Reset search
Laura and I Strike Again
  • Jane Kipp
  • Jane Kipp

Laura and I Strike Again

Since Laura and I did so well sharing a cabin last time, we are going to try again. This time we are off to Barcelona and a cruise around the Mediterranean. Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
InsightsCalendarPhotos
  • Trip start
    April 24, 2026
    Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler

    The Start of Another Adventure

    April 24 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    We are all packed up and ready to start our trip. To start the trip off right, Laura and I have a mani/pedi at my spot near home. We have the limousine pick us up at 6:15 for our ride to the airport. We get to the airport in plenty of time. We check in and head over to our gate. Since Laura doesn't have a business class ticket no lounge access for us. However, I have to admit that the gate seating isn't loud or crowded.

    We have overnight flights to Lisbon with a connecting flight to Barcelona. Europe has a new security system in place and I am hoping that clearance won't take too long. We have 2.5 hours between flights. Fingers crossed.

    Let's talk luggage. I pack for carry-on only. Kitten packs like her trip is a fashion show. Laura has one checked bag, one carry-on and a purse. Considering that she is half the size, why does she have twice the luggage? Check out the pictures.

    The flight takes off just as the rain starts, we settle in and prepare for a long flight. I am in Business class,with wider seats and only two per row. Kitten is back in economy, her travel budget doesn't reach Business class. Dinner is served and I have the mushroom ravioli. It comes with a very nice salmon and shrimp starter and a heavenly light mousse for desert. The entire meal with a glass of wine was marvelous. Food done, potty break; check, time for a nap. See you in Portugal .    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    1

    One Flight Down, One More To Go

    April 25 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After a restless nap, we get a nice breakfast. Some much needed coffee, orange slices with strawberries and some meat slices and cheese. Enough to satisfy and get the day started. I believe that we are 5 hours ahead of home.

    The EES machines are a failure for me. I waited in line for 45 minutes for it to tell me to go to manual passport control. Laura is still not through. Laura also had to go to manual customs after waiting in line. So a 2 for 2 fail. We only have a half hour till boarding.

    Well we made it on the second flight. This flight is on a smaller plane. Business class is 2 tight seats and economy is 3 sardine cans across. It is only a 2 hour flight, I will survive. They serve a light lunch of I think seafood and polenta. Tasty.

    We land and grab our luggage. Now here is one for the record books. I always pack carry-on, so I don't have to wait for luggage. This time I checked my carry-on along with Laura's checked bag. I am actually glad that I did. With the long line up for the EES system and the short time for the lay over, I'm glad that I didn't have to lug all my luggage. Also in Portugal both the debarkcation and embarkation were done on the airport ground with busses taking you to the terminal.

    We take a taxi to the hotel and check in. It is a nice room. We are here for 4 nights of fun. Time for some dinner and wine. They eat later here with restaurants opening at 7:00 PM.

    Laura found a place called Berete. It is a small tapas bar not far from where we are. Completely gluten free for Kitten. Tapas is a style of eating where you order small plates and share them. We ordered a variety and some we liked and some we didn't. The wine was very good though. We meandered the streets after and made our way back to the hotel. I went to pick up a wine for the room (long day) and met a couple from Toronto at the bar. Small world. Anyway, time for bed because we have been up since 7:00 AM on Friday.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler

    Slow Day For Both Of Us

    April 26 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I guess all the travel yesterday played havoc with our systems. Laura was sick last night and my body said 'Nope' to today. I went out to get some yogurt this morning (the hotel charges €23 per person per day for breakfast). I came back was just not feeling right. Laura went out for a walk around noon, I had a nap. Laura broke a nail yesterday and went to find a place to fix it.

    We did both go out the evening for dinner. We found a little place called Gea ( https://www.geahealthybakery.com/ ). They had gluten-free pizza, cakes, pastries etc. The best part was that it came with your own doggie. Well, we claimed her to be honest. The owner didn't seem to mind. Once again this is a cultural difference here. They allow dogs in restaurants. We each had a slice and a few pets and then came back. I'm still feeling a bit queasy but Laura went back to a boutique she saw.

