Cunard cruise 2012

Cunard cruise out of Athens

We left home on time and yet ended up sort of rushing all the way onto the plane. not too badly though.

Flight not bad Mark had gotten us on the right hand side so sleeping was a bit easier, but I couldn't find the eye mask so was hassled by flickering of the Tv screens in front of us. Got to Frankfurt and got a stamp in my passport. Had a couple hours to burn. Did a painting and they had free coffee and such. Then onto Rome.  The guy in Houston had put us in different rows for some odd reason but I got to switch  and joined Mark . Sat next to a German man from Heidelberg hee hee the original Heidelberg. He was very nice and was going to Rome on business but had lived in Houston for a while back in the day. Arrived did the get the bags trick . Then onto the plane for Athens both coming into Rome and leaving for Athens we had to catch a bus to the plane and climb on board.  Got to Athens and decided to catch the train. Was not really a hassle and saved us a bunch. Was sort of fun. Girls on one side of us and boys on the other almost like an invisible line. Got to Athens after a line change and walked the few blocks to the hotel. Was tired but still had to go up to the roof to see the acropolis and send messages. Awesome sight. My one toe attacked the other so it is very sore should have put a bandaid on when first noticed it.

Off to bed. Slept well and Mark woke me too soon. But up we got and had a lovely breakfast. Good buffet and they had both hot and cold and good coffee and Greek Yogurt with honey. Tastes like whipped topping almost. With a gorgeous view of the acropolis from the dining room.

Then off the two blocks to the acropolis and up we began. Man it is high and I kept  looking at this old dog who seemed to think he needed to escort us up there. Made me feel if he could so could I.  So much to see and all amazing. We started to see the temples and such and I kept thinking Lord did this just drive you crazy seeing all this effort for nothing essentially. Then we took massive amounts of photos of it and the views from up there. It is quite amazing. They are working and excavating and all the stones and stuff have numbers or markers it is quite interesting. The day we were there they were doing GPS stuff with a balloon over the place with a camera hanging from it. It is all very beautiful and huge. They light the whole thing up at night which looks amazing. Took some pictures of the life size replicas in the metro station of the man and horses that were on the frieze.  Dogs and cats all over the place.

Then we went down the other side to Monistriaki  via the agora. Bought bottled water there cheaper than anywhere 35c each amazing. Walked around the agora and saw the other temple.  And the church which is tiny but gorgeous and being restored. fabulous inside and out both. Then off to stroll and found another little church that was totally covered in art I mean every square inch. They had a small stall and table with stuff for sale inside which made me think of Jesus and His getting really angry at the tables in the temple.

There are olive trees all over it is awesome and they seemed ripe And dropping and the birds were eating them.

Found the flea market by accident and strolled it. Then up through the square to Starbucks for coffee and then off again. Found  the nice regular shops. Then  across and through the Plaka.  Bought some olive wood ornaments. glad I did I almost waited for Israel which won't happen now.

Bought lunch of a sandwich and some spinach pie which was lovely in a flaky pastry and went to nap.

Back again and buying stuff, a dress for me, the cheaper version, and a scarf silk painted from the South African guy. had seen it before lunch but wanted to check out prices he was 8 e and others were up to 17e.  Some paintings of the different islands we are supposed to go to. And a pendant And some soap for David and Naph. Couldn't find the jacket I wanted at  good price so have to see or make it. Really cool but very expensive. It is like the one from buyaka but much longer and they wrap it a few ways.  Then we had dinner in the Plaka at a lovely restaurant had Greek salad and a plate of three soflakia  chicken, pork, and veal pita bread and statsiki  sauce yum.

Went back to the hotel and crashed. Really tired. Woke at 3am for A bit then back to sleep till 8am. Then up breakfast packed and back on the train. Quick change of stations and off to the port. I told Mark I was earning my scarf with the taxi savings.

Got a taxi in Piraes to the port. Learning to say hello yassa and thank you efgaristo .

Lady at the ship from South Africa need to send her the biltong recipe.

Not too bad getting on but they have cancelled Israel I am very sad but determined to enjoy this to the fullest and deal with that later. They did rocket Jerusalem yesterday so guess it is for the good

Food good had pate and beef with horseradish and branson pickle, smoked fish and bread pudding and trifle so far tea lousy as usual hee hee but they have oval tine and hot cHocolate and coffee and hot milk so you can make a latte.

