Sunday, June 5, 2011

ROME - SOUTHAMPTON 5/24 - 6/7/11

It is so good to be back In Europe.  After seeing so much of the world on this trip – from the very poor in Cambodia to the very rich in Dubai, I can say that there is nothing like the history and charm of Europe.  In Italy, France, Spain, we visited medieval towns, modern cities and harborside villages.   

Spending 2 days in Bordeaux, France was a real treat.  The weather was perfect.  We were docked along the Garonne River and could follow a marvelous bike/skate/walk way for miles along the river’s edge.  The historic part of town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and was in easy walking distance.  The surrounding wine country dotted with chateaux is idyllic.  The Bordeaux area has 287,000 acres of vineyards, produces 960 million bottles of wine a year and brings in 14.5 billion Euros a year.  Not far from the city of Bordeaux is the 13th century city of St. Emilion.  Cobblestone streets are lined with wine stores and French cheeses.  In the center is a gigantic underground church carved out of limestone.  

Well, this brings us to the end of our 145 day world cruise.  It has been exciting, educational and fun.  But we are ready to get on with the next chapter of our lives.  As many of you know, we sold our condo in Boca Raton and closed on it the day before we left on this trip.  We sold it furnished and fortunately, can rent it back for 2 months upon our return.   Then it is off to Colorado for a month to visit friends, a quick trip back to Boca to change suitcases and fly to New York to board the new Queen Elizabeth.  I will be lecturing onboard as it sails up the New England coast to Canada and across the Atlantic to Southampton.  So check back now and then to follow our upcoming adventures as nomads.