Barcelona to Southampton Travel Notes
JULY 10, 2024 – BARCELONA, SPAIN (Day 213)
Today was a much-needed catch-up day onboard our cruise ship. With this being a turnaround day, we took the opportunity to focus on some essential tasks—doing laundry, researching new destinations, and working on our travel photos. It felt great to slow down and make some progress on our projects.
After a productive day, we enjoyed dinner and then headed to the casino to use our complimentary $8 credit. While we didn’t strike it rich, it was fun to try our luck! Later in the evening, we joined Doug and Margaret for a game of Euchre. The friendly competition was a perfect way to wrap up our day. Guys won.
Overall, it was a quiet yet fulfilling day, allowing us to recharge for our upcoming adventures. Sometimes, the most unremarkable days turn out to be just what we need, especially as we are now hitting a lot more ports with little rest in between.
JULY 11, 2024 – VALENCIA, SPAIN (Day 214)
Today, we embraced the local culture by participating in a cooking class at Escuela de Cocina in Valencia. This city is renowned for its culinary delights, especially paella, which originated here. The class was conveniently located next to the intriguing D’al Giros Market, where we had the opportunity to explore before our cooking experience began.
The market was a feast for the senses, filled with a vibrant array of meats and foods. We were fascinated to see everything from skinned rabbits ready for cooking to goat heads and a variety of cuts of meat and fish we couldn’t even identify. It was a unique glimpse into the local cuisine!
In our cooking class, we learned how to prepare Chicken Paella and a traditional Spanish omelet. For dessert, we baked a delightful sponge cake. Chef Louis and his assistant, Natalia, guided us through the process while we sipped on Sangria and wine. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter as we picked up some useful kitchen tricks.
We were fortunate to share our table with some interesting Australians and Canadians, which added to the experience. Engaging with fellow travelers while diving into local culture and cuisine is always a highlight for us.
After our culinary adventure, we returned to the ship to relax and work on our photos. Later, we enjoyed dinner at the dining room before heading to the pub for some entertainment. The night ended with a bit of line dancing on the pool deck, a fun way to wrap up an exciting day. Valencia, with its rich culinary heritage and vibrant market scene, has certainly left a lasting impression on us.
JULY 12, 2024 – CARTAGENA, SPAIN (Day 215)
Our walking tour of Cartagena, was a fascinating dive into the city’s rich history and unique cultural blend. Cartagena is a city known for its deep archaeological roots, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
We started our day by visiting ARQUA, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. This place gave us a glimpse into ancient maritime history, featuring artifacts and shipwrecks that have been discovered in the surrounding waters. It was a fitting way to introduce us to Cartagena because of it’s connection to the sea.
Next, we walked to Casa de la Fortuna, an extraordinary house from the 1st century AD, providing a window into the lives of Roman citizens in ancient Cartagena. We were able to wander through the well-preserved rooms, seeing frescoes and mosaics that have survived for centuries.
As we moved through Plaza San Francisco and onto Calle Mayor, two things really stood out to us about Cartagena: this city has stunning marble streets and sidewalks, a mix of blue and other hues, and the fact that so many modern buildings have been knocked down to uncover Roman ruins. The archaeological efforts here are ongoing, and beneath much of the city they are rediscovering the ancient Roman town.
For lunch, we headed to El Viejo Almacen, where we indulged in traditional Spanish tapas. We tried some adventurous dishes, like anchovies and bucheron cheese, ham croquettes, and a delicious plate of octopus with mashed potatoes, which Gwen really enjoyed. The flavors were definitely unique, and it was a great way to sample the local cuisine.
After lunch, we finished our tour at the Roman Theater of Cartagena. Roman ruins are a familiar sight for us at this point in our travels, but it never ceases to amaze us how vast the Roman Empire was. This particular theater has a fascinating twist—there’s a church built on top of its edge, showcasing how different eras and civilizations have layered upon one another in this city.
