Here we are in France! We were to dock at 12 noon but we actually docked about 1:15 pm, which was really 2:15 local time. We were to stay on ship time, I believe because this will be the time zone when we arrive in Southampton tomorrow morning. John and I will lose another hour when we fly to Amsterdam tomorrow, I hope just one hour I am not sure.
Our day was quiet and nice. We decided not to get worn our on a tour and simply walked the mile or so into town. Actually we spent about three hours walking and one hour enjoying wine and Creme Brulee at a local cafe as we watched tourists and locals passing by in the pedestrian shopping area of Cherbourg. We would have liked to have gotten souvenirs for everyone but 
with the limited space and the expense of mailing things this will need to wait until our final days in Paris. We visited another ATM so we have Euros in our money belts to last us for at least a week and perhaps longer if we are able to use the credit credit card for some of our purchases. All our breakfasts and half of our dinners are provided plus all entry fees to places we go. That leaves lunches and snacks, plus free time expenses. It is hard to concentrate on telling you about Cherbourg when we have such anticipation about beginning our trip tomorrow. Cherbourg is a a lovely port with a military harbor in the Normandy area of Northern France. Several tours went in and around 
the coast of Normandy. No D-Day tours were offered from the ship's excursions but individuals we know did these tours. The timing was short and they would not have much time there. There is a wealth of history in this area as you might imagine. Should we ever return to this part of France I really want to see Le Mont St. Michele. Again, there was not really time to do this even with a private tour. One could get there and back with a quick look, but it warrants a full day at the minimum. I fondly recalled my last visit here when Mom and I took a tour of the Saire Valley and surrounding areas, which was lovely. Remember the eels at the one port Mom? We had a nice day strolling along the shopping area where there were many locals. There were fantastically fresh produce
choices and fresh fish in at least two locations including: clams, muscles, oysters, and some items I didn't recognize. France is very friendly and none of them laughed at my poor pronunciation of the few words I do know. A walk back to the ship and a brief rest before we headed to our final dinner on board. Oh, one surprise, they ran out of lettuce on this cruise today. They did have shredded ice berg to serve at the station but none for Caesar salad for dinner. I am sure with going to dry dock they tried not to have any leftovers. We departed Cherbourg about 8:30 pm and we are inching our way across the English Channel as I type this. We are all packed and scheduled to walk off with our bags between 5:45 and 6:15 am. Our car and driver are supposed to be here at 7am. Hopefully our trip to Heathrow will be smooth and our flights on time.
June FYI: I bet the people who take world cruises don't really gain weight. After about 10 days one begins to long for the ordinary and would not eat like we do in the beginning.
Deb: I am having our formal wear and a few other things sent to your house instead of our address because it will be a box sitting at the P.O. for too long.
Tomorrow Southampton, Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam, 30 minute train ride to Haarlem and our first evening dinner with our tour group for the next 21 days. Incidentally, we got an email from Rick Steves that we will in fact see Kerkenhoff (sp?) in Holland with a change in itinerary from the open air museum when we depart Haarlem. I am thrilled because I very much wanted to see these fabulous gardens I recently read about but knew we would not have time and it was not on the schedule. I am thankful Rick Steves organization is sensitive to the seasonal things happening and that we won't miss it.
Temperature: 53*F 10:30pm
Sea: Moderate (I think they forgot to change that because the Channel is more like being on a lake.
Nautical miles from Galveston 5339, from Cherbourg 19, to Southampton 85.
Everyone: Not sure when we will have email again and my regular cell phone will no longer work. In emergency call the world phone number most of you have.
Love and miss all of you. Mom&Dad/John&Sharon
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