Arriving in Churchill

And so here I am, sitting on the plane, headed back to Denver.  How quickly my dream trip to Churchill ended.  What an amazing experience it is, each and every time I go!  So much happens in so little time.  When I get home it will be as though nothing has changed, no time has passed.  Much like the trip into the wardrobe in the "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe".  I've walked into a land far, far away, and return, the only one who has changed.

The trip was wonderful!  The flight to Winnipeg a bit late, but nothing major.  The flight from Winnipeg to Churchill was a different story however.  Up at 5:30 and in the hotel lobby to meet my group at 6 AM.  I was going to be on the bus to the charter hangar with a group, but was not part of the group tour.  The tour people showed up at 6 :30 and we all boarded the bus.  It was a special bus with TV screens throughout the bus showing wonderful polar bear videos.  That was nice, especially since we had to wait at the hangar gate for quite a long time.  Finally the gates were open and we boarded the plane.  It is a strange feeling for me to walk on a plane without security, but apparently none is necessary from that part of the airport.  We were all on the plane and it was discovered that the seat in the exit row was broken...oh no...that meant we all had to deplane and hang out in the small terminal building while repairs were made.  We were told it would be 20 to 30 minutes.  Any one want to guess if that prediction was right?  Of course it wasn't!  I have yet to have any repairs that are done quickly.  So over an hour later we boarded the plane once again and this time all went well and we really did take off.  Finally...Churchill bound!

Flying to churchill, I sat next to a lovely lady, a retired school teacher from Surrey, England.  How interesting to compare the education systems of our countries.  It seems England is starting to change back to a more meaningful education philosophy, but as my new friend said, education is like an oil tanker, hard to turn around and very slow.  So many similarities everywhere it seems.  The 2 hour flight flew by as we discussed solo travel and favorite destinations, and suddenly we were landing in beautiful, windy Churchill!  Again!  Other than the guides, I was the only repeat visitor to Churchill.  People were so excited, as was I.

There was a bit of confusion as we were at the terminal, no one was sure what I was to do since I wasn't part of the actual tour group.  Just hitching a ride on a charter takes some patience, and persistence to be sure everyone doesn't leave, with me stranded in the little terminal.  All got figured out and I was offered the opportunity to take a town tour with the group or just be driven to my friends' house.  I've seen the town so I opted to be driven to see my friends.

And so I'd finally arrived in very cold, blustery Churchill...as I walked out into a different world, a white, wintry 'other world', I'd felt as if I'd walked through the wardrobe...

Packing for Canada! (again!)

Two days ago, election day,  people could be heard saying, " I'm ready to pack my bags for Canada".  Yes, I had to laugh because I actually WAS packing for Canada!  However, I will be returning to the US after my short Churchill visit to see the polar bear migration to Hudson bay.  Ahh, what energy there was in at home on election day!  Living in a "swing state" certainly did keep us in the limelight with many visits by the candidates.  I know there are some reading this from far away and some who don't share my political beliefs, but if you are reading this, you either really like me anyway, or just enjoy my very long winded trip reports.

My dear dogs were delivered to their familiar settings, Meli with my friend's family with other dogs where she will be totally spoiled, and Bram at his hang out where he has gone for 8 years, his doggie daycare, country club style.  A holiday for all of us.  And then off for another adventure for me!  

I have a few favorite places to visit, and still love experiencing new ones.  My last trip was a combination of both of those things.  It was to be the last trip of the year as I start looking for a job to pay off my trips.  However, things do come up, and now I am headed to my polar paradise, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.  (Yes, I do have 2 paradises-Mykonos, being my tropical paradise.)  Churchill isn't quite in the arctic circle, but Hudson bay is the one place in the world where you can be guaranteed to see polar bears this time of year.  If you have followed my travels, you know this isn't my first trip to this remote northern location in Canada.  Well, it isn't even my second or third visit either!  And actually, it isn't that far north compared to many other towns and villages, but for me, it is far enough into a remote location, to be considered as such.

This was a trip that was never going to happen again, it isn't easy or inexpensive.  Just when I'd resigned myself to the fact that I'd be watching the bears this year on the polar bear live cam in the tundra, I received the most generous and amazing offer from my friends who live in Churchill.  Kevin, who I met on my Antarctica trip, lives in Churchill.  I've gotten to know his family during my visits and this year they sent me an invitation to return to Churchill using the one tour he is given to give as a gift to someone for working for the companies he is with.  This is such an amazingly, generous offer, I am still trying to believe this is happening!  But it is!  Along with Kevin and Sandy's generous offer, I was able to get my flights to Winnipeg with miles and my hotel in Winnipeg with points, making this probably the best deal to Churchill there has ever been!  I appreciate this opportunity more than words can say!  And yes, right now I feel like the luckiest person in the world!  

I am so thankful that the weather is nice because I'm still really not all that brave.  I left home before the storm moved in and it is 2degrees C and clear in Winnipeg.  Tomorrow morning I will be on a charter plane to Churchill through one of the tour companies and that will be a first.  I'm sure it will be fine, and I do always look forward to the people I meet as I head north to the bears!  Some really interesting people take this journey.  I'm hoping for cold and snow there.  If it is too warm the bears don't move around much, and to be honest, I want to see it all!  

This trip is short, but filled with bears.  When I arrive in Churchill tomorrow morning we will go out on our own to see bears.  The next two days I will be on the tundra in the tundra buggies, courtesy of Kevin!  Then a flight back to Winnipeg, a night in the hotel there and then home.  Short, but bear filled!  I'm really not sure how to show my gratitude.  I'm so touched!

And so, my bags are packed and off to Canada I go!

This Mediterranean (and More) Journey Comes to an End

I'm home.  Sick, but safe...safe might not seem like such a big deal, but it is, especially this time!  Flying when ill is a miserable experience. Three flights to get home and finally we are on our final descent of my last flight, heading into Denver, home, and an announcement is made.  "Due to weather the flight attendants are going to stay seated so please prepare yourselves for landing, seats and tray tables in their upright positions, all electronic devices turned off".  that alone was not a big deal, I've been on other flights with that announcement.  It's what came next that got my attention, which never before has happened in all my flights...this announcement repeated..."a reminder, please leave all personal belongings behind in the case of an emergency evacuation.". Really?  Not much to do but wonder why in the world THAT was said...and quite thankfully, there was no emergency evacuation on the landing.  I wonder why, but think perhaps it is better I don't know the reason!  The important thing...home safe and sound!

