To back up a second, \240I really surprised myself, actually amazed myself, that I have fallen in love with Miami Beach! The healthy, relaxed, sun drenched environment suits me (for now) so I decided to purchase a beautiful condo, in a building still under construction. In fact, \240I can’t move in till late 2024. Fingers crossed on that😃. The lease on the fabulous oceanfront apartment I have lived in for the past 18 months (most of you have seen it) expired on October 1st. \240So, since I have some down time I decided to do some exploring during the next year. \240 My first stop has been a fantastic 2 weeks in New York City. \240I lucked out to have spectacular cool fall weather. \240My walks in the park have been energizing and eating in all my favorite spots fattening! \240Museums, shopping and people watching has been entertaining!

Trees haven’t started to change yet but fall is definitely in the air!

Tomorrow, Cynthia and I, begin a one month adventure! \240We fly off to Lisbon Portugal 🇵🇹 tomorrow evening. \240A couple days in Lisbon and on Monday, 10/16 we board our ship, the Silver Nova, for a 22 day cruise through the Mediterranean. Concentrating on Sisley, Sardinia and North Africa. \240We are hoping that recent current events will be far from a problem yet not far from our minds as we carry on. \240This world is so crazy. \240I’m happy to get away from the pathetic politics in my own country but unhappy that I’m going to a region that has such upheaval. \240I shall keep you posted on all that.

So ..lots of Journo entries in your future. \240As always, just delete if not interested.

I’m excited for this first leg. This marvelous cruise on a Silversea ship with my great friend and fellow troublemaker Cynthia. I know we will make it a hysterical adventure! \240After that, I’ll be back in NYC on 11/13 for the Thanksgiving holiday. \240Then off to Los Angeles to drive Zoey and Jeff crazy for 2 whole months! Then off to England to drive Vic and Jen crazy for 3 whole months! Then.. who knows.

I’ll post often. \240Love to all,

Pam

we Iove a good tuk tuk!

Nice overview of Lisbon. \240As you can see, clouds rolling in and getting chilly. Really a gorgeous ancient city with a rich history. We got to see most of the neighborhoods and interesting sights before the rain came down in buckets and we were forced back to our hotel.

A very colorful portrait!

Cynthia, of course taking the most attractive photos of me!

A little better…..

We spent the balance of the afternoon at the The Museum of Antiquities of Portugal (or something like that) which was amazing if not a bit on the heavy religious art paintings. Cynthia got a bit overwhelmed 😁

After a couple of cocktails in our lobby bar we walked down the Avinade Liberdade to an excellent little restaurant where we ate paella with the best chili oil I have ever tasted!

I could have drank this stuff!

It is now Monday afternoon and we get picked up to board our ship in an hour! So excited. \240My next post from the Silver Nova out at sea!

Xoxox

It is now the 24th and my photos finally downloaded while I was in Cagliari Sardinia!

On Board the Silver Nova!

10/16 to 10/20

that’s Lisbon behind her.

Bidding farewell to Lisbon on Monday afternoon we had a smooth entry to our ship. Very exciting. \240At first glance it looked much larger than the last Silver Sea ship we took to Norway, The Silver Moon. And it is! \240This cruise accommodates about 750 passengers vs The Norway ship was 596. \240However, once we got on board and started exploring you hardly notice the extra 150 people. \240All the public spaces are slightly larger but extremely well appointed. Absolutely beautiful!

Cynthia and I checked out our staterooms and then explored from top to bottom - much familiar but some wonderful new additions. So many new bars and new comfortable quiet rooms to sit and read and write!

the Panorama bar. One of the largest and we we will play Trivial Pursuit at 4:45 daily

our beautiful staterooms.

So, you know I always have to bring some drama to my surroundings wherever I go and this trip is no exception!

