Sorry, but the lady came up at the airport to get me for the bus ride to the port, so I had to leave quickly, she didn't even want to wait for me to shut down the laptop. So after an hour drive I am finally on the ship, feels like home really! So comfortable for me. And being an elite passenger now, I have a minibar/fridge fully packed for my use, a nice perk to enjoy! However I did haul on bottles of water, it was only 35 cents to 90 cents, so I'm set for the trip I'm sure.
Back to my hero...he happened to meet, he called it dumb luck...I told him it was fate, a kid whose family knows a family that runs a humanitarian organization in Greece. He called it some letters and they stand for something like, Non governmental help organizations, or something like that. I had no idea what he was talking about so he explained that it is a group like Amnesty, International or Save the Children. It has many facets in Greece and surrounding areas, and he will have his choice of jobs and locations either in Greece or parts of Africa. He said he intended to be someone who 'puts his money where his mouth is' and devote his life to changing the world for the better. What a fine young man! He said he may start by working with orphans or the homeless, but will look forward to various jobs to help others. He is going to work on writing about the infrastructure that is being harmed by external happenings. He said much more and I wish I understood all that he was saying, and remember more of it. Fascinating young man...short meeting, but I will always remember his dedication to making the world better for people who need his help. Impressive young man. I saw him outside the airport with his packed backpack, and two duffle bags which he said contained all of his possessions in the world. I resisted the urge to give him a big hug, but did thank him, not only for actually changing the world, but for sharing his story with me. And our paths separated...a brief meeting, with a significant man, lucky me!
And now I'm in the lap of luxury, spoiling myself, with the intent of doing something worthwhile for others when I return home. What, I don't know, but I hope I can have even a little of his motivation to help others. I know I did that as a teacher, but now, my job is just a job and I need to find a way to make a difference in the world too.
So the trip to the Crown Princess, was comfortable, although the bus was hot. The driver explained it wasn't the heat but the wet air blowing in from Africa...hmmm...didn't buy that one! Embarking was easy, no lines since most people have been on the ship since Rome, 6 days ago. My cabin was familiar, yes, felt a bit at home on arriving.
I went up to the buffet and got my large glass from the bar and then went in to make my own iced tea, so refreshing. Many trips ago I finally couldn't take the nasty tea they serve and decided I would brew my own. Once I had a glass of that I checked out the food. Ate a little of the Hungarian goulash and a salad, no trouble passing up the delicious looking desserts or the other food, I'd eaten some wonderful Greek pastries for breakfast at the airport waiting for my ride to the port. I'll wait until dinner to eat again, although I do have to say the goulash was exceptional! Might need a bit more of that. I've crossed the path of some kind people and some not so friendly. The way it always is. On the bus from the airport there were only 2 other people, and they said they took this as a little holiday and didn't even know where the ship was going! Imagine that, he is a doctor and is wife said they just needed to get away and have some quiet time. A cruise that you don't even know the destinations, interesting to me.
We will dock in Mykonos at 1AM and on Jon's advice, I will stay on the ship and not venture to the town. Hopefully I will sleep. In the morning I will take the tender to shore and then get a taxi to the Grand to see my friend. Even a day in magical Mykonos is something to look forward to! He said he would take care of my transportation after that. Looking forward to a wonderful breakfast, some Greek coffee and having a bit of time by the lovely pool before wandering through town, visiting friends at the other hotel and then meeting my friend, Barbara, who will be arriving for her first time in Mykonos. We will have a couple of hours before I have to return to the ship. All of this will make it a wonderful day and probably a highlight of my trip.
In Athens I stayed at the Sofitel at the airport, excellent choice! Thanks Jon for that information, you really are an outstanding personal travel advisor! Lovely hotel and I think the rainshower had to be my favorite part! It was hard to force myself out of there this morning, the shower was a room, with a tub and a bench inside it! Yes, that was a wonderful experience. I've been happy that my weight loss has resulted in my being able to fit in all the seatbelts on all the planes now. This time I was able to enjoy the thick bathrobe in the room. Most people take that for granted, but for me it was fun to fit in it...and I felt pretty special for sure!
Backtracking, my flight to Athens was a bit of a challenge. I was very uncomfortable and it was hard to sleep. I was disappointed with my travel pillow, it is new and highly recommended. Worked great in the nice seats, but didn't seem to do much in a regular economy seat. There was a couple next to me who were on their way to get married in the north of Greece. Interesting, they were Australian, live in NY and the bride is Greek and they have 75 people arriving, mostly from Australia for the wedding. How special! Save your pennies, if I ever get married again, it will be in Mykonos! :-) The interesting thing about the couple is that after their wedding in gorgeous Greece, they are going on a honeymoon in Scotland...and I thought of you Jon again, they are even going to Glasgow for part of it! Don't worry I didn't give them your email! :-)
Well, now there is a charge for internet so I'm through with news for the day. Take care all and thanks for sharing in my adventures! Hopefully I will have a wonderful report after my big day in Mykonos! Ciao from Athens!
