In Roman Times..........

March 28

Nimes

We visited the Roman amphitheater in Nimes today. It dates back to the 1st century AD and is the best preserved arena in the world. Obviously it was used by gladiators, but it's had many other uses in its 2000 years. Today it is even used for bull fights!!

Then we canoed under the Pont du Gard--a three-tiered aqueduct that was once part of a 50km system of water channels built around 19 BC. Those Roman engineers were something!!

By the way, did you know that denim originated in Nimes and that in the nineteenth century Levi Strauss bought, by chance, a batch bearing the number 501!!  The rest is history. And 'blue jeans' is a phonetically anglicized form of 'blue de Genes'. 

What's more Swiss than fondue?

March 25

Geneva, Switzerland

Very quiet in the city on Good Friday. Museums closed but visited key sites--United Nations, old town, Reformation Wall--and had traditional "moitie-moitie" cheese fondue, half Gruyere and half Vacherin. Extra good washed down with wine. 

Adoption complete!!

Munich, Germany

We visited the BMW Welt today and came away with a brand new, shiny red baby--BMW that is. Left Munich and drove across Switzerland to Geneva. Nice ride!!

The World Isn't Safe Anymore

On the day we are to leave for our jaunt through France, we learn of terrorist bombings in Brussels. We will not be deterred, but we will be vigilant. On to Munich!!

Right or Left?

December 8

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Can you believe they drive on the left side of the road like the Brits, but all the vehicles have left side drive!

Dutch or French

December 7

St Martin

Tiny island, half Dutch, half French. We docked at Philipsburg, St Maarten (Dutch). Our adventure for the day--an Americas Cup sailing regatta. We actually crewed on Dennis Connor's Stars and Stripes that won the 1987 Americas Cup series.  We were pitted against the Canadian True North boat, and we won!!  It was a thrilling experience.  

Took a taxi to Marigot, the capitol of the French portion. Lots of traffic and not much charm--not sure we'd pick this for a destination holiday. 

The Vast Atlantic

November 29-December 6

Atlantic Ocean

Eight days upon the ocean blue--it goes by faster than you think. And we were blessed with calm seas and clear skies. We love dining out on the open rear deck, especially in the evening. We have met and talked with many interesting people. As usual, there is a nice group of about a dozen women for a daily "stitch and bitch" gathering. 

A series of 10 lectures on DNA has been fascinating, tying it to crime investigation and history, think King Tut, Jack the Ripper, the Romanovs, etc.  

And the best part of sailing east to west, we get back an hour of time (sleep) every other day.