Monday, 9th March 2020
Well, today we docked at Rome, and this is where Bob and I get of the ship and spend some time in Rome, well thats the plan, but it seems that the virus is going to dictate what we end up doing.
We wait till about 11 to get off the ship, figuring that most of the others will have gotten off by this time, and there was no real hassles getting off. We had to stand in front of the thermal camera, before we left, and then off we went.
We had a car organised to pick us up at 1pm, so we waited for a while, and made a call to see if it could get us earliers, and it ended up being about 30 mins before we were due to be picked up.
The trip to were our next accommodation is, is about an hour and a half away from the Port, and the driver, Manuel, was very nice, and got us there with out any problelms.
We now have to get into the apartment, and follow the directions instructed to us. Eventually we gain access, and the unit is quite nice. It is on the 5th floor, and has a nice sun room.
After we have settled and had a rest, we take a walk to the shopping center, as I have no credit on my phone. We complete this mission, and check out the centre, and then head back to the unit complex. Underneath where we are staying is a supermarket, so we gather some items for dinner and breakfast, and then call it a day.
Tuesday, 10th March 2020
We didn't do a real lot today, as the government has closed Italy down, due to the Coronavirus. Bob did spend a lot of time trying to reorganise air flights and getting out of Italy as soon as possible. The end result being, we will be flying out tomorrow evening, to Munich, spend some time there, then head on to Berlin and fly out to Singapore on the 25th, then a day in Singapore, and then home to Australia.
The decree for Italy, consists of no public gatherings, no sporting events, the schools are closed, Resturants can only open from 6am to 6pm. Supermarkets at to keep customers one meter apart.
We did go out for a walk and checked out the local Pizzeria, and got a kebab for lunch.
The line up for the supermarket is a constant stream of people, who are waiting for their turn to get inside.
We have both had phone calls from concerned family members, Bobs sister Colleen rang, very concerned as did my sister Linda rang as well. We assured them that we are working on trying to get out of Italy as soon as we could.
There is no point staying here, as all the attractions are closed and the hop on hop off buses are not running due to the Governments decree
Wednesday, 11th March 2020
Went out for a walk to the shopping centre, as we had to get some cash for our taxi man, and just to get out of the unit. The shopping centre has the same restrictions as the one that is nearby us. They have taped of areas that people can't go over and have to talk to some cashiers from a meter back. There is added security about. They too, have a line up of shoppers, and some shops have choosen to close due to the virus. We have a cup of coffee before we leave the centre, and then we wander around other streets trying to find a ATM. There was one at the centre but Bob couldn't see the screen, due to the sun shining on the screen.
We do eventually find one, and again there is a bit of a line up, as only one person at a time is allowed inside where it is. The Italians have accepted these changes pretty well, better than the Australians would I think.
We head back towards our unit, and stop at the Pizza place and grab a couple of things to have later on, as we will be leaving around around 4, but that gets changed to 3.30.
The time approaches and our taxi man has arrived, and we are packed up and in the taxi heading for the airport, ( so I thought,). After a little while, our driver Manual, said that he will take us past the Colusseum, and I thought I misheard him. But no, Bob has organised for him to take us on a bit of a tour guide of the area. I am so lucky, as I was resigned to the fact, that we were leaving Rome without seeing the hightlights of the city, due to the virus. But I was wrong. Manual, did a wonderful job, taking us to the hot spots, and letting us get out and taking pics. Everything was closed, so we were not able to go inside, but we got the pictures, and a history on each place. We learnt a lot from Manual. And big Brownie points for Bob for organising it. We went to the Vatican, and again, not able to go inside the area where all the people go, but got the pictues.
We head off to the airport after an hour or so, and we then go and check in at the airline. So far so good. We are concerned that the flight might get cancelled at the last minute. So now we go through customs, and head then up to wait at the gate number. We are a little early, but I don't mind. Our plane is set to leave at 7.45, and we all board at 7.20. Bob and I have separate seats, but thats ok, so long as we get in the air, and out of Italy, it will be good. And we do. The flight is an hour and 10 mins, and we have no hassles landing.
We disembark of the plane, and head over to the baggage collection area, gather our belongings and head for the taxis. Phew, we are now in Munich Germany. Our drive to the taxi is about an hour, and we find our lodgings for the next few days, and call it a day.
Thursday, 12th March 2020
This morning we go out and explore the area around us. Right at the end of our street is appears to be a large open space, with a gigantic statue in it. We wander down to this area, and it is a huge area, and we later find out that this is where the Octoberfest takes place in October. We continue to walk along the streets and find a lovely place to have a late breakfast or early lunch, as we have nothing to eat in the unit.
After we have eaten, we continue to walk around, and find where the underground trains are. We then head back to our unit, and on our way we call into the super market that is on the ground floor of where we are staying. So this is nice and handy.
Not much more is done, it is more a rest and relief day, from the stresses of the past couple of days.
Friday, 13th March 2020
Today, we have decided to go into Munich centre and explore our options in there. We are taking the train into Marienplatz which turns out is only two stops from where we are. We find the ticket machine, and get one ticket, and then it decided it doesn't like the next note that Bob puts into it, so we look about for another one, and there are a couple there using one, and we ask for assistance and we end up using the one that they were using.
We get off at Marienplatz and orientate ourselves to where we are, and there are many tall spires in the skyline. We head to one that has double spires, which is Frauenkirche, and is part of the Church of our Lady.
We continue to walk along the streets and follow the people, and find more amazing and wonderful and historical sites. Everything is so beautifully decorated. There are many pictures taken, and we are both taken with what is around us.
We find a hop on hop off bus stop, after we have walked some of the streets, and after we have had a cuppa and a bite to eat, we are ready to get on the bus. We wait for a while, and then we get our tickets when it comes and do the circut. There are three circuts, and given the time, we only get to do one today. Munich is a beautiful place, and there is so much to see.
After we get off the bus, we now do a little more walking and find the most amazing plaza, which has a huge, and ornately decorated building, It is the new town hall. It looks very old, but in fact it was built in the 1900's. The Old town hall, is a large white building, that is over 400 years old, and it is right beside the new building.
We eventually make our way back to the train station, and head back to our place, stopping on the way to get some frozen vegies to have with the chicken for our dinner tonight.
We have had a wonderful day exploring Munich.
Saturday, 14th March 2020
Today, we got news that our flight from Berlin to Singapore has been cancelled. So now we have to try and book another flight from somewhere else to get back to Australia. It is getting very worrying with all the travel restrictions that are happening, and we can only hope that Germany wont be excluded from Australia's traveling ban. Bob manages to secure a flight for us from Munich to Australia, via Dubai, and has booked it for tomorrow evening.
We decide to go into the city centre again today, to look about more, instead of being enclosed inside our room for the day.