As the rest of the afternoon got stormier the seas got rougher and rougher. \240The captain made an announcement at muster that we were in for 40mph winds and swells up to 20 feet over night and through the next day! Ugh. Fortunately, I came stocked with dramamine and acupressure dots for behind my ear. \240We made it through that evening and actually got a good night sleep without incident or illness. The following day was to be a full day at sea as we sail for Cádiz, Spain. \240Cynthia and I planned to meet after the first lecture in the Venetian auditorium. \240The swells were enormous and it was not easy to walk or stand! \240But I had to take a shower! \240Disaster. \240As I was washing my hair, so not holding on to anything, we were hit by a huge wave that listed the ship sharply to the port side. I was literally flung out of the shower glass door backwards for approximately 5 feet, slamming into the far wall. Slammed my hip into the toilet, both arms into towel racks and counters and back of head into the wall! \24010 second video below shows the trajectory I took and where I landed.

Laying stunned for a few minutes I got up to assess the damage and get back into the shower to rinse off. \240Not a pretty picture - bruising already started but no broken bones or ripped skin. \240OYE! \240I got it together, got dressed and reported the fall to our wonderful butler, Rowena. \240Apparently I wasn’t the only calamity of that rogue wave. \240We heard stories through the day of the damage to china and glasses and other items not nailed down! \240Anyway.. I have stumbled through the past couple days with gloriously colorful bruises and a huge lump on my butt. Lots of aches and pains but, hey… it could have been a lot worse. My skull could have slammed into that towel bar. The staff was quite concerned but I refused to go to the infirmary which, at my age I knew there was nothing they could do. \240I just had to take the Tylenol and heal! \240I got free chocolate covered strawberries from the captain and a free Silversea robe and many messages from all concerned. \240I must say I have had a touch of PTSD from the experience but all is well now. \240Yikes 😱 you just can’t believe the trouble I get into!

I did manage a short walking tour of Cadiz the next day and Cynthia and I enjoyed some poolside time. It can only get better from here, right!

Cathedral in Cadiz was one of the most elegant of the hundreds I’ve seen around the world.

I went to a wonderful presentation by a world class Flamenco group. \240I can’t believe the level of athletisism required to dance like this

A little Sangria made those feet just blurrr

In Valencia we took a drive up to an ancient castle. Magnificent countryside. \240Cynthia made it to the top of the mountain while I chose to return to the cafe!

It was really quite a hike!

However.. \240we were rewarded with a truly amazing lunch of authentic Valencia paella! Delicious. Served with Many bottles of great wine!

Those are red peppers not hot dogs on the paella 😁

People, all strangers are starting to loosen up. Having to share great food and wine together goes a long way to making friends! \240The demographic of the 700 passengers is interesting. \240While probably 70% people on board between 65 and 85, the other 30% are in there mid to late 50’s. \240Regardless, most everyone is fit and enthusiastic and raring to learn and experience the adventures we signed up for.

On Monday, the 23rd (one week at sea already!) We took a 1/2 day tour in Cagliari. It was quite hazy but we enjoyed the old town and had a good morning. \240My hair leaves a lot to be desired! It is growing out and is literally 1” white and 1” dark brown. Absolutely crazy but certainly unique!

Salt ponds of Cagliari

I enjoyed the walking tour through the colorful streets. There is an different feel here from our last two cities in Spain. I was not crazy about it.

This is for Eva! \240I thought this was a great costume idea. You could easily paint those eyes on your hands!

The flag of Sardinia is hysterical! It depicts the 4 \240heads of the Morish kings who were captured in a battle. They were blind folded before being decapitated. However, out of some kind of bizarre show of respect, they pulled the blindfolds up before putting the heads on the flag! \240Why didn’t they just leave them off?! And why 4 decapitated heads?? Anyway, I forgot to pack flip flops and these were all I could find. I’ll never be able to where them anywhere else!

A fun day in Cagliari!

After not such great photo opportunities on the mountain we carried on to a lovely beach town in the suburbs of Palermo called Modello. \240So peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. Great little restaurants and bars and not too crowded on a weekday.