Back on the ship, we wrapped up the evening with dinner at the Windjammer and settled in to watch “The Martian” in the Roger’s suite.
JULY 13, 2024 – MALAGA, SPAIN (Day 216)
Today, we celebrated Gwen’s 65th birthday in a truly memorable way. Doug and Margaret kicked off the day by decorating our cabin door with festive birthday magnets, and our kind neighbors, the Sweetmans, gave Gwen an unexpected birthday card. Cliff, our new room steward, even got creative and crafted a tall towel animal figure for her, which brought plenty of smiles. If you know Gwen, this is her happy place.
For Gwen’s big day, we decided to take it easy and enjoy a classic beach day at Misericordia Beach here in Málaga. This beach, located along the Costa del Sol, is known for its lively atmosphere, and today was no exception. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday, with plenty of people enjoying the crystal-clear waters and warm sand. However, as the day went on, the sand got quite hot! If you ever visit here, don’t forget your sandals!
After soaking up some sun, we decided to have a traditional Spanish lunch—tapas, of course! We also indulged in some Espeto, which are fish skewers that are typical of this region. These grilled sardine-like fish, cooked over an open flame, are a must try to dive into the local cuisine. Gwen had this on her must do’s for Malaga.
Back onboard, after cleaning off all the salt and sand, we capped off the day with a special dinner at Giovanni’s Table. The meal was delicious, and it felt even more special because, as we dined, we sailed through the Gibraltar Strait. Watching two continents—Africa and Europe—while enjoying a delightful meal made it a truly unique dining experience. The strait is a symbolic and historical passage, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. With its rich history and stunning views, it felt like the perfect setting to celebrate Gwen’s milestone birthday.
JULY 14, 2024 – CASABLANCA, MOROCCO (Day 217)
Today, we ventured into Casablanca, starting with a free shuttle to United Nations Square. The square itself wasn’t particularly remarkable, but it did offer a glimpse into the city’s busier, more commercial side. From there, we walked into the Old Medina—a bustling, chaotic market that gave us a true sense of the city’s street life. Unfortunately, the area felt quite dirty and unappealing, so we didn’t linger long.
Our next stop was Mohammed V Square, which was more impressive, featuring some interesting buildings, a fountain, and a swarm of pigeons. Despite these sights, we weren’t overly captivated by the city’s charm. Casablanca didn’t live up to the mystique it often holds due to Hollywood’s depictions, so we opted to head back to the ship sooner than expected.
Once back on board, we decided to watch Casablanca since it was showing in the ship’s cinema—a fun and fitting way to end our day in this iconic city. Dinner in the dining room followed, although I was again bothered by the strange ticking percussion sound from the speakers that overpowered the music’s melody, which is something I’ve had issues with before.
The evening ended on a more entertaining note as we watched ventriloquist Jerry Goodspeed perform in the theater—a lighthearted and funny show. To top it off, we tried our luck in the casino afterward. Gwen played the slots, and I joined a game of Texas Hold’em. It turned out to be a lucky night for both of us, erasing the disappointment of our touring earlier today by going out on a high note!
Just a note: Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, but unlike its romanticized depiction in the famous 1942 film, the reality is that the city is far more industrial, making it more of a business hub than a tourist paradise. There is a Rick’s Cafe to capitalize on the popularity of the movie, but it only exists because of the movie and not as an inspiration for the movie. Despite this, it’s always intriguing to experience the contrast between expectations and reality as we travel around the world.
JULY 15, 2024 – AGADIR, MOROCCO (Day 218)
Our day in Agadir, started with high hopes as we set off on a private tour taking us an hour away from the ship, all in search of a sight that’s unique to this region—goats in Argan trees. The Argan tree, found only in this part of the world, produces a fruit that goats naturally love, and they’ve been known to climb high into the branches to reach it. This was exactly what Doug was eager to see.
