Bringing home the "Magic" from the Med with pics- Completed

[faireygod mother]

Day 3 At Sea

Today we were at sea. It was definitely going to be a lazy day (or so I thought).

I woke up at 9:30am and rushed to get a shower and then head off to one of the meets. What is a little stress when you are on vacation? I did not think to just blow off the meet, that would have made to much sense. LOL Then I ran to deck 9 for another meet, but could not find anyone. Please, I have not had breakfast and I am too out of shape or at least the wrong shape to be running.

Then I ran back to deck 6 (and I do mean ran) to wake up DGD at 10:45 for the ice cream social (that flopped because the ice cream machine was under repair). This did not dampen her fun. She never skipped a beat and quickly went to her plan “B”. Silly me to think she was innocent and along for the ride, no sir she had plans, and back up plans, for every situation, so I was to learn. She ran to get a bathing suit on and spent some time in the goofy pool with one of the DS Divas (Melanie).

I then walked back (I am running out of steam, still no food) to deck 6 and woke up DN at 11:30 to shower so we could eat. I am on a cruise and have been up for two hours and have yet to consume any food. Something had to change, and fast. DN is not feeling well (allergies and a sore throat). I have the perfect remedy, food. DH was awoken at 11:45 (probably by my stomach grumbling). I could not believe he was still sleeping. I am used to the napping, but these long hours were a bit of a pleasant surprise. Normally he is up at 6 a.m. and I am still a sleep. I think he is in vacation mode, for the first time in his life. I guess retirement is just what he needed, and it seems to suit him. I do not know if I mentioned this but Dh had just retired one month before this cruise. It was a wonderful decision as we lived 4 hours apart and only saw each other on weekends.

Let me get back to the business at hand, reliving our wonderful vacation.

Finally, DN and DH are ready to go eat. We head to topsiders where we are joined by DGD to enjoy a very relaxing lunch. We joined chichihoney as she was there alone. Next thing I know EJW and DH, Kenny, join us and provide some entertainment. We have now missed a meal (no breakfast) and according to DH’s calculations we may not break even on this cruise. LOL Guess we will have to crank up on the snacking, get extra desserts and order room service daily. After lunch DN, chichihoney and I head off to the digital camera seminar. It was absolutely, no help. It was nice that shutters did the presentation. DH has found a movie to watch and DGD is with the DS Divas. So DN, chichihoney and I decided to join our new friends, EJW and her hysterical DH, Kenny, for the Cadiz presentation in the Walt Disney Theatre. Kenny gave us some insight on the presenter. He told us it was a good opportunity to nap. I thought he was kidding. I sat there and listened to the info, and at times I was captivated. The presenter has one of those monotone voices, you all know the one. Next thing I know my head is bobbing and falling backwards. I snap it forward, darn near give myself whiplash. I forgave myself the first time it happened, but after the second time I decided to sit erect. I was now embarrassed that the people behind me knew I was falling a sleep. If they had asked, I would have blamed it on jet lag.

I was awake long enough to know that the presenter did not have all his facts correct. So if anyone attended, please know that Rota is a HUGE Navy base not Air Force. Just a bit of useless info, but felt the need to share it after all I am retired from the Air Force.

It was formal night. So we headed back to the cabin to get all dressed up. We actually had several photos taken. Now that was a real shocker. I am usually the person behind the camera, not in front of the lens. I decided that I needed some photos to prove to myself, when dementia sets in, that I was on this wonderful cruise. Hopefully the photos will also help me remember that there was a wonderful cruise. LOL

After dinner we went and changed back into comfy clothes and DH, DN and I ran to the movie theatre, Can someone please tell me, does the running ever end? I thought I was on vacation and the plan was to gain weight, not lose. LOL DH, DN and I watched “Wild Hogs” and laughed our butts off. Wait till my family sees how thin we are when we get back. Oh never mind we had ice cream after so we probably gained it all back. DGD went to see the Golden Mickeys with a couple of the DS Divas.
Well it is late and tomorrow is a big day. We will be in Gibraltar, my sole reason for coming on this cruise, to see a big rock.

