May 3

We enjoyed Monaco, though just a short visit. May 1 was a public holiday in Monaco so nothing much open (other than hotels) for breakfast so we ended up at a Haagen Daaz in the park - have to say George enjoyed a waffle with two scoops of ice cream, cream & raspberry topping while I indulged in a croissant & coffee. Monaco is almost set up for the Grand Prix in two weeks, scaffolding everywhere & some seating in place. Our hotel was fabulous - right on the port and our view was of luxury yachts all lined up in their dozens!
Boarded the ship in time for lunch and was pleased to finally unpack my gigantic suitcase at last! Laundry is just down the corridor and no charge on this ship. The ratio of staff to passengers is one to one so everywhere we turn there is someone to carry your orange juice, cornflakes etc etc. George tries to creep out of the buffet at breakfast carrying his own plate but alas! always gets caught! The really good thing about this cruise is that we are probably amongst the youngest on board!!!!!
Yesterday was a sea day so a nice opportunity to find pur way around and to have OUR first bridge lesson! Yes, George did come but I think that may be his last. Too impatient to wait for all the instructions! Will have another lesson tomorrow.
The food is lovely and plentiful. Drinks all included too. Last night was formal, the Captain's cocktail party and dinner followed by the show. Have teemed up with some very nice people from Aus, one couple from Sydney the other from Nowra. Anne & I went to the show last night, put on by the crew members, our husbands piked! It was fantastic & we were all invited to join the
crew in the disco so off we went. Sat & chatted with two lovely guys - one is the former partner of Todd McKenny (wayne, who is on board talking about pearls & opals) & Vincent, who is a wonderful singer & has done Broadway shows including Mamma Mia. Anne invited them to join us for dinner - could be interesting!!! They are definitely no threat to our husbands!
This morning we arrived in Mallorca, Spain. After breakfast we took the shuttle to the main town of Palma then a taxi to the train station fpr a cute 1 hour electric train tide through many tunnels to Soller. Then a taxi on to Port Soller where I am now, enjoying a beer and finally finding some free wifi. Tomorrow is another sea day so no internet.
Can see why Christopher & Pixie Skase chose Mallorca for their hideaway!