Jen and Dave: Adventuring

A quiet day to relax and unwind. Naps, pool-side loungers, crafts. A final dinner in the dining room, an excellent show, and dancing at the silent disco.

Today I took a ship’s excursion to Florence. It was a full day, bookended by long bus rides (just over three hours each way from La Spezia). 

We started at Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, to view the original Michelangelo’s David. Spectacular. The workmanship, artistry and careful anatomical study are evident centuries later. 

Next we walked around the outside of the externally-magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The detail work of Florentian marble of white, green and red was impressive. 

Following this was lunch – and much more of a treat than expected. Two types of pasta, fresh bread, biscotti, wine. More importantly, it was served in what was once the private rooms of Camillo Borghese, 6th Prince of Sulmona and Princess Pauline Marie Bonaparte – sister of Napoleon. The rooms were maintained as original to that time period- absolutely sumptuous. 

Next we visited the square with Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze, which holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Da Vinci and others. We had some free time to shop and explore here. 

The next stop was a surprise – the city hall, Comune di Firenze. It had an exquisite entry area, highly ornamental. It was also the original home to David, and a replica now stands here while the original is safe indoors. 

Our final stop was Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, it was the only bridge to survive the WWII bombings. 

Today we anchored at Villefranche-sur-mer, a small but old suburb of Nice, France. Taking the tender to shore at dawn, I started hiking uphill. Winding my way through brick streets and steep staircases, I reached the hidden start to the trail.

After an hour of climbing I emerged at Fort du Mont Alban. The view over the bay was magnificent, and I sat there in the still morning, appreciating the warm sun and cool stone. It was a good climb.

After fifteen minutes passed, the first tour bus pulled up. I bid farewell to the eastern view, and dipped behind the fort to gaze westward to Nice. Following a different path, I wandered and rambled back to town.

In the old section of town I wandered the streets, appreciating the architecture and the evidence of active and joy-filled lives. Potted plants, crisp white sheets drying outside the windows, shopkeepers sweeping the street front.

Rue Obscure was a particular delight, secretive and ancient.

After, I walked the waterfront and settled at a waterside table for a local cafe. A crepe sucre et citron. Light, delicious, delicate.

All that was left was a journey by tender back to the ship.

Today’s port of call was Marseille. I took the shuttle into town, and started exploring.

First was Cathédrale la Major de Marseille, which conveniently opened as I arrived. As a special bonus, it was hosting an art show of beautiful works of glass.

Then I started walking, once again navigating on vibes and winding my way through narrow streets and quiet squares. I found a few shops – including one selling their famous soap, and a place to buy a toothbrush (the one I brought was in bad shape).

Hitting the bustling centre of town, I headed up the hill to the Palais Longchamp. A gorgeous celebration of the completion of a canal, I enjoyed the lush gardens before heading to the waterfront.

It was then lunchtime, and I found an outside table at a brassiere for “ formule moules frites maison,” a curry based mussels dish.

After lunch, I would my way along the waterfront pathway back to the shuttle pickup point. A wonderful day.

I woke today just outside the port of Palma, on the quintessential vacation spot of Europe’s wealthy, the island of Mallorca.

After an omelet and fruit, I disembarked and walked through the quiet port, one of the first off the ship. I saw a city bus going my way, and rode to the far side of town for an affordable €3.

The morning was then spent winding my way through whimsical layers of architectural history, navigating mostly on vibes with my general direction dictated by the waterfront.

Notable buildings included Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, Palau Reial de l’Almudaina, and (not pictured up close) a historic naval base.

After satisfying my eyes in the old town, I made my way to their seaside path, a wide expanse lined with palm trees, with a parallel off-road bike path. It was popular, with many enjoying the moderately warm (16 degrees), sunny weather.

(The day is still young, but we leave port in early afternoon and I only have service landside, so I’m posting now).