Our day in Taormina was kind of a nothing day..since our tour was canceled we decided to take the shuttle to Taormina ($15 a person) which is at the top of a steep hill..We left the ship at 11am on the tender and I sat next to the Captains wife, Petra and his adorable son Joseph that child will be 4 next week and is so bright it was delighfaul to spend time with them..we then walked a couple of yards to the shuttle..the bus ride to the top was about 25 minutes a bit scary as you get higher..when you get to the top you are in a parking garage and have to take an elevator 7 floors up where you are almost in the middle of town..we stayed and walked for about 40 minutes as it started getting warm and decided to go back to the ship..after we got down and almost back to the tender we saw lovely beaches..and knew what we will do the next time we are here..anyone coming here should do the beach..water was beautiful and clear..
we had lunch at the outdoor grill and it was wonderful..chicken brochette..french fries and salad..
Last night we had the best time..we were invited to the Captains table, (Captain Smith)and the staff had included the other 3 couples we are with so we had a wonderful evening lots of laughing….the Captain is a wonderful host and we learned a lot about him and how he came to Azamara..
For dinner I ordered the Pumpkin soup and the New York steak which was flavorful and juicy and asparagus..and a poached pear in wine for dessert..I bet I could make that at home and it was delicious..
Today is a sea day and tonight our cruise critic party and I understand we have about 50 persons attending..that should be fun..more tomorrow..
ciao,

On Thursday we had an extremely relaxing day at sea..it is interesting that Azamara has so many different activities planned during the day..several lectures,cooking deonstrations, Marguerita tastings and many ,many, more..Stu and I are basically readers so we were on deck reading most of the day..the weather was gorgeous..

Yesterday and today we are in Ravenna and yesterday had a wonderful day walking and looking at the gorgeous mosaics!! Stores had interesting things..(clothes,shoes) but very expensive even on sale..We chose not to take a tour but just to go on our own and enjoyed it a lot..last night was the Italian Buffet on deck and it was spectacular..in addition to being beautiful the food was wonderful from the antipasto to the pasta being made individually..This morning we awoke ant the ship is full of mosqitos all over the verandas and deck 9..they are being sprayed now..but the crew says this is the first time it has ever happened!!

Thee was a dance contest after the buffet and the Captain, Niyazi, and Sue Denning were the judges it was hilarious..

I do believe it is a good thing that next year Azamara is only spending one day in Ravenna as we are hard pressed to do more in the city..we have a reservation for lunch at La Gardela but after that will return to the ship..

Critterchick or anyone on this trip earlier in the year..did you go to a beach in Olbia?? Is there one?

I look forward to answering any questions you may have..