From travel friends to the many friends at home – AND all the activities that go along.  

Fast upon our heels after returning home was the annual Halloween Party at Vi.  One of the most fun events of the year, and this year we did some planning while in Greece so that G&E could be a Greek Goddess and her ‘man slave’ (who chose not to be in the pic;-( )

It also didn’t take long to get back to the regular Friday hiking in the Sonoran desert – which was missed during the travel.

A new event for us this year was an excursion to the Los Cedros Equestrian Ranch in north Scottsdale.  If one is ever in the vicinity, check this out.  But, call ahead, as they do not conduct regular daily tours.

As described by the facility, Los Cedros is designed to appear as a Moroccan citadel in the middle of the desert some 2500 years ago.  With the feel of an ancient village, it is surrounded by tall walls and huge doors (made of solid cedar wood from trees from the Atlas Mountains forests of North Africa) that protect citizens (or now horses) from enemies or inclement weather.  Inside the walls is one of the finest horse training facilities in the world – specializing in Arabian horses.  This facility is also utilized by the Budweiser Clydesdale traveling horses when they need a break from their road trailers.  AND – our timing was perfect as they were there for a possible celebration if the Diamondbacks won the world series!  (Unfortunately – the world series parade did not occur.)  A special treat – –

The Canal Convergence in Old Town Scottsdale has become an annual get-together with relatives Rick and Suzy.  Every year is different, but always amazes with some sort of ‘lights and fire’!  A good dinner along the canal banks is included in the evening.

While not a particularly ‘special’ birthday, E managed to celebrate for the better part of a month.  G whisked us away to Las Vegas for a Garth Brooks concert the first part of December, and all the hotels were decked out in their finest Christmas decorations – –

There were also celebrations with family and friends.  Sister Barb, provided a days worth of entertainment at Pop Stroke with putting and lunch.  Tiger and group have created quite a fun environment for all ages to enjoy ‘golf’, eating and the outdoors.

Then there was the very special weekend with lady friends at Castle Hot Springs – a lush and magical  oasis in the desert.  The activities here will keep you busy for days – hiking, farm tours, Via Ferratas, biking, yoga, sound baths………  OR, just relax and enjoy the hot springs and a massage;-)  We did it all – and ate, and ate and ate.

Even with all these activities, there was Thanksgiving and Christmas – all spent with family.  This year the Shoe Crew came to Phoenix for Thanksgiving, where we not only enjoyed that traditional dinner but lots of other activities.  Like the visit to the Animal Conservancy in North Scottsdale.

Christmas took many forms this year.  A pre-Christmas trip to Ridgecrest provided more time with the Shoe Crew and the various hand made gifts by the Grands.  Including brownies that didn’t last long – –

Great delight was provided by niece Demi, as she took us to our favorite Pop Stroke again for a wonderful morning and afternoon – and a great visit;-)

Another favorite this time of year is the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Their display of luminarias is always wonderful and this year the celebration of La Posada was enjoyed with its extra special music, entertainment and food.

It is almost the end of the year, and one of the things enjoyed most here in the desert is the wildlife. Some seen on our walks, in the desert, on golf courses or just out and about.The fall is no exception to this–

And so – another year ends.  They all seem to go so fast these days.  Heard this little tidbit recently, and just loved it – “Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end the faster it goes.”  Enjoy life, laugh and Celebrate You – – –

The Best in the New Year – Lots of Love to All – E & G

Lucca – a wonderful, Renaissance walled city in the Tuscany region of Italy and the birthplace of Puccini.  Also, where the next four days would be spent with friends Judy & Tim, who were met at Italian language school in Verona in 2006!  A lovely little apartment in the center of the old walled city with fabulous views was shared.  It was also great for the daily exercise as it was located on the fourth floor with no elevator – but provided the great views!

The view from our apartment in Lucca. Love the trees on top of the Guinigi tower.

A don’t miss is the Cathedral of Lucca in San Marino Square.  The Cathedral was consecrated in 1070 by Pope Alexander II, formerly the Bishop of Lucca.  A peculiarity is the smaller arch to the right that was squeezed in against the bell tower to its right.  Perhaps not the best of planning??