 

[ibouncetoo]

You crack me up!

Can't wait to hear about your day at monkey rock.

 

[michelle9343]

EXCELLENT REPORT DEE!!!! I can't wait to read the rest! I can't believe that Linda was pickpocketed and they took her TP!!!

 

[Hannosmom]

Dee, love this, you have me laughing out loud, all alone in my room. Chichihoney had to come check me out, thought maybe her mom had finally lost it.

Michele, I'm afraid to go back to Barcelona. I figure the tp stealers will be really annoyed at their non-haul, and will track me down to empty my pockets.

 

[faireygod mother]

Day 4 Gibraltor

Finally, we have arrived. This is truly my reason for coming on this cruise. I just wanted to see the rock of Gibraltar. It was more than I could have imagined. The view was spectacular from all angles. The first photo is as we are coming into port.

A real life Bobbi (not sure of the correct spelling) and DN

I did a lot of research prior to taking this cruise (I know you are all shocked, but it is true.) We decided not to take a shore excursion. Instead we decided to do it on our own. We got off the ship and secured a waiting taxi for a private tour with 4 other people. Whom, we had never seen before, or since. Not sure if that is a good thing, but it is what it is.

The driver gave us some history of the island along the way. Not sure if we understood everything he was saying, but appreciated him making an effort. First he took us to a look out point. The view was spectacular. There was a large freighter sinking (it had been in a collision earlier in the week).

It was a little to foggy to really see Morocco, but you could see an outline.

Before I go on, I want to share an incident that happened to me and give a little piece of advice for all you glass wearers. I currently wear bifocals, (really stinks getting old) and I brought along an old pair of photosun glasses that do not have bifocals. I was planning on using them for sunglasses and the prescription is pretty close to my current one. It is a bright beautiful day so I put the old photosun glasses on. Now I told you we had stopped to at a lookout point. Well we actually piled out of this van. I guess I am really dependent on the bifocals because when I went to get out, I darn near fell. Okay the only reason I was not sprawled out on the ground was because DH (my hero) caught me. Darn near herniated himself. Now as if I am not a little embarrassed, the driver comes running as well. Please let me crawl under this rock. So, my advice to you fellow glass wearers and cruises. Do not be cheap, just buy the correct prescription sunglasses OR attachments to your glasses.



Next stop was St Michaels Cave. (Hey there is our new friends, Kenny and Ellen )

Here we saw some of the biggest stalactites and stalagmites I have ever seen. It was awesome! There is also a amphitheater inside the cave and they do hold concerts there. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. I have been to Luray Caverns, and a couple of others, but this took the cake. The picture does not do it justice.

I even think DGD enjoyed it.

Next the driver took us up close to the top so we could get a great view of the coast line, airport and one of the Barbary Apes.

Next stop, the top or at least as close to the top as you can get. The one thing I found amazing on the way up the rock, was that people live on the rock. That has to be hard to have that view every morning. LOL

At the top we entered the Great Seige tunnels and learned a little about how the British set up to defend the rock.

It was amazing how they dug out the tunnels by hand and moved those cannons and ammunition all by hand as well. It is no wonder people did not live that long. They must have worked themselves to death back then.

After touring down into the tunnels we come back out. What a hike that was coming back up the tunnel. This cruise has proven to be, at times, an aerobic workout. Maybe the scal wont scream to much when I get back. LOL We then took a few moments to take pictures of the view and with the money (at a distance).
The view from the top was spectacular. If you look over my DGD’s left shoulder you will see our home away from home. All in all, I really enjoyed the rock and was not disappointed in what I saw.