After the long drive through the countryside, we finally arrived at the site. However, it became clear that the experience wasn’t as natural as we’d hoped. A shepherd stood nearby, ensuring the goats stayed perched in the trees, clearly staged for the tourists. While it was a photo opportunity, it didn’t quite live up to Doug’s vision of seeing flocks of goats scaling the trees on their own. Sometimes, reality doesn’t meet our expectations… but hey! We got pictures!
As we returned to Agadir, we couldn’t help but notice how much nicer the city was compared to Casablanca. The king is from Agadir, and there’s significant investment being made to modernize the area, especially in preparation for an upcoming World Cup. We weren’t that excited about walking around town as it was not remarkable, so we decided to just get back to the ship.
Back onboard the ship, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. Gwen joined an origami class then came back to the room to edit photos. I spent the afternoon relaxing with my ukulele and getting instruction on Youtube.
We wrapped up the evening with dinner in the dining room and a card game with Doug and Margaret. The girls claimed a rare victory of late. Brian Knoll stopped by for a visit so we spent some time visiting about the day and teaching him the nuance of Euchre.
JULY 16, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 219)
Sea days are always a welcome break from the fast pace of port days, and today was no exception. We started our morning by joining our community group for a Bible study, where I had the opportunity to lead a session on the wisdom of God. The discussion was enlightening, with input from both mature believers and those newer to their faith, creating a variety of thoughts based on life experiences. It’s always rewarding to hear others take on their spiritual walk and how they have been impacted by the topic we are discussing.
For lunch, we were excited to find one of our favorites at the Windjammer buffet—a chopped salad station. You go through a line, choosing your ingredients, and then a chef chops everything together with precision, creating a fresh, delicious salad that’s always a hit. It is such a refreshing and satisfying lunch for us.
In the afternoon, we had choir practice, which went well, and then spent some time working on photos. Gwen went to the evening show to watch Analiza Ching play the violin. According to her, it was one of the best performances we’ve had on this cruise. Gwen really enjoys going to shows more than the rest of us. She hates to miss out, so I am always glad when she goes out of the way to see a show and it exceeds her expectations. Of course, I have to hear all about how I missed out, but I don’t mind.
Dinner was a real treat tonight, as the dining room served lobster with escargot. The lobster was incredibly tender and flavorful, probably the best we’ve had on this trip. After dinner, we stopped by the pub to listen to Daniel sing, something we’ve come to enjoy regularly.
We thought we would end the night at the Safari Lounge for a new game show called “You Confident?” It’s a trivia game where you guess a percentage based on the host’s statements. Doug and I weren’t all that into it and decided to leave early, but Gwen and Margaret stuck it out and, despite not doing too well, still had a good time.
Doug and I had headed back to the pub. Sometimes Daniel will invite me up to sing harmony with him, especially if the crowd has thinned out and the atmosphere is more intimate. Sometimes, I even get the chance to sing a song while he plays. I think he feel’s that it is a fun way to break up his set and add a little variety. We wrapped up our evening with the girls coming back to the pub to enjoy some music, laughter, and great conversation before calling it a night.
JULY 17, 2024 – LISBON, PORTUGAL (Day 220)
Today began with Gwen getting up early to witness something truly special that our Captain had mentioned in his daily update yesterday. Along with several other passengers, Gwen went up on Deck 12 to experience the sail into Lisbon. As the ship passed under the famous 25th of April Bridge, they experienced a sound emanating from the bridge that mimics a large hornet’s nest buzzing in the air. Gwen also got to see Lisbon’s Christ the Redeemer statue, reminiscent of the iconic one in Rio de Janeiro (Lisbon also has its own version of an Arch of Triumph Square). But perhaps the most magical moment for her was a beautiful sunrise capped off by dolphins leaping through the water to accompany the ship into port—a breathtaking start to the day.