Before this final flight of my trip, I had time to write my Morning musings at Dulles airport...

My day started out with a nice surprise, I went to say hello to the lady at the front desk of the Marriott who I know from past trips.  At first she didn't recognize me, I'd like to think its my weight loss, but I'm sure it is because she sees thousands of people each week.  She quickly remembered me and we chatted a bit.  I had not emerged from my room since I'd arrived, feeling so badly, I even missed dinner!  I went out to find a cup of hot tea, and she offered to buy me breakfast.  What a nice surprise, and a generous one too, since it was $20.  Prices for breakfasts at hotels are outrageous.  So I was treated to breakfast and enjoyed the nice meal before heading to the airport, courtesy of patti.  I did decide to take two Advil before the flight today, just couldn't face a repeat of the misery of yesterday.  

I dragged all my luggage to the lobby, I had a close room, and there was the very kind head of the bellman, drivers.  He gave me a great greeting, and then said he would take me himself and would drop me off upstairs, which is not where they are supposed to go, but is right by the check in counters, saving me many hassles trying to find a cart and pushing my luggage up a very tough ramp when dropped at the arrivals area.  How does one thank someone for that kindness?  (yes a tip, but it meant so much more)  So he loaded me up and drove off with me, explaining to the other people that their driver would be leaving soon.  As you know, I love feeling special, it happens so rarely in my real life.  Ahhh, but sometimes in my travels...

This airport report may be boring, not sure I'll even post it, but since I am apparently feeling better, I decided to write about my Dulles experience.  Times have changed and if you have flown in the past, you might be able to see the differences.

I am flying first class, I used miles and money to get the upgrade, it used to be only miles, no money.  Now it is expensive, but the comfort on international flights makes it the only way I can/will really travel.

After being dropped off I paid $3 for a cart and loaded my belongings and ventured inside.  There was a porter who offered to take my luggage and I said no thank you, but then regretted that later, he probably really needed the money and I should have spent a few more dollars to help him out.  I will think of that next time.  I've seen and heard of so many sad financial circumstances this trip, it makes me so much more aware of the economic devastation around the world.

I entered the airport and went to the priority line, the united representative asked me where I was going, I told her to Denver, first class and she said I had to go to the end line, which was quite a bit longer and further away.  I'm better, but still very weak.  I said I was a premier passenger and then she looked at my ticket and let me go in.  

Now in the old days there were united agents at the counter to help.  Now I walked up and stood there, totally ignored!  I was the only passenger and not one person offered to help me.  I waited and then finally asked if anyone was going to help me.  The counter was manned by about 4, maybe 5 people in 'airserve' uniforms and they told me I needed to check myself in at the machine.  I said usually there is someone to help and they said there was a rep and I looked around and saw her talking with another rep from the next section.  She never even glanced at the counter, or at me to see if anyone needed help.  No one paid any attention to me.  So after a little wait, I asked the air serve people to please help me.  One, with a lot of effort and no desire, finally helped me get the info in and then walked away, leaving me on my own.  I got the boarding pass when it printed out and was standing with a cart of luggage and one of the men asked me if I had any luggage to check.  Really?  I looked at the cart and said yep, was anyone going to help with that or did I do that myself too.  The person who did it had me move over, the people working at the counter where I was never helped so I went to his area.  Finally baggage checked.  He told me it was a very long way to my gate and since I didn't feel good, and I know I looked terrible, he said I should get a wheelchair.  Since I'm so weak and cough incessantly with any exertion I decided to agree.  

I waited where I was told to, and it was right in front of the rep being sure no one entered the premier line.  No one did.  It appears i was the only premium passenger at that time.  Two young men came up and said they were active military, too bad, they got sent down to the far end check in counters with the long lines.  I asked her if she really turned away our military men and she said yes, there are a lot of them (thank God, they are protecting our country, I'm sure glad there are a lot of them), and a lot of premier passengers, so they just can't let them in that line, don't forget there is not a passenger in that whole area!  I was so disgusted, I said not right now, and there were only two.  I said I would have given them my place if they had been there at the same time.  She said that they give them free luggage and free seat selection, yeah, I guess that is nice for the people ensuring our freedom.  Disgusted even more.  

Finally my wheelchair came and we were off for the long trek to my gate.  Got to the wheelchair security and apparently it is new, only open two days.  There were about 15 wheelchairs ahead of us.  I know I wont be traveling when I am old enough to really need the help.  There was one old man who obviously didn't speak English and could barely move and no one helped him take off his suit coat or his shoes.  My heart was so sad and I was too far back to do anything, I asked the man pushing my wheelchair to tell someone to help him and he did nothing.  It is sad to need help in this day and age.  When I went through I asked the guard checking us in security why no one helped the elderly who needed it and he said they are supposed to, and he seemed appreciative that I noticed it and I said I would mention it to the company and he smiled.  When I got through there was a lady who couldn't bend over to get her shoes on, again no one offered to help her so I was glad I could.  

It was a long way from check in to the gate my flight was leaving from, and with my coughing, a very good thing I didnt try walking all that way.  The lounge was next to the gate my flight left from so that was very convenient.   I arrived at the lounge, with a bit of time to wait, but not even an hour.  I looked around, it was unusually empty but did start filling up shortly after I arrived.  I noticed how almost everyone, was working with an electronic device...iPads, laptops, phones and such.  Ahh, but there was one older couple, yes, just one, and he actually had a newspaper in his hand that he was reading and his wife had a pencil and the paper's crossword puzzle in her lap...a wonderful, comforting scene from the past.

Maybe the world isn't so different today, maybe I just notice it more because I'm in the position of needing help more than ever before.  But I am sure that service has been cut to bare basics.  And when the president of united does his big sales speech on the wonders that are now united on every single flight before the safety announcements, I wish I could stand up and fill in the missing information, the customer service that is at a minimum and the planned reduction in size of the regular economy seating, to start with. But does anyone really care?

Currently I'm on my flight to Denver, the last in a long journey home, looking forward to picking up my big guy at the kennel on my way home from the airport and getting home to sleep.  just looked up and there's only one movie on this flight and it is Battleship, wonder who picks the one movie that is shown on a flight, I probably wouldn't pick one where a plane is crashing and world devastation is the main plot.  But apparently that is just me...again more aware of things these days.

