The End of the Adventure, for now.....

Wednesday morning, we went to the Eurostar / Chunnel train station in Calais, France.  Crossed under the English channel and arrived back in the UK.  Rode the tube out to Heathrow airport to an Ibis hotel.  This was a long ride on the tube, took almost an hour and we alighted at terminal 3.  There was a 'hotel hoppa' bus which took us to our hotel, some 10 minutes away.  Lunched before Kez and Dave returned on the bus & tube back into London, to spend the afternoon at the Victoria & Albert museum.  We said a hasty goodbye to them.
David and I took the bus back to terminal 3 to the Qantas counter just before 6pm.
Flew back to Australia via Singapore.

Thanks Kez and Dave for a great holiday - we have some wonderful memories!!!

Hope there are going to be plenty more!

Tuesday - 17 July 2012 - Reims - Vimy - Hazebrouck - Calais!

Today we drove north.  We had no plans apart from our final destination in Calais, where we have to board the Eurostar train tomorrow.  David did a little internet research and wanted to enquire about the Canadian Memorial so we asked the desk clerk to phone ahead for us.  We drove north to Arras.  What a beautiful town! (picture below)  Found a place for lunch and looked around the town square.  Next we drove to the memorial.

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is a memorial site in France dedicated to the memory of Canadian Expeditionary Force members killed during the First World War. It also serves as the place of commemoration for First World War Canadian soldiers killed or presumed dead in France who have no known grave. The monument is the centrepiece of a 100-hectare (250-acre) preserved battlefield park that encompasses a portion of the grounds over which the Canadian Corps made their assault during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a military engagement fought as part of the Battle of Arras.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first occasion whereupon all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force participated in a battle as a cohesive formation, and thus became a Canadian nationalistic symbol of achievement and sacrifice. France ceded to Canada perpetual use of a portion of land on Vimy Ridge under the understanding that the Canadians use the land to establish a battlefield park and memorial. Wartime tunnels, trenches, craters and unexploded munitions still honeycomb the grounds of the site, which remains largely closed off for public safety. Along with preserved trench lines, there are a number of other memorials and cemeteries contained within the site. 

We did the hour tour, which was free, and took us down into a trench.  The tour guide gave a brilliant summary and we learned a lot about what these men suffered.

Next, we drove to Hazebrouck to the Le Kreule Cemetery.

La Kreule Military Cemetery was opened in April 1918 by the 1st and 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Stations, which came back from Outtersteene ahead of the German advance, and the 17th, which arrived from Lijssenthoek. These three stations, known collectively as "Ana Jana Siding", were posted to the north of La Kreule, but in the middle of April they withdrew to Blendecques, near St. Omer, and the cemetery was then used by heavy artillery and fighting units.

Our dear Uncle Frank had told us about this cemetery and how our Grandma’s (Mary) favourite uncle was buried there, killed in 1917.  According to him, no-one from the family had ever visited the grave and he had asked Joanne, my sister, to visit when she went in about 1995.  Big on family, was our Uncle Frank!  I wanted to go there, too.  It has changed very much in the almost 20 years since Joanne found her way out ‘into the middle of nowhere with a Moroccan taxi driver who spoke no english’ – it is now a major through-fare with a McDonald’s and Carrefour shopping centre right across the road!  Signed the visitor’s book, which David M found for us.

Made our way to Calais and settled in for the evening.  Departing for England tomorrow.  Sad to be leaving  L

Monday - 16 July 2012 - Champagne Avenue!!!

This morning we drove to Eppernay via the rural roads, through the town of Ludes, where Kez and David had stayed previously.  The French countryside is very green and beautiful at this time of year, with wild poppies, lavender and flower boxes everywhere. Arrived at Rue de Champagne and decided to see if we could tour Moet & Chandon.  Brilliant – on a tour in the next hour.  Walked across the road to the Tourist Bureau to find out what other options were available. 

After the Moet & Chandon tour, we had lunch then drove down to Mercier and did their tour – which was different from the others we had done, more of a modern flavour.  We thoroughly enjoyed each of the tours and tastes of the champagne houses.  Learned heaps!  Of course we were surprised at the cellar door prices compared to what we would pay at home.

Enjoyed another drive through the countryside back to our hotel.

Sunday, 15 July, 2012 Paris - Reims!

The morning began innocently enough with breakfast and then the boys departed for the Europcar hire office.  They waited in the queue for over an hour, behind the desk was total chaos – they began at 5^th in the line!  French school holidays began on Bastille Day, so I guess it’s a busy time.  The boys noticed that other car rental desks were busy but they were processing customers faster….  Meanwhile, Kez and I waited in the lobby of our hotel with all the bags.

Suffice to say, the boys returned with the almost brand-new rental car, it has done only 360km – an Opel Insigna, made by GM (about the size of a Camry wagon, diesel).  We drove out of Paris – the GPS refusing to co-operate at first, due to the high buildings, trees and rain!  Made it out on to the A4 and drove through the countryside to Reims.  Stopped at a service centre along the way for lunch – not much English spoken by the staff, but we managed to get by. 

Arrived in Reims about 3pm.  Absolutely beautiful, clean town.  Found our way to the Notre Dame Cathedral St Reimi (not to be confused with the Notre Dame in Paris).  We’ll visit it again tomorrow because we didn’t have much time today.  The tourist information bureau is in the grounds, and we went there to organize a champagne tour.  The lovely young man spoke english and was impressed with my small effort to tell him we were Australian.

Off to G.H. Mumm for a 4pm tour in English.  Wow!  First a 10 minute video then the walk down into the caves, where the temperature is kept at 10°C.  Tasting afterwards and of course, a trip to the ‘boutique’ to purchase.  Gave our tour guide an Australian flag/kangaroo stick pin and he was thrilled.

Checked in to our hotel – just before 50 British students and their teachers!  Great dinner at the restaurant (no English – only the menu!) and again, we enjoyed a good meal and managed with our communications.  They were cooking on a wood-fired open range (grill) – of course, David was very interested and was able to watch the cooking. 

Tomorrow we are hoping to visit more wineries/champagne houses in either Reims or Eppernay.  Weather today was overcast with the odd shower, but a cool evening. 

Paris - Day 3 - 14 July, 2012 - Bastille Day!!!

Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on the 14th of July each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale.   It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests.

We were up early and off to the train station to find our way to the Eiffel Tower this morning.  Weather was fine and sunny!  Having taken our photos, we decided to walk along the Rue Rapp, which adjoins King George V avenue, which would lead us to the Champs-Elysees avenue (after the parade).  As we came to the Champs de Mars, there was a cavalcade of military vehicles!  We started to take photos, only to realize that they were waiting to go somewhere (after the parade, to exit, we thought) – there were people everywhere!  Traffic stopped, horns honking, scooters and vespas going across lanes, horse drawn carriages and the gendarmes de France (police)….

We stood on the footpath for over an hour waiting to see them move off.  The soldiers eventually alighted their vehicles and people were talking to them, taking photos, a child climbed on a tank for a photo with the serviceman’s helmet on.  Unbelievable!  We began to walk along the row and came across two officers, so Kez and I walked up to them and I said, ‘Vive la France’ – he looked stunned but shook my hand and posed for a photo, then I told him we were Australian and he smiled.  Then David gave him a stick pin with a kangaroo on it.  Were they impressed?  They looked it!

Finally, the cavalcade moved off to lots of cheering and waving from the crowd.  We found a boulangerie – great quiches, croque monsieur (ham & cheese toastie) and pastries!  Whilst we were sitting there, we heard many horns and engine noises – and the military cavalcade drove past again (or maybe it was a similar one)!

Kept walking along King George V avenue – past the Four Seasons Hotel with two Ferraris and a lambourgini parked out front.  Experienced our first public toilet – free to use – revolving door, automatic shut, and a full wash cycle (several minutes) after each use!  The boys got tired of waiting so they went in together!  Kez and I just regret not waiting for the door to slide open and take a photo!  The dags!!!

Walked up the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomph embossed with a huge French flag.  Shopped in Marks & Spencer and looked in the Disney store.  Next we went to Notre Dame and to the left bank of the river.  By this time it was after 7pm and we were getting tired so we found the metro and headed home.  Later in the evening, we listened to the fireworks which began about 11pm and watched them exploding around the Eiffel Tower on the tv.

The most distinctive symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower rose on the city’s skyline in 1889.  At 312m high, it was the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by New York’s Empire State Building in 1931.  Despite its delicate appearance, it weighs 10 100 metric tons and engineer Gustave Eiffel’s construction was so sound that it never sways more than 9cm in strong winds. 

