Wheaten Princess Cruise

Presents
Mediterranean
Cruise - Part 3

SUNNY ITALY

There is a famous quote that says: “See Naples, and Die!” Well, certainly everyone was ‘dying to see Naples’ when
they entered the beautiful harbour.

The Wheaten Princess docked, and passengers were preparing to go ashore. Coaches were waiting to take our
shipmates to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which was their first place to visit in Italy.

Standing on the deck were the Swimmers, and the two rich, dizzy blondes weren’t far behind! Duffy, (who was
with the Ancient History Students) was very keen, and he was going to make sure HE didn’t miss the bus!
His fellow students were still in their cabins deciding what to take ashore!

After a short journey on the coaches, our shipmates arrived at Pompeii, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Professor Boomer and Dr Kelsie disappeared for a while as they kept their meeting with Digger Graves, the
Australian Egyptologist who was to give them instructions on how to find the secret site where it was believed
that an ancient art treasure was buried.

Digger turned out to be a likable human, and he made some alterations to the map that Boomer had. He made
some dots and crosses with a biro and circled one particular area. That was where they had to dig!

Placing the map carefully back in his briefcase and locking it, Boomer felt a little vulnerable there, with so many
people around. What if those humans that Inspector Griffin had warned him about were lurking close
by? He gave a little shudder and held onto his case more tightly. Where were those two fellows, Griffin and
Sydney? He decided he’d feel a lot safer travelling with them!

“I saw them with those rich ladies – over there…” Kelsie pointed in the direction of the two dizzy blondes, who
were with Harry and Jethro. (They were unaware that Inspector Griffin was actually keeping an eye on the
two boys, whom he suspected (by the twitching of his moustache) were up to mischief!)

Boomer and Kelsie joined them and listened with amusement to the comments of the girls,
who were in awe of these ancient ruins.

A large group of our friends were exploring another part of Pompeii. Captain Guiness was keeping company
with Miss Bella Beachbunny, whom he was immediately attracted to after seeing her win the Breaststroke
in the most recent competition in Hawaii. Lt. Abby, the entertainment Officer, had met up with
Bailey Beachboy, another of the swimmers, and a very dashing one too!

Jimmy, the ship’s handsome Lifeguard, seemed to be making a hit with one of the Beauty Queens, Nelly, who was
Miss Mexico. (Nelly had been spooked by the mention of ‘ghosts among the ruins’ by Seamus and Dasher, whom I
suspect may have had a little too many ‘Grape Ape’s’ the night before!) Scooch’s explicit opinion of the whole idea
went unnoticed – apparently. Charlie and Stella had a few thoughts on the matter too!

Miss Morgan was delighted to receive the invitation she’d hoped for from Cody, that drop-dead gorgeous Bar
Attendant that she’d had her eye on. Progress was definitely being made there!

The great Tuckerotti was enjoying the warm sunshine of his homeland, and he and his Agent, Brady,
were approached by two nuns who were with the tour. A stimulating conversation followed, during which
it was revealed that Sister Killian was a keen Opera fan and admirer of the famous gentleman’s art.
Then, much to the alarm of sister Ella, Killian told him that she had taken singing tuition before
entering the Convent. Now the cat was well and truly out of the bag!

The Ancient history Students had joined the two Swimming Judges, Miss Mia and Mr Boogie, who were trying to
figure out a mysterious circle of stones in one section of ruins. Did it have a similar purpose to that of
Stonehenge in the UK? Was it once a place of worship? – Sacrifice? – or some other ancient practice?

Some of the students had come strangely dressed for such a warm day. (But they apparently had their reasons!)

Exploring the ruins of Pompeii together were the members of the Band and the Passionate Pooches.

Bristol, who fancied herself as a good hunter and ratter, had suddenly appeared with some strange spotted
critter that was an ‘unknown species’ to them all. It wasn’t a case of ‘what the cat dragged in - but ‘what the dog
dug up!’ (or had she really caught it?)

While Finnegan B, Shadow, Nicky and Reese were contemplating just where she might have got it, Punky, Kramer
and Sadie were more interested in the beauty of the ruins they had just been admiring.

A little further on was one of the prettiest parts of the ancient city. It was the courtyard of one of the
‘stately homes’ of the ‘rich and famous’ of the day! Bailey had joined some of the Champion swimmers here
because, as a man who dealt in Art, he was keenly interested in the ancient murals that were well
preserved in many of these buildings.

Sweetie was intrigued by some of what she described as ‘bath-like’ structures, and jumped over the barrier to
take a closer look. She misjudged her jump, unfortunately, and landed IN it.

The gallant Riley leapt to her rescue!

Finnegan P, who never minced words, had a few opinions on the fairer sex, which he voiced loudly.
It seemed though, that Rudy did not share his opinion!

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Leaving the ruins now and heading back to where the coach was parked was a happy little group
of the ‘glamorous’ – and, it seemed, the ’amorous’ as well!

Queenie had been touring with ‘Beauty Queens’ Keeva, Maggie, Jynx, Snickerdoodle and Nelly,
and she enjoyed their bright company.

Jynx had rejoined the girls after having disappeared with a handsome Saluki, who she said, (breathlessly) had
told her he was a Sheik, and thaT he was from Tunisia. She raved on about his charms, and how he had
implored her to return with him to his Luxury Tent, and become his WIFE!

The others warned her about whirlwind romances, but Jynx was hearing nothing but her own thoughts and
dreams of wealth and fortune with a dashing ‘Rudolph Valentino-like’ hero. They concluded that it
was best to drop the subject – then perhaps she would forget about it.

After leaving Pompeii, our friends departed for the Amalfi Coast, where they would fill in the
remainder of the day before returning to the Wheaten Princess to sleep overnight.

Boogie, Cassie and Scooch had found some unexpected treats on the Pier, and Jimmy was
trying to persuade Dasher to come in for a swim.

However, the main beach at Amalfi was crowded with sun seeking tourists. Some of the dogs saw what they
thought were heaps of ‘sand castles’ on a beach further away, and decided that this might be a place
where they could enjoy some privacy. However, it presented other problems – especially for tender feet!

Griffin and Sydney had hired a boat to explore the scenery, and whenthey saw their friends on the
shore they attempted to join them – but changed their minds when they saw Boomer and Kelsie
struggling to get ashore after taking a swim.

There were others of our friends who had different plans in mind, and Bailey Beach Boy had taken
Abby to a Restaurant for Dinner. Abby was impressed!

Of like mind was Captain Guiness, who had invited Bella Beachbunny to
spend the day with him. (Bella was equally impressed!)

Also thinking along the same lines was Cody, who had chosen the same Hotel Restaurant, and was
sitting a short distance away from the Captain and Miss Bella. Cody was certainly taking a great
interest in Miss Morgan – much to her delight!

Many others preferred to dine outdoors, where they could see everything going on around them.
These included Sister Killian and Sister Ella, as well as the famous Tuckerotti and Brady his manager.
Delicious aromas of Italian food filled the air and there were so many exciting items on the menu it
was difficult to decide just what to order!

So their first day in Italy drew to a close. The journey back to Naples passed without incident and soon
a weary, but happy group of travellers were falling into their beds to get some much-needed
sleep before for the journey to Rome early the next morning.

END OF PART THREE

xxxxx

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