The beautiful white stone and Gothic style are quite stark in this very plain piazza.

Perhaps one of the main attractions in Lucca is the wall that surrounds the old city.  It has been well maintained and as it lost its military importance, the top of the wall became a pedestrian promenade.  The area around the wall is well taken care of with green grass and trees – in essence becoming a park.

A view from the old wall of the city.

More sights along the wall walk.

Lucca is well situated for day trips to many fascinating places and towns.  One of those proved to be Montecarlo!  That’s NOT Monte Carlo!  Montecarlo is a magical medieval town that sits above Lucca in the Tuscany area of Italy.  It has charming little piazzas, an old wall, a Fortress and the Collegiate Church of Sant’Andrea.  There are also many little ristorantes for libations and rest stops;-)

An evening drive to Montecarlo, with our friends Judy and Tim, provided stunning sights.

Beautiful views from Montecarlo.

Another day another adventure.  Barga sits in the Gargagnana, a lush green valley surrounded by the Apuan Alps and the Apennines.  It is a very authentic, hilltop Tuscan town with the marvelous Cathedral – Collegiate di San Cristoforo, considered one of the most important Romanesque examples in all of Tuscany.

The striking Romanesque Cathedral sits overlooking the town from its high perch.

A very interesting Techno_lithic exhibit, which appeared to be the result of this year’s annual workshop, was displayed along the side of the Cathedral.  Even more interesting is that ASU regularly participates in this workshop!

The Digital Stone Project sculpture garden.

Interesting sculptures.

And, with that look into the future it was time for us to consider the trip home.  The next day would literally be trains, planes and automobiles;-)  A very long day to come, but the sweetness of the trip comes with a little bitter of the travel to and from.  And – it has been a very fun adventure.

It is the friends, however, that make the best part of a trip.  We were blessed to begin and end with friends.  Rheta and Tom made the cruise extra special and Judy and Tim made the last few days of our trip a perfect ending.

E&G – Thankful to have the ability to travel and the friends to make it FUN!

The twenty days with WindStar could not have ended in a more stunning way!  Much of the ship was up and on the bow at 5:30AM to watch the sail-in to Venice via the Grand Canal.  According to the Captain, the ship cleared the requirements for this berth by about a foot!  No complaining here as the sights were beautiful – –

Our predawn arrival in Venice – what a sight to see;-)

Piazza St. Marcos with NO people.

And now – off to Rome for the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone GC just outside Rome.  Fingers crossed that the Americans can at least give the Europeans a run for their money????

Marco Simone Golf Club here we come.

In the ‘Fan Zone’ for the Practice round Thursday – Sunny and HOT!

Not overly crowded for the practice round so one could actually see. (The stadium setup for the tee box on hole number 1 is in the right background.)

Jordan Speith climbing one of the many hills on the course (with a smile today).

Friday alternate shot was not a good day for the USA.

The real thing on Saturday and LOTS of spectators. Now – Europe 7 up. It gets worse;-(

E had fun no matter what.

USA play on day 2 was a little better but still not great as the band played on.

Sorry to say, we bagged the final day – it was too hot, humid and crowded. So –  the afternoon was spent at the Hard Rock Cafe watching the game in air conditioned comfort snacking and sipping our favorite libation;-). Some of the commentary from the Italian language broadcast may have been lost but the frequently used “mamma mia’s” wasn’t hard to figure out.

Full attention was to be given the Ryder Cup and no typical tourist adventures.  However – how can one be in Rome and NOT see any of the sights?!?  So, there were a few walks to dinner or coffee, which conveniently wandered by a few of the ‘must sees’.

Beginning with The Spanish Steps, which may have become popular due to their appearance in the classic 1953 film – Roman Holiday.  Built between 1723 and 1726 the 135 steps lead from the Piazza di Spagna to the French monastery church Trinita die Monti and an Egyptian obelisk .  On the way up there are three different terraces referring to the Holy Trinity.  After our stroll by the Steps it was learned that the Ryder Cup teams were just missed as they came down the steps on the way to a formal opening dinner;-(

A crowded Spanish Steps – beautiful at night.

