May 15

Well, I didn't think I would have much to add today but it has turned out to be great fun. Started out with a taxi to the fruit & veg & meat market (George wanted to see them) and was totally boring, then waited in 43C heat for ages looking for a cab. Finally got one & decided to keep him for a few hours as was lovely & cool in the car and we could go wherever we wanted. Checked out the President's Palace (which is an amazing hotel) then drove by the President's actual palace but couldn't get close enough to get good pictures. Most of the drivers seem to be Indian or Pakistani and understand a little English but often difficult to communicate. Then went on to the Grand Mosque. Have never seen such a magnificent place but oh! So hot! George was not allowed to take pictures of me in front of the Mosque until I had 'robed up'. Along with a multitude of other women I was allocated a lovely long black number with a big headscarf and by then I was really suffering with heat. Men wearing shorts had to wear long white garb. I can't describe the magnificence of the marble, chrystal, marble floors (inlaid with flowers) etc etc. truly amazing and to think we contribute to it all every time we fill up with gas!
Anyway, pleased to say I'm glad of who I am as those sexy outfits do nothing for me! But I do respect their right to keep us infidels in place.
Back to the hotel for a swim before being picked up at 4pm for a Desert Safari! What an experience it was. There were six of us in a Toyota 4 x drive and we drove 75 kms out of Abu Dhabi, stopping off at a camel farm for a few photo shots and to meet up with 4 other vehicles from the same company as we were driving in convoy.
On to the dunes and wow! we were taken on the ride of a lifetime! I think our driver was the most daring, egged on by two young Philipino girls who screamed the whole time. We stopped a couple of times to take pics and to recover from the exhilerating ride - the dune bit took an hour - we watched the sun set just before arriving at the park where we were given a welcome coffee and a date then soft drinks. Camel rides were provided as were snowboards to use on a very steep sand dune. Several tried it, some with success. At dusk a BBQ was served (lamb, chicken, curry etc and salads) and we were then entertained by a terrific belly dancer. I would have to say it was a highlight of the holiday, really.
We leave for home tomorrow night, can't wait to see you all, and I hope that if anyone is still reading this that you haven't been too bored.

May 14

The flight last night was without incident, I was able to sleep for three of the seven hours but still tired as we arrived in Abu Dhabi at 1.15 am. By the time we arrived at our hotel it was 2.15 so a sleep in was essential. After breakfast we really just rested and used the internet before going off to a shopping centre for a couple of hours. Although there were lots of people sunbaking and swimming in the hotel pool it was far too hot for us - 43C! We will do some sightseeing tomorrow. The Sheraton Resort hotel is very nice and we have indulged in an Asian buffet tonight but no alchohol! ( Except for a beer in the club lounge beforehand ).

May 13

Dinner at Chateaux Haut Bailey was very enjoyable, took over an hour to arrive, drove through several vineyards and had a good commentary on the way. We were taken to see the vines, then the winery and then offered champagne on the terrace. Dinner was in a private room (only 26 of us) and we were served three courses and three red wines. Ordinarily it would have been a sensational event but when you have consumed as much food and free drinks as we have it was all we could do to get through it. But a lovely night snd the drive home was beautiful with the buildings in Bordeaux lit up like Xmas trees!
Next day we sailed at noon. Prior to sailing we into town for a short time and used the internet again at McDonalds - they are definitely a useful food chain when travelling.
It was a gorgeous day, Anne & I sat in the spa pool for over an hour, (almost a tidal wave when I got in) and we enjoyed a few cocktails before dinner. Watched the final show after dinner, a night of opera! The 6 entertainers have been fantastic and very versatile and friendly.
Last night we had the Captain's farewell cocktail party in the theatre. All the Silver Sea staff, crew etc were presented and was a great spectacle to see about 24 chefs in their high hats walking down the stairway. But everything comes to an end and so this morning we will be off to the airport.
Now sitting in the Etihad Lounge at Heathrow. Etihad sent a driver to the ship at Southampton and it took just over an hour's drive. Was sad to say goodbye to all our new friends but hopefully we will catch up with some in the future. Anne & John from Sydney have been constant companions and great fun and not sure who lead who astray but at times our husbands were tucked up in bed while we partied!! My bridge instructor, from Toronto, was lovely and we will stay in touch. And there was Bill from Sale, travelling alone, who was always there, and John & Richard, the two guys looking for any opportunity to dance with all the ladies, and Wayne from the gift shop who was selling Australian Opals and Pearls, and so it goes.
We are flying to Abu Dhabi at 2.45 pm so will have email there.

