Cornishmen on the Move

CADIZ SPAIN

Weather: Fine & Sunny, unbroken sunshine 25c

Since leaving Corfu again we had another couple of lovely sea days, the first especially, with it being absolutely flat calm. As we sailed between Sicily and Malta, on the first morning, while having breakfast on the top deck restaurant, we spotted a dark mark on the water, as we got closer we discovered it was a shoal of fish, feeding on the surface. On this particular trip we haven`t seen much wild life. Due to the long distance and the time we had to travel it, we were about 40 minutes late on our arrival time in Cadiz, it did not affect the time we had there as we left there one hour later. When we arrived at the port, another cruise ship was also in, the massive “Independence of the Seas”, still a fine looking ship despite her size.

We were given some information and usually a basic map of each port we visited. It`s usually about the past history, points of interest of the port, the surrounding area and possible places to visit. And quoting some of that information about Cadiz, it is the oldest inhabited town in the western world, with a 3,000 year history. As with some of the previous places we have visited on this trip it has been ruled by several different civilizations. And being Cornish, it was interesting to read that the Phoenicians used Cadiz as a port when they went to Cornwall for their tin. In more recent centuries it was used by the Spanish for the conquering of the Spanish Colonies in Central and South America, and for bringing back all the gold from these places. Also it was used by Villeneuve`s fleet when Nelson won the Battle of Trafalgar.

We like Cadiz as a port, it is really accessible from our berth position to where the city is situated. And it`s another such place where you can wander and lose yourself in amongst the small narrow streets. We stopped at a couple of apartment entrances which lead off these streets to photograph some lovely ornate tiled hallways. These streets very often open up into plazas or squares as we would say, but which ever word we use these places are very often beautiful, some quiet, others where the café culture is in full swing. It`s a very good place for a bit of retail therapy too, where men seem to be well catered for as well as the women, but they had a lot of shoe shops.

This port, with regards to the weather has been a lot more comfortable for us getting around than we had in the central med. For us at home 25 deg. c would be very welcome and hot, but for us on this trip it felt just nice.

So I hope you enjoy our photos of Cadiz, and for us it`s always a bit sad when you`ve had your last port, which this is. We hope you’ve enjoyed following us on our Mediterranean adventure.

CORFU

Weather: Hot & sunny clear blue skies, 35c

Our arrival, on time at 8 am, was a still, hot morning, our berth is very near where all the ferries come and go to other islands and countries , Albania is really close by. From our berth you get the idea from the views around you, that this is a relatively green island. It also has a lot history, with different civilizations conquering it at different times, because of its position in the Mediterranean sea. Corfu town has some fine looking buildings with a French style, as they too, along with the Russians have ruled here. The British also took over the rule after Napoleon fell in 1814, and one of the legacies which the British left was cricket, there`s a large green still in the middle of town, and I think some matches are still played today.

We got ourselves ready, and set off for Corfu town, as again this place is great to just wander and chill out. We had the services of a free shuttle bus taking us to the town, the information from on board was that the town was only an 8 to 10 minute walk, but I don`t think there were many takers for that walk, in that heat. As we entered the town through an archway you`re straight into a very busy shopping street, quite narrow and twisting. In one of the more open spaces a local folk dancing group came along and did a few dances, very nice, it all added to the atmosphere. We were the only cruise ship in that day, but there seemed to be a lot of people around, it must be because Corfu is a holiday island. As we went along doing some window shopping we were soon aware of the prices, it seemed quite expensive, and with the Euro more or less on a par with the pound, the bargains seem few and far between. One of things which really surprised us, is the sale of real fur coats, and they are mostly mink and fox. It seems such a strange place, a hot climate to sell fur coats, but when we asked who buys them, the answer is the Russians and Americans who usually come on cruise ships. When passing shops, the people running them seem to be very keen to get your business, they`re not aggressive in their sales pitch, but try to keep you there. Mind you, some of what they had to say is very informative.

So with throats all dry and flagging in the heat, we found ourselves up in the main square, beside the cricket pitch where there were a lot of street cafés, we had been here before on other visits and it`s a nice place to stop. Street musicians passing by create a really good atmosphere, so with an Iced coffee and a ginger beer, and complementary croissants it was all very nice, a good place to spend an hour. You can do a lot of things from this square, you have the tourist train which leaves from it , and also get a horse and carriage, which are for hire to see the nearby sights.

We left our café and went back into the narrow streets, gradually working our way to our pick up point for our return shuttle bus journey. We got back aboard for a late light lunch and gradually wound down. Our sail away again is in the late afternoon, we seemed to have left earlier than normal on quite a few ports, but looking at the map, sometimes we have to steam quite hard to reach our next port on time. So down onto promenade deck, we found a nice seat and watched ourselves move away from our berth, and the glorious scenery of Corfu and passing islands.

