La Spezia

Today is May Day, a huge holiday in Italy. Everyone is on holiday, and most things are closed. We knew going in that we may not be able to get to the Cinque Terre, and that was the case. The trains were running on a limited schedule, but the train station was a mob scene. We waited in line for a while, then figured that the fates were telling us to do something else today. We decided to explore La Spezia instead, which is a pretty little town with some lovely shops. and pedestrian areas There was a parade in honor of May Day, and we walked many stairs up to the castle. The rain set in so we went into the Maritime Museum. When we came out, the rain was intensifying, so we headed back out to the ship.
On the tender we met up with a fellow guest we had seen at the train station. They did wait in line & finally get a ticket. They got on the train, waited 40 min past the departure time. Then there was an announcement that there would be a further 40 min delay. So they decided to forget it, as they didn't know if they would make it back in time. (we later heard that the train was finally cancelled)
So we were happy with our decision to enjoy La Spezia!
We went back for afternoon tea, followed by happy hour.

Genoa

We had an announcement this morning that due to high waves it would be impossible to tender in to Portofino, so instead we were heading for  the dock in Genoa. There was a flurry at the information desk as everyone remade their plans. Many people decided to take the train or a taxi to Portofino, but as we had never been to Genoa we decided to have a look around. I was pleasantly surprised by Genoa, it's a beautiful city with many lovely shops and buildings. There are old city walls, and Christopher Columbus's house.We did an open top bus tour to get our bearings, then wandered around on our  own. There are many pedestrian streets, as well as covered arcades on the main shopping streets. I was able to get a new power cable for my laptop, although my battery isn't charging so I need to hook up to power to use my laptop.
The day started out cloudy with some rain,  but ended warm and sunny.

Monte Carlo

We got to Monte Carlo the evening before we were suppose to, and stayed 2 nights because of missing Marseilles. Beautiful but very busy as they are getting ready for the Grand Prix at the end of the month. Seeing the route is quite something, it's so narrow! Lots of beautiful high end shops and exotic super-cars. The area around the Casino is especially crazy.

We had a wander around town by ourselves in the morning, then in the afternoon did a private tour of Monte Carlo & Eze and the Fragonard perfume factory. Eze is amazing, clinging to the top of a hill. Part of it is pedestrian only, with narrow twisty streets with lots of stairs.Fantastic views all the way to Cap Ferrat and even Nice.
I was very glad that I wasn't driving, both on the streets of Monte Carlo and the Corniche roads running along the Riviera. We stayed in port until 11:00pm, so were able to watch the lights coming on as darkness fell.

At Sea

We were suppose to dock at Marseilles,  but there were almost gale force winds so we couldn't get into the port. Surprisingly the seas were not that rough. We enjoyed the day at sea, doing some of the things we might not have had time for like an exercise class, sauna & steam room, line-dancing as well as both afternoon tea & happy hour!

I'm having some issues with the charger for my laptop so there may be a gap until I can get that fixed!

Palma de Mallorca

A lovely arrival at sunrise with sun over the harbour and black clouds over the city. We took the earliest (8:30am) shuttle into town to beat the crowds although the only 2 ships in town were us and the Seabourne Quest. The cathedral really dominates the town, a very impressive building. We walked through the very narrow (and slippery) cobblestone streets , then went to the Pearl museum to learn how Mallorca pearls are made. (no oysters involved) There was quite a downpour as we came out, so we headed into a government building which had some large statues of kings and a beautiful stained glass window. Then we headed to the cathedral and did an audio tour of the cathedral and attached museum. Gorgeous, you can see why they call it the Cathedral of light. Afterwards did a little shopping and bought some inexpensive pearl jewelry. By this time the wind had blown all the clouds away so a lovely afternoon.

On board Riviera and Valencia

We are now on board Riviera, even more beautiful as she has just come from a 10 day dry-dock!
She is only 3 years old, but Oceania likes to keep their ships in fantastic condition.
Cabins are large and comfortable, with beds to die for. Lovely public areas and interesting artwork everywhere. The ship is full, but doesn't feel like it, no lineups anywhere.
Our first port of call was Valencia, Spain's 3rd largest city. We took the free shuttle to the historic centre and walked the twisty streets to the Old Market, the Silk Market (no longer in use but a beautiful building) and the Torre de Serrano, old towers that have been both a fort and a prison with a great view from the top.
The river that use to run through the town has been diverted, now the riverbed is all parkland with bike and walking paths as well as soccer fields and gardens.
Back at the ship Ian & I took a cooking class, making tapas and paella. It was so much fun & everything was delicious! Only problem was we were too full to eat dinner. Jennifer did the art class and made a travel folder for keepsakes. The artist in residence on the ship has some beautiful artwork displayed.

Barcelona 2

It's very hard to take pictures of Flamenco, they don't do it justice! Terrific show, lots of passion.
We went to the 10:00pm show, there was still a later one that started about 11:30pm. Still lots of people walking Las Ramblas about midnight, as well as sitting in the cafes and restaurants.
We had a last walk around this morning, and went to a beautiful market. The morning is the best time to walk around, not as crowded, and the streets have just been cleaned. But even in the middle of the day yesterday it was much less crowded than our first day, which was St Jorges Day, a holiday where the women give men books, and the men give women roses.Every where you looked were stalls selling nothing but books and roses.
We are now looking forward to the rest of our ports!