Bordeaux

The sea was still calm as the Silver Wind made its way across part of the Bay of Biscay. Diva spotted a couple of dolphins leaping out of the water as they came over to investigate the ship. It was good to hear that one of the waitresses (20 years with Silversea) had been able to find time to visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

A few nights ago, Diva thought that the butler was very efficient on a time-change night as the alarm clocks has been altered. Turns out it was TSH who was the efficient one.

Bordeaux is a beautiful city which can be appreciated even from the mooring close to the city centre. The only other vessels there were river boats, including one belonging to Viking. The morning walk took in the seafront, a farmers’ market and several large squares, including the one between the cathedral and the hotel de ville and the one with the main theatre.

Referendum: One young woman thinks that the best prospects for the UK lie in Brexit and then becoming a tax haven. Her greatest fear was of extreme German socialism. Not sure which kind of socialism she was afraid of.

Bilbao in the rain

It is only a few years since TSH and Diva visited the Guggenheim, so this time they decided to use the shuttle bus and walk round the city on their own. This is the first time that raincoats and hats have been required on this cruise. The city is very interesting, with many impressive buildings which appear to date from the 19^th century. Many are connected with finance and banking but there are also government buildings. A visit to the railway station gave the opportunity for a few train pics and a good view of the impressive stained glass window,

The walk finished along the river with a good view of the Guggenheim before returning on the shuttle.

Dinner with new friends from Hove.

Photoblog

This a summary of the Silversea cruise on Silver Cloud from Lisbon to Southampton:

Santiago de Compostela:

Parador at Santiago de Compostela:

Church in Northern Spain near Gijon:

A cow:

Lake near Gijon:

Scary mountain scenery - these were the white-knuckle roads:

Guggenheim at Bilbao:

A traditional food shop in Bilbao:

Sailing into Bordeaux:

Church in Bordeaux:

Silver Cloud in Bordeaux:

Message from Rosie:

Diva ready for formal dinner:

St Malo

Silver Cloud's grounded tender:

Parachutist model from St Marie eglise:

Stained glass window from St Marie eglise:

Breakfast pastries from Lisbon:

Art

Docked near Bilbao at 7:00. Left ship on excursion at 7:15. Private visit to Guggenheim, which was fabulous. All that elegant space with hardly anyone in it. This was followed by a guided walk round the old town, a quick tapas at an Art Deco cafe and the drive back to the ship. All aboard 12:30. We got back on at 12:45 to a welcome reception from what seemed like all the hotel staff – butlers with ‘Welcome Back’ placards. Sailed away 13:00. It was a packed but very enjoyable morning. Rosie has replaced the champagne.