drron29

I loved the hills and rocks. When we got to the main part of the port we all got off and did a little wander before walking back up the hill to the bus.

Unfortunately IMHO nature would be better. We were taken to a cafe for a drink. Very limited choice. I did get a beer but it came just like this. Then back up the hill to the bus to take us to the trolley. Scenes from the trolley "train". A tractor pulling a few simple carriages. Basically boring and it went quite fast.

The last of the old village. At least some nice natural scenery before reaching the coast. Nearing our destination.

We went inside the major structure.

Arriving at the Nuraghe Village. Dates from BC times and built at about the time the Great Pyramids were being built. Impressive building skills.

We cruised back to back segments on the Dawn in August and told daily temperature checks would no longer be done from the 19th August due to a SS policy change.

On our cruise there were no hosted tables as usual pre covid. The officers could invite people to dine with them but as far as I can remember only 1 officer did. Crew always wore masks then.

So I guess this is not the thread where I say I found 2 boxes of Dutch cigars whilst cleaning up and will bring them along for anyone who wants them?

Another day,another port. Today Olbia Sardinia. Today we were off to Costa Esmeralda and a train trolley ride. The first part of the excursion was good, the second part not. So again shots from the bus first. This is a polo field.

I see that WC 2024 is calling in at Mooloolaba on the beautiful Sunshine coast of Queensland. Will make sure we are there to give everyone a wave.

Her first major break came as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator in Japan. She came back to NYC and went to dance school where she fell for her instructor. Yes Dimitri again. However he left with another man. She did appearin a few Broadway shows but only once got to the final audition of 2 for the female lead. Her memory of the person who got the role might be a little coloured. Now she did get an audience member up on stage but it was her husband. But then I had my moment having got a message from 1 of the 4 officers to stand up as Miss Vicki announced the show was over which I dutifully did. She turned and looked at me and said-sit down you are going no where in a hurry. I was proud to be laughed at. So that is the end of the show and our second day in Livorno.

That evening I went to our Cruise Director's show. We both really like Miss Vicki though some are the opposite. Our last pre covid cruise was with her as CD. She celebrated Covid by getting remarried to a Frenchman in the management team at viking so she moved there as a CD for a while but didn't like the vibe so recently moved back to Silversea. She is first a singer, learnt to dance but is a great comedienne. Her show is called Ship happens and tells her life story. Although that story doesn't change the show sure does.. Pre covid she always got members of the audience up on stage but that is now Verboten. Sadly meals with officers is also not allowed now as a routine. This show also featured Dimitri the Ukrainian opera singer who made a great straight man even though most of his part was playing a gay man. Once again I was in the front row. The crew member that went around disinfecting the ship when very few of us were out and about did a little cameo with all his equipment. Just along from me were 4 officers. They had no idea why they were told to be present. They soon found out. They were the source of many one liners such as -poor Dan doesn't knpw where to put his hand.

You get a plate of corn chips with dips to start. We then often share a Caesar salad. Rojaan had the lamb because she can cook it close to well done whilst I always have a steak as it is the one place I can have it blue without announcing it to the world. For dessert Rojaan had the fruit salad whilst I had the apple and cinnamon rose. A delightful dinner. We had invited a solo German woman to share it with us. She had sat alonside us one night in the main restaurant and we asked if she would join us which she did. That was a great night hence the second dinner together.

That night it was dinner on the Pool Deck where they do Hot Rocks. We do like this.

After lunch we did go for a walk around Deck 10. the smallest ferry we saw.

Then to my favourite place for lunch on the ship, Kaiseki

Passed some time watching ship movements as well as our ship being refuelled. The weather certainly was miserable. Later talking to those who had gone to Pisa was that the rain was heavy and everyone got soaked. Some new flowers today.

Some not so good news that afternoon. Our visit to Palermo was cancelled for the next day due to a severe storm. So the ship spent an extra day in Livorno. Although they did put on excursions we both decided on a day of rest. Taking the shuttle into the centre of town was dismissed as we saw nothing there to interest us. So the next day started the same way as every other day except a bit later. Breakfast in the Arts cafe. We would have a fruit plate to share,a cronut each and a cappucino though this day I also had a salmon panini.

Just to show that each day in the main dining room, Atlantide, they do have a few dishes of the day so that you are not stuck with the same menu every day.I had the foie gras dish and then have totally forgotten what my main was. Mrsdrron had the lobster and some ice cream. We didn't need a big meal. It was late until late so a couple more shots from our room.

More of Livorno. And back to the ship. There were a couple of cruise ships that arrived late.

Marble quarries. And back to Livorno. We drove back through the centre of Livorno.

They had some interesting products from their neighbours but they aren't allowed to sell it. However with the neighbours they have been housing immigrants who are doing most of the work on their properties. And now it was time to leave. A very good time was had by all of us.

And our great group. The view from the table then dessert. Then a stroll around the veggie garden that hadn't liked the heat.

And so it continues.

Now outside to the cooking. Some of it in a Tandoor which isn't just Indian but is an old Sicilian way of cooking also. Flatbreads and chicken. And so we start to eat. First some wild boar ragout on the flatbread. And the menu with wines. The sparkling handled slightly differently to most.