The bus tour reckons the Eiffel Tower is affectionately known to the locals as ‘The Old Lady’.

Paris - Day 2 - July 13, 2012

Kez and David had booked a bike tour of Versailles for today.

King Louis XIV turned his father’s old hunting lodge into the largest palace in Europe and moved his court there in 1678.  It was the royal residence for more than a century until King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie-Antoinette fled during the Revolution (1789-1793).

It is a short train or bus ride south of Paris.  Maybe we will get to see it another time.

David and I decided to take the ‘Hop on hop off’ bus around the city of Paris, today.  We bought our tickets on-line and took a short train ride to the Musee d’Orsay to find the bus stop.  Whilst we were waiting and looking at the river, three river cruise boats passed by loaded to the max with military service personnel.  They were all cheering and people were waving at them, it was quite a surprise to see.  We guessed they were heading off to a practice event for Bastille Day tomorrow.

We enjoyed our tour around Paris – stayed on the bus for 2.25 hours, doing the whole route.  The weather was overcast and then raining so we moved upstairs and downstairs depending on the weather.  We went past:  Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Hotel de Invalides and drove up the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. 

The Champs-Elysees is undoubtedly the most famous street in Paris and the quarter which lies around it is brimming with wealth and power.  It is home to the President of France, great haute couture fashion houses, embassies and consulates, and the five-star hotels and fine restaurants frequented by the French and foreign elite.  A walk along the avenue is still an essential Paris experience.

The avenue was extremely busy with activity all related to Bastille Day tomorrow and the Tour de France which is coming to Paris.  There were stands, television transmission pods and lots of security people everywhere.

David and I returned in the afternoon and walked along the Boulevard de Clichy.  Kez and Dave returned just before 7pm and we popped across the street to an Italian restaurant for dinner.

Paris - Thursday 12 July 2012

Up early this morning - brekky at 7am.  Had an electrical storm last night over Venice - plenty of lightning and wind but no rain - a heat storm (I can vouch for that!).  Walked literally out of our hotel, over the bridge and into the car park of the bus station - climbed aboard the shuttle bus to the airport!  Our first flight on Easyjet - we didn't know what to expect but had been told that they are very strict on baggage weight as well as carry on.  They were.  But we were organised.  We were allowed 86kg between our 4 bags - Kez was devastated to discover our total only came to 76kg and she could have been shopping in San Marcos last night!

Somehow, David managed to get us 'speedy boarding' but we didn't know - until some kind man in the line told us that we did - so we raced to the front - and ended up getting on the plane in the first group.  Passengers choose their own seats - no seating allocation - so we took it upon ourselves to take exit row!  (More leg room for Kez and David M).  Nice, nice flight - comfy seats, good selection from the beverage cart, helpful and friendly trolly dollies!

Arrived in Paris for the 'fun' to begin.  Kez and David M did very well to get us on two trains from Orly to Paris (Gare du Nord) and then negotiating up to our hotel in Montmartre - which I find out this afternoon is also the 'Red Light' district....  mmmm - thanks Kez!  It is also home to the Moulin Rouge!

It was overcast, cool and beginning to rain this afternoon as we set out to wander this area.

Painters and Poets, from Picasso to Apollinaire, put the "art" in Montmartre, and it will forever be associated with their Bohemian lifestyles of the late 19th and 20th centuries.  The area's name comes from 'Mount of Martyrs' commemorating the first bishop of Paris, St Denis, who was decapitated here by the Romans in AD 250.    It is the highest point in the city.  Throngs of tourists climb the hill for the stupendous view from Sacre-Coeur, crowding the main square.  


We took several photos outside Sacre-Coeur (meaning Sacred Heart) before going inside the church. The basilica was built as a memorial to the 58 000 French soldiers killed during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) and took 46 years to build, finally completed in 1923.  Priests still pray for the souls of the dead here 24 hours a day.  It is said that there are few sights in Paris more memorable!

The second photo below is taken of the Moulin Rouge (meaning red windmill).  It is the most famous of the belle epoque dance halls which scandalised respectable citizens and attracted Montmartre's artists and Bohemians.  We didn't attend a show there, although we would have liked to, due mainly to our time restrictions - the evening shows are at 7.15 and 9.15pm;  and the cost is 'cher' (expensive!).

