October 14, 2024

CADIZ, SPAIN! My second time here - think it was Mardi Gras 2008 last time?

View from my Balcony this morning! Such an easy access port. We literally walk across the street and right in the heart of town! Most Cities are considerable distance from port. We were off right after breakfast and tried a new app GuruWalk for free walking tours. Just tip guide what ever you like when tour done. Was fun doing with several other residents.

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Walking tour was 1.5 hours and Danny gave us lots of insights, history and tidbits. Loved resourcefulness of reusing French Cannons as bollards / corner guards. The Tsunami in Cadiz was same one that hit Lisbon ( we just heard about 2 days ago) ;  killing over 1000 in Lisbon, but only 40 in Cadiz due to Mary's intersession. Also found out that all the cobble stones we were walking over was the ballast that was inside all the ships when they initially came to Spain and had to unload to take there bounties home. Again smart recycling! Church was made of Limestone and crushed Oyster shells! if you live inside walled city you say your from Cadiz; if live outside walls say Cadiz Cadiz and if further out Cadiz Cadiz Cadiz. According to Danny used all the time for distinction. Couple more shots as I made my way back to ship, late lunch on back deck and Pickleball.

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    Local Candy Shop

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    Another shot of Cathedral

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    Entry to town, Founder statue

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    Suspension bridge as we left port

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PAPEETE, FRENCH POLYNESIA

By Patricia Patrick • January 19, 2026
I got to go Sailing Again! We were supposed to head to the COOK ISLANDS after the lovely Rangiroa and the Tuamotu Archipelago, but due to stormy weather there, with all unprotected tender ports, they made the decision to head us southwest, back to the protected port in Papeeta (Tahiti). We got lucky and Holly ( pictured below) found us a sailboat available for charter.

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - Drone Shots

By Patricia Patrick • January 14, 2026
Since Janette Emerich is generous enough to share her drone photos with all of us on board the Ship, I have to share them with you all. This beauty is why I said we felt like we were in a screen saver the whole day in Rangiroa! I love the height perspective in the photos it really captures so much more. Blue Lagoon below:

RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA - More Drift Snorkeling

By Patricia Patrick • January 13, 2026
The water in Rangiroa is so spectacular, I wanted to spend more time drift snorkeling and checking out the area called " The Aquarium ". So today I went back out for a 3 hour session to do 3 drift passes in Tiputa pass and then spent an hour in an area with wonderful healthy corals and tons of fish, earning it the nickname " The Aquarium ".