TSH’s bag has arrived at the ship – in Venice. So he thinks it is Christmas, having forgotten what he packed 4 weeks ago. Diva is preparing to give up half the walk-in wardrobe.
The Captain of the
Silver Moon has announced that several guests have tested positive for Covid
and are in quarantine, either on or off the ship. None are seriously ill. He
suggests that guests should wear masks when not eating or drinking (not much of
the time, then). TSH and Diva are already being cautious, as usual.
The authorities in Venice have now banned cruise ships from the lagoon in order to protect their heritage. So the Silver Moon is docked in Fusina, which is almost 2 hours away from Venice, with a combination of boat and bus transfer. The docking place is more than half an hour away from the cruise terminal, which presents many logistical difficulties for crew and guests.
On the first day in
port, TSH and Diva went on an excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano.
This involved a 1 hour boat ride, demonstrations of glass and lace making and
very pleasant walks around places that are like Venice without quite as many
crowds. Sunny but cold.
On the second day in port, the journey was judged too onerous by many guests, including TSH and Diva. So it is a sea-day in port.
In the absence of official communication about missing luggage, TSH and Diva have had serious sessions with the Hotel Director of the Silver Moon. Since other guests are still in the dark, she has posted to the Silversea Passengers Facebook page:
‘Update for the passengers on the Silver Moon who, between them, are
still awaiting 40 pieces of baggage that should have been embarked in Athens,
almost 2 weeks ago. 27 have been brought by truck and should arrive at 10:00
this morning. 11 are coming by air under the personal escort of Frank Sansome.
They should arrive before the Silver Moon sails this afternoon. 2 are missing.
This information was given to us by the Hotel Director.’
The captain of the Silver Moon warned of moderate to rough seas but TSH and Diva did not feel anything very much, in spite of not taking any seasickness pills. However, the more lively sea meant that the sea organ (a series of pipes set into the quayside and making sounds due to the wind and the waves) in Zadar was noisier than on any other previous visit.
TSH and Diva walked around the town and harbourside. This is
one of the most scenic ports – views from the blue sea up to the snow-covered
mountains. It also has a long history from prehistoric times and remnants of
many civilisations can be seen easily.
The suite cleaner is leaving the Silver Moon tomorrow to
return to his home. TSH and Diva are preparing to train someone new to meet
their exacting needs.
Silver Moon guests have daily temperature checks and the
crew still wear masks at all times, although they are now allowed ashore in
some ports. Mask wearing is very patchy, although TSH and Diva are still
wearing them when not eating or drinking. There is a hand washing station at
the entrance to the buffet (food is served by crew) and it use is enforced. On
this 12-day leg of the voyage, everyone will have been tested 3 times,
including the test just before embarkation, Everything feels very safe.
No excursion today, just an unescorted walk around Kotor, which is one of the best ports along this coast. Interesting old walled town, good walks along the water-front, colourful flower market and a magnificent sail-away through a fjord.
They were not all doctors but they were all wearing white
coats, which was enough. Diva was having some problems with her ears and went
to the Medical Centre for syringing. She does not really have a problem with
that procedure, which she has had many times. But it all felt a bit panicky in
a strange location. One doctor to syringe, one to hold the basin (which Diva
can normally manage herself), one to stand in front and issue orders about not
moving, shaking or flinching. And the last to watch in horror from across the room. Ears are much improved but might need a return visit. Good that basic medical care is included in the cruise package.
Diva is wearing a pair of sparkly but very comfortable shoes
during the day and is receiving many compliments.
Fedex Customer Services sent TSH a triumphant email to say
that they had sorted his issues, fulfilled their contract and delivered his bag
to Athens. Pity he has no immediate plans to go there. Silversea have (maybe)
hired a truck to move the bags to Venice.
The scenery here is spectacular – mountains, deep fertile valleys, and views of the sea and the island of Corfu. The local people are welcoming – a folk performance at the pier when Silver Moon arrived and a gift of a shopping bag (Welcome to Albania) for everybody. The tour buses were delayed for a while because the port entrance gate was locked but the police eventually sorted that one out.
The drive to the castle viewpoint was a bit scary for Diva –
steep roads, hairpin bends and only a narrow strip of tarmac. Fortunately the
road was dry. The winery visit consisted of a buffet table with snacks and
local wine, with no tasting guidance. The winery itself was so small that there
was nothing to tour. The tour finished with a walk along the attractive new
promenade area.
TSH and Diva ate at the SALT restaurant, which specialises
in local food. Their lamb yiovetsi was so good that they are looking for the
recipe.
The Fedex tracking
system says that TSH’s bag is now in Athens, where it should have been 2 weeks ago.
Nobody on board ‘has any information’ about why it is not on the Silversea
truck, which may or may not have left Germany for Venice.
TSH and Diva visited the ruins at Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games and the site of the 3rd Wonder of the Ancient World this voyage – the Temple of Zeus. Although not many of the buildings have yet been reconstructed, it is apparent that the scale was such that it would have induced shock and awe in the Greeks in BC times. Some visitors who were much much younger than the Silver Moon guests held races in the Olympic stadium.
There are always technical problems when guests try to
operate the headsets which are used to ensure everyone can hear the commentary
even when they are not close to the guide. This time, the headsets were handed
out as people got on the bus at the pier. When alighting from the bus at
Olympia, one guest asked for another set, as she had already lost hers. Diva’s
ears are not designed for glasses, mask and earpiece, so she does not hear the
commentary very often.
The accompanying museum was world class, with extremely
interesting artefacts laid out in an extremely attractive and informative way.
The latest on the luggage is that Silversea have (at last)
hired a truck to transport it – probably to Venice. Apparently the latest delay
is ‘customs clearance from Germany to Italy’.
Dinner with the Silversea Ambassador to the Venetian Society-
sounds like something out of the middle ages.
Two rabbits spotted by the roadside.
