At Sea
Armonia
Had a look around the ship and I took part in the safety instruction……I’m sure it was just a photo opportunity for the crew as everyone had their picture taken with their life jacket on, looking like idiots, as we lined up at our “muster station”…these mug shots were then displayed for all and sundry, in the “photo gallery”.
We are on a table for dinner with 6 poms, not much excitement there!!!
Day 2 Bari
Had a leisurely morning before taking the opportunity to join a tour when we arrived in Bari. This was to Alberobello to see the trulli houses which are cylindrical buildings topped with a pointed cone made of local stone.
Day 3 Corfu
We departed from the port on a panoramic drive through the countryside covered in olive and orange trees, cyprus, pine and eucalyptus trees, finally arriving in the northwest side of the island at the beautiful bay of Paleokastriza……straight out of “Shirley Valentine”. We visited an ancient monastery which is full of examples of Byzantine painting. We also witnessed the monks preparing wooden wine vats ready for the next harvest. No machines here…very labour intensive. Down in the crypt were the remains of the equipment used when the monastery also made it’s own olive oil. On the return to the ship, we stopped in the old town of Corfu which was a delight, but nothing like the image I have always had of what the Greek Islands were like. Much of it felt like Paris, as many buildings were designed by the same architect who worked on the Buildings in Rue de Rivoli.
In the evening we were invited to attend the “Welcome Cocktail Party” put on by Captain Giuseppe Galano….this was hysterical as it appeared to be a ruse to get everyone on board to have their photo taken with the captain!!! This was after we were hearded in a very long queue which wound around one of the bars past 2 other photographers, poised in front of Italian backdrops, ready to take even more photos. After standing in the line for more than ¾ hour we finally arrived at the door to the auditorium where we were let in one couple at a time to stand beside the very bored looking captain. The dress code was formal and we were very surprised to see how many conformed (we were not included in this group.) For our trouble we were given a glass of champagne and nibbles and watched some very serious guests get up on stage to take part in some ballroom dancing, ( by this stage we were nearly falling off out chairs), but even more mirth was generated when one elderly couple were leaving the stage and a very lively tune was struck by the band, this was obviously a favourite of theirs as they rushed back on stage, tripping on the way to participate. All the senior members of the crew were then introduced, leaving us to wonder who was driving the boat?
Day 4. Santorini
We cruised into the bay at Santorini just after lunch…..what a breath taking sight!!! Santorini is actually a group of 5 small islands, but we were visiting the main one Thera, which is situated in a large caldera created by several large volcanic eruptions. Most of the volcanic layers are visible in the multi-coloured layers of the impressive step inner walls of the caldera, striking the visitor who reaches the island by boat. As there is no port we were ferried ashore on a tender boat from where we caught a cable car up a very steep slope to the calital, Fira, a pretty spot but very much tourist oriented. Having decided we would do our own thing, rather than an organised tour, we caught up with some aussies who we had met in Alberobella, Ann, Don, Mia. Tess and Jordan Horsley, and decided to hire a vehicle and drive around the island together. A vehicle for 7 was not available so 2 cars were the answer…this was a challenge…manual, and driving on the wrong side of the road, but Chris managed very well. We headed down to the picturesque town of Oia, which is a typical Greek village characterised by narrow streets and white churches with blue domes. The remainder of the afternoon was spent driving around the island before meeting up with the “aussies” for dinner in a typical taverna called Koutouri. We sat outside and ate traditional greek food, under bouganvillia vines weighed down with massed purple flowers. Another cable car trip down to the bay had us arriving just in time to catch the last tender out to our boat.
Day 5. Pireus, Athens.
Joined another tour to go, by bus to the Acropolis, and to have a look around the old part of Athens. Overwhelmed by the history, but unfortunately the place had been overrun by many huge coaches so it was packed, and everyone was jostling for a place. Our guide Christof was very knowledgeable, but was drowned out by the other guides speaking in various languages……a bit of a bun fight!!!
Day 6. Katakolon.
Joined our Aussie friends and hired a 7 seater to drive to Olympia, the site of the original Olympics. We weren’t all that excited to go there initially but after having done it I’m so pleased we did. The history was amazing……the site of the lighting of the original Olympic flame, which is still the location today, the beautiful location of the first Greco-Roman wrestling, the running track. Quite an extraordinary experience. We returned to Katakolon to have a look around the shops where we were harrased by all the shopkeepers, so we retired to the water front for drink in sight
of our boat. Walking back to the ship, the lads were in a lather as we followed a stunning young woman, wearing a very brief G-string, covered by a cheesecloth shirt, and wearing high heels. There was a rush to see who could be the one to follow her up the gangplank!!!!
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Unfortunately the day dawned with a downpour, but as we had booked a bus to take us into the old town we went ahead. The rain held off for the first hour or so giving us a great opportunity to have a look at this remarkable town. The ravages of war had left their mark with bullet holes in most of the buildings, but much restoration was in progress. This is a very special place and we would have spent more time there if the heavens hadn’t opened……no where to shelter, so back to the bus, but we still had to wait for at least ½ hour for the bus to arrive so by the time we were back on board we were drenched.
Day 8 Disembarkation in Venice.
Back into Venice to check into our hotel The Abbazia…..what a find. It was right near the station and close to a vaporetto stop, so it was perfect for getting around. As we had a very early start the next day we just had a wander around and took a vaporetto around the island, and across to Chiesa di S. Giorgio.
