Cartagena, Colombia

I am sitting in Mickey Dees in the middle of a residential area in Cartagena called Boca Grande.  It's kind of like Ft. Lauderdale with street vendors.  They torture you as you stroll down the street trying to sell you fake Rolex watches and tee shirts.  Jerry is in heaven.  This morning we went to the old colonial city which is quite nice except for the people trying to sell you anything and everything.  The buildings are beautiful,  all painted different vivid colors.  The music is good, the weather is hot, sticky with periods of rain.  Just like home.  Lots of drug money.  Nice condos overlooking the ocean, upscale shops, very homogenized.  That is the trouble with the world today.  Everything is the same.  However, I do feel safe here.  No hint of trouble and loads of police all over the place, making their presence very visible.

After today we have two sea days and then home to plan for the next adventure.

The Russian

There is a woman on this ship who is either a Russian opera singer or actress or the queen of the Russian Mafia. I have named her Svetlana Uspenskaya. She weighs about 300 pounds, dresses amazingly flamboyantly and travels with an entourage. I am fascinated by the whole thing and cannot wait to see what she is wearing day. She is a site to behold! Last night she wore a gown with a huge thing on one shoulder which I thought was a monkey at first. But it was a huge mass of material. It also had a train which she held out on the side as she flounced around. She loves having her picture taken and poses constantly. She is my own private floor show. I can't wait till tomorrow.

Panama City

It rained all day in Colon but we were in Panama City for the major part of the day. Panama City is the capital and about one hour's ride from the port of Colon where the ship docked. We hired a private guide and took off for Panama City at about 8:30 am in the rain. We drove past the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks on the Pacific side of the canal and also passed Lake Chagres and into the rainforest.

Panama City has two distinct parts. The new city is very modern with beautiful glass skyscrapers and condos. There are many banks since this is a world financial center and the largest free trade zone in the world. In addition, the large freighters and cargo ships as well as the cruise ships which transit the canal must pay cash and it is far from cheap. It cost Celebrity approximately $350,000 for the transit of the Millenium. So there is loads of money here. Many Americans retire here and live like kings.

The other part of the capital is the old city which dates from colonial days. It is constantly being worked on. The architecture is very interesting. Our guide took us into the presidential palace, the offices of the vice president and many other interesting sites. We had some fun with a group of high school students as well. Then it a

was on to a huge, modern free zone shopping center. I didn't buy anything. The ride back to the ship was harrowing, to say the least. There was a torrential downpour and a horrible traffic jam. In fact, it was the worst traffic I have ever seen. I thought we were going to be swimming to Cartagena. However, we made it with a few minutes to spare. I liked Panama and enjoyed the friendliness of the people.

Panama City

It is a torrential downpour.  We had a fantastic tour of Panama City which I will elaborate on soon.  Right now we are late getting back to the ship so I must make a mad dash.

Puntarenas and Panama Canal

After a lovely day in Costa Rica we are now smack in the middle of the Panama Canal. We took private taxi to the rain forest and took the arial tram into the jungle canopy. It was fabulous and so was our guide who just oozed such love for his country and his vocation. After the tram we went on a hike through the jungle where he lectured us on all the flora and fauna of the rainforest. When we returned to Puntarenas, the port, my husband actually bought me a necklace and earrings. Granted, it wwas at the flea market, but it is pretty. We actually need another suitcase for all the crap he is buying.

Now we are in Gatun Lake after having gone through the first set of locks, on the Pacific side, the Miraflores Locks, and the Pedro Miguel Locks and now fifty miles of Gatun Lake to the Caribbean side and the Gatun Locks and out. The entire trip has been narrated by an expert so we know exactly what is happening at all times. There are also three pilots onboard at all times. It is quite an operation which takes approximately ten hours. Even though this is my third canal crossing I still find it fascinating and learn something new each time I transit. This time we were live on the canal webcam.

Now I have to get ready for the Senior Officer's Cocktail Party. We had a gourmet barbeque on deck for lunch. I think I am getting sick of gourmet food!

Guatemala

We just returned from an interesting day in Guatemala. We awoke at the crack of dawn and took a van with six other passengers to the old colonial city of Antigua which is up in the mountains of Guatemala and near two volcanoes. The ride took almost two hours from the port but it was lovely and we stopped along the way to visit a coffee plantation. Coffee only grows at a minimum of 4,000 feet so it was cool and lush. The soil is black volcanic soil so it is very rich in nutrients.

The city itself is a lovely example of Spanish colonial architecture and the people are quite nice. There is a strong Mayan influence here so almost everyone looks Mayan, with the same facial features and diminutive height. I thought I was in Munchkin land. We visited a jade factory where artisans were making beautiful jade jewelry and artifacts. It was quite interesting to watch the procedure and to tour the small museum. We saw every color imaginable of jade objects. After that we hit the local street markets which were very interesting and colorful. I bought a necklace and three pair of earrings after bargaining for a few minutes. Then it started to rain. A torrential downpour. So we went for a delicious lunch in a local fine restaurant. We enjoyed that very much as well and I sincerely hope we don't get the trots!

We also visited a five-star gorgeous hotel where we toured some ruins from the time of the conquistadores and saw them setting up for a very fancy, high-end wedding. I believe this hotel was a former monestary but now is the height of luxury and self-indulgence. I would stay there in a heartbeat.

Since it is still pouring we decided to stay on the ship and relax. Now that I have had my afternoon snack it is all good. Now it is on to Puntarenas after another sea day. I'm exausted!  

Enroute to Guatemala

We are sailing south along the Mexican coast enroute to Quetzal, Guatemala which is our next port stop. It is raining but warm as we head toward the Equator. Most ship activities are indoor and involve food in some way. It is ten thirty am and I have already had sushi. I hope the sun comes out before lunch. Then at least I can do some laps around the top deck while on the lookout for migrating whales. Oh yes, they are lying around the pools.

Puerto Vallarta and Before

Sitting on a chaise lounge under an umbrella in PV!  It's pretty hot but the Pacific is only a few steps away.  The weather has been great so far.  Las Vegas was hot and dry.  Panhandlers everywhere.  I am over that place.  San Diego was the same as when we lived there.  A few more new buildings. Great weather.  Cabo San Lucas was great. Nice and clean. Fabulous beaches. Water temp was 87. It doesn't get much better.  Now it's the beach in PV. Not as nice. But still ok.

The ship is good.  We are on the starboard side midship.  It is not crowded and the food and entertainment are quite good. We had one tendering day and the rest will be docking. I haven't been shopping yet but Jerry bought some Mexican booze.

Well I guess it's time to throw myself in the ocean once again.  Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday.

Next Trip

I am going to California for two weeks for a visit with my darling daughter and darling sister.  We will be attending the wedding festivities of a cousin's child in the Los Angeles area.  Can't wait. 

As a postscript to the last trip, all the photos are on google plus.  Please contact me for instructions on how to view all fifteen hundred of them.

Photos

I have placed photos of the entire trip on Google Plus Photos and Picasa 3 Web Albums.  If anyone wishes to be thoroughly bored and see them please contact me by email and I will tell you how to access them.

Amsterdam Canal

Two Perverts in the Red Light District,               Amsterdam

Photos

Nessebar, Bulgaria

Sevastopol, Ukraine

Madiera, Portugal

Canterbury, England

Mykonos, Greece

Yalta, Ukraine

Home

We are home and now I am able to post some photos.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we had taking them.  Thinking about the next trip.

LAST FROM ISTANBUL

WE WERE STLL ON THE SHIP AT 4:30 AM WHEN SUDDENLY WE WERE AWAKENED BY THE MUEZZEIN CALLING EVERYONE TO PRAYER.  WE HAD THE BALCONY DOORS OPEN AND THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A MOSQUE NEAR THE PIER.  I NEARLY FELL OFF THE BED.  ARE THESE PEOPLE NUTS?  4:30 AM?????????????

ISTANBUL

WE ARE IN ISTANBUL BUT IT IS PEACEFUL WHERE WE ARE. THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING: THE HOTEL WHERE WE ARE STAYING IS ON HIGH ALERT. THE ENTRANCE TO THE GROUNDS IS BARRICADED AND WHEN OUR TAXI CAME IN THEY CHECKED UNDER THE CAR WITH A MIRROR AND OPENED UP THE TRUNK. THEN WE HAD TO GO THROUGH A SECURITY CHECK TO GET IINTO THE LOBBY AND WE NEED A SPECIAL CARD FOR THE ELEVATOR IN ORDER TO GET UPSTAIRS TO OUR ROOM. PRETTY EXCITING.




WE LEFT THE SHIP EARLY AND TOOK THE SHIP TOUR AROUND TOWN BUT NOWHERE NEAR WHERE THE DEMONSTRATIONS ARE. THAT IS IN TAKSIM SQUARE. WE ARE IN FOR THE EVENING SO THINGS SHOULD BE FINE. WE WENT TO A MODERN OUTLET MALL BEFORE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN SAWGRASS MILLS. SAME STORES, SAME FOOD. HOWEVER, EVERYTIME I COME TO ISTANBUL I SEEM TO SEE MORE BURKAS AND I DON'T LIKE SEEING THAT. WE WENT TO THE SPICE MARKET AND THE GRAND BAZAAR AND THE OBLIGATORY RUG STORE. AFTER A WHILE EVERYTHING STARTS TO LOOK ALIKE AND THE SHOPKEEPERS ARE JUST LIKE THE ONES

IN TIJUANA. IT WAS TOO HOT TO BARGAIN SO I REALLY DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING. ALSO, I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT WE GOT LOST IN THE GRAND BAZAAR AND COULDN'T FIND THE RIGHT ONE FOR A LONG TIME. IT'S SO EAS TO GET LOST THERE.



GUESS I AM READY TO COME HOME FOR A WHILE BUT I AM ALREADY INVESTIGATING THE NEXT EXCURSION.

PHOTOS

HONFLEUR, SOUTH OF FRANCE

ATHENS, GREECE

CONSTELLATION

YALTA

YALTA IN THE CRIMEA AND SITUATED ON THE BLACK SEA, IS THE LA JOLLA OF THE UKRAINE. NICE STORES, NICE PLACES TO LIVE, SOME SPECTACULAR SCENERY AND GORGEOUS WEATHER. WE WERE MET BY OUR PRIVATE GUIDE, NATASHA, AND THE DRIVER AND MINIVAN AND ALONG WITH OUR TOUR COMPANIONS, SHELLY, ELLEN AND CHERYL, WE WERE OFF ON ANOTHER ADVENTURE. THIS WAS A FUN, INTELLIGENT AND HAPPY GROUP. OUR FIRST STOP WAS A BEAUTIFUL SCENIC OVERLOOK FOR PHOTOS OF THE SWALLOWS NEST CASTLE, PERCHED HIGH ON A CLIFF OVERLOOKING THE BLACK SEA. IT LOOKS LIKE CINDERELLA'S CASTLE AT DISNEY WORLD. IT WAS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS BECAUSE OF EARTHQUAKES BUT IT WAS STILL A SPECTACULAR SIGHT.




THEN IT WAS ON TO VORONTSOV PALACE UP IN THE HILLS. THIS WAS BUILT IN THE STYLE OF A LATE TUDOR ENGLISH CASTLE AND APPOINTED LAVISHLY. THE BACK FACADE FACING THE WATER IS BEAUTIFUL TOO, DONE IN THE STYLE OF AN ORIENTAL PALACE OF THE 19TH CENTURY WITH MAGNIFICENT GARDENS AND A CONSERVATORY. THE COUNT, RICHEST MAN IN RUSSIA, OWNED EIGHTY THOUSAND SERFS TO CARE FOR HIS MANY PROPERTIES. NO WONDER THEY REVOLTED. THE AMOUNT OF PURE OPULENCE WAS DISGUSTING. AFTER LOLLING AROUND THE CASTLE WE HEADED FOR THE LIVADIA PALACE, SUMMER RESIDENCE OF THE LAST TSAR, NICHOLAS II. IT WAS BUILT IN THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE STYLE AND IS STARK WHITE. THE HISTORY OF THIS PLACE WAS SO THICK YOU COULD CUT IT WITH A KNIFE. IT WAS THE SITE OF THE CRIMEAN CONFERENCE DURING WW II. THERE ARE PHOTOS OF THE CONFERENCE EVERYWHERE. YOU COULD ALMOST HEAR ROOSEVELT,HILL AND STALIN CARVING UP THE WORLD. T HERE WERE ALSO DOZENS OF PHOTOS OF THE RUSSIAN ROYAL FAMILY AND IT WAS SAD TO SEE THE FACES OF THOSE FIVE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN WHO WERE MURDERED BY THE BOLSHEVICS. IT UPSET ME.



OUR TOUR ENDED BACK AT THE SHIP WHERE WE HAD A QUICK LUNCH AND WERE OFF AGAIN TO EXPLORE THE SEASIDE AREA OF YALTA. SINCE IT IS SATURDAY EVERYONE IS OUT EITHER WALKING THE PROMENADE OR AT THE BEACH WHICH IS ALL STONES AND ROCKS. NOT TOO PRETTY. ALL SIZES AND SHAPES, BUT ALL LOOKING VERY RUSSIAN . MANY PEOPLE STOPPED TO SPEAK TO US IN RUSSIAN AND WERE TRULY SURPRISED WHEN WE ANSWERED THEM IN ENGLISH. SOMEONE TRIED TO SELL US CAVIAR FOR $20. WE ARE BACK ON OUR BEAUTIFUL SHIP NOW, TOTALLY EXHAUSTED. WE MET SOME LOVELY PEOPLE TODAY AND HOPE TO CONTINUE OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THEM. THAT IS ONE OF THE NICE PARTS OF CRUISING. ONE MEETS SUCH NICE PEOPLE MANY OF WHO REMAIN LONGTIME FRIENDS.



THE ENTERTAINMENT WAS EXCELLENT AS IT HAS BEEN THROUGHOUT . JERRY INFORMED THE CAPTAIN THAT HE WILL NOW SAIL WITH NOBODY BUT HIM. THE CAPTAIN CHUCKLED. GUESS HE HAS HEARD THAT BEFORE. WHAT HE DIDN'T REALIZE WAS THAT JERRY MEANT IT. THIS CAPTAIN IS AMAZING.. HE IS EVERYWHERE. WE WONDER SOMETIME IF HE HAS A TWIN ONBOARD. HE HAS A TERRIFIC SENSE OF HUMOR, IS GRACIOUS, SMART AND CHARMING AND HAS ACTUALLY BEEN KNOWN TO DRIVE THE SHIP OCCASIONALLY WHEN THIS DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH HIS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES,

WE ARE HEADING FOR ISTANBUL, TURKEY, WHERE THEY ARE RIOTING IN TAKSIM SQUARE, ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES IN TURKEY. THE CAPTAIN WILL INFORM US AT THE NOON BRIEFING WHETHER OR NOT THINGS ARE GETTING STICKY. WE DECIDED TO TAKE THE SHIP'S TRANSPORT TO OUR HOTEL FOR SAFETY REASONS. WE HAVE BEEN TOO CLOSE TO THE ACTION IN PAST TRAVELS, WHAT WITH SWINE FLU AND TAHRIR SQUARE. SO THIS TIME WE GOT SMART. I GUESS JERRY HAD A GUT FEELING. I BELIEVE IN THAT, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELLING IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD..ONE NEVER KNOWS AND EVENTS CAN LITERALLY TURN ON A DIME SO IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY..

SEVASTOPOL

WE ARRIVED IN SEVASTOPOL AT NOON. IT IS A SMALL CITY ON A PENINSULA SURROUNDED BY WATER. IT IS THE HOME OF BOTH THE UKRANIAN AND RUSSIAN BLACK SEA NAVAL FLEETS SO THERE ARE LOADS OF SHIPS ALL AROUND THE HARBOR. IT WAS PRETTY HOT TODAY SO NO JACKET NECESSARY. WE FOUND A TAXI DRIVER WHO SHOWED US AROUND. WE SHARED HIM WITH ANOTHER COUPLE, A RETIRED BRITISH DIPLOMAT AND HIS WIFE. HE SPOKE FLUENT RUSSIAN SO THAT MADE COMMUNICATION WITH OUR GUIDE VERY EASY. HE TOOK US ALL AROUND THE CITY, INCLUDING VARIOUS GIGANTIC MONUMENTS, RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES, PANORAMAS OF THE BATTLE OF BALAKLAVA. THIS WAS WHERE FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE GOT HER START. SHE AND ANOTHER NURSE CARED FOR ALL THE MANGLED WARRIORS IN THIS MOST HORRENDOUS BATTLE, THE BATTLE OF BALAKLAVA, MADE FAMOUS BY THE POEM WHICH BEGINS...INTO THE VALLEY OF DEATH RODE THE SIX HUNDRED...IT WAS A GORY MESS WHICH WE SAW DEPICTED IN AN AMAZINGLY LIFELIKE PANORAMA ON THE SITE.




I HAD TO PUT ON A COVERUP FOR SHOULDERS AND HEAD TO GO INTO THE CHURCH. I SURE LOOKED FUNNY. ACTUALLY, I STRONGLY RESEMBLED MY OWN GRANDMOTHER. THE THING ABOUT THE RUSSIAN AND GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHES IS THAT THERE ARE NO SEATS. EVERYONE MUST STAND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SERVICE NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY ARE AND HOW LONG THE SERVICE IS. THERE IS ALSO A LOT OF BOWING AND KNEELING. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY DO IT.



AFTER SIGHTSEEING WE RETURNED TO THE SHIP FOR A QUICK SWIM AND GOT READY FOR OUR SPECIAL EVENING. AND WAS IT EVER SPECIAL. WE FELT LIKE IMPORTANT DIGNITARIES AND THE MOST IMPORTANT VIP'S. AFTER A FOURTY MINUTE BUS RIDE WE ENTERED THE MICHAELOVSKAYA NAVAL BATTERY GROUNDS. THERE WAS A RECEIVING LINE WITH SAILORS DRESSED IN ALL MANNER OF NAVAL GARB FROM THE 1700'S TO THE PRESENT. THERE WERE ALL MANNER OF WEAPONS, OLD AND NEWER, PLANES, AND EVERY WAR CONTRAPTION IMAGINABLE. THERE WERE WHITE TENTS SET UP WITH RUSSIAN AND UKRANIAN FOODS, WINES AND VODKA. IT WAS LIKE A STATE AFFAIR. WE WERE BLOWN AWAY. AFTER COCKTAILS THE NAVY BAND, SINGERS, DANCERS, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE, TREATED US TO A FANTASTIC SHOW OF FOLKLORIC, NATIONAL AND LOCAL MUSIC, ALONG WITH SOME VERY WELL-KNOWN MUSIC WHICH IS UNIVERSAL. AT THE INTERMISSION WE WENT TO THE TENTS AND ATE OURSELVES SICK WITH ALL THE LOCAL DELICACIES INCLUDING FINE CAVIAR. THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW WAS JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST AND WE GAVE THEM A STANDING OVATION. WHAT A SPECIAL EVENING AND WHAT A TREAT. OUR CAPTAIN AND HIS OFFICERS WERE IN ATTENDANCE AS WELL. IT WAS A PERFECT EVENING. THE WEATHER COOPERATED AND WE MANAGED TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER DESPITE THE LANGUAGE BARRIER. A WONDERFUL TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. THE VODKA WAS POWERFUL!



WE SET SAIL AT MIDNIGHT ACCOMPANIED BY FIREWORKS AND THUNDER AND LIGHTNING PROVIDED BY MOTHER NATURE, RUSSIAN STYLE. OUR NEXT PORT OF CALL IS YALTA, A PLACE REEKING WITH ALL SORTS OF INTERESTING HISTORY AND FAMOUS FOR ITS SPAS AND HIGH-END MEDICAL CLINICS. YOU GET YOUR DOCTOR TO WRITE YOU A PRESCRIPTION FOR A WEEK'S “CURE” AT THE SPA. IT WORKS FOR ME.

ODESSA

ODESSA, UKRAINE, HOME OF MY PATERNAL ANCESTORS. I KNEW I WOULD LIKE IT AND I DID. IN FACT, I LOVED IT. IT IS OLD AND NEW AT THE SAME TIME. WE WALKED UP THE POTEMKIN STEPS FROM THE PORT TO THE CITY, ALL 200 OF THEM. IN FACT, WE DID IT TWICE. IT WAS A CHALLENGE BUT WE DID IT. WE TOOK A FIVE HOUR TOUR OF THE WHOLE CITY. WE WENT EVERYWERE. WE SAW BEAUTIFUL OLD BUILDINGS, LUSH PARKS AND SQUARES, LOTS OF INTERESTING MONUMENTS AND STATUES, SCHOOLS, AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP. PEOPLE SPOKE TO ME IN RUSSIAN BECAUSE I REALLY DO LOOK LIKE I BELONG THERE. I KNEW THAT WOULD HAPPEN. UKRAINE IS TOTALLY FREE BUT WITH DEEP RUSSIAN ROOTS AND ODESSA HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CENTER OF LEARNING AND THE ARTS. WE WENT TO A MODERN SHOPPING MALL, AN OLD SYNAGOGUE, AND A MAGNIFICENT RESTORED FIVE STAR HOTEL. EVERYONE WAS DRESSED VERY WELL AND THERE WERE VERY FEW BEGGARS AND GYPSIES. THE PEOPLE WE ASKED FOR DIRECTIONS TRIED TO BE HELPFUL. I USED MY ALMOST NON EXISTANT RUSSIAN VOCABULARY TO THEIR DELIGHT. I REMEMBERED A


MY LITTLE BIT OF IT FROM MY CHILDHOOD WHEN MY GRANDFATHER SPOKE IT.



I REALLY ENJOYED ODESSA AND FELT QUITE AT HOME THERE, NOT THAT I COULD EVER LIVE THERE. BUT IT WAS A COMFORTABLE AND INTERESTING PLACE TO VISIT.

SOME OF THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS ARE EYE CANDY AND I AND COME OUT AHEAD.HOPE THEY REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THESE BUILDINGS ARE AND THAT THEY ARE SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR HISTORY. MOST OF THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS STILL HAVE THEIR MAIN ENTRANCES THROUGH COURTYARDS WITH EVERYONE'S WASH HANGING OUT ON THEIR TINY BALCONIES. THE MAJORITY DON'T HA VE DRYERS SO IT'S THE OLD FASHIONED CLOTHES LINE.I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE SOME OF THE MONUMENTS TO SOVIET-ERA HEROES AND OTHERS FROM IMPERIAL TZARIST TIMES. I THINK THEY JUST LOVE MONUMENTS. THERE WERE PLAQUES ON MANY BUILDINGS TELLING WHICH HERO LIVED THERE. ODESSA, LIKE YALTA, SEVASTOPOL AND VOLGAGRAD (FORMERLY LENINGRAD) ARE DESIGNATED AS HERO CITIES BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM IN VARIOUS WARS. THESE PEOPLE HAD A ROUGH TIME THROUGHOUT THEIR HISTORY BUT SOMEHOW MANAGED TO PULL THROUGH AND COME OUT AHEAD. I EXPECTED TOO SEE MANY MORE OLD LADIES DRESSED IN LONG BLACK DRESSES WITH BABUSHKAS ON THEIR HEADS BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE AT ALL. IT WAS MODERN DRESS AND SANDALS WITH WEDGES ALL AROUND. ONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN IN HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA.



NOW IT IS ON TO SEVASTOPOL FOR A DAY OF SIGHTSEEING AND AN EVENING CONCERT BY THE NAVY BAND AT THE LARGE NAVAL BASE THERE. THIS IS THE CRIMEA, THE RUSSIAN RIVIERA SO IT SHOULD BE BEAUTIFUL. THE WEATHER IS GREAT WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE THE EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER.

Athens, Greece

Mykonos, Greece

Sintra, Portugal

Canterbury, England

Constanta, Romania

Still having photo issues.  I will have to think of something else. Today we were in Constanta, Romania.  Shouldn't have bothered.  Nothing to see.  Language problems.  The entire country is on a perpetual state if disrepair.  The public workers stand around all day drinking beer and chatting.  The supervisors are all on cell phones with their friends and couldn't care less.

We went to a mice beach area but it was too early in the season and they were still fixing things up. Water was too cold.  We also went to a modern shopping mall.  That is pretty much it for Romania.  Not on my return to this place list.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Last night we spent a few hours in the disco dancing the night away.  They had a tribute to Abba so it was good dance music.  There is a whole group of gay guys on board and they are so much fun.  I was dancing to Dancing Queen with four dancing queens!  Love it.

Today we were in Nessabar, Bulgaria, a UNESCO world heritage site.  It was quaint, old and small.  Lots of shops, an old town and a new town.  Evidently, it must be a popular vacation spot for Israelis because we saw many signs in Hebrew and people kept saying shalom to us and speaking fast Hebrew.  It was pretty funny actually.

I am so tired that I may not make the show tonight.  The entertainment has been great and the food is superb.  I cannot believe how great this cruise is.  I love the size of the ship, the amenities and the fabulous service.  This is how cruising should be...great and elegant without stuffiness.  I also like the mix of nationalities of the passengers.  The enrichment lectures are very informative and interesting.  I only had to wake Jerry once today during the lecture on Constanta, our next port.

I am still attempting to put photos on but am having problems with that.  Still trying.

Aboard Azamara Journey

We are cruising past Gallipoli.  Since we boarded the Journey in Athens I have had nothing but pleasant experiences.  There are no crowds, no loud music, no annoying announcements and some of the best on board service I have ever encountered.  in addition, the entertainment is fabulous.  The captain and his officers are always mixing with the passengers so much so that I can't figure out who is driving the ship half the time.  Our friends, Helene and Lorelle, are loving it too.  The first day we familiarized ourselves with the ship and just relaxed.  Yesterday was our first port stop, Mykonos, Greece.  We meandered about in the lovely downtown area while all the others went elsewhere.  We basically had the whole place to ourselves.  Later on when people started coming we took the local bus to a beach we knew and spent the day there swimming and relaxing.  We headed back to town and were with the last group to return to the ship.  After a great dinner of surf and turf we met all the officers and saw a funny show.  Then it was up to the late lounge to dance with the show dancers.  Pretty funny for a grandma! 

This morning we went to a very difficult Zumba class to try and counteract the calories.  As of this moment the intake far exceeds the output.  There is no extra charge for wine and many cocktails and they are readily available at all hours of the day. 

We are cruising the Dardenalles on the way to the Bosphorous and will sail past Istanbul this evening.  It should be outstanding.  We were invited to a cocktail party this evening in someone's suite.  We have arranged to go on a private tour in Odessa.  There will be just ten of us so that should be great.  

The dress on this ship is casual.  No formal nights.  There are only six hundred passengers so everyone knows everyone and the is no dining rigidity.  No set houses or tables.  Just come when you are ready.  Nice.  Lots of different nationalities so it makes for an interesting passenger mix.  So it's goodbye for now from the Sea of Marmara.

Athens

Went to the dentist in the morning.  She put a temporary filling on the tooth.  Hope it holds.  Then it was on to the police station which was impossible to find.  We finally did find it and made the report.  Just a formality.  It's hot here and we love it.  Went sightseeing all day and then dinner in the Plaka, the old town, and ate the ruins and looking straight up at the Parthenon.  Earlier we saw the changing of the guards at the parliament.  We just happened to be walking by when the guards came out.  Then, further down the street we saw the funniest thing..a platoon of Greek military guards were marching down the street in formation led by a German Shepherd dog.  It was hilarious.

Tomorrow we go down to Piraeus to catch the Azamara Journey for our trip to the Black Sea, ending in Istanbul.

Disaster strikes!

Jerry had his pocket picked in the main train station in Athens and since we arrived we have been busy calling all the credit card companies to cancel the cards he had with him.  We still have the passports and I have a few credit cards and he has two more so we are ok.  They were not used so we're good. At least nobody got hurt.  Now he has learned the lesson that he is just as vulnerable as everyone else even though he is a seasoned traveller.  A word to the wise.  It was a hard lesson for him but I think he got it.

I got an appointment with a female English-speaking dentist tomorrow morning so that is good news.

It  is very hot here in Athens and the hotel has a crummy air conditioning system but we will survive.  It has been a difficult day but we shall push on.  Our friends, Lorelle and Helene, are here and we will get together tomorrow after my session with the dentist.  They will be cruising with us as well. 

I think I will take cabs from now on.  No more crowded public transport for me!  As my grandson would say, I'm done!

On the Plane to Athens

On the plane to Athens




We are now on the plane to Athens after a 50 minute flight from Amsterdam with a 30 minutes on the tarmac first. I could have walked to Frankfurt faster. Hope the luggage made it as it was a short connection. The plane change was interesting. We had to walk about a mile in the terminal to get the connecting flight to Athens so I am burning some caloreies today after my Dutch apple pancake with whipped cream dinner last night. We are both sick but getting better, I hope. I am anxious to see the dentist in Athens since my broken tooth is scaring me.



I hope Eileen and Steve are enjoying their last day sightseeing in Amsterdam. They were so much fun to be with and such great friends to put up with our schtick.



Again we had way too much luggage and again I say I will never do it again. I have been wearing the same pair of jeans for three days because they are the warmest thing I have, along with my daughter's thermal shirt. Thank goodness I had them because I would have frozen to death otherwise. We are both looking forard to milder weather in Greece and the Black Sea.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam




We got off the ship early and schlepped our luggage to the train station and then to the hotel. It is cold and rainy and I am not happy with the weather. Everyone keeps telling us that this is the worst spring ever. I don' t doubt it. We grabbed a hop onhop-off bus and rode it around the city twice. It was raining too hard and we didnt want to walk. Our dinner was quite good (friends recommended it. It was very hard to find and we had to go through the marijuana smoking area to find it. I got high on the smell. We have been dragging around Amsterdam in the worst weather for us....colc, raining, windy and generally miserable. The city is big and noisy and bustling. People are running every which way and there are thousands of tourists. We spent some time in the Red Light District where the prostitutes were advertising in the windows and the pimps kept asking Jerry and Steve if they wanted a woman. The prositutes were old, fat and ugly. They told us the nicer looking ones came out to their windows later in the evening. It was too early. What a way to make a living. I really felt quite sorry for them and it made me very sad.



Yesterday we took an all-day tour to Brugges, Belgium. It is a UNESCO world heritage city and strikingly beautiful. Most of the buildings date from the 13-16th century and are very well preserved. The shopping is quite nice too although I just window shopped. The dollar is worth nothing so it is really crazy to buy anything anywhere in Europe. I haven't had time to transfer any photos but will try later. We are on our way to Athens right now. I broke a tooth and have to find a dentist the minute I get there. I have some names from my travel insurance policy. I will hope for the best.



Right now I am sitting in the Lufthansa first class lounge at the airport in Amsterdam. I am totally spoiled now. Jerry is in big trouble. We will be in Athens two nights and then on to the Azamara Journey for our trip into the Black Sea.

France and England

LeHavre and Honfleur, France




I am freezing! It's soooo cold here. Someone told us this is the coldest May in recent memory. Not for this warm weather baby. But we went out anyway. Walked miles from the ship to the center of town where we got a tram to the beach area. Lovely beach if you like rocks and stones. Just like most of the other French beaches. But pretty, with thousands of cabanas, places to eat, walking and bike trails. Very family-oriented. After another long walk we took the tram to the other end, a nice middle-class neighborhood where we stumbled upon a neat little local flea market. Lots of women in head scarves. Very unattractive. Maybe they should cover up their faces too. Back to the town center where we picked up the local bus to Honfleur, a gem of a tiny town where Monet painted regularly. One look at the place and you can see why. It has a beautiful harbor, buildings from the 1500's, sidewalk cafes and a dreamy atmosphere. This was our second visit and it just gets better and more beautiful. Of course, we had French fries with mayonnaise (that's how they it them in France) and a baguette. An all-carb lunch. Very healthy. After a few hours of dreamily wandering around we decided not to miss the ship after all so we headed back to gorge ourselves on a delicious dinner.



Did I mention that half the passengers on this ship are south Floridians? They are mostly lou. d and obnoxious. We even play tennis against some of them and they know half of our community. I keep trying to hide from them but they keep finding me and starting conversations.



Tonight we saw a Beatles tribute band and, tired as we were, Eileen and I danced a few of those calories off. Well, maybe 5 or 10. We have to go off early tomorrow for a short port stop. Not sure where we will go yet, depending on the train schedules and weather. This will be our last port stop (Dover) before Amsterdam.



Dover



Got off early and spent the day in Canterbury. Visited the cathedral and surrounding area. The entire city is a historical monument and we all loved it. We took a small boat ride on the small river and were instructed in English history by our wonderful guide, Vincent, who was a student teacher. We saw buildings steeped in history and learned all about them while pleasantly gliding down the river past magnificent scenery, mostly 12th to 15th century buildings.



After getting back to Dover downtown we walked around for a while and took a massively long walk to the ship. I figure about five miles. I am dead tired. Now we have the monumental task of packing for our sojourn in Amsterdam. Think I will take a nap instead. Oh, we just passed the white cliffs of Dover and yes, they really are white.



Now it's on to Amsterdam.

Lisbon to Le Havre

Lisbon




We sailed up the Tagus River into Lisbon at about 11:30 am and I thought I was dreaming. There just before my very eyes was the GGB (Golden Gate Bridge to we Californians). The Portugese built an exact replica in the 1960's and it truly is a twin of our GGB. Anyway, by the time I recovered from my shock we were docked under it.



We rushed off the ship and hired a private guide to drag us around for the day. He had a Mercedes but it was still tight. A few more days of eating and we couldn't get I at all. We began with a trip along the coast to Estoril and Cascais, two beautiful seaside resorts reminicent of the French Riviera. It was quaint and beautiful with charming small winding side streets and mansions from earlier, better times such as La Belle Epoch. There were beautiful boats in the harbor and lovely, charming old hotels. The history of Lisbon and surrounding towns is replete with espionage. It was the spy capital of World War Two and many of thse older hotels were right in the middle of it. Fascinating stuff. I can just pictre myself in one of these grand old hotels worming information out of some nazi general!



After a walk about we contined on to the mountain village of Sintra, where we were knocked out by the beautiful turn-of-the-century palaces of nobility and wanna-be nobility. Situated high in he mountains, the views are spectacular, the air is fresh and unpolluted and there is a sense of the pristine about the whole place. We had a light bite in a local pastisserie where all the old ladies were slugging down shots of expensive expresso for that afternoon energy jolt. We wandere up and down the narrow winding streets, climbing the slippery narrow flights of steps. This is definitely a hill town. Lots of outdoor cafes and shops selling ceramics and things made out of cork. They are masters at ceramics but I did not buy a thing. Just to see all those magnificent homes and palaces was worth the trip, not to mention those breathtaking vistas. We talked the driver into letting us use the WC in a very fancy, very classy, very secluded old hotel which was converted from one of the old mansions. Wow! I could have stayed there all day! But alas, it was time for the city of Lisbon. It has a population of 600,000, a few interesting old buildings, a monestary, a castle with nothing in it, awalking street, nothing to buy, one or two interesting monuments dedicated to the famous native explorers and thousands of insane soccer fans. We stumbled upon a pep ralley and I thought I would go deaf! Oh yes, the traffic is horrendous. That is Lisbon in a nutshell. The one good thing is they warned us about pickpockets but we couldn't find any for Jerry to give the old law enforcement death grip to.



We are now in the middle of a cold, rough sea day off the coast of Spain. I did Zumba this morning so I am not a total slug. The UK did our passport control this morning so we can get right off in Dover without wasting any time getting to Canterbury. Next stop is Le Havre, where we will head for Honfleur. In the meantime I have to get ready later for our last formal night.



A great formal night. We cleaned up quite well. The food was great. We fell asleep during the show. We took photos and had some really great laughs with Eileen and Steve. They are such super wonderful travel companions. We are so lucky.



Another day at sea



Today we stayed inside and played canasta on our last sea day. It is cold outside. Had a wonderful brunch , did zumba and played cards We are all looking forward to our port stop in France tomorrow. The Olitskys are going to Normandy. We have been there so we are going to Honfleur, where Monet painted. I love it there. 10:30 pm and still light out off the French coast.  It is freezing!

Madiera and on to Lisbon

We finally made landfall today in Madiera, a Portugese island off the coast of north Africa. The climate is mild and there are beautiful flowers everywhere. We did not see any signs of poverty. Just a middle-class society.




There are eyeglass stores everywhere, mostly designer stuff. I guess they never heard of contact lenses. It was a lovely day. We toured the island and of course, found an internet connection and clean bathrooms at McDonalds. Nothing unusual there.



Dinner and the show tonight were both fabulous. No zumba class tomorrow so we will sleep late. Yippee! Calm seas and mild weather. Doesn't get much better.



Approaching Lisbon



A day at sea. We slept late, played canasta and will celebrate our anniversary tonight with a fancy dinner in one of the specialty restaurants with our great friends and travelling companions, Eileen and Steve. They have been so good putting up with Jerry's jokes and craziness. Not too many people have the guts to travel with us and they have been absolutely fabulous and we love them.



Tomorrow we land in Lisbon at noon and it's off for a tour of the city and perhaps to purchase some beautiful ceramic tiles if he lets me near the stores.



Our dear friends took us out for our anniversary tonight at Tuscan Grille. It was a fabulous meal. We ate like pigs and waddled down to our rooms to get ready for tomorrow's port stop. The show was excellent too and so far everything has been wonderful. It is going by too quickly. It always does. It is so nice to enjoy a trip like this with such good friends. They make it that much better!



I had an expresso and chocolate for dessert. I guess I will be up and bouncing off the walls for the rest of the night.



Tomorrow it is on to Lisbon!

Approaching Funchal, Madiera

We are approximately 300 nautical miles from Funchal in the Portugese Azores. It is in the low 60's and the waves are ten feet and higher. The old girl (the ship, not me) seems to be doing just fine. Some folks are feeling queasy but not me. I like the movement but I must admit it was quite the challenge at zumba this morning. We looked like a bunch of drunks. We are working on our canasta skills since it is too cold to sit outside.




This is the half way point of the cruise and the staff in the dining room is still trying to get their act together. The service has been spotty depending on where we sit. They have eight days to fix it up.



Tomorrow is our first port stop in a week and everyone is ready to get off for a few hours to sightsee and doing other than ship things. I hate this computer. It has a mind of it's own. Maybe it doesn't like high seas.



There are 800 Elite members on this cruise so it basically means nothing anymore. They give you coupons for drinks in certain lounges. There is no Elite lounge and the wine is cheap. However, the adorable captain makes up for whatever is lacking.

Mid Atlantic

Yesterday we finally reached the exact middle of the Atlantic and now we are on the shorter leg of the journey meaning we have less of a distance rather than more to travel. We played


canasta on deck, relaxed, walked for exercise on the jogging deck and did the usual cruise things.



The captain's cocktail party was fun with dancing, drinks and good nibbling snacks. The officers were there to socialize as well. This is an extremely friendly ship with a lot of mixing between passengers and crew.



After dinner we saw the show followed by Liar's Club with the captain, the comedian and the cruise director. It was beyond hilarious and the captain was the funniest person I have seen in years. I laughed myself sick!



Today it is colder outside. Eileen and I did our zumba and now I am in my cozy cabin where the toilet is presently not working. We are still three days from land so things should get interesting.

Almost in mid-Atlantic aboard Constellation

Another day at sea. It is beautiful outside. The seas are running smooth. There are no whitecaps in sight and the sun is shining brightly. We (just the girls) did our regular zumba class this morning and as usual it was a great workout. Last night was the 50's and 60's dance party. Very crowded. Our table mates, who we thought were so straight-laced, were dancing on the tables! You never know about people thestching e days. I just hope there are no secret terrorists onboard. We are approaching the exact middle of the Atlantic and I don't want to get stuck out here. I might run out of clothes!




This day is very laid-back and that is ok with me. I haven't been to the shops yet. There is still lots of time. Right now we are planning our shore excursions. So much to do. Haven't even played mah jongg yet. We saw some women playing yesterday but they didn't look like the type I would want to play with. There is a man onboard who I really would like to strangle. The first day he was running around yelling that the water was tainted with petroleum and that he wanted himself and his wife airlifted off the ship because they were being poisoned. He finished with that subject and is now bitching and moaning about other things. He better not talk to me or he will find himself as shark food. Other than Mr. Crazy most others seem quite nice except for the very loud group with the New York accents who interrupted my poolside nap yesterday. Well, I think it is time for my next activity, watching Jerry digest his lunch.

In the Bermuda Triangle

We are now officially in the middle of the south Atlantic Ocean somewhere off the coast of Bermuda, nearing the Sargasso Sea, otherwise known as The Doldrums.  This is the area where early sailing vessels coming to the New World came to a dead halt due to lack of winds and too much seaweed in the water.  They just had to sit there and flounder around till the winds kicked up once again. I am pretty confident that will not happen to us.

We found out last night that one of the entertainers who will perform tonight is a good friend of our son. In addition, we know the cruise director from our sailing to Hawaii and I know the captain from a previous sailing.  He said he remembered dancing with me.  He is full of crap!

I did my Zumba once again this morning so at least I am not lying around like a lox for the entire day.  There is a 60's dance party later so that is more exercise.  A fifteen day cruise can be devastating if one is not careful.  I have been trying to eat small, relatively healthy meals.  Now for a relaxing morning in the Solarium.

Ready To Go!

Bags packed. Took too much. We will be in several different climates so there is a little bit of everything.   Less than 24 hours to go.  The ship is just coming out of dry dock and I  understand some of the finishing touches will be done at sea. This is novel...being in the middle of a construction zone at sea. Hope they have lots of Pinot Grigio!

Fifteen and counting

Just fifteen days to go and I have done nothing to get ready for this trip.   We are hoping for a smooth crossing. The ship is still in dry dock getting refitted and modernized. Ours will be the first sailing after the refit. 

Getting Ready

Testing out suitcases. Trying to travel light.

The Itinerary - May 4, 2014 to June 4, 2014

Testing from my iPad.

Off and Running Again

We are about to embark on another adventure and this time we are dragging friends along.  The trip begins in Miami, Florida and ends in Amsterdam.  The first part will be a fifteen-day Atlantic crossing with several stops on the European side, including Dover, LeHavre, Madiera and Lisbon.  The next part will commence with a stay in Amsterdam and a day trip to Brugges.  The next section begins with a flight from Amsterdam to Athens, a two-day stay in the Athens area, followed by a cruise on the Black Sea to Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and ending in Istanbul.  I better have good walking shoes.