June 30 ROME

Elena made plans for us today to first visit Capitoline Hill and visiting the museums once there. Elisa is with us and she has never been to this museum. Riccardo and Elena visited them last in 1980 when they were dating.Elena remembered going to the square but completely forgot about the museum , so it’s time to refresh her memory.

Elena, Elisa and I all ready to take on Hot Rome!

Capitoline Hill is between the Forum and the Campus Martius, it is one of the Seven Hills of Rome. The hill was earlier known as Mons Saturius, dedicated to the god Saturn. The word Capitalism first meant the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus later built here, and afterwards it was used for the whole hill.

Elena made lunch reservations for us “in the shade” at the Terrazzo Caffarelli at the top of the Capitoline hill. This outdoor rooftop restaurant has a panoramic view of Rome. This is a magnificent and most exclusive location!!

Excited travelers!

We opted for traditional Roman lunch of Parmagigiana DI melanzane in Terracotta. Eggplant Parmesan in Terracotta and Filetto di SPIGOLA SU CREMA DI PATATE- sea bass fillet on potato cream. And Prosecco ! We enjoyed strawberries and whipped cream for dessert, followed by Espresso.

A most magnificent view.

Next is the church of Ara Coeli built in 1348 which is on the same hill. It is said to have been founded by Gregory the Great in 590 and that a Romanesque-style church was built in the 12th century, with a fresco of the “Madonna and Child between two Angels”. Ara Coeli is one of the most interesting churches in Rome due to its position. Elena and Riccardo haven’t seen the inside of this church in ages because one of the big problems is that there is a staircase with 124 steps to the entrance. However, Elena learned when she spoke to the tourism agent that there’s a way to get into the church from the back. It’ll be like a treasure hunt…

According to an ancient legend, 124 is the number of steps you have to climb on your knees to win the lottery! We are talking about the famous “scala santa” (holy staircase), the staircase that leads from Piazza Venezia to the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. According to legend, the staircase must be climbed on your knees reciting the “de profundis” to receive a “miracle” from the Madonna. It was usually done by spinsters looking for a husband, women wanting to have children, mothers asking for milk to feed their children, all people seeking help from heaven.

Can you see me waving from the top of the steps on the left?

While at the Capitol Musei in comume- there was an exhibit of Flippino Lippi exhibit- we saw his tomb yesterday at the pantheon. We’ve viewed so many rooms of ancient painting, sculptures, and fine China, but the exhibit of Lippi was the most unusual and unique. Elena, Riccardo and Elisa were so excited to view the paintings. On more than one occasion, the museum moderator had to come over and ask them to keep their voices down! This is one specific painting that they were excited about.

Virgin of The Annunciation.

June 29 Rome

One correction to my Sorrento post yesterday: My Grandma came through Boston, not New York.  My Dad had her name put on the wall on Ellis Island because there is no memorial for those arriving through Boston. (Thank you Mary Lu for catching my error!)

We arrived at the port near Rome this morning. We enjoyed one last wonderful beautiful breakfast onboard the Azamara Pursuit. Romano Luigi Pickens up at the port of Civitavecchia pier for our transfer into Rome.

We are so incredibly lucky to be able to share this time in Rome with Elena, Riccardo and Elisa!!! Especially after the whole Ancona disaster earlier this trip! When when we were in Venice in 2009, Elisa was able to join us in Venice for 5 nights prior to our medeterian cruise. Joann and Chuck were able to join us in Venice for a couple of nights. Now, here we are in Rome with Elena, Riccardo and Elisa at the end of this Italian cruise. To top it all off for her birthday this year, Elena and I were on the phone most of the day making hotel reservations for this part of our trip!

Tom and I were able to visit the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and the Coliseum in 2009. Therefore we were able to focus this time one some of the museums and areas that Riccardo, Elena and Elisa’s favorites and places that they have wanted to see.

The Mob!!

We arrived at the hotel and viewed the mob scene at Teevi fountain- then found our way to Cafe Greco-

Founded in 1760 by Nicola della Maddalena, the Antico Caffè Greco owes its name to its creator, who came from the Anatolian coast, historically linked to Greek colonies. It is the second oldest café in Italy, after the Florian in Venice. After we looked at the prices on the menu, we decided to treat it like the famous coffee shop in France ridiculously overpriced, snobby waiters, cushions on the seat that have not been changed since the beginning of time, and we are here just to be seen.!!

