The Gang Arrives and the Rest of the Trip

September 15, 2025 - from the Itinerary: ARRIVE IN AJACCIO, CORSICA Start the adventure in Ajaccio, the island's capital, and the birthplace of Napoleon. Transfer from the Ajaccio airport to the hotel, secluded along the untamed coastline. This evening you'll have a briefing, followed by a festive welcome dinner.

Had a pretty good night and was happy to see "the gang" arrive: Lisa, Kim, Ann, Kris, Tracy (East Coast) and Tracy Hardin. We also had a group of 5 ladies traveling together: Becky, Brenda, Kim, Tammy, and Grace. Kim and Grace were mother and daughter. Becky, Brenda and Tammy seemed to know each other from Florida. They met Kim on another trip and decided to travel together again. Grace is a nurse and newly married to a serviceman who just got posted to Germany.

I'm posting this 2 weeks after the end of the trip. I found this trip to be rather disappointing and challenging. Not so much from the physical aspect, although the heat was awful, but more from a drama aspect. I didn't enjoy the 5 new people and had little/nothing in common. I didn't really enjoy the guides. I was amazed no one was seriously hurt.

The best thing that can be said about the 8 days was how nice it was to see old friends and meet new friends of Lisa's.

Here is a video mix of the days.

Favorite hike was the GR20 day. Second favorite was the boat ride day.

I only realized afterwards that the beer tasted rather strange because it was made with chestnuts.

I enjoyed getting my feet wet in the freezing water and the lovely feeling of numbness for the first few miles. I enjoyed the beautiful color of the water and boats.

I won't dwell on what I didn't like. That list is a bit longer.

Here are some movies to document fun things like:

the lodging and food

the animals

our cruises, tours, and concerts of traditional music