Iceland The weather has not been cooperating. It was overcast with the threat of rain when we set out to explore the Golden Circle. We opted for a small group tour since there were multiple stops and getting in an out of a bus of fifty wastes time. Our first stop was a geo-thermal plant that provides hot water for heat and household use to Reykjavik as well as electricity. Located on the slope of a volcano it uses the heat of the magma to heat ground water and the steam is used to generate power. It is amazing technology and emits very little co2 but they are working on eliminating it all together. As long as it rains and the magma is hot there will be power and hot water. Our next stop was a ... read more

Our sea day turned out to be very interesting as the crew was summoned for a safety drill. It was staged just outside our room and we could watch the goings on and no one knew because of the one way glass. There was a stretcher and a nurse in attendance and then they simulated an passenger evacuation and lowered some lifeboats. It looks like people from all areas of the ship and all manning stations were required to report. After the drill was over they prepared to retrieve the boats but boat number four, our boat, had a be repaired before she could be raised and the ship could move on to Nova Scotia. What the Captain thought would be an hours delay wore on to three hours so that meant that our arrival would ... read more

Musings and observations. The weather these last 24 days has been amazing. When I left CT it was sunny but with a fresh chilly breeze. That continued from Rome to Athens which didn’t encourage sunning by the pool but was perfect weather for touring. Some mornings were a bit overcast but before long the sun was shining bright. I enjoyed a full moon, some brilliant sunsets and cloudless star filled nights. On the day we sailed into Venice there was a slight drizzle. As we passed the crowds at ST. Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge I decided to stay on board and nurse my lingering cold. Late May seems like the peak season in the Med even through I know it gets worse in summer. Crowds everywhere. Standing room only on the water busses and when ... read more

Sagrida Familia. (Sacred Family) This masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi began in his lifetime and may be completed in 2026. When asked, Gaudi acknowledged that it would not be finished in his lifetime but in God’s own time. The Basilica covers an entire city block and those working on it today are still following Gaudi’s vision. Every tower, every pillar, every statue and embellishment has meaning. I spent about four hours here and still had not seen all there was to see. My only disappointment was being turned away from going to the top of the Nativity Tower, I had brought my cane, just in case, and that was enough for them to turn me back. Though you can take an elevator to the top, you have to navigate a spiral staircase to get down. I understand ... read more

In Albania under for Communists everything was under state control. Factories that had manufactured parts for farm equipment were closed and farmers had to buy from the Soviet Union. That industry has never recovered. Agricultural production was determined the state and products were exported with little left for the population. The main allies for Albania were Mao’s Red China and the Soviets. When the dictator died there were tears. Our tour guide remembers her grandparents and parents sobbing, and so she did too. It wasn’t until later that she understood that they were tears of joy. Life is still not easy in Albania but in one little corner of the country, the town of Sarenda has boomed. Located on the Adriatic with beaches, cafes and nightclubs, it is a holiday of choice for Greeks. New hotels ... read more