Kez and David took us around the artisan's square where there are many artists willing to draw or paint your profile for a fee; and many have artistic works for sale.  There are many places to eat and drink;  we decided on a little italian pizzeria where David said the smell from the kitchen was 'good'!  We were seated at a table in the corner - literally boxed in by the neighbouring table.  The waiter was friendly, especially when we tried to speak some french.  He asked us where we were from and upon finding out we were Australian, was very accommodating.  The food and wine was excellent and good value for the price.  Two ladies at a neighbouring table were from Belgium and spoke english - which came in handy, when the 'old guy' at the opposite table starting to speaking to us all in french - and we had NO idea what he was saying.  His story was that he was retired, and said he was a previous "Mayor" of Montmartre and he had lots to tell us.  We could only smile and gesture!  Almost hilarious - thank goodness for those Belgian ladies!  I asked one of them if I could spend the next two days hanging out with her so that she could teach me some french.....  David gave the waiter his kangaroo/Australian flag collar pin as a further gesture of good will.  I bought two of the BESt pastries EVER at a shop in the street - and am taking a great like to the lovely country of France!  Daivd, Kez and David M would agree!

Venezia - giorno secondo! Wednesday 11 July, 2012

Day 2 in Venice!

Our disembarkation time was 9.30 so we arrived at the Michelangelo dining room to wait for our group’s call.  Sad to leave!  Found our suitcases and walked to the ‘People Mover’ train and rode into the bus station.  Hotel Arlecchino was a short walk and we checked in!  The consierge organised the water taxi to come and take us to the island of Murano, famous for its glass.

Murano glass is a famous product of the Venetian island of Murano.  Located off the shore of Venice, Italy, Murano has been a commercial port as far back as the 7th century. By the 10th century, the city had become well known for its glassmakers, who created unique Murano glass. While Murano glassmakers have settled and operate elsewhere, some say authentic Murano glass is fabricated only in Murano.

According to the consierge, the factory we were taken to is the best.....  We wouldn't know but we wanted to see Murano and see some glass blowing.  It was a very interesting factory and David was completely engrossed in the work of the tradesmen.  He reckons he could have sat there all day!  Obviously very talented and masters of their craft.  I enjoyed looking at the glass pieces and wished I had a bank account like the late Michael Jackson, so I could afford to buy some!!!  Fortunately, there was also a gift shop with jewellery and smaller pieces....  one might have slipped into my shopping bag and claimed residence at Currimundi for the future......  :-)

Found the water bus stop after a spot of lunch.  Returned to the Rialto Bridge and walked around the square – crowded and full of many people.  It was hot!  Found our Irish Pub again from yesterday, just in time for another 'cooling' prosecco.  We liked it so much we asked the bartender (who said he spoke 6 languages) if we could buy a bottle to take away.  (Dave M told the bartender that he also speaks 5 languages:  English, kiwi, Aussie, Canadian and American) – he’s such a dag!

Returned to our hotel via the water bus – enjoyed an extended ride along the Grand Canal – which was the highlight of my day as I sat up front and was able to get a fairly clear view.  Have never seen so many boats, gondolas, taxis and business vessels in one place – general chaos!  A cold shower was a welcome relief at the end of the afternoon – oh, along with a prosecco or two!

Just after 6pm we left our hotel to start looking for a good place for dinner (‘to put the feedbag on’ as Dave M says).  Happened upon a gondola station outside our hotel.

Although the motorboat (or vaporetto) is well accepted today, the gondola is the more traditional means of transportation.  A surprisingly agile craft, each gondola is lovingly built like a piece of fine furniture, sometimes requiring more than a year to complete.  Gondoliers belong to a centuries-old guild , steeped in tradition, and are quite adept at moving their boats easily with a single oar.  The tall mooring poles with distinctive spiral striping are the original models for barber poles.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity really, to take a gondola ride as Venice is the only place to take an authentic one.  We spoke to Mario who said he’d take us for a 30-40minute trip for  80 euro – and not on the Grand Canal, rather a canali piccola – quiet side canal.  Loved our trip – Mario told us he took 2 years to learn and had been a gondolier for 8 years.

