Captivating the Canary Islands [Portugal Morocco Spain Cruise]

Easy, early taxi ride to the airport, followed by several bad moments, the worst of which was the appearance on the check-in computer that our tickets to Toronto were cancelled. After a few worried minutes, some senior airline person resolved it, and we got our boarding passes for both flights. The gate seemed to change 3 times, but we eventually were aboard our flight to Lisbon, where we had time for one last wonderful Portuguese tart before catching the flight to Toronto. It was long, but we made it, and got home by dinner time. Wonderful trip. So happy to travel with long-time friends, and enjoy the luxury of Regent Seven Seas.

After a pleasant breakfast, we tried to check in online for tomorrow’s flights, but Portuguese Air wouldn’t let us, so we were blocked on Air Canada as well. Very annoying, but here’s hoping we will get home. We chatted with Esperanza, here at the hotel and she advised us about going into the city centre.  Good Friday is a day off for everyone except those working in tourist places. Bob stayed at the hotel. Joan, Larry & I walked through many streets and saw the Roman amphitheatre, the walls of the old fort, the outside of a huge cathedral and a beautiful park. The city was crowded with pedestrians. Like in Cadiz, there are hundreds of temporary chairs set up along the streets where there will be (and have been) processions with elaborate scenes carried on the shoulders of members of groups, along with bands and so on. We didn’t see any processions, unfortunately. [You must check these Youtube links to see what the processions are about: Malaga Easter Parade   Insider Expl...

Disembarking was smooth and we easily found our pre-arranged transport. The hotel proved to be rather isolated, but we were happy to just relax there and plan a day in town for tomorrow. Bob still feels unwell, so this is better anyway.  Larry, Joan & I visited a nearby MAKRO store, which is like Costco, but more-clearly geared to the hospitality industry. On the way back, we stopped at a convenience store for cheese, crackers, chips and beer. Then Joan & I played cards while the guys did their own thing – I think showers and naps and some computer stuff. It seems we all are ready for ordinary life. The dinner was more generous than we expected, but good. Then we turned in.

What a lovely day! We lazed about all morning – well, if packing the bags that were so nicely put on our bed by our by cabin staff counts as lazing. Then we met Joan & Bob for lunch and went ashore together for our tour. We drove through the part of the city nearest the port, then walked through streets and parks to a Flamenco bar.  The performance was astonishing – and loud! We walked through the city and heard about the nightly processions during Holy Week, which is this week. Some passersby were wearing costumes with particular meaning. There are hundreds of chairs set up for watchers of the processions and there is a great deal of wax on the pavement from the large candles they carry in the processions. Eventually we made our way back to the bus and thence to the ship. I was late for trivia, but got to play with my usual team. So close, but no points. Next up was redeeming points – I got a tee shirt and a luggage strap. At dinner, Bob felt unwell and left. Joan checked on h...

Although the clocks were set ahead again overnight, it didn’t bother us so much. We got up a bit later than usual and had a relaxed breakfast in Compass Rose. Larry went to a lecture about treasure-seeking Spaniards, while I attended another bracelet-making class. Joan still isn’t feeling up to activities and this is a good day for her to rest. I had intended to play bingo, but got involved in an interesting conversation about grandkids, travel and paper crafting that was more engaging. It’s chilly today and still quite rough. In the afternoon, TRIVIA!! We won!!! Just one error, and once again someone had suggested the right answer, but we went a different way. No worries. No one got a perfect score today. We were so pumped, we went on to the 60s name that tune game. Oh well. We did OK, but no points. The crew show was terrific. Sadly, that means we’re near the end of the cruise. [pre-dinner drinks at the fav bar had a couple replace the singing pair] Sigh. Dinner was great as always a...