Location: Cádiz, Spain.
Summary: A relaxed day ashore in Cádiz, a short guided tour, a minor security drama when my belt went missing (and was recovered), a leisurely lunch and quiz win, followed by dinner, a comedy show, and late‑night conversation in the lounge.
On day four of my holiday the Costa Favolosa docked in Cádiz and I went ashore for a pre‑booked tour. I woke at 06:30 as we pulled in, dozed off again, and finally got up around 07:30. After a quick shower I headed to the buffet determined to be a bit healthier, just melon and yoghurt with orange juice. Mal joined me while I ate and we chatted until I popped back to my cabin to grab a few things before the excursion.
Tour of Cádiz
I boarded the tour bus at 09:40 for a tour scheduled to start at 10:00. A few latecomers held things up, which was mildly irritating, but once we were underway the short tour was enjoyable. We drove through the town, admired the coastline and beaches, and took in enough of Cádiz to whet my appetite for more. When the bus dropped us back at the ship I had time to wander into town, but I didn’t want to push my knee, so I chose to return to the Costa Favolosa and rest.
Return to the Costa Favolosa
Coming back through security turned into a bit of drama. I buzzed through the x‑ray, emptied my pockets and removed my belt, then walked through again. When I picked up my things I realised my belt was missing. Fortunately a security member recognised the man in the line ahead of me, followed him into a terminal shop, and retrieved the belt, returning it to me at the checkpoint. It was a ridiculous little theft of a cheap belt, and I was grateful for the quick thinking of the security team.
Back on board I went straight to the restaurant for lunch. I started with smoked salmon, followed by a beautiful mushroom and cheese ravioli. My main was a surprisingly good burger, a welcome change from the usual dry offerings, and I finished with a slice of coffee chocolate cake. While I was checking my Facebook messages the waiter appeared with another piece of cake; I can only assume he thought I needed feeding up, and I didn’t argue.
After a couple of hours’ rest in my cabin I headed to the bar to meet Malcolm and take part in one of the quizzes. I arrived at 15:30 to grab a table with a good view of the screen and ordered a Bahama Mama. We did well and won the quiz, which felt like a small, silly victory that made the afternoon fun.
Evening
I rested again before dinner at 19:00, when I joined Mal, Rosalea, Ann, Keith and Regina. My meal began with a shrimp cocktail, followed by pumpkin soup with toasted almonds, and a main of pork knuckle medallion confit with Sicilian couscous and saffron. Dessert was an indulgent white chocolate and forest fruit creation, more of a mousse than anything else, and it rounded the meal off perfectly.
After dinner we went to the theatre where Dwight, Tessa, Malcolm, Gail and I watched Terry Parade, a comedian and juggler who reminded me a little of Tommy Cooper. He had me laughing the whole time. When the show ended we drifted to the Molière lounge, joined by Ann and Rosalea, and chatted until the bar closed. I finally headed back to my cabin feeling pleasantly tired and content, another day of small adventures and good company.
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