Back to my hero...he happened to meet, he called it dumb luck...I told him it was fate, a kid whose family knows a family that runs a humanitarian organization in Greece. He called it some letters and they stand for something like, Non governmental help organizations, or something like that. I had no idea what he was talking about so he explained that it is a group like Amnesty, International or Save the Children. It has many facets in Greece and surrounding areas, and he will have his choice of jobs and locations either in Greece or parts of Africa. He said he intended to be someone who 'puts his money where his mouth is' and devote his life to changing the world for the better. What a fine young man! He said he may start by working with orphans or the homeless, but will look forward to various jobs to help others. He is going to work on writing about the infrastructure that is being harmed by external happenings. He said much more and I wish I understood all that he was saying, and remember more of it. Fascinating young man...short meeting, but I will always remember his dedication to making the world better for people who need his help. Impressive young man. I saw him outside the airport with his packed backpack, and two duffle bags which he said contained all of his possessions in the world. I resisted the urge to give him a big hug, but did thank him, not only for actually changing the world, but for sharing his story with me. And our paths separated...a brief meeting, with a significant man, lucky me!
And now I'm in the lap of luxury, spoiling myself, with the intent of doing something worthwhile for others when I return home. What, I don't know, but I hope I can have even a little of his motivation to help others. I know I did that as a teacher, but now, my job is just a job and I need to find a way to make a difference in the world too.
So the trip to the Crown Princess, was comfortable, although the bus was hot. The driver explained it wasn't the heat but the wet air blowing in from Africa...hmmm...didn't buy that one! Embarking was easy, no lines since most people have been on the ship since Rome, 6 days ago. My cabin was familiar, yes, felt a bit at home on arriving.
I went up to the buffet and got my large glass from the bar and then went in to make my own iced tea, so refreshing. Many trips ago I finally couldn't take the nasty tea they serve and decided I would brew my own. Once I had a glass of that I checked out the food. Ate a little of the Hungarian goulash and a salad, no trouble passing up the delicious looking desserts or the other food, I'd eaten some wonderful Greek pastries for breakfast at the airport waiting for my ride to the port. I'll wait until dinner to eat again, although I do have to say the goulash was exceptional! Might need a bit more of that. I've crossed the path of some kind people and some not so friendly. The way it always is. On the bus from the airport there were only 2 other people, and they said they took this as a little holiday and didn't even know where the ship was going! Imagine that, he is a doctor and is wife said they just needed to get away and have some quiet time. A cruise that you don't even know the destinations, interesting to me.
We will dock in Mykonos at 1AM and on Jon's advice, I will stay on the ship and not venture to the town. Hopefully I will sleep. In the morning I will take the tender to shore and then get a taxi to the Grand to see my friend. Even a day in magical Mykonos is something to look forward to! He said he would take care of my transportation after that. Looking forward to a wonderful breakfast, some Greek coffee and having a bit of time by the lovely pool before wandering through town, visiting friends at the other hotel and then meeting my friend, Barbara, who will be arriving for her first time in Mykonos. We will have a couple of hours before I have to return to the ship. All of this will make it a wonderful day and probably a highlight of my trip.
In Athens I stayed at the Sofitel at the airport, excellent choice! Thanks Jon for that information, you really are an outstanding personal travel advisor! Lovely hotel and I think the rainshower had to be my favorite part! It was hard to force myself out of there this morning, the shower was a room, with a tub and a bench inside it! Yes, that was a wonderful experience. I've been happy that my weight loss has resulted in my being able to fit in all the seatbelts on all the planes now. This time I was able to enjoy the thick bathrobe in the room. Most people take that for granted, but for me it was fun to fit in it...and I felt pretty special for sure!
Backtracking, my flight to Athens was a bit of a challenge. I was very uncomfortable and it was hard to sleep. I was disappointed with my travel pillow, it is new and highly recommended. Worked great in the nice seats, but didn't seem to do much in a regular economy seat. There was a couple next to me who were on their way to get married in the north of Greece. Interesting, they were Australian, live in NY and the bride is Greek and they have 75 people arriving, mostly from Australia for the wedding. How special! Save your pennies, if I ever get married again, it will be in Mykonos! :-) The interesting thing about the couple is that after their wedding in gorgeous Greece, they are going on a honeymoon in Scotland...and I thought of you Jon again, they are even going to Glasgow for part of it! Don't worry I didn't give them your email! :-)
Well, now there is a charge for internet so I'm through with news for the day. Take care all and thanks for sharing in my adventures! Hopefully I will have a wonderful report after my big day in Mykonos! Ciao from Athens!
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