The taxi driver then took us down into town. We departed the group and walked through quaint street and window shopped. I saw the biggest Cadbury chocolate bars ever. However, I resisted and left them there. Instead, we stopped at a bakery and each of us pick up some type of dessert, as if there is not enough on the ship. We then stopped at a pub. It had tables outside you could sit at to eat. SO we grabbed a table and watched life go by as we enjoyed fish and chips. It was not a sandwich, which is what we thought. It would be, instead it was a large piece of battered fish with chips, salad and veggies. It was very good. DGD had chips with cheese on it, she was not as adventurous as we were. DH, DN and I did try the chips with vinegar. DN did not like the vinegar, but DH and I did. For those who do not know, chips are French fries. Now full, we then headed back to the ship. It was about a 10 minute walk. This little jaunt only served to help walk off some of those calories and make room for those great desserts that we are hand carrying back.

We arrived back at the cabin and Dh wasted no time running to the 9th deck to get fresh fruit and utensils to eat the desserts we had hand carried back. DN and I were still stuffed. DGD opted out and went to the Ocean Quest to do crafts. Dh, now back with utensils, began sampling all the desserts. Full or, not DN and I knew that if we did not join in we may not get our delectable treasure later. LOL They were yummy! DGD was out of luck, DH really enjoyed hers as well. Now we were stuffed. We watched some TV and took a nap on the balcony. Then it was time for dinner.

Dinner proved to be a monumental occasion. One that will go down in history. DGD ordered dinner and dessert from the adult menu!!! Please alert the media. During dinner we set sail. The traffic was heavy in the channel so it took us quite a bit of time to leave. The Captain took the opportunity to circle around the area so we could get a view of everything. Including the ship that was sinking, and the light house. What an eerie sight that was.

We stood, on our balcony on the ship and could see Spain, England, Africa (Morocco) and where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Can you even imagine?

DN is feeling under the weather so she went to bed after dinner. DGD and I went to see this ventriloquist show, which was quite good. DH stayed in the cabin and watched TV. I know you guys are shocked about that.

Tomorrow we are in Cadiz and have a couple shore excursions. We go in the morning and see the horses and right after dinner we go to a tapas bar and see the Flamenco dancing.

 

[faireygod mother]

Day 5 Cadiz

What a beautiful old city. Here is view from our balcony.

We basically docked in the city. In fact that was the only time I felt uncomfortable. When we left the ship the local were right up on the ship looking in the windows on Deck 2. Security did not seem troubled by this. I was told that Minnie had been out earlier, so maybe they were waiting for more characters. They did have a barricade set up and there was a lot of local behind it, but even that was a stone throw from the ship. One of the locals did ask us about the ship and cruise. He was interested in taking his grand children.


We took a shore excursion to Jerez to watch the Royal equestrian horses train.

I must confess, I have no photos of the ride to Jerez, as I napped. I would have swore to by dying day that I was awake. I remember hearing our guide talking the whole time. However, DN had a couple photos of me sleeping and I definitely look asleep. I now know how DH must have felt that first day in Barcelona when I told him he was sleeping on the verandah and he thought he was awake.

Back to the shore excursion. On the eastbound crossing that were able to actually see the show, but the horses only perform on Tuesday and Thursdays and we were there on a Wednesday. It was very impressive watching them train and seeing how they get the horses to do certain moves. They actually use their voices and make certain noises. Again, very impressive! Unfortunately, we were not permitted to take photos in the stadium. Here is one of the horses outside the doctor’s office.

Here are the horses training outside.

After seeing the horses and carriages it was time to head back to the ship. We were supposed to get box lunches, but there was some mix up (according to DCL staff). So we were given an upgrade. Not sure what that is, but we are to stop for lunch. Personally, I am hoping for sangria and tapas. I am so glad we do not drink. LOL We then stop (which was a surprise or upgrade depending on your perspective) at a sherry winery. WOW. We had 5 bottles of sherry on our table to sample along with tapas for lunch. We bought two different sherrys one was sweet and fruity and the other is called “Cream” and it was creamy. The tapas was good, but we were definitely spoiled in Barcelona.

The three adults took a much needed siesta when we returne to the ship and the ever ready bunny (DGD) went to the Ocean Quest to do crafts.

Dinner was drawer burgers (Grayfal’s term for the burgers they precook and store in a drawer) from Pinocchio’s. We did not have time to eat dinner in the restaurant and Topsiders did not open till 630 p.m. We were joining a group for a private flamenco show. It was impressive! It was not as I had imagined. It was very operatic and serious. I believe their hand movements told the story. Here are a few photos.

