Stage 1 - Sydney to Barcelona and then Silver Dawn

 On Our Way

The trip started very smoothly, although I am not taking into consideration the pre-trip challenges associated with Julie's packing. It's amazing that she has left any clothing (and Shoes) at home. As you all know - better to be prepared so take everything. 

The car picked us up as planned and whizzed us into the International Airport (Sydney). It was a breeze going through immigration and directly into the duty free shopping. Julie picked up just a couple of items (mandatory has we hadn't packed enough 😂) and then into the lounge. Nothing special to report there.

We flew with Vietnam Airlines to Paris via Hanoi. 


Whilst not up with top top airlines, it was still very good.  First leg I discovered some really good wines, in particular a Chilean Syrah. Food was good, movies crap.

Arrived in Barcelona but not much to report. However, whilst still in the airport, the shopping started (a bad omen for things to come). Sunny days and around the low 20's. 

The hotel we stayed in was very comfortable and was close to the cruise terminal. 

Second day and we explored Barcelona. It is a terrific city and we could easily have stayed longer. 






For a bite to eat found a small cafe for a bit of paella (Julie) and hamburger for me (very adventurous)


 We discovered a food market and thought we picked the wrong place for lunch. The food at the market was outstanding.



                                                                Too many choices

Walked around for about 5 hrs, completely exhausted by the time we got back. Thought it would help us sleep. Sadly not the case waking up all through the night.

We met up with a fellow traveller from Perth that evening at the hotel and it turns out that she has the cabin directly opposite ours. What a small world

After a late checkout the next day it was off to the ship.

It was a very easy process to board and our cabin was ready upon arrival.




The essentials already there

We dropped off our carry bags and headed to get some food. But first a wee drink 😄



Then the food



We did not sail from Barcelona until the evening so after the meal (which was very good) we explored the ship. The Dawn is a relatively new ship so everything  was in good shape.





And so we quickly settled in, checked out the evening menus at the 6 restaurants onboard and prepared ourselves for the next 26 days. But first a pre-dinner drink

Tomorrow we sail into Palma de Mallorca

Comments

  1. Joe Skimbirauskas19 November 2023 at 16:11

    Graham, I hear that suitcases are very cheap in the Barcelona markets, you should have bought Julie a few if you were a thoughtful husband.

    ReplyDelete

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