And then there is Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi (derived from tre via or the three roads that come together at the site of the fountain).  The Fountain was built between 1732 and 1762 and features the nautical god Neptune under the center arch with two statues on either side representing Abundance and Health.  Tradition is that if one throws a coin into the Fountain they will return to Rome.

Awesome site.

Interesting how the route back to the hotel took us by the Forum with a glimpse of the Colosseum.  Hard to believe that this political, legal and religious centre for over a million Romans from 27BCE-14CE was buried until excavations began in the 19th century.  Talk about a walk back in time – –

The Forum with the Colosseum in the background.

This column is 7 0r 8 times as tall as Elizabeth it’s HUGE (and beautiful).

Not all was golf and history.  A great little pizza place just a block from the hotel was Crazy Pizza.  It looked a little touristy, but many locals poured in and the entertainment while waiting for dinner was quite amusing;-)  Music blared when the pizza ‘tosser’ came out and sparklers were given to all to participate in the fun.  AND – the pizza was delicious.

Pizza was served with quite the performance from the chef.

While Crazy Pizza is a good recommendation, the Westin Excelsior is NOT.  Don’t stay there.  It was convenient, in a nice part of town BUT OLD and dated.  The best part about the hotel was the picture of Paul Newman on the inside of the elevator door.  He greeted E every morning with that great smile and beautiful eyes.  Hated to say goodbye to him – –

Farewell Paul. Give me another 💋😘

And with that, it was time to move on to another adventure.  The Ryder Cup turned out to be about what was expected – the Europeans won.  Something we were glad to have done, but once is enough.  The few sites of Rome were fun to see after all these years, but friends Judy and Tim were waiting for us in Lucca so time to head to the train.

E & G at the end of a grand experience

Welcome to Hvar, Croatia!  This island in the Adriatic Sea is apparently the new IN place since the likes of Prince William and many Hollywood types now spend time here.  For the likes of us – just wandering, getting in a little more exercise with a hill climb and eating was the order of the day.

The highlight upon entry to the city is the largest old piazza in all of Dalmatia!  It looks very Italian, with Venetian and Renaissance architecture on its three sides, with the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral at its core.  This marble paved, pedestrian only area, is the best for people watching and eating an expensive lunch;-)  It also has wonderful views of the 13-15th century fortress (it took a long time to build and rebuild!), which not only acted as protection through the years but is now a tourist attraction providing the best views of Hvar.

The main piazza, St Stephens.

A view of the 15 century fortress, The Fortica, from St. Stephen’s Square.

One more climb – and this is only about 65 steps – up, up, up, for a look at the fortress.

Once out of the old town, the trek up to the fortress is really quite nice.  The path winds through a pine forest and botanical garden, with sights and fantastic views along the way.It is only about a mile up – so provides some good exercise for the ship weary legs.

An old church along the path.

Our destination.

Once up to the Fortress, there are more wonderful views.  And, for those that can’t go more than an hour without food or drink, there is a little bar for a sit down;-)

Terrific view of Hvar and its harbor from the top of the fortress.

A combo ticket at the Fortress will also get you into the Arsenal and Theater back on the piazza.  This theater is Europe’s first community theater dating back to 1612 and is still utilized today.  If you are there during the summer season check the schedule as you might be lucky enough to see a performance here.

Again – very Venetian.

Hvar also has wonderful beaches and inland lavender fields – neither of which were on the agenda this trip.  However, we did take in a few of “the rich and famous” sights while on the island – –

Who knew about E’s widespread empire.

One of many very large boats in the harbor – only wish this also belonged to E.

Hvar was definitely upscale and a lot of fun to spend a bit of time.  One more quick stop before this part of the journey ends – and  that is Zadar.  Next to our pier is something called the Sea Organ – where the sea water comes under the steps creating sounds/music as though listening to an organ.  A quick step into the sea and listen to the Organ and off to Venice.

In Hadar, Croatia just a brief walk to listen to the Sea Organ.

