Hot Rocks

Today we're anchored just off Sorrento. Being a popular cruise destination (it's the nearest port to the ruins of Pompei) you often find you have company. So today's Veranda View includes a ship from the other small ship cruise line. It's not as nice as ours, no verandas.

Last night we told you we were dining with our neighbours, Kathy & Jim, both school teachers from Colorado. The Hot Rock dining experience is just that. They bring a slab of basalt heated to 500 Celsius to your table, with various cuts of meat, fish and prawns and you cook them yourself.

The “restaurant” was on the pool deck, and at 7:30 in the evening it was like a summers day back home. All in all it was a great evening. The food was excellent and so was the company.

This morning Marie went off the the spa. The cruise comes with $1000 on-board credit which pays for our internet time, purchases from the shops, and spa treatments. So far Marie has had a manicure and a facial, and bought some perfume. While she was in the spa I took a walk round the ship and found the pool deck deserted. It was like having your own private yacht. Seems like everyone was either ashore, or having a late breakfast.

Tomorrow we are in Lipari, an island off the north-west tip of Sicily, but for now here are a couple of pictures of our home for the next few days.