However,  I am the one that complained to the company whose word game app I use when killing game ads started being played right after the aurora shootings.  On a word game?  I received a very nice response from the man at that company explaining that he completely understands my problem with that and that an independent company does the ads attached to the game but he would contact them about that one.  Too much time I have, guess.  :-)

Back to now, what a marvelous adventure this has been!  Friends, food, and fabulous sights from beginning to end.  (soon the misery of being so sick will be a distant memory, and pale in comparison to the the joys.)  

Thank you for sharing it with me...hasta luego...

Captions for Photos

I thought I would give some info on the photos from Lisboa since I have a bit of time in DC before heading to the airport.  Apparently I am still on European time, but am happy that at least I got some good sleep and feel a bit better to face my final part of my journey home.

And so...Portugal...I'll label the photos in order...
The 25th of April bridge...if it looks familiar, it is because it was designed by the same man as the golden gate bridge, it is named for a significant day in Portuguese history, the day that there was a revolution, without one person being killed

The Tower of Belem, I could say what this is from my memory but I don't know how accurate that would be...

The Monument to the Explorers...this is one of my favorite parts of Lisbon, not only is the actual monument beautiful, the ground around it is made up of hundreds of tiles depicting the earth and all of the explorations of the Portuguese people with amazing drawings and dates.  The person in the front is Prince Henry the Navigator and on the side pictured here there are carvings of all of the literary figures in Portuguese history, on the other side are the famous explorers

The next photo, one of just many of the incredible Portuguese foods, this one is simply called rice with shrimps, but the flavor is divine

Tuk, Tuks are these cute little vehicles that take you around certain areas.  We took one to get up the hill to the castle since the walk was too steep for me, what a bouncy ride that was on the cobblestone streets, but fun.

The traditional trams, or trolleys, still are used today, we took it most of the way up to the castle.  There are many pickpockets that ride it, but Cesar assured me we would be safe, nothing happens to local people, and indeed out rides up and back were uneventful, and fun

The entrance to the Baixa, or downtown area is pictured, filled with people on this weekend day we were there

Finally, a photo of a hillside of Lisboa, from our Tagus river cruise

My Journey Home

The journey home

The journey home isn't always wonderful under the best of circumstances...but when you have a terrible cold, it is much worse!  I am trying to focus on how lucky I am to not have gotten sick on the rest of the trip, but when it is hard to breathe, and being so weak with a bad cough and not much of a voice, it's hard to focus on luck.  People around me were sick before I left, people on the cruise were sick, and when someone with a terrible cough was behind me on a very long tour, I felt it was inevitable that the cold would win at some point.  Unfortunately, it arrived on my second, and last, full day in Lisbon.  I'm wishing it would have waited a few more days.

At least it was mostly a quiet day, and we just walked around the downtown for a while.  By dinner, my energy was depleted and Cesar went to the great little Portuguese restaurant a few blocks away and brought back delicious 'take away'.  We'd eaten at the restaurant the night before and there was more I wanted to try.  Even with my bad cold I was able to enjoy the wonderful flavor of the food I had.  I do love Portuguese food!  The restaurant was Serra da Estrela and I loved the bacalhau com natas, cod baked with potatoes in a cream sauce.  The second night I had a francesinha, which I may have described in my last entry, Cesar had it the night before.  I was sad that it was the last Portuguese meal I would have, but it was delicious!

The next morning after breakfast Cesar left for his job and after a wonderful shower in the lit up tub that was in the middle of the bedroom, I finished packing and soon my friend, Paula, who I met on the Budapest nightmare flight, arrived. We visited for a couple of hours, she is an absolutely lovely person!  While we were visiting in the lobby, there was a photo shoot going on in the lobby.  A lovely blonde lady was posing in a white dress.  Of course, me being me, just had to ask my friend, a manager at the design hotel who that famous person was...it was clint eastwoods daughter.  Wish i would have paid more attention!

Then Paula  gave me the best gift ever, she went to the airport with me.  It is a gift to be there with a Portuguese speaking person, making the experience much more pleasant.  It was going to be the first time without Cesar and I was not looking forward to it at all.   It is a fallacy that everyone speaks English there.  So when my extra bag was paid for, 50€, I said goodbye and headed to security. Luckily I was allowed into the premier club there so I was able to have one last pasties de nata, my favorite pastry.  And then the waiting began...TAP is not known for on time flights and this was not an exception.  We left almost 2 hours late, a long time for someone sick and weak.

I was so happy to arrive in London, and was soon in a movie type taxi to my hotel.  My that hotel is dated, but what a big smile I was greeted with, such a nice welcome!   The young man took good care of me as usual, and after a fish and chips dinner it was off to sleep.

Now I am sitting in the lounge at heathrow with a bit of a wait for the long flight across the pond.  Hoping my cold doesn't get any worse in the air...

Cheers from London...last stop before the US

My Fifth, Actually Sixth, Autumn in Portugal

Lisboa, Portugal...a day in the city.  Yes, this is the correct way to spell the city, however in english it has been changed to Lisbon.  Probably because when the Portuguese say 'boa' it sounds like bon to us.  This is also true for boa dia, or boa nuit.   Boa, end of the language lesson.

When I have visited Portugal in the past, we have left the city for many experiences in the countryside and seaside of Portugal.  There is so much I've seen, and yet so much more to see.  Due to Cesar's work schedule, this visit we need to stay in the city.  I took a tour of the city on my first ever cruise/visit to Europe, five years ago, and since then have visited many times, always with my personal, local tour guide.  Lisbon was the second stop on the first trip, and I wandered the old city in wonderment for part of that first day.  I never could have dreamed of the beauty of Portugal, I'd heard so little of this gem surrounded by ocean and Spain.  and now, well now I am a bit of an expert on the country.  Well, not an expert, but a very experienced Portugal tourist.