We head back to where we know the bus stop is for the hop on hop off bus, and after some time a bus comes, but it is not the route we want, and we ask the driver when the next one is, and we are informed that it is at the city centre.
So we head into the city centre, and once again Munich is a wonderful place, and we walk about the streets again and see some very good busking happening. We also come across the local markets, that is a sea of food stalls and bars and flowers. We continue to walk through these stalls and find a stall that is selling all different flavoured spreads, and we get some to take back to the room. We don't do the bus today, as Bob is not feeling like it. But thats ok. It is good just to look about.
We head back to our lodgings and enquire at a local resturant if they will be open tonight and if we need to make a booking, and we do, and so we do.
We will have our last meal in Munich tonight eating out. Our reservation is for 7pm. The staff inside the resturan are all dressing in traditional German costume.
We spend the rest of the afternoon lounging and trying not to be to stressed about what is happening in the world with the virus.
At ten to seven we head out for our dining experience, and I have all german food, Sausages, Saurkraut and Apple Struedel, all washed down with a very nice drop of German beer.
Sunday, 15th March 2020
Today after emails have been checked that no other flights have been cancelled, we decide to take a walk in the local area, and investigate the huge statue that is at the end of the street where we have been staying and to get some fresh air. It is a lovely day, and there are a few families out and about enjoying the day. The momument at the street is huge as we get closer to it. It is called Bavaria statue, and is of a woman and a lion. It is 18.5 mtrs tall and weighs 87.4 tons. It was cast between 1844 and 50 and is cast entirely of Bronze. There is a staircase that is inside the statue, that you can go up, but it was closed at this time, and wouldn't be open agan until April. We continue our walk and eventually head back in the direction of the unit, stopping at a coffee shop to have a cuppa. The vib from this place was great, and we very much enjoyed our stop.
We have a taxi booked for 5pm and our flight is scheduled to leave at 21.30, but we are not sure how long it will take to the airport, or what is ahead of us at the airport. So being a early could be a good thing. The taxi arrives on time and we are organised after much packing and repacking to get weights right for the flight. Our taxi driver gets us to the airport in just over 30 mins, and at times the speed was in excess of 170kms.
Germany has areas where there is no speed limits, and as fast as we were going, there were other cars just whistling past us, and you could feel the gust of wind as they flew past. Bob insisted on telling me the speeds, and I did tell him it was not neccessary. It is a little daunting knowing that one is travelling at that speed.
Anyhow we arrive at the airport, and head to the Emarites desk to check in our luggage, and there seems to be some sort of problem with the check in process, as it is very slow, but eventually we get to the counter and check in our luggage, and Bob's bag gets caught in the shute and the counter person has to call someone to lift it out. After this is all done, we now proceed to go through the usual routine of going through customs and passport check.
At the required time, we start to board our flight, it is great that we are finally heading back home, but it is also sad that we are leaving here the way we are. Our flight, is a 6 hour flight, and the plane is not even half full. So there is plenty of room on board. We depart on time, and have a good flight to Dubai, at which we land at 6.30
Friday, 20 March 2020
Sunday, 15 March 2020
Monday, 2nd March 2020, MSC Cruise.
Monday, 2nd March, 2020
Today, we have docked at Crete, and after a breakfast at the buffet, I notice that there is 30 percent off Spa services, and decide to check out getting my hair cut, and Bob says, not just cut, but more, so I go and decide to get it cut, which is done not long after I have gone there. I have decided not to go ashore, as I think I will have a day of doing things for me. I have made an appointment for a Massage, and I will also get my hair done with some highlights.
I get my hair cut, but it seems I am not able to get the hairdresser to fully understand what I want, and I say I want a trim, not much off, as I am trying to grow the layers out, so she just cuts a little of one of the layers, and then tidies up the side, and that is it done. I am a little dissappointed in myself more than anything, but it is tidied up a bit. Will get a decent cut, when I get back home. So the next appointment is at 5pm. This is for the massage. Bob has decided to check out the ship yard that our ship has docked near too, and when he gets back, he says that he went into Crete, well almost.
Massage time arrives, and the massage is good, and relaxing, and as is the usual thing at the end of it all, they try to sell you something more. I resist, and go back and fill in time until my hair colour appointment at 7pm.
At just before 7 I go up and get to mu appointment, as I had previously sorted out what colour I was going to have in my hair. I did state that I wanted a full head of what I thought was going to be highlights, but again, there was a communication problem, and after a while my whole head is covered in dye. So Iam feeling a little anxious about the end result, as I have choosen an orangey red colour. I am left alone for 30 mins while the colour take in my hair. The hair dresser returns and rinses out the colour and the colour of my hair, is a light orange of sorts. I am not to sure about it, but it is done.
I head up to the room, not sure about it at all, and Bob assures me it is good. I will just have to have time to get adapted to it.
We go to the buffet for dinner, and then the day is done.
Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020.
Today we have docked in the port of Rhodes, on the island of Rhodes.
We have risen early, as the ship is docking, and after observing this, we head off for breakfast. Then we head to the meeting point for the tour we have booked today. We don't have to wait to long and we are boarded onto a bus, and on the road to explore this part of the island.
Our first stop is at the Acropolis of Rhodes, and there are lots of Peacocks about at this stop. Unfortunately the Acropolis entrance is closed as it is in the off season. But we get to walk in the opposite direction, to a large cross that has been mounted. It has very nice panaramic views of the port and city.
The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge statue of the sun god Helios, which was constructed in 280BC. It was 33 meters high, and was made of bronze. It is amazing to think of how they constructed such a large statue, back in those times. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in earthquakes and when the Arabs took over the city is future years, they sold off the bronze, so there is nothing there or even remenants of it being there. The historians only have pictures that were found to prove that it was there. It was once one of the wonders of the ancient world.
We continue to take in what our guide is telling us about this ancient city, and it seems that this is the place where the Templar knights first began. We get of the bus and walk into the old and ancient part of the town, which was the palace of the Knights, and it was protected by 3 walls, and two moats and then the palace. The whole walled city is still being used, and it is the only city in the world that has the original and complete wall around it. There are seven entrances into the city, and walking around it was amazing. Many of the homes are still being lived in, and that has helped to preserve them. The whole walled city is a UNESCO site, and therefore, renovations have to be made exactly to strict conditions. This city was built in 408BC, it is wonderful to have such places still about.
After the walking part of the tour, we break from the group and do our own thing, and find a cafe to have a coffee, and a bit to eat, and ended up having some lunch, which was very enjoyable Greek food.
We buy the tee shirt to say that we were here, and then head back to the ship. Again we have to go through the scanning device, and then we head back up to the room. Bob has a rest, and I do a bit of reading in the library. Then it is back to the buffet for dinner, and day is all but done.
