DAY 63 - FRIDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER, 2013 - SUEZ CANAL, EGYPT

It's full steam ahead as we did the first part of the transit of the Suez Canal overnight, but still have plenty to look at for the rest of the day….

 

We did get through with no problems, even tho' it is Friday, 13^th, and there didn't seem to be a great deal of extra military either.  We spent a lot of the day on deck, swatting flies again, and just watching the different scenery and also as our cabin is on the starboard side of the ship, we also enjoyed the afternoon on our balcony, watching the more 'interesting' side – the other is mostly sand.

 

Photos:  All of our day in the Suez Canal.

 

DAYS 61/62 – 11/12 SEPTEMBER, 2013 - SEA DAYS

WOW!!!!  We have just spent the last month visiting 24 ports in the Mediterranean (some a couple of times or more) and each one of them has left us with their own very special memories.  It is such an interesting and scenic part of the world – with so many different countries, each with their own heritage, culture, architecture, language, food, wine, fashion, etc., etc.,  and we must have close to 10,000 photos!!!!

 

As we head towards the Suez Canal again, we are crossing our fingers and toes that we get through as there is a lot of unrest around the region, but we won't dwell on that….

 

WEDNESDAY:  My first appointment this morning was to our 2^nd Culinary Demonstration – today Master Chef Alfredo showed us how to cook a Pork Chop – might not sound very exciting BUT I cannot cook a good pork chop (always a big dry) - but it's amazing what you can do with a little white wine – can't wait to try his recipe!!!!!  Then he made a Vanilla Panna Cotta – that looks easy and yummy too!!

 

It's formal night again but our table decided to give the tuxedos a miss and had a wonderful evening in the Pizzeria, following by late drinks at Ros & Arnold's 'home' – good fun!!

 

THURSDAY:  A relaxing day was had by most, the highlight being another morning Pirate Drill and then it was getting on with doing what we do best on sea days – as little as possible.

Photos:  No photos today – didn't even get one of that pork chop!!

 

 

 

DAY 60 - TUESDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2013 - VALLETTA, MALTA

WOW Valletta!!!  You look like you are going to be very charming – can't wait to go ashore…….  first impressions were how immaculate and chiseled these historic stone buildings look from afar and the city is just a stone's throw from where we dock.   As with the majority of ports in the Mediterranean, their history makes them so very special in their own way and is evident by their fortified ports.  Valletta's port dock is filled with tourist shops, all in keeping with the stone architecture and high up on the hill in front of us is the main city - fortunately for us there is a 'modern lift' to the top, or a short bus trip if you wanted.

 

The first Maltese person we met was a taxi driver offering to take us on a tour around the city and then to Mdina, the old medieval capital of Malta - he kept dropping his price but he didn't get a sale.  As we just wanted to see what was on offer in Valletta first, we took the lift.  The most beautiful view awaited us from Fort Rinella, a 19^th century British coastal fort built for the world's largest muzzle-loading cannon – the Armstrong 100-ton gun – that's big!!!  Now it is a  Museum/Gardens area with a beautiful view looking across the water – just a picture!!

 

Walking around was such a delight – the beautiful buildings, so old but immaculate, nice shops, cafés, and nobody bothering us to buy their wears.  We met up with Ros, Arnold, Joanne & Garry and had that morning coffee, as is a must!!   More exploring in and around the Grand Master's Palace (which is now their Parliament) and up and down the many streets, before lunch beckoned at a lovely little outdoor café, whilst being serenaded by a beautiful violinist.  We also visited the 16^th century St. John's Cathedral, built by the Knights of Malta, which has the most incredible interior and features a stunning vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes.

 

Refreshed, we decided to hop in a cab and go to Mdina – lo and behold we met up with the first cab driver who tried to nab us on the dock.  He spoke very good English and gave us a running commentary all the way to Mdina, then left us for an hour to wander - yet another magnificent fort dating back to 700BC, again perched on a hilltop, with commanding views, beautiful little chapels, shops, etc., etc. – just delightful!

 

A short stroll back to the ship, a little look around the shops and we sailed away at 5pm to the sound and sights of the canons and regalia of Fort Rinella farewelling us.  There was far too much to look at and take in – such a handsome and amazing city!!!   We love your beautiful Malta Joy & Manny!!

 

Photos:  All of our day in Valletta and Mdina.