Walk in the Plaka

My favorite little angel

On my walk in the Plaka in June, I could feel the fear and anticipation in the air. We were only weeks from the default of the Greek government in the eurozone. In the end, they got an extension - but things only got worse after I left. Banks had their doors closed, hotels only accepted cash, even Greeks in other parts of the world traveling had their credit cards refused as the banks had no funds to cover it. But that day I walked the Plaka, an amazing thing happened. I connected with a young boy playing his accordion in a doorway. He was like a little angel to me. I will never forget it. It has become the photo on my Facebook page, and one I remember with such joy and spirituality. Thank you, young man, for making my day!

the Plaka in Athens

We have a marvelous walk in the Plaka. I remembered it from 2009 as an amazing place, but I enjoyed it even more this time. 

Motos and more motos

Our group from the Holland America Zuiderdam

Greek olives ... yum!

Athens' Ancient Agora

Ancent Agora at Athens

One of my favorite stops on the Greek Med cruise this past June was the stop at Athens. I had been there before on a land trip in 2009, and I hadn't liked it nearly as much as I did this time. I arrived in 2009 right in time for Greek Easter, so the place was deserted. This time around, I decided to take an organized tour with the ship. I loved it.

Ancient Agora Ruins

We went to the Ancient Agora, then a walk in the Plaka and finally to a great restaurant for snacks. The food was wonderful and the service terrific.

Lovely restaurant at the Plaka, Athens

As it was a very hot day, I was grateful to be walking the almost deserted Agora or marketplace, instead of dealing with the crowds at the Acropolis. I had adored the Acropolis in 2009, but I had arrived at 8am and walked all the way up long before most of the people arrived. But midday, I was on my way back down.

I even met a friend for the day, can't remember her name but here is a few photos of her. We had a great time together.

If you find yourself in Athens and have already done the Acropolis, then think about this lovely walk through time at the Ancient Agora. More information can be found here.

Naples, Italy

Naples Cruise Port courtesy of Google

On my first trip to Rome, my ex and I were in a taxi with the most charming taxi driver I have ever met. He was from Naples. As they say, he wore his heart on his sleeve. He told us about his mother. He had tears in his eyes. He could not have made us feel more welcome to the enchanting city of Rome, but he made me want to visit Naples even more. So we did. We took a tour that went to Naples and the Amalfi Coast and then on to Pompeii. 

The tour was great. I have been to Pompeii twice now and am still in awe of what is there. I saw a glimpse of Naples ... the garbage, the traffic, the grime. But Naples intrigues me. I loved Palermo, so maybe I can love Naples too. On my next Holland America line cruise, we will be one day in Naples. I immediately knee jerk reacted and thought I would do a tour to the Isle of Capri, which is to die for. The ferry ride is exciting, the waters and views from the cliffs amazing, but maybe just maybe I will stay in Naples instead.

I would love to visit the National Archaeological Museum. Many of the artifacts from Pompeii are actually displayed there. I am getting my bearings, figuring out. Maybe I will take a taxi to the Museum. It doesn't look far and I am sure it will not disappoint. More information on this Museum can be found here.

Archaeology Museum at Naples courtesy of Vincenzo Surace

And the best of all, maybe I will meet some folks that are like that taxi driver I met in Rome. I bet I will!

Mycenae & the Museum

me at Mycenae

One of the crew members snapped a photo of me as I was walking to the top of the archaeological site at Mycenae. 

We then went on to the Museum, which was quite impressive although small. Here is another photo of me. I actually like this one better. You can see quite a bit of the excavated walls.

Wall painting at the Mycenae Museum

The museum had some great tools and kitchen utensils, as well as some well-preserved and beautiful wall paintings. Some of the restoration is not as well done, which can be seen here.

poorly reconstructed wall painting at Mycenae

The Museum at Nafplion is small but very well done. Here is a professional photograph of the Musem. 

I am dying to talk about either gargolyes or graffiti, but alas, this portion of the trip did not lend itself to either. Off to Athens, where I should be able to find at least graffiti!

Mycenae Ruins

Top of the beehive tomb of Agamemnon

Visiting Mycenae and the Palamidi Castle from Nafplion, I could have been more attentive. I always say I can go back and do research if I want to find out about a place, but maybe I should have listened better the first time. I pay for these tours and then run away from the guides as quickly as possible. It was so hot in June when we were in Greece, and honestly I spent a lot of time looking for shade. I was locked in to the dates due to my niece's wedding, but I don't plan on doing Greece or Italy again in the summer. Give me May or September and preferably May!

Our group off the Holland America Zuiderdam

Our group was a nice mix of people, most fit enough to make it on the tour. The Mycenae was not too strenous, but later we went to the Palimidi Castle, which was a long walk up.

Lion's Gate of Mycenae

The loveliest part of Mycenae is the Lion's Gate. More info on it can be found here. Note the lion's heads are missing, but the site is still truly amazing and was supposedly built by the Cyclops.

Lion's Gate entrance at Mycenae

Magna Grecia Farm Tour

Magna Grecia Farm Tour Fun

On the Holland America Zuiderdam in June of this year, we went to a tour called Magna Grecia Farm Tour at Katakolon. As much as I liked the Olympia tour in 2008 (especially the museum), I just couldn't see do it a second time. There were not many choices, and I knew hanging around Katakolon would be a bit boring. It is lovely but a really small town, at least the shopping area. 

