We'’re out of it! A summer 14 “MAGICal” Med adventure Day 14/Aug 05 updated 05/05

[MAGICFOR2]

So sorry to hear about your friend's tragic loss. I know you have been grieving with them. Today our pastor's 13 year old grandson had a horrible accident on a golf cart and is not expected to live through tonight. Though we can't really feel their pain, we still feel pain for them.

On the Magic, it is so funny, because our first DCL cruise was on Magic, and then we tried Wonder. We felt Wonder was sub-par to our experience on Magic. They must move people around a bit, but you would think things would at least be top shape coming out of dry dock.

 

[Linda67]

Hi Karin
So sorry to hear about your friends loss
Hope you are keeping well
Lx

 

[Poolrat]

So sorry to hear about your friends son. Parents should never have to bury a child.

So nice of your friends, your servers to come visit. Sounds like just what you needed.


You got some amazing pictures walking back to the ship. Dinner looks amazing.

 

[dizneeat]

Yes, your will be coming here real soon!

I thought it was really funny that every time I posted a reply you had managed to sneak another update in.

It was funny as every time I would check if it had posted correctly there was another post from you!

So sorry to hear about your friend's tragic loss. I know you have been grieving with them. Today our pastor's 13 year old grandson had a horrible accident on a golf cart and is not expected to live through tonight. Though we can't really feel their pain, we still feel pain for them.

On the Magic, it is so funny, because our first DCL cruise was on Magic, and then we tried Wonder. We felt Wonder was sub-par to our experience on Magic. They must move people around a bit, but you would think things would at least be top shape coming out of dry dock.

I really wanted to love the Magic. And we were so looking forward to it, but all the issues just added up.
Don't get me wrong, there can be issues on any ship, but it was just the sheer amount of things that did not work in our favour that put a bad taste into our mouths.
The Wonder was the first ship we sailed on and I was so disappointed that we could not go on the Magic (but they brought her over to Europe for the summer). We loved our experience and did so with the Dream class ships. I really hope the Magic can give us another impression at Easter.

Hi Karin
So sorry to hear about your friends loss
Hope you are keeping well
Lx

Thank you, Linda!
We have quite a few things going on at the moment, but I hope it will dissolve soon.

How was your cruise and trip to the US?

So sorry to hear about your friends son. Parents should never have to bury a child.

So nice of your friends, your servers to come visit. Sounds like just what you needed.

You got some amazing pictures walking back to the ship. Dinner looks amazing.

It was just such sad news on my friend's son.

Ana and Matija though made our day. Even though it was a pretty hectic day, but we loved seeing them and being able to chat with them, without them having to rush off!
Going on that Med cruise I have learned to really appreciate how beautiful Europe really is and how much history we live with every day. It truely was a stunning vacation, even with all the hickups we had on the Magic.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Cinque Terre for foodies …… - Part 1

Again, we were up at 6am, and when we looked out onto the veranda we were already sailing into La Spezia’s harbour.







So after having a shower and getting ready and some photos of the harbour from our veranda we walked downstairs to Carioca’s again for breakfast. No wait for check in and we were soon seated and we were asked what we would like to drink. Well, Tom was easy, as he opted for coffee, while I just asked for hot water. Now, the server’s face was too funny. I don’t think too many people order hot water for breakfast. Then I explained that I had brought my own tea and only needed boiling water. He then quickly replied that he wanted to have a look for a larger cup, but even that we had taken care of. I had purchased a nice big mug the night before and put it on the table.
So after a good laugh he went to get me some boiling hot water and some coffee for Tom. Once drinks were taken care of, we headed to the buffet and soon returned with two plates, which looked very similar to the one the day before. Again, we found the eggs to be underseasoned, bacon limp and everything just barely warm.
Never the less we ate most of it before tipping our server and heading back to our stateroom to grab our packed bag and head off the ship.





We met with some friends from our FB group (yes, there were nice people as well) who we shared our excursion with. Once off the ship we had to take a bus to get into the city and this is where we were to meet our guide, Umberto. It was pretty easy to find our bus, we waited for a few minutes and then we were off. Umberto, who is an independent guide, was already waiting for us, with a sign in his hands. And off we went. We had actually booked a tour called “Cinque Terre for foodies”, which included seeing the sights of the Cinque Terre and have a taste of its speciality foods as well.
And while we walked into the city Umberto explained that he wanted to show us a little bit of La Spezia









on the way to the boat we were supposed to take. We learned a lot about La Spezia’s history and it was great fun to listen to Umberto’s stories. Once we had reached the harbour where our boat was leaving from, Umberto told us that we still had about 25 minutes until the boat would leave and that he would go and get the tickets, while we could have a look around. Bobbie and Connie, our friends had not had breakfast, so they went in search of a sandwich or something, while Tom and I went to explore the bridge that connected the harbour with the yacht harbour.

















