Cruise Ship Speaker

This week I will be meeting with Mr. Rick Deutsch, and go through the Seminar..."Speaking on Cruise Ships"....as my first look at this from the perspective on a Speaker.

And, I will also continue to work on my talk for civic clubs.....and will also talk to my friend Jim about doing a video for my tryout..

More to Come on this "2nd Career".....

Madrid...continued and more...

We got the Hop On to The Prado and in that the brief rain had stopped we decided to go to the Arboretum and so glad we did as this is one of the largest in Europe and maybe the world....and has species from all over. The colors were just great as photos will show.....just a well spent hour.
We then went into The Prado....which is one of the largest art museums.....and is filled with Reubens and the other Dutch masters, as well as Velasquez.....just magnificent art paintings. The problem.....takes much more than 2 hours....but by 7 we were tired....
Went out to get the Hop On back...and just got about 3stops and driver announced we would not be making certain stops....and I asked why and he said a strike was closing some streets....so we were in our first almost gridlock traffic jam...but upstairs on the bus so could see a lot. He took a different route...so got to see some new neighborhoods.....and got back to the hotel finally about 9.....went around the corner to a  Starbucks for a good sandwich and back to the room.
We leave for the train back to  Barcelona at 10....
End of a fun day in Madrid......and to summarize Madrid....
1. Great wide open boulevards connecting very small one way streets
2. Great roundabouts with fountains
3. Great monumental buildings
4. A beautiful setting with the heavy treed streets and boulevards
5. The big 3:   The Royal Palace, the Cathedral, and The Prado......well worth coming to Madrid to see....but give 3 days at least...
6. There does not appear to be the typical tour buses, so the Hop On seems to be the best way to get around....along with the taxis...

Audy and I both agreed this would be a good extension to the Viking Cruise.......

All for now......

Madrid...continued again

Today was planned.....plans changed fast as we missed our stop on the Hop On ....then had to back track......then I got a bit confused by signs, and didn't listen to your mother, and we ended up at the wrong entrance for the Cathedral. While trying to figure our time frame, I heard drums in the background and out came the guards marching from the inside of the Palace. We ran to the fence thinking it might be the Changing but then remembered only on the fist Wednesday....and about that time were approached from the rear by policemen telling us to move off the square....I finally asked one in my "fluent" Spanish...what was going on?..... Importance, etc...and he said "the King"....well we waited 90 minutes getting various interpretations of what was going on....one of the policemen, and they are all so helpful and good looking as we are sure it is a very good job to have, started talking to Audy.....apparently the King was meeting with his congress or key staff or what ever .....finally the flag over the Palace went up  and that meant he was there...apparently came in either by another entrance or by helicopter as we saw one come by.....but it was fun to "almost see the King"....we waited and had a number of interesting conversations with others, including one couple from Milwaukee who's daughter is in Seville for a semester of Spanish....her major at the Univ of Wisconsin. A fun time waiting to see Royalty.

The, we went into
the Cathedral and as the others we have seen......outstanding to see and experience, and huge, as they all are. Should be a must do in Madrid..and the tour books do not stress it. This Cathedral with huge high columns does not have the unbelievable detail of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona but makes up for it in pure grandeur and size. A huge newer organ is gorgeous and wish we could have heard it being played. Both Audy and I think that Madrid should be an option for Viking...to take the high speed train and then have a 3 or 4 hour guided tour and then back on the train and back to the boat. It would be a 12 hour day but would be worth it. Or, make Madrid an add on as we are going to do Iceland.  Madrid it too good to miss being this close.
Another difference in Madrid are the statues at almost every corner....probably more than the other cities I spoke about....there are so many that they kind of become part of the landscape it seems.  Another thing about Madrid more so than the other cities....the buildings are all illuminated at night. My photos will illustrate this.

Well...off to The Prado Museum now.....we had a brief rain this am so came back to the hotel then a great lunch at Starbucks next door.....more to come...

