Samomatic

Arriving in Cannes in the French Riviera, most recognized for its annual film festival that started in the early 1930s.

The Mariner of the Seas could not dock directly so water taxis transferred all the guests to/from the city to the ship.

We spent a couple of hours wandering through the narrow passages in the old town with a basic map taken from the information booth.

The Cannes Harbor, it is a popular resort destination for the rich and famous. The harbour is lined with luxurious sail boats.

Taking a break in a café and enjoy a morning coffee.

Around noon the excursion took us about an hour away to Galimard Perfume Factory in Grasse, the world’s perfume capital.

A guide took us on a tour around the factory and the steps in creating a perfume. Quite a convoluted process from ideation to products on shelves!

The ‘organ’ for the nose, someone who can identify over 2,000 scents, to play with the scents and mix new fragrances.

Saint-Paul de Vence is one of the oldest medieval towns (dated from 11th century) in the French Riviera.

The medieval fortified village was packed with tourists. However, turning away from the busy main streets we were able to find some quiet spots and appreciate the beautiful details.

But then we got lost and had to run to catch up to the bus! So don’t deviate too far from the main street…

The next day we arrived in Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica and the birthplace to Emperor Napoleon.

Near Ajaccio are many sandy beaches so we packed our bathing suits and sunscreen!


In the afternoon we explored the city, which is built along the slope of the hill.


Apparently there are some amazing hiking/biking trails across the island, makes me want to go back!

Back on board! Till next time!

Arriving in Genoa at 7am. I was surprised how nimble the cruise ship can be manoeuvring into the narrow harbour for docking.

The old city of Genoa is on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) and the city is an important seaport in northern Italy. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to explore the city.

Our excursion took us to Santa Margherita Ligure. Santa Margherita is on the Italian Riviera in Liguria.

We had a short time to explore the city, we hiked up the hill to Chiesa di San Giacomo.

The unique church interior with many chandeliers.

The main square on market day with many local vendors.

Taking a ferry, we followed the coastline and arrived at Portofino, the beautiful playground for the rich and famous.

The town originated as a fishing village, no new houses have been built since 1935.

A relaxing stroll from the harbour to the yellow San Giorgio church overlooking the semi-circular harbour. The beautiful harbour is dotted with little wooden fishing boats to multi-million dollar yachts.

I wish I had more time to continue exploring the paths surrounding the town but after about 1hr in the town we boarded the ferry again to go back to Genoa.

Back on board the Mariner of the Seas, a beautiful sunset as we head off to the next port.

Continuing on our brief stay in Rome. We woke up nice and early to tour around the main attractions.
The Roman Forum with some buildings dating back to 8th century BC. That is 2800 years ago!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Enjoying a fresh cup of cafe latte and pastry by the counter (sitting down cost more).

The very friendly baristas.

Ah the mighty Colosseum! It takes about 10 minutes just to walk around the outside (our mighty guide was trying to find a washroom!).

It was completed by 80 AD with seating for 50,000 spectators.

Legionnaires waiting for tourist to take photos. If they see you taking photos of them they will demand money from you.

In front of the triumphal arch.


I found Albert Einstein hiding in a small alley!

The statues lining the circumference of the Saint Peter’s Square.

The inner workings of St. Peter’s Basilica. It was breathtaking with the amount of details and decorations.

Though it must be terrible for truly devoted Catholics, as the church is full of tourists with little respect for silence and flash photography.

From the top of the Basilica overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Il Vittoriano is a monument built to honour Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. The giant building is referred to as the ‘wedding cake’ by the locals.

By mid-day we had to leave Rome and head to Civitavecchia to board the cruise ship, Mariner of the Seas.
The sheer size of the ship took us by surprise, it took us almost 4hrs to explore all the decks and facilities on board!

The busy port of Civitavecchia, one of the most popular ports of call due to its distance from Rome.

Sailaway party on the pool deck as we depart for Genoa.

Some of the figures we posed with at the casino. :)


Sunset. Time to get some food!

With its roots stretching back as far as 2,500 years ago. Rome is a paradise for ancient buildings, cobblestone streets, and little alleys.

Flying with Air Transat, the budget airline between North America and Europe.

Taking a breather after rushing from work to the airport.

We caught sight of Italy after breaking through heavy clouds!

Checked into the hostel and just try to find our bearing near the train terminal….

Someone calls me and I turn around, it was my aunt and 2 cousins. What are the odds of running into someone in the middle of Italy?

Walked into a local market as they are cleaning up for the day.

The city is just a marvel of architectural gems. Even the street corridor is full of detail.

The Chapel of the Nativity at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

The little detail of Space Invader made me chuckle.

My job is to wander off as I see something interesting; Carmen’s job is to figure out where we are and how to get back on track.

The city becomes very quiet in the early afternoon for a siesta and avoid the direct sun.


Roads leading to Piazza di Spagna, the base of the Spanish Steps.

On Ponte Sant’Angelo around sunset. The pace slows down in the evening, people sit outside for a drink and chat till midnight.

She is still reading the map….