It seems as though I continually meet Portuguese people wherever I am.  I was waiting in Venice for the check in to begin and looked quite lost because it said it wasn't open and there were lines of people being checked in for something.  For some reason I can't explain, I don't seem too comfortable in the airports in Italy, but I do okay.  So this lady walks up and offers to help me and assures me that I am in the right place at right time so I get in line.  As we talk, she explains that she is a curator for the well known private museum in Lisbon and travels with art work that is on loan around the world.  Now that is an interesting job!  She gave me her card and said if I needed anything while I was here to call her.  Very nice offer.  I always take those offers seriously, just in case I need someone.  Luckily, all has worked out well and I'm fine here.  

When I was at the airport in Mykonos I met a very nice young couple from Lisbon and they gave me their cards.  It turns out they are both hotel managers and I have stayed at both of their hotels this visit, so that was definitely a great connection, and what warm greetings I've received in each place!  My 'friends in Portugal' list is growing!  

So what have I done in Lisbon?  Well, luckily we spent the day out and about yesterday in beautiful weather, even if it was a bit warm for me in the sun.  There was a nice breeze when we were in the shade so it wasn't miserable.  Cesar and I are both good at heading out and just seeing what happens so we walked to the subway station and took the subways to the Baixa, the downtown or old town.  It was nice to walk around with him!  After all of the traveling I do alone, it is a welcome relief, and a joy, to have someone to take over the details.  We decided to go on the tram 28, that is famous for both taking you to the castle AND for pickpockets.  He assured me we would be fine because he is a locale and we were.  So we bumped our way up the hill to the castle stop, my first time on the Lisbon tram.  When we got off there was still quite an uphill climb to get there so the driver of the darling little Tuk, Tuk vehicle said he would take us up there for very little money so we hopped in and bumped our way up even more charming streets.  Many people took photos of the little Tuk, Tuk so again, I will be in tourists photos.  When we got to the top I decided that I really didn't care if I aw e inside of another castle and wasn't looking forward to walking back down that steep route afterwards so we got back an and Tuk, Tuk-ed our way down to a restaurant recommended to us.  Delicious lunch!  We both ordered the rice with shrimps and I'd forgotten how much I love Portuguese food...it was delicious!  We left lunch and wandered and tok more photos of the area and then got back on the tram 28 for the trip down the hill.  We got back to the town, and after posing for some fun photos with a mime in the old town we walked to the tourist information office to get ideas of what to do.  We checked out the on/off bus but had done most of the things it goes to.  As we were looking at the brochures at the exact same time we said, "river cruise".  It was late so we didn't know if there was anything but there was one that left in less than an hour so we decided to see Lisbon from the Tagus river.  Another cruise!  :-)

We got to the terminal and on the boat.  Our last "cruise" had been on the pirate ship in the Algarve and we'd both gotten seasick, but Cesar assured me we would be fine and we were.  We had a lovely, short, voyage past the hills of Lisbon, under the 25th of april bridge, past the Explorers monument, past the tower of Belem, and then turned around hand headed back.  I was thinking it was my first time on the river and then realized that I'd been on it each time my cruise ships had sailed in and out of Lisbon.  But it was a nice touristy thing to do.  Then we were at one of the main squares and Brazilian music started to come from the stage.  We couldn't stay because Cesar had to rest to work all night, but even a few minutes of that lively music was fun to hear.  It had been a nice day wandering the streets, hills and river of Lisbon.

Near our very modern hotel, and yes, we did get a room with the tub in the middle if it...another story...there is a beautiful mall.  We went to the 'food court' there and I have to say I was very impressed!  Cesar picked a very nice restaurant with delicious Portuguese food.  I will say he is batting a thousand on choosing food for me over the last five years.  He ordered me a meal of codfish and mashed potatoes in a delicious sauce.  It was baked like a casserole and I loved it.  I also loved the food he chose for himself, it was a thick sandwich with meats and cheeses on thick Portuguese bread, covered with cheese and sauce and then warmed up so the cheese is melted over the side.  That will be my dinner tonight!   An excellent dinner!  Cesar went to work and I spent the evening alone.  

Today it is rainy so we are lucky that we did our sightseeing yesterday.  I'd wanted to go to a concert of Brazilian music this afternoon, but it is outside.We were for going to go to a fado show but it isn't on Sunday nights...so a quiet evening is ahead, with some delicious food.

Oh, with him gone, I did try to enjoy the tub/shower in the room, but I couldn't figure out how to get the water hot so gave up on that.  But was pushing buttons and found all kinds of ways to make the colored lights in the whirlpool tub work.  Tonight, a relaxing soak in the very unique tub in the middle of the room!  

It is too bad that Cesar has to work so much while I'm here, but good that he has a job at a nice hotel.  I will see my friend tomorrow and then she will take me to the airport, and it will be time to continue my homeward journey...off to London for the evening before heading to the US...home to reality.

Ciao from Lisboa!

A Day in Lisboa, Portugal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunrise over Lisboa, Portugal

 

 

Venezia 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand Finale!

Venezia...a grand finale!  Grand seems to be the perfect summative word of my cruise...although the only thing missing is that I wasn't on the Grand Princess.  But the Crown Princess is close.  My cruise started with a day of delights and special attention at the Grand in Mykonos, and ended with a serenade in a gondola on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy!  Yes, a grand week indeed!

Venice was charming, and I chose the right tour for the right day, without a doubt.  The day started with the sun, creating the perfect scenic arrival into Venice.  Last time a fog shrouded the city as the ship approached, so it may have been my second visit this time, but the first time I was treated to the grand view on arrival.  The weather was cool, also a part of the perfect day for me. 

My tour was wonderful, thanks again to Jon telling me about beautiful Burano, again, thanks my personal trip consultant!  There was a long and beautiful boat ride to the island of Murano, yes, the famous glass factory island.  All the Venetian glass is made in factories on this island...why?  So the hot ovens, heated to over 2000 degrees, never start a fire that could burn down the city of Venice.  The glass is truly beautiful there and it was hard to resist buying anything.  All price levels are available, but of course after the amazing glass blowing demonstration, you are shown into a very expensive showroom to shop.  I avoided that part of the tour and spent the short time wandering the canals of Murano.