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, built in the 1700s, is perhaps one of Rome’s most iconic structures. Erected on the site of an ancient Roman water source, the fountain is made of the same material as the Colosseum (travertine stone). The Trevi Fountain serves as a modern marvel that links back to Rome’s fabled past.d

The myth, originating in 1954 with the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain,” goes like this: If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian. If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met.

The Spanish steps. And yes, we made it all the way up to the top!

Spanish Steps

The Spanish steps represent figuratively and metaphorically the close relationship between the Sacred and the Eternal city, shown through the elevation and vastness of the monument. The longest and widest steps in Europe are also an important landmark in Rome as they host events and are home to Italian traditions. Its Italian name is “Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti” and composed of 12 ramps and 135 travertine steps, welcoming millions of tourists and Romans who visit at all times of the day. The Spanish Steps is a staircase designed in 1723 by Francesco De Sanctis, and funded by a French diplomat Stefano Gueffier. It was built in order to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church, both located above — to the Holy See and Spanish Square below.

Pantheon.

The Pantheon is famous for being the most preserved monument of ancient Rome. It was constructed as a temple dedicated to the Gods and became the burial ground for several important people, including famous artists and kings. The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole in the top (The eye of the Pantheon, or oculus). The dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and to present remains the largest unsupported dome in the world. Its diameter is 43.30 meters (or 142 ft.)

Tonight Elena and Riccardo made reservations for dinner at “Il Vero Alfredo Ristorante”. This is it, the restaurant where Fettuccini Alfredo was born. The story is told that after his wife gave birth to their first born, the husband did everything he could to regain her strength with healthy and nutritious food. He lovingly called his fettuccine “the blond” Well might have been. “Nutritious” in those days- but let’s review the basics: Pasta, Butter, Parmesan!!

And now here it is 11 PM. We’re just finished many courses of dinner at the famous Alfredo restaurant. Drank and much too much wine walked over 14,000 steps today and 97° heat with 90% humidity. We are completely done.!!

June 28 Sorrento, Italy

I grew up with information that my paternal grandmother, Mariuccia Guida (1887) was from Meta Italy, prior to her immigration and subsequent arrival in New York in June of 1905. Meta is just on the outskirts of Sorrento, very near where we find ourselves today! So for today I am going with the knowledge that we are very near where my father’s mother was born. In fact, my father visited her birth home while he was on a cruise with Lolly in 2016.

My father finding his mother’s birth home!

I forgot to mention this morning we had a special visitor with our morning coffee!!

Bay of Naples

For today’s adventure we chose the shore excursion entitled: Savor Sorrento- for a day of destination food inspired delights! We first set off on this scenic adventure (with our guide Rosella) of food and wine tasting by going high atop Sorrento at the Villa Arena. We followed the narrow roads rising into the hills and meandering along the sheer cliffs of the coastline. Rosella stated that the crazy driving is normal- while not as bad as India, completely crazy with ridiculously sharp turns and busses having standoffs with each other!Our bus driver actually backed down a sharp turn because there was not room for two on the corner. Of course, a photo stop is a must before continuing to our private tasting and tour.

Church in Sorrento

We arrived at a farmhouse that is set in the magnificent countryside of Massa Lubrense, we were greeted by the owner, Guillermo for a short walking tour of Casale Villarena’s old cellar and organic farm. We were so excited to learn and see everything that Guillermo demonstrated and discussed. We had such a great time learning about the Italian wines, paired with selected Neapolitan traditional food. We then sampled some of the wine vintages, paired with a lovely selection of bruschetta and local cheeses. Today we completely savored our excursion! Again was hot- we were able to enjoy our tasting with fellow travelers.

We learned due to the new popularity, the citizens are turning their homes into air B&B’s and moving out of town. The population is decreasing . The prices of houses is dramatically increasing.

Bay of Naples / town of Sorrento on the right!

June 28 Sorrento, Italy

I grew up with information that my paternal grandmother, Mariuccia Guida (1887) was from Meta Italy, prior to her immigration and subsequent arrival in New York in June of 1905. Meta is just on the outskirts of Sorrento, very near where we find ourselves today! So for today I am going with the knowledge that we are very near where my father’s mother was born. In fact, my father visited her birth home while he was on a cruise with Lolly in 2016.

My father finding his mother’s birth home!

I forgot to mention this morning we had a special visitor with our morning coffee!!

