tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49392217654619767012024-02-25T13:14:19.650-08:00Italy and Mediterranean CruiseDescription and photos of a trip by Janice and Larry Hatt to Rome, Italy; a cruice on the MS Braemar to eastern Mediterranean ports followed by a motor trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast of southern Italy.Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-23147752688384909732008-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:002024-02-24T12:55:50.995-08:00Sunday, September 28 - Burlington to London<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the taxi in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Burlington</span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">was later picking us up, we hoped it wasn't an omen.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Apparently it wasn't because traffic was fine, we got to the airport in plenty of time and were upgraded to " World Traveller Plus" which is really Business Class -- very comfortable for the cross Atlantic trip.</span><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/janicehatt/RomeSelect#"><br /></a> </span></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-60183221618036335292008-10-20T13:14:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:15:44.456-08:00Monday, September 29 - London to Rome<div class="separator"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9j6zwz3oI/AAAAAAAADLY/hdRztAW9piQ/s1600-h/IMG_0705.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260032751770525314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9j6zwz3oI/AAAAAAAADLY/hdRztAW9piQ/w200-h150/IMG_0705.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10;">In spite of the comfort of the trip, Jan didn't sleep much.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Larry got several hours, though, so was very refreshed.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We travelled through Heathrow's new Terminal 5, so it was pretty much hassle-free.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It's a beautiful facility with lots of high-end shopping.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>the flight to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">Rome</span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was quick an easy, and surprisingly comfortable and spacious for tourist class.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>The shuttle we had arranged 8 months ago was waiting for us with a sign no less, and our friendly Australian/Roman driver Sergio kept us entertained on the trip to the Hotel Les Chambres d'Or.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We're so glad not to be trying to drive around<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">Rome</span><span style="font-size: 10;">!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Mazes of very crowded streets many one-way kept him going a while before we spotted the hotel.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Its entrance is very unobtrusive and the lobby/breakfast room/bar tiny, but very attractive.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>The staff are very friendly and helpful.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>After enjoying a complimentary drink, we were taken to our rooms, about a block from the lobby.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>A mass of keys will get us in whenever we are out and about.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The room is fresh and clean and comfortable - nicely decorated and with a view out the open window of a corner of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Vatican City</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in the distance.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Thanks Lisa and Quintin for suggesting this place!!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Jan napped while Larry got out the laptop and figured out the internet connection.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In preparation for this vacation I watched the movie Roman Holiday and the building our room is in is just like the one where Cary Grant had his apartment, though without his view.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>After our rest, we walked over to see St. Peter's Square - words fail!!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>And then we had an hour or so before the Basilica closed, so we wandered through it<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>-- Again<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>- no words!!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Perhaps the most interesting thing was after we were out, we realized Larry left a camera case away deep in the cathedral.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Because it had closed we had to get an armed escort back in to get it.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>The place was absolutely empty and errily quiet except for a choir which was rehearsing a recording in one of the chapel areas.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Magnificent!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dinner afterward at a small nearby restaurant was nice but not spectacular.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We were tired enough not to really care.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Back to our room before<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">9 pm</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to rest up for tomorrow - our hop-on-hop-off.</span></p></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/cCFry87oRzuT1ueG8">Photos Sep 29 </a></span></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-30642920759785623052008-10-20T13:13:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:16:32.338-08:00Tuesday, September 30 - Rome, Italy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9cfAkBTvI/AAAAAAAADJQ/ghsm24B2Q6w/s1600-h/IMG_3643.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260024577588809458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9cfAkBTvI/AAAAAAAADJQ/ghsm24B2Q6w/w200-h150/IMG_3643.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10;">We certainly slept well in this very comfortable firm bed.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">Rome</span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>seems surprisingly quiet during the night, but there were very peculiar thumps and bumps inside the building.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>This morning we were ready for breakfast as soon as they started serving it at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">7:45</span><span style="font-size: 10;">.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Wonderful cappuccino to start the day, along with pastries and sandwiches.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Then we walked to the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">Vatican</span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10;">Museum</span><span style="font-size: 10;">.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We joined the queue about 2 blocks from the entrance but it moved quickly so we were inside in about 20 minutes.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">By the time we left, the queue was much longer - about 2 hours, and continuing to grow.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Inside we were stunned by the amount of priceless art in such large and beautiful surroundings.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It defies description, and our photos tell only a miniscule part of the story.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We both enjoyed this museum more that the Hermitage, but occasionally the lack of information left us wondering what we were looking at.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Eventually we made our way to the Sistine Chapel, which was packed shoulder to shoulder and very warm.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Guards were directing traffic and reminding people to maintain respectful silence - largely unsuccessfully.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We both thought it was entirely unlike our expectations, but extremely impressive, of course.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Afterward we wandered through a few galleries of contemporary art that we had entirely to ourselves.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Eventually we found the beautiful double spiral staircase and made our way out ot the street.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We picked up our hop-on bus tour in front of St. Peter's and rode as far as the Coliseum, catching glimpses of many parts oft the city along the way.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We have tickets for the Coliseum on Thursday, so just walked around the area and ate lunch from a street vendor.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We walked all aound the outside of the Form/Ancient Rome and could see many of the excavated ruins.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>We picked up the tour again for a short hop to the Campidoglio where we admired a different view of the ancient city ruins.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another short hop took us to the area of the Parthenon/Basilica of Mary and the Martyrs -- what an astonishing place!!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It's been there for nearly 2000 years and is still intact and very beautiful.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>It was taken over as a Christian place, but still is in its original state otherwise.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>From there we walked to the Piazza Novorna here we had coffee, beer and biscotti while we enjoyed the passing scene.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Then we wandered through the artists' vending areas and enjoyed their displays.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After a fruitless attempt to find the bus stop to rejoin the tour, we walked across the bridge to the Castel Sant Angelo - an impressive place.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Then barely missing the tour bus again, we wandered back to the hotel, picking up supper makings at a deli.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>A drink in the bar, little walk in our neighbourhood and we're done for the day.<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Whew!!<span> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Saw lots and really enjoyed<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Rome</span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">today.</span> <span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 180%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 180%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/68bxt9YUk3j36Zrs7"> Photos 30 Sep<br /></a></span></p></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-3984112068972499572008-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:16:48.742-08:00Wednesday, October 1 - Rome, Italy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dBZ7OF5I/AAAAAAAADJY/Q0Gs_4tmIPw/s1600-h/IMG_0767.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260025168512554898" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dBZ7OF5I/AAAAAAAADJY/Q0Gs_4tmIPw/w200-h150/IMG_0767.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">We slept a bit later this morning and found the breakfast room quite crowded.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">The cappuccino was still quite wonderful though.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We caught our last ride on the hop-on-hop-off tour before our 24 hours pass expired, and went the Trevi Fountain to begin our day.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We arrived there with no coins to throw over our shoulder but enjoyed the early light on the fountain, and then set off for the Spanish Steps.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We had difficulty getting the streets to match our maps so joined forces with another North American couple and found it fairly easily.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We climbed the steps, enjoyed the view and then toured the Trinita dei Monti church at the top.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">We strolled along the upper road to the gardens overlooking the Piazza del Popolo.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">On the way down to the piazza we discovered an exhibition of Leonardo Da Vinci’s works – primarily his inventions modeled with his original drawings.</span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">We couldn’t get into the Santa Maria del Popolo church, so strolled on to the Mausoleum of Augustus (circa 28 BC).</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">There’s a lot of excavation around it and we couldn’t get too close, but it’s certainly impressive.</span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Across the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Cavour</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Bridge</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>we hoped to find a café for lunch, but no luck.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">Too much construction.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">Eventually we made our way to Castel Sant’Angelo where we lunched on street food.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We climbed to the top terrace of the Castel, to take in the astonishing views of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Rome</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>from that vantage point.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">By the time we came down again we were ready for a rest, so made our way back to the hotel.</span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">We’ve walked a lot here, and so have interesting street-level impressions of the city – the amazing smell of good espresso on nearly every corner — the insane traffic and proliferation of scooters and small cars ( “Smart Cars” are the norm here ) – archaeological excavations everywhere and amazing antiquities</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">- many men in clerical collars and women in habits everywhere.</span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Today we saw a nun with a sun visor over her veil.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">Mostly friendly, helpful people with patience for non-Italian-speakers</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">-<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">marble cobblestones – women in crazy high-heeled shoes and boots.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">How do their ankles survive? – everyone eating gelato – How do their waistlines survive ?</span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">After our afternoon break we walked to the closest piazza and had a gelato ( before dinner ! ), then sat at the outdoor area of the hotel’s café.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We got chatting with an interesting couple, named Marian and Harry, from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Glasgow</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">They’re off to San Giovanni tomorrow and we’re looking forward to hearing how their experience there goes.