Is it allowed to rain on vacation??

We are anchored off the coast of Cannes and it is pouring. Thank goodness we didn't have any plans today other than having lunch at a sidewalk cafe and shopping for the olive oil soap I like so much, because this is not a day to be taking a tour that one spent 75 euros on. I had considered joining a private tour and am very glad I decided against it. We are hoping for sunny, warm weather for the next several days, as we will be doing two private excursions (Tuscany and Rome) and then hope to take the ferry to Sorrento while we are docked in Naples.

We enjoyed our time in Barcelona, although not as much as the first time. I think it's because we enjoyed Paris so much and because Barcelona was the first European city we had visited (other than London). The city is still relatively clean, but it seemed much more crowded and noisy than last time. We think that is partly due to all the motorcycle traffic, owing to the high cost of fuel.

Yesterday was the nicest of the three days in Barcelona weatherwise, with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures. We were the first two passengers to board Brilliance, and she is exactly as we remember her. We've even run into a few crew members from past sailings, including having the same cabin steward who took care of us on our first Brilliance cruise back in February 2003. Our friends, Skip and Kathy, will remember that cruise, as we met them when we shared a table at dinner until I caught traveler's diahrrea and was quarantined in our cabin for three days. I'm actually surprised that Catcha remembers us fondly after that incident but she seems glad to see us.

I hope the sun is shining wherever you are. This vacation has thus far exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to 11 more wonderful days at sea!