Bay of Naples

For today’s adventure we chose the shore excursion entitled: Savor Sorrento- for a day of destination food inspired delights! We first set off on this scenic adventure (with our guide Rosella) of food and wine tasting by going high atop Sorrento at the Villa Arena. We followed the narrow roads rising into the hills and meandering along the sheer cliffs of the coastline. Rosella stated that the crazy driving is normal- while not as bad as India, completely crazy with ridiculously sharp turns and busses having standoffs with each other!Our bus driver actually backed down a sharp turn because there was not room for two on the corner. Of course, a photo stop is a must before continuing to our private tasting and tour.

Church in Sorrento

We arrived at a farmhouse that is set in the magnificent countryside of Massa Lubrense, we were greeted by the owner, Guillermo for a short walking tour of Casale Villarena’s old cellar and organic farm. We were so excited to learn and see everything that Guillermo demonstrated and discussed. We had such a great time learning about the Italian wines, paired with selected Neapolitan traditional food. We then sampled some of the wine vintages, paired with a lovely selection of bruschetta and local cheeses. Today we completely savored our excursion! Again was hot- we were able to enjoy our tasting with fellow travelers.

We learned due to the new popularity, the citizens are turning their homes into air B&B’s and moving out of town. The population is decreasing . The prices of houses is dramatically increasing.

Bay of Naples / town of Sorrento on the right!

June 27 Amalfi, Italy

Wedged into the mouth of a ravine, encircled by sheer cliffs, facing blue waters and where terraced hillsides support lemon groves (and of course limoncello), Amalfi requires a camera with lots of memory.

For today’s tour started with our guide Giovanni we boarded a motor launch boat for an unforgettable journey to the awe-inspiring Grotta dello Smeraldo, also known as the emerald grotto. We cruised along the stunning Amalfi coast, soaking in its beauty, before arriving at this remarkable natural wonder. On shore of the grotto our guide provided the history of pizza, marinara pizza, (the pizza for the mariners) they would roll up what was once the pita bread with salsa, then turned into pizza dough with marinara sauce one piece of basil (to represent the Italian flag) roll it up and put it in their pockets for fishing. We next hoped onto a local boat where we were mesmerized by the shimmering emerald, green hues of thie hidden cave formation. We truly marveled at its towering dimensions, reaching 100 feet high and 200 feet wide. Discovered in 1932, the Grotta dello Smeraldo captivates with its underwater entrance, allowing the sunlight to filter through and create a luminous emerald glow. We experience its awe-inspiring beauty and the plethora of emotions evoked by this extraordinary natural spectacle. We concluded our visit, with a motor launch that transported us back to Amalfi, leaving us with cherished memories of the stunning coastal scenery and the magical allure of the Grotta dello Smeraldo.

The naturally blue grotto

Next we went on a delightful walk through the enchanting streets of Amalfi with our guide Giovani , where we discovered the impressive Cathedral, a magnificent architectural gem. Amalfi was discovered in 879. There was a profession in town today to honor Saint Andrew patron saint of Amalfi. The people of the city put the statue of Saint Andrew in the middle of the square while under attack, a large wave came and washed away all of the pirates trying to attack the city. So, St Andrew saved them and thus now the patron saint of the city.

Mass at St. Andrews

At the end of our walking tour we climbed up the steps of beautiful St Andrews. Much to our surprise Mass was starting . We speculate that because it was the feast day of St. Andrew, all of the local priests and what appeared to be Bishops were in full attendance. While climbing down steps we were so surprised to hear and see fireworks, I’ve never witnessed fireworks during the day before! The city square was completely packed with people. We sat down for a nice cool gelato! As we were sitting there, I noticed a purse shop directly in front of us. Tom’s sister Cathy asked me to purchase a purse for her while we were in Italy. Can you believe that we found the exact purse she asked to look for? Not the perfect color, but close!

The Amalfi coast along with all the beautiful villages, towns and homes is truly all that it is hyped up to be!!!

June 26 Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Palermo is a cosmopolitan city, hardly surprising considering its years as everything from a Greek colony to an Arab emirate, not to mention the influences of the Romans, Normans and quite a few others. My friend Maureen provided much information about this city for us prior to leaving CA. This is some of the information she shared: The airport in Palermo, Falcone e Borsellino Airport, was named after the 2 beloved judges who were killed by explosives in their vehicles by the Mafia, they were controlling the island. This started a new wave of Sicilians uprising against the rampant criminal behavior, and criminal behavior improved due to the citizens.

The Sicilian language is very different—a combo of Arabic and Italian. Many words end in -iddu or -eddu, and it is mostly an oral language, their dialect which is fast and hard to understand. Italian is written and commonly used.

Today’s excursion is centered around food! Specifically the street food of Palermo. My friend Maureen provided information about some of the traditions and culture of this population. During our tour today we walked by some of Palermo’s important monuments the Teatro Politeama and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest in Europe. Next we went to the Carpo Market one of the three main markets in the city. We tried many different street foods. Panel (thin chickpea fritters), Crocche (Potato croquets, Sfincione (a type of street food pizza and Caponata. (Tomatoes, eggplant, onions).

Teatro Massimo

Teatro Piloteama

Carpo Market

Panel (thin chickpea fritters), Crocche (Potato croquets, Sfincione (a type of street food pizza)

Caponata. (Tomatoes, eggplant, onions)

Next we walked by the Cathedral of Palermo and San Cataldo Church on our way to Passim o Coppu. Passim is renowned for its delicious paper cone with fried fish or shellfish. Next we tried the Sicilian specialties: Arancini (deep-fried rice balls. Sometimes filled with meat and cheese and anything else the chef feels like!!!

Cathedral of Palermo

San Cataldo Church

Today’s fried fish: shrimp calamari and the little fish!

Tom’s black pig and cheese arancini.

Another focus of this trip is to identify the different styles and types of cannoli we can find. My friend Chris and I have a running joke- When life becomes unbearable, we are going to open a Canoli food truck! Thus, all Canoli tasting is R&D for our next adventure! Today’s treat was truly authentic and might just be the gold standard for the future!

Palermo cannoli regular with chocolate chips

June 25 Taormina(Giardini Naxos),Sicily

I grew up with the information that my Grandmother, Marie Bozzo’s family was from “Termini Imerese” in Sicily very near to where we are today. My Mother, also was named Marie Bozzo her origin family names were Dorsa and Sclafanie- I thought they were from Sicily too!. My second cousin completed an extensive family research-(thanks to the new genealogy app’s) has learned that actually, very few people on the Bozzo side of the family ever lived in Sicily. Cosenza, and Donnici in Calabria is where most of them came from. My quick google search indicated the origin of the name Bozzo is Sicily. So for today-I’m going to believe we are near my Grandmother’s home town area.

This is a photo of my maternal grandfather Grandpa Bozzo. See names on the photo. And a photo of my Grandmother Marie (in the middle), with her sister Josephine and brother Sam.

My grandfathers family

My Grandmother Marie, he brother Sam and sister Josephine

Taormina is lovely medieval town perched on high cliffs and situated next to the still very active Mt. Etna. Well, we had originally booked a food tour that was subsequently canceled. And how exciting was our sail in this morning? We enjoyed coffee on our veranda while waiting for the first siting of Mt. Etna!! We decided to discover the Alcantara Gorge Geological Park. First we had the opportunity to tender to the port as there is not any dock large enough for our ship! We learned that due to the location of the Italian island of Sicily there are many different “layers” to the island with remnants of many different times and cultures. Greeks, Romans, Roman Empire, Spanish, Byzantine, Arabs finally the Republic of Italy. Thus the “typical” Sicilian can be: black, red, brown or blond hair- brown black or blue eyes! Thus explaining Grandpa Bozzo, Joann and Joseph’s blue eyes!

The amazing view from our room while we cruised in this morning!

We embarked on a short but scenic drive with Laura as our guide, from Giardini Naxos into the Sicilian countryside for a guided visit to the Alcantara Gorge Geological Park. We drove thru a valley of lemon and orange orchards. This is one of Italy’s most majestic natural landscapes, defined by soaring lava walls and basaltic colonnades. the locals describe them as “organ pipes”.

We heard the mythological tale of how the angry god’s caused the canyon’s formation, and came to understand the more scientific explanation from our naturalist guide and the eruption of a volcano that once stood between Sicily’s Mount Etna and the Peloritan Mountains.

We came to appreciate this landscape where poppies and orchids can be found blossoming, and chestnut and birch trees spread across the terrain. We watched as the Alcantara River, tumbles down the sides of the gorge, shaping and polishing the canyon walls as it has for eons. Then came the fun! We purchased water walking shoes and went down to the river.

The water was freezing cold and we had fun observing the different rock formations as we walked up the river. The river was a brisk jolt of refreshment, which was well welcome to our sweating bodies!!! We were offered to stroll into the ice-cool water as far as we could without getting wet! Next we enjoyed an interesting Sicilian beverage flavored with salt! We decided it is Sicily’s Gatorade!! It was quite refreshing to enjoy before we returned to our bus, where we enjoyed a most scenic drive back to the harbor.