This cruise has been as great as hoped for.  After 4 days in Athens there were 6 Greek islands, 2 stops in the Peloponnese, one stop in Turkey to see Ephesus, sailing through the Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic Seas, 1 stop in Montenegro and 3 stops in Croatia!!  Now on to Rome and the Ryder Cup.  More soon –

E & G thrilled with our past three weeks and looking forward to cheering on the USA in Rome;-)

Leaving the Ionian Sea going north, one sails into the Adriatic Sea and the southern tip of Croatia where Dubrovnik pops up.  The entire pedestrian only Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Another exquisite walled city that feels like a small town, but 500 years ago was a major maritime power with the third biggest navy in the Mediterranean!

Approaching our destination.

THE thing to do in Dubrovnik is to walk the 15th century wall.  A mile and a half will give you outstanding views of the walled town, the surrounding neighborhoods and, of course, the sea.  But – one must be prepared for ups and downs as 18 flights of stairs will be completed by the end of the walk!!  Also, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you can watch for familiar scenes;-)

Great old wall – still protecting the Old Town.

Just as in prior walled cities in the area, the walls did a good job of protecting from everything EXCEPT that 1667 earthquake.  Then Dubrovnik also fell victim to the violent separation of Croatia from Yugoslavia in 1991 (one forgets that so many wars of separation took place in this area in the early 1990’s).  The city was devastated but repaired quickly.  The reminders of the war and the rebuild are the brighter orange tiles seen when walking the wall.

Lots of great views from above the city.

Our climbing efforts are rewarded with more great pics of bell towers and our ship in the background.

The highest point on the wall – what’s a few more stairs?!?

The second big attraction in Dubrovnik is walking – or strolling – the Stradun, the main pedestrian promenade through the middle of town.  It begins at one gate into the city and runs right into the middle of ‘the Wall walk’ at the other end of the town.  A walkway now – it was once a channel that divided the town into two parts.

The Stradun is very Italian!

They even found room for most of a basketball court.

A view of a newer part of town outside the old wall. The Fort of St. Lawrence is on the left.

On the very last part of the Wall walk, one comes face to face with that bell tower seen at the beginning of the walk.  If timed right (on the hour or half hour), you might see Maro and/or Baro strike the bell!

Come on guys – you can do it!

Back down on  the ground, one must walk the Stradun.  It’s the best place for people watching, shopping and gelato;-)  There are many arms off the main drag that lead to many other museums and churches.  One even looks like the Spanish Steps in Rome.  These lead to the old Church of St. Ignatious.

More steps – up to Church of St. Ignatious.

An elaborate interior.

This may be the last of the walled cities on this trip.  They have provided incredible views, great exercise and lots of history!  Now a few more beaches and the canal city of Venice.  But, what we are really excited for is Rome and the Ryder Cup, where activities have already begun.

E & G – all walled out and ready for golf

One learns on a cruise that all the cruising is done at night so the passengers can enjoy the day in port.  Very true – except for the sail-in to Kotor.  Described in some literature as the most beautiful sail into a port – AND DO NOT MISS IT!!

So – when you sail during the day, the cruise line thinks up all kinds of ways to entertain its guests since they are truly captive;-)  Today was the opportunity for the Kate & Leo shot from Titanic on the bow of the ship.  The only problem is that no one was 50 yards off the front of the ship to take the ‘real’ shot – so here is what you get – –

A moment on the ship’s bow.

On a very windy, blustery day the Wind Surf made its way through the fjord like bay and the narrow Verge Strait.  There was beautiful scenery at every turn of the two hour trip into Kotor.

Lots of churches surrounded by lots of green.

Even out on islands.

Even a fish farm.

And finally the dock at the walled city of Kotor. Note the church at the upper center of the photo..more later.

Kotor, like the rest of the region, came under the control of various foreign powers through 2,000 years – the Ilyrians, Romans, Serbs, Venetians, Russians, Napoleonic soldiers, Austrians, Tito’s Yugoslavia and finally Montenegrins!  It avoided destruction by warfare, but was damaged by two earthquakes (in 1667 and 1979).  It was the town’s fortifications that kept it safe from warfare – and they begin along the waterfront then climb up the sheer cliff face behind the town.  The “Great Wall of Kotor” is nearly three miles long and sits on some extremely inaccessible terrain – we know because a climb up a portion was on the day’s activity list!  It was built over a millennium (9th-19th centuries) with a thickness from 6 to 50 feet and 65 feet tall at its tallest part.