It was an awesome spot to take photos of the harbour and La Spezia. Soon it was time to return to the harbour and get on board the ship that was going to take us along the coastline up to Portovenere. We found seats on the upper deck,















with Umberto sitting behind us and explaining what we saw on either side of the ship.

To be continued ..........​

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Cinque Terre for foodies …… - Part 2

We found seats on the upper deck, with Umberto sitting behind us and explaining what we saw on either side of the ship.























The villages looked awesome, being built up the steep hillside and we should soon learn that all the buoys in the water were actually a “mussel” farms.



It took about 20 minutes until we got to Portovenere













and got off the ship.



Portovenere is a beautiful little village built at the water’s edge, with an ancient church sitting at the very tip of the rock. But first we were walking through a small fruit and veg market, before walking up to the doorway leading into the village.



We came across two stone basins which we had to guess what they were used for and we were stunned to hear, they were for measuring olive oil.



And after learning that fun tidbit, we headed down to the narrow paved street along the water’s edge.

To be continued ..........​

 

[KatMark]

Karin, I am so far behind that I can't make lots of comments or will never catch up. I am loving the updates and the views are spectacular.

 

[NOKA06]

Karin, really enjoying the updates!! I would never have guessed what the basins were used for! La Spezia and Portovenere are beautiful towns.

 

[jedijill]

Ooh, I love Cinque Terre...can't wait to hear about the foodie tour!

Jill in CO

 

[MAGICFOR2]

What a fun tour! Now I know why I can't seem to measure my olive oil - I don't have one of those stone basins. I would love to see all of those old buildings and streets - I hope you get to try a lot of good treats on your foodie tour.

 

[MEK]

I did not realize AP was different on the Magic. We are sailing on the Magic next December out of Miami. Of course, we booked another cruise while on board the Dream. How could we not? We did a dummy booking and this was the cruise they sent us just to have something attached to our name. Its another 4 night Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Key West. I looked at the dates and the itinerary and, of course, the price. And figured why not? The price was fantastic for a verandah stateroom and even though no one is a fan of Nassau, I would like to visit it when its NOT raining. Denny loved CC and has to rent one of those water bikes, and I figured its a great way to visit Key West, which we have never seen. So it seems like a winner for our second cruise. So now I am enjoying reading about the Magic. More more more!

Your excursion is starting off so lovely. The scenery is just stunning. All those homes just built into the cliffs are fabulous. Wow! This is certainly a great beginning to your "foodie" tour. Can't wait to see whats next!

 

[dizneeat]

Happy Thanksgiving to all our US friends!

​

 

[debsters41]

Hi Karin and Tom! I love the Thanksgiving graphic with Minnie holding a basket overflowing with Austrian Chocolates! The views of the Cinque Terre are amazing from the sea. I went with my DH there but by land and only to Vernazza. We were taking it easy but we sure did eat/buy a lot of pesto

I am looking forward to see what a foodie tour will offer! Sounds amazing!

 

[perfectmatch300]

Happy Thanksgiving to all our US friends!

​

Thanks Karin and Tom! We had a great day. We had our closest friends over for dinner and spent the day counting our blessings and exchanging cruise stories!

Love your graphic!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thank you for the greeting! We had a wonderful family day with way too much food!

 

[dizneeat]

Advent calendar ALERT!!!!!!!!!

Tom has been busy and has created two new advent calendars - hope you are going to take a look every day!

Funny hats calendar

Food calendar​

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Things have been very busy lately so sorry I haven't been here, but I'm all caught up now!

Not making me feel great with all the issues with the Magic so far. Hopefully everything will pick up before the cruise ends.

Looks like you made the wise choice staying in Villefrenche instead of rushing to get to Monaco, especially since you've been there before. Monaco looked lovely from the ship, but the sights and pictures you have of Villefrenche are just gorgeous!

More great food, but for some reason I keep gravitating towards all the wonderful sweets and desserts you are having! Those crepes look wonderful!

So sorry to read about your friend's son passing away! That is always horrible news, and even more so when they are so young. But how nice you got a visit from your friends, servers from previous cruises.

Cinque Terre looks lovely also, and I always love the pictures of the villages on the rocks along the water.

 

[dizneeat]

Karin, I am so far behind that I can't make lots of comments or will never catch up. I am loving the updates and the views are spectacular.

Kathy, no problem falling behind. With everything that has been happening around you, I really am surprised you keep up the way you do.
Cinque Terre was an awesome day, the views were stunning and Umberto was so much fun. May I mention that we had some really good food too!

Karin, really enjoying the updates!! I would never have guessed what the basins were used for! La Spezia and Portovenere are beautiful towns.

I am glad you enjoy the updates. It was such an awesome tour and I would not have guessed what the basins were for either.
I really have to say that that day was one of the absolute highlights of our vacation.

Ooh, I love Cinque Terre...can't wait to hear about the foodie tour!