True story...last visit here several years ago, I purchased some glass horses for a gift and one for myself.  They wrapped them guaranteed to reach home.  They reached home, but in pieces!  I felt so badly about one for my young friend, but there was nothing to do, it wasn't like I could take it back!  So I gave her mine, we opened it and it was broken too.  What a disappointment!  Well, shortly after that I went to the new 'Home Goods' store that opened near home.  Beautiful things and as I browsed I stopped in amazement...right in front of me, on a shelf of beautiful glass pieces, was the same horse, also Murano glass!  No broken leg on that one!  And so I immediately purchased that one for my friend and was able to give her the Murano glass horse I'd wanted for her after all!  I'd forgotten that story until I was there again, but will now do my Murano glass shopping in my own neighborhood.  However, nothing beats watching the creation of glass pieces, well worth the trip!  There was the elderly lady who wS followed out of the factory to our boat, and later she said that she had wanted to buy a $4,000 vase for her daughter who was with her, but her daughter wouldn't accept it, so the salesman was trying to close the deal...I bet he was!  A $4,000 vase?  My goodness, that is a nice gift, gosh I'd be touched if someone bought me a glass horse for a few dollars!  At Home Goods!

Then we were back on the boat for another ride under the beautiful blue sky, to Burano, an island that was once a fishing village.  The buildings are all painted different colors, they say the fishermen's wives painted them that way so the returning fishermen found their way to their own homes when they returned.  The island has kept up that tradition.  It was another lovely visit.  Lacemaking is the craft of the island so the shop we were escorted to, did indeed have an elderly Italian lady hand making lace, amazing to watch.  Again I passed up the opportunity to purchase handmade lace, the real items were very expensive and I have other lace products from Belgium so no needs there.  I enjoyed wandering once again, this time through the charming village, making a couple of purchases, taking tons of photos, and even indulging in a small cup of gelato, delicious, and very affordable at only 2 euros.  Then back on the boats or an hour and a half ride back to the ship.

After a short nap, I headed to the meeting area for the evening gondola ride.  When we got to Venice I explained to the tour guides that it wasn't much fun on a gondola ride as a single person in a gondola with a couple.  She jokingly said she would find me a nice Italian man to join me!  I think she was shocked when I said that would be wonderful!  Well, she did come up with a solution, she asked how I would like to go in the gondola with the serenading musicians!  Problem solved!  And what a thrill that was!  The lovely Italian music, singing and accordion playing coming from my gondola throughout the lovely canals!  And what a voice that man had, gave me goosebumps to experience the evening like that!  There was a lovely older British couple on there too.  We were handed a bottle of delicious wine and helped onto the special gondola, so the final thrill of the evening began!  People would gather on the bridges taking many photos of the singer, guess I'll be in many peoples photos of the Italian man singing in the gondola!  A final grand event on my cruise!

Today I leave this grand cruise behind to head back to reality.  Ahh, once again I planned the perfect escape for myself!

Ciao, arrivadeci from Venezia!

AHHHH!

Venezia...and the sun is shining!

Final Tic on the List - Croatia

Croatia visit...check!  List complete!

What a day...have to say I NEVER would have imagined one day I would be visiting Yugoslavia!  Okay, well technically I didn't, since it is no longer Yugoslavia, but that is the name I was familiar with in my life.  I enjoyed the visit and the scenery.  

Our ship arrived in Split, and we needed to tender in, meaning we boarded the lifeboats from out in the sea, the Adriatic one this time, and took them to shore.  Our guide was quite serious, about as opposite from my female Greek guides previously...Mitzi wasn't in Greece anymore!

Life in croatia hasn't been easy, and I think the personality of the people reflects that.  Communism has only been gone for about 20 years.  Many people did well though.  Our guide explained that when that happened most families bought their homes/apartments for very little.  Then they borrowed money to purchase summer homes and then with their currency crashing, they were able to literally traded the balance for a pack of cigarettes.  Hence, most families have 2 homes.  Prices are high there and there is 20% unemployment.  They use the kuna for currency and it is about 5 or 6 kuna to one USD.

My tour was on the Dalmation coast...and didn't see a  one of them, Dalmatians that is.  Our first stop was Trogir where we took a long walk into the old town to see a famous church and then I wandered, which is really a way to say I shopped.  Lavender is everywhere and was in small bags embroidered with the name of the towns or the country.  Found a magnet and a bookmark, and even added to my mask collection.  The Venetian influence was seen here too, as it was in Corfu.   The architecture is the most obvious bit of Venice.

After our visit to Trogir, we went to Berni, a village on a mountain side, where we were treated to a snack, some liquer that was none too tasty to me, and some red wine.  Apparently the home belonged to a family who has a priest as a family member, so the art collection was valuable.  The home was actually a few small buildings on a mountain side, one was a chapel, actually there were two that looked like that is what they were.  A small room with a bed, which was a separate structure, a separate kitchen and a separate eating area.  There were more disconnected buildings we didn't go into.  Sometimes they say we will be getting snacks and we get a plentiful offering, this was meager, a bit of small pieces of bread, thinly sliced cheese and very thin proscetto.  Sure that is misspelled!  Two people came out and started playing Croatian music,  it was funny because when I tasted the very strong liquer and made a face, I looked up and they were both watching me and laughed while they made beautiful music.  They played and sang and had beautiful voices.  When they were leaving the area the man called me over so they could have their photo taken with me.  Sweet and I love that picture, sure felt special!  As we were leaving a black donkey walked out of a rock enclosure and was chained but loved attention...another photo.  The area was lovely!  When Internet is free again I will try to post photos.  After an hour and a half we wandered down the hillside back to the bis to head to the next town of Sibenik.  A very famous church is there, but I am afraid I was on overload and after the very long walk there in the old town, I'd heard enough and wandered away on my own.  We had over an hour and I was constantly nervous I would get lost, it was a long walk back to the bus station where we had to meet our bus.  Someone told me about a way that was next to the water, so that was a leisurely stroll.  I stopped to ask directions and one waiter was very rude so I walked on and asked a lady for directions and a bottle of water.  She was so sweet and when she sold me the water she handed me a little book on the town and insisted I should take it as a gift because her brother lived in Boston.  She was so kind and smiled a lot, something no one else on the trip had done.  I think she was thinking of her brother far away in America, and happy to have even that bit of contact with where he now is.  A nice encounter.

The country is truly beautiful!  Rolling hills, much coastline, green in most parts, and interesting homes, many which are no finished, due to no money.  It reminded me a bit of Egypt where the top floor of the houses were left unfinished so they didn't have to pay back loans.  This, in Croatia, the guide said was simply that people ran out of money.  So the top floor would be open and in several of these homes laundry was drying inside, walls, but no windows.

