La Rochelle, France...and the final day

I am waiting for a washing machine to become free having just been cleared by a British official to enter Heathrow tomorrw. Phil is just getting started - they do the passenger clearance procedure by alphabetical order so I went first. To me it is a mark of this cruise line that they try to make every official thing smoother and easier - and it succeeds. (Still, the only lousy thing is the coffee!)
Yesterday we were in La Rochelle, France which is a lovely old port town. Although it is quite a vacation spot with wonderful cafes and three actual ports, public gardens, and beaches, we took a tour into the country to what is called the 'Green Venice'. This is a series of small canals further interior where cattle is raised. The drive was beautiful, passing very old towns with small white houses. It reminded me of the movie 'Manon of the Spring'. The area was green and lush and many places had lovely gardens growing.
Once in the town of our destination, we took an hour long flat boat ride. The boats held about 7 to 10 passengers and were poled. The young man guiding our boat could not speak English. Phil translated back and forth for the boat and had his moment of glory. He did a fabulous job (though nobody gave him a tip afterward!) - everybody was quite impressed and Big Ma was very proud of him!
The canals are full of life: birds, fish, and some mammals (we did not actually see any of these) as well as various trees, etc. It was so quite and peaceful. When sediment sits on the bottom of the canal, methane is created. At one point the guides stir up the methane and light it. It is really interesting. They apparently tell children not to mess around in the canals and say the 'red hand' will come up and get them! It was a lovely day.
Prior to our final formal dinner on board the captain had a farewell party. Cocktails, music, and a presentation/speech. This cruise line is known for maintaining a formal culture and that was very much in evidence in the gowns and etc. seen last night. The meal was also fabulous. Our very rowdy table was, again, the last to leave the dining room! Another passenger passed us on her way out and remarked that we are laughing all the time.
Today we are packing (I would prefer to do that with clean clothes). We have an exhibit of the art made on the ship in which I am displaying the bowl I made. I also hope to get one more swim in the pool. Perhaps I will give my stomach a rest before travel tomorrow - on to Zurich! (I already know that we will be attending a couple of parties as well as seeing all of the family's favorite places). I also hope to get photos on here, finally! Bon Voyage.