20August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Rode out the rocky night in relative peace it seems and woke to find ourselves docked in the busy Piraeus Harbour, Athens! Cruise over sad to say – would have been nice to have a few more days but all good things come to an end and wait there is more!
Onwards to the Acropolis – a religious centre dating back to 5th century with many old monuments/temples etc built to worship greek gods – the remaining structures are as impressive as they say and huge when you are up next to them, especially the most well known – the Parthenon (Google The Acropolis FYI). The guide had an amazing story about how little ruins moved in the last recent earthquake here – not enough to put a needle in he said! They knew this as extensive renovations underway and measuring equipment etc in place.
Again a strong wind blowing but welcomed as it mitigated some heat – hard to keep your sunhat on though! Pretty amazing views out over Athens and of other monuments. We stopped at Panathinaikon Stadium where first modern day Olympics took place – not used much now for sport as the bends are too sharp! LOL- they only have the last lap of the marathon here now and otherwise used for special concerts – the largest marble stadium in the world – seems such a shame! But imagine hearing Bortechelli there!
Beautiful night views of floodlit Acropolis from the hotel rooftop – very pleasant temperature in evening and picturesque surroundings. Have noticed Athens has lots of trees & rooftop gardens – Seville orange trees along many streets, also stands of olive, carob and many oleander! Enjoyed dinner with a former work colleague of Gill’s who is currently working in the Emirates and travelling over summer. The world really is a small place!
20August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Not a town but a small archipelago of 5 islands in the southern Agean Sea. The first thing you notice is all the white houses sitting on top of the towering cliffs (compare to yesterday where they were all along the harbour). Santorini was formed by an enormous volcanic eruption and was uninhabited for years. Then resettled about 1000 BC and grown from there. Still 2 active volcanoes and last eruption was in 1956 which devasted the main town of Fira.
Fira is well known for its donkey rides & cable car up/down the steep hillside. We avoided the donkeys on the advice of 2 different guides and were very pleased we did after later talking to other shipmates!! Much more appealing from a distance.
The houses in Santorini are notable for their white walls and contrasting blue doors railings, window sills etc. Also the blue domes on the churches. All quite stunning in the brilliant sun. We went out to the village of Oia- reputedly the most traditional and beautiful and were not disappointed. Views and colours amazing and vivid. Loved wandering, climbing up & down the stairs and alleys – one house roof is another’s deck as they climb over each other. Some are built into the cliff and these are the safest structures in an earthquake!
Also went to the Santo winery – most well known for Vin Santo dessert wine. Grapes grow on the ground in circular vines to protect them from the winds (understood!). There is virtually no rain but the high humidity is all they need.
Again very hot so the pool was a welcome respite on return to ship. Santorini has quite a reputation for wind it seems – definitely felt it back on ship – Captain couldn’t wait to leave as had a “bad day” trying to keep ship anchored in the wind – said it was 47 knots and climbing into evening so a rocky sail out! Mark was sceptical that the wind was 47 lol!
20August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Tendered into this lovely little fishing port, the second largest town in Crete – crescent-shaped harbour lined by houses and shops painted in warm pastels. Lots of narrow alleys crammed with shops. Enjoyed wandering the cobblestoned paths and rather absorbed watching the “garra rufa” fish – ichthyotherapy to remove dead cells from the feet. Feet are immersed in an aquarium containing the little fish. First they nibble off the old cells & secrete an enzyme which helps with regeneration, circulation & massage.
Chania still has a strong Venetian look seen in much of architecture and old docks as well as charming lighthouse on end of harbour wall. Learning a bit about the old kingdoms and rulers and connections for all these ports of call.
Enjoyed the peace and tranquility here – slightly lazier afternoon – by the pool on board, wining, dining, and a poolside deck party.
17August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
We sailed into this lovely sleepy little fishing village admiring a gorgeous sunrise. Katakolon is the gateway to nearby Olympia – site of the early Olympic Games. Being a little over ruins & especially traipsing around them in the heat we choose to have a quiet morning in the little town – we did watch an interesting lecture about the Olympic site & ruins – past and present views so do feel we “got” some history! I thoroughly enjoyed shopping and wandering while Mark had coffee and free internet! Today was the first day we have met several other cruise ships in port – all arrived after us so no problem and there was an amusing exchange of horns as we also departed first!
17August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Corfu is a small verdant island, known as the Capri of Greece. There are some lovely little bays like the one at Palaikastri – 16 miles west of Corfu town where we briefly sailed out in a local’s boat in crystal clear blue water to admire the small fish, caves and colours – very pleased the boat had a sunshade! A short drive later over more hairpin bends, and through the longest wait at a red traffic light ever (for a stretch of narrow road through a village), took us to a local tavern for meze, local wine and some shopping time.
Olive, cypress, orange, lemon, fig and pine trees are everywhere creating a rich looking blanket when viewed from a height, with the tall (male) cypress poking out & looking very elegant. Unfortunately, it is the female trees that are shorter & fatter (unfair as they say in life!). The olive trees are amazing – the older the tree the more holey & intertwined the bark – there were plenty of variations on this theme!
We wandered through old Corfu town and enjoyed many little shops tucked away into the coolness of the narrow alleyways. A good decision was made to dine outdoors on the ship as we sailed from Corfu – an amazing sunset unfolded – photos don’t do it justice!
