What a Difference a Year Makes

Today, Tuesday, we are in Alicante, Spain after embarking on Sirena in Barcelona yesterday.  The flights to Barcelona on TAP Air Portugal went fairly smoothly and close to on time.  We arrived at our hotel by 9 pm which gave us plenty of time to go to our favorite tapas restaurant but we were just too tired and not sufficiently hungry, so we just went for a short walk and then to bed.  Monday morning we went for a nice walk along the Barcelona waterfront before heading to the ship and settling in.

Today was our 3rd visit to Alicante so we had a plan to take a train to the city of Elche which is known for its World Heritage Palm Groves.  When we left the ship, we talked to the local tourist information woman who kind of discouraged us from doing that.  We would have to take a bus to the train station and looking at the train schedule the timing was not very good.  So, being ever flexible, we opted for our favorite thing to do - just walk around the city.  We mostly followed the Traditional Area route indicated on the tourist map.  The first thing to note was the beautiful Alicante Esplanade with its numerous palm trees.  We didn't need to go all the way to Elche!

Continuing on, we eventually made it to one of our favorite spots in any city, the central market.

We then worked our way back to the shuttle bus stop making a rest stop along the way.

Now, as to the title of this post.  As most of you know, Linda had her first hip surgery almost exactly one year ago.  The last time we were on this ship in July and August, Linda was restricted to using a walker.  It took a second hip surgery and a lot of dedication to get her where she is today.  In Alicante, we walked for well over 2 hours and covered almost 4 miles!  So, that's why I say what a difference a year makes.  You go girl!

Tomorrow, is a sea day before we get to Seville, Spain where we will have an overnight stay.  We are looking forward to revisiting there and spending more time wandering that wonderful city.

And, as we walk around these cities, we always keep in mind the rule of civility number 30:

In walking the highest place in most countries seems to be on the right hand therefore place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to honor: but if three walk together the middle place is the most honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

The current country count is 2 (counting our layover in Lisbon, Portugal and the flight over).

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry