We are now on the second leg of our cruise. The first was Miami to Lisbon across the Atlantic with a stop in Madeira. The next leg will be Lisbon to Barcelona with stops in Madeira, Tenerife, Casablanca, Cadiz, Malaga and then Barcelona. We are at a whole new table of 8 for dinner and the ship is full.

Lady outside Embroidery Shop in Funchal, Madeira doing her craft. Madeira is known for its beautiful linens and also Madeira wine--"have some Madeira, M'dear....."
Fish @ Farmer's Market.
Wicker baskets and produce @ Farmer's Market.
Farmer's Market fruit and vegetables.
Shopping buddies from the ship. Gail from Phoenix and Christine from North Carolina.

Mercado dos Lavradors (Farmer's Market) where we shopped!
Fellow shipmates going ahore in FUNCHAL, MADEIRA on SAT. MARCH 31.
Getting ready for the Captain's Welcome Dinner after a Day @ Sea-March 30, 2012.
Our team of 6 won Team Trivia and Nancy came in first @ Bridge. A good time was had by all.
View from our verandah--Bridge in Lisbon (notice similarity to the Golden Gate Bridge) Same designer!!!!
Cable car in streets of Lisbon.
Nancy and Don with sculpture behind.
Square overlooking the city.
Portugese pastry-Delicious!!!!!
Famous Pastries of Belem Shop. Original recipe known only to 3 chefs.
We took a short city tour of Lisbon. The Museu do Combatente.

LISBON, PORTUGAL-MARCH 29, 2012

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is the major political, economic and cultural center of Portugal. Unlike most capital cities, Lisbon's status as the capital of Portugal has never been granted or confirmed officially by statute or in written form.
Cosmopolitan LISBON was the center of the world's last great colonial empire. Today, the city reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal's role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city.
Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world.

View of the harbor from our Verandah.
Camacha wicker center with artisan making baskets.
Peace monument which dates to 1917.
World-famous basket sled ride.
Panaramic view of Funchal. Our ship is in the harbor.

FUNCHAL, MADEIRA-PORTUGAL'S EXOTIC ATLANTIC ISLE

Almost due north of the Canary Islands lies a sprinking of islands known as the Madeira Archipelago. They are 530 miles southwest of Lisbon. These islands are home to Portuguese residents who seem to enjoy the easy pace their tiny homeland has come to know. The weather is semi-tropical, mild, some even "Eden-like".
We had delightful half-day exploring the island's highlights. We went to Monte and enjoyed the world famous basket sled ride. Then to Terreiro da Luta where the Peace Monument is located. Then we continued to the Camacha wicker center where we observed local artisans as they practice their craft.

Our Team came in first in Team Trivia and the prizes were Crystal ball caps!!!!! Team of 6.
Gala Buffet on board enjoyed by all.
Birthday Dinner @ our table with Chateaubriand and Baked Alaska for birthday cake.
Noon cocktail party for all of the birthday guests @ the Captain's Quarters-Egil Giske (Norway)
Birthday breakfast on March 24th-steak, caviar, and numerous goodies.
Dinner @ Prego (the Italian Specialty Resturant on board) with Sue and Roger Kinney.
Our table of 10 with the vice-captain- Stefan Vikinggson.
The Captain's Welcome Dinner- our first formal night.

We have a wonderful room with a verandah AND Daniel, our butler.

CRUISING THE ATLANTIC FOR 8 DAYS

Dividing Africa and Europe from the Americas, and hemmed in by the polar ice packs, is the great ATLANTIC OCEAN. It is the second largest of the world's mighty oceans, and covers nearly thirty-two million square miles.
The ATLANTIC OCEAN is three times the size of North America and at its deepest point is more than 30,000 feet below the surface of the sea.
We have been on the Atlantic Ocean since we left Miami, FL on March 19th.
We have wined, dined, played bridge, listened to lectures, taken a golf lesson, played Team Trivia, and of course eaten 3 meals a day. We have made new friends and are enjoying the journey.
On March 24th I celebrated my birthday with a scrumptious breakfast, noon cocktails with the captain, and dinner with our table of 8. We are sitting with the vice-captain Stephan Vikingsson. Photos will follow and be described.