We ate la cena (dinner) at Trattoria de la Rose which advertised as being air-conditioned, but unfortunately it was not working well enough, and it was uncomfortably hot.  We did enjoy our meals though.  Enjoyed a cooler evening walk – San Marcos square still busy and crowded with people at 11pm!

Venezia! Tuesday, 10 July 2012

The bewitching city of Venice has always considered itself to be married to the sea.  Venice was founded originally by refugees from the mainland seeking a safe haven from the Huns, then later from the Franks between the 5^th and 8^th centuries.  Because of its strategic location at the head of the Adriatic Sea, Venice quickly became a transit port for trade between central Europe and everywhere in the Mediterranean, but especially the Holy Land. 

Today Venice spans 118 islands, with a well-planned web of 150 canals and 400 bridges. 

We rose out of bed very early this morning because we wanted to watch the ship enter the port of Venice.  The Captain began playing Botccelli and most of the passengers were out on the starboard decks.  We had the most amazing view of Venice – 16 decks above the canal under clear blue skies!

We went ashore – we have today in port and an overnight stay on the ship and disembark tomorrow.  It was a very hot day, we took off to explore on foot.  Found the hotel where we’ll be staying tomorrow night – it has a canal view!

Loved walking around the small, narrow streets and canals.  No traffic noises!  Lots of people, especially in the Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace.  The queues to enter were just way too long.   Perhaps tomorrow we will have an opportunity if we can get to the palace before the crowds.

We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at of all places, an Irish pub!  The boys enjoyed a local beer (Harp) and the girls tried a ‘Prosecco’ – an Italian dry sparkling.  Mi piace Prosecco! (I like Prosecco!)  At least the pub was air-conditioned!  Returned to the ship mid-afternoon to pack and be organised for tomorrow, suitcases had to be outside our cabin by 8pm.

We plan to explore more of Venice, tomorrow!

Split - Monday 9 July 2012

The alluring port of Split was built on a small, easily defended peninsula alongside the finest natural harbour in the Adriatic.  The deep, safe anchorage has made it the most important port in Dalmatia and Croatia’s second largest city.

Historians speculate that the original settlers here were Dalmatian tribes (David says he still hasn’t seen any dogs…..) who were later joined by Greek merchants, who saw the value of the harbour and its proximity to the rich interior. 

The town today is a paradise for the wandering visitor. 

Today presented some challenges for us as tourists.  We had to be taken ashore using the ship’s tenders.  These were different from the ones we boarded in Santorini, as those tenders were owned by the port – and they were a little smaller.  Crown Princess’ tenders seat 150 people!  Due to the high volume of ‘traffic’ in the harbour, it took the crew quite a while to transport groups from the ship to the port.  We waited for three hours to board our tender!  The ships’ crew were very good in keeping passengers up to date about the queue, so it wasn’t as if we were sitting around and waiting.  We amused ourselves with other activities before heading to the dining room and taking our tickets.

Once taken to the shore, we walked the half mile distance from the ship into the centre of Split, to the Palace, Cathedral and shopping district.  Croatia has its own currency called ‘kuna’ (HRK).  We were told that businesses may or may not accept Euros or USD – so I exchanged $US10 at the port – for HRK50.70.  Of course, we had the credit card as ‘back up’.  The town was very clean and tidy, and lots of people wandering around.  Huge market stalls set up - looked a little like Bulcock Street on a Sunday.  It was very hot - David and I found a bar with free wi-fi and air-conditioning - bonus!  Took ourselves in, the waiter spoke english - we ordered two pints - total 38 kuna.  Quick wi-fi. 

Returned to the ship for an evening of dinner, photo shopping, bingo and the highlight of the trip - the 'International Crew Show' where we were entertained by the crew - who sang, danced and performed hilarious skits - it was the best evening!

Corfu - Sunday 8 July 2012

Corfu is a beautiful Greek island, located in the Ionian Sea.  The subtle gray-green of the olive tree is everywhere, making olive oil a principal export.  Among many of the foreign influences here are British, French and especially Venetian.  By position, Corfu was an ideal highway between Greece and the West, and prosperity came along quickly.  Corfu has had a stormy history, marked by constant changes of ownership and a serious threat from pirates. 

The most important cathedral is the Church of St Spyridon, the island’s patron.  The 16^th century church, with its tall bell tower, houses the silver coffin of the saint, an early martyr-bishop from Cyprus.  Nearly half the boys born on Corfu are named Spyridon, after the patron.

