! and he says "No but it needs a blade" So I say "Okay I will get it" I go out and get it and come in and say "where are the blades?" and he says "Oh I don't have any blades......I just thought I would bring the hacksaw in for when you get the blades"......AGHHHHHH.Oh yes and by then he was sitting in the kitchen slippers on and doing a crossword.Totaly unphased by the hacksaw sitting on the side.

[Shelley123]

oh dear me Karen, i know i shouldn't giggle at what you're dad has put you through but i'm afraid i couldn't help it, sorry,lol

[Kazz]

Its okay Shelley its better to laugh he will be 85 next birthday and he is just getting old....and I am going quietly mad.