Along The Way

We have only 2 weeks before our voyage comes to an end.  Our trip has taken us to some of the most interesting and exotic ports and we have seen many fascinating sights on this journey around the world. We have often said that it’s not the places you have visited but the people you meet along the way.  We have made some great friends since leaving Florida in January, some we met in 2008 and those we met on this cruise.

We met Anna and Joaquin (above) through Barbara & David.  They met last year on the Aurora and became friends.  We took to them immediately and have enjoyed their company immensely.  Joaquim is Spanish and Anna is from the Netherlands. They live in Barcelona and promised that, when we dock, they will take us to the best restaurant for Paella (sp). They leave the ship in Barcelona.

Andrea & Mark (above) are from Scottsdale, Arizona.  They were both in the medical profession but are now retired. They are a great couple and a lot of fun.  Their cabin is a few doors down from ours.  It would be nice to continue our friendship.  My cousin also has a home in Scottsdale, maybe we will visit. 

Barbara and David (above) are from England but live in Cypress for 6 months each year.  David still works but is trying to sell his business.  They did a world cruise last year although on another ship, The Aurora. She is a darling lady and we have enjoyed their company.

Carol (above) is a terrific lady that grew up a block from Gary.  She’s a Chicagoan and has a daughter in Highland Park.  She was kind enough to lend us her overnight case to take on safari.  It will be nice to have to have dinner when we are home and reminisce about this glorious trip.

Sonia (below) is another wonderful lady that was born in Casablanca but now resides in Canada.  She hasn’t been back to Morocco in 35 years and, on this trip, we will be in Morocco in less than a week. We exercise at the same time and see each other every morning.  I hope we will see her again.

We met Lance and Bill (below) on our trip in 2008.  We only spoke once during that entire cruise and only said “hello” when passing in town or on the ship.  We got to know each other on this trip and found that we missed a lot 3 years ago.  They have become great friends and Lance even loaned us his camera when we went on safari.  They live in Southern Illinois very near St. Louis.

Michele (below) is the Hotel Manager on the ship.  We met him during our stop in Equador and have been close since then.  Both he and Gary are motorcycle enthusiasts and Gary took to him immediately. He is has been a wonderful friend and we will miss him very much.