10th November, 2017. Corfu, Greece.

After a pleasant and smooth night we arrive early morning at Corfu , Greece known as the Emerald Island.   We have visited several Greek Islands on a variety of previous cruises but Corfu is seen as quite different with a vibrant green outlook vast agricultural produce with olive groves everywhere and remains mountainous.  But it remains breathtakingly beautiful and is seen as one of the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean.  Corfu Island is approximately 18 miles wide and 36 miles long and is the second largest Ionian Island with 150,000 inhabitants. Corfu is the most westerly point of Greece.  Over 4 million Olive Trees grow on the slopes of the semi mountainous terrain and olive oil exportation is one of the islands largest industries.  Figs , citrus fruit and wine are also produced on the island, which is also a tourist centre which is also growing rapidly.

We arrive at the Port and we have decided to tour the town with Carole and Phil Springer with the aim of then finding a restaurant , where we can then enjoy a sea food lunch .

Many people elect to undertake tours to beaches, but we have a preference to see the Old Town of Corfu , walk the narrow streets and just generally take in the local culture.

Corfu is thought to be the Island mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, the point where Ulysses was washed ashore in a severe storm and then met the beautiful princess Nausicaa.  Shakespeare used Corfu as a setting for the play "The Tempest".

Corfu Town (Kerkira) is the seaport Capital of the Island, situated on the east coast on a promontary that projects out into the sea.

Many of the civilisations that have previously existed in Corfu are still evident through remnants that have been preserved, being Byzantine, Churches, Venician Palaces and fortresses and houses built in the English Georgian architectural styles.

We walked through various areas along the promenade and passed the fortress.  We took in the beautiful gardens, overviewed the beautiful views over the oceans.   The fortified city areas then presented narrow footpaths and some cobblestones.

But despite a plethora of coffee shops, we struggled to find quality fish restaurants despite having been recommended to find "Porta Remounda Taverna" seafood restaurant.  The local information on the ship and Facebbok and Tripadvisor all rate this restaurant very highly.

We walked through several areas and only by chance did we find this restaurant, where the owner went out of his way to serve us at an outdoor table.   We were somewhat uneasy as the restaurant was quiet and we were the only luncheon patrons.

But we shouldn't have worried, we were served a wonderful meal of local entres , main-course and salad/ vegetables.  We enjoyed a local beer and then a beautiful white wine from the area.

We started with 2 plates of white bait, then warm crusty bread and local Taramosalata ( dip, pink in colour, made from fish roe).  We also had a plate of Tzatziki, which is a youghutt and cucumber dip lightly flavoured with garlic).   We followed with Calamari for Jeanette, local small filllets cooked in butter for Phil and Ken and a fish salad for Carole.   The weather warmed progressively and over the next 2 hours we thoroughly enjoyed a superb lunch.  Just as we had wanted. 

From here we walked to St. Spyridon Church, which was built in 1596 to house the remains of Corfu's patron Saint.  These remains were smuggled from Constantinople following the fall of the Byznatine Empire.  

We also saw the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which was constructed in 1577.   We walked passed the Palace of St Michael and St George which was used as the residence for the British High commissioner .  It now houses the Museum of Asiatic Art and the Municipal Art Shop.  

Then back to the square where the shuttle bus will pick us up and take us back to the Port from where we walk 200 metres to join the Riviera.  It has been a very pleasant and relaxing visit, highlighted by an excellent luncheon at Porta remounda taverna.

We arrived back at 4.15 pm.

Tough life but drinks with friends at 5.15 pm with music from the string quartet, then dinner at 6.45 pm and following a most enjoyable 4 course dinner in the Main dining room we attend the production show in the Riviera Lounge where the ship's singers and dancers put on "Lights, Cameras, Music".  Very good.

We are invited for a late coffee or drink , but decide not to attend .  Back to our suite and in bed by 11.20pm