This was a day of rest. After a late breakfast we updated our computers and explored the grounds around Marie's home. It was sunny for the morning but dark clouds appeared and a very light rain came with thunder in the distance. We lunched on a fresh salad and cheese before taking short naps. Neighbors Marc and Lieve Daelemans had invited us to dinner and we walked next door and were greeted this very nice couple. She served white asparagus with a Flemish-Style ...

After breakfast Marie and I drove into Leuven where we visited a large supermarket and bought a few groceries. The drove further into the city where she parked her car in a private garage, from which we walked into the area of the University. We viewed the very old historic church where she was baptized and I was shown the apartment where she born. Several other buildings were pointed out before we had a glass of wine at Bar Louis across from the very ornate city...

Another nice morning in Venice. After breakfast at my hotel I ventured out for more exploring about. I made preparations for leaving this afternoon. I enjoyed a light lunch at Cafe Martinetti near the Opera House. As arranged a water taxi came for me at 3:30 and took me to the point where I met a Porter Service person who loaded me and my bags into a van and drove me to the airport for my fight to Brussels. One small detail. My computer did not get transferred to...

This morning was cool and my fourth floor window opened onto a canal and rooftop view and a cool sunny day. I went for the Continental breakfast in the lobby and set out for more exploring. With my trusty map I found the Rialto Bridge where I got lost two days ago. I stopped for a Bloody Mary at Caffe Floria. The ingredients were brought on a silver tray and the concoction was prepared at the table. Lunch of cold veal salad was at a local restaurant followed by...

Bags left outside my suite last night before turning in were gone as I took my last shower aboard Seabourn Quest and prepared to disembark. Coffee in the Observation and light breakfast in The Colonnade preceded some tearful goodbyes as I left the ship. Members of the staff were there to wish us well. Most touching -- our Captain Nielsen was at the entrance to the terminal greeting everyone of us. He would be leaving the ship as well for a short vacation. The Q...