A portion of the wall and the moat around the walled city.

One can climb to the top old fortress by tackling the 1,355 steps, gaining more than 700′ in elevation.  OR – climb to the halfway mark to the Church of Our Lady of Health.  One needs good health to get even this far – but, well worth it for the best views of Kotor – –

Thank goodness there were some steps as the cobblestone is well worn, slippery and very uneven!

Incredible views – even of the Wind Surf – from in front of the church.

Proof we made it;-)

Back down into the old town, it is worth a wander and perhaps a gelato.

Another day another tour – just outside Kotor, as the ship overnighted here.  Off to a very little, but charming village – Tici, and the home of the Moric family.  The home and olive business have been in the family for over 200 years and eight generations.  Not only did we learn the art of making olive oil, we were treated to ‘treats’ immediately upon stepping off the bus.  First a welcome with donuts to dip in honey (made by the family) and their specially made brandy!  Then a lesson in olive oil making – from 200 years ago to today – along with oil tasting.  And finally a delightful ‘lunch’ with prosciutto, cheeses, eggs, bread, olives (of course), tomatoes and wine!!  All made by the hosts.  Yes – even the eggs, as the chickens on the grounds laid the eggs that were hardboiled – and delicious;-)

A visit to a local olive oil producer.

Donkeys were used…

…to turn this old mill wheel.

The owner demonstrated the device to shake the olives from the tree.

And today’s olives are now processed with this 50,000 euro olive press instead of the donkeys.

The old mill house has been repurposed to provide a delicious lunch to visitors.

Couldn’t resist the sign🤣

After two days in Kotor, it was time to move on as there was still a lot to get to and the time was now growing short;-(

Another beautiful sunset.

And a lighted view of the old church on the hillside and the walls above Kotor.

E & G saying good bye to Montenegro and headed to Croatia.

Well, the Durrell’s were no where to be found, but we enjoyed their little island just the same.

The island of Kerkyra has been dubbed Corfu, the name of its capital city, by the outside world.  Today it is a mountainous, resort-studded island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea.  However, it has spent years under Roman, Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864.

A trip to Mon Repo Palace will land you just above Roman ruins of a church and their famous baths —

The remains of a 14th Century Church.

Excavated Roman Baths.

Mon Repo (my repose or rest) Palace is perhaps most noted today as the birthplace of Prince Phillip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.  It is a small beautiful palace built in 1826 by the British Commissioner as an escape from the city of Corfu.  The grounds surrounding the palace are a peaceful park with wonderful views from the terraces.

Mon Repo Palace, the birthplace of England’s Prince Phillip.

A view from one of the palace’s bedrooms.

The guard cat on duty in the palace’s museum.

A fabulous respite just beyond Mon Repo is Kanoni.  Not a lot to do here, but the views are fantastic.  Sit on a terrace, order a coffee or hot chocolate with cream and enjoy the view of Mouse Island and the nunnery of Vlacherna.

Mouse Island which, according to our guide, has been in “every Greek movie ever made” 🥺

The town of Corfu is flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval passages, Grand Palaces and old churches.

Bell tower on the St. Spyridon Church.

The main thoroughfare between the old and new forts.

A wonderful lunch at Rex🌟🌟🌟🌟

Entrance to the old fort.

View of Corfu with the old fort in the background.

The new fort.

And, once again, time marches on and the ship is calling to depart.

E & G on their way again.

Today was another highlight of the trip. A visit to Olympia is incredibly interesting.  To one who lived in a host city during the games, has been to Olympic events or participated – even as a volunteer – it is magical and awe inspiring.

During a visit to this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, one will step back over 2500 years to the days of the original Olympic Games.  This center of Ancient Greek religion dedicated to Zeus hosted these Games for more than a thousand years (776 BC-393AD).  Forty thousand Ancient Greeks (men only) came to this sanctuary every four years during the religious festival that featured the Olympic Games.  Those who competed may have trained almost their entire lives, may be supported/sponsored by their city or community in order to afford the training and trip and all competed nude!  (Does all this sound familiar – except the nude part😂?). If they were fortunate to win an event, they could have a statue placed in the ‘Hall of Fame’ – but, just as important they won a wreath of olive branches and the right to place that emblem in their city or home.

As one enters this beautiful, lush valley today, the first area seen is the remnants of the gymnasium, which was a large rectangular courtyard used for sprint, discus and javelin throwing events.  This courtyard matched the length of the Olympic Stadium so athletes were training in a similar space to what they would be competing in.

At the far end of the gymnasium ruins, stairs lead to the Palaestra.  This square courtyard was quite a bit smaller than the Gymnasium and used for sports such as long jump, wrestling and boxing.  Around the courtyard were rooms and baths.  Because the athletes were training nude – as they would be competing – and it was summer and hot, they would wear ‘sun screen’ made of olive oil and dirt.  After their training, they would bathe to remove the sun screen using a stick-like tool to remove the oily grime.  They would also get massages from their trainers and mental assistance from their coaches.  YES – this was 2,000 years ago!!  Nothing has changed.

The Palaestra..wrestling, boxing, etc school in the center open area.

The gathering area of the Palaestra with baths just outside the columns.

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Just beyond the training areas are the remains of the Temple of Zeus – the center of ancient Olympia.  This massive temple (just a bit smaller that the Parthenon) was dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods and patron of the Games.  It was built in the 5th century BC, stood for a thousand years and then crumbled in the sixth century AD.  One lone standing column exists, which is a reconstruction of original pieces restacked to give a sense of scale.  It is 34’ tall and weighs 9 tons!  This is one of the original 34 and also gives a sense of the size of the 40’ statue of Zeus that was housed in the temple.

One of the 34 columns of the Temple of Zeus.

Just behind the Temple of Zeus is the winners circle, where the Olympic victors were announced, received their wreath of olive branches and would have their statues placed.  To its side were the 16 pedestals that once each held a bronze statue of Zeus – paid for by those who were found to have cheated and with their names on the base!  As people entered the stadium, they would spit on the names on the bases.  Those named were perhaps found bribing opponents or doping!  Yes – some things NEVER change.

Close by is the humble foundation of the Altar of Hera – the link from the Original Olympics to the modern Games.  Since 1936, this is where athletes have lit the ceremonial Olympic torch that leaves here and makes its way to the current Olympic city.

Hera’s Alter. The lighting of the Olympic Flame takes place here before being sent to each Olympic Games venue.

From here one enters the Stadium.  This place would be filled with 45,000 spectators, who sat on the banks on either side of the track, as the stadium had no seats except for those for the judges.  The original marble starting blocks are still there, with two grooves – one for each bare foot.  E couldn’t resist the temptation of trying this out – even winning her race, although the competition was not fierce;-)

The original Olympic Stadium with grass seating for 45,000 spectators, built in 5th Century BC.

The original starting blocks – On your mark – get set – go.

Let the games begin.

To the victor goes the olive wreath crown.

The Temple of Hera, back outside the Stadium, was built in 650BC, and is the oldest structure on the site.  Before the Temple of Zeus was built, this temple honored both Hera and her husband Zeus.  Though women did not compete in the Olympics, girls and maidens competed in the Heraean Games dedicated to Hera.  These were also held every four years but not the same years as the Olympics.

The remains of the Temple of Hera with the alter in front.

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Then there is the Philippeion.  Built by Philip of Macedonia (father of Alexander the Great) to mark his triumph over the Greeks.

The Philippeion built by Philip of Macedon.

After this great walk through history – but feeling such a part of it since we still have the Games today – we were brought back to the present with a lively lunch and Greek dancing at Zorba’s.

A delicious lunch with dancing.

Perhaps because there are Olympic Games still today – every four years – uniting athletes for fair games – this visit felt like a part of our current lives even though it represents 2,000 years ago.  A fantastic day that will be remembered every time we see the torch being lit from this humble remnant of Hera’s Altar.

