A Glorious Day at Sea

After a restful evening we were up early to watch us sail by Stromboli, an active volcano. It came gliding right by our veranda with plumes of brown and gray smoke coming from its cauldron. At one point we could hear and see a huge boulder roll down the hill. Very impressive! We sailed by this volcano in 2005 during the night and it reminded us then of a Roman Candle firework.

It reminded us of a time watching a volcano in Costa Rica

sta Rica.

We even saw a town nestled on the edge of the shore at the base of the volcano. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to live there. You could tell by the ruts down the mountainside that the eruptions have from time to time changed their direction. Would be scary!

We took on a Pilot so we could safely navigate the narrow Straits of Messina between Sicily and the mainland of Italy. Nice looking apartments were right down to the shore as we sailed through.

Jim wandered the ship and took some photos. As always Holland America spends money and effort to create some lovely art pieces. The doors to the Aft Elevators are made of silver and brass looking metal. They are beautiful. The center Atrium is also quite lovely. The Vista Dining Room is fancy. It is two levels. The bottom level on Deck 2 is for Anytime Dining- which is what we are doing. The top level on Deck 3 is for people who have chosen assigned seating. Last evening when we went at 7:00 we walked right in, had a delicious meal and enjoyed excellent service so we hope that continues. It really is nice to have flexibility.

We went to the Vista Dining Room for breakfast and for lunch. At lunch we sat with a couple from Melbourne, Australia who have been traveling since the first of April in Europe. They were very interesting folks. Our little group met in the afternoon for a wine tasting which wasn’t the best wine we each had ever tasted nor was it the best narrated. But we had fun sharing the moment together.

Pat and Jerry had walked 2 miles -6 times around the promenade deck. Bill had walked a mile on a treadmill in the gym. Lucy, Jim and I enjoyed the sights from the veranda.

Naps and other activities lured us all away. Great Life!