Madrid...continued

To compare....it seems that Madrid would probably be below in terms of major European cities. And I think the comparison should start with why?

1. To fully appreciate Ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, which I think was the dominant empire in European history ....Rome has it all,and can be seen in a few days.

2. To fully appreciate the dominance of the  British Empire....it can only be London and this is a week visit.

3. For the beauty and setting and weather of the Mediterranean Barcelona is probably it....for it has the old and the new....and shows the relevance of the struggles between France, Italy, and Spain for leadership over the years. And the impact of Gauldi is huge and sets this city apart from the rest of Europe.

4. Madrid is a major player due to its economic position and the strength of the Spanish and Hapsburg Royalty....but would not be a major tourist attractions as the others above...just very big and bustling...

5. Paris and Berlin are obviously big players....and Berlin of today is on our schedule in July....but Paris is not on our list....big, dirty, and not too friendly ...based on our past times there. Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid.....very friendly...very safe feeling....very progressive and modern adjacent to decades of great history.

Side note.....did not include Asia but the folks I will be speaking to will be focused on Europe....thus the above. And, as you all know, I write these memos so that I can remember what we see and do...and also to make the info available to the kids for reports, etc...

Madrid

Our day in Madrid started off with our Hop On bus, which in essence is the city tour.....there are 2 routes....and we took 1in the morning and then lunch then the 2nd tour.

Madrid is much different from Barcelona.... The same basic characteristics with the wide boulevards, heavy growth with lots of trees and parkways....very beautiful. But not the major attractions in the old town like in Barcelona.  The city is quite flat and no beaches, so reminds me more of an inland Orange County or even LA....except for the wide boulevards and many many circular roundabouts with a fountain in each one. Just a very beautiful setting.

The architecture seems to be much bolder and formal....which fits with the Hapsburg Dynasty....and the Royal Palace kind of sets the pace. Not the Gauldi style but much bigger and heavier....

And, the major attractions are few, in that the Royal Palace is the big draw and major attraction. Today we are going to the adjoining Cathedral.....as well as the San Francisco Cathedral....and both of these are supposedly very interesting. It will be hard to top Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  We will then go to The Prado...one of the major art museums in Europe.

As I will be asked when speaking...how do you compare Madrid with the other major cities...more later as we are off.....

Barcelona to Madrid

We boarded the speed train to Madrid about 11 am and after going about 200 mph we were in Madrid at 1:45... Really neat....the kids would have really enjoyed it as I did ...lots of photos etc....and so modern, quiet, and fast.

The Barcelona station is very modern and huge and big crowds as the last day of the Easter holiday.....but we moved through ticketing and security quickly and found our train and car. Very easy and convenient .

Madrid station is also very modern and huge and Audy found an employee that led us out to the taxi area and 10 minutes later we were at the hotel, which is a  5 star boutique hotel.....very nice and modern in that it is in an old military building that was remodeled a few years ago to this beautiful  boutique hotel in the middle of a very busy downtown.

Shortly after we arrived and were fully welcomed by the staff we got a call that our tour of the Royal Palace was cancelled for today....long and short is we went to reception and he made some calls and we found that we could go directly there and get it...and we got a taxi and got there for our visit by 4 pm.....we got the audio and the accompanying Samsung video player and off we went. The Royal Palace is an amazing place, and Sufi e it to say equals if not exceeds anything that I have ever seen, including Windsor and the German castles. Very impressive and a must for a Madrid visitor. Too much to describe here....so we returned to the hotel and then went to the Flamenco Show and Dinner that Donna had arranged. The show was just one of the most unusual shows we have ever seen..with unbelievable dancing skills.  We can talk about it now with great humor....but in essence it was one of the most accomplished dancing feats we have ever seen...featuring 2 women and a man each doing their solo act.  The restaurant was packed...some for dinner and some to just see the show...but a true experience for us....more on this.