E & G – with a fond farewell to Olympia

If one finds themselves with extra time in Athens, an interesting side trip is to Poseidon’s Temple.  Located about 30 miles (an hour+ drive) southeast of Athens – guarding the entrance to Piraeus – the temple stands high above the sea as Poseidon (Olympian God of the Sea) might have wanted it.  While there is evidence of sanctuaries on the cape from as early as the 11th century BC, the Temples of Athena and Poseidon were built around 400-450 BC.  As is true of all the sites around Greece, these temples went thru many iterations and periods of destruction by the latest conqueror.  Still a sight to see – and great views – –

Remains of Poseiden’s Temple.

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E finally got the opportunity to test the water during lunch with Poseidon’s Temple in the background.

After a full day away from the ship – and historic Athens – the Wind Surf pulled away to begin the second portion of the cruise.

Bye bye Athen’s Port Piraeus – one more time.

First stop on the second leg of this journey – Monemvasia.  This medieval city is built entirely on a rock that appears to be barren when seen from the mainland and difficult to see from the sea as it is built entirely of rock that blends into its foundation.  There was/is one entrance into the city – via the gateway one enters today – making entry easily regulated.  The city sits mid-way up the rock, making it impossible to access from the sea up the steep sides 100’s of feet.  Today – a very quaint little retreat from the world in a beautiful, 13th century setting.

Why do we want to see this rock…wait ’til you see the other side.

One way in or out.

The town sits right on the ocean.

The 13th century city mid-way up the cliffs to the ancient site on top of the cliffs.

To one’s back in this plaza is the sheer wall that leads down several hundred feet to the sea.

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A quick snack to get us to lunch.

After a walk about the town, a terrific lunch and a bit of shopping it was time to return to our anchored ship in Gytheio.  An ATM and ice tea were sorely needed – so there was a quick stop at a little taverna on the dock where octopus could be seen being prepared for dinner – –

This local delicacy is lost on the two of us.

As quick as that, the day was over and it was on to Katakolon, the port city for Olympia!!  Can’t wait for this outing.

Another beautiful dinner view.

E & G – off to another adventure

Santorini!  The world famous island located in the most southern part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea in Greece.  Traditional villages are built on the tall cliffs over a former volcanic crater now collapsed and submerged by about 1,000′ of the sea.  Looking at the island from the west one sees the dramatic long, steep, colorfully striped arc of cliffs thrusting up from the caldera (collapsed crater) with the towns on top.  First thought is – “those cliffs are snowcapped!”  Then you realize those are all the white buildings!!  And, when you get to the top and look down you realize and understand that the water is the center of the volcano and you are standing on the rim.

Approaching the Island of Santorino with its snowcapped hills;-)!  Above the Old Port is Fira.

On the northern part of the island is the wonderful town of Oia.

Our ship on the left in the center of the caldera.

Up you go.  One of three ways – take a cable car, walk or ride a donkey.  Enjoy – –

Cable cars for the less energetic.

A walk up that path cut into the rock (587 steps) following the donkeys – or on a donkey.

Attempting to leave the crowds behind – head to Oia.  It is a little less crowded, since it is a bit away from the cruise docks, very charming and has a more upscale section on the south end that is even less crowded.  AND – has wonderful places to eat;-)

One of the many narrow streets of the town of Oia.

Several views of the iconic Oia.

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A couple of fellow travelers recommended a fabulous place for lunch – 218 – where there were fantastic views, perfect service and outstanding food!  What more could anyone ask for?!?

Lunch views.

Another view from our lunch spot – a tribute to the donkeys and felt like home with prickly pear and bougainvillea .

A brief walk thru Fira is required since that is where the cable car comes and goes from.  It was a very hot day, so before the ride down a little ice cream – again with a view – seemed in order.  And, maybe there was a prosecco to go with that ice cream;-)

A final stop for refreshments before heading back to the ship.

Tonight Windstar had another special event – a Signature Deck BBQ late into the night with incredible nighttime views of Santorini.  A really special sight!

As the sun sets the island lights up.

What a sail away.  No more words are necessary – the pictures say it all.

E & G – quite happy;-)