And after a bit over an hour drive back we arrived at the port of Split, unfortunately it was time to head back to the ship, so I only got a few more photos of the activity next to the marina, in front of the famous Diocletians famous palace, built in the 4th century.  I should have visited there tto, next time.

And so...time to start the next 'have to see before I die' list!  However, as we are sailing towards Venice, I will just enjoy the rest of my journey this time...the Grand Canal and the gondolas and Burano await me!

Corfu Visit

Corfu...destination 2 checked off.  Beautiful island!  Luckily the tour I chose did take me out in the countryside so I was able to see beautiful sights!  I like to see that more than cities but wasn't sure about it when it said it went to the monastery.  But this one was in the mountains and absolutely beautiful!  There was a small church at the top, and lovely bouganvillas align the path, with majestic views down to the sea, stunning!  

We had a delightful guide, as usual, in Greece.  Again, filled with wonderful information.  She told us about the kum quat items on the island.  I had a bit of the liquor, strong for me, but many items are made from that here.  Lots of Venetian influence on the island because of the 400 years Corfu was occupied by them.  She said the foods here are named by the ingredients used in it.  Main things used are garlic, oregano, and tomatoes, so you might have garlic potatoes, or garlic chicken, etc.  of course she told us the names in Greek.  She also said there was a ginger beer that was good and very fizzy.  On our stop in the old town I sat at an outdoor cafe and ordered one.  I was asked if I would like alcoholic or non.  I chose non and it was an unusual taste, but I liked it.  It is like a lemonade with ginger and bubbles.  Interesting.  There are horse drawn carts available for a ride through the old town, which was a charming place to wander.  Buses sat patiently behind these as they went down the same streets.  The fortresses, old and new, were quite impressive, and on high hillsides.  And as in the case in many places throughout europe, the 'new' structure is, I believe, older than our old structures in the US.

Whereas Olympia is a place that I would just visit once, Corfu is a place I would look forward to visiting again, I'd like to take a boat out to the caves. It is beautiful...but will it take Mykonos' place in my heart?  Not a chance!

Next stop, Split, Croatia!  I'm looking to my full day tour of the Dalmation coastline which includes lunch in one village, a folk show in another and shopping time in a third village.  This should be a lovely day and my Croatian kunas are packed and ready to spend!

A bit about the ship before I close...I can tell the cutbacks the longer I am on the ship.  Yes, it has been a year, and I think this is the same one we were on a year ago, Diana might remember.  The Internet has gotten a lot more expensive, I guess with all the cell phones, etc, they have had to get more income from what they can.  I've NEVER seen so many crew lined up at the free Internet places near where we land, they have said it is more expensive for them too.   Last night was formal night and the lobster night of the cruise.  There was no champagne fountain that is usually the event of the evening, but as I went into the dining room I saw a big net of balloons, that was apparently going to be dropped in celebration.  Not the same, but I'm sure a fun event for those that attended.  Dinner took FOREVER to be served!  I am sure this is the result of more staff cutbacks, those waiters work like crazy, keeping a smile on their faces.  I am not much into the cruise activities which is fine since my 6 days are filled with wonderful ports of call.  It's why I chose this particular cruise and as for that, I have not been disappointed.  

Dalmation coast, next stop!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Walk in Ancient Greece

Mitzi made it to Olympia! One of the 3 places left on my bucket list. (Well, at least on my current list that is!) All 3 destinations are on this cruise, perfect! Olympia was on my list because I wanted to see where the Olympic torch is lit for the games. Can’t tell you why that was important to me, but it was. Maybe it was my fascination with Greek mythology when I was young, maybe it was because I held a torch in Churchill for the last winter Olympics that were in Canada, or maybe it was just my teacher curiosity. Whatever the reason, I was quite excited when I headed out on that tour. And now, not only have I stood on the exact place where the flame begins, I’ve also stood on the playing field at the ancient stadium, wow! Quite a moving experience! Talk about walking in the footsteps of others…what a thrill to walk in the footsteps of ancient history.


The ship docked in Katakolon and it was a short drive to Olympia. Usually I am not the best tourist, I get bored easily and wander away from the guide and group to go off on my own. I always ask the guide when and where we will meet next, ever since my first trip to Europe when I almost got left at the gift shop behind Buckingham Palace after sneaking away from the group. Turns out that tactic wasn‘t necessary this time, I was enthralled with her stories, hung on to her every word! I even took some notes because I didn’t want to forget a thing, after all, I was in Olympia, Greece! I could probably write a book about what I learned but I will try to just write about part of the experience. To be honest, I get goose bumps when I think that I was actually ON the ancient field, so yes Jon, it is worth the trip there!

Olympia was a village started by people who left the Mt. Olympus area in the north of Greece in 3,000 BC, hence the name. The archeological site that you see now is above 2 other civilizations. Truly a difficult concept to imagine after growing up in the US. The museum is fascinating. I have to say my favorite part was seeing the helmet worn in the battle between the Greeks and the Persians when the Greeks were outnumbered and still won the battle. Such ancient history, and stories that make the Greek history come alive. After the visit to the museum, it was time to go to the village. I can’t compare the anticipation to that of when I was on my way to Monet’s Garden in Giverny, or the great pyramids of Giza, but close!

As you enter the stadium, you first come across the ruins of the gymnasium, where the athletes practiced and studied. There are the ruins of several places where this happened for the various activities. I learned the differences in the Greek structures, the use of large blocks, and the Roman construction, where they use bricks and concrete to build structures. I know the difference between Ionic and Doric columns…important? Probably not, but fun to know anyway, learning first hand while standing among these in the ancient Olympic village. Then we came to the ruins of the 2 sanctuaries there…the temple of Zeus and the temple of Hera, Zeus’ wife. There is an open space in front of the temple of Hera where the torch is started for each Olympic ceremony.

