Some reflections from land and London

The train whisked us through the 'green and pleasant land', away from Southampton, and back to the city. The fields were so green, and some blossom is still there. We had sailed into the Solent about dawn, and disembarked mid morning. It is hard to believe we seen so much, travelled so far in a few days, and as I write, the ship is heading out again to the Canaries. It was a wonderful trip. One of my special ports was Korcula, a little island and port on the Dalmation coast, part of Croatia. It was a pretty place, with a wonderfully preserved historical town, reflecting the many nationalities who have conquered the country over the centuries, Italians, Greece, Romans. The people still seem to live very simple, happy lives, very welcoming and proud of their country. They are so pleased to show you their history, but you are just welcome to see how they live day to day, and I loved it. The scenery is beautiful, you can see why it is becoming so popular as a holiday destination for people from all over Europe.
There have been soo many highlights, sailing into Venice on a sunny spring morning was something we will never forget, the photos hardly do the experience justice, all I will say is that the pictures in travel books and brochures do not lie, it is every bit as beautiful and amazing as is said. That said, it was also very crowded, and it must be pretty hard going in the summer months. It is VERY expensive, the cups of coffee were commented on - we just walked and, looked. The handbag salesmen on the street are pretty intimidating - they come right into a group, and stand in front of you. The rules in the city are that the person buying the bag can be fined heavily (thousands) if caught buying - in an effort to get rid of the trade. It is not nice when they are right in your face. (Should have bought a mask). We saw gondolas, though a lot were waiting for customers. They are very expensive - I just did not want more swaying, so was happy to just look. The hundreds of bridges are wonderful, they are everywhere, and turning 360 degrees can show several in sight. It is very easy to get lost, but in a nice way. It is weird to be in a city with no cars. We saw the floating trucks - barges with a semi trailer on the back that go along the canals delivering - I wondered how they got goods in.
There was so much to see, and so little time, but the sail in and out of this fairytale city was just stunning. We seemed so big and brutal beside the delicate features of the city sitting so precariously in the water.
We had a pretty easy time on the water - very few very rough days, the worst being when we could not get into Malaga - so we were lucky. The ship had a few Australians on the crew - shop crew mainly, and they appreciated having a little Anzac service. There were a few tears after, as homesickness hits a little. We did not find any other Australians in the passengers.
Now we are back in London, with the news all about the election (with the odd gaff from the Prime minister being played over continually). Voting is not compulsory, but there seems to be a feeling that there could be changes afoot here in the govt. Greece is causing huge economic problems, and I am pleased we dont have too many euros - the currency is having a few problems. That is the end of the news bulletin
I still feel as though I am on the water a little - feel as though I am going up and down, so we will go and walk the embankment, and absorb the ambience of this city that seems to pull us in. It is hard to explain.
More soon