Walking in the river

Tom enjoying the view

Our interesting lemon beverage

Our guide today recommended the Restaurant La Cambuza- sits at the beach near where the bus left us off today! So we decided, we are in Sicily why not. Sitting in the yacht harbor – enjoying a fabulous of sausage calzone and fettuccine with fish!

Italian beer with lunch

Our beautiful view of Sicily with lunch!

June 24 – Taranto, Italy

This morning we woke up in Taranto.

My paternal grandfather, Rocco Cirigliano (PopPop) (1885) , was from Tricarico as well as his parents and their parents. My father was named after him. Tricarico is about 1.5 hours east from where we are today, and thus we are the closest to Tricarico that we will be for this trip. So we are definitely in my families stomping grounds! Here is a lovely photo of my father’s family. My grandmother is pregnant with my father in this photo:

Taranto a costal city in Apulia, southern Italy. It is the former capital of the province of Taranto, serving as an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base. Taranto was founded by the Spartans in 706 BC, and known as “the city of the two seas”, Taranto’s long and proud history is set against a countryside of gentle hills and valleys, beautiful stretches of beaches, rocky cliffs, and sapphire-blue waters. It is famed for an area where you can stand atop a mountain and visualize two seas at the same time. The Ioan sea to the west and the Adriac to the right. Taranto is the third-largest continental city in southern Italy. It is proud to boast that it will host the 2026 Mediterranean Games opening on August 21, 2026. Also know as the XXMediterranean Games an international multi-sport event.

Taranto, this is where one of the concentration camps where our friend Maureen’s farher was imprisoned during WWII. The Italians had separated from the Axis powers by that point in the war. He had been in 3-4 camps for Italian prisoners  from Ceylon to Egypt before Taranto. The camps are no longer there, but I our port will be in the general area where the naval military camp was.  BTW, he escaped that camp by jumping the fence to get back home to Sicily. Those were truly desperate times…

For our shore excursion today we chose to visit Matera with our guide Rachael, where we were promised to walk into the timeless allure of Matera, a city boasting ancient rock-hewn homes and UNESCO World Heritage status since 1993. The town of Matera currently has 60,000 residents. We embarked on a remarkable journey into the real-life settings of “The Passion of Christ,” as directed by Mel Gibson. We began our exploration with panoramic vistas of Rione Sasso Caveoso and the Murge uplands, offering breathtaking views. Part of the James Bond movie “No time to die” portions were filmed here. Our guided tour lead us through the enchanting lanes of Sasso Caveoso, where we encountered elegant palaces and ancient manors that are steeped in history.

Next, we arrived at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and visited “Casa-Grotta,” a prime example of Matera’s unique dwellings, offering a fascinating glimpse into past living conditions. 14,000 people lived here at the peak. The cave house we visited was inhabited until 1958. Before we returned to our ship, we discovered a rock church and buildings intricately carved into the stone, providing a testament to the presence of Benedictine, Longobard, and Byzantine monks. We learned about the rich history and captivating architecture of Matera during this unforgettable journey into the heart of Italys ancient beauty. We stopped in town in front of the church called “the purgatory “. We enjoyed a local beer and some sort of balls made out of the local Matera bread, eggs and cheese. Did I mention HOT?!?! Another day of walking and sweating !

Our first site of this amazing city

Amazing ancient city carved out of rock.

A portion of inside of the cave dwelling.

A rest and well earned beer!

June 23 – Ancona update/Sea days

This is it!! The day we have been so desperately needing!! Day at Sea!!! We are so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to finally enjoy this long awaited cruise, and at the same time a day of complete rest.

First I’ld like to catch you up on the events following the cancellation of the Ancona port. Upon arrival to our ship I took a photo of the letter provided by the ship regarding the reason for cancellation. Elena contacted the port authorities in Ancona and was informed and provided a screen shot of the manifest that both Azamara Pursuit and the MAC Lirica were due to dock on the 21st. Next the Azamara Pursuit was given the information that the time in dock would be shortened and all the shore excursions planned would not make the new sailing time. Next, Elena learned that even though they had two years notice, the Ancona port did not get it together to prepare the pier for our docking. Elena was so upset she contacted the journalist for the on-line newspaper in Ancona who first published an article regarding our docking a couple of months ago. The journalist called her back, took all of the relevant information and requested permission to write the story. The day we were to have docked in Ancona the newspaper printed the story! Of course it is all in Italian. The synopsis is that because of problems at the dock the slip was not finished in time and they cannot dock two cruise ships at the same time. They mentioned Elena as being a “Marchingiana from Ancona” Translated to “very feisty”. Elena has been described as easygoing and diplomatic, but if she gets mad- watch out- Mt Etna Erupting!!!