Popped in at cruise critic to meet folks met some we had met in line hee hee that were supposed to be leading a group in Jerusalem so oh shucks for them.  Met a couple in line from California Debbie and Jerry and we keep seeing them around the ship. He fell off his bike oops was an emt and in law enforcement now retired. She works for AAA

Heard they may have classes to make the masks and hats for the ascot balls that would be fun. Pat is our stateroom attendant from the Philipines. The cases arrived and I unpacked before Mark got back from listening to the strings group. Had to not only take the life jacket to drill but put it on as well. bathroom very tiny even for a ship definitely can't get two of us in there at all unless one is in the shower. Toiletries great though bottles wonderful will have to save a few. Bed bigger than the hotels thou so that is good . In the hotel we would crash if we turned over.

Almost time to go dress for dinner. Cunard seems fun except when they put on the soccer in the lovely  quiet lounge we had found.

 Dinner our busboy is Alfred and Geronimo is our waiter. Service fabulous, had Thai spring rolls for starter then guinea fowl then chocolate very rich and cheese plate. Mark had shrimp then Thai spring roll and then pasta but went back to the shrimp and then Creme brûlée  now waiting for the show front row as usual. Tomorrow is Mykonos .

Woke at 4am hungry. Couldn't go back to sleep so at 6 I got up and went to the lido for a cuppa met Jack and we talked for about an hour then he went to wake his Mary and I did a drawing although I had forgotten my glasses so was a bit tricky. Went back to the room at about 7.20 and saw Debbie and Jerry on the way. Got dressed and off to breakfast.

And there I was back in primary school (elementary school for some of you) as I fell and grazed my knee and hands trying to get on the shuttle as there was a small step I didn't see

Well Mykonos was fun. We caught the shuttle bus to the town . We strolled  the shore front and Were amazed at the number of cats. Then we found the one tiny church open so went in. It was about 10 x 10 feet with a few icons and a dome and 5 chairs all odd and a small bench. Very cute almost like a doll house. It was the only one we saw with the blue dome. Mykonos is known for the windmills and the red domes on their churches. Not sure why. The houses are the traditional blue and white. With some red ones. The house is white washed and has blue or red doors and shutters and loads of pots of flowers very pretty. The stairs often don't have hand rails or sides scare the willies out of me to think of going up with something in your hands

We wandered all the back alleys and found a store with real oil paintings and bought a small one. Got my knitted jacket and the sheet of how to wear it. In purple

Wore out so came back for lunch and a nap.

Then tea and a quick look around outside.

Tonight is the black and white ball.  Am wearing my blue with the white stripe, it is the best I can do and I added a Black shawl

Mark looks cute in his suit. met a few South African staff today. One in the breakfast place and one in the pursers but he says there are a bunch down there. It is also the show night tonight and the Cunard ball

Wore. My blue dress and had fun show was gorgeous. Jerry and Debbie joined us in the front row

Up early off to breakfast and then out and about. We walked Izmir and saw loads of stuff. Especially tea being delivered around and about. Cups abandoned we saw the schools  then found the market. It is. Rabbit warren but fun. Got a gorgeous bunch of scarves and stuff. Found a bridal store and bought a veil. Bought the veil and hat combo and love it wore it to lunch and had folks laugh and comment. Bought some table mats and some hand towels with embroidery on them. Got some mini dolls and bought a cup spoon and saucer. Bought a shawl in gold sequins for $6 and one guy was very helpful and gave us his card. Took pictures of a few folks one lady making bread out in the open. Bought a stylish poncho for also $6 I was his first $ customer of his new shop

Got back had lunch and then nap. Then getting dressed when we got the call. Would we like to eat at the captains table of course we said yes and had the safety officer David Hudson and Tara the captains secretary then the magic show. Saw the singers and some dancers on the way out and said hi and how much we love the shows.

 Well today is Rhodes. So off we go to see the old walled city. It looks great from up here. Very old castle style and has a castle in it. Went out And got in at the first gate in the walls. Found a church ruin and took some pictures. Then strolled all around found a lady sewing in her doorway and asked and took her picture. Also got one of a lady at her carpet loom. Bought 3 paintings and then saw one  of the Parthenon so got that too. Bought a runner for on the mantle. Got another shawl and am wearing it tonight.

Walked the back roads of the old city in almost all directions then went out and along the outside of the wall.  was fun but a bit scary at times as the guard rail was very low And the moat very deep. views gorgeous though. Came back in through the double moat by the castle. Saw the mosque and clock tower.