    I enjoy walking around the are and getting some shots of the streets. They have such nice balconies and facades.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Cathedral of Barcelona
    Marvelous building facadesOne of the squares along the way.A small church we stopped in to.Beautiful stained glass.The reliefs on the choir loft.1Hey, I'm watching you...Ducks in the cloisterLatte and a new pursePublic washroomsNice pedestrian boulevardsDinner delivery with a smile.

    Basilica And Shopping

    April 27 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today is another beautiful day out. I haven't mentioned it but we have lucked out with the weather. Sunny with a temperature of around 20 C. (68 F). It feels warmer with the sun. It makes for walking through the streets even nicer.
    Today we went to the Cathedral of Barcelona. The first Cathedral was recorded as early as 599 AD. The present construction was started in 1288 after the previous one was burnt down. It was finished in the mid-15th century. It has 3 different types of construction. The center of the cathedral was built first with the two aisles complete about 100 years later the cloister was finished in 1448. The facade was started at the end of the 19th century with it being complete in 1913.

    The cathedral is not as large or grand as others I've been to but the archetechure and stained glass are marvelous.

    After the self guided tour we went meandering the streets back. I found a purse shop and picked up a new leather purse.

    We check out a few more stops before my tummy troubles started again. Back to the hotel for me. Laura continued on with her shopping and browsing. I clocked 8500 steps today, so that was good.

    Laura being the wonderful travel.biddy that she is; picked up dinner for us back at the hotel.

    I forgot to mention that in Barcelona they have these public washrooms in various places. They are free to the public and reasonably clean. (At least the one I stopped in was). Good for when you just 'Have To Go', just bring your own toilet paper or tissues.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    New outfits for Kitten
    Herbalist plaqueFunky looking light post

    Last Full Day in Barcelona

    April 28 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    I had another restless night which translates into a slow day for me. Laura went out this morning to explore some shops. Laura has found some new outfits (check the picture of Laura at the fountain). We do go out for a walk in the afternoon. Once again the weather is great. We find an herbal store where I pick up a tumeric and ginger potion. Hopefully it helps. The place has been on the edge of a square since 1823. There is a paving stone outside the store to commemorate the business.

    Laura went back out and found a restaurant for dinner. There are a lot of gluten-free places to eat. Tonight she had some dish and chips with nachos.

    Tomorrow we leave Barcelona and head over to the ship.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    An old fort turned into a naval museum1Ruben anyone?A happy girl.with her creme brule11

    All Aboard

    April 29 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We get up and pack up our things. Check out is at noon. We leave about 11AM for a stroll down to the water. Our check in at the ship is 12 noon so we have time to kill. We make it down to the harbour and check out the pretty boats and cuter dogs. The dogs are everywhere here. The harbour is nice and the weather beautiful.

    Back at the hotel we grab our luggage and get a taxi to the cruise port. I think our driver over charged. We ended up paying €30.00 when I believe it should ha e been half that. Well, there are mean people everywhere.

    At the cruise port it really doesn't take long for us to get through the process. Once on board we get lunch at the Local. It is really great that we don't have to worry about Laura eating on board. They are very careful with her Celiac disease.

    After lunch we wait a couple of hours before our rooms are ready. Out room is an ocean view with a large window. I'm surprised at how much room we have. The bathroom is huge by ship standards.

    We unpack and head to dinner at Hudsons. Laura has the strip loin and I didn't the talapia. We were so hungry that I forgot pictures. We spend a couple of hours in the casino and then head to bed.

