October 10, 2024

Our first port we can actually visit! Getxo, Spain

Went for a stretch of the legs into Portugalete & Getxo, the towns closest to the port, with fellow resident Stephen Clarke. Next thing I knew, we had walked 20,000 steps!  Below is Puente de Vizcaya, the world's oldest transporter bridge. Six million people use it to cross the estuary every year. A UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by Alberto de Palacio and opened in 1893. It was a revolutionary work of engineering allowing boats to cross under gondola at the same time on the river Nervion between the towns of Getxo and Portugalete. Very cool! Takes longer to buy a ticket and walk on, then it does to cross.

The town of Portugalete is one steep hill after another. We found they even have an outdoor escalator built into the sidewalk of one of the longest hills, sadly after we had already hoofed our way up! I was feeling all 20,000 steps that night and into the next day! 

By Pat Patrick March 24, 2026
Today was such a special day, because I got to spend it with a great family I have come to adore! Stacy the ship's spa manager and I became good friends, from our first meeting! We have had so many laughs and long chats over my numerous appointments, I love my spa time! I've been lucky enough to meet her sweet sister Sharon and her boys Dylan and Ryan , when they visited the ship last November and today I got to meet Linley , Sharon's hubby and their Dad, Roland , who is visiting from Mauritius . We got together at their home in the southeast suburbs of Melbourne, for a special feast to celebrate Linley's Birthday and this mini family reunion, since we were in Melbourne.
By Pat Patrick March 23, 2026
Melbourne is great, I'm so glad we got more time here. Bosco planned a fun night of exploring for us! We took the tram into the CBD, and got off at the Yarra River Promenade , just as the sun was setting.
By Pat Patrick March 19, 2026
Happy St. Patty's Day All!