I had no idea of the process that is followed each time the preparations begin. I actually stood in the exact place this happens! Again, wow! A very large vessel is brought into the space in front of the Temple of Hera. The vessel is only handled by Greek women dressed all in white, representing the high priestesses of ancient times. The vessel is bronze on the outside and mirrored on the inside. Branches are put inside and people wait…wait for the sun to start the fire! It takes patience we were told, and when the flame appears, the priestesses then take the fire to the stadium where it is passed to the men…who will then take it on its 3 month journey. Why 3 months…the meaning? Well, in ancient times the Olympics were an occasion for all the Greeks to come together in peace to worship to Zeus and then the athletics begin. In ancient times, the torch was being carried to notify the people and villages that all conflicts were to stop for this celebration during this 3 months. Hence, the flaming torch has been the symbol of peace and truth. Truth ties in with the real meaning of athlete…

The term athlete actually means someone who is healthy in body and mind, achieving an elevated state of mind. So at the games the one who performed the best in the activity, was not necessarily the winner! The men were judged on their entire behavior during the gatherings. The original ‘games’ were not the reason for the gathering. Every 4 years the different peoples of Greece came together to honor Zeus and after the praying had been completed, then the practice and the games would begin.

One more bit of history, the stadium held 45,000 people, but there were no seats. Athletes entered the stadium through a tunnel, which somewhat remains today though looks like an arch. The only seats in the stadium are about halfway up the 600 ft. field, on the sidelines…where the judges sat. Why didn’t they sit at the finish line? Because the winner wasn’t necessarily the one who crossed first as I said.

So that is the end of your history lesson on Olympia! It was a wonderful experience, however one that I feel no need to do again, this for me, was a once in a lifetime experience!

What a different experience, after spending the day with friends in Mykonos, to go back to being a tourist. I realized that I took very few photos in Mykonos this time, that was about seeing friends, made up for it in Olympia!

Next report will be from Corfu, in the Ionian Sea, the next stop on my bucket list cruise!

More Mykonos...

More Mykonos...(written last night, but just got time to post this)

Okay, you must be thinking...there's more?  Yes, there is a bit more...but right now I would like to share that it is 4:30 in the morning and I am wide awake and hungry!  Oh no, that means Mitzi wants her club sandwich, but had resigned myself to the fact I'd be having a McDonald's English muffin and egg. However, at times I am the eternal optimist and when I called room service and asked first if there was ANY way I could get a club sandwich and this time the man on the phone said to hold a moment while he asked the chef, then came back and asked what I would like with my sandwich!  Yea!  I was going to get my club sandwich!  Now I have no idea if this was someone different of if maybe my complaint did have an effect today, but in either case, it doesn't matter, I just finished my delicious sandwich and enjoyed it thoroughly!  Now I can go back to sleep and sleep a little later in the morning because I won't need breakfast!  I did go the the passengers service desk today and told the sweet girl my dilemma over the sandwich.  She was so kind and said that she would report my complaint but doubted they would change the company rule for room service for one person.  I did make her laugh because I told her is had friends who worked in her position and I know they go in the back at night and laugh at all the people's complaints as a form of release for having to smile all day at grumpy people, but I'd decided that was worth it to let them know that princess would no longer be my cruise line of choice.  I do think when an elite, the highest level of passenger, says something maybe they think about it.  She thought that was pretty funny.  And said not so much when they are nice about it.  When the man just delivered my sandwich, he appeared to be a manager and I said I am so happy to get my sandwich and he quite seriously said, " I know that mam".  So I'm thinking the complaint get me my sandwich...maybe the mcdonalds egg mcmuffin will wait until another night now!

...So back to Mykonos...ahh if only I were headed back to Mykonos!  But at least my memories are fresh, and wonderful.  Who wouldn't love feeling like a queen?  Well, maybe not a queen, but certainly someone special.    I forgot to mention how many of the staff wanted me to take their pictures and many wanted pictures with me.  Some just wanted me to use my camera and some wanted the photo of us on their cell phones, yes it was definitely 'Mitzi is a celebrity' day! I'm not sure why, but, hey, I just went with it...why not?  One girl, lady,who took a lot of time bringing me the foods and explaining them, got tears in her eyes when she was talking about the kind things I said about her island in my book and said it touched her heart that someone else saw and felt the beauty of her island.   Have I mentioned how special the Greek people are?  :-)

After getting back on the ship I sent an email thanking my friend for everything and what happened?  I got an email back thanking ME for spending my day with them!  Yes this is a holiday, but what would it be like to live appreciated like this?  

I also followed up on my idea of a potential job there teaching English, and was a bit disappointed to hear that before the recession it would be quite possible, but not now.  So I will just have to figure out how to go back to play since work isn't a possibility now.  And I have to believe I will find a way, just like Bruges, 5 times just isn't enough!

And a bit more about my meeting Barbara too.  There really isn't a way to express how much I have enjoyed having a soulmate to share my solo traveling personality with!  She gets it...whatever 'it' is at the time.  And she was way too generous also, insisting on paying for everything, so sweet and I wish she hadn't kept insisting, but appreciated her generosity!  She also brought me a gift...wrapped beautifully and absolutely perfect!  I had just been thinking of how my travel tissues get so smashed up along my way but couldn't think of an alternative.  I don't know if you have ever experienced that,  but how annoying! Well, her kind, perfect gift was a wonderful cloth travel tissue holder, complete with a package of undamaged tissues!  Perfect, thank you Barbara!  It was also hard to say goodbye to her, and I'm hoping her next two days will be wonderful, and hope she gets a chance to enjoy the island with my friendly taxi driver, Lefteris! 

Yes, a dream day in Mykonos, thanks to so many wonderful people!  

Mitzi's Magical Day In Mykonos

I'm not sure what one can say about a perfect day...any description will pale in comparison to the actual experience, but I will try to do it justice on my blog.  

I embarked on this adventure, sure that I would just be thankful to have at least a day in Mykonos, but unfortunately that didn't work out at all.   I'm quite sad that my day was so short and is over, and at this point I feel like the highlight of the trip has ended with the ship pulling out of the Mykonos harbor.  Oh the Greek people are so lovely, and welcoming and spoiled me for a day.  

