Musings…

 Thinking I might have seen enough Greek and Roman temples by now.  Surprisingly though, just when I’ve felt a little jaded, each new archaeological site has brought unexpected delights.  Admiring the tenacity of some of our disabled and elderly passengers.  There’s so much walking, often involving hills and cobblestones, as well as climbing steps, but yet they somehow manage to keep up.

Visiting wonderful old Sicilian towns, most with histories dating from the 6th century BC.  Wow! Regretting not wearing a hat yesterday just to avoid ‘hat (aka “flat”) hair’.  Waking up with a heat headache the next morning is not fun.  Goodbye vanity – hello hat!

Feeling so much better after an al fresco breakfast of fruit salad and muesli, orange juice, scrambled eggs and bacon eaten on deck.

Enjoying the cool sensation of the wind in my hair on deck (on my way to the Captain’s Cocktail Party). Missing everyone at home … just a bit :-))

Searching for a wireless hot-spot every time we go ashore.  The ship is not equipped with wi-fi and it’s impossible  to upload photos via the computers provided for passengers to check emails.  Help!  I’m suffering ‘blog withdrawal’!  (Though if you’re reading this you’ll know I’ve had my ‘fix’.)

Stitching whenever I can find the opportunity to work on my applique border for the Whirligig quilt. Discovering a few quilters on board, most of whom have identified me as a fellow patchworker by my selvedge bag.

Eating  often!  Gelato (by the tonne), freshly-caught fish, pasta, pizza, and all kinds of salads.

Walking great distances (hopefully burning off those calories!) and feeling fitter with each day. Reading Mary McCarthy’s "’Venice Observed’ as we cruise ever closer to ‘La Serenissima’, our splendid destination.

Listening to ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ on my iPod, usually while I stitch away at my applique.

Appreciating engaging lectures by entertaining academic Dr Richard Wilson (Oxford) on the history of the Mediterranean and passionate food writer Clarissa Hyman (author of ‘Cucina Siciliana’) on the various regional cuisines. Looking out on Dubrovnik shining in the early morning sun and waiting to be called to go ashore by tender for another walking tour. Loving the whole experience and thanking God for the opportunity to be here.