Did I mention that they served Sangria? I could learn to like drinking if this keeps up.

The show was great and I am glad I was able to experience it. We headed back to the ship. The club was within walking distance and it was a nice evening. Regretfully all we got to see of the city was on the short walk to and from the club. It would be interesting to go back and see more or even go to Seville. When we got back to the ship DH and DN went to watch a movie, oh stop acting like you are shocked, and DGD is, yup you guessed it, at the Ocean Quest doing more crafts. I will need to purchase a new suitcase just to bring it all her crafts back. She had some hot party at 10:45. Does it ever end, will she ever sleep? Stay tuned till tomorrow and I will let you know.

We are at sea tomorrow and I am hoping to do some laundry. DGD has gone through most of her clothes. She wears several outfits a day. Not sure why, but every time I turn around she has on a different outfit. I think she is trying to mess with my head. LOL She knows I am old and she thinks my memory is shot, but I am onto her. I just need to take some extra iron to keep up.

 

[GrayFal]

Dee, thanks so much for your wonderful report and comments - but is it true you don't drink????

Everyplace I went with you there seemed to be Sangria

 

[GrayFal]

Because I am lazy and Dee is doing SUCH a good job of reporting - I will just add a few pictures.....

Our Boarding picture - not bad for people who have been up 24+ hours

The first stop on our private tour arranged by Hannosmom was Montjuic - a park overlooking downtown Barcelona - but I was looking at the fascinating pavment...really cool!

View from the top - looking down at "Old Port" and the Columbus Column

Gaudi Apt House/Museum - Casa Mila "La Pedrera"

The Gaudi designed Parc Guell that Dee missed

These two houses flank the main entrance to the park.

Parc Guell - Room of a 100 Columns

The worlds longest bench, details and the famous mosaic lizard at the main entrance

 

[GrayFal]

Gibraltar - View of magic from the Rock, Famous Apes, Famous DISer Tourists ejw, DD and HEY KENNY!!!!! slindamood Suzanne and Emily

The Rock with Spain to the north....

Our FAVORITE sign - Gibraltar & Burger King

 

[ibouncetoo]

I'm ready for MORE, Dee!

Pat, thanks for adding more photos....AND you look FABULOUS!

.

 

[michelle9343]

I'm ready for MORE, Dee!

Pat, thanks for adding more photos....AND you look FABULOUS!

.

I second that, can't wait to read and see more and
Pat You do look FABULOUS!

 

[Thistle]

Love seeing and hearing about what other people did. I so wish I could have gone to the park but we ran out of time. And here I thought there just wouldn't be all that much to do in Barcelona!!

We're going back and spending our whole vacation there.

 

[GrayFal]

Thanks Jackie and Michele - I appreciate it

Here's a YUMMY Expresso Martini Toast to YOU


...will post more pictures later to compliment Dee's report.

and i agree you could easily spend 5-7 days just touring (and eating Tapas) in Barcelona

 

[slindamood]

Great trip report, great photos. Thanks, Dee!

And I note - I am one of Pat's famous DIS tourists!! A happy band were we, heading to the Rock at 7:30 AM!!

 

[slindamood]

We're going back and spending our whole vacation there.

It was not possible to do everything in a few days. A whole vacation sounds good. We arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday and did not make it to that park. We did quite a bit on Montjuic, did a cycling tour of wine country, and quite a bit of walking in the gothic district.

We were surprised at how easy it was to get around, how moderate the weather was, and how much there was to do. I want to go back next summer!

 

[faireygod mother]

Day 6 At Sea

We were at sea today and it was definitely a lazy day. However, there were no naps or laundry done today. There was some swimming, movie going and of course eating.

Dn, DGD and I did manage to go to Latin dance lessons. Lets just say we will not be giving up our day job. Of course I was smart enough not to take any incriminating photos either. LOL

DH and I also went and watched “Match you Mate.” We really enjoyed it and it was a good ending to a relaxing day.

