I'll try to summarize our awesome 9 day Athen’s trip (Oct 26 – Nov 2)… We saw so many beautiful things & experienced things I had previously only read about. The weather was fairly nice ~ not too hot, not too cold, just warm & sunny. The Aegean Sea is absolutely beautiful. The colors are exquisite – deep blues and aquas. It is also a fairly calm sea so made for wonderful lazing about when we were in Athens.
You know how our family loves dogs (& cats at times). Well Greece has a program to take care of the stray animals; they are fed, watered, and not seen as a nuisance. That is a good thing since there are so many. The girls will probably remember the dogs more than anything else from this trip. There was even one night that Sophie had made a real friend – he followed us everywhere we went on the island; she shed quite a few tears when we told her she could NOT bring it home. It was a beautiful dog, but we already have 2 in the UK and 1 in the US J
Saturday – Travel Day
We arrived at our hotel (Best Western) Saturday afternoon to see it surrounded by police dressed in riot gear… only to find out it was because the hotel was next to the Archaeological Museum which holds artifacts worth millions of dollars ~ the police are there to protect the museum (not us). We took the rest of the day to familiarize ourselves with Athens and to get some dinner. We tried to get to bed early so we could start the touring with a full tank of gas.
Sunday – Day in Athens
Sunday was a big hiking/walking day in Athens. We made our way to the Acropolis, knowing we would spend most of our day here. It was a long, steep hike but we made it! It was amazing to see all the history and beautiful sights. However, I must admit the Parthenon was a bit of a disappointment to me since we have seen an intact replica of it in Nashville. Regardless, we enjoyed walking around all the ancient grounds.
You know how our family loves dogs (& cats at times). Well Greece has a program to take care of the stray animals; they are fed, watered, and not seen as a nuisance. That is a good thing since there are so many. The girls will probably remember the dogs more than anything else from this trip. There was even one night that Sophie had made a real friend – he followed us everywhere we went on the island; she shed quite a few tears when we told her she could NOT bring it home. It was a beautiful dog, but we already have 2 in the UK and 1 in the US J
Saturday – Travel Day
We arrived at our hotel (Best Western) Saturday afternoon to see it surrounded by police dressed in riot gear… only to find out it was because the hotel was next to the Archaeological Museum which holds artifacts worth millions of dollars ~ the police are there to protect the museum (not us). We took the rest of the day to familiarize ourselves with Athens and to get some dinner. We tried to get to bed early so we could start the touring with a full tank of gas.
Sunday – Day in Athens
Sunday was a big hiking/walking day in Athens. We made our way to the Acropolis, knowing we would spend most of our day here. It was a long, steep hike but we made it! It was amazing to see all the history and beautiful sights. However, I must admit the Parthenon was a bit of a disappointment to me since we have seen an intact replica of it in Nashville. Regardless, we enjoyed walking around all the ancient grounds.
We were able to find a play park in the middle of the city so the girls could let off some steam. We then walked past Hadrian’s Arch, took the pictures to prove we were there, and headed off for dinner at the Hard Rock Café ~ the girls weren’t too impressed but Kevin & I enjoyed the familiar food & classic rock music.
Monday – Start of the Cruise
We had an early start to the day (only to find every day on a cruise starts early) so we could get on the ship. We then stood in the freezing wind during the safety instructions – learning how to put on the life preservers, get into the boats, stand in straight lines with men in back, ladies next, and kids in front. There was no ceremony of waving goodbye to the shore or streamers blowing in the wind – just freezing passengers waiting for the captain and the safety officer to give their approval to our “formation.”
We had an early start to the day (only to find every day on a cruise starts early) so we could get on the ship. We then stood in the freezing wind during the safety instructions – learning how to put on the life preservers, get into the boats, stand in straight lines with men in back, ladies next, and kids in front. There was no ceremony of waving goodbye to the shore or streamers blowing in the wind – just freezing passengers waiting for the captain and the safety officer to give their approval to our “formation.”
"This Picture is for Whitney"
The girls attempted to swim in the pool but between the breeze and the cold salt water it didn’t last too long ~ they were troopers but it wasn’t very kid friendly either. Everyone was asking Kevin where we were from – a polite way of asking why we were letting our kids play in the freezing wind & water. Oh well. Next the kids were excited to start the kids’ club activities but quickly determined they were the only 2 kids on the ship. It actually worked to their advantage – they were able to have the sole attention of the staff plus every where they went they were the center of attention. All staff members knew their names & all the passengers knew who our family was…
Tuesday – Kusadasi, Turkey and Patmos, Greece
Tuesday was our first excursion day, and it was awesome. On the upper island of Kusadasi there is a home believed to be the final place for the Virgin Mary; she lived there the last 15 years of her life. It had two rooms, a beautiful view, and has been preserved wonderfully. Tradition holds that John had it built for her & would visit her 3 times a week to bring her & her servant food.
Halfway down the mountain is the ancient village of Ephesus. We were able to walk the marble and cobblestone pathways. Standing at the entrance gate to Ephesus while looking down into the village gave me a different perspective on life during biblical times ~ through the visual experience and the guide’s leadership, you could almost see life happening… 
The entrance to Ephesus...
Then, for me, the climax of the day’s trips was visiting Patmos where John received the vision for Revelation (Grotto of the Apocalypse). We were able to see the cave were he heard God speak. There is a crack in the rock believed to have been made by the voice of God; the crack split the rock into 3 equal parts which is to honor the Holy Trinity. Again, they have kept it in original form but preserved it wonderfully. There is the St. John’s Monastery approximately 1 mile up the mountain from the cave. Within the monastery museum I was able to see a manuscript for Mark, Job, and Revelation. 
I felt like I was living what I am studying in school. It was so cool…
Wednesday – Rhodes, Greece
We spent the whole day on the island of Rhodes. We started with a tour of the Old City which had some great history (not that I can remember any of it now…). We then took a bus ride to a family owned ceramic factory. The guide explained what made the Greek ceramics unique, the family traditions involved in the business, and of course gave us all an opportunity to purchase some ceramics. The amazing part was when he showed us how practical the ceramic was – he scratched on a plate with a coin (no marks were made & no damage to the painting on the ceramics) and then he slammed it down on the counter – scared us all to death, but again no damage. Of course, I still was not too comfortable with the girls running around the shop when the average price per piece was 60+ Euros.
Next the tour took us to the village of Lindos. We passed beautiful white-washed villages along the way which contrasted wonderfully against the deep blue sea. This is a place we would definitely considering coming back with the girls. There was a fabulous beach in Lindos with private villas on the waterfront… Ok continuing with the story, Lindos has a castle on top of a mountain. It is a steep climb, but the girls enjoyed a donkey ride while Kevin & I walked behind. Once we arrived at the castle/fortress we realized just how dangerous it could be – there were no walls or safety barriers up on the castles edge, just sheer drop-offs. I am glad the girls weren’t too excited to be near the edge, because I was clinging to the sides.
I felt like I was living what I am studying in school. It was so cool…
Wednesday – Rhodes, Greece
We spent the whole day on the island of Rhodes. We started with a tour of the Old City which had some great history (not that I can remember any of it now…). We then took a bus ride to a family owned ceramic factory. The guide explained what made the Greek ceramics unique, the family traditions involved in the business, and of course gave us all an opportunity to purchase some ceramics. The amazing part was when he showed us how practical the ceramic was – he scratched on a plate with a coin (no marks were made & no damage to the painting on the ceramics) and then he slammed it down on the counter – scared us all to death, but again no damage. Of course, I still was not too comfortable with the girls running around the shop when the average price per piece was 60+ Euros.
Next the tour took us to the village of Lindos. We passed beautiful white-washed villages along the way which contrasted wonderfully against the deep blue sea. This is a place we would definitely considering coming back with the girls. There was a fabulous beach in Lindos with private villas on the waterfront… Ok continuing with the story, Lindos has a castle on top of a mountain. It is a steep climb, but the girls enjoyed a donkey ride while Kevin & I walked behind. Once we arrived at the castle/fortress we realized just how dangerous it could be – there were no walls or safety barriers up on the castles edge, just sheer drop-offs. I am glad the girls weren’t too excited to be near the edge, because I was clinging to the sides.
After the guided tour ended we had a few hours left on the island so we attempted the beach. To find a “clean” beach was about a 20 minute walk from the cruise ship. The girls attempted to swim but again the water was freezing. Also the beach was all rocks so it wasn’t the easiest or most comfortable to walk around.
This was to be our “fancy” night for dinner, so it was to our advantage to get back to the ship as soon as possible. The girls enjoyed dinner and dancing afterwards. Later the girls & I headed off to bed for a good nights sleep and Kevin headed off to play some black-jack.
Thursday – Herakloin and Santorini, Greece
Thursday morning we visited the Knossos Palace and Herakloin City. This was one of the most boring tours we took. The palace ruins are massive, but in the UK we can see real castles just as big & still intact (that sounds kinda snobbish doesn’t it).
the kids were literally climbing the walls with boredom :-)
Thursday – Herakloin and Santorini, Greece
Thursday morning we visited the Knossos Palace and Herakloin City. This was one of the most boring tours we took. The palace ruins are massive, but in the UK we can see real castles just as big & still intact (that sounds kinda snobbish doesn’t it).
the kids were literally climbing the walls with boredom :-)
Future movie star
Future model...
...since the palace ruins were sooo exciting we took more family pictures...
Between the two islands we had some time on the boat. The girls enjoyed kids club where they got to tour the bridge and learn about daily life on the boat. Kevin & I headed off to the Black Jack tables.
She doesn't even have a driver's license yet...
Santorini is definitely a place Kevin & I will return to – but without the girls. It is a volcano island (still active) with the various layers of lava visible on the coastline. There is a volcano climbing tour, but there wasn’t enough time & not sure the girls could handle much more strenuous walking. The views are breathtaking… We learned that Cathedrals or churches are owned by families and have the circular blue dome ~ a beautiful sight against the white-washed houses with blue shutters and the stunning blue sea. The most peculiar sight though was seeing the dogs sleeping on the curved roofs of the houses. I guess it does keep them off the streets.
While coming down in the cable car we learned that in April of 2007, the Sea Diamond (a boat by the same cruise line) sank in this sea right off the shoreline. It was determined the maps used for vessels was incorrect on the depth of the volcano rocks & the cruise ship ended up being the proof after it hit the volcano rocks under the sea and sunk within a few hours… That explains why our cruise ship parked so much further out in the sea than the other cruise ships.
The main memories for me from the cruise will be watching the girls dance each night in the ballroom – twirling, swinging, and boogying down to the various music; Sophie’s face when she realized that she would also get to sleep on a top bunk (since the room had 2 bunk beds, we all had our own bed – Kevin & I on the bottom two beds, the girls on the top); Sophie’s giggles and Brittney’s crazy faces.
Friday – Early Disembarkment & Day in Athens
After an early disembarkment from the ship, we checked into the Marriott – it was nice to be in a familiar hotel where they speak fluent English. After determining that the pool closed the week before, we knew we were going to need to be creative to entertain the girls (they were tired of walking & only wanted to be in water). Sooo we decided to do more sight-seeing… since there is no double-decker tour buses, we took the Happy Train tour through Athens. It was a great way to see some of the sights & pass some time.
We ended the day in an Amusement Park with rides, games, and the traditional greasy food. We rode the log flume, extreme log flume (we got very wet), roller-coasters, trampolines, you name it. It was a great find by Kevin :-).
Saturday – Beach Time
Saturday we decided to rent a car so we could drive to a beach. First of all driving in Athens is a little easier than Italy but very similar to New York (horns honking, no real lanes – just go wherever, whenever). The only “difficulty” in driving was the Greek signs ~ there was English but it was in small print and lighter color font ~ a whole new meaning to the phrase “it’s all Greek to me…”
The beach was beautiful. It didn’t have white sand but it was clean & relatively speaking was rock free. The first part of our day on the beach was hazy, so the cold water was extremely cold. But as the day progressed the haze burned off, the temperature continued to rise, and the calm sea was a calling. Brittney was disappointed that she couldn’t do any body-surfing, but we all enjoyed the water non the less.
After lunch Kevin & the girls built an awesome drip castle with a draw bridge, moat, swimming pool, stone reinforced front wall, completed with a surrounding stone wall for protection. I’m not sure who had more fun, Kevin or the girls… We had dinner watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea ~ an awesome ending to a wonderful day.