Magna Grecia Farm Tour turkey

At the time I was there, I thought the tour was just so-so. In retrospect, I think it was actually a pretty good tour. We had good food and drink, a small lecture about what the farm does, including growing and harvesting grapes for wine and growing olives and processing the olive oil. The food was amazing, and after of course we did Greek dancing. Everywhere you go in Greece, they have dancing after the meal.

Magna Grecia Farm Tour chicken

The owner said they grow everything that we ate, so unfortunately I don't think either this chicken or the turkey are long for the world.

If you go to Katakolon and don't want to do the dusty and hot site of Olympia, think Magna Grecia Farm tour! More info can be found here.

Down the Grand Canal from Venice Wow Wow Wow

Leaving Venice on the Zuiderdam

I have to say that leaving Venice via the Grand Canal was one of the most thrilling moments of my life. I arrived on Venice a few years back around 4am and slept right through it. I was super sad I didn't wake up in time, but at that time of morning I can't imagine it would compare to what awaited me this time.

First of all, as reported in other blog posts, I just love Venice. Each time I go to Venice I love it more. It is just so interesting, seeped in history and who wouldn't love a city that is falling in to the sea so gracefully? The cruise down the Grand Canal lived up to every expectation I had.

Approaching St. Mark's Square is such a highlight. All the activity with boats scurrying here and there, everybody waving to us on the Zuiderdam was just a rush.

Going by all the landmarks and bridges and seeing all the people and the gondolas and other boats is just amazing.

Rounding the bend and ready to go out to the ocean, see you next time Venice! I highly recommend as well the itinerary I went on, Med Dream on the Holland America Zuiderdam.

Walking Around Venice Part 2

Venice canal

There is something so mesmerizing about the water of the Venice canals. Like a deep lagoon of green water, you can't see in to it. I have been told it is dirty. I have been told it even smells at times. Never when I was there has it smelled bad. To me though, Venice is mystery and passion and excitement. I just love it, and I love her canals. I love all the activity and buzz. I love that I felt welcome.

I love the frivolity and fun. There is just something in the air in Venice. I guess it is a sense of mischief. All the masks and decked out creatures!

Restaurant at Venice

Hats for sale at Venice

Around every corner is some amazing architectural feature that is to die for, including these lovely grates on a bridge with the crumbling buildings beyond.

Walking Around Venice 2015

On my one full day in Venice, I took a walk in the early morning from my hotel near the Piazzale Roma to St. Mark's Square. Took over an hour one way. It was a gorgeous walk. The sun was out. It wasn't too hot yet. 

There are just so many wonderful things about Venice - all the stuff going on and how it is all done on the water, the buildings crumbling in to the sea with such grace, and the most delightful architectural features. 

When I finally reached St. Mark's Square at 9am, it was already mobbed with people. Long lines waiting to get in to the Cathedral. I didn't see the need to tour inside again. I was happy to people watch.

Way more photos and architectural goodies to follow!

Gargoyles & Graffiti 2015

me in Monte Carlo

So it is now March of 2015. In June, my blog will be four years old. Gargoyles and Graffiti ... wow, it is hard to believe. I am having a severe case of writer's block, but I have a trip coming up in June. So hopefully I will get some inspiration from that. I will be attending the wedding of my beloved niece, Sarah, in Norfolk, England and then on to an Eastern Med cruise.

Terrace house walls at Ephesus

I was able to upgrade my room this week from an inside cabin to an oceanview with windows facing front, a few floors under the bridge. Pysched about that. Not only was it not more money, I saved a whopping $32 dollars. I am going with my all favorite line, Holland America, so I couldn't be happier. It is on the Zuiderdam, which is a Vista class ship just like the Noordam. It will be getting out of dry dock the month before we sail.

my niece Sarah in Santorini

My niece, Sarah, and I did the Roman Empire cruise on the Holland America Noordam in 2008. It included Ephesus, Santorini, Malta, Olympia, Corfu and Dubrovnik, that began and ended in Rome ... well really Civitavecchia. We stayed in Civitavecchia at the beginning and ended with a few days in Rome.

Ephesus

This time I will sail from Venice and visit Olympia, Nafplion, Athens, Ephesus, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Naples. The cruise ends in Rome. I have never been to Nafplion, Mykonos or Rhodes ... so I can't wait to see some new sites.

Owner and his son on a boat trip from Malta harbor

Most of these great photos my niece took. Thanks, Sarah!

Herculaneum: A Gargoyle-Inspired Place

Herculaneum

Herculaneum, not far from the Bay of Naples, is a smaller place than Pompeii but better preserved. Having been to Pompeii a few times, I look forward to an excursion to this fascinating place. It also was destroyed by the volcanic flow of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The people were killed by intense heat, but there is great preservation of their bones. 

Rings on the fingers at Herculaneum

More than 300 skeletons have been found. This is definitely a gargoyle-inspired place. More info on Herculaneum and its skeletons can be found here on wikipedia.