For our tour of the city, we decided to try something new—a walking tour booked through Airbnb Experiences. Our guide, Franco, led us on a “Best of Lisbon” walking tour, and we met him along with ten other travelers in Rossio Square. What made this tour special was that although Lisbon is known for its steep hills, Franco had a local’s knowledge of shortcuts. He took us through buildings with elevators and even used escalators hidden around the city to avoid the exhausting climbs, yet still showed us all the best sights.
Our first stop was a church with a tragic history—the Church of St. Dominic appeared to have been bombed, but the story behind it was even more heartbreaking, involving the Lisbon Massacre of 1506 by its congregation. From there, Franco took us through Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods, including Alfama, known for its winding streets and stunning tile-covered buildings. Instead of brick, many of the buildings in these areas are adorned with beautiful hand-painted tiles, adding a unique charm to the city’s architecture.
One of the highlights of the tour was the food. We were treated to Lisbon’s famous custard tarts, which lived up to their reputation as a delightful, creamy dessert. We also tried codfish cakes at a small, local restaurant paired with green wine—a refreshing and unique experience. Perhaps the most intriguing treat of the day was Ginjinha or sometimes referred to simply as ginja, a cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups. The liqueur has a long history in Lisbon, dating back to Galician friars who first created it, and it’s still a beloved local specialty, today.
Franco’s tour also took us to a square where locals celebrate their freedom from dictatorship in 1974. April 25th, 1974 is their Freedom Day so they have named the harbor bridge and multiple streets and squares in Portugal “Vinte e Cindo de Abril” to commemorate that day. After a full day of exploring, we enjoyed panoramic views of the city from several points high above, thanks to those handy elevators. The day felt like a perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor. Before heading back to the ship, Gwen picked up some unique cork postcards to send to the kids—cork is one of Lisbon’s major exports, and these postcards were a fun way to share a bit of the city’s craftsmanship with our grandkids.
We finished the evening playing a couple of games of Euchre, but we were so exhausted from the full day of walking that we only managed two games, and fittingly, it ended in a tie. This city, and Portugal is on our list of places that we want to explore some more. The day was definitely unique and unforgettable.
JULY 18, 2024 – PORTO, PORTUGAL (Day 221)
Our day began early as we docked in Leixões, Portugal, a port city that greeted us with a large beach area, volleyball courts, and beach rugby right next to the dock. While the city itself looked appealing, we had set our hearts on exploring Porto. So, we hopped in an Uber and made our way to Graham’s Distillery for a tour and port tasting—a treat I was particularly excited about since ruby ports are a personal favorite.
When we arrived at the distillery, we ran into our neighbors, the Sweetman’s, along with Brian and Shari Knoll, who had also booked the same tour. Mark Sweetman mentioned he was influenced by my enthusiasm for the tour, so it was great to share the experience with friends, which made it all the more enjoyable.
Francesca, our guide, was outstanding. Her passion for port was contagious as she led us through the history and intricacies of making this famous Portuguese wine. During the tasting, I discovered my appreciation for tawny ports, particularly those that have been aged. Francesca was so excited by this realization that she went above and beyond, fetching a sample of a 30-year-old port that wasn’t part of the tasting—by far the highlight of the day. Another surprising discovery was white port, which wasn’t as impressive on its own but turned out to be fantastic in a mixed drink.
After the tour, we headed down the hill into Porto to find lunch. We stopped at a lovely restaurant overlooking the river, where Gwen enjoyed a codfish burger, though my meal was a bit underwhelming due to the lack of beef options. Still, the stunning views of the river and the beautiful architecture of Porto’s buildings made it a delightful experience.
Porto, a city divided by the Douro river, is full of charm and history. As we crossed the bridge back to the other side, we watched locals jump off with great dramatics for tips—a creative way to make some extra coins doing something they enjoy.
Back on the ship, we enjoyed dinner at Windjammer before joining Brian, Shari, Mark, and Jane for a game of “Swoop.” This game, which the Knoll’s had taught us earlier in the cruise, is lighthearted and doesn’t require quite as much strategy as Euchre, making it a fun and relaxed way to end the day with friends.
