Back to Blighty

Sadly, all things must end and here I am on the last day of my cruise. We were due back in Southampton the following morning and I was going to be very sad to leave the ship.

Still, the holiday was not quite over and after a leisurely afternoon relaxing by the pool...

I made some new friends in the bar. This lady was awfully nice (although I can't remember her name) and was very happy to have her photo taken with me.

Packing was dreadful. I got very upset at the thought of leaving the ship although it would be good to get back to Blighty. Foreign places are all very well but they are not as good as home.

The next morning I was ready to go and I did not mind getting a lift as my legs were very tired from all the places I had visited.

The nice thing is that although that holiday had ended, I am on holiday again in two weeks time! This time I am going to York and will be posting pictures from the Minster, Castle Howard and lots of other places.

Stay tuned for my new adventures.

Vigo

As I've mentioned before, Vigo was very nice, if a little shut. Remember that when wanting to visit Vigo so not go on a Sunday!

Here I am claiming Spain for the English although we occupied the city in 1719 for ten days so really I'm actually re-claiming it. Sadly, no one took any notice.

The port is very smart and welcoming and there are a lot of strange statues along the waterfront. Most of them are quite new and a bit too modern for my tastes. This one is very odd indeed.

A little way from the waterfront are the remains of an old building although I have no idea what it was. The sign was in Spanish!

Eventually though there was nowhere really to look because all the shops were closed so I headed back to the ship to take in a little sun.

Now this is the life!

Lisbon

As a relatively well travelled bear I have learned not to make snap judgements about places I visit. Saying that, I did not really like Lisbon very much.

In the first place it rained - lots. Not necessarily Lisbon's fault but still not fun for a chap with small legs!

Here I am getting ready for my trip out.

By the time I reached Black Horse Square (Praça do Commercio) I was soaked but stopped for a photo at the statue of King José I. This splendid sculpture by Joaquim Machado de Castro, was cast in one single piece in 1774.

Coo.

The strangest thing about Lisbon is that it has no public toilets. What is a bear to do if he gets caught short? This bear gave Lisbon up for a bad loss and headed back to the ship.

Wouldn't you know it - as soon as I got back to port the sun came out!

Next time - more from Vigo!