16August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Wow- it just gets better! Up at the crack of dawn for the cruise down the magnificent fjord to dock at Kotor. Beautiful calm blue water, huge hills with little clusters of houses around the waters edge and then the Bay of Kotor! Magic. A highlight on the way into dock was the 2 little islands just inside the bay- “St George” & “Lady of the Rock”. We breakfasted on our balcony through the cruise in and were ready for our all day trip into Montenegro! The trip on a medium size bus up the narrow ‘serpentine road’ with its 25 hairpin bends to get to the top was entertaining – as we met numerous cars and a convoy of 4WDs coming in the other direction. The view from the top was magnificent – looking down on the ship, landscape and fjord very impressive. The country is rich in history and landscape and we saw some of this in the little villages, UNESCO protected walled city, stunning beaches and mountains. Highest peak is 1,700m. Second highest at 1,600m has a mausoleum on top! Built in 19th century! Quite a hike on horseback! Lunched at a local restaurant with typical country food – very good! Again another very hot day in 30’s somewhere (we hear there is snow/sleet in Hamilton!) – it can get up to 42 degrees here in summer and winters are long and cold with plenty of snow! Montenegro is only 13,800 sq km in size, proudly independent after a long fight and very beautiful. They hope to join the EU in 2013.
Needless to say we are very well looked after on board – general pattern is cruising to next destination overnight then either day excursions from port or lounging about on ship!
16August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Boarding Azamara Quest in Venice and cruising down the canal to the Adriatic Sea as dusk fell was fairly impressive! Past the Basilica, numerous canals , observing venetian life from on high and through a flotilla of boats, glass of champagne in hand boded well for the days ahead! However, despite the lure of the after dinner activity (after a feast!) we tested the bed next – very tired after arising at 3.30 am for the flight to Venice. Stateroom provisions very good! We docked in Split, Croatia at noon Monday – very smooth overnight cruise – morning spent exploring the ships amenities – many & varied! In the afternoon we took a tour to the Split Riviera- Trogir, an island barely separated from the mainland –only 800mx400m – quite a hangout! Then toured the Dioclethan Palace in Split itself – contains a city within a palace, dating from Roman Times & now UNESCO protected. Lots of quaint alleyways, piazzas & churches as well as shops & houses, all now privately owned by citizens. Was very hot indeed and we were pleased to get back to the ship and cool off! Split landscape very dry of course but picturesque. Specialities of Croatia are the maraschino cherry (& liqueur) as well as grappa. Did you know a Croatian invented the fountain pen and also the cravat? – way too hot for one of those today!!
12August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Walk up Killiney Hill this am-lovely views over Killiney Bay, back to Dalkey and over Dublin City. Then to Dun Laoghaire, just along from Dalkey and a walk out to the end of one of the piers forming a breakwater and enclosing marina. Tour of a French naval patrol vessel docked alongside – accompanying Solitaire de Figaro yachts currently on 3rd leg stopover. These were yachts & naval boats I saw going past the window earlier in the week. Fireworks on the pier tonight that we should see from home! Early flight to Vienna tomorrow to catch the cruise to Croatia and Greece! New photos posted.
11August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Today we all went to Belfast, about a 2 hour drive from Dalkey. Belfast is “over the border” (Northern Ireland) – Micah’s first trip to the UK! The border is pretty much invisible apart from subtle changes and different road signs. We went straight to the Shankill Road area and spent some time wandering and looking at the now famous murals, testament to the voices & struggles of the past. Has improved my understanding & appreciation of past & fairly recent history!
Lunch at Gourmet Burger Kitchen- one of Matt’s favourites- executive chef Peter Gordon, NZ drinks. the “tomato” sauce bottle and NZ photos lining the wall.
We later toured Belfast City Hall – very impressive! Sat in the Lord Mayor’s chair (currently they have the youngest mayor ever – Sinn Féin party) and Micah charmed the tour guide! (Poppa thought she was going to run off with Micah!) Later wanderings took us down to Queens Island and the Titanic Quarter where a whole tourist industry has been established around the ill-fated liner.
Earlier this week Mark went to the London area for 2 days work while Kat, Micah & I went shopping around Dublin! Enjoyed the music and dancing and atmosphere of Grafton Street in the city centre and Micah scored!
Last night Matt, Mark & I went to an Irish night in Temple Bar – thoroughly enjoyed the food, music and dancing- take up Irish dancing if Zumba is not your thing!
6August2011
Posted by Gill under: 2011.
Matt & Kat’s village of Dalkey is a seaside suburb, about 30 mins by train, 15 mins by car (off peak) from Dublin city itself. In medieval times, Dalkey was Dublin’s most important port town with 7 castles- only 2 remain today. Was a walled town on 3 sides with a double ditch or rampart on the other side. Dalkey Island has a Martello Tower- one of 26 along the Dublin coast built to defend against a threatened invasion by Napolean. There is also another Martello Tower in Matt and Kat’s backyard, one just up the road that now houses the James Joyce Musuem and another at Bray is owned by Bono.
The old and new houses around Dalkey vary with substantial mansions owned by the rich & famous through a wide range of stand alones, duplexes and multiplexes-most are named and generally have a coloured door. Very cute to see the variations especially in a row of houses.