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Now we must pack so we can make a graceful exit out of here early tomorrow.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We’ll have to beg to store our luggage here until 2 when our transport to the ship at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Civitavecchia</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>arrives.</span><span><span face="arial,sans-serif"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">We are off to the ruins of the Colleseum and Ancient Rome in the morning. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: 180%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/tRU16i7FrhcFLxjK7"> Photos 1 Oct</a></span><span style="font-size: 10;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"> </span></span></div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-56299537360054170452008-10-20T13:11:00.002-07:002024-02-24T13:17:12.619-08:00Thursday, Octotober 2 - Rome, Italy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9k-mlx7eI/AAAAAAAADLg/jnAph92Zq6Q/s1600-h/IMG_0878.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260033916465704418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9k-mlx7eI/AAAAAAAADLg/jnAph92Zq6Q/w200-h150/IMG_0878.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">A bright & early start, packing up, breakfast at the hotel and off to the Metro to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">findo</span> our way to the Colosseum - easy and pleasant. The Rome subway is modern, clean and smooth. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colosseam</span> is very interesting - it has stood for nearly 2000 years in spite of fires and being looted for building materials. A major <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">restoraton</span> is underway. We wandered then went into the major mid-city Palatine ares of ruins. It is vast, and once away from the edges, quiet and peaceful. There are tall trees and shady areas. A lovely museum of recovered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">artefacts</span> - statues, mosaic floors, and wall sections, etc, from several different areas. We enjoyed wandering among the half and fully ruined walls and buildings.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span> </div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Steps of many kinds and paths. Around lunch time we made our way back to the metro and to the hotel.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">That's when the fun began. The concierge conveyed a message from the shuttle company that there was a rumour in the Port that our ship, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Braemar</span>, had been diverted to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Salermo</span>, the Port of Naples. So we called the ship - busy signal repeatedly for 15 minutes - tried Fred Olsen offices in London and our call was put on hold and eventual dropped.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span> </div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Finally we decided to simply go to the port as scheduled. When we arrived, a Fred Olsen rep. met us with the news that the ship was actually in Palermo, Sicily and we'd be joining it there. With 2 other couples we were driven to the Rome airport, handed tickets by another rep. and proceeded to check in.</span></span></div><div>
</div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">Then it got interesting again - we had not packed for domestic flights with very limited luggage allowances, and instead of simply paying for the overage, the rep insisted we repack, right there in front of the line! Embarrassing to say the least, and since didn't really didn't understand the object of the exercise, somewhat futile. In any case we finally satisfied the agent. Then we were told to run! because the flight was boarding in 5 minutes. Security, fortunately was a breeze, and we got to the boarding area in plenty of time to join the line and board. In Palermo we were once again met by cruise line reps who showed us to our buses. There were people coming in on several flights, including those who had had to make their own way to Palermo from places like Barcelona, Spain.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span> </div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial,sans-serif">So we waited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">onboard</span> the bus for about 45 minutes, then a 50 minutes drive brought us to the ship, arriving about 8 PM. Check-in was quick and we found our cabin easily. We are most favourably impress with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">accomodations</span> - lots of space, closets, drawer, comfortable chairs, TV, fridge, etc. Finally around 10 we went for dinner as the last few passengers were arriving from the airport. It was delicious and the service was terrific. This is a lovely ship. We'll explore it more thoroughly tomorrow, though it will not be a day of cruising as planned but back to Italy mainland, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Reggio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Calibrio</span>, for the ship to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">replenish</span> while we wander around town. <span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 180%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/j4Y9C5yTUYJDZEuKA">Photos 2 Oct<br /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span></span>
</div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-85321489236881419022008-10-20T13:11:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:17:31.475-08:00Friday, October 3; Reggio di Calabria, Italy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dWo6PWQI/AAAAAAAADJg/K7jcbEBPz-s/s1600-h/IMG_0879.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260025533312227586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dWo6PWQI/AAAAAAAADJg/K7jcbEBPz-s/w200-h150/IMG_0879.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Nice chat over breakfast with 4 stranger, then a bit of time to explore the ship before the safety drill. By late morning the ship<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">was cleared (customs) and we went ashore at Reggio di Calabria 'on the big toe of Italy' as Larry says. It's not a very exciting<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">place and the ship only stopped for provisions, but Larry got a couple of shirts which he needed and we had a nice stroll on the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">promenade which is beautiful. Lunch and more ship exploration followed by an illustrated talk on some of our ports of call coming<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">up.
</span></div><div>
</div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We had a cocktail reception with the First Officer (while the Captain got the ship out of port) followed by a formal dinner with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">everyone in formal wear. We met our table partners for the cruise. Very nice. Larry was greatly entertained by the 87-year-old<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Queen E lookalike beside him. We enjoyed a lively show in one of the lounges before setting our clocks ahead an hour and going to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">bed. ( Mac! now we are 7 hours ahead of you guys )</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/4XAxrSXUxeK3EB6o7">Photos Oct 3 </a></span></h1></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span>
