We've Crossed the Border

 It's been a while so here is a four day update from 2 days in France and 2 days in Italy.

First up was Nice on Wednesday.  We were docked again in Monte Carlo.  Our plan was to take the train to Nice with the specific intent of eating lunch in a restaurant that we ate in 11 years ago when we stayed in Nice for 1 week.  Mission accomplished!  After arriving in Nice,we walked down to the port.

Then we made our way to the old town and found the apartment we stayed at.

The apartment was across the street from our target restaurant - Oliviera.  The restaurant specializes in olive oil and each dish (including dessert) is paired with a different olive oil.  The owner, Nadim, is a wonderful host and his wife makes great food.  The experience was every bit as good as we remembered it.

We ended our stay in Nice with a walk by the famous pebbly beach.

Thursday was Cannes, our last French port.  We took a walking tour in the morning and then went back to the market to pick up a lunch of socca (a chickpea flat bread), truffle cheese, olives, and baguette.

We finished our day with a walk along the beach and a photo op on the red carpet.

Friday marked our return to Italy with a stop in Livorno.  Our plan was to take it easy and then, the night before, we got an email from our friend Pat Grillo (one of the Oceania Artists in Residence) saying that she and Angelo were on Insignia and were going to be in port with us, so we set up a plan to meet them in the afternoon.  After a relaxing morning complete with a massage, we got to the church in time to meet up.  We had a fantastic few hours of pizza, wine, coffee, spritzers and catching up.

Today, we were back in Civitavecchia.  The last time we were in port here, we were in quarantine so it was good to get off this time.  We took an Oceania excursion - Bracciano Lake and Wine Tasting.  A really good tour.

Tomorrow will be our last port on the west coast of Italy before heading into the Adriatic.  It is hard to believe that we only have one week left on this adventure.

For the past six weeks I've been trying to figure out how to value myself.  Perhaps today's Rule of Civility will help, but probably not!  Rule #63. A man ought not to value himself of his achievements, or rare qualities of wit; much less of his riches virtue or kindred. 

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry

Just Another 3 Fabulous Days

 Here's a summary of 3 fabulous days - sunny, warm, and the chance to move our legs and get rid of the last of the Covid remnants.  I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

First up was Palma de Mallorca.  We have been there many times, but never explored the island.  So we took an Oceania excursion - the Hike to Banyalbufar.  It was a hike over old foot paths, through the woods, over the hills, and ending in the seaside village of Banyalbufar.  It was a great hike where I was finally feeling energetic and ready to push the pace.  And, of course, a chance to sample the local Malvasia at the end.

Next was back to Barcelona where we repeated our walk into the city, although this time we walked along the beach in Barcelonetta, with the required stop for sangria and tapas.

And, today, was our third time in Marseille.  Our initial plan was to take a train up to Aix-en-Provence, which we have visited before.  Surprise - our plan changed.  Delays with the shuttle bus from the ship into Marseille caused us to have no chance to make the train.  So, I suggested that we climb up to Notre Dame de la Garde.  Linda was all for it.  It was a tough climb over steep streets and steps from the old port of Marseille to the cathedral which stands about 500 feet above the city.  Of course, it was well worth it, but my legs did feel a little sore and a little tired the past few days of walking! Linda, on the other hand, or should I say foot, continued with strong legs.

Linda lit a candle for the health of family and friends.  Then it was time to head back down for lunch.  Now, you might be expecting that I had a repeat of the mussels lunch.  But, no.  Linda suggested that we pick up sandwiches and find a place by the water to sit and eat.  It was perfect.

If you look carefully, you can see Notre Dame de la Garde in the background of the picture of Linda.

My phone indicates that I walked over 22 miles in the past three days and my legs feel it!  But, it was nothing that a good hot tub soak couldn't take care of.

We're looking forward to Monte Carlo with a side trip to Nice tomorrow.  In the meantime, here is today's Rule of Civility to celebrate that we did undertake what we could perform: Rule #82. Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

As a bonus for today, as I soaked I played a recent Jimmy Buffet song which has become a sort of anthem for me:

https://soundcloud.com/jimmy-buffett-official/who-gets-to-live-like-this

Seriously, who gets to live like this?

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry