Mystery Solved

Mystery solved

We decided to ask our room steward if he had seen anyone changing Frankie. He confessed and he was the one who made that very clever airplane.

The ship was nicely decorated for Halloween and all of the staff really got into it.

Ken and I dressed up and several of the people from China stopped and asked us for a picture. Perhaps they do not celebrate Halloween and they thought we were crazy. Either way we made a lot of people smile tonight. Bengie and Karen found cow costumes that will be well used for pj’s later. They looked very cute.

Here are some pictures of the fun.

Sea Day 2

Sea Day

This was a sea day so there was no need to rush anywhere. We woke at our leisure and went to the dining room for breakfast. Ken had a big breakfast and I had a couple of pancakes and bacon.

After breakfast I roamed over to the Halloween display and took pictures of it. The pumpkins were carved with such skill and such imagination.

We have been finding it cool and I have been wearing my jacket to the theatre and sometimes even to dinner. So I went looking in the shops and I found a very nice zippered navy cardigan. It will serve to purpose nicely. I also bought another Princess naval styled tee.

Today was the big sale in the dining room. It is advertised as being up to 75% off but basically it is junk they haven’t been able to sell. I bought nothing.

At one thirty was the Yankie Gift Swap. We brought the Purdy’s Chocolate survival box. It was swapped the most. The gift we got was a box of GHIRARDELLI chocolates from San Francisco. We will enjoy them for sure. They came in a very nice metal can which we will put to good use at home.

 This is formal night and the Captain Circle party so we got dressed up and headed to Club Fusion. We did not win the bottle of Champagne.:-(

In the evening we had our usual dinner,,, it was lobster tail tonight and Ken got to eat both his and mine.

The show was Blame it on the Boogie. We had seen it before but this was completely revamped and we enjoyed it

I had a painful stomach so after a short stroll we called it a night.

MYSTERY

This is Halloween and we came prepared with door decorations and costumes.

I put the door decorations in place 3 days ago. One is a Frankenstein and his arms and legs are moveable.

Someone on board is having fun with Frankie. They have put a loop of tape on his hands and they keep moving them around. Once they were covering his eyes, next his ears  then one hand was on his mouth. His legs have been crossed and today one foot is in the mail box. But the big surprise is that today Frankie has an airplane to play with.

Such fun. We do not have any idea who is doing this.

Tonight we will make sure to get pictures of us in our costumes.... stay tuned

Our Day in Santorini

Santorini

Today we arrived in Santorni around seven. We will be here until seven this evening.

Princess is using local water taxis instead of using the lifeboats for tendering. This community is built on the rim of a Caldara. It is unbelievably steep. Some seem to be just holding on. One shake and they will be at the bottom. Seeing the switch back roads is mindboggling. The way to the top is also available by a cable car.

Originally we had a tour booked with Princess but the tour was cancelled and we were left without something to do. After reading and listening to the details of this city we decided we would go ashore and see what was available. We at least wanted to go and see the town. We had no trouble getting a tender and when we arrived on shore I saw a sign advertising a boat ride to Ola and then back to Fira. The cost was 15 euros each and so we bought tickets and away we went. The ride was very pleasant because it was a sunny warm bright morning.

We had a short 5 minute walk to the town of Ola. It is also beautiful with white plaster and the wonderful royal Blue domes. The iconic picture that you see was taken here but it was taken from a helicopter. We had about an hour and a half to roam.

The return to Fira was hair raising. That was a very skilled driver for sure. The road was one lane in spots and the turn was so sharp that I had to close my eyes.

We had been warned that the wait for a cable car could be as much as an hour so Ken was dreading this part. BUT we had no wait we were on the very next cable car and it runs every 5 minutes or so. At the bottom we got a tender right away also. So it was a great trip to Santorini.

While waiting for the tender I caught a darling picture of one curious little girl. This is a sculpture of a donkey not a real donkey.

The rest of the day was not particularly interesting. We had dinner and went to the show. Then called it a night. Tomorrow is a sea day YEAH!! We are looking forward to it. The only thing we have on the schedule is a Yankie Gift exchange at 1:30.

We sent out laundry because rumour has it the 500 or more Elites board in Rome. It will take days to get laundry back. We will at least be starting out with clean clothes.

Because it is a sea day everyone or almost everyone will be on line so I do not expect to be able to post until Halloween.

Later!!!

Santorini, Greece, October 29th

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Did the catastrophic volcanic eruption that ravaged Santorini circa 1600 B.C. destroy Crete's ancient Minoan civilization - and give birth to the myth of Atlantis? In 1967, archaeologists on Santorini unearthed the remains of a Bronze Age city that may have been home to as many as 30,000 people. Whether the Lost Continent of Atlantis is rooted in myth or reality, an undisputed fact remains. The eruption created a caldera - and one of the most dramatic land and seascapes in the entire Mediterranean. On Santorini, whitewashed buildings cling to vertiginous cliffs that plunge to a turquoise sea. Part of the Cyclades Archipelago, the three-island group of Santorini, Thirasia and uninhabited Aspronisi present the traveler with unforgettable vistas.

The island has had a number of names throughout history - from Strongyle or "Round" to Thera in honor of an ancient hero. Santorini is more recent and stems from the island church dedicated to St. Irene - Santa Rini to foreign sailors.

When here we have decided to take the tour of Oia Village .

 Following is their description of the tour we have booked. Because it will be October 29th I do not expect the black sand to be hot and I do not plan to spend a lot of time in the sea. BUT if it is hot we will be pleasantly surprised.

Tour Overview

Santorini offers kids the opportunity to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of traditional villages, sample fresh local cuisine and swim off the shore of dramatic black sand beaches. Spend a full day on this Discovery Family adventure and make memories together that will last a lifetime.

Tender ashore and board a comfortable motorcoach to begin your ascent of the dramatic, rocky caldera wall. The kids will enjoy the spine-tingling views and twists and turns on the switchbacks. Along the way, your guide will point out the different layers of volcanic lava produced at various phases of the volcano's activity. At the summit, you'll head north through traditional villages to your destination, Oia.

Pronounced "Eee-ah," the village is perched high atop the cliffs of Santorini's northern terminus. The natural beauty and tranquility of Oia's landscape has inspired artists from around the world. A narrated tour takes you down narrow, cobblestone lanes, past whitewashed buildings, quaint shops, sun-bathed cafés and blue-domed churches. Be sure to stop to snap photographs of the surrounding Cycladic isles and the magnificent views of the dazzling caldera.

After the visit to Oia, head toward the other side of the small but dramatically stunning island to the black sands of Perissa Beach. Beach beds and umbrellas have been reserved for you. Please be aware, due to its dark and coarse nature, the black sand can be extremely hot and should not be walked on barefoot.

Perissa is the most popular beach on the island, and during the summer months it's definitely the place to be. Here, you'll have free time to swim and enjoy the amenities. Views are dramatic, and a mammoth rock called Mesa Vouno seems to rise from the sea.

After swimming, you will be served a light lunch at a local taverna before heading back to Fira.

Your tour ends in Fira, but you may stay to explore independently and make your way back to the ship at your leisure, using the cable car (ticket provided). Fira is the cultural and commercial center of Santorini, brimming with galleries, museums, cultural attractions as well as a shopping center. The main square, "Plateia Theotokopoulou," is a lively meeting place. Budding archaeologists will enjoy stepping back in time at the Prehistoric Museum, which displays artifacts recovered from the archaeological site of Akrotiri, Santorini's "Pompeii."

Stop to refresh with an ice cream before taking the cable car, or even a donkey, down to your waiting ship.

Our Time in Mykanos

Our time in Mykonos

This was our day to be in Mykanos. I had heard the name mentioned many times. I guess it was because of Jackie Kennedy Onasis. Somehow it was not as grand as I thought it would be. It is very beautiful in a simple kind of way. All of the houses are of white plaster as is the law of the land. Domes and trim and shutters can be whatever color you would like. No building can be more than 3 stories high. 

The lanes are narrow and winding. The lanes are personally painted with white paint by the people who live there.

This is a national holiday in all of Greece and because of that we were told that many shops would be closed but fortunately many were open.. Our guide was Amaralysis and she spoke so clearly and so knowledgably. She knew the history of the area and she guided us through the labyrinth of narrow lanes.

There is an area they called Little Venice. I was disappointed because I do not know what I expected but a row of houses with balconies overhanging the street was not it

At one point we met a group of scouts getting ready for the parade and Ken approached them and had a chat. We were wishing the Ken had badges in his pack. It would have been nice to give them some.

We did not tour the windmills but we were able to view them.

We learned the most if not all have private chapels. These are small buildings, most of them white plaster with blue dome roofs. These are places where the deceased family members are remembered. Each site is dedicated to one of the saints. It is a wonderful custom of respect and honour.

After out walking tour we reboarded the bus and headed for the shore. We were able to walk in the water so now we have walked in the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas.

Our last major stop was the Greek Orthadox Church and Monestry. The church was  plain on the outside but oh so special in the inside.

When we returned to the Crown we had lunch at Horizon Court. Then I took my computer and I went outside where the crew members were using free WiFi. I spent almost 2 hours trying to catch up on the mail and the blog. This was not faster than the WiFi on board but it was free. Pictures were taking 6 or 7 minutes to download. Terrible. Others are saying that the speed is very good. I am thinking that this computer complete with Windows 7 may have to be replaced. She is old and tired.

Dinner was good as usual. The show was supposed to be a clown or Mime and that did not interest us.

We returned to our cabin. Tomorrow we are at Santorini. We do not have a tour booked because our booked tour was cancelled. We will see what we can find.

Mykonos, Greece/October 28

Thanks to its proximity to the mainland, Mykonos was one of the first Greek islands to become an international travel destination. During the late '60s and early '70s, Mykonos was famed as a haunt for the rich. The island's nightlife - then and now - was a glittering whirl of colored lights, music, and parties. But there's another side to Mykonos - the neighboring island of Delos. In classical mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Travelers to Delos can stroll among the island's vast ruins, which include three temples consecrated to the Sun God and the famed Lions Walk.

Mykonos town features hip boutiques, restaurants, jewelry stores, souvenirs, taverns and cafés. The island's famed windmills are found just south of the waterfront




We decided on this tour because it included time at a beach. We want to be able to put our feet into the waters of the Mediterranean.

Tour Overview

Board your motorcoach for a scenic drive through the rocky countryside en route to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island's south-west coast, Agios Ioannis, home to soft sand, crystalline blue waters and an amazing view of the island of Delos - the historic Archaeological site and reputed birthplace of the twin Gods, Apollo and Artemis.

Then, continue your drive to the charming village of Ano Mera at the center of the island, home to the lovely Panagia Tourliani Monastery. Originally built in 1542 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its impressive architecture, whitewashed exterior and colored dome have long charmed visitors from around the world.

A beautiful marble fountain sits in front of the church, and its interior houses an impressive wooden iconostasis (altar screen), made in 1775 by Florentine artists. Note the hanging incense holders that line the wall: they're decorated with silver dragons holding red eggs in their mouths, evidence of Eastern influences.

A welcome respite in your day is a stop at Kalafatis Beach, where the deep blue Aegean Sea and golden sand beckon you for a short stroll in the sunshine. Refreshments are available for purchase from local vendors.

Return to Mykonos for your guided walking tour; passengers who do not wish to continue may return to the ship.

Mykonos is a picturesque town with a labyrinth-like maze of tiny streets, white houses and red-roofed churches. Don't be fooled by its small size; it is one of the most cosmopolitan towns of the Aegean. But despite the many shops, boutiques and stylish cafes, the town has not lost its charm and the island's strict building regulations have kept its Cycladic architectural style beautifully intact. Your guided, walking tour through the narrow, winding streets introduces you to some of the area's most treasured landmarks.

Look up and you'll find windmills dotting the landscape. Although no longer operational, they hearken back to the days when the area was once an agricultural powerhouse.

You'll want to have your camera ready to photograph Little Venice, famous for its narrow rows of brightly colored homes that literally sit in the sea. A timeless subject for artists, Little Venice is considered one of the most romantic spots in the Greek Isles.

No tour of Mykonos would be complete without the opportunity to see Paraportiani Church. A true Byzantine jewel, the island's most famous church sits just outside the city walls. Paraportiani is actually five churches, four comprise its base and the fifth is built as the dome on the top. Widely photographed, you won't want to miss the opportunity to capture it with your own lens.

At the completion of your tour, you are welcome to continue sightseeing on your own. As you walk through the streets, don't be surprised if Petros the Pelican, the island's mascot, pops out to say hello

aterfront.

Our visit to Katakolon

Katakolon, Greece

The day began strangely. We had breakfast in the dining room, met a couple of very nice people and then returned to our room. We were having a late departure from the ship so there was no need to hurry. This is a tender port and we were on an excursion, a calm situation.

We looked out from the balcony and we could see 3 or 4 tenders bouncing in the water below us. 

Then and announcement came over the PA saying the tenders would be delayed because of needing to put pontoons on the tenders because of the sea conditions. That made absolutely no sense to us but who are we to argue with the captain. They told the people who were not on excursions to wait in other areas of the ship and to not go to Michaelangelo. They did not tell the people on excursions what they should do so we went down to go to the Princess Theatre at the time stated on our tickets. What a nightmare!! There must have been a thousand people in line. It took us at least 20 minutes to get to the front, get our stickers and take a seat. Then we sat there for over an hour. We were supposed to be called at 11:05 and is was well after twelve before our excursion group left the theatre.

We did get there . That is the part of ocean cruising that I do not like. Lines and tenders are a pain. I was glad that we were on a princess tour and not a private one. We knew the bus would wait and the excursion would happen whenever we got there.

We were fortunate in that we were able to be at the front of the line when the first bus filled and so we had our choice of seats on the second bus. It is nice to get a seat near the front with lots of glass area in the window.

Our Guide’s name was Helen. She spoke very good English and her accent was such that she was easy to understand

As we drove to Olympia she told us about the country side and the history of the area. It took about a half hour to get to Olympia.

The ruins were more substantial that I expected. It was quite hot by then and a lot of the walking was up and down hill. I am glad it was not much further or I would not have made it. They need more benches.

To end the tour we were at the race track where the first races had been held in 776BC. We could see the original starting line and the finish line. Helen informed us that anyone who wanted to run it or walk it would receive an Olympic metal at the end of their race. Of course that was too good an opportunity to pass up so Ken and I walked it and we have metals to show for our efforts. ( the metals are gold colored plastic, not gold, just in case you were wondering. So now you can say you know 2 Olympic Gold Metalists.

We trecked back to the bus and took our ride back to the dock and the tenders. The line was quite long so we decided to go to the near by beach and have a closer look at the Mediterranean  Sea. We walked in the water and so now we can say we were in not just on the Mediterranean.

We were late and did not have lunch. It was so close to our dinner time that we share a piece of fruit and got ready for our evening meal. I was too tired to even change my clothes. I just changed my shoes and added a shawl.

Dinner was good and fun as usual. I had another TAPAS styled meal. After dinner we just relaxed afor a few minutes. We came back here to got a little bottle of brandy.

The production show was called Soul Music and it repeated some of the tunes from the earlier show called Motor City. It was good and high energy but we prefer the original. We sat next to a very nice couple from the Redding California area. They share our opinion of Donald Trump. Quite refreshing!!

After the show we went to the International café for our special coffee. I was pleased to note that they accepted our old card without hesitation. We shared our table with 2 lovely ladies and had a grand visit.

By now it was time to call it a night.

Tomorrow we are in Mykonos!!!

Katakolon (Olympia) Greece

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Perched on the west coast of the Peloponnesus, Greece's largest peninsula, this sleepy fishing village of some 300 souls is your gateway to Olympia, site of the original Olympic Games. Held every four years between 776 B.C. and 393 A.D., when the Emperor Theodosius banned pagan festivals, the Olympic Games celebrated the ideal harmony of mind and body. Every four years, the sacred flame of Altis is rekindled to light the torch for the Modern Games.

Olympia's temples were destroyed after the games were banned. An earthquake in the 6th century compounded the destruction, and floods buried the site. Excavation of the ruins began in 1875, and Olympia was declared a National Park in 1976.

We decided to do this Princess tour because we wanted to see the site of the original Olympics.

Discovery Family Olympia Olympics

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Get ready for an Olympic-sized family adventure in the ancient ruins of Olympia. With your guide by your side, you'll walk to the Temple of Zeus. Built between 470 B.C. and 456 B.C., a gigantic Statue of Zeus once stood inside. Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it was made of gold and ivory, and sat on a throne lavishly decorated with gold, precious stones, ebony and ivory. Nearby sits the Temple of Hera. Built around 600 B.C. it was here that the Olympic Torch was lit. You'll also see the ruins of the great stadium. If you want to feel like an Olympian champion you're invited to participate in a short race along the original racetrack. All participants will receive a small memento of the trip and kids will be given a prize. Before returning to the harbor, you'll view the modern village of Olympia.