Today we are doing the Hop On.....Madrid is so big and so.beautiful....should be a good day

Toulon, France

I think this was the day that I did not write a memo...so will go back in memory and describe our day.....(later)

Day 11....Barcelona

Monte Carlo was very impressive...we took the included tour and then did the Hop On Hop Off....very exciting at times in the open top bus going fast through the tunnels ..got some great videos...

Barcelona is magnificent.....had the Viking tour yesterday....then the Hop On until 7..then a great dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Hotel is very very nice in good location....going to Sagrada Familia today at noon then an afternoon tour ....

Barcelona is huge and so beautiful with the modern architecture next door to the old....huge crowds everywhere....seems like it is becoming "the" place to visit along with Rome.  Big surprise for me as I did not expect the size or beauty with the wide boulevards and heavy growth....just gorgeous. Very friendly folks and very tourist oriented as some days 5 or 6 Ships are in port....plus all of the others from all over the world. We asked the driver from the port about this and his answer was simple ....."who wants to vacation in Egypt or the Middle East now...they all come here"....makes a lot of sense.

I have really enjoyed this trip.....could do this forever.....I am putting together a 20 minute presentation and am going to start speaking about the trip to every club that has speakers....as so many have only heard, if they have, of these areas, such as Croatia and Corfu....then talk about Rome and Barcelona today...as all has changed so much in these past few years...

So, Happy Easter from Barcelona.......

Day 10...Monte Carlo

We took the included tour, which was the walking tour of Monte Carlo in Monaco. The tour leader was great and we had a leisurely walk up and down the stairs, escalators, etc and really had a great tour. Ending up at the Palace..and then got to se the Changing of the Guard. Not quite as in London,  it very  impressive with the small number of guards. The palace and the immediate area is very impressive as it is old and the shops are neat and pretty. We continued the walk back to the Ship...and during the walk passed by the homes of Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie. The tour guide also mentioned that she had seen Princess Caroline on her bike that morning which is not uncommon.

We had lunch on the ship then decided to take the hop off hop on bus...and that was an experience.   We got to go by the Grand Prix stands ....the Museum of Oceanography....Jacque Cousteau......then the Casino and the many condos....it is completely changed from when we were here some years ago. The unbelievable yachts kind of tell the story that this is now the place for the wealthy of the world, where a studio apartment sells for a million dollars....and up, depending on the view...the ride highlight was the ride through the tunnels as we sat in the open on the top deck....and the driver was "practicing for the Grand Prix ", which will be happening in a month.  2 hours of fun....than a nice evening wrapping up with the opera production on file in the theater....early to bed.

Coming up...the unknown of Toulon France.......a fun day in Monte Carlo....

Day 9...Rome

At the end of Day 8.... We had a late dinner then went into the theater to her local opera stars from a local  opera music academy present 45 minutes of opera with some humor and fun thrown in.....very good show....then decided to listen to Andras on piano from 10 to 11.... He is so good and in talking with him we found that his idyl is Oscar Peterson.....and we think Andras is better. We got his cd for all to hear. We visited with some other fans of Andras including a retiring  realtor from Cleveland....so a fun time....

