Britain - Grand excursion

 The bags are packed we’re ready to go.   Blacklane Limo picks us up at 3pm so we are leaving in style. Flying British Airways, seats are in Business class so should be able to get some sleep, Josh can attest that I am not a happy camper if I can not sleep. Thanks again to Mike B at Expedia travel for doing all of the leg work for us. Made it to Business lounge and getting a few nibbles and hydration. yes that is me at the bar. You will have to wait until tomorrow to see the plane pics.

 We survived the flight.   We were greeted on board the plane with a glass of bubbly, followed by a before dinner cocktail.  Then we had dinner. Bob and I both had the soup, short ribs and a very nice glass of red wine. Real glasses and cutlery, it reminded us both of the old days of Ward Air. The meal was actually very good, but they forgot to bring my meal so Bob had to gently remind them to feed me. The pods were kind of fun with all the bells and whistles, Bob had to show me how to push the right buttons. We were able to get a bit of sleep. We were happy to see all of our bags on the carousel and got to our SilverSeas rep with no problem. Boarded the bus which took us to a hotel about 20 minutes from port of Southampton, they say it is a nicer place to hang out for a few hours as we wait to board the ship.  Made it on board and to our room.unpacked and got all ship shape.  Then as instructed by Janice H headed to book the extras we wanted.  2 cooking le...

    May 18 th    Plymouth,  United Kingdom Slept very well so far no rocking on the boat.  Fingers crossed. After a wonderful breakfast in our room served by our butler, Bob and I headed off for our first excursion.  This was tendered so we took a small boat to shore and then headed off by bus to Buckland Abbey. All I can say is congrats to our bus driver for managing all those tight hedgerow roads.  We found out that she was named bus driver of the year last year. The Abbey ( Sir Francis Drake’s home) was amazing, not really the building though interesting it was the gardens both formal and informal that I loved.  They had opened early to accommodate our tour so meant times Bob and I and the bees were the only ones there.  Bob says my pics are just like my father’s. i am seeing that as a compliment, sorry if you don’t like them. Then we headed back on the bus to see the Dartmoor area.  I did not know what to expect but it was wonde...

 Out to sea today. Had breakfast in main dining room and saw some people we meet yesterday, a polite wave but still getting to see some familiar faces. We got a new tour set for the Isle of Man with a train trip included so that should be fun, I will try to get info updated on the blog.  There is a lecture this morning about Cobh and Isle of Man so we can learn about where we are headed.   UPDATE: lecture was okay but was a bit dry. Hopefully will have time for a nap too.  UPDATE: both of us had a nap. Here are a few pics of the suite and yes that is a full size tub. We went to bingo and trivia today.  I was one away for bingo and sorry Janice we did not do well at trivia, tried to play just as a couple, bad choice, scored only 8/15.  But had fun, now I understand cutthroat cruise trivia.  Might try again on next sea day.  Doing a quick laundry and a glass of bubbly. Formal night for dinner so going to the dinner club called Silver Note to hear so...

  May 20 th   Cobh, Ireland Tour   This was our view this morning as we arrived in Cobh. Grey, and cool, just what we planned for, but many from US only brought shorts and tshirts, they might find it nippy.  Having breakfast in the room then off to explore the town before we head off on our tour for the day.  Might try to fit in a quick 1/2 pint before the tour begins. BULTER UPDATE:  yes does wear a tails tux all the time. Yes chocolates on bed every night so far different each time.  I have not had bath drawn yet but it is coming. Got off the ship before our tour and did a walk around.  What a cute town you can see where the coloured houses on our east coast got the idea. We climbed a steep street to visit the church but it was first communion day so the church was a buzz with young families, I was sad not to see the church but I know Bob was relieved, one less church.  The streets reminded me of the big hill in Cobalt. Then off to Spike Is...

We did a change of tour today so Castles and a train ride are planned now. Breakfast in the room again which has become a regular thing for us, although eating breakfast still is a strange thing for me. Going to go into town a bit early to wander before our tour starts around noon.  Weather man Bob says it is to clear up today so fingers crossed.  UPDATE: it got so nice I took off my fleece jacket.  Downright hot for here.  Even saw blue sky.  Sorry no pics of that. There is a statue here of the Bee Gees, as they were born here so obvs pic then.  Sent Boo a card and stamp was Barry Gibb so you can see a theme.  If you did not know Bee Gees are my jam🤪🥰💕 Arrived at Castletown which traces its origins back to 1090 and holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. Bob got his beer in the shadow of the castle, funny enough we learned this pub is on the b...