Corsica, France

The west side of Corsica is a wild, rugged granitic landscape perfect for exploring by kayak, bicycle, or on foot. You can also drive, of course, but the narrow roads with terrifying drop-offs make for white-knuckle adventures.

Bonifacio is a walled city perched precariously on the edge of a high limestone cliff, where you can buy local sheep cheese, delicious olives, and a variety of wines. Corsica is also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. It's definitely an island to return to for a more leisurely visit.

Menorca, Spain

Today was a visit to Menorca, a tiny (minor) island owned by Spain. We got dropped off by Zodiac in the western coast town of Ciutadella. Skies were cloudy, the wind howling, and the temperature about 50 degrees, although clearing and warming were predicted. Unfortunately the weatherman blew it. The storm intensified as the day continued.

We managed a short photographic tour of the city before loading up on buses to head east, making stops at El Toro, highest (and no doubt windiest) on the island and at Poblat de Torralba, a prehistoric village and religious site several thousand years old. Then we continued to the east coast to Mahon, where an indigenous sauce has become spread (pun intended) worldwide as mayonnaise.

National Geographic photographer Massimo Bassano and I attempted another photo walk in the late afternoon; but after 45 minutes, we were all soaked to the bone so retreated to our ship. At Recap, we enjoyed white sangria, local gin, and tapas while learning that the tradition of serving alcohol and ham to visitors was to ferret out Moslems and Jews.

This soggy day was perfect for my little waterproof Olympus point & shoot.

Alhambra, Spain

After docking at Motril, Spain, we boarded buses for the scenic drive up to Granada (which means pomegranate, and our guide insisted each fruit always has 613 seeds) to the famous Moorish Alhambra palace and gardens. Although, the site was taken over by Catholic Spain in 1492, it still retains much of the original Islamic splendor.

It's a very popular tourist destination plus we had to stay in groups, which made photography challenging. Plus the mid-day sun was not very exciting. It was scan a scene and shoot from the hip. Yet, it is still lovely place to visit.