Today we arrived in Messina Italy (Sicily) at around 12:30 pm instead of the early morning arrivals we have had in days past. I assume it has to do with the rates for parking the ship. Anyway, as we had no formal tours scheduled, it gave us some free time to lounge around the ship.
As we came into Sicily, which is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (150 miles wide and 200 miles long), we passed by Stromboli (an active volcano near Sicily).
We left the ship with the other passengers around 1:00 pm headed for the town center to check out some shopping. BTW- while I was in Rome yesterday, I was not able to purchase a single item. Good thing I bought shoes in Paris and I guess I can kiss that Italian handbag goodbye too! During the tour we only had one stop to shop for about 35 minutes of free time and it happened to be in Vatican City. The multitude of souvenir shops which lined the street were full of rosaries and other religious items. As I was not interested in purchasing a handbag with depictions of any of the Saints or past Popes, I came away empty handed.
Today I figured that since Sicily is still part of Italy, I might be still be able to make up for lost shopping time . But alas, no such luck. After meandering thru the town we finally came upon the shops, only to find them closed for the very long European lunch time. The shops are open 9am -1:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:00pm (I guess maybe we should read the daily cruise guide the ship prints each day) You think?
We are 551 nautical miles from Greece so we will be at sea all day on Tuesday arriving in Mykonos on Wed. Formal night is also on Tuesday night. Tuesday's photo wrap will contain pictures of our day on the ship along with some of the formal attire photos. We have the coolest maitre d named Hugo, from Portugal and have met some very interesting people. If we can find them today I will include their photos.
I'm Just Sayin
2 comments:
I am so enjoying the pictures and the stories of your adventures! I love a mystery series that is set in Sicily because he describes his meals in detail--fresh seafood is paramount! And the heat figures in all the books. I would love to do this cruise someday, but I think like you, I would like to spend more time in each place so you could do more! Can't wait to see Mykonos!
Yes, we are very hurried. Up early and out late. Had to be in the dining room at 6:30am today for tour in Ephesus Turkey. We are now back on the ship. The shop owners hawking their wares gave me a BIG headache. Reminded me of Tijuana (Oh you'll be proud of me as I didn't buy a Turkish rug - hand made and knotted 3 or 4 times) Whew!
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