</div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-48126900015681426282008-10-20T13:10:00.002-07:002024-02-24T13:17:46.691-08:00Saturday, October 4; Katakalon, Greece<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dyh0mmWI/AAAAAAAADJo/2QCW0a9h7Bc/s1600-h/IMG_0883.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260026012445874530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9dyh0mmWI/AAAAAAAADJo/2QCW0a9h7Bc/w200-h150/IMG_0883.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We slept in a bit this morning, so had to hustle to have breakfast before Larry went to a shore talk and Jan to line dancing followed by a quiz session. Didn't entirely disgrace myself in spite of the very British bias of the quiz. Then a quick lunch and off to Olympia. This site, the original start of the Olympics in about 275BC, is entirely ruins with the exception of the stadium. Three thousand years ago there were no seats for spectators, just gassy slopes and those are intact. We saw where the torch is lit for every modern Olympic games and learned that the ancient 'games' were very different and part of a 3-month truce from continual waring every 4 years. The museum holds stunning artefacts from the site. Then are largely preserved because it was inundated and covered in mud for more than 10 centuries. The port town of Katakalon is small but colourful and we enjoyed the beautiful view of its harbour from the ship. While we were at dinner the sun set most spectacularly. We enjoyed a spectacular 'Vegas-style' performance of music from the movies and then another quiz session before bed.</span></div><div>
</div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We enjoy seeing how the staff set up our bedding twice a day. My night gown is always laid out in some fancy way ( wish I'd brought classier lingeries!! ) and the pillows, duvet, bed spread etc arranged artfully. </span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LdMzn5TPyQiJEV3q7" style="font-weight: normal;">Photos Oct 4</a><br /></span><br /></h1></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-weight: normal;">
</div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-67279234374920724182008-10-20T13:10:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:18:01.671-08:00Sunday, October 5; Chania & Rethymnon Crete<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9eNQS3S7I/AAAAAAAADJw/skrvgtCv0DA/s1600-h/IMG_3815.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260026471597427634" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9eNQS3S7I/AAAAAAAADJw/skrvgtCv0DA/w200-h150/IMG_3815.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It was a fairly early start to catch the bus tour to Rethymnon. Our guide was very pleasant and easy to listen to. She pointed out and explained the geography of Crete and gave us a brief summary of the history of the island. Our first stop was Fortezza Castle, a Venetian structure whose walls are largely intact, but the buildings are in ruins. The views are fantastic. The museum in the castle contains many new finds, which show that Crete was at least visited, if not inhabited, much earlier than had been thought. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We couldn't photograph most exhibits because they haven't been published yet, but they were so well-organized and displayed that they really told the story. After the castle we walked through this lovely, colourful town, enjoying the architecture and flowers as well as the shops, etc. I bought a necklace, since I've broken 2 that I brought with me. The waves were really breaking over the walls in the harbour, a bit of a preview for the evening on the ship. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
The high wind was blowing spray as well. Back onboard we enjoyed a late lunch and admired the views from the decks, though the high winds make it uncomfortable. in the open. We took coffee outside and it actually blew out of the cups! I joined a bingo game in the afternoon and was just 1 number away from a £70 jackpot. We went to a short church service, then dressed and went to dinner. During dinner we left port and immediately started pitching around. Making our way to the comedy show was a challenge and the comedian actually couldn't do parts of his show. He ended with a rather burlish and raunchy version of Rindercella which we enjoyed. By then we decided that our cabin was the safest place to be with the rolling and pitching. The captain hopes we'll be into calmer seas before midnight. Luckily, neither of us is suffering at all from the motion.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-64920353997870062502008-10-20T13:09:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:18:17.186-08:00Monday, October 6; Corinth & Mycenae, Greece<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9eqgZMdfI/AAAAAAAADJ4/jqs1nJ9mZtY/s1600-h/IMG_1042.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260026974135154162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9eqgZMdfI/AAAAAAAADJ4/jqs1nJ9mZtY/w200-h150/IMG_1042.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We keep picking the excursions with early starts! Today we got tangled up in Athens rush hour traffic as we made our way from Piraeas to Corinth. Once out of the traffic, though, we drove along the Aegean Coast to the Corinth Canal. It is an amazing feat of engineering, linking the Aegean and Ionian Seas; they had to dig through 6km of rock more than 100 feet high.
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">At Corinth we saw the ruins of the very cosmopolitan city where St. Paul stayed for some time. On then to Mycenae, with its cyclopean walls made of very heavy blocks of stone stacked in various ways. There are two ancient cemeteries there, where a great deal of treasure has been found. Larry climbed to the top ( acropolis),but I stayed low down to watch. Then we visited the Tomb of Agamemnon (so called ) which has an interesting beahive shape, but was empty when discovered. We then had a lovely 5-course mid-afternoon meal in a large restaurant before returning to the ship. We were tired and it was a bit late, so we didn't go to the dining room. Instead we had a later dinner in the buffet, followed by a show in the lounge where we enjoyed the company of a couple from our dinner table.
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/bT1aPgZ978QtPMM19">Photos Oct 6</a></span></h1></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif"></span>
</div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-40279764269444184842008-10-20T13:08:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:18:31.686-08:00Tuesday, October 7th; Athens, Greece<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9fMvLr-SI/AAAAAAAADKA/FrIQTjc2KL4/s1600-h/IMG_1105.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260027562220583202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9fMvLr-SI/AAAAAAAADKA/FrIQTjc2KL4/w200-h150/IMG_1105.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">An early start in order to be into central Athens by about 9. The traffic is horrific and every trip takes forever.
<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The Acropolis was as amazing as we could have hoped. Pictures, of course, don't do it justice. The Parthenon is covered on one side with scaffolding because of restoration work, but the rest is visible. Our tour of Athens included the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier - Quite a show - they goose-step and more, and have a very tightly - chloreographed routine. Back at the ship we went on deck to enjoy the leaving-port show, then off to various activities.