SPLIT CROATIA

Weather: Hot & Sunny, 33c

Since the day we crossed the Bay of Biscay, we have had more or less unbroken sunshine, and this day was no exception. I would say it`s the hottest trip we`ve ever had, and apart from that day in the bay, the sea conditions have again been very good.

On this trip, this was our only tender port, and that being where we go ashore in the ships tenders. Looking from the ship, Split looks quite a big place, and reading some information which we were given on board, Split is Croatia`s second largest city after Zagreb, their capital. Quite a few high rise blocks ( but not that high) the city also has an old quarter, which has quite a lot of Roman influence, with old Roman ruins still standing. From the ship the harbour looks quite a size, with car ferries which serve the islands nearby coming in and out. After breakfast we got our bags to go ashore and collected a boat tender ticket each, and waited for our number to be called.

While traveling in on the tender, and into the harbour, we saw a lot of pleasure craft from fairly big motor cruisers and yachts of all sizes. Reaching our landing point and walking along the quayside, their promenade looks really nice with well-established palms along it, and with the umbrellas of the waterfront cafés as well, it looks a postcard setting. We had been here only once before, so it took us a few moments to get our bearings, but from what we could remember it`s a lovely place just to wander the narrow streets and see what`s around the next corner!

We walked through a small narrow arch just off the quayside, and this took us inside the old city wall, if you could imagine an old castle dungeon this is what it was like. But instead of the old cells, it was filled with all types of market stalls, with local artists with their pictures, glassware and all sorts of tourist souvenirs. Emerging through this thick old wall we entered out into a courtyard and were faced with lots of Roman ruins, for their age they seemed to be in good condition. Following the flow of people you`re in and out of small narrow streets. All these streets have lots of shops, they seemed to have made a shop out of the smallest space. The quality of merchandise on offer looked good, and there was plenty of variety, unlike in some places we visit. We come across a large square where we stopped for an ice-cream just to cool down.

After more wandering and a bit of retail therapy, we were looking for a cool spot in the shade to watch the world go by and have a drink. The temperature was well into the mid-thirties, and if you didn`t find some breeze it would be unbearable, so after finding a suitable café in the shade, we were glad to have a sit down.

I think Split has plenty to offer as a place for a holiday, with good beaches not too far away, of course the boating and good café culture.

For us though it was back on board for a late lunch, because our sail away was at 4 o`clock, for our next port of Corfu. As we sailed away we passed by some of the islands quite close, and you can see how clear the waters are, really turquoise by the beaches. One of the downsides of all this heat, is that on some of the distant hills, many forest fires were burning, with helicopters and sea planes being used to put them out.

I`m sorry for the delay of these blogs, but the satellite communication for internet and phones has broken down aboard our ship!! I hope we`ll see you again??

VENICE Day 2

Weather: Hot & Sunny, Clear Skies 28c 10am

What we`re going to do, for day 2 in Venice, was influenced by what the weather was like on day 1, and the forecast was for more of the same. We did not want to punish ourselves to much, because after all we are on holiday. So we decided to use the vaporetto, and take a trip around the whole of the main islands of Venice, something we had not done before. And that way we would be sitting down and in the shade with the view passing by.

We used our normal routine to get ourselves into the Piazza Roma again, but this time we picked up the No 41 service. I had done a little bit of homework regarding which vaporetto was doing what route before we had left home, and printed their stops. Leaving the Piazza Roma, we sailed down by a canal which was quite near our ship, then it was out into the main canal, the one which we actually used when we sailed in. And quite by chance while we were on this part of the canal, another cruise ship was coming in, it was the “ Ruby Princess”. When you are low down in the water these cruise ships are massive!

Switching from side to side at different stops on the canal we made our way up to the busy part, that being St Marks square area, again you have craft of all types going in all directions, we even saw a cement lorry on a barge. By this time we had already positioned ourselves on our boat in a little area at the stern, where there were some seats which gave you a good view and you`re out in the fresh air. Now going down passed the green parks of Venice, again there are stops here if you wanted to walk in the park. We then turned off the main channel which we sailed in by, and from now on this is all new to us. As you enter into the lagoon from the sea, you soon become aware of where you can sail and where not to sail, as there are clear channel markings usually what looks like three telegraph poles fixed together at the top, but also planted into the lagoon bed. As we were going along one of these channels, just to one side there was a small island just breaking the surface, with a few birds on it. It does make you think how this whole place was formed, and how susceptible it is to the state of the water level.

This eastern side and topside are less glamorous than the ones we are used to, but nonetheless this is what we wanted to see. Along this stretch is the islands main Hospital, with all the water ambulances moored and ready for action. We reached the stop of “Fondamenta Nuove” which is the stop you need if you want to visit the island of Murano, which is famous for its glass ware. Other islands beyond are Burano and Torcello. We continued our circuit and it started to look a little more busy, and we entered a canal which slowly led us back towards the Grand Canal, again you are struck by the beauty of all these buildings. So it was back onto the Grand Canal and we got off at the main railway station the “Ferrovia”, our thoughts now turning to lunch.

