I have left Grant on the ship and hopped across to the local piazza in downtown Messina, Sicily in order to catch up on travel blogging for the last few days. We have a couple of hours in port before heading off again. The last few days have been busy. 4 ports in 4 days. Firstly, Livorno ( about 2 hours) from Florence, Civitiavecchi ( the port of Rome), the port of Naples and today we are in Sicily. Each place has been amazing and we have stayed in the city clos...

We have now left Barcelona and have been cruising for 2 days, but today is our fist day in port. We have arrived in Livorno, Italy to great weather and two Italians arguing dockside....just feels like home really! The ship is magnificent and the service impeccable. Nothing is too much trouble. Our "stateroom" is large with a verandah and deck, so we can enjoy the view. We have spent most of our time poolside and relaxing. I guess that's what most people do on a s...

Grant's birthday- day 5 28 degrees and beautiful in Barcelona today for Grant's birthday. We started the day at the shops of course, before tour bussing to the National Museum of Art restaurant for a special birthday lunch. It had the most magnificent view of Barcelona and the best food we have had so far! Headed down to port Vella afterwards before finishing the day at La Rambla...more sangria! One more sleep before we go cruising.

Day 3 & 4 Barcelona Weather is starting to improve now which means we have been exploring the city more. Have been to most areas/districts including the Port, La Rambla( near where we are staying) the Gothic Quarter, the suburbs and all of the churches, shops and museums in between! Shopping is more "high street" than "high end" which is great because most things are reasonably priced, including food and alcohol!! Everything moves at a slow place. Nothing o...

Saved from my first near disaster! Pickpocket tried to take my phone, thanks to my husband he didn't succeed. He seemed like a nice old man asking me for directions, and I was too busy telling him I only spoke English to notice that he had his hands on my phone which was on the table. Grant was watching and grabbed my phone. Must pay attention!