Wednesday, 4th March 2020
Athens
Today we have docked at Athens. We have chosen to do a tour to the Parthenon. This is a bus trip, and there are a few historical sights to see before we get to it. Like the very first statuim that was used for the first modern Olympics. The Panathenaic Statium, hosted more than 50 000 people for the first modern Olympics. It is an all marble and is the only of that is built entirely of marble. It was built in the 6th century, and renovated in 1896. There is a story about a Marathon that is held here, a messenger was told to run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens and tell the leaders that they had won the war, and he did that in full armour, from a little village, about 40 miles away, and when he got there he uttered two words, we won, then died. So this is where of the marathons end.
After we finish looking over this statium, we continue onwards and go past the Temple of Olympian Zeus, It's contruction started in the 6th century BC, but was not completed until the 2nd century AD. In Roman times, it was the largest temple in Greece, and housed one of the largest statues in the Ancient world. It sure was a large and even though it is ruins now, one can imagine just how big it would have been.
Again we continue and we get to our prized stop, The Parthenon. We are guided by the guide on the bus and given the history of what is in the area. There are theatre ruins, and the Erechtheion, which is a greek temple, and it was quite impressive, and it was dedicated to the Athena and Poseidon, which was constructed between 421 and 406 BC. The temple of Athena Nike, which was constructed in the same time. So standing on the Acropolis of Athens is quite an amazing thing, with all of these wonderful historical ruins.
Unfortunately, we are summoned back to the ship, for security reasons, and we are all filled with dread that there is a case of the coronavirus onboard. Our tour is obviously unfinished, but at least we got to see the main attractions. There was some conflict with another tour guide, that said we should not have been allowed to continue, but our guide told guests to meet at the bus at 12, and that is what was done, and she figured that while we were here, a quick look was deserved. So after we had all assembled at the bus, we headed back to the ship amid the grumblings of many people, and the fear of others.
Back on the ship, we all go through the usual scanning of items, and then Bob and I go back to our cabin. We then go and get some lunch, not knowing what is going to eventuate, so we have a feed, in case we are confined to our cabins for the duration. Alas, it was not so, thankfully, we are told that a guest from the previous trip did contract the virus, and that we were called back for our safety, and that no one on board has the virus. It was all a precaution.
Thursday, 5th March 2020
Today, the ship docked in Corfu. We stayed on board, and chilled.
Friday, 6th March 2020
The ship was not allowed to dock at Malta today, due to the reported case of the guest who had the virus on the ship on the previous cruise, and the Government didn't want to have public unrest if we docked. This was after some misleading media reports despite, being assured there was noone on the ship who had the virus.
Tonight we got dressed up in our glad rags again, and went for dinner in the Resturant.
Satuday, 7th March 2020
Our ship docked in Messina, and it is a rainy sort of day. There are tours operating, but we have decided not to go on any. Instead, we settle for taking a walk and happen to come accross a little train tour, which was where we were admiring a big old bell tower, and its cathedral beside it. The bell tower is as Astronomical clock, and was constructed in 1933, and is quite something to look upon.
We board our little tourist train, and take a drive about the city. We come to a panaramic view of the city, and it is here that there is one of very old bell.
The tour takes about 45 mins, and we are returned to where we began, it is still raining lightly, so we decide to head back to the ship, only after Bob stops and buys some sweets and nuts from a street vender.
We embark with the usual process, of everything being scanned and our cards scanned aswell.
We decide to go and have a coffee at one of the lounges, and we wait for quite some time, as one of the waitresses, is talking to other guests, about American politics. She has been with them for well over 15 mins, and Bob is starting to get annoyed. Eventually another waitress comes over, and Bob asks her for the name he co worker, and she sidesteps the question, by just asking what we would like. She handled the situation very well, and after she had taken our order, she went over to the waitress and spoke to her. There were other customers who were waiting aswell.
After we had our coffee, we headed back to the cabin, and called it a day.
On our way to Rome, we cruise past an active Volcano, called Stomboli. We could see steam coming out of it, and it has been active since the 1930s. It was an amazing site to see.
Sunday, 8th March 2020
This morning we have docked in Rome. Bob and I decide to disembark around 11.30 so let all the other people get off who are going on tours and others that like us are leaving the ship here. We leave the ship a little before 11.30, as we are not sure what we have to do to get off, but it was hassle free. All we had to do was show our passports to the MSC staff, and get our cards swiped, and that was about it.
We have a bit of a wait for the car to come and collect us, as it was organised for 1pm. We watch the buses come and go, with guests as MSC is running a shuffle run for people to get to the airport.
Bob makes a call to the company to see if we can be collected a little earlier as we are ready, and he is told maybe 15 mins early. So we wait. Around 12.30 our car arrives, and we are diven to our next place. This is an hour and 20 mins trip. Our driver, does he best to get us as close to where we need to go. He speaks some english, and he was born in Rome. After we arrive, he gives Bob his card as Bob has questioned him about taking us to the airport in a weeks time.
So now we have to check into this place, but first we have to find the key safe, and that isn't as easy is it seems. Eventually it is foumd, and we are inside our next unit. It has been a relief to be off the cruise ship, with the difficulties that it has had getting into ports because of the Coronavirus. Even though noone on the ship got it, it was something hanging over everyones head.
Our unit is on the 5th floor of a residental complex, and has a supermarket on the ground floor, as well as a Pizza place and a cafe. All seems very handy.
After a while we go down, and gather some supplies for the night and the mroning,
Day is done.
I get my hair cut, but it seems I am not able to get the hairdresser to fully understand what I want, and I say I want a trim, not much off, as I am trying to grow the layers out, so she just cuts a little of one of the layers, and then tidies up the side, and that is it done. I am a little dissappointed in myself more than anything, but it is tidied up a bit. Will get a decent cut, when I get back home. So the next appointment is at 5pm. This is for the massage. Bob has decided to check out the ship yard that our ship has docked near too, and when he gets back, he says that he went into Crete, well almost.
Massage time arrives, and the massage is good, and relaxing, and as is the usual thing at the end of it all, they try to sell you something more. I resist, and go back and fill in time until my hair colour appointment at 7pm.
At just before 7 I go up and get to mu appointment, as I had previously sorted out what colour I was going to have in my hair. I did state that I wanted a full head of what I thought was going to be highlights, but again, there was a communication problem, and after a while my whole head is covered in dye. So Iam feeling a little anxious about the end result, as I have choosen an orangey red colour. I am left alone for 30 mins while the colour take in my hair. The hair dresser returns and rinses out the colour and the colour of my hair, is a light orange of sorts. I am not to sure about it, but it is done.
I head up to the room, not sure about it at all, and Bob assures me it is good. I will just have to have time to get adapted to it.
We go to the buffet for dinner, and then the day is done.
Tuesday, 3rd March, 2020.