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span face="arial,sans-serif"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/y5L5qEzoxBa6BFA19">Photos Oct 7</a></span></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-18197985935396891742008-10-20T13:07:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:18:56.305-08:00Wednesday, October 8th; Marmaris, Turkey and Rhodes, Greece<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9feCY2QtI/AAAAAAAADKI/9DEJNNGZ1jI/s1600-h/IMG_4008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260027859433833170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9feCY2QtI/AAAAAAAADKI/9DEJNNGZ1jI/w200-h150/IMG_4008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We arrived in port at Marmaris, Turkey this morning. It's a beautiful area -<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">lots of pine forests, steep slopes, colourful villages. We took a bus to Dalyan,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">which is in a conservation area. Along the way we enjoyed the beauty of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">landscape and learned, among other things, about the wonders of pine honey. Many<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">honeybees in this area of pine forests. We saw fields of cotton, citrus orchards,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">sesame seeds being harvested, pomegranate groves and other crops. It appears to be a prosperous area, but there is much less traffic than we've seen<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">elsewhere. There is a lot of highway construction to widen the roads. </span></div><div>
</div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">At Dalyan we<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">boarded small boats for the trip to Kaunos passing amazing Lycean tombs carved into<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">the rock walls high above the river. At Kaunos we had a long walk up to the ruins of this former seaport of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">pre-Roman times (until the harbour silted in). The ruins and particularly the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">amphitheatre was quite amazing and we disturbed a mountain goat grazing among the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">'bleachers'. </span></div><div>
</div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Back at the ship we watched the beautiful harbour recede and a few hours<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">later arrived at the Greek Island of Rhodes. It has an ever more amazing harbour. Very beautiful, surrounded with crenalated<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">walls and buildings like something out of the middle ages. The harbour was very<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">beautiful at night with all the lights.
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We've been enjoying professional entertainment in the lounges every night. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Tonight many people went ashore, so the pros took the night off and the amateurs<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">among the cruise staff put on an excellent show. Then it was time to turn in early<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">for tomorrow is very early departure on our Rhodes tour.</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/NJkHAa5BnfTUNvEk6">Photos Oct 8</a></span></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-12604225845563677232008-10-20T13:06:00.002-07:002024-02-24T13:20:08.686-08:00Thursday, October 9th; Island of Rhodes, Greece<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gD36EnJI/AAAAAAAADKQ/jYIja6l8kYo/s1600-h/IMG_1203.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260028509455424658" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gD36EnJI/AAAAAAAADKQ/jYIja6l8kYo/w200-h150/IMG_1203.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Our tour to lovely Lindros was certainly worth getting up early for! It is a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">lovely place: a lower town of immaculate white buildings and a mediaval fortress with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">some parts dating back to BC times. Our guide, Dora (as she said: 'not the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">explorer') was very good. We drove out of Rhodes City and along the coast for about<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">45 minutes. </span></div><div>
</div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">At Lindos a shuttle took us to the lower town, then we climbed the 399<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">steps to the acropolis. It was well-defended and well-provisioned to provide shelter<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">for all the town's residents im case of attack. There are layers of history dating<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">back 2700 years the worship of the Greek gods through the 14th century, when the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Knights of St. John occupied the island for a long time before moving on to Malta. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The market lined the winding road up to the fortress and both of us did some shopping<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">(Jan more than Lar by a long shot ). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
</span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Back to the ship for a noon sailing. <span face="arial,sans-serif">We continued to be blessed with fine<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">weather, usually a bit overcast and cool enough that we don't suffer as we clamber<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span face="arial,sans-serif">around all these ruins.</span></span></div><div><span face="arial,sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>...later:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tonight was a western night on board, so we ate Prime Texas beef, wore western clothes and listened to western music. The entertainment included saloon girls and cowboys and nightly quiz was all about things western - we thought we had a chance, but didn't do so well -- well, everyone else was on a team of at least 4.
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/7QkDUBsssjaPn8ux9">Photos Oct 9</a></h1></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div> </div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-24001310416472492172008-10-20T13:06:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:20:40.072-08:00Friday October 10th; Limassol, Cyprus<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gVOJpe_I/AAAAAAAADKY/nZHVQ7COGOU/s1600-h/IMG_4066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260028807484111858" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gVOJpe_I/AAAAAAAADKY/nZHVQ7COGOU/w150-h200/IMG_4066.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="150" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">The port of Limassol, Cyprus is very utilitarian and not as interesting as Rhodes. We left early for the drive/tour to Omodos Village in the Troodos Mountains. This was a very relaxed tour. We cruised through lovely but very dry countryside ( Cyprus is experiencing severe drought conditions - they get water only Mon, Wed, Fri for 12 hours each ) to this peaceful village, then strolled its streets and market. We walked through the small, beautiful church which contains many relics including a piece of the true cross and holy robe ( maybe!! ). </span></div><div>
</div><div><span style="font-size: large;">After a bit of shopping in the market, we enjoyed a cappucino at an outdoor café, then drove to a taverna for wine, cheese, olives and bread. There were cats and kittens frolicking around , which amused us all. Cats are 'big' on Cyprus, as they were brought in to control the snake population ( really... not the cats I know!! ). </span></div><div>
</div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Back at the ship we paused only briefly, then caught the shuttle to downtown Limassol for a bit of shopping and to try to find an internet café to upload photos. We found an interesting place where Larry was able to upload a bunch while Janice found good shopping ( that made the internet free!! ). Onboard we joined the rousing 'leaving point' party on the aft decks with free-flowing punch, followed by a rather dismal game of bingo - neither of us got even close enough to increase our pulse rate!! Evening entertainment is early tonight because tomorrow is an early departure for a long day in </span>Egypt (where we sail to overnight).
</div><div> </div></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/7QkDUBsssjaPn8ux9">Photos Oct 10</a>
</div></span></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div> </div></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-59153996098396385362008-10-20T13:05:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:21:04.028-08:00Saturday October 11th; Port Said, Cairo, & Giza Egypt<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gqq4UzcI/AAAAAAAADKg/qt3dr_vusyU/s1600-h/IMG_1290.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260029175973334466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9gqq4UzcI/AAAAAAAADKg/qt3dr_vusyU/w200-h150/IMG_1290.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The first impression of Port Said was the smell of charcoal. Since we had to be ready to go ashore at 6:30, we were up at about 5:15. Imagine everyone's surprise at the announcement that Egypt had ended Daylight Saving Time a bit early, and so it was really only 5:30! (Larry got up at 5 to watch the approach to the Suez Canal...that turned out to be 4am!).Many people were very upset by the error, but we just relaxed and
watched the docking process. Making our way to the buses gave us our first exposure to the aggressive Egyptian hawkers. Yikes! But it is a develping country, and I guess they have families to feed. The long ride to Cairo through the Sahara was interesting. Much of this edge of the desert is being reclaimed for agriculture, but to our eyes it is still vast and drab. The Suez canal parallelled our route but we couldn't see much of it. The traffic was pretty heavy, but we had a police escort and cross roads were blocked by police so our convoy of 15 busses could sail through (it helps to have police with a siren up front who radio to police ahead to block crossing traffic). Security was heavy and armed guards evident everywhere.
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Traffic in Cairo itself was chaotic but our driver was masterful & we seemed to get through it just fine, eventually crossing the Nile to Giza and arriving at the pyramids which turn out to be just around a corner from Giza).
For the first time, neither of us was surprised by the size of the pyramids, but Larry expected the sphinx to be bigger. We were a bit surprised by the good condition of the pyramids, particularly the part at the top of one of them that still has most of the outside covering on it. The whole area is interesting, with many smaller pyramids and desert stretching away. Again, there were aggressive, annoying, almost frightening vendors and security people taking money for anything you could guess. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Larry went into the middle of one pyramid, an experience he ranks with the last 5 miles of his marathon -- no air, little light, no space, nearly crawling to get through the passage with hundreds of other people., many turned back along the way. Janice stood by for photos and the security people kicked her out 4 times before she actually got the shot -- always have a dollar bill handy in these circumstances. There were also lots of camels and their drivers offering rides &/or photo ops. We took a pass on that but enjoyed watching.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">At the sphinx we wandered through one of the funerary chambers. This adds a dimension to everything we've read about the preparation of mummies and the associated rites. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Leaving that area, we went for lunch at a former palace which is now a luxury hotel. Beautiful & delicious. Then to the museum. The building is certainly not impressive but oh goodness! the displays! We had seen the King Tut exhibit in Toronto in December 1980, but that was a very small part of the treasure we saw here. As well, of course, we were able to see treasures from many of the thousands of other archaeological sites in Egypt. Crowded, hot, noisy, stuffy, but very well worth the visit. <span> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">On the trip back to Port Said we passed through truly appalling slums in central Cairo. What a contrast to the luxury hotels and embassys, etc. Half-finished buildings (no finish/no tax) , garbage everywhere, building rubble that may be either a collapsed building or a building site, donkey and pony carts among the cars and trucks. Most women wear long skirts or pants, long sleeves and cover their heads. A few wear full covering with only a slit for their eyes, or a veil. Others, like our guide, wear western dress and no head covering. There are many styles of head covering, many quite beautiful, and it's interesting to see display in store windows of western style dress but with scarves over the head of every mannequin.
</span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Coming back to the ship in the dark, we once again had a security escort. We could see the lights of several ships in the Suez Canal. We were tired and dirty, and still had to run the gauntlet of hawkers at the pier. Security stopped the xray machine for about 5 minutes, leaving us standing waiting while vendors harrassed us -- apparently just because they could. Cairo may not be a place we yearn to return to, but it was certainly worth the visit.
