drron29

The next morning we awoke in Livorno,Italy. We were off on a S.A.L.T. excursion which are meant to give you a taste of local culture and the food of the area. It was to be an Italian BBQ feast at a winery in the Tuscan Hills. But first shots from the bus on our drive to the vineyard.

Another triple jumper. First in Antarctica January 2011. the 6 months later in Svalbard and finally South Georgia some years later. Absolutely loved it. Though in Svalbard I was possibly the one responsible for the introduction of the belt. From the Explorer back then just a rope tied around your waist. I asked the crew member if she was used to tying men up and she replied in the affirmative. It was the wife of an SS Expedition leader. Jumped in and the rope came off. Fortunately no problem. in fact allowed me a little time to have a short swim. The endorphins really kick in and the rum after makes it a wonderful experience. No cold water experience for me as the sea temperature in these parts usually ~ 20C.

That night was the "Queen" show by the Voices of Silversea and they did a pretty good job. However this was another example of cost cutting. We initially booked this as an 18 day cruise but a few months ago it became 2 9 day cruises. Now SS policy is if a cruise is over 10 days 2 guest artists can be used (and paid for ). So this splitting into 2 9 day cruises meant they didn't have to pay any guest entertainers and the shows on the second 9 day sector were exactly the same as the first 9 days. But I was in the first row for this one. Since the cruise I have heard the contract for the present set up ends soon and the rumour is the entertainers will be sourced from RCL who now own Silversea. It almost certainly be an improvement.

The food. As you can see we ate mostly waygu and lobster. But this night there was an incident that riled me. Silversea does have a dress code at night and men are required to wear jackets. It is slowly being ground down but most wear good slacks and a collared shirt. But this night a loud Australian poked his head in and saw 6 empty seats so sat down and made a phone call. He was wearing a t shirt,shorts and thongs. The Maitre'D told him he couldn't sit there as the seats were booked. With a few choice words the fellow left but 10 minutes later the F&B manager came in and began tearing strips of the Maitre'D right beside me. He asked if indeed the seats were booked and was told yes for 8.30 pm. Right If they don't turn up I will be instructing the guest to come back and you will seat him and he is not to be forced to change. Well in the room that night was the passenger feedback for the first sector of this cruise. I didn't mince words and told them Maitre'Ds are right to try and enforce the dress code and management should not interfere. The dress code was enforced mostly for the rest of the time we were on board and 2 of the Maitre'Ds became our best buddies. At least the shorts and thongs were no longer apparent. But I do wonder what might happen to the F&B manager.

Dinner that night was in the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki which incurs an extra charge of $40 a head. Basically not worth it as lunch here is with no surcharge and is very good. Here is the menu. I might have indulged in too much sake!

When back on board it was up to the pool deck for a light lunch. Mrsdrron had a toasted sandwich And I think it was chicken and avo and mine was a simple burger. And then a few more shots of Menton.

Now back on the bus. Back on the tender.

Truly an amazing place. Nearly at the end. Now walking back to the bus.

The Baroness was a ruthless collector. A really extensive porcelain collection. as well as paintings sculptures and religious art. As well according to our guide being very good at entertaining her friends.

The last of the garden. Now some free time to explore the villa.

Good views from various places around the garden. Then into the Japanese section.

It was then time for a walk around the gardens. Very extensive gardens and often nice shade. Altough the severe heat of summer had gone temperatures were still 28-30C. The Goldfinger house.

We arrive at the villa. We were off inside to start with morning tea. A bit sad as when you book with a Virtuoso agent you usually have a Virtuoso agent as a host. Ie getting a freebie. This time it was a pair of sisters and they were useless. We had to announce our presence to them after they came to our table to say hello to a NZ couple who were Virtuoso clients. Unfortunately they were on a few of our excursions and they were the ones who were always last back to the bus. Thank goodness we took the OBC instead of a Virtuoso excursion. Sadly these were not for us.

It was another tender port and then we were off to the Villa Ephrussi De Rotschild. Many went to Monaco but it holds no interest for me. Beside on this excursion we drove around it anyway so can say we have seen it. So from the bus on a lengthy ride. They call this a beach? A distant view of Monaco. And then we wizz around it. Many of the new buildings are built with Russian money. And then we were there. Some good views then a walk up to the villa.

The next morning we were steaming in to Menton France.

For some reason they were not very popular when we sailed. Same went for the Explorer. On warmer cruises the Medallion suites on the Explorer were excellent with a much larger balcony than the Silver suites.

A great position. Close to midship. Convenient to stairs and elevator as well as La Terraza and La dame. 50% bigger than a verandah suite and large enough for us to be comfortable. The verandah suites on the older classic fleet were a little too small for Rojaan as she sometimes is claustrophobic. But sometimes significantly cheaper than a silver suite. As I said despite it's position we were never bothered by noise. As well on a day of rough weather much less distance to your suite from the elevator.

And the restaurant. The food starting with the bread. Rojaan started with the lamb skewers and I the tuna. Then Rojaan had the chicken and potatoes and I the beef stew and pasta. We both had the local dessert.

Dinner was in the SALT Kitchen. Not really to our liking. Meant to reflect the cuisine of where you are and didn't seem true. The menu.

On our tender back to the ship. The only time I got the desired seat with a clear view to take some photos. And from our balcony. Hoons. Listening to an opera singer on Venetian Society night. So naturally you have champagne and caviar for canapes.

The last of the village. Now on our way back to the ship. Passed quite a few nurseries selling very old olive trees. The former natural environment of the St. Tropez area.

A very interesting village. And there is the Dawn. I am now climbing up to the castle.

The flags were flying for the upcoming anniversary of the Allied landing in southern France in WW 2.

Now on our way to the village of Grimaud in the hills. Past a lot of grapes. The old village is up a lot of stairs from the main road. Though we used the lift! At first you are outside the old part of the village. But everyone is heading for the tunnel which takes you into the village. In the tunnel you could exchange books.