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| The view of Santa Cruz de la Palma from our stateroom. |
Last night we enjoyed dinner at the Pollo Grill up on Deck 14 at 8pm. It is the steakhouse onboard and I had a Lobster Bisque, salad, and Veal chop with potatoes. Carrie had a goat cheese & beet starter, lobster bisque and a local Madeiran fish dish for her entrée. After dinner we had intended to join Andrew and Katie for drinks, but time and energy caught up with us and we found ourselves very tired and in bed and asleep by midnight.
Today was an unplanned day. We weren’t signed up for a cruise-line excursion and we hadn’t made detailed plans. It was a nice relaxing day at a port of Santa Cruz (a small town) on the Island of Palma. Santa Cruz de la Plama is a Spanish port (and, therefore, Island) of the Canary Islands. Without major palaces, forts or Cathedrals to tour, AND since it was only a five minute (if that) walk to the city center: It was the perfect day to be unscripted and relax!
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| The municipal market at Santa Cruz de la Palma |
Each couple: Ken & Trish, Bob & June, Andrew & Katie, and Carrie & I went our own ways to spend our time, today. Carrie and I were looking for scenic streets, alleys and lookouts for photos and found ourselves climbing steps (photo left) and going up steep streets to find photo opportunities, stopping by the municipal market along the way. When we came back down to the city center we ran into Katie & Andrew who were sitting at a café. Katie pointed Carrie towards a jewelry store. We did our part to keep this island and its local jewelry maker prospering. When we left the quaint little jewelry shop, we ran into Katie and Andrew, again, at another restaurant so we had lunch with them. By now it was 1pm, or so, and Andrew headed back to the ship.
Moments later, while we still sat at the café, Bob and June happened upon us and we all enjoyed food and drink together. Carrie, Katie and June went on for more shopping and Bob and I headed back to the ship.
And, now, we are all safe and sound on the ship and headed back out to sea.