It's been a few days since we've written, but what a week it's been! After Jerusalem, our next stop was Athens, Greece on Thursday, April 5th. During the day, we had a tour of the city with our Virtuoso travel group. We had been here two years ago and Annie had actually climbed all the way up to the top of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which was quite a feat. This time, the tour didn't include a walk up to the Acropolis, but we saw it and had some great views. We had a general tour of Athens, and then went out into the countryside to a private museum for a tour and lunch. As always, it was great! There were strolling musicians to meet us at the gate, and then, after wine and ouzo to start, a delicious lunch in this old setting. Really a nice relaxing day.
Which was good, because we got back to the ship in mid-afternoon, only to turn-around and go out again! This time, it was for a dinner and show on shore for the World Cruisers. The evening had an Olympic games themes. We went to this old building that had been part of the Modern Olympic games (i.e, when the games became an international competition in the late 19th century). Of course, upon arrival, the captain and crew were there to greet us in their Greek robes. Inside, it was a cocktail reception and then a great show and another delicious dinner. Of course, at the end of dinner, everyone got up to do the traditional Greek circle dances - and amazingly, we all stayed on our feet (considering we had been eating and drinking all day, that was an Olympian feat in itself!) We got back to the ship just before it sailed at midnight and went up to watch the sail-away. Needless to say, these girls put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign and had a late sleep-in the next day!
We were at sea on Friday which was Good Friday. They had a combined ecumenical service for both the Catholics and the Protestants, which was nice. Saturday,April 7th, the ship docked in Istanbul, Turkey in early morning for a two day stay. Again, we had spent a couple of days in Istanbul two years ago, and done a lot of touring of all the major sights. We loved the city though and spent Friday at the Grand Bazaar -- something like 4,400 little shops and stalls all under one roof!!! We saw some people walking out bag-less - but don't ask me how! We did our part to help the Turkish economy!
We got back to the ship in time to go to Mass Saturday night for Easter, which was nice. I was scheduled for a tour on Sunday morning to another palace on the Asian side of Istanbul. This city actually is on two continents, Europe and Asia, and is separated by the Bosphorus Strait.
Sunday morning when we went downstairs there were tables of chocolate bunnies of all types and sizes - from a couple of inches to 3 feet tall! In addition, there were giant chocolate eggs and flowers in all the public rooms and dining rooms around the ship. We had little chocolate Easter eggs on our pillows that night, and they told us that the ship had chocolate bunnies and mini-baskets of candy placed in all the cabins for the crew. They also had a special crew dinner in one of the dining rooms usually reserved for guests. Really a nice touch to let the crew now they're important to the company.
We had a life boat drill at 8:00 at night that everyone had to go to. Normally, after you go to the the first one, they don't require the World Cruisers to go to every one after that. (There's one every few weeks, when new guests board and before we leave port the first night.) They said this time, all had to go. We think it was because after that tragedy with the ship sinking in Santorini, Greece, they wanted everyone to be reminded what to do in the case of an accident. That was terrible disaster, but we've all said it was a miracle that only 2 people are missing.
After the drill, Annie and I went out on deck to watch our sail away from Istanbul. It was a beautifully clear night, and the city is just lit up with all the mosques and minarets. Really a pretty sight. Fortunately, it wasn't too cold either.- we're heading back to the Mediterranean and it's still cold there. I think our days of lying out around the pool are over for this cruise. But we hear that New England has had a very cold April, so we can't complain much!
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