My morning started off a bit later than I'd planned because I was literally up most of the night so excited about seeing my friends and Mykonos again.  During the night sometimes I order the club sandwich and when I got hungry and called down to room service, received the bad news that I would not be able to get that at the time.  I could only get it until 2 AM and since it was 4 AM, I could only get a plate of breads and pastries or an English muffin egg sandwich.  Well I can get the english muffin sandwich at McDonald's, so I didn't come on princess cruises for that!  I was angry as I found out that princess cruises no longer has food available 24 hours and to be honest, with some of the other changes in addition to this, I will be exploring other cruise lines.  But the problem remained that I was hungry and there wasn't a thing I could do about that.  I was sent to the international cafe but they had cleared out the sandwiches and were going to stock the cakes and pastries.  I finally got a small croissant with a tiny bit of ham and cheese rolled up, lost in the middle of it.  Pathetic!  About 7 AM I had my last look at the clock and when the alarm went off at 9, I doubted I would make it through the day.  But I was so excited to finally be on my way that I managed to get up and ready and head out. 

 I took a taxi to the Grand and got the usual warm greeting from the reception staff.  I was told to go straight down to the restaurant for breakfast and my friend, the manager, would meet me there.  I wandered down the series of paths and elevators that take you down and what a wonderful greeting I received!  Lots of hugs and kisses and smiles!  My friend had shared the book I had made him of photos of the hotel and everyone was raving about how they loved it!  People kept saying how wonderful I look, and how happy.  I said I was in Mykonos, there was a lot to smile about.  Finally the very kind chef told me that not everyone smiles in Mykonos, just look around.  Once again I felt special, and how can one not smile when greeted with so much enthusiasm?  So my journey into the food of Mykonos began!  

I started with a cup of Greek coffee.  I've never liked coffee in my life!  Last time on my departure morning one of the servers wanted me to try some and she cooked it in the hot sand for me and it was very good so I'd looked forward to a bit more of that.  Then after a pleasant visit with my friend, I started my journey.  This time the servers were more comfortable and one delightful lady started bringing over traditional foods and explaining the culture through the food.  What a great concept that was, one which I haven't thought of before, culture through food.  So after making my choices of some of the basic choices, including the MOST delicious breakfast pizza and Greek potatoes, I started receiving Greek delicacies to taste. 

 A bowl came with traditional walnut cake soaked in honey, a sesame square that is traditional at a wedding and a Greek candy, it starts with an 'l'.  I delighted in tasting the traditional foods.  After these, I was treated to prickly pears and fig compote.  I didn't enjoy the hard seeds of the prickly pear, but it was interesting.  Then it was over to the table of 'sweets', which included candied fruits and even tiny candied eggplant.  These are foods that the Greek girls make for the man who is courting her to show her ability to cook and entertain.  The man has some alcoholic drink with this and the girl has sambuco, I think it is...so of course it was time to taste this Greek drink.  It is almond milk mixed with water, a very cloudy liquid that is served in small glasses...delicious!  After this there were more traditional Greek pastries, cakes and breads and cookies! I could barely move after all this food and then theo said I would be having lunch with them too!  LUNCH?  My goodness I'd just eaten a days worth of food for an hour and a half!

Then I was informed that people were waiting for me in the spa to show me to a changing room to get into my swimsuit for some time by the pool and beach.  I found my way there and was very warmly greeted by the staff who had been expecting me and was shown around and left to get changed.  Then out to the pool I went.  Unfortunately all of the cabana accommodations were taken so I had to settle for a basic umbrella!  Oh, to be one of the common people!  I had turned down my friend's typical kind offer to drive me to the beach and though I regretted that afterwards, the pool was lovely.  I ended up sitting next to a couple from Switzerland and spent about an hour discussing life there and world events.  I'm always interested in others' perspective of the world...part of the whole international travel experience.  

Eventually, way too soon, it was time to change and get on with my day.  So back to the spa I went and soon I was ready to get on with my day.  My friend had insisted he would be my chauffeur and even though he is very busy, he eventually showed up to take me wherever I wanted to go.  I said I would like to say hello to my friends at the other hotel I'd stayed at.  He knows them and made a call and I'm not sure what he said in Greek, but by the time we got there, he went to visit with some people he knew and the two owners showed up to say hello to me.  We had a nice chat and then I got a chance to see my friend the bartender, more kisses and hugs and smiles there!  Too bad there wasn't time for one of his mojitos...next time!  After that short visit we took off to my final destination, finally to meet my new friend who I met online when trying to help her plan her solo visit to Mykonos.  Just by coincidence, we had ended up being in Mykonos on the same day...how serendipitous to meet there of all places.  Meeting her was like meeting an old friend, we've gotten so close because of so many things in common.  At least seeing her helped me not be quite so sad having to say goodbye to Theo, but it was still very hard.  He has become such a special person to me!  Before I knew what had happened he had put a big bag in my hand, gifts for me!  As though spending a day at a 5 star resort wasnt enough of a gift!  Each night his hotel puts a gift in your room, and inside the bag were several of the lovely gifts they give.  In addition to all of that, there was a beautiful book on Delos.  On my last trip I had asked him about the tour to that ancient island and he had said it was better to just buy the book and read about it,and so he gave me the book, what a thoughtful gesture!  I was overwhelmed!  To be the center of so much love and attention, well there is really no way to express my appreciation!

But the fun wasn't to end there, Barbara and I had a wonderful couple of hours together in the town.  We talked and talked, it was if we had known each other for years!  We wandered through the town taking pictures everywhere, so much fun to have a friend to do that with for a change!  and then it was time to start thinking about finding a taxi to take me back to the ship, but none were around.  One drove up and people got in and I was trying to see in to see if by chance it might be the wonderful young man who took me on my tour last trip, but I couldn't see that far.  Before I knew it, the drivers door opened, he looked back and said something to the passengers and then headed my way with a big smile on his face, yes finally it was indeed my friend!  More hugs and kisses and smiles and he told me to let him know when I wanted to get picked up, and just as planned he was back and taking me to the port where the ship was docked.  He is adorable and said he had just known we would run into each other at some point.  And so finally my day of delights was over.  Barbara rode to the port with us and then he was taking her back to her hotel.  He refused to let me pay him a cent for the ride...again my heart was so touched!  

In the past it has been hard to tell Cesar goodbye at the end of our visits, and today all that sadness of saying goodbye to people you treasure, returned, along with some tears.  I had been so sure that being back in Mykonos was going to be wonderful, if only for a day, but maybe I was wrong...it wasn't nearly long enough!  But how grateful I am that the day was magical...as is my favorite place of Mykonos!  

And so you see all that I experienced in a day, what a dream it was!  And I'm told that I will be quite moved by my visit to Olympia, Greece tomorrow.  The adventure continues...