A successful Deer Hunt today in Bushy Park London – the second largest park of the eight Royal parks in London. Also near here and just north of Hampton Court Palace. Lunch at the Pheasantry Cafe and yes we saw some pheasants and other birdlife too. Lots of waterways, the Diana Fountain and lovely trees especially along Chestnut Avenue. Trees just starting to change colour.
Going on a Deer Hunt
Nice afternoon in London and great to be back with the family here. Lovely walk in Richmond Park which is close by here. Some 2,500 acres with walking, cycling and horse trails – the largest park in London. Had great fun “Going on a Deer Hunt” with Micah – lots of long swishy grass, mounds and trees but none of the wild deer that live here to be seen on this visit.
Leaving Europe
Wet again for our last day in Lisbon – the October rains are early the taxi driver says. Rode the inner city tram again partly to escape the rain but also to enjoy the narrow alleys, variety of tile work, quirky shops and lovely old buildings again. Good to see lots of restoration work happening and that big companies like Starbucks are renovating these glorious old buildings for their businesses – impressive and much more exciting than the bland buildings we have at home.
A Day in Lisbon
Bit damp but nothing to stop us getting out and about in this lovely city, one of the oldest in the world. Took ride up another steep hill on the Elevator da Gloria which links the lower and upper areas. It is actually a funicular elevator (as opposed to the vertical Santa Justa we rode yesterday). It has two funky looking old trams (with four small wheels each) which go up and down – lovely views out over city despite the mist. Trams are very interesting as they stay level- how is way too technical for me – some mechanism underneath that you will be able to see in the photos.
Lisboa-Lisbon- Portugal
Lisbon – Portugal
Docked early this morning – cruise completed. Great way to see the world. Nice final view from our deck of the April 25th Bridge (third longest suspension bridge in the world) and the statue of “Christ the King” modelled after similar statue in Rio.
Lisbon is a beautiful city – built on several hills and situated at the estuary of the Targus River. Unfortunately, weather is not so beautiful – warm and wet!
At Sea
Day 10 – A day at Sea.
A little rockin’ and rollin’ in the Atlantic as we sail towards Lisbon. Some sun but mostly cloud – still warm though. Good day to read, lay about, eat and drink some more, consider diet on return home! Food has been very good with amazing choices each day.
I went to a Jacques Pepin cooking demonstration – most enjoyable – Jacques and his mate Jean-Claude a bit like a comedy duo. Also went to scarf tying lesson (what you do on a day at sea!)
Cadiz- Spain
Day 9 – Cadiz – Spain
Beautiful sunrise in Bay of Cadiz. Tour of what is believed to be Europe’s oldest city today. Cadiz sits on a sliver of land ( 6 miles x 2 miles) almost entirely surrounded by water. Seems a pretty relaxed quiet city, pretty buildings mostly cream coloured, bit of ochre colour here and there in neo-classical style, Lots of parks. The streets are mainly narrow winding alleys, shops at the bottom and apartments up top – some nice window boxes, wrought iron balconies, building decor and of course washing waving in the breeze! In some places buildings are only one room wide and you can look through arch ways to beautiful patios and tiled areas.
Casablanca
Day 8 Casablanca, Morocco
A bit of Atlantic Ocean rock & roll as we sailed last night but slept well! Arrived in the bustling city of Casablanca to breakfast as a giant “Morrocan sun” arose. Tour of the city today – 6 million people and as much traffic! Traffic jams but it does move. Goes in all directions in some order with much tooting and triple parking! New tram system operating looks good. All shapes and sizes of motorbikes and helmets (or not) with some very interesting loads – reminded me of Shanghai. Just as much variety in cars. Hot and dusty. First stop – Rick’s Café – mythical gin palace of Casablanca movie fame.
Gibraltar
Day 7- Gibraltar – UK.
An imposing piece of rock – dominates the strait between Spain and Morocco. Gibralter itself is only 6 sq kms and inhabited by 30,000 people. Diverse ethnicity. The UK seized Gibraltar in war of Spanish succession in 1704 and was granted in perpetuity in 1713 (Treaty of Utrecht). Two referendums have confirmed residents want to stay with UK. Spanish keen to have back – daily delays at the border as people cross into Gibraltar as a protest. 7 ½ hours two days ago and 1 ½ hours yesterday. That did not affect us as we were not crossing the border.
Malaga
Day 6 Malaga
Moorish legacy – 8 centuries as previous Muslim capital. Stunning sunrise as we arrived in port.
Highlight today was trip to Alhambra – the Red Palace in Granada. Sitting on one of 3 hills dwarfed by Sierra Nevada range, it’s an amazing place. Begun in 1240’s – was complex of schools, houses, baths, barracks and gardens with 24 defense towers and impregnable walls. Only 2 parts remain but they are stunning – the Alcazaba and the Palacio Nazaries. Palaces and gardens.