Outside of Corfu City, there are many beautiful places to visit.  The villa of Mon Repos was built near the ancient necropolis.  Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born here in 1921. 

Our ship docked in Corfu.  We walked approximately 2 miles into town.  It was Sunday morning so most of the shops were closed and streets desserted except for the ‘camp dogs’ as we call them (the strays which live on the streets) and the odd cat.  We were ‘herded’ into a coffee shop by an exhuberant owner, who was madly waving at us from across the street.  Had a dearly needed coffee, wi-fi and restroom stop.  The gentleman sent us off in the right direction toward the older part of town where the tourist shops and restaurants were open and all of the people were.

Corfu is a very old town and showing signs of recent economic unrest in Greece.  To put it simply, Corfu could do with ‘some love’ and ‘a facelift’.  It became a very hot day!  We enjoyed making our own tour around the narrow and windy streets of Old Town.  Even more, we enjoyed returning to the comfort of our air conditioned ship for lunch!  A swim in the afternoon and cool drink preceded our sail-away party.  Choppy seas - waves to 2 metres, the highest we've seen! 


The evening’s dress code was formal; we took the opportunity to have some photos taken.  David and I enjoyed a glass of red at the ‘Wine and Tapas’ bar before dinner; a Rumba dance lesson; the ‘Balloon Drop Party’ in the Piazza before returning to the top deck for champagne under the stars (pity we couldn’t recognise any of them) – and not because our eyesight was in any way 'blurred'!!!!

Katakolo, Greece - Saturday 7 July

The pretty fishing village of Katakolon is near one of the most important religious centres of ancient Greece.  At a time when the Greek people badly needed a focus of unity, Olympia provided a neutral and attractive centre where they could meet, compete, worship and honour one another for a wide range of accomplishments. 

Two important religious festivals evolved to take place regularly and thus draw the 150 warring communities of Greece together.  The Delphic games were held every two years in honour of Apollo, Olympian god and safeguard of universal harmony.  The games at Olympia were held every four years in honour of Zeus, father of the gods.  The traditional date for the first Olympiad was 776 BC, beginning a tradition that lasted for more than 1100 years.

Because of the immense popularity of the Olympic games, the Temple of Zeus, and the great statue which was housed in it, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The modern Olympic movement began in 1896, when Baron Pierre de Coubertin arranged the first games in Athens.  Every four years since then, the torch bearers return here to ignite the flame, which is then carried to the site of the games.

David and I had a pretty slow start to the day, needing some R&R after the hectic pace we’ve been setting.  We walked down the main street of Katakolon and wandered around.  David perused The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology and Inventions.  If the Romans didn’t conquer them in BC they would have invented the first steam engine, according to the Museum.  They had working models of most of the ancient pulleys, pressure vessels and a water alarm clock.

We managed to find a café with good, free wi-fi and updated emails, blog etc.  Spent the afternoon having a swim and drinks – fine, warm weather! Dinner in the restaurant at a table with a sea view - water was a little rough and we could feel a gentle rocking.  Big party night on the deck!  

  

Mykonos - Friday 6 July, 2012

Happy Birthday Beccarah!

The birthplace of Apollo, Mykonos shines like a diamond in a Sapphire Sea.  Although the rocky soil at Mykonos looks austere, its cube-shaped white houses have a characteristic charm, contrasting as they do with the dazzling blue of the sky and the sea.  Myknonos belongs to the island group known as the Cyclades, since they form a rough circle around the sacred island of Delos, one of the religious centres of Ancient Greece.

Our ship docked at the Tourlos pier and we boarded a bus for a short trip downtown.  To see more of the island, hiring a vehicle was the recommended method of cheap transport.  So we walked over to the scooter/quad bike dealer and had a chat.   20 and we were off on quads to explore!  We drove out past the airport then down to Paradise Beach – Kez and David dipped their toes but the water was very cool.  Next, we drove to Kanalia, finding a delicious bakery for a snack before driving along the coast and back to the bike shop – a total of almost 3 hours!  We weren’t allowed to ride the quads into the downtown shopping district so we walked through Little Venice and Kastro. 

Walked to the windmills and the beautiful jewellery shop at the base.  Walked around Little Venice. 

Mykonos was always in danger of invasion by pirates, so the town and harbour are compactly built for defense.  You may hear that the tight, winding maze of streets was designed to confuse invaders, but it also does well to break the effects of the strong winds coming in from the Aegean Sea. 

The streets were very narrow and winding and it was a very windy afternoon!  Enjoyed a beer for  4.50 a pint and a huge pizza.  Shopped.  Managed to dip our toes in the Mediterranean on the walk back to the bus.  It was cold!

Athens - Thursday 5 July

 Athens: Where an Olympic Spirit Soars in the Winds of Democracry!

The city is known as one of the sunniest in Europe, with a semi-arid climate and low average annual rainfall.  Summers are very hot, exacerbated by smoggy conditions.  Although a bustling modern capital city, Athens is the home of the ancient Acropolis which attracts tourists in their thousands.

There were at least five cruise ships in dock this morning.  It was very hot at 10am and we boarded a ‘hop on hop off’ double-decker bus for the 30 minute drive from Piraeus (pronounced Peer-ass) into Athens.  Upon arrival at the Acropolis, we were surprised to see so many tourists lined up in long queues.  Kez and David stayed, we decided not to stand in the sun and found a bus to The Plaka – a shopping district on the other side of the Acropolis hill.  We spent about an hour there, taking photos of the Acropolis and buying wine before returning to the ship.  Long queues for the bus and to go in through security into the terminal.  Lunch on the ship about 2pm in the air conditioning, was wonderful.

Unfortunately, the recent civil unrest is evident in Athens, as we noticed that buildings are damaged or in mid-construction and abandoned;  much litter and graffiti and an ever present, highly visible police force, especially around the Parliament buildings.

Back on board ship, Kez and I spent an hour or so at the ‘Girls Night Out’ in the Lotus Spa being pampered, whilst the boys went to watch an activity called ‘Swinging the Compass’.  This was unplanned on their part, the Captain announced that it would be happening for the 30 minutes before departing Athens.  The ship did one full revolution (360°) whilst they took readings of the huge magnetic compass, which is located outside on the forward deck.  The crew discovered that it had an ‘acceptable error’ of 2° so the compass was certified and the ship was allowed to continue on its way.  The boys also saw a submarine cross the bow – obviously not submerged – and Linda asked if it would be military; David’s reply:  ‘Well I don’t know anyone who can afford a private one!’ and the other David said, ‘At least there were no bubble trails headed toward our ship – then we would’ve had something to worry about!’

Time for a drink, I said!  We had booked a table for dinner at 8.30pm.  The food in the restaurants has been very good, especially the seafood and steak offerings (as would be expected on this ‘5 star floating hotel’ as David M calls it)!  We had a gorgeous table in the corner with sea views and the two wait staff were in a cheeky mood so we had a fun evening, plenty of friendly banter!

Wednesday 4 July - Santorini!

3 July - Day at Sea - Jonty's Birthday!!!

4 July:

The islands of the Cyclades comprise one of the most enchanting parts of Greece, and Santorini may be the prettiest of the Cyclades.  The current name of the island comes from its patroness, Saint Irene of Thessalonika, who died here in 304.  The Venetians called her Sant’Irini, and the name stuck.  There are more Catholic churches here than in the rest of Greece, where the prevailing religion is Greek Orthodox. 

There is no port in Santorini, all cruise ships have to use tenders (smaller boats) to move passengers to shore (takes approximately 10 minutes each way).  Our tenders took us to the island base below the town of Fira.  Santorini’s largest town is a village of dazzingly whitewashed houses clinging to steep volcanic cliffs.  Accessible only by foot, Fira’s narrow cobblestone lanes lead uphill past shops, homes and cafes to a cable car.

Today there were 4 cruise ships anchored…. We were told to expect up to 7!  Once on dry land, we had decided not to line up in the long queue to take the cable car but instead to walk up the 587 steep steps.  Donkeys ( 5)  are the only other method offered…. Avoiding the long donkey queue at the wharf, we started walking and rounded a bend where there were a number of donkeys waiting and their masters touting for business – so we ended up riding to the top on the donkeys – it was quite fun even with the smell and their ‘poop’!  We enjoyed a wonderful day walking around Fira, shopping and touring the places of interest.  David and I sampled some of the local wine – Santorini’s rich volcanic soil and the rare assyrtiko grape combine to produce a world renowned wine – and bought two bottles back to the ship to enjoy later!  We happened upon a pub called ‘Murphys’ and the daily special was ‘home made pizza and a glass of wine for  10’ – sounded good so we settled in (it was almost 3pm) – to hear loud cheering and find that our State of Origin game was being broadcast on the tv in the bar!  We managed to watch the nail-biting final 15 minutes – and Queensland won – fantastic!