Today we have docked in the port of Rhodes, on the island of Rhodes.
We have risen early, as the ship is docking, and after observing this, we head off for breakfast. Then we head to the meeting point for the tour we have booked today. We don't have to wait to long and we are boarded onto a bus, and on the road to explore this part of the island.
Our first stop is at the Acropolis of Rhodes, and there are lots of Peacocks about at this stop. Unfortunately the Acropolis entrance is closed as it is in the off season. But we get to walk in the opposite direction, to a large cross that has been mounted. It has very nice panaramic views of the port and city.
The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge statue of the sun god Helios, which was constructed in 280BC. It was 33 meters high, and was made of bronze. It is amazing to think of how they constructed such a large statue, back in those times. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in earthquakes and when the Arabs took over the city is future years, they sold off the bronze, so there is nothing there or even remenants of it being there. The historians only have pictures that were found to prove that it was there. It was once one of the wonders of the ancient world.
We continue to take in what our guide is telling us about this ancient city, and it seems that this is the place where the Templar knights first began. We get of the bus and walk into the old and ancient part of the town, which was the palace of the Knights, and it was protected by 3 walls, and two moats and then the palace. The whole walled city is still being used, and it is the only city in the world that has the original and complete wall around it. There are seven entrances into the city, and walking around it was amazing. Many of the homes are still being lived in, and that has helped to preserve them. The whole walled city is a UNESCO site, and therefore, renovations have to be made exactly to strict conditions. This city was built in 408BC, it is wonderful to have such places still about.
After the walking part of the tour, we break from the group and do our own thing, and find a cafe to have a coffee, and a bit to eat, and ended up having some lunch, which was very enjoyable Greek food.
We buy the tee shirt to say that we were here, and then head back to the ship. Again we have to go through the scanning device, and then we head back up to the room. Bob has a rest, and I do a bit of reading in the library. Then it is back to the buffet for dinner, and day is all but done.
Wednesday, 4th March 2020
Athens
Today we have docked at Athens. We have chosen to do a tour to the Parthenon. This is a bus trip, and there are a few historical sights to see before we get to it. Like the very first statuim that was used for the first modern Olympics. The Panathenaic Statium, hosted more than 50 000 people for the first modern Olympics. It is an all marble and is the only of that is built entirely of marble. It was built in the 6th century, and renovated in 1896. There is a story about a Marathon that is held here, a messenger was told to run from the Battle of Marathon to Athens and tell the leaders that they had won the war, and he did that in full armour, from a little village, about 40 miles away, and when he got there he uttered two words, we won, then died. So this is where of the marathons end.
After we finish looking over this statium, we continue onwards and go past the Temple of Olympian Zeus, It's contruction started in the 6th century BC, but was not completed until the 2nd century AD. In Roman times, it was the largest temple in Greece, and housed one of the largest statues in the Ancient world. It sure was a large and even though it is ruins now, one can imagine just how big it would have been.
Again we continue and we get to our prized stop, The Parthenon. We are guided by the guide on the bus and given the history of what is in the area. There are theatre ruins, and the Erechtheion, which is a greek temple, and it was quite impressive, and it was dedicated to the Athena and Poseidon, which was constructed between 421 and 406 BC. The temple of Athena Nike, which was constructed in the same time. So standing on the Acropolis of Athens is quite an amazing thing, with all of these wonderful historical ruins.
Unfortunately, we are summoned back to the ship, for security reasons, and we are all filled with dread that there is a case of the coronavirus onboard. Our tour is obviously unfinished, but at least we got to see the main attractions. There was some conflict with another tour guide, that said we should not have been allowed to continue, but our guide told guests to meet at the bus at 12, and that is what was done, and she figured that while we were here, a quick look was deserved. So after we had all assembled at the bus, we headed back to the ship amid the grumblings of many people, and the fear of others.
Back on the ship, we all go through the usual scanning of items, and then Bob and I go back to our cabin. We then go and get some lunch, not knowing what is going to eventuate, so we have a feed, in case we are confined to our cabins for the duration. Alas, it was not so, thankfully, we are told that a guest from the previous trip did contract the virus, and that we were called back for our safety, and that no one on board has the virus. It was all a precaution.
Thursday, 5th March 2020
Today, the ship docked in Corfu. We stayed on board, and chilled.
Friday, 6th March 2020
The ship was not allowed to dock at Malta today, due to the reported case of the guest who had the virus on the ship on the previous cruise, and the Government didn't want to have public unrest if we docked. This was after some misleading media reports despite, being assured there was noone on the ship who had the virus.
Tonight we got dressed up in our glad rags again, and went for dinner in the Resturant.
Satuday, 7th March 2020
Our ship docked in Messina, and it is a rainy sort of day. There are tours operating, but we have decided not to go on any. Instead, we settle for taking a walk and happen to come accross a little train tour, which was where we were admiring a big old bell tower, and its cathedral beside it. The bell tower is as Astronomical clock, and was constructed in 1933, and is quite something to look upon.
We board our little tourist train, and take a drive about the city. We come to a panaramic view of the city, and it is here that there is one of very old bell.
The tour takes about 45 mins, and we are returned to where we began, it is still raining lightly, so we decide to head back to the ship, only after Bob stops and buys some sweets and nuts from a street vender.
We embark with the usual process, of everything being scanned and our cards scanned aswell.
We decide to go and have a coffee at one of the lounges, and we wait for quite some time, as one of the waitresses, is talking to other guests, about American politics. She has been with them for well over 15 mins, and Bob is starting to get annoyed. Eventually another waitress comes over, and Bob asks her for the name he co worker, and she sidesteps the question, by just asking what we would like. She handled the situation very well, and after she had taken our order, she went over to the waitress and spoke to her. There were other customers who were waiting aswell.
After we had our coffee, we headed back to the cabin, and called it a day.
On our way to Rome, we cruise past an active Volcano, called Stomboli. We could see steam coming out of it, and it has been active since the 1930s. It was an amazing site to see.
Sunday, 8th March 2020
This morning we have docked in Rome. Bob and I decide to disembark around 11.30 so let all the other people get off who are going on tours and others that like us are leaving the ship here. We leave the ship a little before 11.30, as we are not sure what we have to do to get off, but it was hassle free. All we had to do was show our passports to the MSC staff, and get our cards swiped, and that was about it.
We have a bit of a wait for the car to come and collect us, as it was organised for 1pm. We watch the buses come and go, with guests as MSC is running a shuffle run for people to get to the airport.
Bob makes a call to the company to see if we can be collected a little earlier as we are ready, and he is told maybe 15 mins early. So we wait. Around 12.30 our car arrives, and we are diven to our next place. This is an hour and 20 mins trip. Our driver, does he best to get us as close to where we need to go. He speaks some english, and he was born in Rome. After we arrive, he gives Bob his card as Bob has questioned him about taking us to the airport in a weeks time.
