Landed in Palermo

The sail-away from Taormina was dramatic – with rows of jagged mountains dwarfed by Etna in the background. This was followed by the night-time passage through the Messina straits, where the lights of Sicily and mainland Italy were visible. Fortunately, TSH and Diva were eating in La Terrazza on deck 7, so they had a good view of all of it.

They decided to cancel their excursion in Palermo – the city seemed to be comfortably close to the port. They had a pleasant morning, viewing the theatre and the opera house (from outside) and the main streets and squares. This was after they had walked past many insistent sellers of tours by car, mini-train and horse-drawn cart.

TSH and Diva have so far passed the temperature test every morning. They will be taking another lateral flow test in two days time. The Captain of the Silver Moon has announced that one further guest has tested positive but that the total number of cases on board is still < 1% of the on-board population. Occasionally, guests meet a crew member in a hazmat suit with a tank strapped to their back, spraying around the public spaces.

 

A new country

TSH and Diva have never been to Slovenia or Koper before.  They took an easy unguided tour of the city to see its many ages. It is very clean and, although it has some way to go to match Croatia, it seems fairly prosperous. It was warmer than expected and the weather is still dry.

Diva went to the Silver Moon spa for a pedicure which was so brutal that she almost recommended dental hygienist as a second career. The nails look nice.

TSH and Diva are encouraged to book a tour for when they are in Palermo (Sicily). Unfortunately the tour desk thinks that Palermo is in Spain, which detracts from their credibility.

 

Local colour

After dinner with the Hotel Director, the show was, unusually, given by local performers, who sang and danced in local Italian style. An enjoyable experience.

The butler has now introduced herself. She is from Zimbabwe and has just joined the ship. She appears to be suffering from a cold but is soldiering on.

This cruise is intended as a reunion cruise for Venetian Society members, although  TSH and Diva have not met any old friends. The legendary Fernando, a one-time cruise director who is spoken of in hushed tones, is onboard. TSH and Diva have never met him before and have still not seen him in action, as he is taking no apparent part in directing the cruise.

Every Venetian Society member has been presented with a beautiful box containing toiletries and a candle. There was also a special event at a Sicilian farm (the Silver Spirit is docked in Palermo), consisting of cookery demonstrations, a puppet show, singers and dancers and a local-style lunch. TSH spotted a couple of raptors during the drive.

Dinner will be a snack affair from Room Service.