FRIDAY EVENING | May 25, 2007
Cruising the Atlantic en route to Lisbon Aboard Holland America's Rotterdam

Hi!

We've enjoyed a couple of interesting days since we last wrote. We left Monte Carlo last Monday just before the craziness began. We could see the grandstands and all the preparations in place for the principality's annual Grand Prix in which Formula 1 cars race at unbelievable speeds right through the city's narrow, winding streets. Soon the city will be packed with visitors and our visit to the tranquil Riviera would be over. Besides, the famed Cannes Film Festival was beginning just 30 miles to the west.

Boy's toys in Monte Carlo	Herbs of Provence

Early Tuesday morning we sailed under sunny blue skies into Marseilles, France's most important Mediterranean port. Our Signature Journey excursion today was designed to introduce everyone to one of France's most glorious regions, Provence. For our first stop, we arranged to visit a master baker in a tiny hillside village; after all, freshly baked bread is such an important part of any Frenchman's daily diet. But this was no ordinary baker; rather, this delightful man still baked everything in a small wood-burning oven that, he explained, never cooled. (He worked in his small bakery six days a week from 7 pm until 8 am.)

After explaining the process, he invited us to sample his wares: croissants, pain au chocolat and brioche. Of course we've all eaten French pastries before… or so we thought. As we write this postcard, we find it difficult to explain adequately the lightness and delicacy of his pastries. It was embarrassing; it's one thing to eat a pastry or two, but three or four or five? It was unanimous: these flaky creations easily surpassed any croissants or brioche we've tried before. Finally the baker and his wife were so kind. After patiently answering all of our questions (how we could talk with all the food in our mouth was another issue), they sent us off with individual packets of freshly baked cookies.

Pastries from a simple wood oven	Bobbi Maranville, Jean Wasinger and Janet Long with our baker

Next we visited one of the most beautiful villages of Provence, an old, old town called Gordes. On any day a visit to Gordes would be great but on Tuesdays the weekly market fills the narrow winding streets. Imagine colorful stalls and friendly vendors selling 25 varieties of olives, mushrooms or artisan cheeses (it is said that France makes some 400 kinds of cheeses), freshly ground spices, brightly colored fabrics, home-made sausages, ripe fruit preserves and much more. Well, our ladies quickly shifted into high gear and tore through the market. Gradually they reappeared, tired but happy, with shopping bags filled with tapenades, olives, dolls, purses, ceramics, blouses… you get the idea.

Christine Niskanen shops for tomato tapenade	Aperitifs created from Provence's sweet melons

Finally we stopped at a countryside restaurant for a magnificent lunch in the fresh air, as only the French can offer: We began with tomato gazpacho garnished with fresh peas, proceeded on to filet mignon of pork braised in honey and cider and concluded with almond cake topped with gingerbread ice cream. Of course everything was washed down with local wines (they forced us drink it!).

Yesterday we stopped in Barcelona, one of Europe's truly great cities. With its wide boulevards and lovely architecture, it's a great city for walkers. By the end of the day, we returned to the Rotterdam with marvelous tales of sightseeing, shopping and plate after plate of tapas.

We've been watching a big storm approach on CNN but it seemed to miss us. Unfortunately when boarded our bus for our Signature Journey excursion to Seville, the threatening dark skies burst open. Fortunately when we arrived 90 minutes later, the clouds gave away to pleasant blue skies.

As we drove into Seville, we realized we were in for something special. Magnificent Hispanic buildings lined wide boulevards shaded by palms and flowering jacaranda trees. We stopped first to explore the Alcazar, the exquisite Royal Palace built for Spain's Christian kings by the Moors. Even though we were in the heart of a busy city, as we walked through the Alcazar's serene gardens, all we could hear were the birds in the trees; no wonder today's Royal Family loves to visit.

Seville: bulls, guitars and a magnificent cathedral

Finally we walked through the historic old Jewish Quarter. After a little (or a lot) more shopping, our guide, Francisco, led us into the courtyard of a centuries old home. Waiting for us was a guitar player, a young, husky voiced female singer and a talented pair of flamenco dancers. Soon these four performers filled the courtyard with passionate rhythms, singing, clapping and dancing. We'll not soon forget the joy of this private performance.

Christine Niskanen shops for tomato tapenade	Aperitifs created from Provence's sweet melons

Tomorrow we spend the day in Lisbon, then look forward to two days at sea en route to Le Havre, France. There, the day after Memorial Day, a former military aide to Britain's Prime Minister will take us to the beaches and battlefields made famous by the Allied Invasion of Normandy. Even though our wonderful cruise comes to its conclusion the following day, we'll try to write a quick postcard.

Meanwhile, except for a sniffle here and there, we're all enjoying our journey and doing fine.

Wish you were here!

Paul and Christine

P.S. - Our next Signature Journey takes place with our Grand Family week in Alaska. August 12-19. Limited space may still be available. Also, we've just released our Grand Family Africa trip planned for July 1, 2008. Ask us for a brochure.