Exploring Resort Town on the English Riviera

Day 14, 2023 North Atlantic Adventure

Thursday, May 25, 2023; Turquay, England.

Today was just what I needed – a beautiful day on the Riviera. The English Riviera, that is. Torbay, on the coast in the English county of Devon, consists of three resort towns, including our destination, Torquay, (say “tor-kee”).

It might be best known as the setting for the fictional “Fawlty Towers,” rated by some as the greatest ever British TV sitcom.

By mid-morning there was no wait for a tender, and I set off to explore the seaside resort. The town circles a large marina, filled with luxury yachts, sailboats and fishing boats. My wanderings took me to the end of the far breakwater, where I watched the ship’s tenders come and go.

Even by late morning on a beautiful day the park along the marina wasn’t yet crowded and there were few passengers on the Ferris wheel. Most people seemed to be walking dogs. I imagine in another month or so the area will be packed with people on holiday, as they say here.

While there wasn’t a classic boardwalk (in the New Jersey sense), the streets were filled with cafes, pubs and restaurants, souvenir shops and even an arcade. I don’t dare look at another summer dress (I’ve bought eight so far on this trip), so I limited myself to peeking in windows.

The three-sided clock tower in the center of an intersection caught my attention, so I took advantage of the nearby bench to sit for a quick sketch.

I had lunch at Saltwater, one of dozens of choices, and was served by the cheeriest waitress I have ever met. She gave the impression that serving me my fish and chips made her day. And that attitude made my day!

Back on the ship I took some time to work on my tours and excursion planning for my fall cruise in South America. My friend Peter Laszcz (www.theinsidecabin.com) helped me design a daytrip to Iguazu Falls in Argentina at half the price of the ship’s tour with the same guide he used. All I have left to do is book the domestic flight from Buenos Aires.

With the start of the 2024 World Cruise just about seven months away, I need to start thinking about it, and in particular getting an Indian visa during my two months back in the states. For the next few weeks, we are in port almost every day, so I’m trying to make this planning a priority on days when I return early to the ship. Somehow, I just can’t make myself get back to this “work” after dinner.

Our little dinner group hasn’t come together the last couple of nights. Getting “freshened” up for dinner in the dining room is sometimes too much after a long tour or day ashore, and the Lido Buffet is a great alternative. I went ahead to the dining room, each night sitting at a table of six with other people. I enjoyed both groups immensely. Our lively conversations reminded me of how much I enjoy meeting people from all over the country, and even the world as one couple was from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tomorrow promises to be one of those long days, as we are heading for Le Havre, France. French transit strikes caused us to miss this port a month ago. Many groups are heading out to the Normandy beaches of World War II and even for the two-hour ride into Paris. I’m going to Giverny to tour Monet’s gardens.