Moving on, we re-enter Palermo for a tour of the Cathedral. Situated in the old part of the city it was magnificent.

The cathedral was great but I wish I had taken the tour of the Opera House! \240We only drove by it and it was the most beautiful building I have ever seen. I couldn’t even get a picture of it 😢

CREEPY JESUS

The fires in Sicily last July came right up to this site but did no damage thank goodness!

We have been so darn lucky with the weather since our first night at sea. \240It is never hotter than 80, usually more like 72, and always a nice cloud cover.

This sad looking planter box is an art installation. Once explained to me I actually like it quite a lot.

This is Michaelangelo. \240He was like from central casting. Great thick Italian accent…. Always saying ..But a why? \240Very knowledgeable and his presentation of the historic facts was rich and exciting.

I think Cynthia had a crush on him 😁

Great picture not sure why so blurry!

Next stop was the medieval village of Erice. The Cathedral of St. (something) was wonderful.

After an incredible lunch of the local pasta, Buscate, and some chicken piccata (I can’t believe I have no pictures of that meal) we had some free time to wander the village.

White Lotus fans will recognize all the ceramic heads.

I am not the very best tourist when it comes to the little ear pieces we need to wear when walking around with our guides. My ears are just too small inside to keep the damn things in there!

I am really enjoying Sicily and hope to return here someday to enjoy more of the beautiful landscapes, the food and the history!

Cynthia took another full day excursion to see Mount Etna and Catania but I stayed in port and did my own walk through of Siracusa. \240What a charming and picturesque town. \240Old Roman ruins are everywhere. \240Not just Roman but Phoenician, Ottoman and every other culture who invaded here over the past 3000 years.

Literally every block in town has portions of the street blocked off to secure old ruins.

It was great fun to poke through all the market places.

A nice shot of the Silver Nova docked in Siracusa.

It looks so huge but I can’t express \240how cozy and comfortable it is. \240The 700 guests and probably another 1000 crew just dissembles throughout the ships many beautiful restaurants and bars and the library and spa. I have not once felt crowded in or had to wait for a table or a drink or anything!

I spent the rest of the afternoon reading in a lounge chair with this great view otown in front of me!

Ahhh. Life is grand.

So I’ve got to mention how many wonderful people we have become friends with. I think it’s a real social experiment on how people gravitate to like minded people and form there own groups. \240Some people wouldn’t think of braving the stern in any weather for their pre dinner cocktails and to chat about the days events. They head to the Panorama bar or the Venetian lounge. \240Others prefer the quiet of the Observation Deck bar or the Art Bar for high tea and coffees. \240Cynthia and I found our gang at the Dusk bar.

This is Meredith and Glenn from Adelaide Australia. \240At the end is Mary and Dick from Boston. \240We see them most evenings at 6 for some good laughs and to rehash everything we did that day.

This is Flower and Vickie who are on this ship all the way to New York, making the transatlantic crossing. \240They are celebrating their 20 year anniversary. \240They are so interesting. They have \240homes in Key West and New Orleans. Flower (in red glasses) is a laureate poet and Vickie has a big construction company that does government contracts.

Cliffs of Dingle. Many battle sevens filmed here and many of the dragon flying over cliffs scenes.

I took a rather crazy tour to see the filming sites used for the a lot of Game of Thrones episodes 😁. It was super fun.

This is MDena a beautiful medieval village on the west coast of Malta

The front gates of MDena were used as the entry gates to Kings Landing.

Over 250 people still live in Mdina. The doorways to apartments were fantastic.

This is where they filmed scenes of Little Fingers brothel. Remember the ladies hanging out in the shady balcony.

Another private residence

After MDena we traveled to San Antonio gardens. These are the most well planned gardens I have ever seen anywhere. They are the gardens of the presidential palace. They were also used in many of the walks through the garden that Little Finger and the big eunich (can’t remember his name) would take to plot all their deceptions.

Gates to the palace

Pictures just don’t do it justice

Damn that green container and bucket!

