Bad news for passengers boarding on May 10. We have some
kind of intestinal virus and the Lido is back under wraps. They have also
closed the library. Sports, games and the spa are off limits. You have to ask
for a pool towel at the bar. But, they will give you plastic gloves to use in
the casino so that is not closed. You can still make a donation any time you
like.
Today, we went into Messina on our own. Bill took his scooter and I took the walker so
I would have somewhere to sit. There are precious few curbs cut out for the
handicapped so it took some effort to get there. Pedestrians are on their own
but several cars did stop and let us pass, probably in honor of the money we
are spending here.
Our goal was to watch the Clock Tower at noon. It puts on a show that lasts ten
minutes. First the lion at the top
starts moving. It roars loudly three times. Each of the little scenes moves in
some way. There is a cock that crows three times and probably represents St.
Peter denying Christ. There are Roman soldiers guarding the tomb. There are
angels who ring the bells and Christ rises from the tomb.
There is an astronomical clock built into the side of the cathedral. From Wikipedia:
"The clock was constructed by the Ungerer Company of Strasbourg in 1933." .
I don’t know the date that the clock tower was erected next
to the Cathedral and the fountain. It’s pretty popular. The square was full of
people filming the action. I saw this train/car. I don't know what that was about.
It was a gorgeous sail away this afternoon at 3:30. Ian, one
of the destination specialists on board narrated the passage through the
straits of Messina.
