"At sea again, our ship sailed with the sun and the breeze at the stern. Basking in the solar rays of the late afternoon, we observed dolphins frolicking in the liner's wake. How magnificent the spectacle! What a sight to behold!"
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Cruising the Mediterranean and Beyond by Ronald Joseph Tocchini Trafford Publishing
book review by JG
This book is born of the extensive observations and notes taken by Tocchini as he and his partner, Sara, travelled throughout the Mediterranean region. The adventurous duo planned a cruise to admire the sights of Portofino, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, and Casablanca, Morocco. The pair also explored the sights of Madrid, the Canary Islands, and other popular destinations.
This work isn't your average travel book. It goes beyond the mundane details, such as where to eat, and instead offers a companion guide to the history behind the sights you'll see. Readers will learn about accomplished artists, such as Diego Velazquez and Francisco Goya, whose works Tocchini admired in a Madrid museum. In Palma de Mallorca, Tocchini and Sara learned of a clever 17th century infrastructure project that saved the city from raging floodwaters. Readers who are fans of Humphrey Bogart will be pleased to explore the author's description of the replica Rick's Café. Although the film Casablanca was filmed entirely in Hollywood, the café serves as a popular tourist attraction. Later on in the trip, the author learns of the surprising intricacies that complicate communication between Portuguese and Spanish speakers.
The author's writing style is reminiscent of a bygone era, with stylistic embellishments interspersed with frank observations. Tocchini often addresses the reader directly, making the audience feel as though they were marveling at the wonders of the Mediterranean right alongside the author. His narrative is enlivened by the many historical curiosities he discusses throughout each locale. The book and its accompanying maps and pictures are an ideal companion for visitors to the region who wish to look beyond the typical tourist sights and instead delve into these areas' rich cultural and historical treasures.