Monday, May 3 Valencia, Spain

Of all the cities on the cruise, Valencia was the one Ted was looking forward to the most. Why ? - Valencia's City of the Arts and Sciences. And it rained all day. What with Ted's lung disease and the battery powered POC we stayed on the bus most of the time. We rode around the city - Valencia is a very pretty town - most of the people got out and walked with umbrellas. They also went into the Oceanographic (the aquarium part of the "City" and the largest aquarium in Europe.) It is finished - I'm not sure all of the other buildings are completely finished.

Sunday, May 2 Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a fabulous place to visit. But since we had visited here only a few years ago we decided not to visit. It was Sunday so some places might not be open. But Barcelona is definitely one of those "1000 Places to See Before You Die". One of the things we enjoyed at most prts was watching the cargo ships load and unload. Barcelona was no exception.

Saturday, May 1 Monte Carlo, Monaco

'Twas the day of the Monaco Grand Prixe for Antique Autos. You couldn't hear yourself talk in some places. And we couldn't go the "standard" route the tour buses usually go. So we got to see some places tourists don't usually see. Like partially completed underpasses, back sides of buildings, etc. But we had a nice little jaunt around Monte Carlo and environs. Did not go down the famous seashore drive out from Monte Carlo, did not go in the Casino. We had both done that years ago so no big deal. The most amazing (?) thing in Monte Carlo is the larger than life statue (in t he harbor) of the pregnant lady with the skin peeled back on one side so you can see muscles and, of course, the baby. You don't see this just everywhere.

Friday, April 30 Livorno, Italy

Livorno is the port used for Florence, Pisa and Lucca. We chose to visit the latter two. Just to make sure the tower hadn't fallen over. In the primary area of Pisa were the Baptistry, the Church and the Bell Tower (the leaning tower). And lots of people!



The shot of me is with my oxygen unit - the Inogen One. It's called a personal oxygen concentrator. Takes in ambient air, pressurizes it and pumps it through a filter-of-sorts where the nitrogen stays in the machine (to be released later) and releases oxygen (and also polluting gases) to the breather (me) when I inhale. But it works and is portable - it's on small (4 inch) plastic wheels-it prefers a smooth surface. Which it doesn't always get. It runs off batteries - depending on how much huffing and puffng -1 1/2 to 2+ hours per battery - so I have to make sure I have enough batteries. With the spare batteries it weighs about 25 pounds - a one arm carry up and down steps isn't a lot of fun. I get lots of looks and sometimes questions from people who have a parent that needs oxygen.

Thursday, April 29 Civitavecchia, Italy

Rome's port. We lose some passengers and get some new ones. We didn't go ashore.

Wednesday, April 28 Messina, Sicily (Italy)

Pictures only, for now

Tuesday, April 27 Sea Day

Sea Day means R&R day - but not for the crew. The chefs, especially, have a big work day because they put together a Desert Extravaganza. Don't know if all cruise lines do this, but Holland America does. So here are some pics of the goodies - and our new pet.