Mediterranean Cruise

On my birthday, August 17, 

we headed back to the international part of the airport
- this time there were no tears -

as we met up with friends to leave on a long awaited flight to Venice.

It was a trip we planned for this time for several reasons -

a suitable window of time for the farmers in the group

and a good distraction for us as we 

had just said goodbye to our kids.

You may want to get yourself a cup of coffee and settle in

because I decided to just go for it here on one post!

Although my H and I have been to Venice once before, 

we were very happy to go back and experience it with 

Terry and Lovella and Elmer and Judy.

This old city on the water, where we did not see or hear a car for the days that we were there,

is just beyond what one can really describe ...

channels, bridges, a maze of narrow walkways lined with shops ...

they say that if you have not gotten lost in Venice, 

you have not seen Venice.

We had some great meals with the most beautiful views!

It looks like a painting - I know! 

After two days we boarded the ship and set sail for Croatia.

On our first day in Dubrovnic a taxi driver took us to parts of the city

where we were reminded of the terrible effects of war.

Then he took us to see beautiful beaches and views that

showed how this country has literally risen up from the rubble.

He also took us to up the mountain where we got a good view of the 16th century walled city.

The next day we got a taxi to take us right to this city.

Crossing a draw bridge, we entered into, what

felt like, a fortress in the history books.

We decided to take the walk around the top of the wall.

It was quite amazing!

Hard not to keep taking pictures ... here are a few. 

Our next stop was in Chania, Crete.
We took a city bus to take us into town.

We walked the Venetian harbor

and were serenaded by a sweet accordion player. 

A few of our stops, such as Mykonos, showed off all that one thinks about 

when we think of modern day Greece.

I continually found myself attracted to the patio seating

and the views from there.

We enjoyed a moment before getting back on the water taxi to the ship.

Athens, one of the world's oldest cities, 

is said to be the heart of Ancient Greece.

Fifth Century landmarks defy our modern day understanding of architecture.

This theater was built in 161 AD

There is something surreal about seeing this ancient world

looking out over the modern day city.

Our taxi driver took us around the city to numerous landmarks,
including the changing of the guards.

The next day we got tendered out to the island of Santorini

where we took the cable car to the top. 

We could have taken donkeys. 

Breathtaking views of the blue Aegean Sea against the white.

My picture does not do it justice. 

We had to stop and enjoy the view from yet another table.

After browsing through the cutest little shops tucked in everywhere,

we took the 587 steps down to the water. 

We didn't ride the donkeys.

We just had to be careful where we stepped.

Our stop in Katakolon was just a relaxing

walk off the ship to do a bit of window shopping ...

and some actual shopping, I have to admit.

And this brought us to our last breakfast on our favorite deck.

I just realized I did not add a photo of our beautiful dinner table.

This was always a highlight at the end of each day.

We left our home on the water and looked to see how to get to the train station.

A little tag-on was a trip to Rome.

We enjoyed the view from the roof top patio.

Here we went to see the Vatican City -

the museum, the Sistine Chapel,

and St. Peter's Basilica.

What we enjoyed was to discover the city 

on our own walking tour.

Sometimes we'd round a corner and just stop in awe

at the unexpected cathedral, fountain 

or other fascinating monument hidden away in small place.

Of course, we usually looked to eat somewhere outside.

We went to see the obvious -

the Colosseum was within walking distance from our hotel. 

This little band played Beatles music as we passed by them and 

we stopped to listen for a while.

Cobblestone streets, church bells, street patio eats,

classical strings in the squares, Fiats, fountains,

statues, gelato, bruschetta, vines on old brick, sore feet ...

it was a wonderful way to end our trip.

So glad we could enjoy it with the best traveling companions.

There was never a dull moment ...

and we will treasure the memories and laugh for years to come.

💚💚💚