Bonifacio, Corsica
Today was a day filled with history, extreme scenic beauty, surprising weather, and many
Delicious treats (some a result of the aforementioned weather).
We awoke with the National Geographic Endeavour sailing slowly along the aragonite cliffs just outside the 12th century Genoese citadel of Bonifacio. Sunrise came quietly amid a cloudy sky. At 7:30am we entered the narrow channel into town just as the sun was breaking through the clouds. It was a challenging entry which the Captain handled with apparent ease. From our place at the dock, the walls and bastions of the town seemed to rise almost straight up above us.
We disembarked for our morning of exploration in the old town. Many traveled up the winding road via a small trolley train, while those seeking more exercise and/or photo opportunities along the way joined walks up to the ancient city walls. The photographers split off from the main group, heading east for views from outside the walls, while the others began guided tours in town. It was impossible to not notice the gathering storm clouds as the sky deepened in color. A spotlight of sun illuminated Bonifacio treating us to amazing views just before the sky let loose with a downpour of rain. Many of the photographers had hiked quite far out for magnificent views of the town across the water and were totally drenched by the time they arrived at the shelter of the ancient entryway to Bonifacio. Meanwhile, those in town took whatever opportunities for shelter were available (some were lucky enough to take cover in a gelateria and a patisserie). After learning about the history of the town during guided walks, many went shopping, took more photos, and further explored the area as the sky lightened and the sun returned.
Once again we set sail through the narrow channel and back along the cliffs, continuing on our journey through the Mediterranean. The afternoon included an interesting and informative talk by Bob Hohlfelder, “On the High Seas in Antiquity: A Saintly Perspective”. This was followed by a tea time treat of ice cream on the pool deck. But the delicious aspects of the day were not yet done, as Patrick and the galley staff had brought a table of Corsican delicacies for us to try: paper thin slices of cured and air-dried wild boar, black sausages of wild boar, and goat and sheep’s milk cheeses, all served in the local fashion with chestnut and fig preserves. Yummy! After dinner, Jack Swenson gave us an inspiring talk, “Finding the Heart of the Image,” as we continued on our voyage in the Tyrrhenian Sea on our way to Sicily.
Today was a day filled with history, extreme scenic beauty, surprising weather, and many
Delicious treats (some a result of the aforementioned weather).
We awoke with the National Geographic Endeavour sailing slowly along the aragonite cliffs just outside the 12th century Genoese citadel of Bonifacio. Sunrise came quietly amid a cloudy sky. At 7:30am we entered the narrow channel into town just as the sun was breaking through the clouds. It was a challenging entry which the Captain handled with apparent ease. From our place at the dock, the walls and bastions of the town seemed to rise almost straight up above us.
We disembarked for our morning of exploration in the old town. Many traveled up the winding road via a small trolley train, while those seeking more exercise and/or photo opportunities along the way joined walks up to the ancient city walls. The photographers split off from the main group, heading east for views from outside the walls, while the others began guided tours in town. It was impossible to not notice the gathering storm clouds as the sky deepened in color. A spotlight of sun illuminated Bonifacio treating us to amazing views just before the sky let loose with a downpour of rain. Many of the photographers had hiked quite far out for magnificent views of the town across the water and were totally drenched by the time they arrived at the shelter of the ancient entryway to Bonifacio. Meanwhile, those in town took whatever opportunities for shelter were available (some were lucky enough to take cover in a gelateria and a patisserie). After learning about the history of the town during guided walks, many went shopping, took more photos, and further explored the area as the sky lightened and the sun returned.
Once again we set sail through the narrow channel and back along the cliffs, continuing on our journey through the Mediterranean. The afternoon included an interesting and informative talk by Bob Hohlfelder, “On the High Seas in Antiquity: A Saintly Perspective”. This was followed by a tea time treat of ice cream on the pool deck. But the delicious aspects of the day were not yet done, as Patrick and the galley staff had brought a table of Corsican delicacies for us to try: paper thin slices of cured and air-dried wild boar, black sausages of wild boar, and goat and sheep’s milk cheeses, all served in the local fashion with chestnut and fig preserves. Yummy! After dinner, Jack Swenson gave us an inspiring talk, “Finding the Heart of the Image,” as we continued on our voyage in the Tyrrhenian Sea on our way to Sicily.
