We left Mulberry at 8:30 this morning, Friday, June 12, 2026. We met Andy, Michelle, Austin, and Bill at the airport. Check-in and Security were simple and easy. We were awaiting our flight to New York by 10:30. Good thing we were not heading to Chicago as everything was delayed due to severe weather (tornados!). We fly overnight to Barcelona and spend the day there before embarking our ship on Sunday. Out for the next ten days. Sure to be an adventure! Will keep this blog updated for family and friends who wish to “travel” along with us. The kids stayed home to watch the house and feed the pets and run the puppy whilst we are away - much to their dismay, I’m sure. Me, Sandy, Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bill at gate in Indy airport Austin and Michelle (Andy is in the potty!) Flight out of Indy was delayed by 30 mins or so due to congestion in NY. Then as we pushed back from the gate in JFK, there was a mechanical issue. We got that fixe...
Wow. Short night, like 2.5 hrs but that’s still 2 more hours than my bride. Headed for the airport at 4 am to crystal clear skies under the star-decked canopy of the universe. Traffic was light and the airport not too crowded. Ran into Steve & Glenda Clossin who were on the same flight down here. Seems both families like to take this week as vacation since we meet up quite frequently in the airport. Flight was smooth and we set a standard that can hypothetically be beat but odds are will never: plane parked at the closest gate to immigration. We were the only plane arriving and as we walked up, a second line opened up making us the first in line. From plane to baggage claim was maybe 5 mins. No lines at the restrooms. Sandy’s luggage was second off. And here’s where the improvement can come - my suitcase was second to last off. Walked out to private taxi and were in the van before Sandy could get her flops...
We pulled into port in Marseille at 0600. We met for breakfast at 6:15 and then queued for our tour at 7:30. We took a small group tour through town and then up to the Notre Dame De La Garde cathedral on some very narrow streets. So glad I was not the driver! Climbed up 180 steps to the top and visited for 45 mins - and yes, both Pa Bill and Grandma Barb climbed. Then back down through the city to the center. Had 90 mins to shop and get some French pastries - where both Old People were glad to sit a rest a spell. Received some history of the city and how it has changed over just the past 25 years. Tourism and shipping are the largest industries. Marseilles has a population of 1.65 million (880k in city proper), making it the second largest city (next to Paris) but has a larger land mass of almost 93 sq miles (240 sq km). Back to the boat for lunch and sun and even some water slides. Explored the ship to learn where most things are l...
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