An excellent day.

Departing Malta

Yet another pictures of us two old bats with our wine at the Dusk bar. We sure are having fun.

Church of St Mary

This looked like a wonderful place to stay.

We ventured out early and the town was very quiet on a Saturday morning. Truly spectacular architecture.

All the cool cafe all still closed at this hour.

We walked a couple miles along the sea. \240She blends right into the scenery, doesn’t she!

Wonderful avenues, everyone picturesque. Very clean.

Cynthia buying souvenir handkerchiefs.

By noon the cafes started opening and things came alive! So lovely. \240We decided to stop for a Compari Spritz and bruschetta for 6 euros!

The bruschetta was fantastic as was the Compari Spritz!

The cutest dog in the world!

Our little cafe was just across from this cathedral. \240We just happened upon a large funeral happening. So dramatic! Watch this little video to see the sobbing widow. \240Cynthia said I was horrible for videoing this. 😃

Our cruise director, Vickie, was out to greet us this morning, which is unusual. \240She is just wonderful. \240She runs the Trivial Pursuit game in the afternoon and , I swear, she is like a stand up comedian! \240So funny. She is young and energetic and makes everyone smile. All the staff is great but she is special.

Another Roman amphitheater

Another UNESCO Heritage site of old Roman ruins in Carthage.

Wonderful vistas of the Mediterranean.

Lots of Roman ruins….

Another ancient cathedral..

As interesting as all this history is, can you tell I have seen maybe one too many Roman ruins! \240 After Carthage site we moved on to a lovely old village in the hillside called Sidi Bou Said. \240It was a great change of pace but quite a tourist trap. \240You had to get a bit tough with some of the vendors to leave you alone and not block your path! I hate that. Nevertheless, it was very picturesque and I enjoyed the look around.

Absolutely everything must be painted Blue or white

The narrow alleyways to the sea were lovely.

Most of the shops had the same junk but a few had excellent quality hand painted porcelain plates.

If they were able to ship I probably would have been in trouble.

Once again, another day of perfect weather.

The Tunisian flag.

Well, I can’t say I will be back to Tunisia any time soon but I was happy for the experience. \240Tomorrow is a full day at sea as we sail toward Palma de Mallorca. \240We will be back in Spain and have fun winery experience planned there. \240Cynthia and I plan to do NOTHING tomorrow but read or books and get massages.

First, her cooking pot was so cool. Made of clay

First the green onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil of course

Then adding cuddle fish diced and this soft kind of pork sausage

Next a small amount of fresh tomato sauce and then enough water to cook the rice. While the broth cooked for 45 minutes we got a tour of the vineyard and the small hotel they run.

Beautiful grounds.

Cynthia and I being silly and taking pictures of each other. \240After all its only 11am and we have had two glasses of wine already!

I look fat in this dress. I’m never wearing it again!

Fabulous wine cellar

What a great place this would be to spend a few nights and explore other parts of Mallorca.

After our tour, we returned to this lovely outdoor table to sample more wines and have appetizers.

There were only 12 of us on this trip and it was a very fun group…. Well, except for one couple from Texas!

I can’t believe neither of us got a picture of the paella when served. \240It was so beautiful and delicious. \240What a treat.

Almond cake with pomegranate seeds, fig and amazing grape. \240Incredible.

More wine and more wine and more excellent wine. \240A truly great day. And very nice to experience Mallorcan culture instead of history!

Look at this amazing creature. He is a stallion standing 16.3 hands and weighing 1200 pounds. He is as calm and gentle as can be. \240In this breed, they never have to geld the stallions because they never get aggressive. He is just 8 years old.

Sorry about the table and tissue box!….. BJ?

Sorry about the table and tissue box!….. BJ?

I know I’m short but I don’t even come up to his shoulder

This is a paddock of the pregnant mares. The mares on this ranch are never ridden or even broken! They have one job and that is to be pregnant for about 18 years. \240The stallions are all trained to dance and they collect semen from them every single day! They have 8 stallions on the ranch currently and over 125 mares.