This morning we had a later morning as the Florence visit is a bit confusing...in that the included tour is to Pisa.  At first we were a bit disappointed that we wouldn't be able to see the art of Florence....but now after the day...we are so glad that we took the tour to Pisa. It is about a 40 minute drive from Livorno, where the ship docks....and then we joined the 100 plus busses in the bus park...and made our way about a mile to the Square of Miracles where the Cathedral and Baptistry and the Leaning Tower of Pisa is....and this is a major tourist attraction...and we are not really into the high season.
This part of the tour was excellent and we had a great guide. Again, as with much of the other things we have seen....really nothing like the Square and the Tower....so the day tour was great. Had extra time to walk around....and the. Got back to the bus and the ship by about 2. We had an excellent lunch...then decided to go into Livorno on the shuttle.....which is a 15 minute ride from the ship. Livorno is a major port for Italy...and it shows...very busy....and more cars coming and going than we could imagine. In fact in the drive to Pisa we saw even more, as well as huge cargo container areas...just a big and booming port. On the Pisa drive we went by a massive US Army base...with literally thousands of Army vehicles looking to be in storage. Not at all impressive when you think how much money was sitting there.
The city itself is a typical bustling city,and we found what was kind of an Easter market and Audy got some soaps, etc....and I got some chocolate.   A fun place and so many friendly merchants. Obviously they know that the Cruise business is a good one and that many will come in to shop....
So, back to the ship at 5.. Then tonight the Cruise Director is giving a concert, as he is an accomplished concert singer....so should be good.
Another good day...off tomorrow to Monte Carlo.......for Day 10...going way too fast......

Rome...Day 8

The day started early with the alarm at 6 and tour starting at 8..for the almost 2 hour drive from the port into Rome. Probably 10 buses to take people on the "Snapshot of Rome" tour....and it was a very good tour. It is hard to see Rome in many days...let alone 3 hours....but it was well done and a very good tour leader. We got to see the main places and then had an hour at the Basilica....but the lines were so long to get in that we could not go in. Both Audy and I agreed that this will be a return trip...in the off season when we will have plenty of time without the crowds. Today the line to get into the church was at least 45 minutes....and of course the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum are ticket only purchased in advance.

Another sparkling day as the photos will show..and we did have time to walk around the Vatican area ....big crowds, though, as this is Holy Week, so lots of school groups and tours coming for Easter.

Back to the ship by 2 and then lunch and today's selection of food was great and thoroughly enjoyed by both of us. Audy is taking a nap now....but we are going to talk with Viking about what they might consider doing to improve the included tours....all positive...and should fit with their philosophy of exploration....but a more practical explanation of "what to expect" once your feet are in the ground in the specific city. For example, there is NO WAY on a day like today that one should even think about going into the Basilica....so why say in the Port Talk...."time for you to see the church and then sit and have a coffee before boarding the bus back"...this is like saying you will be in San Francisco for 4 hours...you can ride the cable car from the wharf to Union Square then shop for an hour at the SF Center then ride the cable car back to the Wharf and go have a seafood dinner at the Wharf before you walk to Pier 39 to see the seals..and you have 4 hours even though it is the middle of the summer travel season. Just will not happen. The problem is that you have to be "general" for the 930 on the Ship.....and provide the opportunity to see Rome, or Split, or Dubrovnik ..... and then give specifics for those like us that want to know the details of history ...etc..

So, we are going to share with management onboard an idea of kind of a "shop talk" to. follow the Port Talk.....something like we will go into more detail on what you will see and do in Rome in the time allowed..and that today will be a mere "snapshot"... Don't think in terms of seeing or doing everything....but seeing or doing enough to know that you will want to come back.

Another aspect of this idea is to encourage guests on the Ship to come to the Shop Talk and give their input . In that the Ship appeals to the more educated and more well traveled....kind of like we are....ask guests to share what they know about the city coming up. For example, the best way to see Dubrovnik is to take the Cable Car up to the peak. Even though this is a bit more expensive and not an included tour..it should be brought up at "Port Talk" and allow guests to get tickets after the Talk, etc. If I ever talk to someone about Dubrovnik  I will tell them this is a "must" to fully appreciate the city.

Another idea we have, and this would be more difficult to do....would be to have an "advance couple" go into each of the cities on the tour... and "check it out".....such as where is the shopping area....where is the market...and know that if you want to see the market it closes at noon, etc. In Venice.....the goal is to get to St Marks.....then nearby are shops with clothes, jewelry, etc...or it you want a pastry...here is a place to go to. Just wandering through the streets of Venice is fun for some...but is a waste of time for others....especially if they want to find a specific food or local specialty. On his trip, Corfu would be an excellent example....in that we finished the tour,Mohicans was very well done...returned to the Ship for lunch and a rest....then had plenty of time to go back into the center of town to shop, get coffee, or whatever. But, we really had no guide on specifically what to do, where to go to, etc....and that is where we saw the great churches (Greek Orthodox)... and found the neat shops ($200 later).... but others were wondering where we went, etc. An "advance team" could have really helped here. So, so far, this would have been very helpful in each Port city, except, Rome....which is another trip in essence.