    We have to be up early for our excursion in France.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Nice coast
    Atsa my boatVegetation grows everywhereEze villageKnight guarding the castleNarrow streets of EzeMarket in NiceNice buildingsPancakes and fruit for LauraCornmeal omelet for me.Flower storePooped after a long dayChocolate mousseApple strudel

    Eze and Nice

    April 30 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Why is everything uphill in Europe? Both ways? We have an early start and are on the tender by 9:30 AM. We take a bus up to Eze which is a small village at the top of the mountain. It is called a hanging town, since it is on the side of a mountain. Another beautiful day here; sunny and 20C. The scenery is amazing. Plenty of rich people houses everywhere. The old town where the castle is comprises of narrow cobblestone streets that meander every which way. It is full of tourist shops and small cafes. The views from the top are great. I like how the flowers grow into the rock sides.

    We bus back to Nice. Our guide takes us on a walk by the water to the town. We see the beach which is 7 km long. Beautiful blue water, people swimming and lazing around on the beach. This is the start of the summer season and not too packed yet. We head to the market area. Our guide shows us where the toilets are. Laura needed to use them. The guide didn't stop to let anyone use the facilities just kept on walking. We lost her in no time. So we are on our own now. Let's eat. We find a gluten-free bakery and restaurant. I have a cornmeal omelet and Laura does fruit pancakes.

    After we walk the streets. Laura has found some antique stores she wants to check out. They are antiques but mostly junk, in my humble opion. Laura wants to go to the beach to get a rock for Ni. I cave half way there. She will have to pick me up on the way back. I'm not sure where to pick-up the bus and we only have an hour left.

    We found another tour from Norweigian coming back to Port. The nice lady contacted the office who contacted our tour guide. Apparently we were supposed to meet at the opera house at 4 PM. We don't know where that is. The bus is leaving at 4:30, so we are staying at the port and having a coke.

    We have made it on the bus!!! Now back to the ship to.put my poor feet up. It is only 4:30 and I'm up to 12000 steps.

    We have a nice dinner and then I think we are both done for the day.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Yum Yum
    Country side coming into FirenzeTypical streetTypical squareAmazing reliefs on the wallsDuoma of FirenzeMarket at squareSalads are humongous1BuschettaGluten-free pizzaSimbios restaurant. All gluten-free.Gelato, naturally gluten-freeWaldorf salad

    Florence Today

    May 1 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    We are headed into Florence today. We have just booked transport and have the day to wander around. Once again we are up early at 5:00 AM. Neither of us are morning people. After breakfast we head down to catch a bus.

    We are on the bus and heading to Florence. Our tour guide today is Flavia. She sounds much better than yesterday. We just past a gas station and the price converts to $2.889 a liter. Okay we aren't that bad in Canada.

    The scenery is beautiful with open fields, windmills and nice houses.

    We arrive in Florence or Firenze for the Italians reading. The bus is not allowed inside the city center so it's two feet and a heart beat to get to the city center. Apparently May 1st is labour day in Italy. Our tour guide, Flavia, told us that there would be crowds and she was correct. Crowds for her equals mobs for me. Forget getting into the Duoma. The lines are too long. So we find some shops to explore. My favourite is just the archetechure and stautes that are all free to see as you walk around. After soaking up a few hours of Florence we find a gluten free pizza place and indulge. Of course Gelato is a must in Italy. Check the pictures.

    We have made it back to the bus with very few issues. On our way back to the ship, hopefully to put my feet up.

    I got a nap in before dinner. Thank goodness! Tonight we did dinner in the Commodore restaurant. It is a little smaller than the Hudson but has the same menu. Tonight's dinner did not disappoint. Check the pictures.

    We are in bed early as we have another early morning.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    11

    Roaming In Rome

    May 2 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We are up once again at 5:00 AM. Nope still not a morning person. The restaurant called the Local is open at 5 AM so this is where we have been doing g breakfast.

    We have booked tickets to a museum called the Capitoline Museum. It was recommended to us by another passenger.

