Sardinia

We docked in Cagliari - Sardinia's Capital City - in the south of the Island on a lovely day, she was a lovely harbour, relatively uncommercialised with a backdrop of mountains.

Overlooking Cagliari from Mont Urpino

And on the other side are the salt lagoons, absolutely crowded with Flamingos - apparently these beautiful birds are not affected by the salt - can live in fresh and salt. Cropped this to try and get closer to the Flamingos, but that is still another little thing I have to learn on the Mac - it just cropped the size of the photo - oh well.

We then headed for Nora - the waters were just so clear.

A couple of days ago I suggested to the Brig that he choose one or two of the tours - he did this for both Cagliari and Alghero - Archaeology - BC - on both days!!

Nora was a commercial port founded by the merchant Pheonicians, and featured a double harbour, one side was sheltered from the Mistral, and the other from the west wind- subsequently a Carthaginian and then a Roman town - the 'colonisers'.

Mosaics are still there

Sardinia has guard towers around the island - all "line of sight visible" to one another, created by the order of the King of Spain during its dominion.

Tunnels for royalty to enter the Theatre

Still in magic condition, and now Jazz concerts are held there annually.

Tonight's dinner was "hot rocks" on the Pool Deck - cool it definitely was!

Above are Valerie and Tom, California, and Graham and Lyn, Sydney.

The Brig and Ann - her husband Boyd is at the Bar, and I am behind the lens. We cooked our salmon and steak on the hot rocks, very good - then went south on the Wind to where there was heat - our cabins.

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ALGHERO - SARDINIA

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It was a dull, rather wet greeting into Alghero Harbour - north side of the Island, and we were off again on one of the Brig's BC archaeology choices - evidence of Sardinia's earliest inhabitants can be found in its numerous prehistoric remains. Among the most notable are the Nuraghi - where we were off to. These towers below are characteristic of the island's culture of the Bronze and Iron ages.

Ancient writers called them the "nuraghi" people, naming them after their dwellings the "nuraghi" . These remains date back to a civilisation that existed here about 1300 - 1200 BC. These structures are unique to Sardinia, just as the Aztec pyramids are to Mexico.

Then back to Alghero, and yes another church

with 14th Century Cloister

Alghero's Church of San Francesco located in its Spanish section

Alghero's "slingshot" used for disabling enemy ships, or soldiers - has the Silver Wind lined up today!

Alghero's medieval watch towers

and walls where a few cats had set up home - being fed by locals

And pre dinner drinks in the Piano Bar while listening to Ramon.

Lovely music and evening - Archaeology tours are now over!!!!

Sicily

We cruised up from Siracusa to reach Palermo through the Straits of Messina - only 3.1km wide at is narrowest point - interesting to watch the land lights on both side of the ship.

We arrived early morning in Palermo - it was an overcast day, and quite windy when we arrived on the North Coast of Sicily, with horse and wagon's waiting for us.

We chose to walk up town, as the drivers were a bit too pushy for us.

And then took the red Hop on - Hop off Bus to tour Palermo

Incredible buildings

Gardens

Statues

Castles

And just so much traffic

The old Opera House

Palermo has some stunning buildings, but it does remind me a little of Naples, very crowded and noisy, where Siracusa below was just like the charming Sorrento in atmosphere.

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LOVELY SIRACUSA, SICILY

Above -The sunrise as we cruise into Siracusa on Sicily's east coast.

We walked around the old city's walls

The water was so clear

Little dog in his pride of place

Our Cabin was mid ship on the lowest "verandah" deck, which was great for us, as the Mediterranean was a bit vicious on our path from Valetta to Siracusa, many people in the forward and high cabins suffered, however we were well placed.

Entry into the city on the Island of Ortygia

The Piazza Del Duomo is reputed to be one of Italy's prettiest squares - It is paved with large white marble tiles.

Relaxing after a very long walk on the Waterfront

The little harbour was so active

The old 4 master - Sea Cloud motoring into the Harbour from Valetta.

Just what we needed - another High Tea back on board!

The Siracusa farewell sunset

Mt. Etna farewelled us with another huge puff

Next Island - Sardinia

Malta and a bit more of Santorini

VALLETTA - MALTA

This morning was a Tug and Dock entry to Vallette and its dizzying limestone cliffs, sparkling seas - 7,000 years of habitation.

This city has massive fortifications of honey-colour limestone.

We docked next door to the "Sea Cloud" a wonderful  4 master, who actually boarded late afternoon, and met us the next day in Sicily!

The old buildings around this port of Valetta are magnificent

Including the Port side Warehouse Buildings

We caught the Red "Hop on - Hop Off" Bus up to Mdina

It is called the Silent City

It dates back to Roman times

Very quiet and rather nippy to say the least.

The Carmelite Church

Malta has been overrun by every major Mediterranean power - Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, Normans. Swabians, Angevins, Arogonese, and the Knights of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, the French, and the British.

And of course now we Tourists!

Like the Brig and I!

Cruising out of Valetta

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MORE OF SANTORINI

It was a "tender" day.

Did not do these stairs below.

Many colours, and just so clean

Cruising away from Fira, Santorini - after an incredible day