I was able to forward the article to the Italian “Documents Officer” Amira, who then forwarded to the appropriate Azamara staff. That evening I had the opportunity to “Have a little chat” with our Master-Captain Antonio Toledo. Although of Spanish background, he had read the article in Italian. He stated that he was very sorry and sends his condolences to Elena. He also stated that after reading the article he was relieved to hear that we would be meeting in Rome! So, if this isn’t “stirring the pot” I don’t know what it is!

This is a screen shot of the “google translate” of the article about Azamara not docking in Ancona.

This is the article that mentions Elena being a “Marchigiana”

We have been working diligently with Tom’s Mom during the past few months. Her health has been failing since Thanksgiving. We are so incredibly grateful that Joseph hosted Thanksgiving as that may be the last holiday we have with her.

The mimosa bar at the beautiful brunch Azamara provided today!

June 22- Kotor, Montenegro

Azamara described this tour as “Italy Intensive”, however every cruise must include at least two countries to mitigate the “Hotel fees” associated with being totally within a single country. Actually yesterday was our second country- so today is #3. For this cruise that country originally was to be Montenegro.

Montenegro is bordered by Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, Albania to the southeast and Croatia and the Adriatic Sea to the northwest. Today we port in Kotor, known as one of Europe’s best-preserved cities of medieval or Renaissance vintage, Kotor’s walls were constructed right into the slopes of the mountain behind it, making it an amazing sight on approach from the sea. And thus a most picturesque arrival this morning.

Our tour today is titled “Kotor by Land and Sea”. Known as one of the most beautiful areas of Montenegro, we’re so incredibly lucky to sail to the tiny islet Our Lady of the Rocks, and explore the medieval coastal village of Kotor.

We started our tour today with a scenic bus ride to Trivet, a costal town in southwest Montenegro, once a part of the republic of Yugoslavia. It is located in the Bay of Kotor. Montenegro is part of NATO and utilizes Euro, although it is not yet part of the EU. They have applied to be part of the EU and anticipating joining by 2028. Montenegro was given to Yugoslavia by the Venetians. Montenegro has been independent since 2006 with a population of only 600,00. We continued on to the Porto Montenegro Yacht Marina where we enjoyed the view of impressive mega yachts. We walked along the waterfront and its high-end shops and waterfront homes. There was a famous “Black Pearl” yacht with three giant masts that can independently turn 360 degrees! We then went on a boat that took us to the tiny islet of Our Lady of Rock, a man-made islet built by local sailors over many centuries in the glory of Our Lady. We visited Our Lady of the Rock Church and enjoyed the view of Kotor Bay. Following this we got back on the boat and headed to a little town of Perast where we a local cake and coffee. Well it’s over 92 degrees and coffee does not sound so good. However, we were extremely entertained by a woman at a cafe who apparently accidentally dropped her phone in the water next to the pier. We watched her as she climbed down the pier, jumped in the water and dove down to retrieve her phone!! All the while her two male companions watched!! Next we headed back to the city of Kotor via our boat, where we could have had a short guided walking tour. However, at that point I was absolutely done with 97° heat and 97° humid. Even though we had spent some time on the water, sweat was dropping everywhere so we returned to the boat. Apparently with the room that we have there’s a cart that comes by every day at 3 o’clock, offering coffee, pastries, or sandwiches. We walked in our room and they asked us if we wanted coffee! Oh my goodness – nothing hot for us!!

Tonight was what Azamara calls the AzAmazing Evening. A evening of entertainment centered around a certain port. Tonights event is called “Mystical Tales at Synchro Porto Montenegro”. Along with our fellow passengers we saw performed traditional and authentic songs of Montenegro that were rearranged with a Modern and authentic twist in order to reflect the changes of today’s world. We experienced the virtuosity of the masters of guitar as well as the great power of emotions an accordion produced in the hands of the professionals. The event was hosted by a local who took us on a journey through the past and present traditional songs. It was truly magical and as expected, an experience not to be soon forgotten.

Our sail into Montenegro was spectacular!

Welcome to Montenegro

This cute small town had two churches!

The Maritime museum

Yachts everywhere!

The altar at our “Lady of the Rock”

True beauty everywhere!

The woman who made this took her entire lifetime to create one stitch at a time while waiting for her husband to come back from the sea. He said she even used strand of her hair!!