 

[GrayFal]

Day 6 At Sea

We were at sea today and it was definitely a lazy day. However, there were no naps or laundry done today. There was some swimming, movie going and of course eating.

Dn, DGD and I did manage to go to Latin dance lessons. Lets just say we will not be giving up our day job. Of course I was smart enough not to take any incriminating photos either. LOL

DH and I also went and watched “Match you Mate.” We really enjoyed it and it was a good ending to a relaxing day.

Luckily there was no Sangria

I am enjoying your report so much as well as reading others comments - sometimes it is hard to believe we were all on the same cruise - everyone did such different things!

Here are my Cadiz photos - a beautiful town...and yes, even I had 'several' servings of that Sangria at La Cava a drink I never would have at home as I am not much of a wine drinker - but it was certainly good.

Slide show Link - http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/GrayFal/DCL Transatlantic/?action=view&current=7cb76911.pbw

 

[faireygod mother]

Day 7 Tenerife

We docked in the capitol city of Santa Cruz. This is the early morning shot as we were approaching the island to dock.

What a beautiful island. We took an all day tour that included a stop near the volcano, lunch and botanical gardens. I will be honest, I was hoping for sangria at lunch.

Our first stop was 6000ft up. Mt Teide (pronounced Tay i day) which is a volcano, shown here in the background.

DGD does still has her arms, I promise. It was a little chilly for her.

DN is feeling a little better and looks great here with her head above the clouds.

Really, just look at the picture that is proof. The white fluff is really the clouds.

What an amazing view

We then proceeded to drive about 1hour 45 minutes to get closer to the volcano.

Just relax guys, this is just the park ranger, not a new member of the family.

We then proceeded to drive down to the city and have lunch. There were two bottles of wine on the table. Oh yummy, I thought, more sangria. I darn near spit on the little boy across from me. So we consumed 2 bottles of aqua. Oh my Spanish is getting better and we are no longer in Spain, well better late than never.
Here is a picture of the front of the restaurant. I have no idea why these men are sitting on the roof. Maybe they are upset because there was no sangria.

The lunch consisted of half a chicken, some type of soup that had some type of meat and possibly the clippings from mowing the yard. All sarcasm aside, the soup was good as was the chicken plentiful. The absolute best part was the potatoes. They were a boiled and rolled in salt. This is probably one of the reasons we needed the 2 bottles of water.

After lunch we walked through the garden and mini zoo type attraction they had on the premises. Here is a picture of a rooster. Look at his feet.

They are covered in feathers. Must be a new type of shoe. Maybe Cole Haan will catch on and make them in Navy blue

We drove by the beach, wow black sand. How beautiful.

Our next stop on this trip was the botanical gardens. Here is a picture of an air tree.

It grows from the top down and then roots in the ground. I believe this was very old. There were also lizards running around, which DGD very entertained.

Dn and I ran through the garden taking photos of the plants as if we were botanists.

Well, it made for a long day. We returned to the ship, cleaned up and went to dinner. It was lobster night. DGD ordered lobster! I felt sorry for my son as I know his pockets are not that deep and taking DGD out for dinner was going to be expensive in his future. Or so I thought. As it turns out his money is safe. She did not like the lobster and the three of us had to suffer and eat it. Oh it was yummy. I had no idea that suffering could taste so good. However, she does like, and eats the desserts from the adult menu. DN and I went and listened to Jim Brickman and then went to the Oceaneers lab to learn how to make an animation cell (I may not be coming home, I think I may be getting a new job. Have to wait till it dries), DH rested with a bad headache and DGD socialized with her new found friends at the “leaving the Med” party where she was center stage dancing the night away.

