Round the World

Dear JIAGGJ,
We had 2 very rough days t sea, heaving tummies etc but no throw -ups so we must be good sailers!
This morning we have walked round Cork but we didn`t think it was that inspiring. However this place where we are berthed is so pretty ,the town is rather victorian (like Llandudno) with a huge cathedral up on the hill which I am going to run up to in a minute(yes run!) Grandad has gone to bed - no stamina but no doubt he will be in top form tonight when I am on my knees.
Many ships sailed from here to take people toAmerica to make a new life when the potato famine here caused a lot of hardship.The famous Titanic made its last call here and the Lusitainia was torpedoed in the bay. So a lot of monuments to people who lost their lives.
I forgot to tell you that we are now "blue noses" because we crossed the artic circle before our first port of call in Iceland.
Tomorrow it is Falmouth, back on English soil.
Love you all lots and lots,
Gandi xxxxxxxxx

Dear JIAGGJ,
Yesterday I was on the ship's computer and had to have 3 goes to get through and it was so slow I nearly fell asleep! To day I am in the Library and it is the opposite.

Heimaey is one of the Westman Islands south of Iceland. There was an eruption in 1973 when the ground opened in a long line from the sea to the town and hot lava gushed up into the sky and covered a lot of the town.The houses are still underneath the lava although parts of 2 were sticking out. As the lava fell to earth it formed a volcano. We climbed up part of it and it was very steep.Grandad found a hole that was hot inside and there was still steam coming out of the ground in places. They take bread up there to bake !

In the cliffs we saw lots of puffins. They are so small but look very cute. They are caught in nets and EATEN - very tasty we were told, stuffed with prunes, ginger and rhubarb jam!
A young boy was swinging on a rope from a cliff to take the birds eggs which are also eaten. There are thousands of them all on little ledges up the cliff which are very high.
There is a lot of fishing here (it smells of fish in the harbour) so there are a lot of boats and factories.
Iceland is the land of the midnight sun. When we go to bed it is bright daylight so you would love it here!
We are ready for 2 days rest on route to Ireland to catch up on the reading.We have had some sun today and were told that they usually have a lot of wind but not today. We are charmed!

Iceland has been wonderful. We have had excellent tours and seen so much but the weather has amazed everyone.
We are thinking of you all and hope you have looked us up on the map. I will quiz you next time I see you so get ready!
Lots and lots of love,
Grandi xxxxxxxxxx

Dear JIAGGJ,
What excitement last night - we saw a WHALE! It was so exciting, first we spotted the water coming out of the blowhole, then his flippers came out and just once his body was visable. It wasn`t large so probably a minky whale.


Today we had lovely sunshine again and an 8hour tour inland. First to a National Park where the vikings used to meet to make their
Laws. Then off to watch a gyser spouting boiling hot water up in the air - in some places they use this water to heat their homes. After lunch it was off to another waterfall. We have one more day in Iceland and then 2 days rest back to Ireland.

Our ship came in too fast this morning and hit the side of the quay.We were having breakfast on deck so it came as a bit of a shock!We have had to stay here a couple of extra hours to get the damage repaired
Love Grandi xxx

Dear JIAGGJ,
Guess who ate shark meat ! Who felt queasy afterwards! Me of course!
Another beautiful sunny day and an interesting tour to an old fisherman,s house and another waterfall and a Museum where the school children are paid to dance for tourists.
Now out on my own to see the town -that won,t take long. Grandad at the gym - I wonder why!
Love Grandi xxxxx

Dear JIAGGJ,

What a surprise Iceland is!

We have had a lovely sunny day and left the small port to drive in the countryside to thermal baths heated by hotwater springs gushing up from underground. The open air natural baths were surrounded by beautiful scenery Although they smelt like bad eggs, the water is said to be very good for your skin so tonight I definitely feel more beautiful!
The volcanic hills are covered in green (not many trees) and there are a lot of wild flowers everywhere, It really is stunning.
As usual Grandad has gone back to the ship and I have found an interenet cafe.

Thank you Jenni for your note. We saw a riding school coming back from a hack and the children had net from their riding hats over their faces to keep out the midges which the area is known for (we killed several inside our coach!).
The rough night I mentioned was indeed rough and it was a very quiet ship at breakfast the next day. however by the next night it had calmed down.
The next 3 days we are sightseeing in different parts of Iceland.

Love you all,
Grandi xxxxx

Dear JIAGGJ,
Tonight we are sailing up to Iceland and have been told to expect rough seas! Still we should be alright
as we are experienced sailors but just in case we didn`t have too much dinner.
Well today we have been to Tobermory on the island of Mull in Scotland. You will recognise the card I have sent you! From there we travelled across miles and miles of land with very little on it, except sheep, to get to Duart castle - the home of Lord Maclean. From the top of the keep (tower) we could see Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. The dungeons were very dark with rats
We have been sailing for 2 hours and are still passing islands, it will take 2 days sailing to get to Iceland as we are not going very fast!
Love to all,Grandi xxxxxxxxx

Dear JIAGGJ,

Thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes (and Mums and Dads for their super present). I had a lovely day on board ship, mostly sleeping in the sunshine, and I hardly moved except to eat
Last night we had a 5 course dinner so this morning we are in Dublin trying to walk it off. We are doing a trip around the city this afternoon. On the way in from the port all we saw were buses and more buses, one huge traffic jam. At least the sun is shining.
We sailed very slowly from England,I think we could have got here quicker by canoe! We feel quite young on board, we heard them calling for a stretcher this morning.
Love you all,
Grandi xxxxxxxx

Dear JIGAGJ,
Tomorrow we are off to Iceland at last so watch this space!
Love you all,
Grandi xx