Time to leave – decided that we would walk down – again touted by the donkey masters so we paid 10 euro to climb on.  Going down was way more ‘interesting’ than going up – did you know that donkeys have no brakes and no steering!!!!  All I could think was to take comfort in the knowledge that our travel insurance was paid up!  Seriously though, it was a marvel way to end our experience at Santorini – and we would love to visit again one day, if we ever have the chance! 

Naples! 2 July 2012

The sunny Bay of Naples is one of Italy’s most beautiful sights, and the gateway to the South.  Naples was founded by Greeks from nearby Cumae, who saw the obvious value of a protected anchorage with almost unlimited capacity.  They called it ‘New City’ or Neapolis.

We chose today to do a tour of Pompeii and Amalfi Coastal Drive.  Our tour guide was Manuela and Nino, the driver.  Manuela was so entertaining and made us laugh all day! 

Stretching from Sorrento to Salerno, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most stunning coastal drives in the world.  The romantic town of Amalfi is situated at the mouth of a deep gorge.   Elegant shops and chic boutiques line Amalfi’s central piazza and cobbled streets.

We enjoyed the two hour drive (narrow, long and winding) along the Amalfi coast through Positano and took many, many photos.  We stopped at a ceramic factory and then the Amalfi piazza for shopping.  Manuela took us for a beautiful Tuscan lunch of pasta, chicken and dessert at a Best Western hotel with a magnificent view of the bay!  We bought some local limoncello liqueur!  We took the autostrata to Pompeii next.

Pompeii and the neighbouring town of Herculaneum were destroyed and buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.  This catastrophe killed 2000 people, but it also preserved a unique look at their way of life.  Vesuvius managed to freeze an entire society at one instant of time, so that we are able to study the lives and customs of 2000 years ago.

Pompeii was a childhood fascination of David’s and he had read many books.  He was in awe, walking around the ruins and listening to Manuela’s detailed descriptions and stories about what we were seeing.  It was the most brilliant tour because she ‘brought it to life’ for us.

An end to a long, hot day – we sat around the pool, swam and enjoyed several cool beers!

Firenze! (Florence and Pisa)

Arrived this morning in the port of Livorno. 

Livorno is the principal town in the province of the same name, which lies in the region called Tuscany.  It is Italy’s third largest sea port and serves as the gateway to the cities of Florence and Pisa.

Boarded a tour bus to take us for the 30 minute drive to Pisa, to see the famous Leaning Tower….  Due to the type of soil, the tower leans and the cathedral beside it is now also beginning to sink. 

Next we drove into Florence – which means ‘the flowering’ – a place known as ‘the jewel of the Renaissance’.  A beautiful town with a large university population and apparently some 250 000 scooters on the roads! (often with no helmets)  We were taken to the state Academy of Fine Arts to see The David as our tour guide called him – Michelangelo’s statue of David.  A magnificent work of art explained in detail by our tour guide, to our appreciation.

Barbera then took us downtown into Florence and a walking tour of places of interest:

The Duomo and Baptistery – the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore;  the Piazza Della Signoria – the center of Florentine political life;  the Church of Santa Croce – the final resting place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo; and my favourite – the Ponte Vecchio – Florence’s most famous bridge which is also home to the medieval gold and silver guilds (the jewellery shops were indeed glittering!).

Friday 29 June - to the port!

Spent the day in transit from Rome to the port of Civitavecchia, to board the Crown Princess cruise ship.  It turned out to be a long day due to traffic jams as today was a bank holiday and everyone was headed for the beach!  A 75 minute bus trip turned into an almost 4 hr 'adventure'....

We have a lovely cabin!  Sail away was at sunset – drinks and a band – it was fun!

Saturday was a ‘sea day’ – plenty of activities on offer and time to spend exploring the ship!  It was a formal night - time to get dressed up.  Champagne Fountain of 648 glasses!  A show in the evening and drinks at the bar!

Ship internet is very expensive so no pictures until we reach Venice – text only for now!