La Coruna

We had a nice evening last night watching Reel to Reel in the theatre and it was a show we had seen over three years ago: time for some new shows P and O! Despite some football match the theatre was full - but so were the two venues showing the match.

This was our first view of La Coruna from the ship. The buildings are famed for their glass fronted balconies which gives La Coruna a nickname of Crystal City

We arrived early into La Coruna and as yesterday it started dull but very soon the sun came out and it was a warm 22c and felt hotter in the sun! La Coruna is our sort of cruise port with the ship berthing right in the centre of the city.

We decided to walk along the harbour promenade

and explore the old city with its treed squares,

This is the tomb of Sir John Moore in Jardines de San Carlos 

and narrow streets

One of the markers for the pilgrims route to Santiago de Compostela

and a good view of the harbour

Then though Plaza de Maria Pita with its Palacio Municipal

and on to the two main beaches

Playa del Orzan

Playa del Riazor

The beaches have a wide promenade

Visible from the Promenade is the Obelisco Millenium

 but it is a shame that you have to cross a wide and busy road to get to the beach

 then back to the ship through the nice wide roads and squares

So then our usual swim, food, relaxing, and exploring the ship in the afternoon! Still amazed at how many kids there are on the ship. The rumour is that there are over 500 and that Scottish and Irish schools are on holiday. Note to selves: Only go on adult only ships!

Gijon

Gijon, pronounced Heehon is in the northest of Spain on the Bay of Biscay.

We berthed at 8am and after breakfast we were (as usual!) on the first shuttle coach into the city. Ventura berthed in the commercial port some half an hour away from the city.

The facilities at the terminal tent were decidedly basic - just security screening!

We started by climbing the hill which separates the two main beaches in Gijon, and we greeted by this sculpture(?)  called 'Praise to the Horizon'

We then went to look at the main - natural - beach of San Lorenzo, which would have been acres of sand were it not high tide!

so then off throught the old quarter to the other beach and past the yacht marinas

Playa de Poniente is a man made beach nearest to the commercial port.

On the coach trip into the city we noticed a train museum so decided to see if it was worth a visit: a very well spent Euro 1.40 each!

The display seemed to be housed in a disused station but there were no signs in English and our Spanish is not too hot!

A Hunslet Diesel!

Luckily we had our drone with us so we were able to get this aerial shot of the museum!

So a quick look at the tree lined main shopping street

and Colonnade of San Esteban

So back to the ship for a quick swim before lunch and a lazy afternoon by and in the pool until it got too busy and then relax in our cabin.

Last night we had a very average comic (the son of Roy Walker) but expect more tonight from the second headliners show called Reel to Reel which we are sure we saw three years ago on our last 

P and O Cruise!

The day started dull with a shower but really cheered up and from mid morning it was sunny and warm!

Spain, Portugal and Gurnsey

Our holiday started with a car to Ryde, Island Line from Ryde St Johns to the pier head, Fast Cat to Portsmouth, train to Fratton,  (The fast through train leaves as the Cat arrives on Sundays!)  train to Southampton Central and a taxi to Ocean Terminal where we boarded Ventura.

The slow train arrives at the central platform but there is still a lift for oldies with heavy suitcases - Pippa please note!

Arrived at terminal at 12 Midday and despite a 3 30pm boarding time we were eating lunch on board at 1pm!

Time to look around ship and see some of the harbour movements:

 Shieldhall reverses out while a Raptor and Red Jet pass

We were in with Arcadia which left first and Queen Elizabeth which left just before us

We are on freedom dinning so as we like eating early we were eating as we left Southampton but we had finished just in time to see us pass Seaview and it was pretty clear for some decent photos!

and of the Fort

We have not cruised for three years and there are many changes. One improvement is that for a single extortionate charge we get unlimited time connected to the glacial internet. In previous years it was time limited! This will make blogging much easier as I can do it on line rather than pre writing by adding photos on line watching the clock and getting frustrated as to how long it took!

After dinner we saw the first Headliners show which was a biopic of Bert Bacharach - not bad!

Monday is a sea day and it started with a swim for IB while IG read by the pool. We are amazed at the age profile on the ship. We are pretty much the oldest on board and there are a fair number of families with young kids. the pools get busy with noisy kids so an early swim is the order of the day.

We have two port presentations to see - good opportunity for a snooze - and we will do a few laps of the prom deck to work up an appetite for dinner and a comic in the theatre tonight!

So we have our first port tomorrow, Gijon in Spain which is a shuttle bus ride away from where we park.

Last morning in Chicago

We had a great meal last night; good food and not too pricey!

Nice to have Veg and no chips - sorry fries!

We are off to the airport at around 5pm for a 9.35pm flight so we have a full last day in Chicago. We have to leave our room at Midday so this will be our last blog - phew!

This morning we caught a bus to where we started our river walk yesterday and walked towards the lake, along the lake walk and back to our hotel. It was still cold but not as bad as yesterday!

 Remains of Halloween Party!

 Trump Hotel and flats in the middle

 One of the reasons for the walk was to see the dramatic Buckingham Fountain - it was dry!

This is what we should have seen!

 Still fascinated by the high level L Line