    We get on the bus and leave. It is about an hour and a half to get to Rome from Civitavecchia where we are docked. Our guide this time was not that great. She sent around a sign in sheet and a blurry map of Rome. She dropped us off and said to meet her at 2:45. No preamble about Rome, no hey where are you going, nothing. No tip today. Laura and I head off and get the Hop on Hop off tickets to get us to our destination. It is a long ride through the city.

    I haven't been to the museum before so this was new for me. We drive past the Colosseum and of course every where you look you see ruins. The crowds are unbelievable. We finally arrive at the museum.

    There are not so many people here, thank goodness. The exhibition consists of BC/AD artworks, statues, pottery and tapestries. Check out the photos. Too much to explain here.

    Once we get through the museum, we have to head back. It is about a 45 minute drive back. We didn't get here until 10AM, so we didn't have that much time here.

    Laura wanted to checkout a few liquidation stores so I grabbed some.pizz and wine to wait for her.

    I have managed another 12000 steps (half of which were stairs) and we took the bus. I think a nap.is in store when we get back.

    A nap was so in order. Onto dinner. We are both having lobster tonight. We are back in the Commodore dining room. Check out the pictures!    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Cookies anyone?No lack of fresh fruits and vegetablesThey have pre-made bags of spice combosLunch on our tourGluten for meGluten-free lunch for LauraThe dome is made from ceramicsThis area is known for their ceramicTreat for the ride backA whole box of gluten-free goodness

    The One I Have Been Waiting For

    May 3 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Today is the Amalfi coast. We catch the bus and our tour guide Vinny is great. He gives us plenty of commentary about the area. We start in Salerno, which is the laregest city in the region with a population of 1 million. We head to Sorrento, which has a population if a out 80,000. Once there we head to the old town area filled with shops. We go to one shop that has tastings of Lemoncello, a cream lemon cello and a pistachio liquor. They have cookies but the one I was waiting for was the lemon candies. I found these 11 years ago and have never forgotten them. I have always associated them with the Amalfi coast. I may have purchased a large bag. The are hard lemon candy on the outside but have a fizzy liquid inside. Laura and I continue along for some other purchases.

    After we meet up again, we have lunch at a restaurant that has the hand written menu. You know that is local. They can even accommodate Laura with a gluten-free lunch. We get back on the bus and head to the second part of the tour which is the boat ride up the coast of Amalfi.

    The boat ride upto Almalfi is amazing. The little villages along the way are beautiful. It's amazing how they can build and live here between the mountains. They have terraced gardens where they grow their food and the sea to catch the fish. A simple life but one well worth living. We arrive at Almalfi and have about one and a half hours to roam around. Too much shopping but I also found a treat for the ride back.

    Time to go back to the ship for nap time and then dinner. When we got back to the room we found a box of gluten-free cookies for Laura. The other night at dinner the waitress had went to get Laura some gluten-free cookies but they had ran out. So she had promised her a box as an apology. Well, they magically showed up! One happy Kitten.

    As always, dinner is wonderful. When you look at the portions you think it's not enough however I have never left hungry.

    Tomorrow is Sicily.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    At the crater on Mount Etna
    Always activeCrater created from eruptionLook like moon rocksA little windy up here1Gluten-free cannoli for LauraFountain at the VillaCeiling fresco at the villaWorkers creating jewelryThey out out a nice spread1Volcanic soil is very good for grapes

    Off to Sicily

    May 4 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Another early morning. I realize that I have not been posting breakfast pictures. I have included today's for you.

    Sicily is 3 km (2 miles) from mainland Italy. Messina was destroyed by a tsunami and earthquake in the early 1900's. It was also heavily bombed in WWII.