For us it was to the restaurant which we had used, on this and previous trips. So onto service No2 and the bottom end of the Grand Canal again. With a table in the shade and a light breeze blowing it was nice to stop again, the weather though still hot, the air seemed clearer. Just sitting and eating watching the world go by was great, These are moments we`ll think of when we`re back at home .

We made our way back to the Grand Canal, and jumping onto the No 2 vaporetto, we set off to Piazza Roma for the last time this trip.

With everyone back on board we departed for Split late afternoon. So with a good position on the handrail it was one last photo opportunity of this fabulous place. As we sailed out we got lots of shouts and whistles from the passing boats and ferries. I can`t think of a song that reminds me of Venice, like other cities “ Arrivederci Roma” for Rome and “I left my heart in San Francisco” but you still keep saying to yourself “We`ll be back” . We just love this place, and never tire of visiting it.

VENICE Day 1

Weather: Hot and Humid

Our day started with an early rise, as it`s a big highlight to see your arrival by sea into Venice. On this occasion we sat by the rail on promenade deck. We picked up our pilot at 7 o`clock, then we made our entrance into the lagoon, with a tug in attendance. And we soon passed what looked like a construction of a new jetty or breakwater. We were informed that it`s a project, something like the “Thames Barrier” where the water way is closed off when there is a high tide or surge, thus protecting Venice from flooding.

Going further into the lagoon we soon passed some lovely green parks, and just coming into view was the tall bell tower of the Campanile di San Marco along with the Doge`s palace. At this stage it was not all that clear because of the haze and humidity. But you could feel the excitement building, as with any visit to Venice, it is special. All sorts of boats were milling around us, the local vaporettos ( their water buses) water taxis, they are well looked after, some painted white, others completely varnished. It`s a really busy scene with them all going in different directions. As we neared the city centre, we passed some fine looking luxury yachts moored to the quayside, and small water ways leading off the main canal into the city, with each water way having its own bridge. With a good view up the Grand canal we are passing the Doge`s Palace and Piazza San Marco, truly magical!! And the views continue, with the many bell towers and great coloured buildings as you look over the city.

Our berth is situated at the western end of Venice, very near the railway station which connects Venice to the mainland. P&O had organized a motor launch service for our stay in Venice, but this service you had to pay for, and was quite expensive. On previous visits we had a shuttle bus service to Piazza Roma, which is at the top end of the Grand Canal, and then we would take the vaporetto service to wherever you wanted to go. So this was our objective on this trip, to do it we had to do a little bit of walking but we got the same result, with the aid of a new mono-rail service just outside the dock gates, taking us to the Piazza Roma. With our visit to Venice being two days we purchased a 36 hour pass for all travel on the vaporetto water buses.

So the time now being late morning, off we went on service No 1 down the Grand Canal, just soaking up all the atmosphere with people hopping on and off at different stops. The buildings which you pass and the colours are just great from sand, pink, and terracotta, with lovely architectural features. Our stop on this trip was the Academia bridge, but not before we had passed such places as Ca- Doro, now a museum, and the famous Rialto Bridge. The Academia bridge is a large wooden pedestrian bridge near the famous art gallery of the same name. But our reason for being here was a restaurant in a nearby square, which we found on a previous visit. The square is quite a big one with what breeze there was wafting through there. The temperature by now was 40c, so it`s a nice place to stop and people watch. The food is good there and the local gondoliers have their lunch there, and we certainly enjoy it, we both had a pizza and a cold drink.

After a long lunch it was back to the Grand Canal to pick up a vaporetto for St Marks square. After landing, we were now in the hub of Venice with stalls, street artists and people of all nationalities. As we entered St Marks square we had to look for some shade as the temperature was really hot, and luckily the buildings surrounding the square have a covered arcade, with all kinds of shops, lots with Murano glass, and of course the famous cafés with their live music playing, really a great atmosphere! With the back drop of such famous buildings, as the ornate Basilica, the Doges Palace and the Campanile bell tower, you know you are in one of the worlds great places.

So with an ice-cream in hand, we left St Marks square and wandered in and out of small alleyways, passing small squares with pavement cafés. Consulting our street map we made our way to the Rialto Bridge. At the far side of the bridge there is a large market, which sells all types of food products, which is well worth a visit if you’re here. All around the bridge area it`s packed with people, being one of the major sites, so we decided to make our way back to the ship. We found our vaporetto bus stop, and travelled back to the top end of the Grand Canal again, doing the journey we made in the morning in reverse. As we walked along the quayside reflecting on a great day, we were physically drained with the heat, so to get on board our ship again, with its lovely air conditioning was great. We both flopped on the bed to slowly recuperate.

With being in port overnight quite a few people went ashore in the evening, but even as darkness fell it was still very hot 28c, so we did not venture out. But we had really enjoyed our day despite the heat!!