drron29

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.

Now back to the winery. And in the kitchen they are busy preparing some of our meal. Then to the barrel room. This is not a large operation. Some aging in Oak but some traditional methods as well. The small barrels are "experiments"

It was vintage time so quite busy. The family have a great business model. The vineyard has been in the families hands for ~ 100 years. Some of the family migrated to NYC where they have 2 chains of Italian restaurants. 1 upmarket,1 downmarket. 70% of the vineyard output goes to NYC. We had some snacks before going to visit the vineyard. The majority of the grapes are Sangioverse but they do have some merlot,shiraz and pinot grigio. This building is now a university but major subjects are hospitality and wine making.

Most of Livorno is Industrial and most of the buildings are post WW2 as most of the place was destroyed in the war. But it wasn't long before we were out of the city. There is a huge US base not far from Livorno -Camp Darby. And we reach our destination. And our host.

The next morning we awoke in Livorno,Italy. We were off on a S.A.L.T. excursion which are meant to give you a taste of local culture and the food of the area. It was to be an Italian BBQ feast at a winery in the Tuscan Hills. But first shots from the bus on our drive to the vineyard.

Another triple jumper. First in Antarctica January 2011. the 6 months later in Svalbard and finally South Georgia some years later. Absolutely loved it. Though in Svalbard I was possibly the one responsible for the introduction of the belt. From the Explorer back then just a rope tied around your waist. I asked the crew member if she was used to tying men up and she replied in the affirmative. It was the wife of an SS Expedition leader. Jumped in and the rope came off. Fortunately no problem. in fact allowed me a little time to have a short swim. The endorphins really kick in and the rum after makes it a wonderful experience. No cold water experience for me as the sea temperature in these parts usually ~ 20C.

That night was the "Queen" show by the Voices of Silversea and they did a pretty good job. However this was another example of cost cutting. We initially booked this as an 18 day cruise but a few months ago it became 2 9 day cruises. Now SS policy is if a cruise is over 10 days 2 guest artists can be used (and paid for ). So this splitting into 2 9 day cruises meant they didn't have to pay any guest entertainers and the shows on the second 9 day sector were exactly the same as the first 9 days. But I was in the first row for this one. Since the cruise I have heard the contract for the present set up ends soon and the rumour is the entertainers will be sourced from RCL who now own Silversea. It almost certainly be an improvement.

The food. As you can see we ate mostly waygu and lobster. But this night there was an incident that riled me. Silversea does have a dress code at night and men are required to wear jackets. It is slowly being ground down but most wear good slacks and a collared shirt. But this night a loud Australian poked his head in and saw 6 empty seats so sat down and made a phone call. He was wearing a t shirt,shorts and thongs. The Maitre'D told him he couldn't sit there as the seats were booked. With a few choice words the fellow left but 10 minutes later the F&B manager came in and began tearing strips of the Maitre'D right beside me. He asked if indeed the seats were booked and was told yes for 8.30 pm. Right If they don't turn up I will be instructing the guest to come back and you will seat him and he is not to be forced to change. Well in the room that night was the passenger feedback for the first sector of this cruise. I didn't mince words and told them Maitre'Ds are right to try and enforce the dress code and management should not interfere. The dress code was enforced mostly for the rest of the time we were on board and 2 of the Maitre'Ds became our best buddies. At least the shorts and thongs were no longer apparent. But I do wonder what might happen to the F&B manager.

Dinner that night was in the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki which incurs an extra charge of $40 a head. Basically not worth it as lunch here is with no surcharge and is very good. Here is the menu. I might have indulged in too much sake!

When back on board it was up to the pool deck for a light lunch. Mrsdrron had a toasted sandwich And I think it was chicken and avo and mine was a simple burger. And then a few more shots of Menton.

Now back on the bus. Back on the tender.

Truly an amazing place. Nearly at the end. Now walking back to the bus.

The Baroness was a ruthless collector. A really extensive porcelain collection. as well as paintings sculptures and religious art. As well according to our guide being very good at entertaining her friends.

The last of the garden. Now some free time to explore the villa.

Good views from various places around the garden. Then into the Japanese section.

It was then time for a walk around the gardens. Very extensive gardens and often nice shade. Altough the severe heat of summer had gone temperatures were still 28-30C. The Goldfinger house.

We arrive at the villa. We were off inside to start with morning tea. A bit sad as when you book with a Virtuoso agent you usually have a Virtuoso agent as a host. Ie getting a freebie. This time it was a pair of sisters and they were useless. We had to announce our presence to them after they came to our table to say hello to a NZ couple who were Virtuoso clients. Unfortunately they were on a few of our excursions and they were the ones who were always last back to the bus. Thank goodness we took the OBC instead of a Virtuoso excursion. Sadly these were not for us.

It was another tender port and then we were off to the Villa Ephrussi De Rotschild. Many went to Monaco but it holds no interest for me. Beside on this excursion we drove around it anyway so can say we have seen it. So from the bus on a lengthy ride. They call this a beach? A distant view of Monaco. And then we wizz around it. Many of the new buildings are built with Russian money. And then we were there. Some good views then a walk up to the villa.

The next morning we were steaming in to Menton France.