JULY 19, 2024 – VIGO, SPAIN (Day 222)
While Gustav, Andrew, Doug, and I enjoyed a day on the golf course, Margaret and Gwen embarked on their own adventure, exploring Vigo. With no set agenda, they set off to discover what the area had to offer.
Gwen:
Our exploration led us to a couple of gardens we had seen included on an RCCL garden tour excursion. Among the highlights were intriguing statues, including one of Jacques Cousteau riding an octopus and another of a mermaid man. We also encountered a plant sculpture resembling a face. It was interesting. Climbing a hill to reach the second castle garden, we found that while the garden itself was modest, the panoramic view was nothing short of spectacular. We could see the fog rolling in from different parts of the city, adding a mystical touch to the seascape. The city felt authentically local, away from the usual tourist traps, which made their experience all the more enjoyable.
However, our usual quest for souvenirs proved to be a bit of a challenge. We struggled to find Margaret’s obligatory keychain or some postcards for the grandkids. Overall, I would say that Vigo was impressive with its cleanliness and charm. We enjoyed our day of hanging out together and having all the time we needed to take pictures.
Back on board, it was time for laundry and photo organization before heading to the much-anticipated Stars and Stripes competition. This fun-filled event is always a highlight. Joff and his team, which typically includes talented band members like Toby and Rowena, along with other entertainers, compete against the “Stripes”—the ship officers—in a lively game that combines elements of charades and Taboo.
Jennifer, the ship’s financial comptroller, leads the game, with occasional appearances from Joff’s wife Amber and Shenaugh, the Activities Director. The competition is fierce and hilarious, and this night, the “Stripes” emerged victorious!
The day was a win, win as the guys got to enjoy golf and camaraderie, and Margaret and I enjoyed our day of girls time exploration and photography.
JULY 20, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 223)
Today was a bustling day at sea, filled with a lot of enrichment lectures. We began our morning with a meaningful communion service during our Bible study time. While we don’t have a church building or pastor’s to lead us we are able to maintain our worship in a meaningful way very similar to what an Acts Chapter 2 church would have done. Next, we attended an enriching lecture on marine meteorology, which provided fascinating insights into the science behind the ocean’s weather patterns. Following that, we listened to a talk about the history and culture of Bruges—a city renowned for its historical treasures. I definitely raised our anticipation of this upcoming port.
As is our tradition on sea days, we participated in choir practice, working on our harmonies and preparing for our upcoming performance. It is great to see improvement in our performance as there is a lot of dedication by individuals to help others learn their parts.
In the early afternoon, Gwen took the opportunity to catch up on some work for our website, sifting through photos and organizing our digital memories. Meanwhile, I focused on updating the blog. I think I have the easier part, as her work definitely takes more effort.
Tonight’s entertainment was unlike any other show we’ve seen on the cruise. The talented group, Tap Factory, delivered an interesting and entertaining performance that combined tap dancing, acrobatics, and drumming. They were very energetic and it was definitely a good change of pace as compared to the magicians, jugglers, and ventriloquists that are the usual fare.
After the show, we headed to the Windjammer for dinner. I like the Windjammer as they almost always have a beef dish as compared to the dining room. Following our meal, we gathered in Doug and Margaret’s room for a movie night. We chose to watch The Monuments Men, inspired by our recent discussions about Bruges and its role in WWII. Our movie watching included a portion of the exquisite 30-year-old port Doug had purchased at Graham’s Distillery in Porto, Portugal. We all have enjoyed the flavor of this port which is remarkable as there is not many things that all four of us agree on.
JULY 21, 2024 – COBH/CORK, IRELAND (Day 224)
Returning to Ireland has me very excited today. We had such a great time here back in June. Cobh, a quaint town nestled along the coast, greeted us with its colorful houses and scenic views. It was Sunday morning, and we had plans to attend church, but our efforts were thwarted by a bit of miscommunication with Google’s church service times and locations. Undeterred, we decided to make the most of our morning, strolling around town and taking in the charm of this picturesque place. We passed by the famous “Deck of Cards” houses, a series of homes stacked up a steep hill, each seemingly holding the other in place.