The night ended with Kevin returning from the rental car drop off with a black eye and a gash under his eye. He told Brittney and I he got in a fight with a local guy on the street, but the truth is he got in a fight with the rental car driver’s door…he lost. We all know how well I deal with blood – NOT! So fortunately it had quit bleeding when he returned to the room. We don’t think he needs stitches, but he did get plenty of attention in the Marriott from security ~ I called them to ask for a small band-aide & ice but they sent their security officer with the first aid kit to take care of it all J.
Sunday – Last Day & Travel Home
Since this was to be our last day in Athens, Kevin wanted to make the most of it. After a long uphill hike we were able to then take a cable car to the “high” point in Athens. The view was great, but the girls & I were too exhausted to enjoy them. Kevin took plenty of pictures that we can look at later… We then headed back to the hotel to pick up our bags & off to the airport for the final leg of traveling. Home Sweet Home!
While coming down in the cable car we learned that in April of 2007, the Sea Diamond (a boat by the same cruise line) sank in this sea right off the shoreline. It was determined the maps used for vessels was incorrect on the depth of the volcano rocks & the cruise ship ended up being the proof after it hit the volcano rocks under the sea and sunk within a few hours… That explains why our cruise ship parked so much further out in the sea than the other cruise ships.
The main memories for me from the cruise will be watching the girls dance each night in the ballroom – twirling, swinging, and boogying down to the various music; Sophie’s face when she realized that she would also get to sleep on a top bunk (since the room had 2 bunk beds, we all had our own bed – Kevin & I on the bottom two beds, the girls on the top); Sophie’s giggles and Brittney’s crazy faces.
Friday – Early Disembarkment & Day in Athens
After an early disembarkment from the ship, we checked into the Marriott – it was nice to be in a familiar hotel where they speak fluent English. After determining that the pool closed the week before, we knew we were going to need to be creative to entertain the girls (they were tired of walking & only wanted to be in water). Sooo we decided to do more sight-seeing… since there is no double-decker tour buses, we took the Happy Train tour through Athens. It was a great way to see some of the sights & pass some time.
We ended the day in an Amusement Park with rides, games, and the traditional greasy food. We rode the log flume, extreme log flume (we got very wet), roller-coasters, trampolines, you name it. It was a great find by Kevin :-).
Saturday – Beach Time
Saturday we decided to rent a car so we could drive to a beach. First of all driving in Athens is a little easier than Italy but very similar to New York (horns honking, no real lanes – just go wherever, whenever). The only “difficulty” in driving was the Greek signs ~ there was English but it was in small print and lighter color font ~ a whole new meaning to the phrase “it’s all Greek to me…”
The beach was beautiful. It didn’t have white sand but it was clean & relatively speaking was rock free. The first part of our day on the beach was hazy, so the cold water was extremely cold. But as the day progressed the haze burned off, the temperature continued to rise, and the calm sea was a calling. Brittney was disappointed that she couldn’t do any body-surfing, but we all enjoyed the water non the less.
After lunch Kevin & the girls built an awesome drip castle with a draw bridge, moat, swimming pool, stone reinforced front wall, completed with a surrounding stone wall for protection. I’m not sure who had more fun, Kevin or the girls… We had dinner watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea ~ an awesome ending to a wonderful day.
The night ended with Kevin returning from the rental car drop off with a black eye and a gash under his eye. He told Brittney and I he got in a fight with a local guy on the street, but the truth is he got in a fight with the rental car driver’s door…he lost. We all know how well I deal with blood – NOT! So fortunately it had quit bleeding when he returned to the room. We don’t think he needs stitches, but he did get plenty of attention in the Marriott from security ~ I called them to ask for a small band-aide & ice but they sent their security officer with the first aid kit to take care of it all J.
Sunday – Last Day & Travel Home
Since this was to be our last day in Athens, Kevin wanted to make the most of it. After a long uphill hike we were able to then take a cable car to the “high” point in Athens. The view was great, but the girls & I were too exhausted to enjoy them. Kevin took plenty of pictures that we can look at later… We then headed back to the hotel to pick up our bags & off to the airport for the final leg of traveling. Home Sweet Home!
4 comments:
Wow!! Awesome!
should have brought me along....that's why the owl was there, to make you think of me and wish i was there :o)
It looks like you had an absolutely fabulous trip! So glad you all enjoyed yourselves. (I may ask you for some tips later as I think we want to take a cruise like that in a few months.) ;o)
love the picture and your new look on your blog!:)
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