May 27, 2024 The day began with us docking in Civitavecchia which is the port city closest to Rome. The transfer to Rome was a bit chaotic as there was way more luggage than there was room in the van. I did hear a lot of Italian which I assumed were swear words as the …
Greek Isles – Olympia
May 25, 2024 Today we are docked in Katakolon, Greece a picturesque town located just 20 miles from Olympia. The ruins of Olympia were my destination for the day. As an Olympic junkie I was anxious to see the site of the original games that was destroyed by an earthquake and has been evacuated and …
Greek Isles – Athens
May 23, 2024 The day started with a spectacular sunrise that I watch from my balcony as it evolved from pink clouds to the bright sun. I believe that a sunrise is God’s promise for the day so I know this day is going to be incredible. It’s a beautiful sunny but breezy day in …
Greek Isles – Santorini
May 22, 2024 Today we are docked outside the small town of Fira (population of 1517)on the Island of Santorini. The island of Santorini was reshaped by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history in 1620 BC which gave the island its unique crescent shape. It is known for its multi-colored lava cliffs that …
Greek Isles – At Sea
May 21 ,2024 A beautiful sunrise began the day Tuesday. The day ended up being a quiet at sea.day. To be honest I really needed it to recover from my crazy busy days in Istanbul. It was a typical sea day with lectures, bridge (really missing my bridge group, Lola and CA), and line dancing. …
Istanbul – Turkish Bath
May 20,2024 Today I headed of to Cagaloglu Hammam, a historical site nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City to experience a Turkish Bath. Dating back to the 18th century, it offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious world of Ottoman-era bathing culture. The Turkish Baths were a social event for the ladies they …
Istanbul – Like a Local
May 19,2024 Another beautiful morning in Istanbul. I headed down to the square by the New Mosque to feed the wishing birds. Pigeons are revered in Istanbul and if you feed the wishing birds your wish will be granted. My wish was granted immediately with the perfect sunrise!!! I wandered around the park by the …
Istanbul – History
May 18, 2024 Rarely do I care about the hotel I stay at because I never spend much time in the hotel. Istanbul is an exception to that, I am staying at the Orient Occidental Hotel that is located in Old Town. The hotel only opened 6 months ago and is located in a building …
Washington DC – Last Day
May 8, 2024 I headed to the National Air and Space Museum only to find out that I had to have a ticket and there was none available for 3 days…..drat. But this is Washington and there are many other options so I headed over to the National Art Gallery and Sculpture Gardens. It was …