And got great pictures. Walked our feet flat. Came back and slept after lunch. Desserts are very good and so very bad. The nap was very serious 2 hours but we often don't get to bed till 1am. And then up early to go see. We have actually decided on this ship we would do better with early dinner. That way we could get both shows if we liked.  Had tea and had fruit cake which was good. Took a few minutes to paint today and painted the windmill right by the ship. Was fun had a guy come discuss about painting was fun.

Asked to be moved to early dinner and went up to eat in the lido.

Tonight is the singers and dancers show the hotel one was great. Sat on the front and Debbie and Jerry joined us.

Today is Antalya and so we got up had breakfast and got the shuttle into town. Hmmm not  too much to see we walked along the top and took some pictures then walked through the bazaar and back on the shuttle back to the ship. Had lunch and nap and then I went to paint did the view out the window which was lovely misty clouds on mountains and a marina. Had early dinner with Sheila and Nigel then off to the show

The show tonight is the Swarovski crystal violin guy ok.

Today is Limassol and we got the shuttle and off we went. Walked around saw the castle from outside and strolled a bit downtown in the old section. Bought a belt and a few things then painted a bit of the old olive tree while waiting for the show to begin. Didn't stay as it was too crowded. First time this cruise we have felt crowded. Came back had lunch and nap and then painting again. Finished the olive tree and did a bit of the port. Had tea and then went to get ready for dinner. Went to Lido food better as it is Thanksgiving and we don't like turkey. Had prime rib instead and pecan pie yum.

Now off to the show the broadway guy. Not as good as I had hoped he uses force instead of melody with his singing.  Tired so off to bed.

A day at sea and relaxation whoo hoo. Woke early had breakfast then I went and painted my nails and then painted a picture. Mark is working in the cabin.  Then I went to the camera talk and it was not as good as hoped for. Then lunch and nap. Then off to paint. Finished the Mykonos painting then had dinner in lido Is the dancers tonight. Went to show and it was grand they cancelled Egypt so we stayed for the second show. The captain sounded like the queen when he made the announcement. They ran out of Horlicks  tonight boo hoo.

So a sea day tomorrow then Santorini the next day. Mark found out the Jerusalem guys names Alex and Jim.

A slow sea day took a second photography class and then painted a picture of the Acropolis. Then lunch and off to nap. Then we did the photo essay of the ship. Off to dinner and now the show. 4 ever. We are told we will have short day tomorrow in Santorini and then do an overnighter in Malta they seem to be intent on stealing part if not all of the ports I most wanted.

The show was great same as last time.

Santorini well we were up and out early had to go to the queens room for tender tickets saw Jerry and Debbie, tendered in and caught the cable car e4 each, at the top we went to the bus station and caught the local bus to Oia about 20 minutes away. It is gorgeous so glad we did the bus trip, took bunches of pictures I think Mark said 700 each. Amazing. Then back on the bus and back to Fira. Saw some good stuff there but not enough time to really go see. But glad we went to Oia. Back on board and off to dinner.  The show is the comedian who hassled some folks and they fought right back which was quite funny in itself.

Sort of sea day  so I painted some again  finished the Acropolis and then did one of  Santorini  as we get to Malta this evening. They did open the crew decks out front for us coming into port which was fun.  Saw a gondola with a motor and the cutest buildings right in the wharf. Then off to Lido dinner. Saw Jerry and Debbie and they are going out with Peter and Liz so invited us and off we went to explore the town. The steep road was a trip with the hop on hop off guys trying to tempt us with e2 for the trip. then the stairs nearly killed me. Was great. Christmas  lights all over. lovely buildings.  Had hot chocolate and found out where the hot spot was for tomorrow. Back onboard  and off to bed.

Got up early had breakfast and off to town again no euros, so need to get money. Found a jeweler selling Maltese crosses and bargained to get them for everything I had at the time. Almost what he was asking so he said fine. Went to st Paul's shipwreck church and some fun buildings. Got money and went back to the Christmas store. Then found a flea market that is regular stuff for the locals and such. Walked some more and got Christmas mince pies from Marks and Spencer's after a major up and over trick in the shop going over a bridge across an alley, kind of fun.  Came back exhausted but painted the cute buildings right after lunch. Had a nap now off to dinner and the dancers show .show was lovely stayed for both. Went to the chocolate extravaganza and had some and took pictures.

Today was supposed to be Naples but it is too windy gusts of up to 50 knots he just said so no Naples. Probably a wobbly day at sea. Well we decided it was spa day then and had a massage now I have poofy hair hee hee.  Took a nap it is a bit rough right now so not that much fun but hey it is day 11 or 12 depends on how you count it.