    Up, up, up we go to Mount Etna. At 6000 ft it is a little cooler here 11C (52 F). There is still snow on the mountains and the leaves in the trees are just coming out. The site we visit is one of the craters that blew out due to the pressure of the eruption. The black volcanic stone looks like a moonscape. You can't see the sea from here as it is a little hazy. It is also pretty windy up. The terrain is lava rock that can make you slip. I have worn my Vessi shoes today. I know I have mentioned them.before but I can't say it enough that they are the best for traction in all sorts of conditions. Apparently in the winter they have enough snow to ski on. There is a restaurant with sandwiches and pastries. They have gluten-free for Laura and the chef there makes her first ever cannoli.

    When we leave here we go to a jewelry making factory. It is in a very nice villa and the name is Gival. The villa is over a 100 years old and has been kept in perfect condition. They give us a demonstration of how jewelry is made and then showed us their jewelry. All of it is beautiful. They deal in pretty much everything from pearls to coral to diamonds and emeralds. I picked out a necklace that would match my emerald ring. It was only $4000.00 Cdn. Too rich for my blood. I did pick up a couple of pendants in coral. Laura picked up a 2 rings sand a pendant.

    We are heading back to the ship now for some rest and relaxation.

    We head down to dinner in rhe Hudson today. I had the French onion soup. I was disappointed with the lack of cheese. Main course was lamb shanks which was delicious. I finished off with snickers pound cake. I'm stuffed.

    Tomorrow is Corfu!    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Turkey cutletChocolate lava cakeNutella creme brulè

    Greece Today

    May 5 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We finally get to sleep in! We have a tour that meets at 11 AM. This of course means that Laura got to dance the night away last until 3 AM. We have a late breakfast and head down for our tour.

    We are on the Isle of Corfu today. This is a new port for me. Corfu is a statistically located island and was conquered by many different countries. The Greeks, Roman's, Ottomans, Venetians, English, French and then finally Corfu became.part of Greece. It is a large island with a climate that is lush with vegetation.

    We head to the old palace of St. George and St. Michael that has been turned into a museum of Asian art. We also see rhe old fort built by the Venetians to protect the city.

    Up next is the old town with the narrow streets numerous shops and cafés. There is an old church of the Orthodox religion. The Grrek churches are much more ornate than you typical catholic churches. Still very nice but a bit dark.

    Finally we are released to go shopping! I gave a tradition to buy a Christmas ornament from wherever I travel. I find one here as well. I think that is three that I have picked up on this trip. I also pickup a moisturizer in a lavender scent. Laura picked one up in a pomegrade scent.

    We meet back at the fort and head back to the ship. Nap time and then dinner.

    Dinner is in the Hudson tonight. I do a vegi starter with turkey for the main. Chocolate lava cake rounds out my meal. Laura had her typical Ceaser salad and a fish dish that was not to her liking. On true Norweigian style they immediately switched it out for a chicken dinner. Of course her Nutella creme brule was good.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler

    Relaxing Day Onboard

    May 6 in Montenegro ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today is our first day to relax on board. Norweigian had cancelled our port of Kotor in Montenegro and replaced it with Bar. I tried to book something online but they wouldn't allow it. I went to the Shore excursion desk twice but the lineups were outrageous. Therefore we are staying on board. This gave Laura a reason to party last night.

    I got up early and enjoyed breakfast at Hudsons. Then I found a bed at the infinity pool outside the Local restaurant. The sun is shining and I have the entire sun bed to myself. We'll let Laura sleep it off. The water in the infinity pool is nice and warm. All I all a very relaxing morning.

    I have lunch up at the buffet. It is the first time I have been at the buffet all week. Since Laura is celiac, we tend to stick to the restaurants. After lunch, I do a couple laps of the ship just to keep up my step count. It has slipped to below 10,000 this week.

    Tonight we have dinner at Hasuk. It is a specialty dining room on board. The cost is $60.00 per person with a $12.00 gratuity added per person. It is a fun and entertaining evening with the chef singing silly songs while cooking us a fantastic meal. I have the shrimp and steak and so does Laura.

