Spain & Cruise 2024

A 18-day adventure by Amy, Polka, Eo and 2 others Read more

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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:13 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 102 ft
Italy Dancing Faun 40.750198, 14.48451240°45’1” N 14°29’4” E
Cats of Pompeii
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Of course they immediately found two cats
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:22 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 108 ft
Italy Dancing Faun 40.750487, 14.48407940°45’2” N 14°29’3” E
Men's Baths
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We all commented on how real this made people's lives - people just like us hung up their clothes here, lounged around in the baths, etc.

One room still has the ribbing that allowed the condensation to drip down to the sides rather than on people.

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The Men's Baths in Pompeii offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and social customs of the ancient Romans. Known as the Terme Stabiane or Stabian Baths, these well-preserved ruins showcase Roman engineering and luxury in communal bathing. Visitors can walk through the various sections of the baths, including the frigidarium (cold bath), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot bath), each designed to fulfill the Romans' meticulous bathing rituals. The complex also features intricate mosaics and frescoes that illustrate the importance of these baths not just for hygiene but as a center for socializing and relaxation. Exploring these baths provides a direct link to the past, highlighting how advanced the Romans were in integrating comfort and community into their urban lifestyle.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 105 ft
Italy Dancing Faun 40.750712, 14.48403440°45’3” N 14°29’3” E
Pompeiian Fast Food
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Always make sure to check out the fast food joints in Pompeii!

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The recent discovery of a well-preserved thermopolium in Pompeii has provided remarkable insights into the ancient Roman fast food culture. Thermopolia, the Roman equivalent of today’s fast food restaurants, were common in the bustling streets of Pompeii. These establishments served ready-to-eat meals from large terracotta jars embedded in counter tops, catering to the city's lower classes and busy citizens who did not have kitchens in their small living spaces. The vivid frescoes on the walls of the thermopolium depict the food items on offer, such as meats, nuts, fruits, and breads, illustrating the vibrant daily life and the culinary habits of Pompeii’s inhabitants. This discovery not only highlights the commercial and social dynamics of ancient Roman cities but also showcases the parallels between ancient and modern urban eating habits.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:41 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 105 ft
Italy Dancing Faun 40.750755, 14.48419840°45’3” N 14°29’3” E
House of the Dancing Faun
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
This one had been closed off previously. The real faun is in the Naples Museum, as is the Alexander the Great mosiac. This is one of the largest and most luxiourious house found in Pompeii to date (although they haven't excavated anywhere near all of it.

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The House of the Dancing Faun in Pompeii is one of the most iconic and luxurious residences uncovered in the ancient city. Named after the exquisite bronze statue of a dancing faun found in its impluvium, this large house exemplifies the wealth and artistic appreciation of its owners. As you wander through its expansive layout, you are treated to intricate mosaics and frescoes that depict various aspects of Roman life and mythology, including the famous Alexander Mosaic, which portrays the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III. This house not only provides insight into the domestic architecture of Pompeii but also serves as a gallery of art and culture that resonated within the elite classes of Roman society before the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1:55 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 112 ft
Italy Dancing Faun 40.750961, 14.4847140°45’3” N 14°29’5” E
Around the Streets of Pompeii
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 2:22 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
Italy Casa di Stallius Eros 40.749944, 14.48972940°44’60” N 14°29’23” E
House of Menander
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
This villa was beautiful and heartbreaking. In the back room are a few skeletons where people huddled together in their last moments. Most of the casts have been moved to the Naples Museum - they are no longer in the main forum where they were the last time we were here.

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The House of Menander in Pompeii stands as one of the most impressive and luxurious private residences unearthed in the ancient city. Named after a portrait of the Greek playwright Menander found within, this expansive home is a testament to the wealth and cultural sophistication of its inhabitants. The house is renowned for its elaborate frescoes that cover virtually every surface, depicting scenes from Greek mythology and daily Roman life, demonstrating the owner's deep appreciation for Greek culture and art. The well-preserved structure also includes intricate peristyles, a private bath complex, and refined decorations, offering insight into the domestic elegance and architectural complexity that characterized affluent Roman living before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 2:39 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 59 ft
Italy Palestra 40.75088, 14.49239240°45’3” N 14°29’33” E
Pompeii Arena, Guilia's House, Exit
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
Seeing the shady green orchards and gardens with Vesuvius looming above was strangely serene. Walking in to the huge, well-preserved arena was surreal - I can't believe that all of these ruins were so covered that the city was forgotten.

The few casts that are still on site are at the exit in glass displays. Heart-breaking and yes, fascinating.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 3:40 PM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 33 ft
Italy Piazza Bartolo Longo 40.749561, 14.501240°44’58” N 14°30’4” E
Modern Pompeii
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Our tour guide, Roberto, grew up here, He lives just down the road and recommended the best gelato place.

