FBS creeping up! From the 5s to the 6s. Highest today at 6.7! I'm trying to make good choices on the cruise ship but no idea what the ingredients are even in a steak au gratin. It is what it is. That said I have been getting readings in the 4s during day. Some consolation.
Last full day tomorrow. Travel back via Rome Sunday then back to normality. Only done 1 other cruise when I thought I was non diabetic! Cocktails galore. Not one cocktail on this one. Not missed them. Not when I think about the sugar within!!! Sticking to prosecco or wine and not excessive. Waste of an all inclusive but hey hoe.
The lack of wifi is driving me mad!
Hope everyone is ok. Looking forward to catching up soon. Lots to read!!!!
DAY 5 - PALMA DE MALLORCA
The island of Mallorca offers towering mountains rising over blue water but its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles and gastronomic delights. See the circular courtyard and Arab inspired arches of Castell de Bellver, and take in the fresh scent of the pine forest that surrounds it. Not my words but taken from my cruise ship leaflet! Why reinvent the wheel.
Another walking the feet off our legs day. I can't wear shorts though as my usual holiday leg heat rash is back with a vengeance. Both legs look like I've been VERY hit and miss with the suncream!!! So long dress it is, which probably makes me stand out even more! That and my baleasha beacon of a nose! I could actually light a room up today.
Anyway it was a 5 minute walk off the ship. From this point you could hop on the hop on hop off bus (very aptly named I feel). They are usually around €25 for 24 hours). Bikes available, €12 a day for normal bikes and €22 for electric (eyes lit up at this point .). We walked straight past (Eric dragged me kicking and screaming!) and along the port side for about 45 minutes. Our destination, the magnificent cathedral which we could see in the distance. It's a very pleasant walk where you could admire the hundreds of boats in the picturesque harbour. And the weather was once again glorious. 90 degrees of sunshine and blue skies.
We met our free walking tour guide, Carlos, at the cathedral. Group split into 2 as so many had turned up. Spanish speaking in one and English the other. Just 3 in ours so a very private affair although we did pick up 2 waifs and strays a few minutes in. Meandering through the narrow streets, stopping here and there to listen some more and take pics.
FACTS
The Cathedral took over 300 years to build and had 10 different builders (for obvious reasons). Earthquake brought part of the faciour down but they rebuilt it. Made it look even more stunning. The intricate detail is jaw dropping. It only got electricity in 1903. Needed quite a few candles to light it up before then!!! Electricity compliments of good old Gaudi who spent about 12 years working on the cathedral. He really is everywhere in Spain. A very busy man (was!).
1 million people on Mallorca. 500k in Palma! Muslim rule before 13th century. Christianity from 13th century to date.
There is a lovely Jewish quarter here. I took a photo of the hebrew writing on the floor for my Jewish friends
The beautiful olive tree in my photo was breathtaking. Firstly how do you get an olive tree to grow so big, I can't get mine out of a plant pot . Secondly how do you get a 600 year old GINORMOUS olive tree and move it from one place to another, replant it well enough for it to flourish. Cos that's what happened 1989.
Horse and carriage rides available if you have a spare €50. Shankses pony for us.
After our walk we made our way back to the olive tree to enjoy a glass of wine and just stare at it!
We spent an hour wandering around the streets, listening to the musicians, looking in shops, admiring the architecture which is just our cuppa. I do love a pretty balcony. Here they are everywhere. Absolutely LOVED Palma.
Then the long walk back. I started to flake in the heat at around 22000 steps! No shade. Reached the boat. Saw the guys with the drinking water. Was it a mirage though??? No thankfully. Water has never tasted so good. Had to be back for 4pm. Got back at 3.30. No rushing. Perfectly timed.
The walking had made us really hungry so a quick bite to eat in the Windjammer (you name it its on offer eaterie) Chicken curry with veg and a bit of pork something or other on the side. Tasty.
Straight to the Sky Bar for the sail away scheduled for 4.45. Back to our room to shower and change for dinner. Dress code = tropical/laid back lounging. Basically anything goes. Long dress only for me!
Amazing dinner once again. Even though I wasn't really hungry as I'd had a large lunch I managed 3 courses! And no sugar ice cream! It really does blow me away this cruising malarkey. You want for nothing. Melbon our waiter brought me cheese over as soon as we sat down as a pre starter starter! He knows how much I love it. I couldn't manage it but Eric helped me out!
We went to hear the latino band. Had a little game of drafts whist there. Not played for so many years we almost thought about dragging one of the children over to give us some instructions . Eric lost NOT!!!
Then to the theatre to watch rock band Our Lady Valentine who were fantastic. Queen, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple and .....Billy Idol!
70s themed music in the Centrum. But so much to choose from to be honest.
Back to our room to plan the next day. The Island of Corsica and formal evening now known as 'wear your best'. This really is the life.
STAIRS CHALLENGE - SUCCESS
STEPS ALMOST 28000!
Pics to follow
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