The weather was fickle as is expected in Ireland. We wore our rain coats, sometimes zipped for rain protection and sometimes flapping in the breeze as we only needed a little warmth. I found a candy shop where I was able to get my fix of licorice. It was fun to see all the red and white flags and banners flying in support of County Corks Hurling match in the All-Ireland Hurling Final against County Clare.
For lunch, we found a cozy spot by the water’s edge, not far from the ship and enjoyed the view as we dined. The town had a peaceful, easygoing vibe, which made for a relaxing start to the day before heading back to the ship to get ready for our afternoon adventure.
In the afternoon, we joined a special excursion “Escape” arranged by Royal Caribbean for the world cruisers—a tour of the famous Jameson Distillery. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Ireland. The tour took us through the history and process of whiskey-making, and we even got to participate in a comparison tasting of different Jameson varieties. At the end of the tour, we gathered in the tasting room, where Royal Caribbean surprised us with free drink tickets, and to top it off, an authentic Irish band filled the air with traditional music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Today also happened to be my birthday, and it turned out I wasn’t alone in this celebration. There were 13 other guests aboard the ship who shared the same birthday, making it the most popular birthday day on the ship so far! Jane Sweetman, our next-door neighbor, and Marianne Mobilian, a friend from The Villages were among those celebrating as well. When I went to get my morning coffee, the crew somehow knew it was my birthday and surprised me by singing “Happy Birthday.” Our room steward, Cliff, went above and beyond, crafting a tall towel cake as a birthday surprise, and throughout the day, I received birthday wishes from friends and family via FaceTime and online messages.
The day ended on a high note with an excellent Irish folkloric show by Unity. Their lively performance of Irish music and dance was the perfect conclusion to my birthday in Ireland. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate—surrounded by Irish culture, good friends, and the warmest birthday wishes. Truly, other than being home in the U.S., there’s no better country than Ireland to spend a birthday!
JULY 22, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 225)
Today was a peaceful sea day, and we made the most of it. Gwen started her morning working on her latest craft project, a diamond dots design, which has become one of her favorite onboard activities. Afterward, we transitioned in the same room to meet with our Bible study group, which continues to be one of the best things we consistently do on this journey. Following the study, Gwen dove right back into her diamond dots project until lunchtime—keeping busy and enjoying the relaxation.
After lunch, we attended an informative talk by Bill Rickett about D-Day and World War II. It was both moving and educational, offering many fascinating insights that will no doubt enrich our tour of Normandy tomorrow. Bill’s father was in a tank brigade in France during the war. He had a lot of personal anecdotes to share from his fathers memoirs. The history and sacrifices made during that time are always awe-inspiring, and we are eager to see the sites firsthand.
Later in the day, we had our usual choir practice in preparation for our upcoming performance. The practices are always fun—especially with our director’s focus on perfecting every little vowel sound! Afterward, we spent some time back in the room working on our website and sorting through photos, trying to keep everything up-to-date but failing miserably as the ports are starting to be more frequent now.
Tonight was a formal dinner, so we got dressed up and made our way to Vintages, where we met a lovely couple, Jim and Michelle Everhart. They haven’t been on for the entire world cruise, but will be on till we reach Miami. They’re from North Carolina, but as it turned out, they grew up near Highland Park, New York, where Margaret was raised. It’s always fun to meet new people, and we had such a great time chatting with them, that we invited them to join us for dinner. They enjoyed the evening as much as we did, and they even mentioned that they’d like to sit with us throughout the next cruise! We’re excited to spend more time getting to know them. When it just us and the Rogers we don’t have as much to talk about, so we like to have 1 or 2 couples added to our table.
