C Day, Sea Day, Biscay Bay

Yesterday was my C day, the day I spent with César in Portugal and as always (?) it was wonderful! The ship arrived early so I called him to let him know we would be in early and as I stood on my balcony he was driving along the road even with the ship. It seemed to take forever to get the ship docked and the gangways in place. I went so early to get in line to get off, but still wasn't the first in line. Patience, not my virtue! Finally all was in place and we were off the ship and walking along the large span of cement to get to the terminal. I rushed through the terminal to expect to see him where he is always waiting and he wasn't there! I searched the people and became worried, I had talked to him an hour earlier and he was almost there. After wandering around and trying to call, he came walking out of the terminal, he had waited inside to see me and somehow we had both missed each other. Seeing him is always a treat and seeing his face when he sees me always touches me too. After our greeting, I do love the European welcome, the kisses on both cheeks, I introduced him to a couple who had questions about seeing the sights of Lisbon. Someone was talking to them and he was trying to sell them a tour but César was telling them how to see it all on their own which is what they wanted to do. There was quite an exchange between C and the tour guide in Portuguese and later César told me the man was quite angry at him for helping them. After that was taken care of we were off to our planned trip to Evora.

I had been told by someone Portuguese on the ship that we couldn't make it and César insisted we could. So my decision was that we would drive a couple of hours and if we weren't there we would turn around and head back. But he was right as usual and it took just over an hour and a half. we travel so well on the road together, we stopped along the way for a snack break and bought some Portuguese treats. I LOVED the biscuits he chose for us this time, as usual. He got cheetos and I was quite surprised to see how different they are from ours. Not a cheesy or as big and they were softer. We got them along with some Pessica tea (peach) and enjoyed the leisurely ride to Evora. It was more beautiful than I had imagined. Old, very old and walled. We drove on the tiny cobblestone streets until we found a place to park and then headed out to find the chapel made of human bones that I had heard about. It was not that far but it was probably close to 100 degrees and quite steep up and down along the way. We didn't have a lot of time but we did find the chapel and it was amazing. 2 euros to enter and another euro and a half to take pictures, but it was quite the sight. and yes, it is made completely of bones and skulls! Something over the door says that it is to remind all that they will be like this someday. Or something like that. After that we didn't have time to browse the town but we stopped in a little cafe and César ordered our lunch to 'take away'. We got a couple of pastries and the sandwiches took forever it seemed but we then hiked back to the car and got in. We were going to stop somewhere along the way and have a picnic but it was really too hot to do that. We were driving around the town trying to find the way out of the village and we stopped at a corner and there was a lovely breeze so I asked him to just stay until I cooled off. Well it was right in front of the ancient monument to Diana and we decided it was a 'charming' place for our picnic, so we ate in the car right there. We were starving and knew our time was very limited. It was cool and fun and then we finally found our way out of the village and headed back. I had wanted to see the megolithic structures too, they are 7000 years old, 2000 years older than Stonehenge they say. Unfortunately it was a little too far off the road to go to so that will have to be saved for another trip. That's okay, now I will have time to read more about them and next time it will mean more to see the structures. At least I know I was in the area of such an ancient civilization. We also crossed the famous '25th of April' bridge, the one that looks just like the Golden Gate bridge and it was my first time across it so that was fun too.

We arrived back at the ship quite early, a good thing because the traffic in Portugal is so bad, and we sat at the Haagen Das ice cream kiosk at the marina near the ship for over an hour. His friend had time to get off the ship for a short visit so that was great for the two of them. César and I had talked about my staying for the 2 days the ship would be at sea and flying to Dublin, our next stop but he had job interviews and the chance to get a job that would start immediately so he wouldn't be able to take me to the Lisbon airport from the Algarve if he got it so it wasn't good timing. However, when it was time for me to board the ship we both wished that we had decided to do that, it is hard to leave after so short a time, but we both agreed it was a wonderful escape from our reality. We had enjoyed another new adventure! And so I was the last to embark, except for the lady in a wheelchair who waited until everyone was on, I waved to him watching and blew a kiss and we both returned to our lives apart.


This cruise is so different from my others because I have met so many nice people! I am always running into friends now. I walked into my cabin a little sad and there was a message from one of the ladies I knew telling me where to meet her for dinner. I changed and found a few of my friends at the same table so dinner was a nice distraction and well timed. I barely made it to bed after dinner and slept so well, for 10 hours!

The captain announced that we would be in very rough seas as we crossed the Bay of Biscay. That is normal and I hoped I would sleep through it. As it was, the cool breeze was heavenly, the first time I've been cold in over a week so I slept the whole night with the balcony door open and the rocking only put me to sleep faster! What a wonderful night! And so once again I have survived the Bay of Biscay!

Today was a sea day and whenever I left my room I ran into friends so it has been a nice day. We had to do an interesting thing I've never seen before. We had a mandatory immigration appointment! Every single person on the ship had to show up at an appointed time to be cleared by British immigration officers on the ship. I wasn't too happy because I had to get up from my nap to show up, but I have to say it was quite organized and went quickly. They will finish tomorrow, so for 3000 people to get through it, again, I was very impressed at the way it was organized. I think Princess is wonderful at the way they organize, so different from my experience on Royal Caribbean! The people work so hard on the ship to make sure things run smoothly. It's been restful today and tonight is formal night so I will be dressing up and am wondering what wonderful people I will meet tonight when I go to dinner.

We have one more sea day tomorrow and then we arrive in Dublin. I hope my feet are better by then, I am going to the 'famous' Powerscourt Estate to view the home and gardens for 1/2 the day and then will take the ship's shuttle back into Dublin and see the famous Book of Kells for the first time. Maybe there will be time for lunch at the famous pub my unnamed friend in DC told me about. I am looking forward to one more day to rest and recover from this hectic schedule tomorrow.

And so that is the update of my C(esar)day, my sea day and the Bay of Biscay!

Ciao from the Atlantic Ocean!