Hi folks - afraid this will be the last message as the adventure is almost over. I really have had a whale of a time. Left Palermo last night, possibly my favourite place. Full of classical architecture decorated with statues, like Rome without the ampitheatre, but with the same drivers....you have to witness Italian drivers to believe it. No Mafia apparent but Judy (the lady I mentioned meeting, born in Italy) tells me they're there all right below the surface. They really to appear in Trilbys and shut the street down to deal with business! Judy is a romany gypsy employed [View Full Entry]

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What ho and top of the morning to all - feeling chipper as just back from a great gym workout. I really must keep this up when I get back (famous words......) - I think over 60's get good gym deals as there aren't many applicants, or, perhaps, survivors. I'll need to fill the time up somehow. In the middle of the Med currently, in Palermo tomorrow where I've booked a coach trip. I think there's more to Sicily than a volcano, - Mafiosi and machine guns if the rumours are right. Let's find out. This is the 6th sea day [View Full Entry]

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Sorry about gap - connection probs. on the boat. You'll be relieved to know I'm well and not overworked. Almost completed our flit across the Atlantic & heading for Gibraltar Straits. Had to miss out Madiera as one of the ship's engines has gone wonky, and full speed not available. Unfortunate as it messes up the entertainment exchanges. They've got the facilities to rebuild so I hope they're getting on with it...... May have been something to do with the engine room tour I undertook - I didnt touch anything, honest! They're massive marine diesels, nice and noisy, comsumption 1 [View Full Entry]

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Hi everyone Have now left the Caribbean, last port of call Antigua, where Nelson established a base some time ago. An interesting wharf and museum (Nelson wasn't there - must be attending to his column), and a natural enclosed harbour where you go when a hurricane is imminent. Happens quite a lot, but not this time of year (a good arrangement, in our case). Our haven is now haring across the Atlantic at a fair lick, to arrive in Madiera in 5 days. The clocks go forward an hour each day! We're at the mercy of storm, tempest and Moby Dick [View Full Entry]

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Hi folks, Time for another scintillating update. I've actually got an hour spare, seems to be so much to do & see. Currently moored in St. Kitts another heavenly spot, arriving this morning from Dominica, Barbados the day before. I am now a fully certified seaman! Had a medical in Barbados, to prove I'm alive & relatively fit, which resulted in a Mariner's Certificate. I've applied for the optional pegleg and parrot, which arrive later. A rather dishy doctor who seemed pleased with me (mind you it wasn't her body), certified in good shape which means amongst other things I qualify [View Full Entry]

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Hi to all my fans, Sorry about the gap, I've had connection problems on the boat, due to not officially being a crewman - that should change tomorrow. There may even be problems with this - let me know if this doesn't arrive! (eh?) Life is good. 3rd day spent at Trinidad, where I blagged my way onto a coach tour and a rainforest walk to a waterfall. Interesting, as its a place of pilgrimage, with natives wandering in chanting & waving incense (or it could have been smoking pot....), lighting candles for a shrine. I don't know what they were [View Full Entry]

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Hi ! This is my first Travelblog entry so don't be surprised if I cock it up - my relationship with technology is well known! I managed to find the ship in Aruba - luckily it's quite big. I've tried publishing a photo here, & failed - so that treat will have to wait until I have been teached! The journey was uneventful - arrangements like a well-oiled machine - unfortunately I didn't know the luggage went direct from plane to ship and it takes it's time to get there. Mild panic, as all was missing & I envisaged doing the [View Full Entry]

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