So now we have to check into this place, but first we have to find the key safe, and that isn't as easy is it seems. Eventually it is foumd, and we are inside our next unit. It has been a relief to be off the cruise ship, with the difficulties that it has had getting into ports because of the Coronavirus. Even though noone on the ship got it, it was something hanging over everyones head.
Our unit is on the 5th floor of a residental complex, and has a supermarket on the ground floor, as well as a Pizza place and a cafe. All seems very handy.
After a while we go down, and gather some supplies for the night and the mroning,
Day is done.
Tuesday, 3 March 2020
Florence, monday 24th February 2020
Monday, 24th February, 2020
Today we are going into Florence to explore it via the city sightseeing bus. We have decided to take the tram into the city, and go on from there. So we make our way to the tram stop which is just a block away, and et the tickets and board the tram when it comes and we get off at the Rail station in the city centre. Next we have to get the tickets for the bus tour, and they are obtained at the rail station at the tourist office, which makes things very convienent. We ask the guy about where the stop is, and we follow his directions, and in no time we have found the place. As we arrive at the stop, there is a bus arriving, so we have timed everything very well, and board the bus for the first route, which takes about an hour, and do the full route, before changing to the other route. The first trip is a very fast trip, as the commentary doesn't seem to match up with where we are, but we are getting accustomed to this. We listen to the audio guide as best we can, and then we get back to the first stop, and stay on, as we have to continue on this one, to change over at Michelangios plaza, which is a lookout overlooking Florence.
We get to this point and disembark, and take a few pics and look at the venders and looking at the wares they have for sale. They are mainly souviners of Florence, and some scarfes and beanies. The day is a little bit murcky, and not much sun about as the bus has the top closed over.
We find the point for the second route, and hop on board. This is a 2 hr trip, and we haev decided that we will not do the whole route, as we have done some of it on the first one. That way we can get of at a stop that is closest to the tram stop. This tour takes us out of Florence, and up into the hills of Fiesole, which is 9 kms away. Fiesole, has been settled since 283 BC although there are nothing documented about this, but artefacts have been found. Over the 18th and 19th century if became the place to be for the english to settle.
When the tour comes to our point for us to get off, we do this and find our way back to the tram station, and once again we are headed back to our accommodation. Travelling on the tram has made the day easy, and it is not very costly.
After we get back to the unit, we take a rest, and then we head out again, we have a box to send back to Australia, so we find the postal place, and park the car and go in to send the box away. It was somewhat expensive, but cheaper than excessive baggage on a plane, and then to ad more pain, we have got a fine on the windscreen of the car. We now head of in the direction of the shopping centre to get somethings for tea, and for the meal tomorrow night. The centre we have gone to seems to be ridiculously busy.
We get what we need and head back to the unit.
Tuesday, 25th February, 2020
Today, we are going back into Florence, to explore further, and to see a few of the famous things that are around. Again we take the tram back into the city centre, and we are headed for the Statue of David, at the Accdemia Gallery, which is just over one km from the tram stop. On our way there, Bob discovers that his wallet is not in his man bag, but he tells me he thinks it is on the table back at the unit. So we continue onwards to our first point of interest, and we get there, to join in the rest of the people who are lined up. After about 15 mins we gain entrance to the gallery, and pay our fees and go in to see the famous statue by Michelangelo. Inside the gallery, not only is there the statue of David, but there are 4 other statues that have not been completed by Michelangelo. There many other peices of works by other artists and paintings of all sizes, by many famous people. The sheer size of some of these works is amazing, and how they managed to work at such magnitudes to get such wonderful artwork finished, is beyond me.
After we finish looking here, we go in search of the Ponte Vecchio, an old bridge that is lined with gold and Jewellery shops. Along the way there are many shops selling leather goods, another thing that Florence is famous for.
On our way, we come across many statues and fantastic buildings. One of which was the cathedral Santa Maria di Fiore. Such a huge place with many parts of the building decorated with statues. The line up to get inside was very long. We just admired what we could from the outside and that was amazing enough. We keep walking and get to the Ponte Vecchio. There are so many little shops along the side of the bridge, each selling many similar peices of Jewellery. I keep window shopping, as the prices are or of my pocket, but it is nice to look.
After we cross the bridge we take time you have an ice cream and as we are in there, a man starts singing in the shop. He has an amazing voice and it fills the room. Passersbys stop and listen and phones are recording this little impromptu recital.
After we have finished our ice cream, we head back over the bridge, and head for the tram stop. We get there yet again, just as it arrives and we are heading back to our unit.
When we get back inside the unit, Bob looks for his wallet, and to his dismay, it is not on the table where he thought it was. Hge had been pick pocketed again, and we are at a loss as to where and when it happened. The theif, must have unzipped his bag, taken the wallet out and zipped it back up.
He then goes online to see if any activity had been happening on his account, and there had been, so now there are phone calls made to the bank, after he had to go out and get another sim as his current one just ran out of phone credit. Thankfully we had the foresight to put a credit card of his in my care, and it has been a very thankful thing that we did this. At least he still has access to his finances.
Another day has been filled.
Wednesday, 26th February, 2020
Today, we are leaving Florence and heading to Genoa via Pisa. So after an early start, as Bob was awake early, we have breakfast, and then start the process of packing up things and restocking the car. This is going to be a trip of around 3hrs and 16 mins, and 242 kms. After we have done this we make our way to find the police station, to report of Bobs pickpocketing. After some walking, we eventually find the station, and Bob hands over his printed statement to the office, and after a while Bob is ushered into another room, I wait in the waiting room. Bob comes out after a little while and because he has printed out his statement, it has made it a bit easier. One of the items that was in Bob s wallet, was the parking fine, and Bob askes the officer aobut it, and he said that he did not know what to suggest to him, and that he didn't think that people should be booked outside the post offoice, as this was Florence.
We navigate our way out of Florence, and head for Pisa, a distance of 85 kms and an hour and 20 mins. Once we get to Pisa, finding a park is proving a little tricky. But the leaning tower of Pisa is visable before we get into the town. Pisa itself is a smallish community, but with all the tourist, it makes if a bit busy. We find a park and take it. It is not to far from the attraction, and we walk to the Leaning tower.
It is a remarkable building. The tower is a free standing bell tower, and it has a four degree lean, as a reult of unstable foundation. The height of the tower, is 55.86 meters, on the low side, and 56.67 on the high side. It was built in the 12th century, and as a result of the unstable ground, it started to lean. Also in the square, is a Cathedral, and a Baptistry. All are amazing buildings. with so much detail on the buildings, and even though we didn't go inside, they were still wonderful.
We go back to the car, and head off to Genoa, where we will spend 2 days, and return the car to the hire company.