    Tomorrow is our last port, so I am going back to start packing up.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Laura trying to close her suitcase
    LunchKitten feeling a little rough todayBuschettaYummy LambChicken legsCaramel creme

    Not The Ending We Were Expecting

    May 7 in Croatia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    It is raining and 14C (57 F) today. Laura is not feeling well this morning. My little Kitten is starting menopause. Another new experience for her this trip. I think it is her proximity to me that has drawn this out. She has hot /cold sweats, emotional, weepy, the whole nine yards. Laura was up late dancing until 3 AM but she wasn't drinking. So now she is crashing. I didn't sleep well, so we have skipped our tour.

    Our day consisted of packing up our stuff. Waiting in a huge line for Customer Service because our luggage tags say that it is for transfers for after a 1:00 PM flight, when our flight is for 12:00 noon. They say we will get there on time and if not give NCL a call from the airport. Comforting? Not! Anything I can do about it? Nope. That is going to be tomorrow's story.

    We have our last dinner on-board at the Commodore. I have the lamb and Laura has the chicken. We both have the caramel creme for desert.

    We head back and put our bags out and I get ready for bed while Laura has one more night of dancing.    Read more

  • Jane KippLaura and I Strike AgainTraveler
    Dinner on my way to Toronto
    Gluten-free snacks for Kitten.1Tons of legroomVery tasty and hot mealDesert

    Their Kicking Us Off The Ship

    May 8 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Today we must depart. One last breakfast at the Local and then we leave.

    We have a early debarkcation because we have a transfer to the Bologna Airport. Our flight takes off at 12:05 to Lisbon. Then Lisbon Toronto at 5:45 with arrival home at around 9:00 PM. At least that's the plan. We aren't flying Air Canada, so that might be in our favour.

    We make it onto the bus at 8:10 AM . The airport is a 70 minute drive. We should be okay. The bus ride takes us through the countryside. There are fruit trees, grape vines for wine and wheat fields.

    We make it to the airport by 9 20. Timing is good so far. We head to the VAT Tax refund place at customs. I don't get all the taxes back but I will get some. Apparently, not all the stores we shopped in participated in the tax free system.

    Next stop is the check in desk. Since momma is flying business class, Kitten gets to go through the Priority line with me. I do check my carry-on since we have to pick up Laura's luggage anyway. This way it will get automatically transferred to Toronto at the Lisbon airport. My luggage came in at 9.2 kg, a little heavier that coming over. Kitten's luggage comes in just over 20 kg. Just saying. They have a Priority lounge here with a priority security clearance line. The lady said that we can stay here until 10 minutes before boarding.

    I come in and have a bite to eat. They have prepackaged snacks for our gluten-free Kitten.

    Through security and a little shopping later and I'm on board. I have seat 1F. There is plenty of legroom and little wider seats. So far, there is no one else in my row. Yay! Yep, no else shows up. A row all to myself! They serve a marvelous meal on this short flight. Beef pie, asparagus, a salad and a pudding for desert. They just gave me a chocolate for and after dinner treat. I like flying business.

    We land in Lisbon and have to go through the EES system again. This time it works for me. I hit the lounge for the next few hours. Laura couldn't get into the lounge and she insisted that I stay there. Maybe she has had enough of Mommy for a bit. We board and I have an entire row to myself. Easily 5 feet of luxury. I have a lay down seat and nobody to bother me while I nap. (After dinner of course) It is a 7 hour flight and I'm glad I can catch some sleep.

    Dinner is served. I go for the fish and rice a glass of white wine rounds out the tray. Desert was perfect. I would definitely recommend TAP airline to anyone. They are very helpful at the gates, on the phone and on the flight. There food is flavourful, hot and just the right amounts.

    We arrive at Toronto half an hour early. It has been a long flight. I did lay down for a bit but I didn't really sleep. I don't know why airplanes are so dry but it kept me coughing and dr8nking plenty of water.

    We grab our luggage and then our limo. We were home by 10:00 PM.    Read more

    Trip end
    May 9, 2026
  • 2026© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice