Katakolon, Greece

original Olympic Games were held here...

The Temple of Zeus...

The Ancient City of Olympia...

Ride up the hill,  2 euro

Zorba Dancing

Zorba Dancing

The handsome group...great show

Zorba the Geek does the "Chicken Dance"... the man can still make me laugh...

We arrived in Katakolon Greece, Thursday, May 23, 2013. First morning photo 7:10AM. It was very foggy and windy as well. A chance of rain was in the forecast, however, warm enough for a light jacket. 

My first observation of the port was that it was smaller by comparison to others, no industry. The landscape hilly, not mountainous, or at least in this area. Now in the Adriatic Sea, the water more of a Caribbean blue.

We booked a tour through Holland America to The Ancient City of Olympia & Zorba. Katakolon is the Gateway to the Ancient City of Olympia, the birth place of the original Olympic Games in 776 B.C.

Our tour was ahead of schedule, we left port at 8:20AM. Our guides name was Maria Helena and our driver Alexis. 

Maria was extremely knowledgeable and very understandable. She spoke non stop for about two hours, it was evident how proud she is of her heritage. 

Driving though the countryside it was noticeable that this was an impoverished area. The people here rely heavily on tourism, Maria said. Homes were sporadic and in disarray. Old cars were laid to rest in open fields and in run down concrete structures. No livestock insight, we passed many olive trees and vegetable gardens during our forty minute ride. Depressing, I thought. 

The hills were growing into mountains the further east we drove. There are ten million people in Greece and five million live in Athens. This is typical Greece, outside of Athens, she said. 

Obviously, Olympia is the main attraction here. There were at least thirty tour buses visiting the site.  A very large area, where you really had to use your imagination to visualize, what had been. We visited the Temple of Zeus, Maria explained volumes of information and mythology associated with the games. I expected to see a large colosseum where the games were held, however it was a large sandy area with grassy slopes. As many as forty thousand spectators could enjoy the games, held here every four years. She said athletes came to win, not to participate. The site was preserved very well and a beautiful place to visit and learn.

We then drove to a rest area with water closets, coffee and pastries. The usual gifty, touristy type of items available. A bobble headed statue of Zeus was not on my souvenir list. 

We then drove to a restaurant for a light lunch and some Zorba dancing. This was a highlight for me, as I love to drink in the culture of the people. The dancers and the music were incredible. We enjoyed every minute of it and you know who did the chicken dance!!!

We were dropped off at the town square, a ten minute walk from the ship. Many passengers, from now two ships, were enjoying the shops, cafes and restaurants.

The residents were very friendly and warm. We never saw a police officer. Maria said people were very honest here. There were several wifi cafes with no purchase necessary to use it, along the main street. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we are now seven hours ahead of EST. Certainly don’t want to wake anyone back home in the US. We did anyway! Sorry kids!

We enjoyed our day and mostly the people of Katakolon. 
So happy to inform you... they have gelato here too! YUM!!!

Messina, Sicily

The Port of Messina

Village of Taormina...a feast for the eyes...

We arrived in the Port of Messina, Sicily, Tuesday May 21, 2013. First morning photo 8:45AM. The day was overcast and very windy, a jacket for sure.

We booked a transfer through Holland America to the Village of Taormina. It was tempting to stay in town, as there was a lot to do there and only a short walk. We stuck to our original plans and were so glad that we did. Our tour would depart at 11:45AM.

Our guide’s name was Christina, she was excellent, she spoke clearly with a Italian/British accent. Italian’s use a lot of r’s when they speak, coming originally from Boston, Massachusetts, where r’s are non-existent, we were sometimes confused by the dialect of some of the guides. Not so with Christina!

Driving through the countryside was a bit disappointing. The mountain sides were brown and looked very dry! I don’t know this for sure, but it seemed like there had been a lack of rain for quite some time. The landscape painted with factory like buildings and apartment like very old and dated structures. No steeples or castles that I could see. Keep in mind however, that they all faced the Med. 

On the rosary bead scale of ten, I would say that this drive was a six, compared to the Amalfi Coast drive, the day before. Still a Mama Mia, Hail Mary journey, none the less. Twisting and turning on two lane roads, on up the mountain. Of course, crazy drivers on their way down. 

What were we in for, I thought??? We arrived in Taormina, forty five minutes later and took an elevator up to level seven. Thank goodness we did not have to climb stairs on this one. Still not very impressed. We walked through a terrace with beautiful views, things looked promising. The temperature had risen and perfect for touring.

Look to the right, Christina advised. There are three sections, it should take about twenty minutes to walk to the last courtyard, she said. Was she kidding!

That right turn brought us to a medieval village that we meandered though, for two hours. We could have spent several more hours here. Very large in comparison to others we had visited.

Once again I was suspended in a time warp, captured in a fairy tale. Churches, cafes, overlooks and the smell of delectable delights filled the air. Street venders and artists were selling their wares, musicians played their instruments, people sang along. The shops were incredible but expensive. This is where my investment in camera equipment pays off, I explained to hubby! I’m too busy taking pictures to shop. Look at all the money I am saving you! Priming him for that new wide angle lens! 

Sicily is known for it’s cannoli’s, we split one. Delicious! A gelato shop beaconed us in, we had some! Refreshing! Sicilian pizza, o so incredibly good. Basically we ate our way though the village, happier than two little pigs in s__t! Thank goodness I had on my elastic waist pants! 

I have a passion for old windows and flower boxes, they accented the stucco structures that lined the streets, as far as the eye could see. I had to keep mindful of the uneven roads, while shooting up!

Well folks, another day in fantasy land. Our ride back to the ship relaxing. Passengers who stayed in Messina for the day were disappointed. A great deal of traffic, they wished they had booked a tour! 

A welcomed sea day on Wednesday, then off to Greece. We may have pillaged our last gelato shop. Not sure if they serve gelato in Greece, but I’m willing to bet they have something to replace it!!! 

Amalfi Coast, Naples, Italy

Mt. Vesuvius

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Village

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast 

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Village

Monday, May 20, 2013. We arrived in The Port of Naples, Naples Italy. First morning photo, 6:45AM. The views are spectacular from either side of the ship! Truthfully 

I‘m exhausted but ready to go, hoping my adrenaline doesn’t expire any time soon! Amazing how new adventures will fuel enthusiasm and energy. 

The day was warm and sunny, with very little wind. We booked a tour through Holland America to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento! Our guides name was Maria and the driver Johnny! 

Naples, is a city I have dreamt about visiting for years. It is said to be the birthplace of pizza pie! My expectations were met and then some. Driving from port to Sorrento was an unusual and visually diverse experience. It ran the gamut of old limestone structures, painted in drab shades of pollution, to the most beautiful pastoral landscapes I have ever seen! Church steeples and an occasional castle or fortress interrupted the serenity of the horizon and azure skies. Architecture ranging from, Medieval to Renaissance to Baroque periods. A very mountainous region, hosting Mt. Vesuvius, a still active volcano. It last erupted in 1944. 

We arrived in Sorrento and visited Cuomo’s Lucky Store. They specialize in handmade furniture, all created with inlaid woods. Truly, fine works of art. Forty thousand dollars, will buy you a dining table and eight chairs, shipping included, right to your door. The intricacy of the artisans work, truly substantiates the price. A lot out of my price range, however.

We then had lunch with our group and sat with a couple from Jacksonville, Florida, the other from Australia. The wine flowed freely and we had a lot of laughs. Lunch was delicious too! 

We then stopped at an overlook in Sorrento Bay! Spectacular and panoramic views! 

Mama Mia! OMG, the ride up to the Village of Amalfi, was one of the most visually electrifying, exhilarating experiences, I have ever had! It was definitely a check your underwear, rosary bead, Hail Mary journey! A two lane road twisted and turned all the way up! I could have touched the sky! Cars were passing the bus and we won’t even mention the crazy scooter people. NUTZ!!! Horns, yes, they were a blowing! Some sign language too! 

The scenery all consuming! I didn’t really mind that my life could end in an instant, my fear of heights vanished. Had we gone over the cliff, I’m sure my shutter button would have still been clicking, trying to capture that one last shot. 

My eyes took over my timid ears and captured my heart! I drank it in, tried to digest it and let it fester in the lining of my soul. My sense of taste would have to trust my other senses into believing that this was the most magical place on earth! This is where I am meant to be, in this very moment of time.

Amalfi Village itself, was a fairy tale, all unto it’s own, I was living in a postcard. Church bells ringing, people enjoying and I savoring this glorious gift. We were at sea level and I’m not sure how that happened, don’t remember coming down. The wine had worn off, honest!

The ride back to port was restful and I’m sure we dozed for a while. It was an eight hour tour all total.

Reality check: My feet planted firmly back down aboard ship, I will admit that my photos are not as magical as I would have hoped. The bus in motion, could not stop en route and many captures were taken through the windows. Glare, even without the flash. I deleted at least fifty photos.

Off to Sicily tomorrow, Tuesday. A welcomed day of rest on Wednesday, then on to Greece.

Lessons Learned: You know you’ve had to much to drink, when in the restroom, you put your hands under the paper towel dispenser and hot air doesn’t come out!!! 

Wisdom: O God, reality is going to suck! Lucky for us, our lovely family will soften the blow! I know my son-in-law can’t wait!!!!

Ostia Antica, Italy

ancient uneven roads... 
Thanks everyone for your kind comments and emails! I cannot answer now as the internet service aboard ship is very expensive! Just know that I am very appreciative! Love and miss you all!

public bathrooms....yikes!

The Temple

Pine nuts grow on umbrella pine trees, pictured right. Geppetto carved Pinocchio from the wood of an Umbrella Pine Tree. His name means wood with an eye! According to the guide.

mixing the old with the new...love it

public kitchen and bar...

We arrived in The Port of Civitavecchia, Sunday, May 19, 2013. First morning light photo, 6:45AM. Cool and windy, with again the promise of a warmer day ahead. 

The port very large and industrial. Several cruise ships were docked, always an awesome sight.

We booked an out of town tour to Ostia Antica, through Holland America. My biggest, concern, what does one wear to an archeological dig???  Our tour left promptly at 8:00AM. There was a one and half hour ride to the sight and my expectations were dwindling! The ride very pastoral, accessorized with olive trees, umbrella pine trees, along with scattered cypress. Very relaxing and a chance to unwind, so we made the best of it. The brochure did say it was out of town! We will visit Rome on our land tour.

We met our guide Barbara, she was extremely knowledgeable and spoke decent English. Didn’t always catch everything she said, but got the gist of it. She spoke for two hours and was a plethora of information. 

The genius of the Romans was evident in every brick or stone that was laid. Intricate water systems, sophisticated engineering and a beautiful ancient city, displayed a view of Roman daily life. 

Ostia was one of Ancient Rome’s important, commercial and military ports. It had disappeared for centuries because of earthquakes and tsunamis. It was in large, preserved because of sand and mud that had covered it over. In 1932, Mussolini ordered that Ostia be excavated. The area is very large and we were able to cover half of the site. 
There were apartments, public bathrooms, Roman baths, public kitchens, a temple, Forum and a theater. Many merchants sold their wears in shops that were clearly defined by, Barbara. 

Most of the site was at ground level. This was a relief as we had been looking up for days, enjoying other European wonders. Barbara said, that most of the structures were four stories high originally. If you were wealthy you got the first level, as it was easier to carry water to your apartment. 

The roads were paved with very large and uneven stones, which made walking a mindful experience. An ankle could be twisted with any wrong move. 

We later stopped at a swanky Gelateria, in modern Ostia, a beautiful seaside resort. The gelato was excellent and refreshing.

Well folks there you have it, another day in paradise! My expectations rating, over the top!

The Amalfi Coast tomorrow, one of the many highlights of our trip. A welcomed sea day on Tuesday! 

Lessons learned: I need a wide angle lens! 

Livorno, Italy

Montecarlo Village

Montecarlo Village

Montecarlo Village

Livorno

Wine tasting...

Livorno

Livorno

We arrived in The Port of Livorno, Italy, Saturday, May 18, 2013. First morning photo, 7:00AM.

I must say that the port was very industrial and not what I had expected. The sun was shining and still a bit cool, with the promise of a warmer day ahead. Excited none the less, as we had a tour of the Tuscan Countryside, for a wine tasting, scheduled for the day. We will be in Pisa and Florence in a couple of weeks so we wanted something more rural to experience and not duplicate our land tour. We would later take a shuttle bus into the city of Livorno and get a feel for the area. 

We drove through the Provence of Lucca, in the region of Tuscany, to the Village of Montecarlo, not to be confused with Monte Carlo, Monaco. 

Our guide was named Valerio, in his early twenties, he had a great sense of humor and kept us laughing. He has a degree in political science and spoke English very well.

Valerio said, that the unemployment rate for young people, under thirty years of age, is at 40%. He may have to leave his country, to find work. Franco was our bus driver, a jolly fellow, who spoke no English. We communicated through the universal language, of sign.

The brochure stated that there were 25 steps to the village! Easy right? The reality was 25 steep, very old, rustic, uneven steps to the village! Once again a lung exercising climb! Some in our group could not make it to the top. Very disappointing, I thought. 

