Whereonearthisjojo

 May 2,  I did not tour Cartagena as I did not feel well,  so you will have to go to Margit’s blog for any information May 3,  A sea day always appreciated and gave me time to start packing the suitcases.  That was a good as I had to make sure the big suitcase which I was having shipped would not exceed 50 pounds,   May 4, Porto.   Odd,  I was here many years ago when we did a time share in Lisbon and we drove around the Portuguese country side and did not recognize it.  That was some 20 years ago.   Sorry no pictures.  May some other time when I find them.  Ha Ha.

 After a relaxing sea day we arrive in Barcelona around 8 am.  It’s a lovely sunny day and temperatures will reach a high of 70.   I have been here several times and each time I am impressed with the vibrant city with so much to discover and each time I discover something new.  The city of 1.6 million swells to 4.6  around city center.  The traffic is quite horrendous, but everyone takes it in strides. Barcelona grew up around Barcino, one of the largest know Roman settlements in Europe.  In the oldest part of the city, known as the Gothic Quarters, you will stroll through medieval lanes so narrow that even in the olden times they had signs posted on the corner of the buildings indicating “one way” traffic (of course that was for horses, not cars ).  Eventually you will emerge out into the Royal Plaza, where a variety of boutiques and restaurants beckon you to shop, and relax while enjoying tapas and or just drinks. There is so much more to be dis...

 Well who hasn’t heard of Monte Carlo,  the playground of the rich and famous.  Names like Grace Kelly,  Aristotle Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Prince Rainier III, Olivier Beretta (Professional race car driver), backdrop for James Bond movies, and so on come to mind.   Monte Carlo, situated on the French Riviera,  is officially an administrative areas of the Principality of Monaco.  It is  the second smallest City/State in the world with Vatican City being the smallest.  It is surrounded by France on three sides and faces the Mediterranean.  It population is around 39,000 with only 8,000 being actual citizens of Monaco.  It is not easy to become a Monacan,  you must either be born in Monaco and both parents are Monacans, or after having been a resident for a period of time you can ask for an appointment with the Prince,  Prince Alberta II, at this time and make a request.  These are usually denied, though you ...