He mentioned that his mother comes to the church every morning to pray. He clearly loves his town, his family, and his country.

He welcomed us as long last family, calling mom Pah-MEH-la and we chatted like cousins catching up. We would use Taxi Mister Cab again for sure!

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The modern city of Pompeii, shadowed by the archaeological site of its ancient namesake, serves as a lively and vibrant Italian community. This contemporary town boasts bustling streets, quaint cafes, and a local culture infused with a deep awareness of its historical legacy. While it draws numerous tourists eager to explore the ancient ruins, Pompeii today is characterized by a strong sense of community and a thriving local economy that benefits from, yet extends beyond, tourism. Residents of modern Pompeii live their daily lives amidst a landscape that constantly reminds them of the past, yet they have carved out a distinctly modern Italian identity. This creates a unique atmosphere where the past and present coexist, offering visitors a multifaceted experience of Italian life.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 5:01 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
Italy Piazza Municipio 40.840043, 14.25148140°50’24” N 14°15’5” E
Naples
May 6, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We got back from Pompeii with just a bit of time to spare so decided to walk around the cruise port area. The nearby square featured Castel Nuovo and well...some kind of art installation about fast fashion. We got back to the ship right before the scanners went down and breezed through security - we heard later that other people were stuck in line for hours. I'd love to see more of Naples, but am glad we decided to call it a day!

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Naples, with its vibrant street life and rich tapestry of history, stands as a bustling metropolis nestled against the scenic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. This city, one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world, boasts a unique blend of architectural styles that tell the stories of numerous civilizations, from the Greeks to the Romans and the Normans.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 8:29 PM
🌙 63 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Tyrrhenian Sea 40.748653, 14.24281240°44’55” N 14°14’34” E
Leaving Naples - Vesuvius at Night
May 6, 2024, Tyrrhenian Sea ⋅ 🌙 63 °F
This was absolutely magical. The video in no way does it justice.

Leaving the Bay of Naples on MSCWorldEuropa after our trip to Pompeii Scavi (port was an excellent choice for this itinerary). Mt. Vesuvius covered in twinkling lights on a warm night is a sight I will never forget. When I did my 3rd grade science project on Pompeii, I also wrote a poem that ended, "And she sits. So silently sits she. Waiting. Watching". Those words were running through my mind on this dreamy evening.

Did you know that experts now think that the famous eruption of 79 AD may have occurred in mid-October rather than on August 24? They've found food and clothing that makes them think it was more likely autumn. Pliny the Younger wasn't clear on the date!Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8:12 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Italy Porto di Messina 38.196478, 15.5606438°11’47” N 15°33’38” E
Messina, Sicily - Heading Up to Mt Etna
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Docking in Messina and then on to Mt Etna! So much WWII history here - Patton was in Messina. The Latin inscription on the statue in the harbor references a letter believed to have been written by the virgin Mary.

We stopped off at a gas station for a quick break and our first clear views of the volcano from the parking lot. Pretty cool to go to two Italian volcanoes in two days!

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Messina, a vibrant port city nestled on the northeastern tip of Sicily, serves as a gateway between the island and the Italian mainland. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, Messina is celebrated for its beautiful Norman cathedral and the Orologio Astronomico clock tower, one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. The city's harbor is guarded by the golden statue of the Madonna della Lettera, symbolizing the protection of the city. The inscription beneath, "Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus," translates to "We bless you and your city," a reference to the letter believed to have been sent by the Virgin Mary to the people of Messina, blessing and protecting them.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 11:45 AM
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: 6,201 ft
Italy Crateri Silvestri 37.698708, 15.00485537°41’55” N 15°0’17” E
Hiking Up Sylvesterie Crater
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
There were two craters we could visit, but one was an intense hike that we could barely make in the time allotted, so we did the closer crater.

Inside the crater, lots of people created designs with rocks and an entire labyrinth maze.

This looks like another planet! Willow stayed in the parking lot - the ride up was about 30 min of switchbacks and she needed to rest.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 6,214 ft
Italy Crateri Silvestri 37.697154, 15.00510737°41’50” N 15°0’18” E
Silvestrie Crater
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
It's amazing how far up the slopes of Etna there are houses. Additionally, there are restaurants and lots of services up on the mountain, with a marker for how far the lava has come before.
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 12:01 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 6,181 ft
Italy Crateri Silvestri 37.697058, 15.00519437°41’49” N 15°0’19” E
Volcano in Sicily
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 12:30 PM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 6,198 ft
Italy Crateri Silvestri 37.699089, 15.0037437°41’57” N 15°0’13” E
Our daughter, the street performer
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
So the curvy ride up was really rough on Willow. She stayed down below and sat on a wall in her full goth outfit and extra large sun hat. Apparently some people may have thought she was a street performer because they started taking pictures with her.