Lastly, the entertainment on board. Quite good....kind of local playhouse type of entertainment but a far cry above what we found on Holland America to Alaska, which had Rock and Soul.  Here they have a lot of variety....and the specific entertainers, like Andras on piano and the classical trio ..are total pros...Andras is clearly one of the best pianists we have ever heard...in the pop realm....just a great talent that could play any Las Vegas hotel. The strings are all pros....

So, another great day....we have a fun evening planned as we will go to The Restaurant this evening...the we have a local singing group coming on later.....

Naples...Day 7

We arrived on schedule into Naples and docked at the big new terminal and our first tour was scheduled for 8:30 which was a panoramic tour of Naples...then stopping in the middle of town to visit 2 churches. Even though the tour gave us an overview of Naples.....and then led us to the churches and Monastery....and back by 1 pm....this was not much of an excursion. Fortunately it was a gorgeous day so we had good views of Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri.....but the tour guide was just not too good, leaving out a lot of the history...the various buildings, etc. We did get to go in both the old church and the new church, and it being Palm Sunday....huge crowds. But we missed the Mass, so no organ,  etc.  Just the weakest tour so far....and Audy did not feel too well...so took a nap then we went out the terminal to get her some pizza, which was invented in Naples....then back for Port Talk and dinner.

Our dinner time changed the day when we joined a couple that looked Asian....and that started probably the most entertaining hour we have had for some time and kind of "made the day".  The couple was Chinese...and the story is long but  neither of us have laughed as much in a long time as we laughed with and at them. He is a very bright professor at Columbia University where he teaches doctoral students in psychology...and she is the outspoken and very funny wife. We will relate details later but suffice it to say Darrell and Pauline were "a riot" to be around. We are still laughing about some of the comments made at dinner.  Which leads me to say one of the "side benefits" of Viking is who you meet. Obviously a more educated and wealthy group for the most part...and lots of "it's a small world" stories, especially in view of what Audy and I have done, have lived, and have traveled. All in all, an ok day in Naples, but a great evening. Probably will not go back to Naples.

A fairly early night....and ready for Rome.

Corfu.....a Magical Greek Island

Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by 2 imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George....it is just a remarkable island....and one that should not be missed.

Our day featured a bus tour around  the entire island, with stops at various locations where we could experience the natural beauty of the Island. After returning to the Ship for lunch we went back into the old town via the Shuttle...and the next 4 hours we visited the churches, including the cathedral where they were just starting the Good Friday services. In that it was pretty "chilly", we decided to look for a scarf for Audy....and an hour later we not only had a scarf but some sweaters for both of us...cotton and "made in Greece".

The shopping areas line the narrow one-lane streets....just so quaint....and a must for all visitors. We sat along the big tree lined pedestrian avenue and enjoyed the street magicians...another must for visitors....with great coffee and treats served by the many restaurants.

Just a great day in Corfu....can't wait to return.

Day 5 in Corfu, Greece

Corfu was a beautiful experience...and more details to come. Suffice it to say that this was a very full day...including our morning tour and then our returning to the town....spectacular views of this tourist island....very impressive.

Day 6...at sea

This was our day at sea...so nothing scheduled....and we really did nothing but just take it easy. While Audy took a nap...I did get to meet and talk with some very interesting folks....than at 4 we were up on the top viewing area to watch us go through the Straits of Messina with a pilot boat, as the Straits are quite narrow.  