The owner and operator of the breeding ranch,Pedro. He started it in 1960 and every member of his family works in some capacity for the business. \240They only do these tourist events for cruise ship guests during the season and do not allow any locals or other tourists in. \240It was voted the #2 most unique and interesting cruise tourist excursion in 2019.

We were served tapas and wine and treated to a wonderful demonstration of the athletic dance of the Andalusian.

Here is a short video of a paddock full of the mares and yearlings horsing around!

This was a very cool duet, \240a lovely flamenco dancer and another \240magnificent stallion. \240Quite a performance. \240We all agreed this was one of the best excursions we’ve taken.

After leaving the ranch we had the bus drop u off in the city center of Cartegena. \240We wandered around this beautiful spot. \240All the old town streets are granite.

Of course, we had to stop off for a late afternoon tapas lunch and a couple of cocktails. Yummm 😋 We cleaned up!

Nicoise, ham croquettes, vegetable gratin and the potato salad we did not like.

Departing Cartagena the weather turned to the very chilly side. \240Malaga tomorrow.

Lovely city on a bay. I should have taken a panoramic shot to show the skyline.

Another perfect weather day.

We are taken a tour of the highlights of Malaga this morning. First stop is Alcazaba, a palace built by Arab sultans. But then, of course taken over by the Romans. I was very impressive.

Beautiful examples of Moorish architecture and tile work.

A very serious tourist!

Spectacular landscaping.

Grand views of the city!

After the Alcazaba, we walked into the old town of Malaga.

We had a great guide, Juan (in blue). He was hysterical and quite flamboyant .Everything was so exciting to him. \240He must have said “Very Nice” a million times! I loved when he said ”being a tourist is very hard work” when some of the group complained about the long uphill climb in Alcazaba!

Bishops residence. Everything was colorful and very clean.

Malaga cathedral was fabulous.

Dozens of little chapels in the cathedral housing \240precious works of art.

I’m getting hungry. I can get a little grouchy.

Beautiful narrow alleyways.

Finally some food! I’m happy now.

After a quick snack and some free time to wander we got back on the bus to go to Gibralfaro Castle high in the hills to take in the magnificent views.

Malaga bull ring

Look at how busy the port is! 4 big cruise ships at once. No wonder the town was so damn crowded! The small one in the front is ours with only 700. The one behind us has 5290 guests and 1750 crew! Crazy. Lots of ships were diverted from Morocco I guess.

Another great day in Spain. \240We met up with our friends at the Dusk Bar for an hour and then shared a pizza at the Grille.

Tomorrow will be day two in Malaga. We heard that 4 more cruise ships would be arriving overnight. \240I decided I was going to take a full day off and stay on the ship to read!

Too bad the bar doesn’t open till 2pm 😐

This is the Venetian Lounge where all the lectures take place as well as shows. It can seat all 700 passengers. Very comfy spot.

The on board gym is small but well equipped. \240I didn’t see much of it!

This is the Art Cafe which serves coffees and tea as well as a variety of morning pastries, high tea sandwiches and scones and delicious baguette sandwiches all day 7am to 9pm. \240You never go hungry!

Our favorite staff. Dusk Bar bartenders Putu and Eduardo. \240I don’t know that girl, she just got in the picture.

Fabulous sunset departing Malaga Friday evening.

So a smooth overnight cruise from Malaga to Gibraltar.

This closeup shows all the caves that developed over milinium.

Our first stop was to St. Michaels caves which boast beautiful stagtites and stalagmites.

A bit over the top with the addition of all the colored lights and classical music booming through cave!

All around the preserve at the top of the rock are these wild monkeys. Gross. Cynthia and I aren’t fans of monkeys and kept clear.

The only thing that separates Gibraltar from Spain is an RAF airport runways. \240As you can see they stop the planes for people and bicycles to cross back and forth. So odd.

