Greetings from somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, from Crystal, Beth and Sharon. Uneventful flights to Lisbon. Beth and mom thought they’d lost their luggage, but the belt revved up again, and there it was! The Lapa Palace, where Beth, Sharon and Mom stayed, was lovely—way up there among the best. Crystal was at Janelas Verdes (if I’m remembering the name right), which was very charming. And right next to the Antiquities Museum, where we spent our first afternoon. Some interesting exhibits of glassware, silver, furniture and, oh yes, paintings.

We then had drinks at the honor bar in the garden at Crystal’s hotel. We later realized that the upstairs bar had a perfect view of the pier, where the Silver Wind already was docked. Then, dinner at the bar at the Lapa topped the night. Not sure what time zone we were in, we declared it an early evening and turned in.

Next morning, after breakfast at our respective hotels, we took the Silversea excursion around Lisbon. The sog tour. Yes, it rained—at times hard—through most of the day. Lots of drive-bys. Crossed the bridge, which strongly resembles the Golden Gate, and saw the Christ the King statue---pretty much like the famous one in Brazil. Then went to Jeronemus Cathedral. Lots of dead people. Went to Belem Tower. Beth put on her sunglasses as a sign of hope, and sure enough the sun appeared. We were then able to get out of the bus in a dry state to see the Monument to the Discoveries. Very impressive. Then off to board the ship. A quick and painless process.

For RSSC loyalists, Silversea is very familiar. We think the same person designed the cabins and bought the furniture. They look just like the cabins on the Mariner. Nice ship overall. Food is excellent. Service has some occasional misses, but it’s mostly hits. The cruise line has much to recommend it.

The first night was choppy seas. A lot of people were sick, including Sharon. Camilla, the stewardess, took good care of her. Half the crew, many of whom had first joined the ship in Lisbon, were in the same boat. So to speak.

First port was Oporto, where Beth had arranged a private tour with a British expat now living in Portugal. He drove us around Oporto, pointing out the sites. Saw some impressive tile work in the train station and on buildings all over town. Went into a church filled with gilded woodwork---truly amazing. It was quite a little find, tucked away in a little square hidden behind a passageway. Went on the Six Bridges riverboat ride—a nice ride. Then a tour of a port wine lodge, complete with tasting. Also interesting. Our guide, Peter Evens (company called Portgolf Tours) was excellent. We’ll do a write-up under Private Guide when we get back.

Today is our one day at sea. Crystal had a massage—very nice. The others sat through a so-called lecture on detox for weight loss. Was really a sales pitch. Yawn.

We’re hiding from a lecture on gems right now (suspecting it of being a sales talk) Wine tasting in a bit---we won’t be hiding from that.

P.S., for those who are aware of my little dispute with Silversea, it has been resolved to my satisfaction.