Had a look around the ship and I took part in the safety instruction……I’m sure it was just a photo opportunity for the crew as everyone had their picture taken with their life jacket on, looking like idiots, as we lined up at our “muster station”…these mug shots were then displayed for all and sundry, in the “photo gallery”.
We are on a table for dinner with 6 poms, not much excitement there!!!
Day 2 Bari
Had a leisurely morning before taking the opportunity to join a tour when we arrived in Bari. This was to Alberobello to see the trulli houses which are cylindrical buildings topped with a pointed cone made of local stone.
Day 3 Corfu
We departed from the port on a panoramic drive through the countryside covered in olive and orange trees, cyprus, pine and eucalyptus trees, finally arriving in the northwest side of the island at the beautiful bay of Paleokastriza……straight out of “Shirley Valentine”. We visited an ancient monastery which is full of examples of Byzantine painting. We also witnessed the monks preparing wooden wine vats ready for the next harvest. No machines here…very labour intensive. Down in the crypt were the remains of the equipment used when the monastery also made it’s own olive oil. On the return to the ship, we stopped in the old town of Corfu which was a delight, but nothing like the image I have always had of what the Greek Islands were like. Much of it felt like Paris, as many buildings were designed by the same architect who worked on the Buildings in Rue de Rivoli.
In the evening we were invited to attend the “Welcome Cocktail Party” put on by Captain Giuseppe Galano….this was hysterical as it appeared to be a ruse to get everyone on board to have their photo taken with the captain!!! This was after we were hearded in a very long queue which wound around one of the bars past 2 other photographers, poised in front of Italian backdrops, ready to take even more photos. After standing in the line for more than ¾ hour we finally arrived at the door to the auditorium where we were let in one couple at a time to stand beside the very bored looking captain. The dress code was formal and we were very surprised to see how many conformed (we were not included in this group.) For our trouble we were given a glass of champagne and nibbles and watched some very serious guests get up on stage to take part in some ballroom dancing, ( by this stage we were nearly falling off out chairs), but even more mirth was generated when one elderly couple were leaving the stage and a very lively tune was struck by the band, this was obviously a favourite of theirs as they rushed back on stage, tripping on the way to participate. All the senior members of the crew were then introduced, leaving us to wonder who was driving the boat?
Day 4. Santorini
We cruised into the bay at Santorini just after lunch…..what a breath taking sight!!! Santorini is actually a group of 5 small islands, but we were visiting the main one Thera, which is situated in a large caldera created by several large volcanic eruptions. Most of the volcanic layers are visible in the multi-coloured layers of the impressive step inner walls of the caldera, striking the visitor who reaches the island by boat. As there is no port we were ferried ashore on a tender boat from where we caught a cable car up a very steep slope to the calital, Fira, a pretty spot but very much tourist oriented. Having decided we would do our own thing, rather than an organised tour, we caught up with some aussies who we had met in Alberobella, Ann, Don, Mia. Tess and Jordan Horsley, and decided to hire a vehicle and drive around the island together. A vehicle for 7 was not available so 2 cars were the answer…this was a challenge…manual, and driving on the wrong side of the road, but Chris managed very well. We headed down to the picturesque town of Oia, which is a typical Greek village characterised by narrow streets and white churches with blue domes. The remainder of the afternoon was spent driving around the island before meeting up with the “aussies” for dinner in a typical taverna called Koutouri. We sat outside and ate traditional greek food, under bouganvillia vines weighed down with massed purple flowers. Another cable car trip down to the bay had us arriving just in time to catch the last tender out to our boat.
Day 5. Pireus, Athens.
Joined another tour to go, by bus to the Acropolis, and to have a look around the old part of Athens. Overwhelmed by the history, but unfortunately the place had been overrun by many huge coaches so it was packed, and everyone was jostling for a place. Our guide Christof was very knowledgeable, but was drowned out by the other guides speaking in various languages……a bit of a bun fight!!!
Day 6. Katakolon.
Joined our Aussie friends and hired a 7 seater to drive to Olympia, the site of the original Olympics. We weren’t all that excited to go there initially but after having done it I’m so pleased we did. The history was amazing……the site of the lighting of the original Olympic flame, which is still the location today, the beautiful location of the first Greco-Roman wrestling, the running track. Quite an extraordinary experience. We returned to Katakolon to have a look around the shops where we were harrased by all the shopkeepers, so we retired to the water front for drink in sight
of our boat. Walking back to the ship, the lads were in a lather as we followed a stunning young woman, wearing a very brief G-string, covered by a cheesecloth shirt, and wearing high heels. There was a rush to see who could be the one to follow her up the gangplank!!!!
Day 7 Dubrovnik
Unfortunately the day dawned with a downpour, but as we had booked a bus to take us into the old town we went ahead. The rain held off for the first hour or so giving us a great opportunity to have a look at this remarkable town. The ravages of war had left their mark with bullet holes in most of the buildings, but much restoration was in progress. This is a very special place and we would have spent more time there if the heavens hadn’t opened……no where to shelter, so back to the bus, but we still had to wait for at least ½ hour for the bus to arrive so by the time we were back on board we were drenched.
Day 8 Disembarkation in Venice.
Back into Venice to check into our hotel The Abbazia…..what a find. It was right near the station and close to a vaporetto stop, so it was perfect for getting around. As we had a very early start the next day we just had a wander around and took a vaporetto around the island, and across to Chiesa di S. Giorgio.
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