At Sea – Contemplation

Well, we are well under way to Barcelona, Spain home to the 1992 summer Olympic(tm) games.  At this point in the journey – with about two weeks to go – I thought this might be an opportune time to reflect on some of the amazing things we’ve seen thus far.

Highlight #1 – London

Despite some of the nasty comments we’ve heard about London over the years (high costs etc) we found it very pleasant (despite the weather) and very “old world”.  The Tower Bridge and Parliament (with Big Ben) were a special treat, and as equally awe inspiring as St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

Highlight #2 – The Celebrity Equinox

Our home for the past week is simply quite amazing.  A blend of old world elegance (fine dining, service) and the modern world (Internet, Lawn Deck, Full Day Spa).  This home-away-from-home has been a stable security blanket while we have been ashore.  It has been exceptionally worthy of more than one photograph and the meals aboard have been first class.

Highlight #3 – Mont St Michel

What more can be said?  This is truly one of the “must see” destinations in France, if not Europe.  A totally bizarre visage on the horizon gives way to a quaint (tourist-filled) village at the foot of a beautifully built Abbey with views to die for.  It was exactly how I had pictured it in my mind’s eye, since I first saw a picture of it in my year 8 history class, about seventeen years ago.

Having said all that, it’s not all been peachy.  Here’s a couple of unfortunate events we’ve encountered.

Lowlight #1 – Heathrow Terminal 3

Well, almost as bad as losing your luggage.. My bag fell off the conveyor belt and we almost missed our transport to the hotel.  It ended up costing us an extra 10 pounds to the driver.

Lowlight #2 – Gibraltar Cable Car

What an unfortunate event.  Whether it was closed due to strong winds, a mechanical issue or for a wedding party, we’ll never know.  But – just as unlikely – we’ll also probably get to see the view from the top, which is disappointing.

Lowlight #3 – Cartagena

We had the unfortunate luck of arriving on a religious and national holiday (as well as being a Saturday), so nothing was really open save a few restaurants and the odd convenience store.  The major attractions (not that many) were open, but it was probably the least interesting port of call.

We’re also going to be calling in to Barcelona on a Sunday, which might mean some shops and attractions (such as the Barcelona markets) will not be open/available.

So far.. The trip has been really quite exciting.  We’ve had some terribly interesting tours, and great luck with the traffic on the roads.  Tonight is another formal night, so it is now time for me to prepare, and to don suit and tie once more.

I’ve included a few photos from the trip – some of our favourites (thus far!).  Leave a comment if you like any of them in particular, and we’ll post up a few more related ones.

Adieu, and check back soon for more from us.. on the Mediterranean Sea.