After dinner, we headed back to the room to finish packing for our upcoming “trip interruption”. We’ll be heading off the ship from Cherbourg tomorrow and will be off a couple of days till we reach La Havre, so we made sure everything was ready for the trip. To wind down the night, we went to the pub to listen to Daniel perform for a while before finally heading to bed. It was a great day with new friends, setting the stage for what promises to be an emotional and memorable visit to Normandy tomorrow.
JULY 23, 2024 – CHERBOURG, FRANCE (Day 226)
This day had been on our minds since the very beginning of planning for the world cruise. It was one of the first tours we booked, knowing that visiting Normandy would be an emotional and enriching experience. We decided that a private guide would be best for the four of us, so we arranged a full-day tour with Patrick Hilyer, who turned out to be the perfect choice. Originally from the UK but now living in France for over 22 years, Patrick had a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the history of the area. He tailored the day specifically to our interests, which made the experience even more memorable.
Our first stop was Sainte-Mère-Église, a small town inland from the beaches, famous for being one of the first sites where American paratroopers clashed with German forces during the D-Day invasion. This is the town depicted in the movie The Longest Day, where a paratrooper’s chute famously got caught on the church tower. As we entered the town, we saw a dummy hanging from a parachute on the bell tower—a reminder of that moment in history. Patrick pointed out bullet holes still visible in stone fences and on wrought iron gates, remnants of the fierce fighting that took place here. We toured the inside of the church, where new stained glass windows honor the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought to liberate France during World War II.
Knowing my love for World War II history and the Band of Brothers series, Patrick took us to the site of the crash site and monument for the plane that cost the life of Easy Commander Lt. Thomas Meehan. We ventured on the Brecourt Manor where Capt. Dick Winters, now with a battlefield promotion, carried out a successful assault on German artillery positions. Seeing the building where the plan to take out the German guns was conceived, made me feel even more connected to the stories I had read and watched over the years.
From there, we visited Utah Beach for lunch at the Roosevelt Café, a building that was originally a bait and fish shop during the war. Beneath the café lies a hidden bunker that the Germans had used as a communications hub. Thanks to Patrick’s rapport with the café owners, we were given a key to access the bunker, which remains almost exactly as it was at the end of the war. The graffiti on the walls and the ancient equipment added a haunting authenticity to the experience.
Next, we visited Pointe du Hoc, a rugged promontory with dramatic bunkers and bomb craters left from the fierce fighting. This was the site where Army Rangers famously scaled the cliffs under heavy fire to take control of the area. The sheer scale of the task they faced was overwhelming to imagine.
Omaha Beach was our next stop—a place forever tied to the tremendous loss and sacrifice of D-Day. Walking along the shore, we spent time reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who landed there. It was a powerful moment of connection to history.
Our final stop in Normandy was the American Cemetery and Memorial. Due to time constraints, we weren’t able to spend as much time there as we would have liked, but the rows of white crosses and the peaceful setting were a fitting end to our day of remembrance. It’s a place that leaves you with a deep sense of gratitude and awe.
After receiving a well appreciated drop-off at the airport to pick up our rental car from Patrick, we drove to Mont Saint-Michel, where we checked into our hotel inside the ancient city walls. Staying within the walls meant that we could explore the stunning medieval town once the daytime tourists had left, giving us a much more intimate experience. We enjoyed the well-known omelets at La Mère Poulard, a restaurant famous for its historical significance, and walked through the narrow, winding streets as we soaked in the atmosphere of the town. I do have to add that these have to be the most expensive omelets in the world, being around 50 US dollars a plate. I personally resisted the hype!
As the sun set, we watched the tide roll back in with all the birds circling the island—an enchanting end to a day filled with history, emotion, and beauty. It was difficult to process everything we had experienced, but it was a day we will never forget.