Not a very impressive village compared to what we had seen in, France and Monaco. It had it’s own unique flavor however, and we were able to view a working class village, enjoying the locals. We strolled through out the village, which has panoramic views of the countryside. Olive trees and vineyards, could be seen from every angle. 

We left Montecarlo and headed back to Livorno, to visit a family owned vineyard. After a brief explanation of the process we were escorted to a large warm and inviting room. The table was set and we were able to taste five different wines, ranging from a sparkling white to a dry white, to a red, to a sweet dessert and finally a grape liquor. Tapas were also served, along with almond biscotti made by grand-mother. The biscotti was delicious dipped in the grape liquor. 

Let’s just say that we all left very happy! Valerio, told some jokes on the way back to the ship and gave us more history on the area. He then brought out a bottle of cold limoncello for a toast, and toast we did. He was just so darn cute, I know he was tipped very well, by all. 

Back at the ship we took a shuttle bus into the city of Livorno, 5 euro pp roundtrip. We met two ladies, from our ship and one had just been pick pocketed, at a local store. She lost 150 euro and her credit cards. We felt so bad for her. She said, it was two young women with a baby carriage in the shop with her, when it happened. Thank goodness, I have my bra pouch for security. You just can’t be to careful here. The high unemployment rate has forced people into this type of bad behavior. 

Livorno is called Little Venice, because of it’s many canals. They were a pleasure to view. We found free wi-fi in a cafe, but their password would not work and of course you have to buy something for 3 euro to use it. The something was already consumed, so no refund! In the second cafe we were successful but had to buy something as well, a 3 euro minimum purchase. So it cost us 6 euro in gelato to call the kids between the two cafes. Think it might have been cheaper to buy the Verizon Plan. Such a sweet deal! 

Well folks enjoy the photos. Off to Rome tomorrow for a archeological dig. Should be interesting! Saving all the big attractions for our second leg of the trip! Archeological dig...What was I thinking when I booked that one??? 

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Do you think they have a Walmart here???

Nice, The Blue Coast

St. Paul de Vence...love the antiquity here...

gorgeous buildings at every turn...

Sweet Shoppe...

Wife of Michel Boulet... she was a pleasure to speak with...

Looks like a working boat...

St. Paul de Vence 

We arrived in the Monaco, Friday, May 17, 2013. I took my first morning photo, at 7:05AM. Just me, the seagulls and the smokers, on the aft Lido deck this morning! The sun was shining brightly and the air cool and a bit foggy. Still needing a light jacket!

Holy golden cow and the goose who laid the golden egg, what money in this harbor. But are they really happy??? Definitely yes and skinny too! Let’s put it this way, I would rather be miserable and rich, than miserable and poor! Blah! Blah! Blah!

We booked a tour through Holland America, to St. Paul de Vence & Scenic Drive and scenic it was! We left the dock a few minutes late, as there was a security issue.

Driving through Nice was an amazing journey. Our guide, Cynthia very knowledgeable and understandable.

The beauty of the “Blue Coast” as it is nick-named was truly an awe inspiring experience! The Mediterranean waters have a unique color all unto their own. Somehow different than the Caribbean blue, that I am use to. Deeper and richer in tone, stretching for miles. I know now the true meaning, of the color azure! An artist must digest this! The mountainous landscape, hosting some of the most beautiful real estate, I have ever seen. 

My O my, the wealth here is surreal! People walking and riding their bikes along the promenade overlooking the sea, visual poetry. 

Arriving at St. Paul de Vence, about 11:00AM. This medieval village is now a working artist community. Shops and restaurants as well. 

We met the wife of artist, Michel Boulet. I L.O.V.E. his work. He is definitely worth googling! His plump, whimsical, ladies represent the love we should have for ourselves, no matter our size! Enjoy life! Let’s hear for Michel! The famous painter, Marc Chagall is also buried here.

We took the highway back to the ship, a much quicker ride, although still scenic.

Hubby and I then walked for quite a while in Monaco, before returning to the ship. Walking uphill to the famous casino, I thought I was going to die, but worth the grueling hike. We did not go inside or even peek, however! The entrance way on the other side, and I, out of energy! That’s OK, my formal wear was back at the ship anyway! There is a 10 Euro charge just to enter and no photos allowed, a couple from our ship reported. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. The walk back, downhill! Thank God!

The crew had a French Food, sail away dinner, waiting for everyone, upon our return from various tours!

Tomorrow Italy, and I am bursting at the seams! I almost need a day off! 

Cinderella here, signing off! Sill more kingdoms to discover, photographically capture and enjoy!