I got domestic and did laundry (DN helped). Well maybe I should say I became a pirate. I t has been some time since I have used a laundrymat. I can honestly say that I have never had to pirate a washing machine. Most people at the laundry mat hang around and wait for their laundry to get done. Not so here on the Magic. There is not a lot of room in the laundry room. However, the washers and dryers tell you the exact time in minutes till your load is done. I guess some folks got carried away with all the fun and forgot about their laundry. Another cruiser taught me how to pirate a washer. So for those who do not know how to do this, let me share the technique. When the load in the washer is done, if after a few minutes the owner does not show up. Then you take their laundry and put it in the dryer. Seems simple enough, right? Except, I was going to have to touch some strangers unmentionables. There is not enough sangria in the world to make me feel comfortable with this task. Well, I was nervous about doing this and DN was not as keen on it either. So, we let the other cruiser do it. When we saw how easy it was for her we were willing (okay just I was) to try it in the future. Should the occasion arise. After this new life lesson, we returned to the room and DH,DN and DGD ordered room service.

Then we set the clocks back an hour and off to bed. Not before I tried, yet one more time, to send the emails that are now backing up.

Tomorrow starts our first of 6 days at sea.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Someone pass this woman some Sangria!

Loving it...can't wait for more.

Looks to me like Linda is looking rather FABULOUS too! Will I recognize you gals in December?

.

.

 

[faireygod mother]

Day 8 At Sea

Today was the first of 6 sea days. In typical Disney style we were busy. They have planned so much that there are times when events we want to do conflict. I will bore or entertain you with all the details of today, depending on your perspective. No pictures thou as I was either to busy, lazy or forgetful. I will let you guys choose.

The day started with DN and I getting up at 8 so we could have breakfast before the wine tasting at 11. Oh before I forget DN ended last evening with dropping her earring down the sink. Maintenance does not come that late in the evening or early in the morning depending on your perspective. So she called them at 8 am and then finally came and took apart the drain and wa la the earring was retrieved. However she was going as a pirate (one earring). Have you ever seen what is in those drains? Now off to breakfast.

We went to wine tasting and yeah they were all Italian wines. Needless to say we will not be purchasing any. I say bring on the sangria! Then we got DH and went to lunch. Oh, you must be wondering where the DS Diva is, so do I. After lunch Grandpa set out to find the little social butterfly as her note was barely legible. DN and I went on to napkin folding. Yup, I have found me a partner and we had a great time. Nobody else in my family was ever interested. Get ready for the holidays folks it will be a sight to behold. LOL As we were finishing up the napkin folding the next crew was preparing for oil and vinegar tasting. Yup, you guessed it. We did that as well. It was really interesting and informative. I can hardly wait to see what is next.

DN went off to take a nap and I went in search of the other two. Grandpa was watching DGD and another DS Diva (girl we met in NYC) sing and dance on deck 9 for some game that was going on.

I went to a class to learn to draw Mickey Mouse with Disney’s character illustrator, Don “Duckey” Williams. I am looking for a new career, but am certain this will not be it. Then Dh, the girls and DS Diva’s parents joined me in Studio Sea (pretty much have spent the day here) for Tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter. They have made some changes. It used to be tea with Wendy. This was definitely different, It was lively and fun. We were going to do latin dance class again, but our little dancing diva was not up for it. We went back to the cabin to look at out new limited edition pins for this cruise and get ready for dinner. Tonight was semi formal night.

After dinner DGD and I went shopping for her new outfit. She will be attending a special (invitation only) princess function. She will be going as Belle and needless to say she is quite smitten with her self in the dress and gloves. She is getting better with her money and the management of it. She actually chose to not buy gummis for the show so she could spend her last 11.00 on something else. I cringe to see what that might be. We attended the “Twice Charmed” and then rushed back to the cabin so she could put on her new outfit. Life is grand when you are 11.

DH and DN went to see Pirates of the Caribbean” At the worlds end. Not sure how many times they have seen this movie, but non the less they are off.

I on the other hand went to Rockin Bar D to see John Charles. OMG he was so darn talented and funny. He could sing anything from rock n roll to phantom of the opera. I highly recommend him. I think my dear friends Grayfal and her DH (whom I sat with) would agree. Maybe they even have a photo.

It is off to bed to enjoy the extra hour of sleep. Yeah, we set the clock back another hour, again.