We also took in The Gorham cave, another UNESCO heritage site, where they are finding 1000’s of Neanderthal artifacts. Pretty cool!

Very chilly here.

Next stop was a great wine pairing at a local restaurant. Dick and Mary were on our excursion so we had great fun.

I was exhausted when we returned from our tour and decided to just stay in my room. \240Getting a bit of a cold I think blahhhh 😖

So I missed being in this wonderful shot of the gang. \240Great view of “the rock” too!

Next day was a day at sea! \240We hit some really rough weather and had swells up to 30 feet all afternoon. \240Very exciting. \240I’m sure glad I don’t get sea sick anymore. \240I was very careful to always be holding on to something and I did NOT take a shower!

Beautiful rainbow just off my balcony

Tomorrow we dock back in Lisbon. \240We weren’t suppose to arrive back here until tomorrow but due to the Morocco cancellation we get an extra day in Lisbon. \240We are going to take a small boat cruise up the coast.

Tomorrow we disembark. \240I will be very sad to leave my ship and my cozy quarters and my new friends!

However, Cynthia and I are going up to Porto for two days and to the Douro Valley for to 2 days before we head back to NYC. \240I’ll send one more post of those adventures.xoxox

Only picture I took of the hotel lobby. \240I loved this sculpture.

Look at those feet!

Sadly, Wednesday arrives with lots of rain…. All day long! No worries. \240We did a grand tuktuk tour with a smart and funny guide, Vanessa. \240She took us all over the city to all the beautiful sites. \240I just love the feel of this town. You can feel its charm and warmth even in the downpours.

Not great for taking pictures I am afraid.

We crossed the river Duoro and had a brief break in the rain to get some overview shots. \240It’s not too cold or windy so we were comfortable.

Beautiful river and city. \240Those black boats bring the wine and port casks down the river from the wineries to be stored in the caves in Porto.

Old police garrison.

Vanessa and her tuktuk

Look at the magnificent train station. Splendid.

More splendid tile work

Such a colorful city. \240I really like it here and look forward to returning.

Thursday morning we are picked up by another driver to take us on our next and final adventure to the heart of Portugues winemaking in the Duoro Valley.

My magician realtor, Rocio, recommended we stay at a beautiful hotel called the Six Senses. \240OMG.. best best best!

Surrounded by vineyards in every direction. Stunning. Still raining however.

Duoro River Valley from hotel.

Very understated entrance to the resort. \240I swear this is some of the best food, service and wines I have ever had!

Friday morning Cynthia and I took a good hike around the extensive property. Miles of good walking trails and many more serious trails for full day hikes. Rain let up for our walk which was lucky!

The colors of the vines at this time of year are magical.

Glorious

We had a relaxing afternoon reading in the bar and had a delicious dinner. Wish my taste buds were a bit more energetic but this cold is inhibiting them 😟

Saturday morning! Last day of our journey! \240Even though it is still raining and chilly we decide to take a two hour boat ride up the Duoro to see all the vineyards along the river.

We board the Duoro Vela.

Wow, what a great trip! \240Our last excursion! \240I don’t know what I will do from now on without some planned “excursion” for the following day!! \240Haha

A good luck rainbow to end our trip

They did serve us a couple of lovely glasses of port. \240We had a few moments of sun but a wonderful morning.

Our Captain and guide in the cabin. Wonderful shot of Cynthia. \240She looks about 20 years old! \240I hate her really.

So that’s it folks! \240We are being picked up in an hour to head back down to Lisbon where we stay in some dreadful airport hotel. \240We depart at 10am tomorrow for NYC. \240I can’t believe this past 6 weeks went so fast but I had a spectacular travel experience and look forward to my next adventures.

I’ll spend 3 weeks in NYC, through Thanksgiving, before I head to California for 2 months. \240I will post over the holidays to let \240everyone know what I am doing and wish you all the best of the holidays.

❌⭕️