Very interesting, and today the weather was gorgeous....so many were out by the pool etc and we did enjoy walking around the deck areas. Then at 6 we went to the Port Talk to hear about Naples....and this was very good and it will be a good time in Naples to celebrate Palm Sunday. As we left the talk we came back to the room be fore we went to dinner...and there right in front of our Veranda was Mt Stromboli....with smoke coming out the top.  I got some great photos of this volcano. ..... Just perfect timing..... and it was some thing to see as we were so close to it....

We continued on to dinner at The World Cafe, as we knew they would have pizza...since pizza was originated in Naples..and it was good. We sat near the dessert counter...and that is always a laugh...as everybody gets these great desserts.....especially ice cream.

Nearby was a group of 4 couples....and they were having a good and loud time so as we all got up to leave at the same time....I asked where they were from....all from Georgia and No Carolina.........so you know what we talked about. All retired and the one woman spent a career with USAA.....a fun time.

Tomorrow we leave for the included tour early..... and, Donna...thanks to you ....we are on the first of the included tour groups...so we end up with more free time at the end. And also, it seems the included tours are really the best tours if you are not familiar with the ports. The tour leaders are very good and articulate....and with the exception of the Dubrovnik Cable Car extra tour, which is a real necessity to see all of Old Town Dubrovnik ...the scheduled included tours are really the best way to go to. Oth see and hear more about the Ports, etc. Very impressive.

More to come.....

Day 4 in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Days are going way too fast......got up early to have my eggs Benedict ....best ever...Audy had breakfast in the room and at 8:30 we met in the theater for the cable car tour and Dubrovnik .....rode the shuttle bus to the cable car site...up the car to the top of the hill...a clear and beautiful day...and quite honestly, nothing in the world (that we know of) like the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Totally driven now by tourism, this is the ultimate in a picture postcard setting of ancient history fronting on the Mediterranean.....photos can only tell the true picture, and I took over a  hundred this morning. We stayed at the top for about 45 minutes....got to see photos of the 1991-1995 war of the homelands, as they call it...which, in essence gave them independence from Yugoslavia.  The views from the top are breathtaking in every respect, as the damage has been completely repaired, and the views of the bay and waters and of the Old Town itself are phenomenal..

> We then returned down to the cable car station and were bussed to the east gate of the Old Town..,then had a very good tour of the streets through the totally walled community of about a thousand people that live within the Walls. We decided to catch the first shuttle back and have lunch and Audy a quick nap...and we are going to take the shuttle back now..then back to the ship for the tour of the kitchen areas. It is, and has been, of great interest to me to see how they feed a thousand folks with such great food so well done.....so we shall see...more to come.

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Day 3 in Split, Croatia

We left the ship at 9 on the included walking tour....which allowed us to walk the 4 blocks to the Main Street of this old historic city. Due to the natural harbor and many nearby islands, for centuries this was the capital of the Roman Empire, with the huge palace right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. We spent almost an hour going through the Ancient rooms and tunnels...literally walking where the Emperor lived and his people walked.  Too much history to put here....but this is a must see city to fully understand ancient European history......well worth the time.
Following the Palace tour we walked through the town a bit where they have combined the old and the new beautifully to make this one of the top vacation resorts on the Adriatic. The Fish Market was like the big ones in Asia.....then we walked down to the Open Market where every fruit and vegetable was offered, along with antique and clothes . It was about 1 and a light rain was beginning so we headed back to the ship....time for a nap for Audy as we want to go to the afternoon tea. A fun and most interesting day in Split...and not over yet.

A couple of observations after 2 days.....so glad we made this trip, and if you like European History, this is a must. It is almost as if the 6 states that made up Yugoslavia, one of which is Croatia.....was left out in our Western Civilization classes...thus almost unknown to most Americans. And, of course, when you think of Venice, you realize that much of the east and Mid East world passed through this most unusual and inspiring city.  So much to take in....so am just enjoying each day immensely.    More to come.....day 3 continued.