<span>
A quick dinner, very enjoyable 'Big Band' show in the lounge and early to bed. </span></span></p></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/i5ViUEHKDQsC7uVY7">Photos 11 Oct</a></span></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-91317139261137208532008-10-20T13:03:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:21:19.483-08:00Sunday, October 12th - At Sea HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY LUC!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9hLHEsNAI/AAAAAAAADKo/F6IHwBYoHsE/s1600-h/DSCN2966.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260029733297206274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9hLHEsNAI/AAAAAAAADKo/F6IHwBYoHsE/w200-h150/DSCN2966.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first of two consecutive days at sea, so time to relax and recuperate from all the touring. Unfortunately, we hit rather rough weather early in the day, and many people became sea sick. Both of us felt it, but made it through without incident. Enough onboard activities to enjoy ( quizzes, bingo, port lectures ) but the evening show was cancelled out of concern for the safety of the dance performers. Instead, a rather good vocal concert was given by 2 of the regular show performers . Also most decks were closed because of gale force winds and spray.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Late in the evening there was the high drama of a med-evac event. With the bad weather and no helicopter landing space, it was all quite dicey, but was successfully completed in short order with a stretcher/cable procedure. From the first ship-wide page (`Code A Gold') to the departure of the helicopter to Crete was under 2 hours.</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/CjWbYhcUoPdhSALJ6">Photos Oct 12</a></span></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h1></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p> </p><p>
</p></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-5891254046707333602008-10-20T13:02:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:21:32.589-08:00Monday, October 13 - At Sea - Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9hkfAZXDI/AAAAAAAADKw/7A7Ljqa9Yng/s1600-h/IMG_1384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260030169218374706" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9hkfAZXDI/AAAAAAAADKw/7A7Ljqa9Yng/w200-h150/IMG_1384.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">The weather continued rough through the morning, but became significantly calmer by late afternoon - those who had been seasick begain to reappear around lunch time. We got a good laugh when one of the housekeepers lined up about 30 barf bags along the hand rails in her section - open and ready for use. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During the morning some of my quiz buddies asked if I was going to the Canada Quiz that night - 'well', I said,' I must be doing the Canada Quiz after all!!' I had offered, but never heard back, so I checked the Daily Schedule Paper and sure enough it was published to the ship! I tracked down the host and made our arrangements and WE WERE ON! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, we'd heard that there were several other Canadians onboard - a group from Calgary, mostly in their 20s. The rest of the day was the usual round of daytime activities and a good show at night. After that we donned our CANADA shirts and set up for the quiz. The place was packed! We handed out CANADA pencils to everyone - actually ran out. Larry passed around chocolate Loonies and Toonies. The quiz was a great success and the prizes went over well. People keep stopping us and mentioning it. Fun! The normal quiz host got so excited he said he had never seen anything like it on any cruise, and called in the ship photographer to take photos for HQ. </span></p></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hz6BQ23Acq3qXHcX6">Photos 13 Oct</a></b></h1></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-36697307365397243942008-10-20T13:01:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:21:45.186-08:00Tuesday, October 14 - Malta - Good luck to all of us on Election Day<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9h69fclsI/AAAAAAAADK4/DA6xcLRoW9Y/s1600-h/IMG_1340.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260030555358795458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9h69fclsI/AAAAAAAADK4/DA6xcLRoW9Y/w200-h150/IMG_1340.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">Early morning found us tying up in the harbour at Valetta, Malta. We went ashore after breakfast and took a bus into town. It's a lovely little city! What contrast to Port Said, Egypt! We strolled the main street, drank some cappucino and did some shopping. We caught the bus back to the harbour and had lunch at café on the wharf, where Larry was successful at linking to internet service but was unable to upload photos. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>
</p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Back on board we got ready for the afternoon excursion around the island of Malta. We visited a botanical garden around the Presidential Palace, then a craft village that is housed in buildings on an old RAF base from WW2. The filigree-making and glass works were very interesting to watch and we did buy a few things. After that, we went to a local winery, also on former RAF land ( a torn-up runway is part of it) and sample white and red wines and local cheeses. Yummy!. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
Then on to Moska to visit the beautiful domed church. A bomb came through the dome during the WWII, but it failed to explode and non of the 300 or so worshippers was hurt. This was considered and documented as a miracle by the parishioners. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
Back aboard we were ready for a bit of rest before the Captain's Fairwell Cocktail Party, and final formal dinner - including a parade of servers in the dark with baked alaskas topped with giant sparklers - very impressive and fun. Later the evening show was put on by the ship staff. Also fun, including some Philipino dancing and singing as well as a rousing rendition of YMCA and Chippendale sendup that was a 'Half Monty'. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
The bad news did go around today that the gentleman who was medivac'd the other night died in the hospital.
