Quebec City, Canada

Today it was time to leave the ship and all the pampering behind.  Started the day with a tour. I have visited here before, but there is always more to see and explore.

Quebec City was established by the French settler Samuel de Champlain before the British landed on these shores. Towering over the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, it was initially known as New France and is one of North America's oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Started with a drive through the Old Town, beginning in Lower Town filled with shops, restaurants and Palace Royale and the oldest standing Catholic Church in Canada, Notre-Dame-des-Victories. Then ventured to Upper Town with  the beautiful National Battlefields Park and views of the St. Lawrence River and city. 

Next stop was Montgomery Falls - the photos say it all. Sunny skies and great views. The last stop was Westlake on the outskirts of Quebec City, a First Nations Village within the French nation. 

Time to begin the journey home, and oh what a journey with delayed flights in Canada, and thank goodness in Chicago, or we would not have made it home. The walk to get to customs in Chicago was two to three miles, so thankful that we had Global Entry so we did not have to wait in the long, long lines. Then we had to take a tram to another terminal (still not knowing if we could make our flight) and go through TSA again, where my bag got tagged for a "rock" - a carved bear. Got to the gate and the flight was delayed and delayed and delayed. Still better than spending the night in Chicago. 

Nice to be back in SUNNY Denver. 

L'Anse aux Meadows, Canada

L'Anse aux Meadows is at the tip of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula and the site of the first known evidence of European presence in the Americas by Norse expeditions from over 1300 years ago. We were supposed to begin tendering ashore this morning to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, but Mother Nature had other plans for us. The fog was too thick to safely go ashore. Supposedly there was another ship by us, but invisible in the distance. We pulled up anchor and are now heading to our next port. 

Such is the adventure of traveling. One has to go with the flow, or in our case, follow the winds. Hopefully we find some sunny skies.

As with all of my time spent on ships, the best and most treasured memories are meeting the wonderful people who make our journey and time on board the ship so pleasant. These people spend six to eleven months at a time away from their homes and families. We have met staff from Europe, India, Myanmar, Africa, the Philippines and Indonesia. 

A special shout out to Mark and Sumesh for being so gracious and kind and making us feel like royalty. I hope our paths cross again. 

Killybegs, Ireland, UK

Arrived this morning to Killybegs, located at the head of a natural deep water harbour,  at the base of a scenic mountainous tract. It is easy to see why this is called "The Green Isle".  This little town of about 1500 claims to be the largest fishing port in the country. However, due to EU fishing regulations there has been a downturn in the fishing industry. Many of the young are leaving, or going south to work and coming home for long weekends. Our guide worked in Germany, but came back home to retire to enjoy the quality of life and take advantage of the lower cost of living. 

Took a ride along "The Wild Atlantic Way" into Donegal. Visited Donegal Castle, which was the principal residence of the royal family of the O'Donnell's, who ruled the Kingdom of Tir Chonaill from 1200 until 1601. The site is also believed to have been site of a Viking fort in the 9th and 10th centuries. Walked around the town and stopped for some fish chowder (all fish - no potatoes), before heading back to the ship.

Another sunny day with just a few five minute showers. Time to enjoy some movies, reading and late mornings during the four day crossing of the Atlantic as we sail for North America.