Day 8, another sea day

On an 18 night cruise there are quite a few sea days, as we gently cross and re-cross the Western Mediterranean. Today we were on route to Livorno, the port for Florence and Pisa. Our trip tomorrow will be Pisa, as we have spent time in Florence, far longer than the cruise allows for. That is the only problem with cruise/visiting. There is only a limited time ashore, so you have to make choices, and given our limited walking  abilities and my breathing problems, we see a lot of places from a coach. We do, however, get enough of a feel for a place to decide if we would like to visit for longer. We thought this of Barcelona, and on the very first cruise we did, we wanted to spend weeks longer in St. Petersburg, (mainly in the Hermitage) and in Tallin, a charming city in Estonia.

Today we idled away the hours until the late afternoon, when we went to watch an ice show. Yes, there is an ice rink on board, and 10 ice skaters who perform all kinds of routines, lasting about an hour! This was called "Strings" and there was a bit of a story about a violin, which was played through the ages, starting with the 18th century, and Mozart. Ice skaters in pseudo-court costumes, pannierss, breeches and all, are quite a sight I can tell you! However the young lady solo violinist was superb, and brought a lump to my throat as she played a favourite Mozart melody! There was gipsy music, and all sorts - a very entertaining show.

Tonight was formal dining, so out came the glad rags. I don't have photos of these, but of our semi formal outfits.

My favourite top, a mass of colour, loose fitting over a singlet, taken in the deck with the shopping mall (!)

I know I think my husband is a saint sometimes, but did he really have to bring his halo?

Pure accident, I assure you. Below is what it should have been - no wait, perhaps not.