We find our motel, and it looks a bit dodgy from the outside, and agian parking is an issue, we have to do the block again, and then park. We walk to the hotel, and check in, but only after we have checked out the room. The first room we looked at was not suitable, as there was no lift to the second floor, and as we have quite a lot of stuff that has to go inside, we asked if there was one on the first floor, and we were shown another room, of which we decided we would make work, as this motel, is just across from the cruise terminal.
So we unload the car, taking up most of the stuff, and Bob takes the option of parking the car in the garage, for an additional price.
We take a rest, and then we go out for a walk to see what is about the local area, looking for somewhere to eat, but we head back to where we are staying, and eat at their little resturant, which was good as it turned out, and the man who runs it was very accommodating.
We retire for the day, and it has been great, and yet another thing is ticked off the bucket list.
Thursday, 27th February, 2020
Today, we took a walk to find out where the MSC cruise terminal is, and after some wrong turns, on my part, we find where we have to go tomorrow, and we were advised that it would be good to use a taxi, and that we had to have a ticket to get inside.
So we walk in the other direction, as I want to get some nail polish remover, to take off my nail polish, and after some time and walking we find the shopping centre that isat the Ferry terminal. As we walk inside, we notice that there is a place for hertz car hire, so we go in and make inquires as to if we can leave the car here, instead of having to go to the airport. The lady says that it is possible for us to leave the car there. This is a bonus, as it is within walking distance from our motel, and means we don't have to use a taxi to get back to our motel.
We walk back to the hotel, and rest. A few hours later, we go to the car, and take it back to the hertz car rental place, and as we get there it is starting to rain. We go inside, and do the paper work, and the car is looked over, and all is finished. We have returned the car without any scratches or dents.
We walk back to the hotel, and the rain has stopped. We have decided to eat what is left over from last night, and there is some yoghurts and oranges that we have to consume before tomorrow.
Day is done.
Friday, 28th February, 2020
After breakfast at the hotel, we finish packing up what we are going to take, what we are going to throw away, and the stuff we have to leave behind in the hope that someone might be able to use it.
We get a the reception to call us a taxi around 9.30, and it is here within 5 mins, very quick. The Taxi driver was very good, and took us straight to where the luggage is. When we get there, there is a lot of porters, willing to help and get our luggage aboard the ship. So starts the cruise, and the next league of our trip.
One of the main things that has been concerning both Bob and I is the Coronavirus, and if the ship is going to have any issues with calling into some of the ports. We have both been thinking about different sceneios with all of this. and I have just been stressing about what ifs. We fill out the survey about where we have been in the past few weeks, and then we wait to have our temperture taken, and a thremal scan done. Thankfully, we both get clearance, and that is a huge concern lifted. Although I know we were both very well, one never knows. Particulary when we have been travelling. So now we wait to go through check in, and that happens around 11am. We get onto the ship around 12ish, after everything has been scanned and passports checked.
We are welcomed on board, and a staff member takes us to some seating to go through the drinks package, that we have not yet taken advantage off, but we decide that we don't want it. We now have to wait for a couple of hours until our cabins are ready, and after a while we go exploring of the ship, and head to the welcome buffet.
We get into the cabins after 2pm, and settle ourselves into it. We are summonded to do a mandatory training drill of how to put on life jackets and where to assemble.
A bit later, we go to the buffet for dinner, and then it is day done.
Saturdy, 29th February, 2020
Day at sea,
Sunday, 1st March, 2020
Today we are going ashore at one of the islands of Greece. We have to be at the theatre for the meeting point of all the tours and ours is at 1pm. After we have had a hearty breakfast, which was not until 9.30, we filled in time until we were needed to be at our meeting point. Our tour is of Olympia, and a wine and olive estate.
After going through the process of everyone getting on the right buses, we are boarded onto a bus, and our tour begins. Our guide's name on the bus is Demitorus and the drivers name is Yanis. We are headed to Olympia, the very first place where the olympics began. After a trip of 45 mins, and our guide telling us all the important things about this place, we arrived to our first stop. The guide tells us about this place called Olympia, on the Peloponnese penisular of southern Greece. This is an archaeological site which has ruins of the former great buildings that once existed there. The first olympic contest that started here was in 776BC and in essence, it was a contest of warriors of the times in the art of defending themselves in war times. The term athelete, comes from the Greece and means contestant in the games. The term is reserved to people with a high level of dedication and skill.
The ruins were once dedicated to Zeus, and there is the remains of a temple to him, as well stadiums of which the atheletes would have competed. There would have been a stadium for the runners, and instead of having on oval to run around, they would have been inside this stadium, and run from one end to the other a number of times, depending on the competation they were in, but there was never any marathons. We also learned that there would have been contests in wrestling and boxing, as there is archaeological items showing that they would have worn gloves for boxing, and without the gloves would have meant boxing. There was also another event they had way back then that is much like the martial arts of now. Pretty amazing stuff. We wander through the paths about the ruins, and it is amazing to think that it all started here. The reason why the Olympics are every 4 years, is that way back then, the contest would rotate to different areas, each year, but in the fourth year it would be back in Olympia.
The buildings were made out of limestone from the area, and they have fossils in them. One of the buildings that is there has a marble base, which historians believe that somone of immense wealth had bought the materials for the construction of this site, probably a King or Emperor. We also learned that many statues were made in Bronze of the winning athletes, and they would have had their names underneath, along with their sponsers... So as it is now as it was back then.
After some time here, we get on board the bus again and head for the winery and olive farm. It is only about 20 mins away, and when we get there we are greeted by the owners of the farm, the mother and her two sons, and also a glass of wine and a snack. This was very welcome, and then we are divided into three groups, one english speaking, one french and one german I think it was. We are shown how the olives are grown and harvested and the process of how the oil is obtained. After this, we are then ushered into the jewellary shop, of which the mother helps to design some of the pieces. There are many beautiful things, and Bob insists that I get something as a momento our visit. Eventually I do, after much indecision, as prices are not shown, and me being me, this scares me, as I like to see how much things are. Anyhow, I decide, and make sure Bob likes what I have choosen, and when I am told the price, a little gasp escapes me. But someone is insistant, and a matching pair of earrings are also added to the Bangle that I have choosen. It is at this time I get emotional, and the sales lady is very accommodating, and then of all things the guide happens to walk by and notices that I am all emotional. I guess they like it when customers are overwhelmed as it means it is truely appreciated.
After we exit the shop, we are again ushered into another room, but this is a eating hall. It is set up with food on plates, and wine and water. On the bus we were told we would be having wine, food and dance, so now here we are with the food and wine. An explaination is given about the food that is on our plates, all traditional Greek food, and then we start to eat. I really enjoyed the food, and just as most of us were finishing, there is a display of Greek dancing, and of course, we are all invited to join in, of which most of us do. Bob included. It was good fun, and the whole experience was wonderful.