JULY 24, 2024 – MONT ST. MICHELLE, FRANCE (Day 227)
We began our morning with an early breakfast at our hotel, eager to beat the crowds that flock to Mont Saint-Michel daily. Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island located in Normandy and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Its most famous feature is the Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, an impressive medieval structure that sits atop the mount, visible from miles away. We got a break on not having to climb 900 steps that are required from the gates to the Abbey. We were able to go out the back of our hotel that put us halfway up the hill.
The Abbey itself is a marvel of Gothic architecture, its towering spires and detailed stonework creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Originally built as a simple monastery in the 8th century, the Abbey evolved over time, becoming the magnificent structure it is today. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding bay, which has some of the strongest tides in Europe. Watching the tide come in and out is a spectacle in itself.
After our tour of the Abbey, we returned to the hotel, checked out, and left the island just as the crowds began to pour in. We needed something to eat, so we stopped in Villers-Bocage, a charming town along the way. We had a nice lunch in a locals brasserie called Le Central Brasserie. It was the perfect spot to rest and recharge before heading to our next destination: Château de Bonnemare.
The Château de Bonnemare is a hidden gem nestled in the Normandy countryside. Built in the 16th century, this stunning château has retained much of its original charm and offers guests a peaceful retreat in a historical setting. We spent hours exploring the expansive grounds and historic buildings, soaking in the serene atmosphere. The château even helped us secure dinner reservations at Les Saveurs du Liban, a nearby Lebanese restaurant in the town of Les Andelys.
Les Andelys is a picturesque town on the banks of the Seine River, with charming streets and rich history. One of the highlights of our visit to Les Andelys was a trip to the hilltop overlooking the town, the Seine River and Château Gaillard, a fortress built by Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century. Perched on the highest point above the town, the château once served as a critical defense point during conflicts between the French and the English. The views from the top were stunning, with the river winding its way through the valley below.
Returning to Château de Bonnemare in the evening, we enjoyed a glass of wine on the back lawn, waiting for the sunset. As we reminisced about the incredible places we had seen that day and the previous 7 months, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences this trip has brought us. We definitely enjoyed this get away from the ship that was both unique and very relaxing.
JULY 25, 2024 – LE HAVRE, FRANCE (Day 228)
After a delightful breakfast in the grand kitchen of Château de Bonnemare, we set off on our final day of exploration before heading back to the ship. The French countryside was calling, and we were excited to soak up more of the region’s charm.
Our first stop was Veules-les-Roses, a quaint village nestled near the coast. The drive there was incredibly scenic, with lush agricultural fields lining the roads and bursts of color from hydrangeas everywhere. When we arrived, Veules-les-Roses exceeded our expectations. This charming village was filled with flowers, especially notable were the roses that lined the streams, creating a picturesque scene that felt like stepping back in time. The cottages were beautiful, many with thatched roofs and half-timbered exteriors, adding to the fairytale-like atmosphere.
We spent time walking through the narrow streets, enjoying the peace and beauty of this hidden gem. It felt like the perfect way to experience the quieter, more rural side of France. For lunch, we visited a local deli and picked up fresh French baguette bread, along with ham and cheese in preparation for a simple picnic later.
Our next destination was the coastal town of Etretat, known for its striking white cliffs and natural rock formations. One of the cliffs, in particular, is shaped like an elephant’s trunk dipping into the sea. We found a shaded little city park with picnic tables, where we sat down to enjoy our lunch of ham and cheese baguettes with chips. This is France!
After a leisurely afternoon, it was time to return our rental car in LeHavre. Reflecting on the day, we had no regrets about skipping a trip to Paris. Instead, we spent time exploring the parts of France that truly resonated with us—its charming villages, scenic coastlines, and peaceful countryside. It was the perfect ending to our time in France before returning to the ship for the next leg of our world adventure.
JULY 26, 2024 – SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND (Day 229)
Our 14th of 17 legs completed. See Leg 15 Notes for comments! Turnaround Day
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Brian K and Gwenda G Smith
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