Jill in CO

I was really happy I had chosen that tour as it turned out to be a wonderful day. We saw so much, tried so much and heard so much about the history of the area. Umberto came with high praise and he really lived up to it and even more.

What a fun tour! Now I know why I can't seem to measure my olive oil - I don't have one of those stone basins. I would love to see all of those old buildings and streets - I hope you get to try a lot of good treats on your foodie tour.

It definitely was a fun tour. That was one of the absolute highlights of our vacation.
And Cinque Terre is just stunning. The houses nestled against the rocks and all the history. We loved it!

 

[dizneeat]

I did not realize AP was different on the Magic.

They are definitely different. On the Dream and Fantasy you have the "Crush" encounter and on the Fantasy they also have the Animation show as well, where you draw a figure and they bring it to live.
Magic has changed from the walls that will slowly colour to screens that slowly go from black and white to colour. Both are really good fun, even though I find Crush far too loud for my liking.

We are sailing on the Magic next December out of Miami. Of course, we booked another cruise while on board the Dream. How could we not? We did a dummy booking and this was the cruise they sent us just to have something attached to our name. Its another 4 night Castaway Cay, Nassau, and Key West. I looked at the dates and the itinerary and, of course, the price. And figured why not? The price was fantastic for a verandah stateroom and even though no one is a fan of Nassau, I would like to visit it when its NOT raining.

Awesome that you booked another cruise while on board (hm, didn't I tell you, you would be hooked? )
The Magic is WAY smaller than the Dream. And we have been to Nassau what feels like a gazillion times, it is MUCH nicer when it is sunny. I have no idea if you are joining an excursion, but if not, I have a fun walking tour that I found online and if you want me to I can PM it to you.

Denny loved CC and has to rent one of those water bikes, and I figured its a great way to visit Key West, which we have never seen. So it seems like a winner for our second cruise. So now I am enjoying reading about the Magic. More more more!

You have never been to Key West????? We just love it there and will stop there on Tom's birthday cruise in a late March. Let me know if you need some pointers.

There will be more updates coming soon - unfortunately Cinque Terre is pretty picture heavy, so this day will linger for a while.

Your excursion is starting off so lovely. The scenery is just stunning. All those homes just built into the cliffs are fabulous. Wow! This is certainly a great beginning to your "foodie" tour. Can't wait to see whats next!

It was an awesome day, with lots of great views and interesting stories about the history by Umberto. The weather was beautiful and the food was too!

Hi Karin and Tom! I love the Thanksgiving graphic with Minnie holding a basket overflowing with Austrian Chocolates! The views of the Cinque Terre are amazing from the sea. I went with my DH there but by land and only to Vernazza. We were taking it easy but we sure did eat/buy a lot of pesto

I am looking forward to see what a foodie tour will offer! Sounds amazing!

Tom was pretty happy to read that you liked his graphic and did even see his hint to Austria (btw - Mickey is holding a Mozart sweet ).
If you ever go to Cinque Terre again, Debbie, let me know and I get you in contact with Umberto - he definitely is the best tourguide around there. His knowledge is never ending and he makes it so fun to listen to him.

Thanks Karin and Tom! We had a great day. We had our closest friends over for dinner and spent the day counting our blessings and exchanging cruise stories!

Love your graphic!

Sounds like a great day! Good food and cruise talk! Perfect!

Thank you for the greeting! We had a wonderful family day with way too much food!

I am glad you like it, Tammie!
Great to hear you had a fun day with your family - and you cannot have too much food at Thanksgiving.

 

[dizneeat]

Things have been very busy lately so sorry I haven't been here, but I'm all caught up now!

No problem, Marv, I do know that real life sometimes just takes over.

Not making me feel great with all the issues with the Magic so far. Hopefully everything will pick up before the cruise ends.

And the story continues ...............

Looks like you made the wise choice staying in Villefrenche instead of rushing to get to Monaco, especially since you've been there before. Monaco looked lovely from the ship, but the sights and pictures you have of Villefrenche are just gorgeous!

We definitely made the right choice exploring Villefranche. It is such a beautiful little coastal town and we have been to Monaco several times before so it was great to explore some place new.

More great food, but for some reason I keep gravitating towards all the wonderful sweets and desserts you are having! Those crepes look wonderful!

If someone knows how to make awesome crepe, than it is the French! And mine was just sooooooo delicious with the stewed apples (booze) and ice cream.

So sorry to read about your friend's son passing away! That is always horrible news, and even more so when they are so young. But how nice you got a visit from your friends, servers from previous cruises.

It was a bittersweet week. Knowing that my friend lost her son broke our hearts and on the other hand seeing Ana and Matija again was really uplifting. We had so much fun and laughed a lot.

Cinque Terre looks lovely also, and I always love the pictures of the villages on the rocks along the water.

There are lots more pics of the Cinque Terre to come. It was a wonderful day filled lots of interesting and beautiful views and great food.