We get back on board the bus, and head back to the ship. Our guide was very good, and he made sure we were well informed. When we get back to the ship, we have the usual checking in of cards, and scanning of items that we have.
Bob and I go and have some tea, then after that, I go and watch the show that is in the theatre.
It has been a great day.
Today we are going into Florence to explore it via the city sightseeing bus. We have decided to take the tram into the city, and go on from there. So we make our way to the tram stop which is just a block away, and et the tickets and board the tram when it comes and we get off at the Rail station in the city centre. Next we have to get the tickets for the bus tour, and they are obtained at the rail station at the tourist office, which makes things very convienent. We ask the guy about where the stop is, and we follow his directions, and in no time we have found the place. As we arrive at the stop, there is a bus arriving, so we have timed everything very well, and board the bus for the first route, which takes about an hour, and do the full route, before changing to the other route. The first trip is a very fast trip, as the commentary doesn't seem to match up with where we are, but we are getting accustomed to this. We listen to the audio guide as best we can, and then we get back to the first stop, and stay on, as we have to continue on this one, to change over at Michelangios plaza, which is a lookout overlooking Florence.
We get to this point and disembark, and take a few pics and look at the venders and looking at the wares they have for sale. They are mainly souviners of Florence, and some scarfes and beanies. The day is a little bit murcky, and not much sun about as the bus has the top closed over.
We find the point for the second route, and hop on board. This is a 2 hr trip, and we haev decided that we will not do the whole route, as we have done some of it on the first one. That way we can get of at a stop that is closest to the tram stop. This tour takes us out of Florence, and up into the hills of Fiesole, which is 9 kms away. Fiesole, has been settled since 283 BC although there are nothing documented about this, but artefacts have been found. Over the 18th and 19th century if became the place to be for the english to settle.
When the tour comes to our point for us to get off, we do this and find our way back to the tram station, and once again we are headed back to our accommodation. Travelling on the tram has made the day easy, and it is not very costly.
After we get back to the unit, we take a rest, and then we head out again, we have a box to send back to Australia, so we find the postal place, and park the car and go in to send the box away. It was somewhat expensive, but cheaper than excessive baggage on a plane, and then to ad more pain, we have got a fine on the windscreen of the car. We now head of in the direction of the shopping centre to get somethings for tea, and for the meal tomorrow night. The centre we have gone to seems to be ridiculously busy.
We get what we need and head back to the unit.
Tuesday, 25th February, 2020
Today, we are going back into Florence, to explore further, and to see a few of the famous things that are around. Again we take the tram back into the city centre, and we are headed for the Statue of David, at the Accdemia Gallery, which is just over one km from the tram stop. On our way there, Bob discovers that his wallet is not in his man bag, but he tells me he thinks it is on the table back at the unit. So we continue onwards to our first point of interest, and we get there, to join in the rest of the people who are lined up. After about 15 mins we gain entrance to the gallery, and pay our fees and go in to see the famous statue by Michelangelo. Inside the gallery, not only is there the statue of David, but there are 4 other statues that have not been completed by Michelangelo. There many other peices of works by other artists and paintings of all sizes, by many famous people. The sheer size of some of these works is amazing, and how they managed to work at such magnitudes to get such wonderful artwork finished, is beyond me.
After we finish looking here, we go in search of the Ponte Vecchio, an old bridge that is lined with gold and Jewellery shops. Along the way there are many shops selling leather goods, another thing that Florence is famous for.
On our way, we come across many statues and fantastic buildings. One of which was the cathedral Santa Maria di Fiore. Such a huge place with many parts of the building decorated with statues. The line up to get inside was very long. We just admired what we could from the outside and that was amazing enough. We keep walking and get to the Ponte Vecchio. There are so many little shops along the side of the bridge, each selling many similar peices of Jewellery. I keep window shopping, as the prices are or of my pocket, but it is nice to look.
After we cross the bridge we take time you have an ice cream and as we are in there, a man starts singing in the shop. He has an amazing voice and it fills the room. Passersbys stop and listen and phones are recording this little impromptu recital.
After we have finished our ice cream, we head back over the bridge, and head for the tram stop. We get there yet again, just as it arrives and we are heading back to our unit.
When we get back inside the unit, Bob looks for his wallet, and to his dismay, it is not on the table where he thought it was. Hge had been pick pocketed again, and we are at a loss as to where and when it happened. The theif, must have unzipped his bag, taken the wallet out and zipped it back up.
He then goes online to see if any activity had been happening on his account, and there had been, so now there are phone calls made to the bank, after he had to go out and get another sim as his current one just ran out of phone credit. Thankfully we had the foresight to put a credit card of his in my care, and it has been a very thankful thing that we did this. At least he still has access to his finances.
Another day has been filled.
Wednesday, 26th February, 2020
Today, we are leaving Florence and heading to Genoa via Pisa. So after an early start, as Bob was awake early, we have breakfast, and then start the process of packing up things and restocking the car. This is going to be a trip of around 3hrs and 16 mins, and 242 kms. After we have done this we make our way to find the police station, to report of Bobs pickpocketing. After some walking, we eventually find the station, and Bob hands over his printed statement to the office, and after a while Bob is ushered into another room, I wait in the waiting room. Bob comes out after a little while and because he has printed out his statement, it has made it a bit easier. One of the items that was in Bob s wallet, was the parking fine, and Bob askes the officer aobut it, and he said that he did not know what to suggest to him, and that he didn't think that people should be booked outside the post offoice, as this was Florence.
We navigate our way out of Florence, and head for Pisa, a distance of 85 kms and an hour and 20 mins. Once we get to Pisa, finding a park is proving a little tricky. But the leaning tower of Pisa is visable before we get into the town. Pisa itself is a smallish community, but with all the tourist, it makes if a bit busy. We find a park and take it. It is not to far from the attraction, and we walk to the Leaning tower.
It is a remarkable building. The tower is a free standing bell tower, and it has a four degree lean, as a reult of unstable foundation. The height of the tower, is 55.86 meters, on the low side, and 56.67 on the high side. It was built in the 12th century, and as a result of the unstable ground, it started to lean. Also in the square, is a Cathedral, and a Baptistry. All are amazing buildings. with so much detail on the buildings, and even though we didn't go inside, they were still wonderful.
We go back to the car, and head off to Genoa, where we will spend 2 days, and return the car to the hire company.
We find our motel, and it looks a bit dodgy from the outside, and agian parking is an issue, we have to do the block again, and then park. We walk to the hotel, and check in, but only after we have checked out the room. The first room we looked at was not suitable, as there was no lift to the second floor, and as we have quite a lot of stuff that has to go inside, we asked if there was one on the first floor, and we were shown another room, of which we decided we would make work, as this motel, is just across from the cruise terminal.
