I've got the Gypsy in My Soul: Catching Up...Part 2

I was lucky to have the opportunity to go home twice this past month. Once, to pick up my grandson and bring him to Ecuador...and then again to take him back home. My life long friend, Sue, invited me to stay at her lovely home both times. I was able to see my children, Adam and Erin, and their spouses...Toby and Jennie. I also had the chance to visit my best friends, Rob and Sande, my godchild (their daughter) Katy, and her daughter, Lydia. It was great seeing everyone again.

My sister, Gail, Sue and I took a road trip at the beginning of April to Florida so I could meet Lance for our transatlantic cruise to Europe. This was Lance's first cruise and I believe my 3rd or 4th. I think it's fair to say that neither of us are big cruisers. In fact, I was surprised to learn that for many people it is the preferred way, and often the only way for them to vacation. Most of the conversations we heard on this cruise were what ships they have been on previously and how many cruises they have taken. If you like reading...playing trivia or other games...dancing...drinking...and eating. This style of vacationing is for you. As one cruiser told us...for most people it's all about the boat.

Lance and I posing in front of our home for 15 days...the Norwegian Epic. A huge ship that can hold up to 5,000 guests.

Of course, there was also some other entertainment. On our particular boat we had the opportunity to see a dance show, Burn the Floor...a mini version of the musical, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert...several musical acts including one that did music of the Beatles and another from Colombia called Four Blue, (which was our personal favorite). There were also several comedians, a juggler, and even a hypnotist. All of these shows were free...but required us to wait in a line up to one hour before performance time. We also had a hard working cruise director from the UK who was very good at his job.

That being said...15 days is a l-o-n-g time to spend on a ship. We were always excited to have a port of call which allowed us a day off the boat. However, it was understandable, but disappointing to have such a short time at each port stop. We never signed up for trips offered from the boat...instead we usually got to town on our own and took the free walking tours that were offered by locals.

Our first stop was...Bermuda.

Unfortunately, the day we arrived was cool and rainy. We had no tour planned for this stop...so we hopped a bus and went to visit the botanical gardens and museum.

The gardens weren't much to look at in early spring, but I liked the Masterworks Art Museum that was housed on the grounds. It was a collection of art that was mostly donated by the local people who lived on the island. My favorite pieces were these corn husk dolls. I've never seen anything like them before.

Stop #2...Funchal, Maderira (an island belonging to Portugal).

Funchal was a good stop for us, because we have plans to live there in January of 2019. We were impressed by what we saw and are looking forward to spending more time here in the not too distant future.

Stop #3...Cadiz, Spain

I really liked this little city. It had a very nice historic center that was well preserved. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have any pictures. I'm not sure if they didn't download, or if I just didn't take any during our walking tour.

Stop #4...Gibraltar, England

Lance's least favorite stop...most likely due to the number of tourists packed into this tiny town. For those who don't know...Gibraltar is located on the tip of Spain.

Stop #5...Malaga, Spain

Malaga was the home of Picasso...so we made a point to see the Museo Picasso during our brief visit. We really liked Malaga. It's much bigger than we imagined, and the city has a lot of charm. The historic center is well cared for, and has lots of green space surrounding it.