I told her next time she should set out a jar or something and collect money.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 12:32 PM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 6,198 ft
Italy Crateri Silvestri 37.69904, 15.00379437°41’57” N 15°0’14” E
Leaving Mount Etna
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Some smoke started rising from one of the craters on the other side of the mountain right after we left. We found out after getting home that it erupted days later.
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 2:13 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 633 ft
Italy (former) Roman Catholic Diocese of Taormina 37.850898, 15.28029937°51’3” N 15°16’49” E
Taormina, Sicily
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
This hill town was fantastic! We walked out of the parking area to be greeted by a Ferrari!

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Taormina, perched on a hillside in Sicily, is a gem of the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Known for its stunning ancient Greek theater, the Teatro Greco, this historic site not only provides a spectacular panorama but also hosts a variety of modern performances, blending the old with the new in a truly dramatic setting. The town's charming streets are lined with chic boutiques, cozy cafés, and traditional Sicilian restaurants, inviting visitors to linger and soak in the atmosphere. Verdant gardens, like the public gardens of Villa Comunale, offer a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and exotic plants.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 2:37 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 725 ft
Italy Duomo di Taormina 37.851634, 15.28237537°51’6” N 15°16’57” E
Lunch in Taormina
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
This was the most beautiful pizzaria I've ever seen! There's also nothing like Italian lemon soda. We've tried to find something like it in the states and it's just not the same.

The pizza was delish!Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 3:21 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 699 ft
Italy Duomo di Taormina 37.851039, 15.28273337°51’4” N 15°16’58” E
After the rain storm in Taormina
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
We had a brief rainstorm and ducked in to a church. The piazza with black and white squares just shone once it passed!
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 3:58 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 676 ft
Italy Palazzo Ciampoli 37.851392, 15.28492437°51’5” N 15°17’6” E
The Streets of Taormina
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
I will never ever get tired of quaint Italian streets.

The ride up here was pretty crazy. Streets suspended out over the hillside, with curves so narrow buses have to take turns going around them. Totally worth it for the views!Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6:18 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Italy Piazza Unione Europea 38.192662, 15.55888138°11’34” N 15°33’32” E
White Night
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
It was extremely important that someone said this quote while in Sicily.

Cruise ships typically have theme nights. The U.S. cruises that Sean and I have been on didn't have too much buy in. The vibe is very different on European cruises, apparently! We saw a whole group of 60-70 year olds in full hippie mode on 60's night.

The girls came prepared to join in on White Night. Willow did their makeup.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:20 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 66 ft
Italy Museo del Tesoro del Duomo 38.192073, 15.55568138°11’31” N 15°33’20” E
"Amelia" Performance on the World Europa
May 7, 2024 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
We heard mixed reviews on this show, but it was pretty awesome! A woman who did aerial WITH HER HAIR and two motorcycles in a spherical cage.

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The "Amelia" show aboard the MSC World Europa offers passengers a captivating entertainment experience, blending storytelling with high-quality production values. This show, designed specifically for the grandeur of the MSC World Europa, integrates cutting-edge technology, stunning visual effects, and live performances to create an immersive theatrical event. Set in an elegant theater space on the ship, "Amelia" tells a compelling narrative that engages audiences of all ages, making use of the vessel's state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.Read more
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8:45 PM
🌙 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Tyrrhenian Sea 40.021993, 12.97287840°1’19” N 12°58’22” E
Eowyn on a Moped
May 7, 2024, Tyrrhenian Sea ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
She looks a bit under the weather here, because she ended up being sick throughout the night. By the next day she was back to her normal bouncy self!
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Day 7
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8:46 PM
🌙 64 °F
Altitude: Sea level
Tyrrhenian Sea 40.885051, 13.56412840°53’6” N 13°33’51” E
Willow in White
May 7, 2024, Tyrrhenian Sea ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
Had to make sure we showcased her awesome White Night makeup!
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Day 8
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 9:25 AM
☁️ 66 °F
Altitude: 26 ft
Malta Il-Moll tal-Kurcifis 35.890763, 14.50866735°53’27” N 14°30’31” E
Valletta, Malta
May 8, 2024 in Malta ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
We thought this would be our warmest stop being only 200 km off of Africa. Instead we ended up in a rainstorm! The view from the fort was spectacular. It's a lovely combination of many cultures as the island was a key point throughout history and highly contested.

Would love to spend more time here - it's a prime spot to consider for digital nomading.

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Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a cultural and historical jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean. Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, this fortified city is known for its well-preserved architectural and historical sites, earning it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valletta's grid-like streets boast some of Europe's most elegant baroque landmarks, including the majestic St. John's Co-Cathedral, famed for its lavish interior and Caravaggio's masterpieces.Read more
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