The best vista, according to the vista guy. We rode the cable car to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and the view is magnificent. We can see Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco, Africa, and the town of Gibraltar. It really is an amazing place. Greeting us at the top were the Barbary Apes. Reminded me of the time my brothers bought a pet monkey. We learned something new yesterday. We noticed that in Lisbon and Cadiz when we entered the port we had "red LEFT returning" navigational aides. Our boating friends will understand that this is opposite of the navigation rules we are accustomed to. We were so curious that we sent a note to the Navigation Officer asking him about this. He explained that in International Waters it is "red ... read more

We have reached the mainland and spending the day in Lisbon. We entered the port by passing under a bridge similar to the Golden Gate Bridge. Lisbon is a busy port with lots of passenger ferries and cargo ships in addition to other cruise ships. We walked through three neighborhoods on a self guided tour. The streets are narrow and windy with laundry hanging from the apartments over the shops. There is no lack of public squares and statues. We first walked to the Castle of Sao Jorge and then unknowingly, because we were lost, we walked all around the outside of the castle. We were amazed to find ourselves right back where we had started from. Like I said, the streets are very narrow and windy. We finally found our way out of the maze ... read more

We are having a marvelous time at sea. Meeting many people with interesting stories. Most all that we have met have been to Europe many times and are happy to tell us about their favorite places. And they are equally excited to hear about our travel plans. The entertainment aboard the ship has been fantastic, everything from world class pianist, xylophonist, hypnotist, magician, comic, newly released movies, and today, Easter Sunday, we attended an inter-denominational Easter service with several hundred other passengers. There is always something to do. This afternoon I will be attending a hot glass show and Jerry will be playing poker in the casino. I would live to read my book but there just doesn't seem to be enough time. Oh, and plus we wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to eat something. ... read more

We awoke in Fort Lauderdale to 77 degrees and clouds in the sky which burned off by the time we boarded the ship. Not to appear eager but we were the first in line for the cruise. Ship boarding early has its benefits--we were able to take a few photos before the crowds arrived and find a good spot to wait for our room to be ready. And speaking of rooms--we purchased an inside cabin which means a small room with no window. A few weeks ago I called to see if we were eligible for an upgrade. Well to our surprise when we opened the door to our cabin, we not only had a window but a room with a balcony. I paid for a windowless room and received a room with a deck. We ... read more

Our chauffer, Pete, and the tour guide, Betty, delivered us to Medford with a few new stops for us. We travel the road to Medford often but have never made the stops that Betty had planned. We took a tour through the Taylors Sausage store and have decided that will be our favorite stop along Hiway 199. What a great place to get a delicious sandwich along with a favorite beverage. After a lunch stop in Grants Pass we arrived safely at our motel for the night. Thanks to Pete and Betty for a fun trip to Medford. After checking in to The Quality Inn we started out walking. After all the lunches and dinners of the last week we needed some exercise. What a great surprise to find a festival in downtown Medford--The Annual Pear ... read more