Delaware, Ohio Travel Photographer: Europe Vacation Day 9 - La Coruna, Spain

Our tour in La Coruna, Spain was not the most exciting part of our trip. But, how can you compare to the ancient cathedrals of Rome or being on top of the world in Gibraltar?? It also was the worst weather we had on the trip, if you can really say that.  It sprinkled off and on during the day and was gloomy.  Can't complain too much!  What the day lacked in sight-seeing, though, it made up for in food and beverage! If you'd like to see all of our photos from Spain, you can visit: http://harringtonphotos.zenfolio.com/spain.
We did have quite the view from our ship's balcony as we pulled into the port, though. The harbor was nice and quaint. I have no idea how they park these huge ships in these tiny harbors!!

They call La Coruna the "Crystal City" because of all the windows on the downtown buildings.  I'm sure it sparkles on a sunny day.




The Palacio Municipal in Maria Pita Square.

Love the detailed stonework in just a random sidewalk in a back alley!

Santa Maria del Campo church.



This was a memorial for Sir John Moore in the San Carlos gardens.  They had the dirtiest restrooms ever there!  That - I will remember!


The Tower of Hercules lighthouse.



This angle reminded me of "Shutter Island" for some reason... spooky.


Alas, the tour was saved by delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine at Hotel Portocobo.  I would stay there in the future - if I could afford it!


View from the hotel's banquet room where we dined and drank.

A little alleyway, very quiet in town.

And, at our return to the ship, our free champagne was waiting for us.  We shared at dinner!

Also, our strawberry treat!


AND, cupcakes!!!  I had called after we booked our cruise and asked for this "Romance Package" upgrade that they were later offering.  They gave us the free upgrade, so the champagne, strawberries, and cupcakes were on the "ship"!  In addition to that, I also got us a free upgrade from an interior room to a balcony room three floors higher.  I was rocking it!  Royal Caribbean is the best if you ever cruise!

My Chicken Marsala for dinner.


And, Adam and Kelly's favorite - Tiger Shrimp.

This was also my favorite dinner evening because the waiter has to cut the shrimp and serve you the first bite.  Here is Alexander... open the hangar!

Also, the wait staff will sing for you, so it's a great time!

I couldn't choose just one dessert - between the Warm Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Angel Food Cake!

Our towel animal - our stateroom attendant (bless his heart) is still learning... :)

That evening Kelly NEARLY won BINGO. She and another person won, instead of splitting the pot, they called additional numbers and the other lady had hers called first. Boo! So close, though! And, later that evening was the Quest Game - my favorite participation game. So, it was a crummy excursion day, but probably one of my favorite ship days.

Delaware, Ohio Travel Photographer: Europe Vacation Days 6 & 7 - Day at Sea & Gibraltar, UK

I have been procrastinating on finishing these Europe photos forever. I'm all caught up on life now, so it's time to get them finished before I get busy again. Here's an update from the next two days of our trip.

Day 6 was a lazy day at sea as we headed to Gibraltar. We spent the day relaxing and participating in some sports activies - volleyball and putt-putt. The evening was formal night, so Kelly snuck a photo of Adam and I on the stairwell in the Centrum (while posing for the "photographer").

Dinner was delicious as always, with my favorite meal - the Filet of Beef.

That evening we went to the theater production and played a miserable game show of "Finish That Lyric." I guess I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself when we're at sea! :)
To view all of our photos from Day 6, you can visit: http://harringtonphotos.zenfolio.com/brillianceoftheseas.
On Day 7 we arrived in Gibraltar, UK. We didn't arrive until 2:30pm, so in the morning we went to find out the rules for this week's build a boat contest (more to come on that later!). I was able to view the Rock of Gibraltar as we headed into port from Lori and Kelly's balcony. Fun to watch it get closer and larger!



When we got into port, we headed out on our excursion, which took us to the top of the rock by cable car.  It wasn't nearly as scary as it looked while waiting in line.


We could see the whole city and our ship from the cable car.

We made it to the top of the rock!



View of the side of the rock (same rock that I had photographed pulling into the port).


Life is tough being a barbary ape in Gibraltar!


The Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

Apes everywhere!!!!  We had been warned that it was 90% likely that we would be robbed by the apes, but they pretty much kept to themselves unless you had food.



Our tour then took us to the St. Michael's Cave within the rock.  Very cool and HUGE!

So big, in fact, that there was a stage and theater inside!

Baby apes up to no good!




Next, the tour took us to the Great Siege Tunnels, which served as a fort for UK to defend against Spanish invaders.



The bustling streets of Gibraltar - clearly two-way traffic plus parked cars and a tour bus coming through!

The busses passed just millimeters from the building walls!

I guess we were in the UK, right?

Many of the shops were closed because it was Sunday, so it was very quiet and peaceful in town.

A view of the city on a rock.
 

Returning to Brilliance of the Seas.

 

Kelly and I posed for another photographer.

Dinner tonight was amazing!  Can you tell I like my red meat?

During dinner we were pulling away from port.


Late tonight we went to the (freezing cold) pool deck for the Dessert Party.  I love the decor!


Everything looked beautiful, but to be honest, it looked better than it tasted.  In fact, these carmel apple balls tasted like gasoline!  No joke!

But the Black Forest Cake was delicious!


To view all of our photos from Gibraltar, visit: http://harringtonphotos.zenfolio.com/gibraltar