</span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/h8EnaygCHLT3XPm36">Photos 14 Oct</a></h1></span>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-45561763479273652282008-10-20T13:00:00.001-07:002024-02-24T13:21:59.059-08:00Wednesday, October 15 - At Sea<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9iUE3is2I/AAAAAAAADLA/YXytqJ_KaWo/s1600-h/IMG_1386.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260030986835637090" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9iUE3is2I/AAAAAAAADLA/YXytqJ_KaWo/w200-h150/IMG_1386.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">A final day at sea to end our cruise. Mostly quiet, with a few quizzes, and a big bingo. There was a small talent show by a couple of guests, and of course the usual very good food. Lovely chats with various people, some of whom were new acquaintances. A bit of sun time out the top deck and tidying up a few loose ends. A Rock & Roll show after dinner. Altogether a really enjoyable cruise. We'd certainly travel with Fred Olsen again. </span></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/DpiNb21UT4vJgBmS7">Phot</a><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/DpiNb21UT4vJgBmS7">os 15 Oct</a></b></span></h1>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-61748725018237863952008-10-20T12:59:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:22:15.206-08:00Thursday, October 16 - Civitavecchia to Pompeii & Amalfi Coast, Italy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9isrLNN_I/AAAAAAAADLI/yox4LndFDlU/s1600-h/IMG_1412.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260031409435523058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9isrLNN_I/AAAAAAAADLI/yox4LndFDlU/w200-h150/IMG_1412.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was certainly an organized departure this morning. Everyone had colour-coded luggage tags and a time to leave that coincided with their flights/tours etc. Being "Independent", we were free to go any time from 8am, so we aimed for 8:30 to make our car pickup reservation of about 9. We picked up our luggage in a shore-side depot and took a shuttle to the port exit. Then we walked several blocks to the car rental agency dragging our 4 suitcase in a "train". The agent there gave us a good map and excellent directions and we were on our way! Navigation was simple as far as Pompeii and we found good parking in a campground opposite the Pompeii excavation/archaelogical site.
We spent a few hours wandering through the ruins Amazing how much survived being buried in volcanic ash for nearly 2 millenia. The murals, mosaics and monuments are astounding, and the ordinary homes interesting.
Leaving Pompeii, the challenge was one of navigation. There are not a lot of signs on the smaller roads, and when there are, they are in clusters right at the intersections, so snap decisions are necessary - oh and did I mention that Italian driving is to North American driving as Snoop Dawg is to Mozart?? Lane markings are purly decorative, "STOP" means "YIELD" and "YIELD" mean "WHO-ME?". Motorcycles and scooters zoop in and out everywhere and generally consider the line between lanes an extra lane for them ( which makes it real interesting as cars ignore lanes anyway). Plus of course it's narrow, hilly and bendy. I tried to navigate while Larry drove ( standard transmission, just to add a level of complication).
Eventually we found Vico Equense, where our hotel is situated, but had no idea how to find it. We asked a cop in the middle of the street and he waved a hand and said "toward Sorento". That seemed vague, but about 10 minutes later - voila! Of course getting into the Hotel involved a 180 deg left turn and then a steep uphill, followed by several more steep turns ( requiring use of the emergercy brake/clutch combo ) before we reached the parking lot. But Larry managed it, and the hotel is great. We have a balcony ( the size of our deck at home ) over hanging the road ( great thrills watching the traffic ), and overlooking the Gulf of Naples. We are drinking from the mini bar and planning on room service tonight. There's no way we want to go out on that road any more today. Also the view is too spectacular to leave...especially at sunset.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Note</span><span style="font-size: large;">: Photos have been uploaded right up to today's photo from our balcony. ( The internet connection here is fabulous - just like our home connection. </span></p></span><h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/sToiAcnpqiXZNS1X6">Photos 16 Oct</a></b></p></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4939221765461976701.post-4148943102678604322008-10-20T12:58:00.000-07:002024-02-24T13:22:26.908-08:00Friday, October 17 - Amalfi Coast to Fiumicino AP, Italy<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9jFM5SH9I/AAAAAAAADLQ/sLSAXSEKaAY/s1600-h/IMG_4270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260031830804013010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1rPxsidkLFk/SP9jFM5SH9I/AAAAAAAADLQ/sLSAXSEKaAY/w200-h150/IMG_4270.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="200" /></a>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Well, it took juggling 3 or 4 maps at a time, and we still got lost a few times, but what a spectacular day it was! We enjoyed our breakfast at the Torre Barbara Hotel, and successfully negotiated our way onto the road, heading toward Sorrento.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
The scenery along the coast is unbelievable, but so are the roads and drivers. Larry picked up Italian driving very well and did a great job negotiating extremely narrow streets, weaving motorcycles and motor bikes and giant oncoming tour buses. He seems to have mastered the necessary skill of using one hand for the gear shift, and one for the horn with a bit of steering in between.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
We worked our way to magnificent Positano, where we worked our way slowly to the bottom of one cliff and gradually back up another to the coast road. We didn't stop because there were not parking spots, but also because it was so mobbed it wouldn't have been very pleasant. We drove on to Amalfi, which appealed much more, parked, enjoyed wonderful pizza at a restaurant on the beach, then wandered the streets for an hour or so. Shortly after leaving Amalfi we spotted a sign point to the autostrade, and decided we should start back toward Rome.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
Of course we didn't know the autostrade was on the other side of a mountain! It was an interesting journey, with more amazing scenery -- steep slopes cultivated with various crops, tiny villages and of course, precipitous drops to little valleys. Eventually we hit the highway and had an uneventful trip back as far as the Rome ring road, where we managed to get lost!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>
After a bit of driving around we found a sign & got back on track. The hotel was easily located & a welcome sight as we were hot and tired by then.
</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/YBA5PffzvrCBZK1y7">Photos 17 Oct</a></b></span></h2>Janice Hatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04385023199723914351noreply@blogger.com0