Orchestra Trip Report Part 2

I woke up at 6 am as we passed by the lighthouse guarding Villefranche entrance. It was dawn and gorgeous. We got up and prepared for breakfast and going ashore, as the Villefranche port time was supposed to be 0700-1400 and we planned to go to Nice.

My first mistake was not getting tender tickets as soon as we went to breakfast, but we didn't know what a pain it was going to be. We went to breakfast and got our tender tickets. The first tender left at 8 am so we had already lost an hour! We waited for the "kids" to go to breakfast and it was 9:45 before we got to Villefranche.

My husband didn't want to take bus and the lady at the port said a taxi would only cost 15 euros, so we went out to get one but there were none to be had. My daughter told me they didn't want to take a chance on getting back to the tenders by 1 pm and they were skipping Nice. That did not make me happy.

We walked toward the bus stop, my husband and I looking for the #100 bus, but all we saw was the #80. A lady saw our dilemma and tried to help, but only spoke French so that was hopeless. Then my husband started wandering off behind the kids, and it became apparent to me he wasn't going either.

I should have gone myself - I had REALLY looked forward to the morning market - but instead I walked the length of the Villefranche waterfront in the sunny 70 degree weather. They sat in a bar on the water. I walked around in town a little and that was it. I was pretty depressed about the whole thing and was back on board at noon. I sure wish I had gone myself!

Sat on the balcony two hours later as we passed Nice close enough to touch it. Everything was beautiful and I'll get back there someday. I won't lie - I had some choice words for my husband that afternoon! I went down to the casino before the smoke got bad and soon walked off 39 euros richer! That made me feel better.

It was raining and rough as we traveled the coast and I was glad the small balcony was covered and dry. We met at La Cantinella Wine Bar an hour before dinner and they served complimentary mixed drinks! A nice surprise. Another nice dinner of salmon and shrimp, shellfish bisque, ravioli, beef (overdone), and gelato. We again left with wine and wandered through the lounges, all of which are gorgeous and comfortable. WSe never spent money in the lunges because we always left the dining room with wine! We skipped the show but heard later it was very good.

It was very rough that night with 90 mph wind gusts so it was 3 am before I could get to sleep. Luckily our port time in Valencia started at 1230 the next day.

The buffet's coffee was worse than usual that morning so I sprung for due capuccini instead. It was about 2 euro per capuccino. Gorgeous 75 degree weather when we disembarked in Valencia at 12:30. But of course, everything was closing for the afternoon siesta! We took a taxi to downtown for 10 euros but things were closing up so we splurged on a wonderful meal, sitting outside near the central market. When in Valencia, have paella where it was created, right? We had it with shellfish and it was excellent. The Sangria was strong and delicious. My son-in-law had the most delicious steak I've ever tasted, and we all had wonderful salads as well. The 140 euro bill was less than we've paid in Italy and we left full and pleased. (The restaurant was called Ocho y Meno which means Eight and a Half)

We wandered around, fascinated by all the little deli type places with all kinds of paella in the windows. My son-in-law bought a little dress for his niece and it was 9 euros. Everything was very reasonable, but as I said, most places were closed. So we ended up sitting outdoors at a cafe, and much to my surprise my high school Spanish jumped right out of my mouth as I ordered us drinks and answered the waitress's friendly questions about our visit so far. Three beers and a cafe were only 8.15 euros so Valencia is definitely cheaper than Italy!

When we returned to the ship at 4:30, most were back and complaining about having a port time when everything was closed. The port times were definitely my biggest complaint - not enough time and at the wrong time!

Dinner was good - seafood salad, soup, lasagna, fish, and Zuppa Italiana, the complete "Chef's Selection" from the menu. This meal made me check out the treadmills in the fitness center afterward!

We had made friends with the diners to the left and right of us. Both were from Switzerland but the ones to the left spoke French and English and the ones to the right spoke German and English. That night's show was Cirque du Soleil and very good!

More soon!