Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
Hello dear readers, It’s June and half of the year is almost gone. But we still have rain at times and it’s good for the grass and all the plants in our garden. Although lately, it’s been getting to more sunny now, I’m sure that everyone is enjoying the outdoors. June is a very important month for [...]
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CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN – PART II

After our day tour in Malta, we boarded back the ship and started to sail again now towards the coast of Italy. During our sailing, you really feel at home with all the amenities you find in the ship. There are different things to do that the cruise director prepares day to day from sunrise to sundown. You will never get bored with all the activities they have lined up while the ship is sailing to reach the next port. One thing we enjoy is watching the different production number they have every night. They even have 2 showing to cater to everyone. Hank and I would normally go to the 1st showing which is right after dinner at around 7:30 pm. Then after an hour of entertainment we still have time to lounge around and listen to the music being played by the pianist in one of the lobby lounge or go to the casino on board and play some slot machines.

The next day when you wake up, you see another view from the port of destination. Now we will take our journey to 3 different ports along the coast of Italy, Naple, Rome and Pisa. These tours were done on 3 different days of our 7 day cruise.

NAPLES, ITALY

We did a walking tour of Naples, where we visited the heart of Naples and treasures of the San Gennaro Museum, of extremely high historical, spiritual and artistic value. It’s dedicated to the extraordinary works belonging to the Treasury of Saint Gennaro, which have never been exhibited before. We continued on to the cathedral which houses incredible works of art. Then, we went for a walk through the historical center of Naples and follow the Neapolitan traditions, visiting the famous area of San Gregorio Armeno, famous for its handicrafts. We proceeded to a typical Neapolitan pizzeria and learn how real Neapolitan pizza is made, including its history and secrets and best of all, you’ll sample this delicious specialty accompanied by refreshments. We were invited to sit and sample a generous portion with all the proper accompaniments. Since we visited a religious sites we had to dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed.
ROME

On our 2nd tour to the coast of Italy, we took a walking tour of the most famous Baroque monuments of the city starts with a stop at the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most spectacular works of art. This was followed by a visit to the Pantheon, the biggest temple built by the Emperor Adriano and the best-preserved ancient Roman building. Then we headed to Piazza Navona, the most beautiful Baroque square in Rome and home to the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Here, had the leisure time to roam around the piazza, lined with cafes and filled with artists displaying their works.The is where Hank has a day of excitement, being a lover of art, he can’t stop but admire all the different paintings. In that square alone, he ended buying 4 pieces of artwork. Following lunch, our coach too us to St. Peter’s Square. After our guide’s explanation, we had free time to explore the surroundings and visited St. Peter’s Basilica on our own. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the first thing I did was to get close to the work of Michaelangelo, the most famous, LA PIETA. I was so astonished by the life size work of Michaelangelo that captured the attentions of all the Catholics and non-Catholics all over the world. One thing for sure, I can be inside this Basilica and I can sit in one corner and admire the fabulous works of art that I see and I will never feel bored. It is such a wonderful feeling to see St. Peter’s Basilica. One this we missed was we never got the chance to see the other part of the Basilica. Again, since we visited a religious sites we were told to dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed.

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PISA

The last port on our tour to the coast of Italy is historic town of Pisa. Here, we made a brief photo stop by Miracle Square where you can marvel at the exterior of the Campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower. The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. It is amazing that in the Miracle Square, you will find a Baptistry which is exclusive for Baptismal only, then the Church right across from it which is where you have to practice your faith as a Catholic, then behind the Church is the Leaning Tower and right across from it is the Cemetery. There is also the Museum right across on the other side of the Leaning Tower but the museum is closed on Monday.s Most designer stores are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN – PART II

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