May 10

The weather has turned for the better, at last! Yesterday we were in Balbao, Spain, 29C! Didn't dock until noon so was really pretty arriving in port. The port is about 30 mins from downtown Balbao so shuttles were arranged. 6 of us strolled through town, took pictures from the outside of the Guggenheim Museum, had a ride on a tram then found a nice cafe for a beer and free wifi. As we were leaving again at 6pm not enough time for us to do our own tour. Every day there are tours available through the ship but they are SO expensive and much easier and cheaper for 4 people to take a taxi to the same place for about 1/8th the price!
Arrived here in Bordeaux at noon today. Was a beautiful site coming up the river, chateaux and vineyards all along the way. We are here until tomorrow but will be moving with the ship to another town in the morning. All very difficult apparently, with the river tides. The city of Bordeaux is fantastic, looked so beautiful arriving.
Our cruise included $500 each of on board credit so we thought that rather than spend it on tours & inadequate internet we would splurge it on a dinner tonight at a chateau! Not sure yet of the details but at $399 per head it should be pretty amazing! Long time since we were that reckless with expensive meals, if ever, and terrible that today George is feeling less than perfect! Hopefully by 6.30 he will be OK. Again it is hot and 30C so most people are happy.
We were going to take a self arranged tour to St Emileon but as we were held up with disembarkation decided to take it easy. I walked into the shopping area - absolutely magnificent Streets & shops. Saw some golden arches so decided to come in & buy a cold drink & use the free wifi at McDonalds! Just saw an old man about to walk past & noticed he had something on a lead - turns out it was a cat! The poor cat looked a bit terrified, probably wondering if there was a Happy or a Ronnie around the next corner!
Well, in case I don't get another chance before Sunday, a very Happy Mothers Day to all. Hope my sister enjoyed her special early MD dinner at Maccas!! What a story, only in Brisbane????

May 8

Today we are in La Coruna, Spain. Once again it is raining on the plain! took a cab to Santiago this morning & went to a beautiful cathedral - Cathedral de Santiago - which is very famous place in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hundreds of tourists, all with umbrellas like us! Took a cab back and now in a shopping centre Tapas bar. Food in Spain looks amazing - could do with a few weeks here!
Shipboard life is still good, Anne & I haven't missed a show yet and a drink with the boys after the show. Our other boys are usually tucked up in bed rather early!!
So it's Bilbao tomorrow, will look at the Guggenheim museum and the town but is a short stopover so maybe no internet.
Was nice to hear from our girls today.

May 6

We arrived in Portomao, Portugal, at 8.30 am, was so beautiful coming into the lovely harbour. We enjoyed a morning tour for 4 1/2 hours which took us to Sagres Fort, and to the St Vicent Lighthouse which is the south western most place in continental Europe. Then on to Lagos with a walk around the town and a visit to an amazing baroque church. Back to the ship in time for
Unch on the pool deck (all sounds lovely, I know) but you have to eat!!!!! Then took a shuttle to a beach area fairly close to the ship and I found a coffee place with wi fi.
Tonight we have a cocktail party for first-timers on the ship and tomorrow is another sea day so I get to have my third bridge lesson.
Last night's entertainment from the 3 tenors (the ship boys) was fantastic, they sang everything from the Beatles to Elvis to The Jersey boys. A big night coming up soon with Abba.

May 5

Today we are in Cadiz, Spain.  There is a song which goes "the rain in spain......"  well today it is coming down in torrents!! We made an attempt to leave the ship after breakfast but decided it was too difficult.  So watched it get slowly worse & had lunch but as we needed to use the internet we disembarked with umbrellas flying everywhere & pis.....g down!  eventually a taxi pulled in alongside us & we are now in the old town area - looks fantastic but perhaps on another day we will return!!!
The ship is lovely, we are still eating and drinking too much, everywhere you turn there is another bottle of something and it is usually alchoholic!!!! 
Have met a nice couple, John & Anne, & last night G & J wanted to eat at the BBQ on deck.  Was too cold for us girls so we had a drink in the bar & were about to go to the dining room when one of the two dance partners (single men who dance with old ladies!!!) came & asked Anne to dance.  He then sat down & talked & asked could he dine with us.  So, having given our men the slip we waltzed into the dining room with another!!  Very amusing and much laughter afterwards.  But it is such a friendly group of people and like one big family.  I have many stories to tell!!!  And then there was the night before when the two lovely gay guys asked could they dine with us all.  One is Todd  McKennys ex partner!  He sells opals & pearls on the ship.  The other is a singer dancer & has been on Broadway.  All part of the fun. 
Hopefully more from Portugal tomorrow.  Go those mighty Magpies.