our midway point

So...I could NOT avoid getting the cold Phil brought on board with him...and am eating dinner in our stateroom alone so as not to disturb the other guests! Actually, I am coughing up a storm and am trying to relax - it is sort of a relief to cough in private!

And yet, the pace has not quieted much...

Yesterday we awoke in Gibraltar where we spent half a day. Phil and I took a bus tour with a local guide - we went up to the top of the city on a gondola to see the rock and the gorgeous views of Spain and (almost) Africa. We walked from there along roads to St. Michael's caves. I did not know about the monkeys who inhabit the island - there are about 300 and they are all protected by the government. They tend to hang around where visitors buy snacks and will snatch anything they can. Later a woman on the cruise told a group of us that a baby monkey had bitten her! They are totally free and often do jump onto people's shoulders but we saw none of this. The cave itself was not unlike other caves I have been in - somehow I am happy inside caves!

Our guide loves the things that grow along the roads and was able to point out the various plants. It is quite similar to the vegetation of San Antonio and even reminds me of the area in that it is made of limestone and has a similar climate. We then went into some of the tunnels dug in the base of the rock for protection. We learned quite a bit of the history here.

The best part was when our guide (Moira) told us the silly things people have asked her - as the woman who asked her where she could find the rock! The rock, basically, IS Gibraltar! There is a platform for photographs where Moira told us all about the rock!

In the afternoon we were back on the ship, headed for Portugal. I completed my clay project and now have origami and my clay bowl in the room...and tomorrow I want to create a project using a new clay technique. More fun than doing the activities is meeting new friends! My clay 'partner-in-crime' is the mom of the head concierge on the ship. She is from Australia and we have really hit it off.

Today was a very special treat. We were met right off the ship in Lisbon by a dear friend of the Gut family who lived for a while in Zurich but is Portuguese. Her name is Patch Portugal (yes!) and she was accompanied by her boyfriend Georges and her daughter and son in law. We all (including Big Ma and Marlyse) went to a famous Lisbon cafe for coffee and pastry (and Portuguese coffee is quite excellent and strong). The pastry is a sort of custard in bread but totally amazing...then the family went on to do their own outings while Patch took us on a driving tour with various stops. Lisbon is very very hilly. The old section is filled with homes/apartments over shops, mostly quite narrow buildings and many made of tile. The colors are pastels: greens, blues, pinks, yellows. The streets are quite narrow and very much alive! Even many of the sidewalks are made of tile. At intersections there are small parks and many churches. We entered two of the churches to see the many periods of architecture, incredible paintings, and the detailed stained glass windows. Part of this city is quite new and the growth astounds even the residents. There are so many museums. The day was punctuated with lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant where Georges, Patch's son, and George's son and wife and adorable grandson all joined us. They ordered various foods that are 'typical' - I fell in love with a rice dish with duck in it. We just tried everything they ordered. After a large meal (and we tasted wines and beers as well), there was the obligatory coffee and more pastries!

What is totally amazing is the command all these people have of English. I sat near the younger people (the better to enjoy 1 1/2 yr old Alfonso) and I identified the Spanish words I knew on the menu. They mainly spoke in English - Patch's children speak about 5 or more languages! They are all so bright and interested in others. We had a lively discussion about their impressions of America and some about American politics. I am quite impressed by how kind they are to us after the past 8+ years and what I had heard about the world's views on America. Of course they are very into American t.v. and culture. We discussed movies and found we had very similar interests there as well - we could have been anywhere in the U.S. having the same discussion!

Before Patch returned us to the ship, we briefly drove around the newer section of Lisbon...then we gave Patch a tour of the ship. She took her picture everywhere on board, threatening to post it on facebook to tease her colleagues about her 'leaving her job'. Patch teaches history and she really knows her stuff! This day will probably stand out for me on this cruise.

Phil and I love each place we see and would love to really go to each site and stay for a while...but Portugal really would be an amazing place to stay for more than a day. Plus, Patch's folks have a farm in the country and love company. Her dad makes olive oil and GRAPPA!!!

Tomorrow is our last sea day. There is supposed to be an 'exhibit' of the clay works as well as a final class. Also, I will probably take one more bridge lesson although Phil has quickly surpassed me and gone on to the next level of class! He already knew some games related to bridge so that is a head start. I am just hoping I don't cough my way around the entire day!

Then we have 2 more stops along the route - and we have already signed up for tours through the ship.

We also are looking at next year's schedule and trying to decide which leg we might join! They will probably be returning to Portugal however we were told Norway is amazing - and I have been fascinated by that country since doing a report in 3rd or 4th grade!

Sorry, still have not posted photos. I am also going to be relying on the photos others have taken as today our camera batteries died in the middle of the day. (I give Phil the camera and that is what happens!)

Will post again asap!