So we unload the car, taking up most of the stuff, and Bob takes the option of parking the car in the garage, for an additional price.
We take a rest, and then we go out for a walk to see what is about the local area, looking for somewhere to eat, but we head back to where we are staying, and eat at their little resturant, which was good as it turned out, and the man who runs it was very accommodating.
We retire for the day, and it has been great, and yet another thing is ticked off the bucket list.
Thursday, 27th February, 2020
Today, we took a walk to find out where the MSC cruise terminal is, and after some wrong turns, on my part, we find where we have to go tomorrow, and we were advised that it would be good to use a taxi, and that we had to have a ticket to get inside.
So we walk in the other direction, as I want to get some nail polish remover, to take off my nail polish, and after some time and walking we find the shopping centre that isat the Ferry terminal. As we walk inside, we notice that there is a place for hertz car hire, so we go in and make inquires as to if we can leave the car here, instead of having to go to the airport. The lady says that it is possible for us to leave the car there. This is a bonus, as it is within walking distance from our motel, and means we don't have to use a taxi to get back to our motel.
We walk back to the hotel, and rest. A few hours later, we go to the car, and take it back to the hertz car rental place, and as we get there it is starting to rain. We go inside, and do the paper work, and the car is looked over, and all is finished. We have returned the car without any scratches or dents.
We walk back to the hotel, and the rain has stopped. We have decided to eat what is left over from last night, and there is some yoghurts and oranges that we have to consume before tomorrow.
Day is done.
Friday, 28th February, 2020
After breakfast at the hotel, we finish packing up what we are going to take, what we are going to throw away, and the stuff we have to leave behind in the hope that someone might be able to use it.
We get a the reception to call us a taxi around 9.30, and it is here within 5 mins, very quick. The Taxi driver was very good, and took us straight to where the luggage is. When we get there, there is a lot of porters, willing to help and get our luggage aboard the ship. So starts the cruise, and the next league of our trip.
One of the main things that has been concerning both Bob and I is the Coronavirus, and if the ship is going to have any issues with calling into some of the ports. We have both been thinking about different sceneios with all of this. and I have just been stressing about what ifs. We fill out the survey about where we have been in the past few weeks, and then we wait to have our temperture taken, and a thremal scan done. Thankfully, we both get clearance, and that is a huge concern lifted. Although I know we were both very well, one never knows. Particulary when we have been travelling. So now we wait to go through check in, and that happens around 11am. We get onto the ship around 12ish, after everything has been scanned and passports checked.
We are welcomed on board, and a staff member takes us to some seating to go through the drinks package, that we have not yet taken advantage off, but we decide that we don't want it. We now have to wait for a couple of hours until our cabins are ready, and after a while we go exploring of the ship, and head to the welcome buffet.
We get into the cabins after 2pm, and settle ourselves into it. We are summonded to do a mandatory training drill of how to put on life jackets and where to assemble.
A bit later, we go to the buffet for dinner, and then it is day done.
Saturdy, 29th February, 2020
Day at sea,
Sunday, 1st March, 2020
Today we are going ashore at one of the islands of Greece. We have to be at the theatre for the meeting point of all the tours and ours is at 1pm. After we have had a hearty breakfast, which was not until 9.30, we filled in time until we were needed to be at our meeting point. Our tour is of Olympia, and a wine and olive estate.
After going through the process of everyone getting on the right buses, we are boarded onto a bus, and our tour begins. Our guide's name on the bus is Demitorus and the drivers name is Yanis. We are headed to Olympia, the very first place where the olympics began. After a trip of 45 mins, and our guide telling us all the important things about this place, we arrived to our first stop. The guide tells us about this place called Olympia, on the Peloponnese penisular of southern Greece. This is an archaeological site which has ruins of the former great buildings that once existed there. The first olympic contest that started here was in 776BC and in essence, it was a contest of warriors of the times in the art of defending themselves in war times. The term athelete, comes from the Greece and means contestant in the games. The term is reserved to people with a high level of dedication and skill.
The ruins were once dedicated to Zeus, and there is the remains of a temple to him, as well stadiums of which the atheletes would have competed. There would have been a stadium for the runners, and instead of having on oval to run around, they would have been inside this stadium, and run from one end to the other a number of times, depending on the competation they were in, but there was never any marathons. We also learned that there would have been contests in wrestling and boxing, as there is archaeological items showing that they would have worn gloves for boxing, and without the gloves would have meant boxing. There was also another event they had way back then that is much like the martial arts of now. Pretty amazing stuff. We wander through the paths about the ruins, and it is amazing to think that it all started here. The reason why the Olympics are every 4 years, is that way back then, the contest would rotate to different areas, each year, but in the fourth year it would be back in Olympia.
The buildings were made out of limestone from the area, and they have fossils in them. One of the buildings that is there has a marble base, which historians believe that somone of immense wealth had bought the materials for the construction of this site, probably a King or Emperor. We also learned that many statues were made in Bronze of the winning athletes, and they would have had their names underneath, along with their sponsers... So as it is now as it was back then.
After some time here, we get on board the bus again and head for the winery and olive farm. It is only about 20 mins away, and when we get there we are greeted by the owners of the farm, the mother and her two sons, and also a glass of wine and a snack. This was very welcome, and then we are divided into three groups, one english speaking, one french and one german I think it was. We are shown how the olives are grown and harvested and the process of how the oil is obtained. After this, we are then ushered into the jewellary shop, of which the mother helps to design some of the pieces. There are many beautiful things, and Bob insists that I get something as a momento our visit. Eventually I do, after much indecision, as prices are not shown, and me being me, this scares me, as I like to see how much things are. Anyhow, I decide, and make sure Bob likes what I have choosen, and when I am told the price, a little gasp escapes me. But someone is insistant, and a matching pair of earrings are also added to the Bangle that I have choosen. It is at this time I get emotional, and the sales lady is very accommodating, and then of all things the guide happens to walk by and notices that I am all emotional. I guess they like it when customers are overwhelmed as it means it is truely appreciated.
After we exit the shop, we are again ushered into another room, but this is a eating hall. It is set up with food on plates, and wine and water. On the bus we were told we would be having wine, food and dance, so now here we are with the food and wine. An explaination is given about the food that is on our plates, all traditional Greek food, and then we start to eat. I really enjoyed the food, and just as most of us were finishing, there is a display of Greek dancing, and of course, we are all invited to join in, of which most of us do. Bob included. It was good fun, and the whole experience was wonderful.
We get back on board the bus, and head back to the ship. Our guide was very good, and he made sure we were well informed. When we get back to the ship, we have the usual checking in of cards, and scanning of items that we have.
Bob and I go and have some tea, then after that, I go and watch the show that is in the theatre.
It has been a great day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)