My mom turned 77 this year. She's a spry one, however one of her dreams was to see Europe, as she says "before she dies". So, that's what we're doing. We are booked on a flight to Barcelona, Spain tomorrow evening around 10:30, arriving in Europe around 12:30 p.m. Then, we are embarking on a 2 week cruise to various ports of which I will describe.
I must say that since I am a mosaic artist and belong to oodles of organizations pertaining to this art, Barcelona will certainly sing to me. There is Parc Guell and Sagrada Famillia, both works of art by Antonio Gaudi. Parc Guell is full of mosaic lizards and seats that are classic Gaudi. The cathedral is spectacular. Then there is the food! Ahhh, tapas, seafood, great wine and the road called Ramblas, a colourful pedestrian thoroughfare which sells everything from fruit and vegetables to parrots and fish. We are there 3 days before our ship leaves.
Next, we are off to Monte Carlo. We arrive in the afternoon; I'm sure this is to facilitate those people that love to gamble. Apparently the Casinos are magnificent!
The following day we arrive in Livorno; this is a port town and we take buses either to Pisa/Lucca or my favourite, Florence. Since I have been to Florence numerous times, I know my way around a bit. The best thing you can do when there and Rome, our next stop, is to get tickets to the hop on, hop off buses. These bring you to all the major sites and you can stay as long as you wish at certain places.
Rome follows and then off to the Straits of Messina. This is a port in Sicily; apparently the town nearby is fantastic and I look forward to that too.
We are at sea the 5th day, then arrive and port hop to 3 different Greek Islands, Corfu being the last one. One of my clients gave me a primer to all the Greek Islands. She suggested grabbing a cab and having the cabbie tour you around the places. The economy is Greece is quite poor and they are grateful for the business. We have enjoyed this way of exploration before and hope to do it often.
Off to Croatia on the 9th day; apparently this is stunning and the "thing" to do is hop on a cab to the cable cars. They take you up the mountain with the most amazing views.
Finally, we arrive in Venice. I have been (briefly) to Venice before, but we are able to luxuriate in 3 fulls days here before we come home. I have booked tours of glass factories, mosaic factories and we intend to go to Murano as well. I love the idea of hopping on water taxis to get everywhere.
Anyway, will write about this upon my return. Arrivederci! Au Revoir! Ciao! See ya!
Cheryl Bower
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