Mediterranean Spring

 

I am finally getting some time to write about the wonderful trip we took in May.  After getting back, I pretty much immediately flew to Michigan to help babysit for two consecutive weekends.  So fun of course, but it feels good to be back to normal.

We boarded the ship after flying from Tampa to Montreal to Barcelona and after lunch napped to be ready for the first night.  There was a cocktail party for the Michigan State Alumni group we were a part of and it was fun to meet some fellow Spartans.  We had our first dinner in the dining room with a view of departing the port.  The cruise line we were on was smaller and offered a bit more luxury, so the food and service were top notch.  I was a big fan of the desserts!

The first morning’s shore excursion was the small Spanish island of Menorca and it was simply beautiful.  On a sunshiny day, we wandered amongst the whitewashed buildings at our own pace.  We visited the highest point (Monte Toro) with stunning views. At this spot, as well as throughout the other places we visited, the flowers and the blue, blue water had me speechless.  My first day in Europe had me fascinated and looking forward to France next. 

Travel and Adventure Ahead

 

There is a big trip in my future and while it has been in the planning stages for quite a while, time is now getting short until we set sail.  We are going on a Mediterranean Cruise and it will be my first time to travel to Europe.  We begin in Barcelona with stops in the island of Minorca, Spain, Cote d’ Azur, and the French Riviera, Monte Carlo, Portofino and Tuscany, Italy.  Then a few days on land in Rome.  It is something we have tried to schedule for awhile and are not really cruise people, but this is a smaller ship and a little more luxury based and I think it will be a lovely way to see the most countries.  We have excursions booked, including wine tastings, lunch at a Tuscan farmhouse and I am sure many churches along the way.  It is still up in the air whether we will see The Sistine Chapel, due to the Conclave, but there is so much to see in Rome, it will be fine.  Honestly, by the end of the cruise, I am looking forward to sitting at a cafe in Rome on a cobblestone street and just people watching with a glass of wine and some wonderful food.  Adventure here we come!

April Life in Pictures

 

April in Florida is always a busy month; where snowbirds begin to fly back to their northern homes and there are a lot of last minute activities to fit in.  I enjoyed a fun golf scramble to end my Tuesday golf group’s season, a beach sunset happy hour, full moon beach yoga and a Good Friday tradition with old and new friends.  Plus some fun lunches, brunches and dinners with friends.

The alligator picture is right on my street and is a fact of life in April and May when the alligators move around at will during mating season.  It really is true though.  Don’t bother them and they won’t bother you.  It still can be a bit of a shock to see one walking down the street.

Finally, I have been busy with my volunteer group.  Writing the weekly newsletter is something I enjoy, but it does take time each week.  The feedback for me and my fellow editors has been positive since we took over and it is important to share the word of what we do to Sarasota County and City of Venice executives. Plus, Thursday mornings you will find me digging, planting and trimming all around town. Our latest project was working on removing salt damaged plants from Venice Beach.  6 months since the last hurricane and recovery is ongoing.

Happy Saturday!